<p>Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Thursday (October 7) afternoon. The Dhoni-led Yellow Army were thrashed by PBKS by 6 wickets, with 7 overs to spare, as KL Rahul's 98* (off 42 balls) led Punjab to finish off their season on a high.</p>

<p>While CSK are sure to be in the playoffs despite the setback versus Punjab, and having now lost three games on the trot, Dhoni &amp; Co. have lots to ponder upon if they have to win their fourth championship this season. One of their main bowlers Deepak Chahar also had an off day, conceding 48 runs in 4 overs without a wicket. However, the 29-year-old still made heads turn post the proceedings in Dubai by proposing to his long-time girlfriend in one of the most adorable fashions in the stands. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-she-said-yes-deepak-chahars-bollywood-like-proposal-to-girlfriend-during-ipl-match-is-adorable-418951"><strong>Watch: She said yes! Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE</strong></a></p>

<p>As&nbsp;per a report in&nbsp;<em>Dainik Jagran</em>, the CSK pacer Deepak was initially planning the proposal act during the playoffs of the ongoing season. However, he was made to prepone his plans courtesy his captain Dhoni.</p>

<p>The report further claims that the fast-bowling all-rounder had consulted Dhoni, with the initial plan of proposing his ladylove during the final round of IPL 14. Nonetheless, Dhoni asked him to go ahead with it after the face-off with Delhi Capitals (DC). Deepak's father reportedly told the Hindi news portal that while Deepak hesitated&nbsp;seeing the result of the match versus DC, where CSK lost by 3 wickets, he had to go ahead with his plan after the Punjab encounter -- irrespective of the result -- as it was Chennai's last league stage encounter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-jaya-bhardwaj-all-you-need-to-know-about-csk-pacer-deepak-chahars-fiance-418954"><strong>Who is Jaya Bhardwaj? - All you need to know about CSK pacer Deepak Chahar's fiance</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, the Chahar family is ecstatic with Deepak's proposal and are, reportedly, going to plan the wedding after the pacer returns home from the UAE. Not to forget, Chahar is also in the reserves for Team India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup.</p>


Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Thursday (October 7) afternoon.

Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Thursday (October 7) afternoon. The Dhoni-led Yellow Army were thrashed by PBKS by 6 wickets, with 7 overs to spare, as KL Rahul's 98* (off 42 balls) led Punjab to finish off their season on a high. While CSK are sure to be in the playoffs despite the setback versus Punjab, and having now lost three games on the trot, Dhoni & Co. have lots to ponder upon if they have to win their fourth championship this season. One of their main bowlers Deepak Chahar also had an off day, conceding 48 runs in 4 overs without a wicket. However, the 29-year-old still made heads turn post the proceedings in Dubai by proposing to his long-time girlfriend in one of the most adorable fashions in the stands. Here's the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9) × ALSO READ | Watch: She said yes! Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE As per a report in Dainik Jagran, the CSK pacer Deepak was initially planning the proposal act during the playoffs of the ongoing season. However, he was made to prepone his plans courtesy his captain Dhoni. The report further claims that the fast-bowling all-rounder had consulted Dhoni, with the initial plan of proposing his ladylove during the final round of IPL 14. Nonetheless, Dhoni asked him to go ahead with it after the face-off with Delhi Capitals (DC). Deepak's father reportedly told the Hindi news portal that while Deepak hesitated seeing the result of the match versus DC, where CSK lost by 3 wickets, he had to go ahead with his plan after the Punjab encounter -- irrespective of the result -- as it was Chennai's last league stage encounter. ALSO READ | Who is Jaya Bhardwaj? - All you need to know about CSK pacer Deepak Chahar's fiance For the unversed, the Chahar family is ecstatic with Deepak's proposal and are, reportedly, going to plan the wedding after the pacer returns home from the UAE. Not to forget, Chahar is also in the reserves for Team India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

IPL 2021: How MS Dhoni prompted Deepak Chahar to prepone his proposal plan for his beloved Jaya Bhardwaj

<p>After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"I don't think it could have got better. Losing the toss and batting was difficult. The start we got was fantastic. (Shubman) Gill and (Venkatesh) Iyer have been our shining light. To get 170 we thought was in a commanding position. A really strong performance today," Morgan said after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-kolkata-knight-riders-beat-rajasthan-royals-by-86-runs-take-giant-step-towards-playoffs-418978">Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>"Having aggressive players coming in in the middle order helped us kick...I am not too attached to things as to what will happen and what won't happen... We have done everything tonight. We deserved to win..."</p>

<p>Shubman Gill hit a 44 ball 56 as Kolkata stormed to 171 for four in Sharjah. Shivam Mavi then took four wickets for 21 off just 19 balls as Rajasthan collapsed to 85 all out in 16.1 overs.</p>

<p>Mavi, who won Player of the Match award, said, "I feel really good to do well on this wicket. I learnt how to use the slower ball, when to bowl the yorker, I have learnt a lot here at KKR. I liked Dube's wicket."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-she-said-yes-deepak-chahars-bollywood-like-proposal-to-girlfriend-during-ipl-match-is-adorable-418951">Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣<br />
<br />
There was no escaping the Lockie Gun tonight 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockieFerguson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LockieFerguson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmiKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmiKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BFKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#আমিKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ed2EPdvrTN">pic.twitter.com/Ed2EPdvrTN</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1446191773303246874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One team. One dream 👏🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KorboLorboJeetbo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Believe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Believe</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gw8eJgorEV">pic.twitter.com/Gw8eJgorEV</a></p>
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishRana_27/status/1446190133640761377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mumbai Indians could equal Kolkata's 14 points if they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game on Friday. But they would need a winning margin of 171 runs to clinch a playoff place with table toppers Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made the final four.&nbsp;</p>


After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side.

After Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday (October 7) to take a step closer to the fourth and final spot in the Indian Premier League 2021 playoffs, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan said that they did everything right on the field and deserved to end up on the winning side. "I don't think it could have got better. Losing the toss and batting was difficult. The start we got was fantastic. (Shubman) Gill and (Venkatesh) Iyer have been our shining light. To get 170 we thought was in a commanding position. A really strong performance today," Morgan said after the match. ALSO READ | Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs "Having aggressive players coming in in the middle order helped us kick...I am not too attached to things as to what will happen and what won't happen... We have done everything tonight. We deserved to win..." Shubman Gill hit a 44 ball 56 as Kolkata stormed to 171 for four in Sharjah. Shivam Mavi then took four wickets for 21 off just 19 balls as Rajasthan collapsed to 85 all out in 16.1 overs. Mavi, who won Player of the Match award, said, "I feel really good to do well on this wicket. I learnt how to use the slower ball, when to bowl the yorker, I have learnt a lot here at KKR. I liked Dube's wicket." WATCH | Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 There was no escaping the Lockie Gun tonight 😤 #LockieFerguson #KKR #KKRvRR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/Ed2EPdvrTN — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 7, 2021 × One team. One dream 👏🏽#KorboLorboJeetbo #Believe pic.twitter.com/Gw8eJgorEV — Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) October 7, 2021 × Mumbai Indians could equal Kolkata's 14 points if they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game on Friday. But they would need a winning margin of 171 runs to clinch a playoff place with table toppers Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made the final four.

IPL 2021: After KKR stake claim for playoffs, skipper Eoin Morgan says, 'We did everything right'

<p>Match 55 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the defending champions and five-time champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 8). This will be the penultimate encounter of the league stage before the action moves to the playoffs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hammered Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a whopping 86-run margin on Thursday (October 7), the MI franchise have a humungous and a near-impossible task to make it to the playoffs. Yes, MI are still alive in the race,&nbsp;but it is safe to claim that KKR have one foot in the playoffs. Thus, unless Mumbai pull off a miracle courtesy a huge win over SRH, they look set to bow out of the current edition on Friday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mi-vs-srh-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-mumbai-indians-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-418938"><strong>MI vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>EXPLAINED! How can MI still topple KKR to secure the fourth spot?</strong></p>

<p>MI can surely match KKR's points (14) with a win over SRH. However, a win won't guarantee them a spot in the last four. For them to move past KKR and enter the last round, Rohit &amp; Co. need to beat SRH by a whopping 171-run margin, or more. For the unversed, MI won't be able to qualify if SRH bat first. In such a case, they will fail out of the equation mathematically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MI's net run-rate is&nbsp;-0.048 whereas KKR's&nbsp; +0.587. While MI had beaten RR by a huge 8-wicket margin, little did they know that KKR will produce an even more dominating performance versus the same opposition to bolster their chances further.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-after-kkr-stake-claim-for-playoffs-skipper-eoin-morgan-says-we-did-everything-right-418997"><strong>IPL 2021: After KKR stake claim for playoffs, skipper Eoin Morgan says, 'We did everything right'</strong></a></p>

<p>Given that MI have looked far away from their usual best in the second and final leg in the UAE, they will like to sign off on a high versus SRH. But at present, it looks a miraculous task ahead for them to advance further. On the other hand, KKR have done everything asked from them to remain in contention for the last four. Thus, MI's face-off versus SRH practically looks like their last of the season.&nbsp;</p>


Match 55 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the defending champions and five-time champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 8).

Match 55 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the defending champions and five-time champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 8). This will be the penultimate encounter of the league stage before the action moves to the playoffs. After Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hammered Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a whopping 86-run margin on Thursday (October 7), the MI franchise have a humungous and a near-impossible task to make it to the playoffs. Yes, MI are still alive in the race, but it is safe to claim that KKR have one foot in the playoffs. Thus, unless Mumbai pull off a miracle courtesy a huge win over SRH, they look set to bow out of the current edition on Friday evening. ALSO READ | MI vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match? EXPLAINED! How can MI still topple KKR to secure the fourth spot? MI can surely match KKR's points (14) with a win over SRH. However, a win won't guarantee them a spot in the last four. For them to move past KKR and enter the last round, Rohit & Co. need to beat SRH by a whopping 171-run margin, or more. For the unversed, MI won't be able to qualify if SRH bat first. In such a case, they will fail out of the equation mathematically. MI's net run-rate is -0.048 whereas KKR's +0.587. While MI had beaten RR by a huge 8-wicket margin, little did they know that KKR will produce an even more dominating performance versus the same opposition to bolster their chances further. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: After KKR stake claim for playoffs, skipper Eoin Morgan says, 'We did everything right' Given that MI have looked far away from their usual best in the second and final leg in the UAE, they will like to sign off on a high versus SRH. But at present, it looks a miraculous task ahead for them to advance further. On the other hand, KKR have done everything asked from them to remain in contention for the last four. Thus, MI's face-off versus SRH practically looks like their last of the season.

IPL 2021: EXPLAINED! How can Rohit Sharma-led MI still topple KKR to secure playoffs spot

<p>Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the three-time champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the Yellow Army are certain to appear in the playoffs, they will be eager to register a win over the struggling Punjab franchise as they can't afford to enter the last four with three back-to-back defeats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CSK lost a high-scoring game versus the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Abu Dhabi before the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) exposed their fragile and vulnerable middle-order as the Chennai team lost to Delhi by 3 wickets despite putting up a fight in defence of 137, in Dubai, on Monday (October 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570"><strong>EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</strong></a></p>

<p>On the other hand, PBKS have once again faltered in crunch situations in the ongoing IPL season to see themselves languishing in the bottom-half. For the unversed, PBKS aren't mathematically out of contention for the fourth playoffs spot, however, they need to thump CSK and hope for many other results to fall in their favour. In such an unlikely scenario of further qualification, PBKS are expected to come out all guns blazing versus CSK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CSK will hope to add two more points and ensure themselves of a top-two finish. While they are also almost certain to end in the top-two, following Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday (October 6), Dhoni &amp; Co. will still like to demolish their opposition in style.</p>

<p><strong>Match prediction: </strong>Run-scoring hasn't been very easy at Dubai. In the CSK vs DC clash, it was a two-paced surface which didn't help the batters but the pacers had something to rely on whereas the spinners also found some assistance and bounce. Hence, the surface will test both the camps as a moderate-scoring encounter looks on cards. However, batting should be easier in the afternoon game. Will CSK finally to get back to winning ways? They surely have the edge going into the contest.</p>


Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the three-time champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Match 53 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the three-time champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the Yellow Army are certain to appear in the playoffs, they will be eager to register a win over the struggling Punjab franchise as they can't afford to enter the last four with three back-to-back defeats. CSK lost a high-scoring game versus the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Abu Dhabi before the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) exposed their fragile and vulnerable middle-order as the Chennai team lost to Delhi by 3 wickets despite putting up a fight in defence of 137, in Dubai, on Monday (October 4). ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs On the other hand, PBKS have once again faltered in crunch situations in the ongoing IPL season to see themselves languishing in the bottom-half. For the unversed, PBKS aren't mathematically out of contention for the fourth playoffs spot, however, they need to thump CSK and hope for many other results to fall in their favour. In such an unlikely scenario of further qualification, PBKS are expected to come out all guns blazing versus CSK. CSK will hope to add two more points and ensure themselves of a top-two finish. While they are also almost certain to end in the top-two, following Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday (October 6), Dhoni & Co. will still like to demolish their opposition in style. Match prediction: Run-scoring hasn't been very easy at Dubai. In the CSK vs DC clash, it was a two-paced surface which didn't help the batters but the pacers had something to rely on whereas the spinners also found some assistance and bounce. Hence, the surface will test both the camps as a moderate-scoring encounter looks on cards. However, batting should be easier in the afternoon game. Will CSK finally to get back to winning ways? They surely have the edge going into the contest.

CSK vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match?

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday.</p>

<p>With three playoff spots -- Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royals Challengers Bangalore -- already sealed, KKR consolidated their position for the fourth and final playoff spot, finishing their round-robin engagements with 14 points from 14 games with an impressive net run rate of 0.587.</p>

<p>With 12 points from 13 matches, defending champions Mumbai Indians is the only team still in the playoff race but they will need to register a big win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game on Friday to dislodge KKR from the fourth spot. Effectively, Mumbai need a miracle to make the playoffs ahead of KKR.</p>

<p>Shubman Gill hit a second consecutive fifty as KKR registered the highest score at the venue this season, posting a competitive 171 for four after being put into bat.</p>

<p>Gilll (56 off 44) and Venkatesh Iyer (38 off 35) got KKR's innings to a rollicking start, stitching 79 runs for the opening stand.</p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi (21), Dinesh Karthik (14 not out off 11) and skipper Eoin Morgan (13 not out off 11) also played good hands towards the end to take KKR to past the 170-run mark.</p>

<p>RR had a horrible start to their chase, losing their best batter of the season Yashasvi Jaiswal to Shakib Al Hasan in the third ball of the innings</p>

<p>If that was not enough, skipper Sanju Samson departed in the first delivery of the next over.</p>

<p>Back into the side after recovering from an injury, Lockie Ferguson struck twice in his first over -- first removing Liam Livingstone and then accounting for young Anuj Rawat a ball later.</p>

<p>Mavi then struck twice in the eighth over -- disturbing the timbers of Glenn Phillips and Shivam Dube with his brute pace as RR kept losing wickets at regular intervals.</p>

<p>Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was not to be left behind as he joined the party in the next over dismissing Chris Morris LBW.</p>

<p>Rahul Tewatia took the attack to the opposition and struck Mavi for three boundaries as RR reached 49 for seven in the 10th over.</p>

<p>With no pressure on his back, Tewatia continued his attacking display and clobbered Chakravarthy over deep square leg boundary for the first six of RR innings.</p>

<p>Tewatia played a 36-ball 44-run cameo but it was not enough as KKR bowled out RR for a meagre 85.</p>

<p>Mavi finished with his best IPL figures of 4/21, while Ferguson (3/18) also shone bright with the ball.</p>

<p>Earlier, riding on Gill and Iyer's impressive start, KKR reached 50 in the eighth over.</p>

<p>Iyer didn't curb his natural instinct and first clobbered Jaydev Unadkat over the deep midwicket boundary and then straight over the bowlers' head two bowler's later to accumulate 14 runs off the 10th over as KKR reached 75 for no loss at the halfway mark.</p>

<p>Inspired by Iyer's power-hitting, Gill then joined the party and welcomed Rahul Tewatia with a maximum.</p>

<p>But Tewatia had the last laugh as he gave his side the important breakthrough when he went through the defence of Iyer between his legs as the left-hander went for an extravagant reverse sweep.</p>

<p>RR skipper then introduced Phillips into the attack but the off-spinner went for 17 runs, albeit he picked up the wicket of Nitish Rana in the process.</p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi was lucky to get a reprieve as he was dropped by Samson when he outside edged a full delivery off Mustafizur Rahman in the last ball of the 13th over</p>


Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday.

Kolkata Knight Riders produced a clinical performance to beat Rajasthan Royals by a massive 86-run margin and take a huge step towards securing their play-off berth in the Indian Premier League here on Thursday. With three playoff spots -- Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royals Challengers Bangalore -- already sealed, KKR consolidated their position for the fourth and final playoff spot, finishing their round-robin engagements with 14 points from 14 games with an impressive net run rate of 0.587. With 12 points from 13 matches, defending champions Mumbai Indians is the only team still in the playoff race but they will need to register a big win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game on Friday to dislodge KKR from the fourth spot. Effectively, Mumbai need a miracle to make the playoffs ahead of KKR. Shubman Gill hit a second consecutive fifty as KKR registered the highest score at the venue this season, posting a competitive 171 for four after being put into bat. Gilll (56 off 44) and Venkatesh Iyer (38 off 35) got KKR's innings to a rollicking start, stitching 79 runs for the opening stand. Rahul Tripathi (21), Dinesh Karthik (14 not out off 11) and skipper Eoin Morgan (13 not out off 11) also played good hands towards the end to take KKR to past the 170-run mark. RR had a horrible start to their chase, losing their best batter of the season Yashasvi Jaiswal to Shakib Al Hasan in the third ball of the innings If that was not enough, skipper Sanju Samson departed in the first delivery of the next over. Back into the side after recovering from an injury, Lockie Ferguson struck twice in his first over -- first removing Liam Livingstone and then accounting for young Anuj Rawat a ball later. Mavi then struck twice in the eighth over -- disturbing the timbers of Glenn Phillips and Shivam Dube with his brute pace as RR kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was not to be left behind as he joined the party in the next over dismissing Chris Morris LBW. Rahul Tewatia took the attack to the opposition and struck Mavi for three boundaries as RR reached 49 for seven in the 10th over. With no pressure on his back, Tewatia continued his attacking display and clobbered Chakravarthy over deep square leg boundary for the first six of RR innings. Tewatia played a 36-ball 44-run cameo but it was not enough as KKR bowled out RR for a meagre 85. Mavi finished with his best IPL figures of 4/21, while Ferguson (3/18) also shone bright with the ball. Earlier, riding on Gill and Iyer's impressive start, KKR reached 50 in the eighth over. Iyer didn't curb his natural instinct and first clobbered Jaydev Unadkat over the deep midwicket boundary and then straight over the bowlers' head two bowler's later to accumulate 14 runs off the 10th over as KKR reached 75 for no loss at the halfway mark. Inspired by Iyer's power-hitting, Gill then joined the party and welcomed Rahul Tewatia with a maximum. But Tewatia had the last laugh as he gave his side the important breakthrough when he went through the defence of Iyer between his legs as the left-hander went for an extravagant reverse sweep. RR skipper then introduced Phillips into the attack but the off-spinner went for 17 runs, albeit he picked up the wicket of Nitish Rana in the process. Rahul Tripathi was lucky to get a reprieve as he was dropped by Samson when he outside edged a full delivery off Mustafizur Rahman in the last ball of the 13th over

IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs, take giant step towards playoffs

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Deepak Chahar might not have managed to impress in his side's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday (October 07) but he stole the show post the conclusion of the game. Deepak proposed to his girlfriend Jaya Bhardwaj at the Dubai International Stadium, making his relationship official.</p>

<p>Deepak and Jaya have reportedly been dating for quite a while now but kept their relationship under the wraps. Jaya has often been spotted in the stands during CSK's matches with the wives and family members of the other players. The rumours of Deepak being in a relationship with Jaya had surfaced earlier this year. However, the couple never made an appearance together in the public.</p>

<p>Deepak was seen proposing to Jaya on his knees. The couple also exchanged rings at the stadium in front of family members of the CSK players and the other support staff. "Picture says it all. Need all your blessings #taken," Deepak wrote on Instagram while sharing a picture of himself proposing Jaya. The incident has since become the talk of the town with wishes pouring in for the couple from all corners.</p>

<p><strong>Check out Deepak Chahar's post -</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUurgKKo1ts/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUurgKKo1ts/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUurgKKo1ts/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUurgKKo1ts/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Who is Deepak Chahar's fiance - Jaya Bhardwaj?</strong></h2>

<p>Deepak's fiance Jaya is the sister of former Bigg Boss contestant and actor Sidharth Bhardwaj, who had come into the limelight after winning the reality show MTV Splitsvilla 2. Jaya is a graduate of Mumbai University and is currently&nbsp;employed with a corporate firm. She hails from Delhi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUuthsjIPx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-she-said-yes-deepak-chahars-bollywood-like-proposal-to-girlfriend-during-ipl-match-is-adorable-418951">Watch: She said yes! Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE</a></p>

<p>As per reports, Deepak had already introduced Jaya to his Indian teammates and CSK teammates earlier this year. He looks all set to soon tie the knot with her after officially proposing to her in public during the ongoing IPL 2021. The 29-year-old has been a part of the CSK squad since 2018 and has already won the IPL trophy once with MS Dhoni &amp; Co.</p>

<p>CSK lost the game against Punjab Kings by six wickets on Thursday and ended their league campaign with their third successive loss but the Men in Yellow have already qualified for the playoffs and are all but guaranteed to finish at the second spot.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Deepak Chahar might not have managed to impress in his side's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday (October 07) but he stole the show post the conclusion of the game.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Deepak Chahar might not have managed to impress in his side's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday (October 07) but he stole the show post the conclusion of the game. Deepak proposed to his girlfriend Jaya Bhardwaj at the Dubai International Stadium, making his relationship official. Deepak and Jaya have reportedly been dating for quite a while now but kept their relationship under the wraps. Jaya has often been spotted in the stands during CSK's matches with the wives and family members of the other players. The rumours of Deepak being in a relationship with Jaya had surfaced earlier this year. However, the couple never made an appearance together in the public. Deepak was seen proposing to Jaya on his knees. The couple also exchanged rings at the stadium in front of family members of the CSK players and the other support staff. "Picture says it all. Need all your blessings #taken," Deepak wrote on Instagram while sharing a picture of himself proposing Jaya. The incident has since become the talk of the town with wishes pouring in for the couple from all corners. Check out Deepak Chahar's post - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9) × Who is Deepak Chahar's fiance - Jaya Bhardwaj? Deepak's fiance Jaya is the sister of former Bigg Boss contestant and actor Sidharth Bhardwaj, who had come into the limelight after winning the reality show MTV Splitsvilla 2. Jaya is a graduate of Mumbai University and is currently employed with a corporate firm. She hails from Delhi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9) × Also Read: Watch: She said yes! Deepak Chahar's Bollywood-like proposal to girlfriend during IPL match is ADORABLE As per reports, Deepak had already introduced Jaya to his Indian teammates and CSK teammates earlier this year. He looks all set to soon tie the knot with her after officially proposing to her in public during the ongoing IPL 2021. The 29-year-old has been a part of the CSK squad since 2018 and has already won the IPL trophy once with MS Dhoni & Co. CSK lost the game against Punjab Kings by six wickets on Thursday and ended their league campaign with their third successive loss but the Men in Yellow have already qualified for the playoffs and are all but guaranteed to finish at the second spot.

Who is Jaya Bhardwaj? - All you need to know about CSK pacer Deepak Chahar's fiance

<p>MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions&nbsp;Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;(CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While many are speculating on Dhoni's IPL future with the veteran CSK skipper being 40 and not looking at his best with the willow, the former Indian captain addressed the question at the toss and said, "Well, you can see me in yellow next year. But whether I will be playing for CSK? There are a lot of uncertainties around it for a simple reason that we have two new teams coming up."</p>

<p>As a mega auction is likely to take up later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, and two new teams are set to join the cash-rich league, no official confirmation is presented to every franchise regarding how many players a team can retain and about the use of Right To Match (RTM) card. Hence, Dhoni isn't sure in what capacity will he be present in the CSK dugout.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whether-ill-be-playing-for-csk-ms-dhoni-hints-at-calling-it-quits-from-ipl-after-2021-season-418865"><strong>'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season</strong></a></p>

<p>Reacting to his statements at the toss, former England spinner Graeme Swann and ex-Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar also shared their views on the matter. Swann told Star Sports, "I actually would. He is more than just a player for CSK. CSK without Dhoni isn't CSK."</p>

<p>On the other hand, Agarkar stated, "I think yeah, he spoke about it before that he clearly wants to play in front of the Chennai fans. Of course, it's a great thing for the IPL as well. he wants to do well as a player too. But it will all depend on the retentions and the Right to Match rules as well. The positive is he still wants to play, that's a good thing for CSK."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-needs-to-gautam-gambhir-opines-on-ms-dhonis-struggles-has-a-word-of-advice-for-csk-skipper-418821"><strong>'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper</strong></a></p>

<p>At present, Dhoni-led CSK are sure to feature in the playoffs but have lost three back-to-back games heading into the last four. They will hope to play the Qualifier 1 in order to get an extra chance to enter the final and go for their fourth IPL championship.</p>


MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

MS Dhoni dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future when he came for the toss in match 53 of IPL 2021, where the three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday afternoon (October 7), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While many are speculating on Dhoni's IPL future with the veteran CSK skipper being 40 and not looking at his best with the willow, the former Indian captain addressed the question at the toss and said, "Well, you can see me in yellow next year. But whether I will be playing for CSK? There are a lot of uncertainties around it for a simple reason that we have two new teams coming up." As a mega auction is likely to take up later this year, ahead of IPL 2022, and two new teams are set to join the cash-rich league, no official confirmation is presented to every franchise regarding how many players a team can retain and about the use of Right To Match (RTM) card. Hence, Dhoni isn't sure in what capacity will he be present in the CSK dugout. ALSO READ | 'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season Reacting to his statements at the toss, former England spinner Graeme Swann and ex-Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar also shared their views on the matter. Swann told Star Sports, "I actually would. He is more than just a player for CSK. CSK without Dhoni isn't CSK." On the other hand, Agarkar stated, "I think yeah, he spoke about it before that he clearly wants to play in front of the Chennai fans. Of course, it's a great thing for the IPL as well. he wants to do well as a player too. But it will all depend on the retentions and the Right to Match rules as well. The positive is he still wants to play, that's a good thing for CSK." ALSO READ | 'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper At present, Dhoni-led CSK are sure to feature in the playoffs but have lost three back-to-back games heading into the last four. They will hope to play the Qualifier 1 in order to get an extra chance to enter the final and go for their fourth IPL championship.

Graeme Swann, Ajit Agarkar react as CSK skipper MS Dhoni hints at IPL retirement after 2021 season

<p>Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6). Being asked to bat first, a struggling SRH camp managed a modest 141-7 riding on valuable contributions from Jason Roy, Williamson, etc.</p>

<p>In reply, RCB didn't have the best of starts but were comfortably placed at 92-3 in 14 overs; needing 50 off 36 balls with an in-form Glenn Maxwell in the middle. However, SRH bowlers didn't give anything away easily and combined to restrict Kohli &amp; Co. for a modest 137-6 and win by 4 runs. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jason Holder held their nerves in the death-overs, Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir's youngster Umran Malik also played his part with his raw pace and tidy spell; 4-0-21-1.</p>

<p>Umran has already made heads turn with his pace. For the unversed, he also&nbsp;bowled the fastest delivery (152.95 km/h) in IPL 2021 during the RCB face-off. He also showed his ability to bowl as per the situation and hold his nerves in crunch moments. Hence, he was noticed by RCB and Indian captain Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whether-ill-be-playing-for-csk-ms-dhoni-hints-at-calling-it-quits-from-ipl-after-2021-season-418865">'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season</a></strong></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from hereon. The pool of fast bowlers being strong is always a good sign for Indian cricket and whenever you see talent like this, you are going to have your eyes on them and make sure you maximise their potential, which is already being seen at the IPL level," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketer-umran-malik-sets-record-in-ipl-jammu-kashmir-celebrates-his-success-418207"><strong>Cricketer Umran Malik sets record in IPL, Jammu Kashmir celebrates his success</strong></a></p>

<p>In the recent past, Indian cricket have been blessed with a plethora of talented speedsters. Umran is the latest addition and it will be interesting to see how the 21-year-old speedster progresses from hereon after being noticed in just a handful of appearances for SRH in IPL 2021.</p>


Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6).

Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition saw the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6). Being asked to bat first, a struggling SRH camp managed a modest 141-7 riding on valuable contributions from Jason Roy, Williamson, etc. In reply, RCB didn't have the best of starts but were comfortably placed at 92-3 in 14 overs; needing 50 off 36 balls with an in-form Glenn Maxwell in the middle. However, SRH bowlers didn't give anything away easily and combined to restrict Kohli & Co. for a modest 137-6 and win by 4 runs. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jason Holder held their nerves in the death-overs, Jammu and Kashmir's youngster Umran Malik also played his part with his raw pace and tidy spell; 4-0-21-1. Umran has already made heads turn with his pace. For the unversed, he also bowled the fastest delivery (152.95 km/h) in IPL 2021 during the RCB face-off. He also showed his ability to bowl as per the situation and hold his nerves in crunch moments. Hence, he was noticed by RCB and Indian captain Kohli. ALSO READ | 'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "This tournament throws up talent every year, good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It is important to understand the progress of individuals from hereon. The pool of fast bowlers being strong is always a good sign for Indian cricket and whenever you see talent like this, you are going to have your eyes on them and make sure you maximise their potential, which is already being seen at the IPL level," he added. ALSO READ | Cricketer Umran Malik sets record in IPL, Jammu Kashmir celebrates his success In the recent past, Indian cricket have been blessed with a plethora of talented speedsters. Umran is the latest addition and it will be interesting to see how the 21-year-old speedster progresses from hereon after being noticed in just a handful of appearances for SRH in IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: Umran Malik impresses RCB's Virat Kohli, India captain keen to track speedster's progress

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidpCYmvr9kKpYJ" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant turned 24 on Monday (October 4) as his team gave him the perfect birthday gift present as they&nbsp;defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by three wickets and moved to the top of the IPL 2021 table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both DC and CSK have booked their playoff berths, but finishing in the top two gives the team a second chance among the four teams to make the finals on October 15. "Not a bad birthday present, but in the end, we made it tough for us," said Pant after the match. "Absolutely big win, and want to be absolutely sure we finish in the top two," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-rishabh-pant-reliving-five-most-memorable-moments-in-his-cricketing-career-418170#first-indian-wicket-keeper-to-score-a-test-century-in-england-418163">Reliving five most memorable moments in Rishabh Pant cricketing career</a></strong></p>

<p>The win over MS Dhoni-led CSK was definitely a call for a double celebration and exactly the same happened at DC's team hotel as Pant and his teammates had a gala time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video provided by the Delhi Capitals, Pant was seen cutting the cake with DC teammates and staff members and the players were seen enjoying, rubbing chunks of cake on each other's faces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the hilarious video here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-capitals-players-defeat-chennai-super-kings-by-3-wickets-418845/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-left-his-teacher-behind-now-virender-sehwag-praises-rishabh-pant-as-dc-skipper-faces-mentor-ms-dhoni-418186">He has left his teacher behind now: Virender Sehwag praises Rishabh Pant as DC skipper faces mentor MS Dhoni</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grateful to everyone who took time out to call, text and send messages to wish me. It made my special day, even better. To those who were around me, please keep checking your face for cake stains. I heard they don't come off easily! 🥳😆 <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/cc42ZyjTMV">pic.twitter.com/cc42ZyjTMV</a></p>
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17/status/1445387876334776329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant's Birthday ➕ Post-win celebrations 👉🏼 Double the fun 🎂 🎉<br />
<br />
P.S. Expect DC Stars to be cautious chasers off-the-field too 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiNayiDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiNayiDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCSpecials?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCSpecials</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OctaFX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OctaFX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SofitelDXBPalm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SofitelDXBPalm</a> <a href="https://t.co/2OR9ZNo9Vp">pic.twitter.com/2OR9ZNo9Vp</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1445415860890333194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>During the match, birthday boy Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first. On being asked about his mentor Dhoni, Pant said, "Always great learning from him, but right now he's a rival."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While chasing 137 for victory, Shimron Hetmyer produced a match-winning cameo as Delhi Capitals edged out Chennai Super Kings by three wickets. "Very important for me to finish games," said the left-handed Hetmyer. "I tell the guys that is what I am paid for and I try to finish as many games as possible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spinner Axar Patel set up victory with impressive figures of 2-18 as Delhi kept down Dhoni's Chennai to 136 for five despite an unbeaten 55 by Ambati Rayudu.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant turned 24 on Monday (October 4) as his team gave him the perfect birthday gift present as they defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by three wickets and moved to the top of the IPL 2021 table.

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant turned 24 on Monday (October 4) as his team gave him the perfect birthday gift present as they defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by three wickets and moved to the top of the IPL 2021 table. Both DC and CSK have booked their playoff berths, but finishing in the top two gives the team a second chance among the four teams to make the finals on October 15. "Not a bad birthday present, but in the end, we made it tough for us," said Pant after the match. "Absolutely big win, and want to be absolutely sure we finish in the top two," he added. IN PICS | Reliving five most memorable moments in Rishabh Pant cricketing career The win over MS Dhoni-led CSK was definitely a call for a double celebration and exactly the same happened at DC's team hotel as Pant and his teammates had a gala time. In the video provided by the Delhi Capitals, Pant was seen cutting the cake with DC teammates and staff members and the players were seen enjoying, rubbing chunks of cake on each other's faces. Watch the hilarious video here: × ALSO READ | He has left his teacher behind now: Virender Sehwag praises Rishabh Pant as DC skipper faces mentor MS Dhoni Grateful to everyone who took time out to call, text and send messages to wish me. It made my special day, even better. To those who were around me, please keep checking your face for cake stains. I heard they don't come off easily! 🥳😆 @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/cc42ZyjTMV — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) October 5, 2021 × Rishabh Pant's Birthday ➕ Post-win celebrations 👉🏼 Double the fun 🎂 🎉 P.S. Expect DC Stars to be cautious chasers off-the-field too 🤩#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 #DCvCSK #DCSpecials @OctaFX @SofitelDXBPalm pic.twitter.com/2OR9ZNo9Vp — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 5, 2021 × During the match, birthday boy Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first. On being asked about his mentor Dhoni, Pant said, "Always great learning from him, but right now he's a rival." While chasing 137 for victory, Shimron Hetmyer produced a match-winning cameo as Delhi Capitals edged out Chennai Super Kings by three wickets. "Very important for me to finish games," said the left-handed Hetmyer. "I tell the guys that is what I am paid for and I try to finish as many games as possible." Spinner Axar Patel set up victory with impressive figures of 2-18 as Delhi kept down Dhoni's Chennai to 136 for five despite an unbeaten 55 by Ambati Rayudu.

Watch: Here's how Rishabh Pant celebrated his 24th birthday with Delhi Capitals teammates

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain dropped another bomb regarding his IPL future during the toss in match 53 of the ongoing 2021 edition, where the three-time champions Yellow Army have locked horns with KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.</p>

<p>Speaking at the coin toss, Dhoni was qouted as saying, "You'll see me in yellow next season but whether I'll be playing for CSK you never know. There are a lot of uncertainties coming up, two new teams are coming, we don't know what the retention rules are and so on." Thus, the 40-year-old former Indian captain has confirmed that while he will be seen in the Chennai dugout next edition, he isn't sure in what capacity at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-needs-to-gautam-gambhir-opines-on-ms-dhonis-struggles-has-a-word-of-advice-for-csk-skipper-418821"><strong>'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper</strong></a></p>

<p>On Tuesday (October 5), Dhoni had spoken about his IPL future and told fans while interacting with them during the 75th year celebrations of India Cements, "When it comes to farewell, you can still come and se play me for CSK and that can be my farewell game. So, you will still get that opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, we will come to see Chennai and play my last game over there and we can meet fans there."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/august-15-again-ms-dhoni-drops-a-bomb-on-his-ipl-future-says-you-can-bid-me-farewell-in-chennai-418461"><strong>August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, IPL 2022 edition will see two new teams join the eight franchises as the tournament will expand further in order to enable many players, from across the globe, to feature in the cash-rich league. Ahead of the season, a mega auction is likely to be held in December 2021. As pointed out by Dhoni himself, there are still some uncertainties regarding the retention policy (&nbsp;on how many players every&nbsp;team will be allowed to retain or use the 'right to match' card) prior to the auction.</p>

<p>The picture is expected to get much clear as the auction nears and by then, Dhoni will also be sure of his exact role with the CSK franchise -- whether to continue as a player-cum-captain or take up a new responsibility within the team management.</p>

<p>At present, Dhoni-led CSK are confirmed to feature in the playoffs. The Yellow Army will be eager to finish in the top-two to have an extra chance to reach the final and claim their fourth IPL title overall.</p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain dropped another bomb regarding his IPL future during the toss in match 53 of the ongoing 2021 edition, where the three-time champions Yellow Army have locked horns with KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain dropped another bomb regarding his IPL future during the toss in match 53 of the ongoing 2021 edition, where the three-time champions Yellow Army have locked horns with KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Speaking at the coin toss, Dhoni was qouted as saying, "You'll see me in yellow next season but whether I'll be playing for CSK you never know. There are a lot of uncertainties coming up, two new teams are coming, we don't know what the retention rules are and so on." Thus, the 40-year-old former Indian captain has confirmed that while he will be seen in the Chennai dugout next edition, he isn't sure in what capacity at the moment. ALSO READ | 'He needs to...' - Gautam Gambhir opines on MS Dhoni's struggles, has a word of advice for CSK skipper On Tuesday (October 5), Dhoni had spoken about his IPL future and told fans while interacting with them during the 75th year celebrations of India Cements, "When it comes to farewell, you can still come and se play me for CSK and that can be my farewell game. So, you will still get that opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, we will come to see Chennai and play my last game over there and we can meet fans there." ALSO READ | August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai For the unversed, IPL 2022 edition will see two new teams join the eight franchises as the tournament will expand further in order to enable many players, from across the globe, to feature in the cash-rich league. Ahead of the season, a mega auction is likely to be held in December 2021. As pointed out by Dhoni himself, there are still some uncertainties regarding the retention policy ( on how many players every team will be allowed to retain or use the 'right to match' card) prior to the auction. The picture is expected to get much clear as the auction nears and by then, Dhoni will also be sure of his exact role with the CSK franchise -- whether to continue as a player-cum-captain or take up a new responsibility within the team management. At present, Dhoni-led CSK are confirmed to feature in the playoffs. The Yellow Army will be eager to finish in the top-two to have an extra chance to reach the final and claim their fourth IPL title overall.

'Whether I'll be playing for CSK....' - MS Dhoni hints at calling it quits from IPL after 2021 season

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidpCYmvr9kKpYJ" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) now holds the record of taking the most number of wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season as an Indian. In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-sunrisers-hyderabad-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-by-four-runs-418743">Match 52 of IPL 2021</a> in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 6), Patel achieved the feat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as he took 29 wickets so far in the season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the record was held by Mumbai Indians pacer Jasprit Bumrah when he took 27 wickets in the 2020 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands third in terms of most wickets scalped by Indians in an IPL season when he took 26 wickets in the 2017 season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-reason-why-he-is-more-successful-gautam-gambhir-opens-up-on-virat-kohlis-playing-style-418690">'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style</a></strong></p>

<p>Overall, Chennai Super Kings' Dwayne Bravo and Delhi Capitals' Kagiso Rabada lead that tally. Bravo had 32 wickets in the 2013 season while Rabada had 30 in the last season. Patel stands third on the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the match, bottom-placed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-sunrisers-hyderabad-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-by-four-runs-418743">Sunrisers Hyderabad dented Royal Challengers Bangalore</a> hopes of a top-two finish with a narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 30-year-old Patel took the wickets of SRH captain Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha and Jason Holder.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A look at the Points Table after Match 52 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/7DNFup4qDg">pic.twitter.com/7DNFup4qDg</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1445822227837030402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After putting on board a modest 141 for 7, SRH returned to limit RCB to 137 for six for only their third win in the league.</p>

<p>Next, RCB will face Delhi Capital in the last league match of IPL 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on October 8.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Brief Scores:</strong>&nbsp;Sunrisers Hyderabad 141/7 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 44, Kane Williamson 31, Harshal Patel 3/33, Daniel Christian 2/14) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 137/6 in 20 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 41, Glenn Maxwell 40, Umran Malik 1/21, Siddarth Kaul 1/24) by four runs.</p>


Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) now holds the record of taking the most number of wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season as an Indian.

Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) now holds the record of taking the most number of wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season as an Indian. In the Match 52 of IPL 2021 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 6), Patel achieved the feat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as he took 29 wickets so far in the season. Previously, the record was held by Mumbai Indians pacer Jasprit Bumrah when he took 27 wickets in the 2020 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands third in terms of most wickets scalped by Indians in an IPL season when he took 26 wickets in the 2017 season. ALSO READ | 'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style Overall, Chennai Super Kings' Dwayne Bravo and Delhi Capitals' Kagiso Rabada lead that tally. Bravo had 32 wickets in the 2013 season while Rabada had 30 in the last season. Patel stands third on the list. During the match, bottom-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad dented Royal Challengers Bangalore hopes of a top-two finish with a narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller. The 30-year-old Patel took the wickets of SRH captain Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha and Jason Holder. A look at the Points Table after Match 52 of #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/7DNFup4qDg — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 6, 2021 × After putting on board a modest 141 for 7, SRH returned to limit RCB to 137 for six for only their third win in the league. Next, RCB will face Delhi Capital in the last league match of IPL 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on October 8. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 141/7 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 44, Kane Williamson 31, Harshal Patel 3/33, Daniel Christian 2/14) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 137/6 in 20 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 41, Glenn Maxwell 40, Umran Malik 1/21, Siddarth Kaul 1/24) by four runs.

IPL: Harshal Patel breaks Jasprit Bumrah's record of most wickets by an Indian bowler in a season

<p>The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7). The game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.</p>

<p>The pitches at Sharjah have been bowler-friendly and among all the pitches in UAE, the Sharjah pitch has seen pacers doing pretty well. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium by 6 wickets when the tournament was underway in India.</p>

<p>RR have not performed as expected throughout the season and they are placed at the seventh spot in the points table with just five wins in 13 games they have played so far. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-vs-rr-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-rajasthan-royals-match-418830">KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match?</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While Rajasthan Royals would be looking for a win to end the group matches on a high note but they can spoil KKR’s chances of a top-four finish. However, this is a must-win game for KKR who if lose will be possibly out of playoffs race. They have won six out of 13 games played with four of the wins coming in UAE-leg.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begin?</strong> <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begins at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between KKR&nbsp;vs RR&nbsp;will be available on Hotstar.<o:p></o:p></p>


The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7).

The Match 54 of the IPL 2021 will see the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday (October 7). The game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The pitches at Sharjah have been bowler-friendly and among all the pitches in UAE, the Sharjah pitch has seen pacers doing pretty well. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The first match was won by Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium by 6 wickets when the tournament was underway in India. RR have not performed as expected throughout the season and they are placed at the seventh spot in the points table with just five wins in 13 games they have played so far. However, UAE has turned fate for Kolkata Knight Riders but it still isn’t enough for them to qualify. ALSO READ: KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match? While Rajasthan Royals would be looking for a win to end the group matches on a high note but they can spoil KKR’s chances of a top-four finish. However, this is a must-win game for KKR who if lose will be possibly out of playoffs race. They have won six out of 13 games played with four of the wins coming in UAE-leg. Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begin? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals begins at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? The IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between KKR vs RR will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, KKR vs RR, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals?

<p>Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clash is of great significance for the KKR line-up, who already have one foot in the last-four but will like to end all hopes of Mumbai Indians (MI) -- their closest rival for the fourth position -- with a thumping win over RR. Talking about the form of both sides, RR are coming into this clash with a heavy defeat at the hands of MI, by 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare. Samson &amp; Co. have once again looked good in patches this season but have largely remained inconsistent, to be very much out of the playoffs race.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-pbks-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-chennai-super-kings-vs-punjab-kings-match-418689"><strong>CSK vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match?</strong></a></p>

<p>RR have a slim chance to make it to the last four. For that, they need to thrash KKR by 125 runs and hope that the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) slam MI by 40, or more, runs in the last league stage encounter. On the other hand, KKR still have fate in their own hands, along with a much-better net-run rate as compared to MI, and should make it to the last four.</p>

<p>The equation is simple for them: win versus RR and proceed further. After a win, KKR will be very much be through as MI are far behind in NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570"><strong>EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for KKR vs RR tie:</strong> The Sharjah surface has been the toughest of the lot in the UAE leg. Who would have thought that once regarded as the 'graveyard for bowlers' track would churn out plenty of low-scoring encounters in the current edition. Expect pacers to get much assistance in the slow and low conditions on offer. Chasing can be dicey in Sharjah but KKR haven't lost a single game while batting second in the UAE leg. Another 130-135-plus scoring affair with KKR to emerge on top?</p>


Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7).

Match 54 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the two-time winners Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the one-time champions Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Thursday evening (October 7). The clash is of great significance for the KKR line-up, who already have one foot in the last-four but will like to end all hopes of Mumbai Indians (MI) -- their closest rival for the fourth position -- with a thumping win over RR. Talking about the form of both sides, RR are coming into this clash with a heavy defeat at the hands of MI, by 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare. Samson & Co. have once again looked good in patches this season but have largely remained inconsistent, to be very much out of the playoffs race. ALSO READ | CSK vs PBKS, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match? RR have a slim chance to make it to the last four. For that, they need to thrash KKR by 125 runs and hope that the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) slam MI by 40, or more, runs in the last league stage encounter. On the other hand, KKR still have fate in their own hands, along with a much-better net-run rate as compared to MI, and should make it to the last four. The equation is simple for them: win versus RR and proceed further. After a win, KKR will be very much be through as MI are far behind in NRR. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Match prediction for KKR vs RR tie: The Sharjah surface has been the toughest of the lot in the UAE leg. Who would have thought that once regarded as the 'graveyard for bowlers' track would churn out plenty of low-scoring encounters in the current edition. Expect pacers to get much assistance in the slow and low conditions on offer. Chasing can be dicey in Sharjah but KKR haven't lost a single game while batting second in the UAE leg. Another 130-135-plus scoring affair with KKR to emerge on top?

KKR vs RR, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match?

<p>Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 6).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match will present RCB a chance to get to 18 points as the Kane Williamson-led SRH camp has struggled for a win throughout the IPL 14 season. RCB have another game after the SRH tie and, thus, they will hope to end in top-two since MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have now lost two in a row and can end at the third spot. Their several match-winners such as Devdutt Padikkal, Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, etc. make them overwhelming favourites vs SRH.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-rcb-vs-srh-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-royal-challengers-bangalore-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-418428">IPL 2021, RCB vs SRH, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad?</a></strong></p>

<p>SRH, meanwhile, have only themselves to blame for such a lackluster performance throughout IPL 14 but they will be desperate to sign off on a high with back-to-back wins, with their last game versus Mumbai Indians (MI). The ardent Hyderabad fans would hope for their younger brigade to take more responsibility in the remaining two games as they look set to make significant changes with the mega auction coming up in few months, before IPL 2022. It will also be tempting to see if David Warner, who was present at the stands during SRH-KKR game, will get a look-in or continues to sit out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-5-lowest-scores-by-virat-kohli-led-rcb-after-flop-show-vs-kkr-in-match-31-414520#rcbs-49-all-out-vs-kkr-414511"><strong>IPL 2021: 5 lowest scores by Virat Kohli-led RCB after flop show vs KKR in Match 31</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for RCB vs SRH clash: </strong>Given the form of RCB and SRH's never-ending woes this season, RCB look certain to get to 18 points and strengthen their case for a top-two finish. The venue has offered some pace and help for the batters as a 150-155-plus score is expected in match 52. It will be interesting to see if dew sets in the latter half of the match, as stated by Dhoni during CSK-RR clash recently. If dew is a factor, batting second will be preferred by both sides.</p>


Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 6).

Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with the bottom-ranked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 6). The match will present RCB a chance to get to 18 points as the Kane Williamson-led SRH camp has struggled for a win throughout the IPL 14 season. RCB have another game after the SRH tie and, thus, they will hope to end in top-two since MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have now lost two in a row and can end at the third spot. Their several match-winners such as Devdutt Padikkal, Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, etc. make them overwhelming favourites vs SRH. ALSO READ | IPL 2021, RCB vs SRH, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? SRH, meanwhile, have only themselves to blame for such a lackluster performance throughout IPL 14 but they will be desperate to sign off on a high with back-to-back wins, with their last game versus Mumbai Indians (MI). The ardent Hyderabad fans would hope for their younger brigade to take more responsibility in the remaining two games as they look set to make significant changes with the mega auction coming up in few months, before IPL 2022. It will also be tempting to see if David Warner, who was present at the stands during SRH-KKR game, will get a look-in or continues to sit out. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: 5 lowest scores by Virat Kohli-led RCB after flop show vs KKR in Match 31 Match prediction for RCB vs SRH clash: Given the form of RCB and SRH's never-ending woes this season, RCB look certain to get to 18 points and strengthen their case for a top-two finish. The venue has offered some pace and help for the batters as a 150-155-plus score is expected in match 52. It will be interesting to see if dew sets in the latter half of the match, as stated by Dhoni during CSK-RR clash recently. If dew is a factor, batting second will be preferred by both sides.

RCB vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?

<p class="MsoNormal">Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the in-form Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the off-form Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday evening (October 6). The game will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The pitch in Abu Dhabi is two-paced, making it tough for batsmen to play their strokes. For the batters, judging the pace of the ball becomes tricky since some deliveries hold up while others come at the predicted rate. Captains usually have looked to bat first after winning the toss.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The earlier face-off was won by RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium by 6 runs.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-ziva-dhoni-breaks-the-internet-as-she-prays-for-csk-sitting-on-sakshis-lap-during-dc-face-off-418348">IPL 2021: Ziva Dhoni breaks the internet as she prays for CSK, sitting on Sakshi's lap, during DC face-off</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">SRH has been particularly poor this season and they are at the bottom of the table with just two wins in 12 games. The batting department has struggled in the absence of Jonny Bairstow. Veteran India pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Siddarth Kaul also hasn’t contributed enough with the ball. Jason Holder comparatively has fared well.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, RCB will be looking to win this game to bolster their chances of finishing in Top 2. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While SRH would be looking for a win to gain some confidence and end the season on a high note, but they can spoil RCB’s chances of finishing as one of the top-two sides. They have been spectacular this season, winning&nbsp;eight out of 12 games.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">RCB's bowling unit has also responded admirably to the team's call, with pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj, George Garton, and Harshal Patel performing well. Yuzvendra Chahal, who has overcome his previous problems with some really good spells this season, will lead the spin team. Their batting, on the other hand, will rely largely on skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-ravindra-jadeja-gautam-gambhir-picks-ms-dhoni-led-csks-standout-player-since-their-ipl-return-in-2018-418383"><strong>Not Ravindra Jadeja! Gautam Gambhir picks MS Dhoni-led CSK's standout player since their IPL return in 2018</strong></a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begin? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begins at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? </strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between SRH&nbsp;vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.<o:p></o:p></p>


Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the in-form Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the off-form Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday evening (October 6).

Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the in-form Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on the off-form Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday evening (October 6). The game will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The pitch in Abu Dhabi is two-paced, making it tough for batsmen to play their strokes. For the batters, judging the pace of the ball becomes tricky since some deliveries hold up while others come at the predicted rate. Captains usually have looked to bat first after winning the toss. The two teams will be facing each other for the second time in the IPL. The earlier face-off was won by RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium by 6 runs. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Ziva Dhoni breaks the internet as she prays for CSK, sitting on Sakshi's lap, during DC face-off SRH has been particularly poor this season and they are at the bottom of the table with just two wins in 12 games. The batting department has struggled in the absence of Jonny Bairstow. Veteran India pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Siddarth Kaul also hasn’t contributed enough with the ball. Jason Holder comparatively has fared well. On the other hand, RCB will be looking to win this game to bolster their chances of finishing in Top 2. While SRH would be looking for a win to gain some confidence and end the season on a high note, but they can spoil RCB’s chances of finishing as one of the top-two sides. They have been spectacular this season, winning eight out of 12 games. RCB's bowling unit has also responded admirably to the team's call, with pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj, George Garton, and Harshal Patel performing well. Yuzvendra Chahal, who has overcome his previous problems with some really good spells this season, will lead the spin team. Their batting, on the other hand, will rely largely on skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. ALSO READ | Not Ravindra Jadeja! Gautam Gambhir picks MS Dhoni-led CSK's standout player since their IPL return in 2018 What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begin? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad begins at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between SRH vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, RCB vs SRH, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad?

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore made a mess of their run chase as bottom-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad dented their hopes of a top-two finish with a narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller, here on Wednesday.</p>

<p>After putting on board a modest 141 for 7, SRH returned to limit RCB to 137 for six for only their third win in the league.</p>

<p>Chasing the total, Devdutt Padikkal (41) and Glenn Maxwell (40) scored bulk of the runs but RCB kept losing wickets and faltered in the end.</p>

<p>Defending 18 off last two overs, Jason Holder bowled a superb over, giving away just five runs for one wicket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-reason-why-he-is-more-successful-gautam-gambhir-opens-up-on-virat-kohlis-playing-style-418690">'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style</a></strong></p>

<p>AB de Villiers smashed a six in the fourth ball of the final over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but couldn't take the team home as the South African could not pull off a six the team needed in the last ball.</p>

<p>Earlier, opener Jason Roy (44) shared a 58-ball 70 run stand with skipper Kane Williamson (31) to set the platform but SRH lost three quick wickets for two runs in seven balls to eventually end up with a below-par total.</p>

<p>RCB were dealt an early blow in their chase when Bhuvneshwar trapped Virat Kohli in the first over.</p>

<p>The decision to promote Daniel Christian at number 3 also didn't work as he was deceived by a slower delivery by Siddarth Kaul.</p>

<p>At 18 for 2, Srikar Bharat joined hands with Devdutt Padikkal and produced two handsome shots for a six and a four to take RCB to 37 for 2 in six overs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-man-of-many-talents-rohit-sharma-imitates-mi-legends-shares-video-on-instagram-watch-418679">IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>New pace sensation Umran Malik then struck in his fifth delivery, removing Bharat as RCB slipped to 38 for 2.</p>

<p>New-man in Maxwell made his intent clear, clobbering Rashid Khan for a maximum. He repeated the treatment again, sending the Afghan spinner over long-on and then sweeping him for another four.</p>

<p>But with Malik clocking 150km plus consistently, RCB decided to target the other bowlers.</p>

<p>However, a poor call by Padikkal ended with Maxwell being runout, while the former too was caught at the boundary line as RCB further slumped to 109 for 4 in 16.5 overs.</p>

<p>Needing 29 off 18 balls, Shahbaz Ahmed smashed two fours to bring the equation down before being dismissed by Holder in the 19th over.</p>

<p>For RCB, Harshal Patel (3/33) and Daniel Christian (2/14) did the maximum damage after skipper Virat Kohli opted to bowl.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570">EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>The spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal (1/27) and Shahbaz Ahmed (0/21) kept things in check, while George Garton conceded 29 runs in two overs for his one wicket.</p>

<p>Abhishek Sharma, asked to open the innings, smashed a four and a six off Garton in the second over before holing out to Maxwell.</p>

<p>Williamson started off with a good-looking cover drive and then pulled one from Siraj for another boundary through square leg.</p>

<p>The New Zealand skipper was all elegance as he played two sweetly-timed shots for two more hits to the fence off Garton.</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Shahbaz attacked the stumps but when he erred Roy was quick to pull him through square leg.</p>

<p>After the end of Powerplay, SRH were 50 for 1.</p>

<p>The spin duo of Shahbaz and Chahal bowled in tandem, not allowing the batsmen to free their arms.</p>

<p>While Roy lived dangerously, Williamson's stumps were knocked off by Patel with a cutter when he tried to create room for himself as SRH slipped to 84 for 2 in 12th over.</p>

<p>Priyam Garg smashed a six off Chahal before being caught by AB de Villiers off Christian in the next over.</p>

<p>Five balls later, Christian pulled off a sensational catch off his own bowling to remove the well-set Roy. Chahal trapped Abdul Samad in front of the wicket in the first ball of the next over as SRH slumped to 107 for 5 in 15.1 overs.</p>

<p>Wriddhiman Saha was next done in by a slower delivery by Patel.<br />
Rashid (7 not out) and Holder (16) tried to accelerate before the latter fell in the last ball.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore made a mess of their run chase as bottom-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad dented their hopes of a top-two finish with a narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller, here on Wednesday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore made a mess of their run chase as bottom-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad dented their hopes of a top-two finish with a narrow four-run win in a last-over IPL thriller, here on Wednesday. After putting on board a modest 141 for 7, SRH returned to limit RCB to 137 for six for only their third win in the league. Chasing the total, Devdutt Padikkal (41) and Glenn Maxwell (40) scored bulk of the runs but RCB kept losing wickets and faltered in the end. Defending 18 off last two overs, Jason Holder bowled a superb over, giving away just five runs for one wicket. ALSO READ | 'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style AB de Villiers smashed a six in the fourth ball of the final over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but couldn't take the team home as the South African could not pull off a six the team needed in the last ball. Earlier, opener Jason Roy (44) shared a 58-ball 70 run stand with skipper Kane Williamson (31) to set the platform but SRH lost three quick wickets for two runs in seven balls to eventually end up with a below-par total. RCB were dealt an early blow in their chase when Bhuvneshwar trapped Virat Kohli in the first over. The decision to promote Daniel Christian at number 3 also didn't work as he was deceived by a slower delivery by Siddarth Kaul. At 18 for 2, Srikar Bharat joined hands with Devdutt Padikkal and produced two handsome shots for a six and a four to take RCB to 37 for 2 in six overs. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH New pace sensation Umran Malik then struck in his fifth delivery, removing Bharat as RCB slipped to 38 for 2. New-man in Maxwell made his intent clear, clobbering Rashid Khan for a maximum. He repeated the treatment again, sending the Afghan spinner over long-on and then sweeping him for another four. But with Malik clocking 150km plus consistently, RCB decided to target the other bowlers. However, a poor call by Padikkal ended with Maxwell being runout, while the former too was caught at the boundary line as RCB further slumped to 109 for 4 in 16.5 overs. Needing 29 off 18 balls, Shahbaz Ahmed smashed two fours to bring the equation down before being dismissed by Holder in the 19th over. For RCB, Harshal Patel (3/33) and Daniel Christian (2/14) did the maximum damage after skipper Virat Kohli opted to bowl. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs The spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal (1/27) and Shahbaz Ahmed (0/21) kept things in check, while George Garton conceded 29 runs in two overs for his one wicket. Abhishek Sharma, asked to open the innings, smashed a four and a six off Garton in the second over before holing out to Maxwell. Williamson started off with a good-looking cover drive and then pulled one from Siraj for another boundary through square leg. The New Zealand skipper was all elegance as he played two sweetly-timed shots for two more hits to the fence off Garton. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz attacked the stumps but when he erred Roy was quick to pull him through square leg. After the end of Powerplay, SRH were 50 for 1. The spin duo of Shahbaz and Chahal bowled in tandem, not allowing the batsmen to free their arms. While Roy lived dangerously, Williamson's stumps were knocked off by Patel with a cutter when he tried to create room for himself as SRH slipped to 84 for 2 in 12th over. Priyam Garg smashed a six off Chahal before being caught by AB de Villiers off Christian in the next over. Five balls later, Christian pulled off a sensational catch off his own bowling to remove the well-set Roy. Chahal trapped Abdul Samad in front of the wicket in the first ball of the next over as SRH slumped to 107 for 5 in 15.1 overs. Wriddhiman Saha was next done in by a slower delivery by Patel. Rashid (7 not out) and Holder (16) tried to accelerate before the latter fell in the last ball.

IPL 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by four runs

<p>Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have already secured a berth in the IPL 2021 playoffs with an impressive performance throughout the season, though the team has had some ups and downs as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, former Indian batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-he-can-gautam-gambhir-slams-mis-hardik-pandya-for-not-bowling-in-ipl-2021-ahead-of-t20-wc-418667">Gautam Gambhir</a> has opened up about RCB's run, especially Kohli's role and his natural playing style. He shed some upon how Kohli's game plan helped players like AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell to "accelerate" in the second half of the innings.</p>

<p>During his conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Gambhir said, "The reason is probably Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. Virat Kohli feels that those two can actually accelerate in the second half of the innings as well, so he can play that anchor role which he has done really well whenever he has anchored the innings whether in 50 overs or T20 cricket and that's not his natural game either."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-man-of-many-talents-rohit-sharma-imitates-mi-legends-shares-video-on-instagram-watch-418679">IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>Gambhir reflected on how Virat is more successful when he opens the batting as he said, "So, that's the reason why he is more successful when he opens the batting so that he can use the first six overs and probably get the momentum on his side and continue batting after six overs and someone else from the other end can actually accelerate."</p>

<p>"But that's his natural game, but if goes out of his natural game, then it could be really hard for him to score a lot of runs because he doesn't have the same power or skill as De Villiers or for that matter, even Maxwell," Gambhir added.</p>

<p>For RCB, Maxwell's redemption has been the highlight of this edition of IPL. Whether it was the two-paced wicket in Dubai or the sluggish track in Sharjah, the Australian never looked at sea against the bowlers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570">EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it is important to note that eyebrows were raised when RCB acquired the services of the Australian in the auction. Despite a forgetful IPL 2020 season, it is not fair to judge a player of Maxwell's stature on basis of one or two matches or a season.</p>

<p>Batting at No.5 for Punjab Kings, he could only muster 108 runs in 11 innings in the previous season. The 32-year-old, however, has turned a new leaf this season, demonstrating why he is still the best in the business. He has silenced the critics with several match-winning performances, amassing 407 runs in 11 innings.</p>

<p>"Strike rates are very overrated. You can expect Kohli to have a 600-run season but you can never expect Maxwell to have a 600-run season. But you can never-have Maxwell batting at a strike rate of 120-125 but can never expect Kohli to be batting at 160 strike rate. So, both those guys are different and it's just the combination of everyone which makes a very successful side," Gambhir concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have already secured a berth in the IPL 2021 playoffs with an impressive performance throughout the season, though the team has had some ups and downs as well.

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have already secured a berth in the IPL 2021 playoffs with an impressive performance throughout the season, though the team has had some ups and downs as well. Now, former Indian batter Gautam Gambhir has opened up about RCB's run, especially Kohli's role and his natural playing style. He shed some upon how Kohli's game plan helped players like AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell to "accelerate" in the second half of the innings. During his conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Gambhir said, "The reason is probably Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. Virat Kohli feels that those two can actually accelerate in the second half of the innings as well, so he can play that anchor role which he has done really well whenever he has anchored the innings whether in 50 overs or T20 cricket and that's not his natural game either." ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH Gambhir reflected on how Virat is more successful when he opens the batting as he said, "So, that's the reason why he is more successful when he opens the batting so that he can use the first six overs and probably get the momentum on his side and continue batting after six overs and someone else from the other end can actually accelerate." "But that's his natural game, but if goes out of his natural game, then it could be really hard for him to score a lot of runs because he doesn't have the same power or skill as De Villiers or for that matter, even Maxwell," Gambhir added. For RCB, Maxwell's redemption has been the highlight of this edition of IPL. Whether it was the two-paced wicket in Dubai or the sluggish track in Sharjah, the Australian never looked at sea against the bowlers. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs However, it is important to note that eyebrows were raised when RCB acquired the services of the Australian in the auction. Despite a forgetful IPL 2020 season, it is not fair to judge a player of Maxwell's stature on basis of one or two matches or a season. Batting at No.5 for Punjab Kings, he could only muster 108 runs in 11 innings in the previous season. The 32-year-old, however, has turned a new leaf this season, demonstrating why he is still the best in the business. He has silenced the critics with several match-winning performances, amassing 407 runs in 11 innings. "Strike rates are very overrated. You can expect Kohli to have a 600-run season but you can never expect Maxwell to have a 600-run season. But you can never-have Maxwell batting at a strike rate of 120-125 but can never expect Kohli to be batting at 160 strike rate. So, both those guys are different and it's just the combination of everyone which makes a very successful side," Gambhir concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their very best in the IPL 2021 edition. The defending champions and five-time winners still remain alive in the playoffs race, however, the Mumbai franchise have a tough battle with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in order to grab the fourth spot.</p>

<p>Despite MI having lots to do in order to qualify for the playoffs, the 34-year-old Rohit has been at his cheeky best off the 22-yard cricket strip. Recently, Rohit turned into a prankster and hilariously trolled his wife Ritika Sajdeh, sharing the video on his official Instagram handle. On Wednesday (October 6), Rohit once again entertained his fans and came up with a hilarious video where he imitated some of the legendary cricketers, such as Sachin Tendulkar, MI coach Mahela Jayawardene and Harbhajan Singh.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570">EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's Rohit's on-point imitation of the legendary players:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUrw8maDcbj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUrw8maDcbj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUrw8maDcbj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUrw8maDcbj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-he-can-gautam-gambhir-slams-mis-hardik-pandya-for-not-bowling-in-ipl-2021-ahead-of-t20-wc-418667">'Don't think he can...' - Gautam Gambhir slams MI's Hardik Pandya for not bowling in IPL 2021 ahead of T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>While the comment&nbsp;section is filled with many names, Rohit imitated MI's former skippers Tendulkar, Bhajji and current head coach Jayawardene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (October 5), Rohit-led MI pulled off a thumping win over one-time winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah in match 51. Asking RR to bat first, Rohit &amp; Co. rode on Nathan Coulter-Nile's 4-fer and Jimmy Neesham's three-wicket haul to bundle out RR for a mere 90. In reply, MI chased down the total with 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit-led MI, thus, remain in contention for the fourth playoffs spot. However, they still need to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a big margin and hope for RR to beat KKR to progress into the last four.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their very best in the IPL 2021 edition. The defending champions and five-time winners still remain alive in the playoffs race, however, the Mumbai franchise have a tough battle with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in order to grab the fourth spot.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their very best in the IPL 2021 edition. The defending champions and five-time winners still remain alive in the playoffs race, however, the Mumbai franchise have a tough battle with the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in order to grab the fourth spot. Despite MI having lots to do in order to qualify for the playoffs, the 34-year-old Rohit has been at his cheeky best off the 22-yard cricket strip. Recently, Rohit turned into a prankster and hilariously trolled his wife Ritika Sajdeh, sharing the video on his official Instagram handle. On Wednesday (October 6), Rohit once again entertained his fans and came up with a hilarious video where he imitated some of the legendary cricketers, such as Sachin Tendulkar, MI coach Mahela Jayawardene and Harbhajan Singh. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Here's Rohit's on-point imitation of the legendary players: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) × ALSO READ | 'Don't think he can...' - Gautam Gambhir slams MI's Hardik Pandya for not bowling in IPL 2021 ahead of T20 WC While the comment section is filled with many names, Rohit imitated MI's former skippers Tendulkar, Bhajji and current head coach Jayawardene. On Tuesday (October 5), Rohit-led MI pulled off a thumping win over one-time winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah in match 51. Asking RR to bat first, Rohit & Co. rode on Nathan Coulter-Nile's 4-fer and Jimmy Neesham's three-wicket haul to bundle out RR for a mere 90. In reply, MI chased down the total with 8 wickets and 70 balls to spare. Rohit-led MI, thus, remain in contention for the fourth playoffs spot. However, they still need to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a big margin and hope for RR to beat KKR to progress into the last four.

IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH

<p>Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their dominant best in IPL 2021. While they continue to remain alive in the race for the fourth playoffs spot, the Rohit Sharma-led MI camp have to pull up their socks if they wish to retain the trophy for the third time in a row.</p>

<p>One of the main reasons for MI not being in rollicking form is due to their star performers not being upto the mark, injury concerns and mainly their batsmen's inability to adapt to the slow and tricky surfaces in the UAE. In addition, Hardik Pandya's ordinary season, coupled with him not bowling at all in IPL 14, has added to MI's woes. Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain and Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has now slammed MI all-rounder Hardik for not choosing to bowl even in the second and final UAE leg despite the T20 World Cup set to commence soon after IPL.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570">EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir stated, "The biggest upset in this batting lineup is Hardik Pandya. He hasn't played any cricket, he is just a one-format player for me now. He only plays white-ball cricket and hasn't delivered this year and he's got into the T20 World Cup side when he hasn't bowled either. So that's a huge surprise."</p>

<p>"Selectors will probably have to answer this whether he's actually going to bowl four overs in the World Cup and if he decides to do that, does he have those overs under him? If he decides to bowl in the World Cup he has to start bowling from now on, Whether it's one or two overs per game so that he can... deliver during the World Cup where India will be looking to win. But if he doesn't bowl during the World Cup, then it's actually pretty difficult for me to put him into the playing XI. If he doesn't bowl I don't think he can be a part of India's best playing XI," the ex-KKR skipper added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-beat-rajasthan-royals-by-8-wickets-to-keep-playoffs-hopes-alive-418472"><strong>IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets to keep playoffs hopes alive</strong></a></p>

<p>Hardik hasn't been preferred in the longest format for long, in a bid to manage his workload and since he isn't willing to bowl long spells at the moment. However, he was expected to bowl some overs for the MI franchise in the final leg of IPL 14 to be able to prepare his body and mind for contributing with the ball for the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue in the upcoming T20 WC, in the UAE from October 17.</p>

<p>Gambhir feels Hardik might not even find a place in India's XI if he remains a specialist batsman and doesn't play as an all-rounder. The 27-year-old, who was last seen bowling in the Sri Lanka series in July, will be looking forward to chip in with few overs in MI's last league stage encounter, versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday (October 8).</p>


Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their dominant best in IPL 2021. While they continue to remain alive in the race for the fourth playoffs spot, the Rohit Sharma-led MI camp have to pull up their socks if they wish to retain the trophy for the third time in a row.

Mumbai Indians (MI) haven't been at their dominant best in IPL 2021. While they continue to remain alive in the race for the fourth playoffs spot, the Rohit Sharma-led MI camp have to pull up their socks if they wish to retain the trophy for the third time in a row. One of the main reasons for MI not being in rollicking form is due to their star performers not being upto the mark, injury concerns and mainly their batsmen's inability to adapt to the slow and tricky surfaces in the UAE. In addition, Hardik Pandya's ordinary season, coupled with him not bowling at all in IPL 14, has added to MI's woes. Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain and Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has now slammed MI all-rounder Hardik for not choosing to bowl even in the second and final UAE leg despite the T20 World Cup set to commence soon after IPL. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir stated, "The biggest upset in this batting lineup is Hardik Pandya. He hasn't played any cricket, he is just a one-format player for me now. He only plays white-ball cricket and hasn't delivered this year and he's got into the T20 World Cup side when he hasn't bowled either. So that's a huge surprise." "Selectors will probably have to answer this whether he's actually going to bowl four overs in the World Cup and if he decides to do that, does he have those overs under him? If he decides to bowl in the World Cup he has to start bowling from now on, Whether it's one or two overs per game so that he can... deliver during the World Cup where India will be looking to win. But if he doesn't bowl during the World Cup, then it's actually pretty difficult for me to put him into the playing XI. If he doesn't bowl I don't think he can be a part of India's best playing XI," the ex-KKR skipper added. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets to keep playoffs hopes alive Hardik hasn't been preferred in the longest format for long, in a bid to manage his workload and since he isn't willing to bowl long spells at the moment. However, he was expected to bowl some overs for the MI franchise in the final leg of IPL 14 to be able to prepare his body and mind for contributing with the ball for the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue in the upcoming T20 WC, in the UAE from October 17. Gambhir feels Hardik might not even find a place in India's XI if he remains a specialist batsman and doesn't play as an all-rounder. The 27-year-old, who was last seen bowling in the Sri Lanka series in July, will be looking forward to chip in with few overs in MI's last league stage encounter, versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday (October 8).

'Don't think he can...' - Gautam Gambhir slams MI's Hardik Pandya for not bowling in IPL 2021 ahead of T20 WC

<p>Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) became the second team to confirm a playoffs spot in IPL 2021. On Monday (October 4), the Pant-led DC franchise locked horns with MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and completed a double over the Yellow Army this season to not only add two more vital points up their sleeves but also confirm a top-two finish in the points table.</p>

<p>Opting to bowl first, Delhi reduced CSK to 62-4 after a promising start by their openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis. However, Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel pulled things back for Delhi as Chennai never recovered from thereon. Riding on Ambati Rayudu's unbeaten 55, CSK posted a modest 136-5 in 20 overs. While Pant &amp; Co. complicated the run-chase for themselves, they finished the proceedings in the final over with 3 wickets in hand.</p>

<p>Assuring themselves of a top-two finish with CSK win, DC players enjoyed some time off before the playoffs begin from next week. The official Twitter handle of the IPL 2020's runners-up shared some pictures of the players relaxing before they square off with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their last game from the league stage. Here are the pictures:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/august-15-again-ms-dhoni-drops-a-bomb-on-his-ipl-future-says-you-can-bid-me-farewell-in-chennai-418461"><strong>August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Off-Day Goals be like Beach Volleyball, Stand-Up Paddling &amp; Unlimited Fun<br />
<br />
| Snapshots from a memorable outing for our DC stars <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiNayiDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiNayiDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SofitelDXBPalm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SofitelDXBPalm</a> <a href="https://t.co/YFbx9ESadL">pic.twitter.com/YFbx9ESadL</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1445670188905422848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/LKnLz3djkk">pic.twitter.com/LKnLz3djkk</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1445670319620907009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/iTEyPYu08d">pic.twitter.com/iTEyPYu08d</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1445670445177470986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570"><strong>EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</strong></a></p>

<p>Pant &amp; Co. will not like to lose steam in their final group stage encounter and enter the playoffs as the top-ranked side. After missing out on winning their maiden title in IPL 2020, DC will be desperate to clinch the trophy this time around in the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE.</p>


Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) became the second team to confirm a playoffs spot in IPL 2021. On Monday (October 4), the Pant-led DC franchise locked horns with MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and completed a double over the Yellow Army this season to not only add two more vital points up their sleeves but also confirm a top-two finish in the points table.

Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) became the second team to confirm a playoffs spot in IPL 2021. On Monday (October 4), the Pant-led DC franchise locked horns with MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and completed a double over the Yellow Army this season to not only add two more vital points up their sleeves but also confirm a top-two finish in the points table. Opting to bowl first, Delhi reduced CSK to 62-4 after a promising start by their openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis. However, Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel pulled things back for Delhi as Chennai never recovered from thereon. Riding on Ambati Rayudu's unbeaten 55, CSK posted a modest 136-5 in 20 overs. While Pant & Co. complicated the run-chase for themselves, they finished the proceedings in the final over with 3 wickets in hand. Assuring themselves of a top-two finish with CSK win, DC players enjoyed some time off before the playoffs begin from next week. The official Twitter handle of the IPL 2020's runners-up shared some pictures of the players relaxing before they square off with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their last game from the league stage. Here are the pictures: ALSO READ | August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai Off-Day Goals be like Beach Volleyball, Stand-Up Paddling & Unlimited Fun | Snapshots from a memorable outing for our DC stars #YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 @SofitelDXBPalm pic.twitter.com/YFbx9ESadL — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/LKnLz3djkk — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/iTEyPYu08d — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2021 × ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Pant & Co. will not like to lose steam in their final group stage encounter and enter the playoffs as the top-ranked side. After missing out on winning their maiden title in IPL 2020, DC will be desperate to clinch the trophy this time around in the second and final leg of IPL 14, in the UAE.

IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant-led DC enjoy time-off after assuring top-two finish with CSK win

<p>Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming &nbsp;ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since the squad was announced, critics and some of the former players expressed their opinions over the snub of some top players like Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal. Most importantly, they have performed well during the IPL 2021 UAE leg.&nbsp;On the other hand, some selected players in the Indian squad like Rahul Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have failed to impress so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-drag-india-bcci-official-slams-claims-accusing-indian-board-of-influencing-england-nz-to-cancel-pak-tours-418608">'Don't drag India' - BCCI official slams claims accusing Indian board of influencing England, NZ to cancel Pak tours</a></strong></p>

<p>As former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday (October 5) said he is still hoping to see Yuzvendra Chahal in India's T20 World Cup squad. He also advised Chahal to not bowl too slow which was one of the reasons for the spinner's exclusion from the squad. "You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup. Champion bowler," Harbhajan tweeted for Chahal.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace 😝.. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup.. Champion bowler 👍 <a href="https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv">https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv</a></p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1445323782181330949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Now, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels the selectors shouldn't make any change in the squad despite some players going through a lean patch ahead of the showpiece event in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In my opinion, once you have picked the squad for World Cup - barring injury - I don't think you should make any changes. Yes, there are guys at the moment who are not in their great form, but it only takes one innings - whether it's bowling or batting - to change that form around, and that could still happen before the end of the IPL," Agarkar said while speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Agarkar wants the selector to stick with the squad as only one inning (in IPL 2021) is needed for a player to regain the form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, if you think that's the best 15 you've picked going to the World Cup, my personal opinion, I would stick with it, because you have got to show faith in people even when things are not looking so good, because things can turn around very quickly," Agarkar added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India squad:</strong> Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Chahar, Varun, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Standby players:&nbsp;</strong>Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.</p>


Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started.

Indian Premier League 2021, currently underway in UAE, is a precursor for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup which is set to begin October 17 in UAE and Oman. For the upcoming showpiece event, Indian national selectors had picked the squad last month, before the second phase of IPL 2021 started. Ever since the squad was announced, critics and some of the former players expressed their opinions over the snub of some top players like Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal. Most importantly, they have performed well during the IPL 2021 UAE leg. On the other hand, some selected players in the Indian squad like Rahul Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have failed to impress so far. ALSO READ | 'Don't drag India' - BCCI official slams claims accusing Indian board of influencing England, NZ to cancel Pak tours As former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday (October 5) said he is still hoping to see Yuzvendra Chahal in India's T20 World Cup squad. He also advised Chahal to not bowl too slow which was one of the reasons for the spinner's exclusion from the squad. "You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup. Champion bowler," Harbhajan tweeted for Chahal. You have given ur best as always.. keep it up.. and make sure u keep bowling the right pace 😝.. Not too slow OK..still hoping to see you in team India for T20 World Cup.. Champion bowler 👍 https://t.co/ZOhxlNsmhv — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 5, 2021 × Now, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels the selectors shouldn't make any change in the squad despite some players going through a lean patch ahead of the showpiece event in UAE. "In my opinion, once you have picked the squad for World Cup - barring injury - I don't think you should make any changes. Yes, there are guys at the moment who are not in their great form, but it only takes one innings - whether it's bowling or batting - to change that form around, and that could still happen before the end of the IPL," Agarkar said while speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. Agarkar wants the selector to stick with the squad as only one inning (in IPL 2021) is needed for a player to regain the form. "So, if you think that's the best 15 you've picked going to the World Cup, my personal opinion, I would stick with it, because you have got to show faith in people even when things are not looking so good, because things can turn around very quickly," Agarkar added. India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Chahar, Varun, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan. Standby players: Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

Should India re-think T20 World Cup squad? Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar have contrasting opinions

<p>Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the one-time champions and the current edition's bottom-ranked side Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lock horns with the three-time champions Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6).</p>

<p>The battle will see the RCB franchise start as favourites as they have already qualified for the playoffs and are looking at their dominating best. RCB are currently at the third position. The Kohli-led franchise will be eager to continue with their winning streak to ensure a top-two finish, going past MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who are currently a spot above Bengaluru.</p>

<p>On the other hand, problems are aplenty for the Hyderabad line-up. The whole season has been a disastrous one for SRH with out-of-form players, changes in line-up, David Warner's sacking from captaincy followed up his omission; adding to their woes. Nonetheless, they will now like to sign off on a high with wins in their remaining two encounters. However, it will be tough for them to stop a rampant RCB franchise.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/august-15-again-ms-dhoni-drops-a-bomb-on-his-ipl-future-says-you-can-bid-me-farewell-in-chennai-418461"><strong>August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Ahead of the clash, here's a look at the head-to-head, trivia, stats and squads for both sides:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Head-to-head</strong></p>

<p>Despite their very poor form, SRH can draw some inspiration from the fact that they lead RCB 10-8 in head-to-head battle.</p>

<p><strong>Stats</strong></p>

<p>RCB will be eager to seal a win over SRH as they are only a victory away from registering a total of 100 wins in the IPL.</p>

<p><strong>Trivia</strong></p>

<p>Kohli &amp; Co. have clicked in the middle-overs with the bat and ball, but they are yet to take a wicket in the powerplay overs&nbsp;during the second and final leg of the season.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-as-mi-crush-rr-heres-how-mumbai-or-kkr-can-grab-the-4th-spot-in-ipl-2021-playoffs-418570"><strong>EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Squads:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:&nbsp;</strong>Virat Kohli(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Daniel Christian, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Shahbaz Ahmed, Srikar Bharat(w), George Garton, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachin Baby, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Pavan Deshpande, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Suyash Prabhudessai, Tim David, Akash Deep</p>

<p><strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad:</strong>&nbsp;Jason Roy, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Kane Williamson(c), Priyam Garg, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Umran Malik, Sandeep Sharma, Manish Pandey, Khaleel Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sherfane Rutherford, Jagadeesha Suchith, Mohammad Nabi, Basil Thampi, Virat Singh, Shahbaz Nadeem, David Warner, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Jadhav</p>


Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the one-time champions and the current edition's bottom-ranked side Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lock horns with the three-time champions Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6).

Match 52 of the IPL 2021 edition will see the one-time champions and the current edition's bottom-ranked side Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lock horns with the three-time champions Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening (October 6). The battle will see the RCB franchise start as favourites as they have already qualified for the playoffs and are looking at their dominating best. RCB are currently at the third position. The Kohli-led franchise will be eager to continue with their winning streak to ensure a top-two finish, going past MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who are currently a spot above Bengaluru. On the other hand, problems are aplenty for the Hyderabad line-up. The whole season has been a disastrous one for SRH with out-of-form players, changes in line-up, David Warner's sacking from captaincy followed up his omission; adding to their woes. Nonetheless, they will now like to sign off on a high with wins in their remaining two encounters. However, it will be tough for them to stop a rampant RCB franchise. ALSO READ | August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai Ahead of the clash, here's a look at the head-to-head, trivia, stats and squads for both sides: Head-to-head Despite their very poor form, SRH can draw some inspiration from the fact that they lead RCB 10-8 in head-to-head battle. Stats RCB will be eager to seal a win over SRH as they are only a victory away from registering a total of 100 wins in the IPL. Trivia Kohli & Co. have clicked in the middle-overs with the bat and ball, but they are yet to take a wicket in the powerplay overs during the second and final leg of the season. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs Squads: Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Daniel Christian, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Shahbaz Ahmed, Srikar Bharat(w), George Garton, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachin Baby, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Pavan Deshpande, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Suyash Prabhudessai, Tim David, Akash Deep Sunrisers Hyderabad: Jason Roy, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Kane Williamson(c), Priyam Garg, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Umran Malik, Sandeep Sharma, Manish Pandey, Khaleel Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sherfane Rutherford, Jagadeesha Suchith, Mohammad Nabi, Basil Thampi, Virat Singh, Shahbaz Nadeem, David Warner, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Jadhav

IPL 2021: RCB vs SRH- Head to head record, trivia, stats and squads

<p>On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive. With Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) already occupying three out of the four playoffs spot, the race is now between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and MI to book the remaining slot.</p>

<p>While RR and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are still mathematically in contention to seal the fourth spot, there chances are negligible. <strong>Here's an explainer on how MI or KKR can seal the fourth spot:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eoin Morgan-led KKR: </strong>The two-time winners have revamped in style in the UAE leg and now have 6 wins in 13 games, with an impressive net-run rate of +0.294. The biggest plus for KKR is that they still have fate in their own hands and the equation is pretty simple for them; one the last game and qualify. However, they will like to demolish RR to further bolster their chances and give no room to MI on account of net run-rate.&nbsp;On the other hand, a defeat can make things tough for Kolkata as Mumbai could topple them by winning their final game of the league campaign; i.e. versus already-eliminated and bottom-lying Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).</p>

<p>What is interesting to note that even if KKR lose to RR, they can still make the playoffs if MI are beaten by SRH or in case Mumbai win versus SRH but only by a narrow margin.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-srh-ipl-2021-prediction-today-who-will-win-royal-challengers-bangalore-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-418490">RCB vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Rohit's charged-up MI:&nbsp;</strong>With equal wins and loss, just like KKR, MI are now at the 5th spot in the points table. However, they still have an inferior net-run rate of -0.048 as compared to Kolkata. If KKR lose to RR and MI beat SRH, the five-time winners will proceed ahead but they will like to thrash SRH, as they mauled RR on Tuesday evening; to march ahead on the basis of net-run rate.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if KKR emerge on top of RR, MI's hopes would be all but over. Again, Rohit &amp; Co. will remain alive but only mathematically in such a case as they will have to beat SRH in an even more dominant way, like they did versus Rajasthan, to go through. Even if KKR lose to RR, their margin of defeat will be closely monitored by the MI franchise.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-ipl-teams-likely-to-be-sold-for-inr-30-35-billion-mega-auction-can-take-place-in-december-punjab-kings-co-owner-418333">New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner</a></strong></p>

<p>For the RR and PBKS fans, their teams are also still alive in the playoffs race but their chances remain very slim. Both sides have one more game in hand, versus KKR and CSK respectively, and will have to beat them by a huge margin and also hope for other results to favour them to grab the fourth spot. As of now, that looks highly unlikely.</p>

<p>IPL 2021 playoffs will commence from October 10&nbsp;(Sunday) whereas the final will be played on October 15.</p>


On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive.

On Tuesday (October 5), the defending champions and five-time winners Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 8 wickets, and 70 balls to spare, to keep their IPL 2021 playoffs hopes alive. With Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) already occupying three out of the four playoffs spot, the race is now between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and MI to book the remaining slot. While RR and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are still mathematically in contention to seal the fourth spot, there chances are negligible. Here's an explainer on how MI or KKR can seal the fourth spot: Eoin Morgan-led KKR: The two-time winners have revamped in style in the UAE leg and now have 6 wins in 13 games, with an impressive net-run rate of +0.294. The biggest plus for KKR is that they still have fate in their own hands and the equation is pretty simple for them; one the last game and qualify. However, they will like to demolish RR to further bolster their chances and give no room to MI on account of net run-rate. On the other hand, a defeat can make things tough for Kolkata as Mumbai could topple them by winning their final game of the league campaign; i.e. versus already-eliminated and bottom-lying Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). What is interesting to note that even if KKR lose to RR, they can still make the playoffs if MI are beaten by SRH or in case Mumbai win versus SRH but only by a narrow margin. ALSO READ | RCB vs SRH, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match? Rohit's charged-up MI: With equal wins and loss, just like KKR, MI are now at the 5th spot in the points table. However, they still have an inferior net-run rate of -0.048 as compared to Kolkata. If KKR lose to RR and MI beat SRH, the five-time winners will proceed ahead but they will like to thrash SRH, as they mauled RR on Tuesday evening; to march ahead on the basis of net-run rate. On the other hand, if KKR emerge on top of RR, MI's hopes would be all but over. Again, Rohit & Co. will remain alive but only mathematically in such a case as they will have to beat SRH in an even more dominant way, like they did versus Rajasthan, to go through. Even if KKR lose to RR, their margin of defeat will be closely monitored by the MI franchise. ALSO READ | New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner For the RR and PBKS fans, their teams are also still alive in the playoffs race but their chances remain very slim. Both sides have one more game in hand, versus KKR and CSK respectively, and will have to beat them by a huge margin and also hope for other results to favour them to grab the fourth spot. As of now, that looks highly unlikely. IPL 2021 playoffs will commence from October 10 (Sunday) whereas the final will be played on October 15.

EXPLAINED: As MI crush RR, here's how Mumbai or KKR can grab the 4th spot in IPL 2021 playoffs

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a must-win encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (October 05). Both teams are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, however, Mumbai Indians are not guaranteed of qualification even if they win their remaining two matches.</p>

<p>Mumbai Indians are currently placed seventh on the points table with 10 points from 12 matches and the worst net run rate among all four teams in the fray to seal the final fourth spot in the playoffs. MI will have to beat Rajasthan on Tuesday to ensure they remain alive in the competition as a defeat will confirm their exit.</p>

<p>MI might not still make it even if they win their remaining two matches due to their inferior net run rate, however, Rohit &amp; Co. will be hoping to finish on a high with two victories in a row and expect the other results to go in their favour. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have their fate in their own hands.</p>

<p>They are currently placed sixth with ten points from 12 matches and have to win both their matches to qualify for the playoffs without needing a favour from any other team. They face their direct-rivals MI and KKR in their next two games.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-qualification-scenario-explained-can-mumbai-indians-punjab-kings-still-qualify-418113">IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify?</a></p>

<p>Samson &amp; Co. had pulled off a stunning seven-wicket win against MS Dhoni's CSK in their last game to keep their playoffs hopes alive and will be riding high on confidence against MI when the two teams square off in Sharjah on Tuesday. Since 2018, RR have managed five wins in just seven meetings against Mumbai Indians and will be backing themselves to make it six wins tonight.</p>

<p><strong>RR vs MI, IPL 2021 today match prediction:</strong> Rajasthan Royals earned a thumping&nbsp;seven-wicket win over CSK in their last game, chasing down the target of 190 runs with as many as 15 balls to spare. Despite missing a number of stars, RR youngsters have ensured the Samson-led side has punched above their weight in UAE. They seem favourites against a struggling Mumbai Indians side and should come out on top on Tuesday.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a must-win encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (October 05).

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a must-win encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday (October 05). Both teams are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, however, Mumbai Indians are not guaranteed of qualification even if they win their remaining two matches. Mumbai Indians are currently placed seventh on the points table with 10 points from 12 matches and the worst net run rate among all four teams in the fray to seal the final fourth spot in the playoffs. MI will have to beat Rajasthan on Tuesday to ensure they remain alive in the competition as a defeat will confirm their exit. MI might not still make it even if they win their remaining two matches due to their inferior net run rate, however, Rohit & Co. will be hoping to finish on a high with two victories in a row and expect the other results to go in their favour. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have their fate in their own hands. They are currently placed sixth with ten points from 12 matches and have to win both their matches to qualify for the playoffs without needing a favour from any other team. They face their direct-rivals MI and KKR in their next two games. Also Read: IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify? Samson & Co. had pulled off a stunning seven-wicket win against MS Dhoni's CSK in their last game to keep their playoffs hopes alive and will be riding high on confidence against MI when the two teams square off in Sharjah on Tuesday. Since 2018, RR have managed five wins in just seven meetings against Mumbai Indians and will be backing themselves to make it six wins tonight. RR vs MI, IPL 2021 today match prediction: Rajasthan Royals earned a thumping seven-wicket win over CSK in their last game, chasing down the target of 190 runs with as many as 15 balls to spare. Despite missing a number of stars, RR youngsters have ensured the Samson-led side has punched above their weight in UAE. They seem favourites against a struggling Mumbai Indians side and should come out on top on Tuesday.

RR vs MI, IPL 2021 prediction today: Who will win Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians match?

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's struggles with the willow have been left exposed once again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, is enduring a second successive rough patch as he continues to lead CSK.</p>

<p>The 40-year-old played a scrappy knock in his side's clash against Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Monday.&nbsp;Dhoni came out to bat at number six when CSK were reeling at 62/4 inside nine overs after Robin Uthappa's departure. While he combined with Ambati Rayudu to arrest the collapse, the CSK captain failed to accelerate and played an abysmal knock of 18 runs off 27 balls.</p>

<p>Dhoni was once again criticised by many for his poor show with the bat. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming came out in defence of the skipper and pointed out that he was not the only batsman who struggled to score runs on the slow surface in Dubai.</p>

<p>Fleming pointed out the fact that even Delhi Capitals' batsmen struggled and could chase down the target of 137 runs with only three wickets and three balls to spare.</p>

<p>"Well, he (Dhoni) wasn't the only one who struggled," CSK head coach Fleming said at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/undoubtedly-indias-best-test-batsman-ms-dhoni-gets-mercilessly-trolled-after-uninspiring-27-ball-18-during-csk-vs-dc-clash-418234">'Undoubtedly, India's best Test batsman' - Dhoni gets mercilessly trolled after uninspiring 27-ball 18 vs DC&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>"It was a difficult day for strokeplay. When 137 (136) is almost enough, I think it was a tough wicket to score big on in terms of the big shots. So both teams struggled with that towards the end of the innings. Sometimes you set your sights too high, [want] too many, and probably we were only 10-15 runs short of having a match-winning score," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-qualification-scenario-explained-can-mumbai-indians-punjab-kings-still-qualify-418113">IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify?</a></p>

<p>While Dhoni scored 18 off 27 balls, it was Rayudu's unbeaten 55 off 43 deliveries which helped CSK post a respectable total of 136 runs on the board. DC too struggled in the run-chase and were left reeling on 98/5 at one stage before Shimron Hetmyer slammed 28 not-out and combined with the tail-enders to help them secure a three-wicket win and go on top of the points table.</p>

<p>Fleming countered the 'lack of intent' criticism for Dhoni and said there was no lack of intent from the CSK skipper while crediting Delhi Capitals' bowlers for their impressive show in the death overs.</p>

<p>"So, the difficulty at the moment is to assess what the conditions are in all three different grounds and, batting first, getting a score that is par or just above. It was no lack of intent, it was just we had to stabilise after a couple of mistakes and then we were reasonably well-placed for 150. The other thing was their attack bowled very well in the last five overs. They were very smart, so it was tough going," said the CSK head coach.</p>

<p>CSK are now second on the points table with 18 points from 13 matches while DC are on the top with 20 points from as many matches.</p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's struggles with the willow have been left exposed once again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, is enduring a second successive rough patch as he continues to lead CSK.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's struggles with the willow have been left exposed once again in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, is enduring a second successive rough patch as he continues to lead CSK. The 40-year-old played a scrappy knock in his side's clash against Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Monday. Dhoni came out to bat at number six when CSK were reeling at 62/4 inside nine overs after Robin Uthappa's departure. While he combined with Ambati Rayudu to arrest the collapse, the CSK captain failed to accelerate and played an abysmal knock of 18 runs off 27 balls. Dhoni was once again criticised by many for his poor show with the bat. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming came out in defence of the skipper and pointed out that he was not the only batsman who struggled to score runs on the slow surface in Dubai. Fleming pointed out the fact that even Delhi Capitals' batsmen struggled and could chase down the target of 137 runs with only three wickets and three balls to spare. "Well, he (Dhoni) wasn't the only one who struggled," CSK head coach Fleming said at the post-match press conference. Also Read: 'Undoubtedly, India's best Test batsman' - Dhoni gets mercilessly trolled after uninspiring 27-ball 18 vs DC "It was a difficult day for strokeplay. When 137 (136) is almost enough, I think it was a tough wicket to score big on in terms of the big shots. So both teams struggled with that towards the end of the innings. Sometimes you set your sights too high, [want] too many, and probably we were only 10-15 runs short of having a match-winning score," he added. Also Read: IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify? While Dhoni scored 18 off 27 balls, it was Rayudu's unbeaten 55 off 43 deliveries which helped CSK post a respectable total of 136 runs on the board. DC too struggled in the run-chase and were left reeling on 98/5 at one stage before Shimron Hetmyer slammed 28 not-out and combined with the tail-enders to help them secure a three-wicket win and go on top of the points table. Fleming countered the 'lack of intent' criticism for Dhoni and said there was no lack of intent from the CSK skipper while crediting Delhi Capitals' bowlers for their impressive show in the death overs. "So, the difficulty at the moment is to assess what the conditions are in all three different grounds and, batting first, getting a score that is par or just above. It was no lack of intent, it was just we had to stabilise after a couple of mistakes and then we were reasonably well-placed for 150. The other thing was their attack bowled very well in the last five overs. They were very smart, so it was tough going," said the CSK head coach. CSK are now second on the points table with 18 points from 13 matches while DC are on the top with 20 points from as many matches.

MS Dhoni wasn't the only one who struggled: Stephen Fleming defends CSK skipper after poor show against DC

<p>Delhi Capitals moved to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table after securing a three-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. The Delhi Capitals bowlers restricted Chennai Super Kings to 136/5 in their 20 overs before the Delhi batsmen wrapped up the chase in 19.4 overs.</p>

<p>Middle-order batsman Ripal Patel, who made his IPL debut against the Chennai Super Kings, was thrilled about the fact that MS Dhoni saw him bat from behind the stumps.</p>

<p>"It was a different feeling altogether to see Mahi bhai behind the stumps when I took guard. It felt really good that Mahi bhai was watching me play. I started playing cricket watching Mahi bhai and I am looking to become a finisher like him. After the game, I asked him how he finishes every match, how he thinks on the field and what goes on in his mind while chasing a score. We had a good chat and he gave me a lot of confidence," said Ripal in an official DC release.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-qualification-scenario-explained-can-mumbai-indians-punjab-kings-still-qualify-418113">&nbsp;IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked about his emotions when he received the Delhi Capitals cap before the game, he said: "I was really happy when I received my cap from Mishy bhai.</p>

<p>It didn't feel like it was my first match. I felt really good going into the match. I just looked to back myself and enjoy every part of the game.</p>

<p>"The 26-year-old, who scored 18 runs off 20 balls in the match, said that he looked to take his time at the crease, "When I went into bat (at 71/3), we needed to score at a run-a-ball pace. I aimed to finish the match for the team. Shikhar bhai told me to take my time at the crease, so I took my time and enjoyed my batting.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-ipl-teams-likely-to-be-sold-for-inr-30-35-billion-mega-auction-can-take-place-in-december-punjab-kings-co-owner-418333">New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner</a></strong></p>

<p>"Ripal also enjoyed watching Kagiso Rabada finish the match with a boundary in the last over.</p>

<p>"It was very important for us to win the match. It was a crunch situation when we needed 2 runs from 3 balls. We were looking for a couple of runs and it was great to see Rabada hit a boundary. I was disappointed that I didn`t finish the match, but it was great that the team won the match and reached 20 points," he said.</p>


Delhi Capitals moved to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table after securing a three-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Delhi Capitals moved to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table after securing a three-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. The Delhi Capitals bowlers restricted Chennai Super Kings to 136/5 in their 20 overs before the Delhi batsmen wrapped up the chase in 19.4 overs. Middle-order batsman Ripal Patel, who made his IPL debut against the Chennai Super Kings, was thrilled about the fact that MS Dhoni saw him bat from behind the stumps. "It was a different feeling altogether to see Mahi bhai behind the stumps when I took guard. It felt really good that Mahi bhai was watching me play. I started playing cricket watching Mahi bhai and I am looking to become a finisher like him. After the game, I asked him how he finishes every match, how he thinks on the field and what goes on in his mind while chasing a score. We had a good chat and he gave me a lot of confidence," said Ripal in an official DC release. Also Read: IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify When asked about his emotions when he received the Delhi Capitals cap before the game, he said: "I was really happy when I received my cap from Mishy bhai. It didn't feel like it was my first match. I felt really good going into the match. I just looked to back myself and enjoy every part of the game. "The 26-year-old, who scored 18 runs off 20 balls in the match, said that he looked to take his time at the crease, "When I went into bat (at 71/3), we needed to score at a run-a-ball pace. I aimed to finish the match for the team. Shikhar bhai told me to take my time at the crease, so I took my time and enjoyed my batting. Also Read: New IPL teams likely to be sold for INR 30-35 billion, mega auction can take place in December: Punjab Kings co-owner "Ripal also enjoyed watching Kagiso Rabada finish the match with a boundary in the last over. "It was very important for us to win the match. It was a crunch situation when we needed 2 runs from 3 balls. We were looking for a couple of runs and it was great to see Rabada hit a boundary. I was disappointed that I didn`t finish the match, but it was great that the team won the match and reached 20 points," he said.

IPL 2021: Had a good chat with MS Dhoni, he gave me lot of confidence, says DC batter Ripal Patel

<p>Pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Neesham spit fire in their fascinating spells on a slow wicket as Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in their crucial Indian Premier League match here on Tuesday.</p>

<p>MI restricted Royals to a below-par 90 for nine and chased down the target with 11.4 overs to spare. Coulter-Nile (4/14) took four wickets while Neesham (3/12) scalped three batsmen.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/august-15-again-ms-dhoni-drops-a-bomb-on-his-ipl-future-says-you-can-bid-me-farewell-in-chennai-418461">August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai</a></strong></p>

<p>Opener Evin Lewis scored 24 while David Miller was the next best for the Royals with 15 runs in his kitty for Royals.<br />
Ishan Kishan (50 not out) and Hardik Pandya (5) took the side past the finish line after Rohit Sharma (22) and Suryakumar Yadav's (13) early dismissal in MI's chase.</p>

<p><strong>Brief Scores:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Rajasthan Royals:</strong> 90 for 9 in 20 overs. (E Lewis 24, D Miller 15; N Coulter-Nile 4/14, J Neesham 3/12).</p>

<p><strong>Mumbai Indians:</strong> 94 for 2 in 8.2 overs. (I Kishan 50 not out, R Sharma 22; M Rahman 1/32).</p>


Pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Neesham spit fire in their fascinating spells on a slow wicket as Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in their crucial Indian Premier League match here on Tuesday.

Pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Neesham spit fire in their fascinating spells on a slow wicket as Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in their crucial Indian Premier League match here on Tuesday. MI restricted Royals to a below-par 90 for nine and chased down the target with 11.4 overs to spare. Coulter-Nile (4/14) took four wickets while Neesham (3/12) scalped three batsmen. Also Read: August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai Opener Evin Lewis scored 24 while David Miller was the next best for the Royals with 15 runs in his kitty for Royals. Ishan Kishan (50 not out) and Hardik Pandya (5) took the side past the finish line after Rohit Sharma (22) and Suryakumar Yadav's (13) early dismissal in MI's chase. Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals: 90 for 9 in 20 overs. (E Lewis 24, D Miller 15; N Coulter-Nile 4/14, J Neesham 3/12). Mumbai Indians: 94 for 2 in 8.2 overs. (I Kishan 50 not out, R Sharma 22; M Rahman 1/32).

IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets to keep playoffs hopes alive

<p>Match 51 of the IPL 2021 edition will see two struggling sides in the form of defending champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the one-time winners Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday evening (October 05). For the unversed, both sides remain alive in the playoffs race but are closer to the elimination door as their chances remain slim as ever.</p>

<p>For MI, they need to win their remaining two encounters -- versus RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) -- to improve their net run-rate and also hope for RR to do them a favour by beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are most likely to walk into the playoffs as the fourth-ranked side. On the other hand, RR need to win both their games at any cost -- versus MI and KKR. If they lose any of the two games, they will have to depend upon other results to sneak into the last four.</p>

<p>As RR have competed very well versus MI and currently occupy a spot above the seventh-ranked Rohit &amp; Co., they will take some confidence before heading into the tie. However, their inconsistency will be put to test. It seems likely that viewers will witness a very close match as the playoffs race continues to remain complex.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-qualification-scenario-explained-can-mumbai-indians-punjab-kings-still-qualify-418113">IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians<strong>&nbsp;</strong>will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.</p>

<p><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians begin?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai<strong> </strong>Indians begins at 7:30 PM IST on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rofl-mi-skipper-rohit-sharma-hilariously-pulls-off-a-prank-on-wife-ritika-sajdeh-418187">Watch: ROFL! MI skipper Rohit Sharma hilariously pulls off a prank on wife Ritika Sajdeh</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.</p>


Match 51 of the IPL 2021 edition will see two struggling sides in the form of defending champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the one-time winners Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday evening (October 05).

Match 51 of the IPL 2021 edition will see two struggling sides in the form of defending champions Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) face the one-time winners Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday evening (October 05). For the unversed, both sides remain alive in the playoffs race but are closer to the elimination door as their chances remain slim as ever. For MI, they need to win their remaining two encounters -- versus RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) -- to improve their net run-rate and also hope for RR to do them a favour by beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are most likely to walk into the playoffs as the fourth-ranked side. On the other hand, RR need to win both their games at any cost -- versus MI and KKR. If they lose any of the two games, they will have to depend upon other results to sneak into the last four. As RR have competed very well versus MI and currently occupy a spot above the seventh-ranked Rohit & Co., they will take some confidence before heading into the tie. However, their inconsistency will be put to test. It seems likely that viewers will witness a very close match as the playoffs race continues to remain complex. ALSO READ | IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenario explained: Can Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings still qualify? Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians begin? The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians begins at 7:30 PM IST on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Watch: ROFL! MI skipper Rohit Sharma hilariously pulls off a prank on wife Ritika Sajdeh Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians? The IPL 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, RR vs MI, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians?

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future. On Tuesday (October 5), the 40-year-old CSK legend stated that his ardent fans will get to bid him farewell as the superstar Indian cricketer plans to play his last IPL game in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When it comes to farewell, you can still come and se play me for CSK and that can be my farewell game. So, you will still get that opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, we will come to see Chennai and play my last game over there and we can meet fans there," Dhoni said while interacting with fans during the 75th year celebrations of India Cements.</p>

<p>The CSK wicketkeeper-batsman also opened up on why he chose India's landmark date, i.e. August 15, to call it quits from international cricket in 2020. In this regard, he stated, "It can't be a better day than that, 15th of August."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-ms-dhoni-led-csk-win-ipl-2021-with-a-fragile-middle-order-brad-hogg-answers-fans-query-418440">Will MS Dhoni-led CSK win IPL 2021 with a fragile middle-order? Brad Hogg answers fan's query</a></strong></p>

<p>Dhoni is currently leading the three-time champions CSK in the IPL 2021 second and final leg, in the UAE. For the unversed, the Yellow Army have already qualified for the playoffs -- after a disastrous campaign in IPL 2020 -- and will hope to pull off a top-two finish with a win in their last group stage encounter, versus Punjab Kings (PBKS).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-is-unfair-to-aakash-chopra-comes-in-support-of-under-fire-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-after-poor-outing-vs-dc-418408"><strong>'It is unfair to......' - Aakash Chopra comes in support of under-fire CSK skipper MS Dhoni after poor outing vs DC</strong></a></p>

<p>Dhoni will be eager to return back to his second-home, i.e. Chennai, and sign off in yellow jersey&nbsp;on a high at the iconic M. Chidambaram Stadium in IPL 2022. He hasn't got a chance to represent CSK on their home ground after IPL 2019. IPL 2020 was held entirely in the UAE whereas the first leg of IPL 14 saw CSK play all their games outside Chennai before the final leg once again moved to the UAE.</p>

<p>Dhoni has amassed 4,716 runs in the IPL -- playing for CSK in every season barring the 2016 and 2017 editions, respectively -- and also has a total of 163 dismissals behind the stumps.</p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future. On Tuesday (October 5), the 40-year-old CSK legend stated that his ardent fans will get to bid him farewell as the superstar Indian cricketer plans to play his last IPL game in Chennai.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has dropped a bomb regarding his IPL future. On Tuesday (October 5), the 40-year-old CSK legend stated that his ardent fans will get to bid him farewell as the superstar Indian cricketer plans to play his last IPL game in Chennai. "When it comes to farewell, you can still come and se play me for CSK and that can be my farewell game. So, you will still get that opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, we will come to see Chennai and play my last game over there and we can meet fans there," Dhoni said while interacting with fans during the 75th year celebrations of India Cements. The CSK wicketkeeper-batsman also opened up on why he chose India's landmark date, i.e. August 15, to call it quits from international cricket in 2020. In this regard, he stated, "It can't be a better day than that, 15th of August." ALSO READ | Will MS Dhoni-led CSK win IPL 2021 with a fragile middle-order? Brad Hogg answers fan's query Dhoni is currently leading the three-time champions CSK in the IPL 2021 second and final leg, in the UAE. For the unversed, the Yellow Army have already qualified for the playoffs -- after a disastrous campaign in IPL 2020 -- and will hope to pull off a top-two finish with a win in their last group stage encounter, versus Punjab Kings (PBKS). ALSO READ | 'It is unfair to......' - Aakash Chopra comes in support of under-fire CSK skipper MS Dhoni after poor outing vs DC Dhoni will be eager to return back to his second-home, i.e. Chennai, and sign off in yellow jersey on a high at the iconic M. Chidambaram Stadium in IPL 2022. He hasn't got a chance to represent CSK on their home ground after IPL 2019. IPL 2020 was held entirely in the UAE whereas the first leg of IPL 14 saw CSK play all their games outside Chennai before the final leg once again moved to the UAE. Dhoni has amassed 4,716 runs in the IPL -- playing for CSK in every season barring the 2016 and 2017 editions, respectively -- and also has a total of 163 dismissals behind the stumps.

August 15 again? MS Dhoni drops a bomb on his IPL future, says you can bid me farewell in Chennai

<p>The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have qualified for the playoffs in IPL 2021. In fact, the three-time champions became the first team to proceed to the last four. However, they are still not confirmed of a top-two finish. On Monday (October 4), Dhoni &amp; Co. locked horns with Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) and had a chance to confirm a slot in the top-two with a win, however, they lost the clash by 3 wickets.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, CSK were off to a good start but were soon reduced to 62-4. From thereon, they struggled to get going -- mainly due to Dhoni's uninspiring 27-ball 18 -- as they managed only a modest 136-5 riding on Ambati Rayudu's 55 not out. In response, DC made it tough&nbsp;for themselves but finished the chase in the final over with 3 wickets to spare.</p>

<p>Following CSK's performance, where their under-performing middle-order were once again exposed, a fan asked former Aussie spin wizard Brad Hogg, on Twitter, if Chennai will be able to win their fourth championship with such a fragile and vulnerable middle-order.</p>

<p>To this, Hogg replied saying, "I'm backing a #DCvCSK final."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-ravindra-jadeja-gautam-gambhir-picks-ms-dhoni-led-csks-standout-player-since-their-ipl-return-in-2018-418383"><strong>Not Ravindra Jadeja! Gautam Gambhir picks MS Dhoni-led CSK's standout player since their IPL return in 2018</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm backing a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvCSK</a> final. <a href="https://t.co/ARLuR1YLST">https://t.co/ARLuR1YLST</a></p>
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brad_Hogg/status/1445255885526224905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-ziva-dhoni-breaks-the-internet-as-she-prays-for-csk-sitting-on-sakshis-lap-during-dc-face-off-418348"><strong>IPL 2021: Ziva Dhoni breaks the internet as she prays for CSK, sitting on Sakshi's lap, during DC face-off</strong></a></p>

<p>Chennai will now lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their remaining group stage encounter. They will hope to end their two-match losing streak and enter the playoffs as the top-two ranked sides, along with DC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni &amp; Co. will also hope for their middle-order to finally stand tall and perform in the final round of the IPL 14 edition.</p>


The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have qualified for the playoffs in IPL 2021. In fact, the three-time champions became the first team to proceed to the last four.

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have qualified for the playoffs in IPL 2021. In fact, the three-time champions became the first team to proceed to the last four. However, they are still not confirmed of a top-two finish. On Monday (October 4), Dhoni & Co. locked horns with Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) and had a chance to confirm a slot in the top-two with a win, however, they lost the clash by 3 wickets. Being asked to bat first, CSK were off to a good start but were soon reduced to 62-4. From thereon, they struggled to get going -- mainly due to Dhoni's uninspiring 27-ball 18 -- as they managed only a modest 136-5 riding on Ambati Rayudu's 55 not out. In response, DC made it tough for themselves but finished the chase in the final over with 3 wickets to spare. Following CSK's performance, where their under-performing middle-order were once again exposed, a fan asked former Aussie spin wizard Brad Hogg, on Twitter, if Chennai will be able to win their fourth championship with such a fragile and vulnerable middle-order. To this, Hogg replied saying, "I'm backing a #DCvCSK final." ALSO READ | Not Ravindra Jadeja! Gautam Gambhir picks MS Dhoni-led CSK's standout player since their IPL return in 2018 I'm backing a #DCvCSK final. https://t.co/ARLuR1YLST — Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 5, 2021 × ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Ziva Dhoni breaks the internet as she prays for CSK, sitting on Sakshi's lap, during DC face-off Chennai will now lock horns with the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their remaining group stage encounter. They will hope to end their two-match losing streak and enter the playoffs as the top-two ranked sides, along with DC. Dhoni & Co. will also hope for their middle-order to finally stand tall and perform in the final round of the IPL 14 edition.

Will MS Dhoni-led CSK win IPL 2021 with a fragile middle-order? Brad Hogg answers fan's query

<p>It's a dream for thousands of young and budding cricketers across the country to get a chance to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). One of the best T20 leagues in the world, IPL has over the years provided the stage for several youngsters to rub shoulders with the best in the business and make a name for themselves.</p>

<p>IPL 2021 has been no different as a number of youngsters have been impressing with their performances in the league. The latest youngster to catch the attention of many was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik, who made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday.</p>

<p>It was an excellent debut for Malik, who impressed with sheer pace and skills. He bowled consistently at a good pace and went on to clock&nbsp;151.03 kmph in his very first over to set the record for the fastest ball bowled by an Indian bowler so far this season.</p>

<p>Following his debut, Malik, who hails from Jammu &amp; Kashmir,recieved a special message&nbsp;from his family members. The 21-year-old was seen getting emotional as he watched the video message from his family members along with his SRH teammates after the game against KKR. SRH shared a video of the pacer's reaction on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When you make it to one of the biggest stages in Cricket, your family can be nothing but proud. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeOrNothing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeOrNothing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UmranMalik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UmranMalik</a> <a href="https://t.co/6NsH5CXbVz">pic.twitter.com/6NsH5CXbVz</a></p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1445301579154817024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The post recieved a lot of congratulatory messages from all corners. Former SRH captain and star batsman David Warner also dropped a comment for Malik and wrote, “So beautiful this awesome to see."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srh-pacer-umran-malik-a-product-of-tennis-ball-cricket-had-no-formal-coaching-in-initial-years-jk-captain-parvez-rasool-418353">SRH pacer Umran Malik a product of tennis-ball cricket, had no formal coaching in initial years: J&amp;K captain Parvez Rasool</a></p>

<p>England batsman Jonny Bairstow, who is also a part of the SRH squad but pulled out of the second leg of IPL 2021, also congratulated the 21-year-old Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler. “This is what it’s all about! huge congratulations,” he wrote.</p>

<p>Malik finished with figures of 0/27 in his four overs against KKR on his debut and bowled as many as 11 out of his 24 legal deliveries over 145 kmph to showcase his talent on the biggest stage. SRH are out of the race for playoffs but have two games remaining in the competition. Malik will be hopeful of picking up his maiden wicket in the IPL if he gets a chance in the next two games.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It's a dream for thousands of young and budding cricketers across the country to get a chance to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). One of the best T20 leagues in the world, IPL has over the years provided the stage for several youngsters to rub shoulders with the best in the business and make a name for themselves.

It's a dream for thousands of young and budding cricketers across the country to get a chance to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). One of the best T20 leagues in the world, IPL has over the years provided the stage for several youngsters to rub shoulders with the best in the business and make a name for themselves. IPL 2021 has been no different as a number of youngsters have been impressing with their performances in the league. The latest youngster to catch the attention of many was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik, who made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. It was an excellent debut for Malik, who impressed with sheer pace and skills. He bowled consistently at a good pace and went on to clock 151.03 kmph in his very first over to set the record for the fastest ball bowled by an Indian bowler so far this season. Following his debut, Malik, who hails from Jammu & Kashmir,recieved a special message from his family members. The 21-year-old was seen getting emotional as he watched the video message from his family members along with his SRH teammates after the game against KKR. SRH shared a video of the pacer's reaction on social media. Watch video: When you make it to one of the biggest stages in Cricket, your family can be nothing but proud. #OrangeArmy #OrangeOrNothing #IPL2021 #UmranMalik pic.twitter.com/6NsH5CXbVz — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) October 5, 2021 × The post recieved a lot of congratulatory messages from all corners. Former SRH captain and star batsman David Warner also dropped a comment for Malik and wrote, “So beautiful this awesome to see." Also Read: SRH pacer Umran Malik a product of tennis-ball cricket, had no formal coaching in initial years: J&K captain Parvez Rasool England batsman Jonny Bairstow, who is also a part of the SRH squad but pulled out of the second leg of IPL 2021, also congratulated the 21-year-old Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler. “This is what it’s all about! huge congratulations,” he wrote. Malik finished with figures of 0/27 in his four overs against KKR on his debut and bowled as many as 11 out of his 24 legal deliveries over 145 kmph to showcase his talent on the biggest stage. SRH are out of the race for playoffs but have two games remaining in the competition. Malik will be hopeful of picking up his maiden wicket in the IPL if he gets a chance in the next two games.

[VIDEO] SRH pacer Umran Malik gets emotional as family members send special message for him after impressive IPL debut

ipl-2021

Ipl 2021, News on Ipl 2021, stories on Ipl 2021, articles on Ipl 2021, Ipl 2021 stories at Wion, Ipl 2021 news, Ipl 2021 latest news

ipl 2021