<p>Bangalore eked out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-211863">10-run win over Kolkata</a> for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Needing 113 runs off the last six overs, Russell (65 off 25) and Rana (85 not out off 46) almost got their team over the line but Moeen Ali managed to defend 24 in the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tense climax came after Virat Kohli smashed 100 off 58 balls for his fifth century in the IPL and first this season. Bangalore hammered 91 runs off the last five overs to reach 213 for four, their highest total this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ali's 66 off 28 while batting alongside Kohli also proved crucial for Bangalore's cause as they finally managed to defend.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohlis-hilarious-reaction-after-avoiding-mankad-run-out-against-kolkata-211920">Virat Kohli's hilarious reaction after avoiding 'Mankad' run out against Kolkata</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The win keeps Bangalore mathematically alive in the tournament while Kolkata suffered their fourth loss in as many games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a Kohli special, it was the turn of swing king Dale Steyn to land some body blows on the opposition. Playing his first game of the season after having come in as a replacement, the South African great removed Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill to leave Kolkata reeling at 33 for three in five overs.</p>

<p>Russell tried his best to pull off another improbable chase for Kolkata in the company of Nitish Rana but this time it wasn't to be.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, it was Ali who gave the much-needed oxygen to their innings, smashing six sixes and five fours to seize momentum after a slow start. Kohli and Ali shared 90 runs off 43 balls and there was no looking back after Ali's assault.</p>

<p>The match swung in the 16th over when Kuldeep Yadav bled 27 runs with Ali going berserk, smashing the star India spinner for three sixes and two boundaries. The chinaman ended with figures of 1/59 in four overs.</p>

<p>Kohli, who scored his first 50 off 40 balls, changed gears in the second half of his innings. Such was his domination that Kohli took just 17 balls for his second fifty.</p>

<p>Put in, Bangalore got off to an ordinary start and the absence of AB de Villiers, who was indisposed following dehydration, was felt very much.</p>

<p>Kohli mistimed the ball with a couple of inside-edges to the boundary, while his left-handed opening parter Parthiv Patel (11 off 11) had a hit-and-miss stay before falling to Sunil Narine inside the powerplay.&nbsp;</p>


Bangalore eked out a 10-run win over Kolkata for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday.

Bangalore eked out a 10-run win over Kolkata for only their second success of the season after Andre Russell and Nitish Rana nearly pulled off the impossible in the Indian Premier League on Friday. Needing 113 runs off the last six overs, Russell (65 off 25) and Rana (85 not out off 46) almost got their team over the line but Moeen Ali managed to defend 24 in the final over. The tense climax came after Virat Kohli smashed 100 off 58 balls for his fifth century in the IPL and first this season. Bangalore hammered 91 runs off the last five overs to reach 213 for four, their highest total this year. Ali's 66 off 28 while batting alongside Kohli also proved crucial for Bangalore's cause as they finally managed to defend. Watch: Virat Kohli's hilarious reaction after avoiding 'Mankad' run out against Kolkata The win keeps Bangalore mathematically alive in the tournament while Kolkata suffered their fourth loss in as many games. Following a Kohli special, it was the turn of swing king Dale Steyn to land some body blows on the opposition. Playing his first game of the season after having come in as a replacement, the South African great removed Chris Lynn and Shubman Gill to leave Kolkata reeling at 33 for three in five overs. Russell tried his best to pull off another improbable chase for Kolkata in the company of Nitish Rana but this time it wasn't to be. Earlier, it was Ali who gave the much-needed oxygen to their innings, smashing six sixes and five fours to seize momentum after a slow start. Kohli and Ali shared 90 runs off 43 balls and there was no looking back after Ali's assault. The match swung in the 16th over when Kuldeep Yadav bled 27 runs with Ali going berserk, smashing the star India spinner for three sixes and two boundaries. The chinaman ended with figures of 1/59 in four overs. Kohli, who scored his first 50 off 40 balls, changed gears in the second half of his innings. Such was his domination that Kohli took just 17 balls for his second fifty. Put in, Bangalore got off to an ordinary start and the absence of AB de Villiers, who was indisposed following dehydration, was felt very much. Kohli mistimed the ball with a couple of inside-edges to the boundary, while his left-handed opening parter Parthiv Patel (11 off 11) had a hit-and-miss stay before falling to Sunil Narine inside the powerplay.

IPL 2019: Bangalore mathematically alive in tournament after defeating Kolkata by 10 runs

<p>Describing their narrow loss to Bangalore as a sweet and sour feeling, Kolkata's&nbsp;impact player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=andre+russell">Andre Russell</a> has questioned his team's decision to send him lower down the order.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Chasing an imposing 214, Kolkata&nbsp;did not have the perfect start with 33/3 inside five overs and Robin Uthappa further complicated the equation consuming 20 deliveries for his nine runs.</p>

<p>So when Russell came into bat, 135 runs were needed off 49 balls but the West Indies big-hitter kept them in the hunt right till the last over, smashing nine sixes and two fours in a 25-ball 65.</p>

<p>"To lose by 10 runs, it's just two hits away. In the middle period, if we scored a bit faster we would definitely get the runs with even balls the spare," a disappointed Russell said at the post-match news conference.</p>

<p>Nitish Rana (85 not out off 46 balls) also plundered a barrage of boundaries in the death overs but it was too much in the end as Kolkata&nbsp;suffered their fourth defeat on the trot.</p>

<p>"Well batted to Nitish, but this is something that we definitely are disappointed and that's why I have a sweet-and-sour feeling."</p>

<p>Asked whether he should have batted at No 4, Russell made a 'no-comment' gesture putting his finger on the lips but went on to explain that the team should have been "more flexible".</p>

<p>"I believe that (I should have batted at No 4)... Honestly, I think sometimes you have to flexible as a team. Looking at the make-up of our team, I would not mind going to bat at No 4, when I am at the crease, Virat Kohli is going to bowl his best bowlers to get me out. And those best bowlers will have less overs remaining in the back end", he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So even if I score 60 off 25 balls, and give the team that the early pump then bowlers like Dale Steyn will have only one over left at the death, or they may bowl out..." he said.</p>

<p>"I think me going to bat early would definitely be a good thing for Kolkata. But with our make-up of the team, that's a good answer," Russell, who has scripted some near-possible wins for his team this season, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing Bangalore's 206 in the first leg, Kolkata needed 53 runs off last three overs but <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/twitterati-compare-andre-russell-to-baahubali-thanos-and-more-see-pics-209254&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi9pNqH0N7hAhWr7XMBHbjpArg4KBAWCAUwAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zIjzW8jJPT77UzyPvlUSU">Russell's assault had ensured that they won by five balls to spare.</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>An identical scenario was seen in their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad where too Russell's blitzkrieg had sealed the issue for KKR.</p>

<p>"One over can make a big difference in T20 cricket. The momentum that we have in the last partnership between myself and Nitish, I hope that we can actually learn from this and how we can give the guys the belief that it doesn't matter if we are chasing 220, we still can do it."</p>

<p>The Russell-Rana partnership was worth 118 runs off just 48 balls and the Jamaican said they were feeling positive in the middle.</p>

<p>"When I went to bat, Nitish came to me and said what I think. I said 'I bat one way -- and it's positive'.</p>

<p>So if the first ball is in my court, I don't need to see what's happening. So to go out and chase 14-15 an over is not the best way you want to start as a batsman but I'm used to those conditions and situation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, said that they should have restricted the Virat Kohli-led side&nbsp;for less than 200.</p>

<p>The Windies cricketer has been in blazing form and is the leading six-hitter of this season with 39 to his credit. He also sits fourth in the run-getters tally with 377 runs at an average of 75.40 with an astonishing strike rate of 220.46.</p>

<p>The secret to his top form is going with a clear mindset, Russell said.</p>

<p>"I'm not afraid to get out. I mean, this is cricket, it won't be the first or the last. So a clear mindset has allowed me to do what I'm doing now."</p>


Describing their narrow loss to Bangalore as a sweet and sour feeling, Kolkata's impact player Andre Russell has questioned his team's decision to send him lower down the order.

Describing their narrow loss to Bangalore as a sweet and sour feeling, Kolkata's impact player Andre Russell has questioned his team's decision to send him lower down the order. Chasing an imposing 214, Kolkata did not have the perfect start with 33/3 inside five overs and Robin Uthappa further complicated the equation consuming 20 deliveries for his nine runs. So when Russell came into bat, 135 runs were needed off 49 balls but the West Indies big-hitter kept them in the hunt right till the last over, smashing nine sixes and two fours in a 25-ball 65. "To lose by 10 runs, it's just two hits away. In the middle period, if we scored a bit faster we would definitely get the runs with even balls the spare," a disappointed Russell said at the post-match news conference. Nitish Rana (85 not out off 46 balls) also plundered a barrage of boundaries in the death overs but it was too much in the end as Kolkata suffered their fourth defeat on the trot. "Well batted to Nitish, but this is something that we definitely are disappointed and that's why I have a sweet-and-sour feeling." Asked whether he should have batted at No 4, Russell made a 'no-comment' gesture putting his finger on the lips but went on to explain that the team should have been "more flexible". "I believe that (I should have batted at No 4)... Honestly, I think sometimes you have to flexible as a team. Looking at the make-up of our team, I would not mind going to bat at No 4, when I am at the crease, Virat Kohli is going to bowl his best bowlers to get me out. And those best bowlers will have less overs remaining in the back end", he said. "So even if I score 60 off 25 balls, and give the team that the early pump then bowlers like Dale Steyn will have only one over left at the death, or they may bowl out..." he said. "I think me going to bat early would definitely be a good thing for Kolkata. But with our make-up of the team, that's a good answer," Russell, who has scripted some near-possible wins for his team this season, said. Chasing Bangalore's 206 in the first leg, Kolkata needed 53 runs off last three overs but Russell's assault had ensured that they won by five balls to spare. An identical scenario was seen in their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad where too Russell's blitzkrieg had sealed the issue for KKR. "One over can make a big difference in T20 cricket. The momentum that we have in the last partnership between myself and Nitish, I hope that we can actually learn from this and how we can give the guys the belief that it doesn't matter if we are chasing 220, we still can do it." The Russell-Rana partnership was worth 118 runs off just 48 balls and the Jamaican said they were feeling positive in the middle. "When I went to bat, Nitish came to me and said what I think. I said 'I bat one way -- and it's positive'. So if the first ball is in my court, I don't need to see what's happening. So to go out and chase 14-15 an over is not the best way you want to start as a batsman but I'm used to those conditions and situation." He, however, said that they should have restricted the Virat Kohli-led side for less than 200. The Windies cricketer has been in blazing form and is the leading six-hitter of this season with 39 to his credit. He also sits fourth in the run-getters tally with 377 runs at an average of 75.40 with an astonishing strike rate of 220.46. The secret to his top form is going with a clear mindset, Russell said. "I'm not afraid to get out. I mean, this is cricket, it won't be the first or the last. So a clear mindset has allowed me to do what I'm doing now."

Russell upset, questions Kolkata decision to send him lower down the order

<p>Cricketer Manoj Tiwary has taken a dig at Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik for promoting himself ahead of Shubman Gill in the batting line up in an Indian Premier League 2019 against Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Narine's absence, Shubman Gill was promoted to open the innings and the 19-year-old talented youngster responded with a 39-ball 65 in the previous match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in Sunday's match against Chennai that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-imran-tahir-suresh-raina-ensure-easy-win-for-chennai-against-kolkata-210382">Kolkata lost by five wickets</a>, Gill came to bat at number seven and scored 15 runs before losing his wicket to Shardul Thakur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik came to bat at number five after Chris Lynn's wicket and scored 18 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiwary posted a series of tweets to question Karthik's decision and asked that "is ShubmanGill playing dis match?"</p>

<p>Tiwary, who had scored the winning runs for the franchise in 2012 in their maiden IPL title victory also said, "Oh now I understand tomorrow is d World Cup selection... Who says it’s a team game?? Sometimes it's quite obvious to d eyes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiwary further wrote, "Wen someone has played a classy innings of 65 runs in d previous game, than I as a cricket fan want that player to play higher up d order especially wen d team has lost a game."</p>

<p>He added, "It's about providing d platform 4 our domestic players to bat higher order ahead of overseas players."</p>

<p>"It's not about who has batted Wher last season or who has been batting at wat position, it's about utilising current form nd touch of a player especially wen ur team has lost a game."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Decision making has to be correct or else results won’t go in ur favour."</p>


Cricketer Manoj Tiwary has taken a dig at Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik for promoting himself ahead of Shubman Gill in the batting line up in an Indian Premier League 2019 against Chennai.

Cricketer Manoj Tiwary has taken a dig at Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik for promoting himself ahead of Shubman Gill in the batting line up in an Indian Premier League 2019 against Chennai. In Narine's absence, Shubman Gill was promoted to open the innings and the 19-year-old talented youngster responded with a 39-ball 65 in the previous match. But in Sunday's match against Chennai that Kolkata lost by five wickets, Gill came to bat at number seven and scored 15 runs before losing his wicket to Shardul Thakur. Dinesh Karthik came to bat at number five after Chris Lynn's wicket and scored 18 runs. Tiwary posted a series of tweets to question Karthik's decision and asked that "is ShubmanGill playing dis match?" Tiwary, who had scored the winning runs for the franchise in 2012 in their maiden IPL title victory also said, "Oh now I understand tomorrow is d World Cup selection... Who says it’s a team game?? Sometimes it's quite obvious to d eyes." Tiwary further wrote, "Wen someone has played a classy innings of 65 runs in d previous game, than I as a cricket fan want that player to play higher up d order especially wen d team has lost a game." He added, "It's about providing d platform 4 our domestic players to bat higher order ahead of overseas players." "It's not about who has batted Wher last season or who has been batting at wat position, it's about utilising current form nd touch of a player especially wen ur team has lost a game." "Decision making has to be correct or else results won’t go in ur favour."

Manoj Tiwary criticises Dinesh Karthik for promoting himself ahead of Shubman Gill

<p>Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).</p>


Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday. After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games. Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over. This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points. This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season. Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19. Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay. But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni. It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls. But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally. Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring. Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total. But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls. Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over. Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs. A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir. But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls. Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn. The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).

IPL 2019: Imran Tahir, Suresh Raina ensure easy win for Chennai against Kolkata

<p>Kagiso Rabada made a name for himself when he delivered consecutive six yorkers in the <a href="IPL 2019: Kagiso Rabada leads Delhi to Super Over win after Prithvi's 99">'Super Over' to restrict Kolkata's run-machine Andre Russell </a>and successfully defend mere 10 runs to hand Delhi a victory in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Rabada, who is the leading wicket-taker in this season so far, feels the team hasn't used him as a proper upfront bowler and rely more on his death bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked what strategy helped him scalp 11 wickets in six games, Rabada said, "Basically, in death, I feel like batsmen come at you more which gives you more chances of getting a wicket. However, in saying that, I also haven't been used really as an upfront bowler. Either I come first change or I come second change. And yes, batsmen are more conservatives."</p>

<p>Rabada made his debut in IPL in 2017 and had clinched just six wickets in the six games, while in this season he is the Purple Cap holder as of now.</p>

<p>Sharing how relieving it is for him as a bowler, Rabada said it feels good to contribute towards the team's success. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, as well as excited to come back. In my first season, I did just okay, or a bit more than okay I guess. I feel glad that I have contributed towards the team's success and I am working towards my personal growth and I am glad that it is heading the right direction."</p>

<p>Rabada's wicket tally isn't limited to dismissing just the lower batting order but it includes batsmen who are known for their destructive batting in the T20 format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, he has dismissed the likes of like Kolkata's hit machine Andre Russell, Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Hyderabad's in-form batsman David Warner.</p>

<p>When asked whose dismissal did he enjoy the most and will call his favourite, Rabada was quick to take the name of his South African teammate and Bangalore's AB de Villiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I guess, I always play with AB, so playing against him on a big stage and I got him out. He is the most talented batsmen I have ever bowled to.&nbsp;And when you are standing at the top of your mark, you know, you really need to be on your A game. So I think I enjoyed his wicket because growing up I always used to admire him and then playing alongside him was always great and now playing against him. You really have to test yourself and I was looking forward to it."</p>

<p>The South African cricketer added a pun to his statement saying De Villiers will surely gonna be coming after him.</p>

<p>Delhi are currently placed at the&nbsp;sixth position with three wins and three reverses. They need to win their next few games to reach the playoffs without much hassle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked what strategies have they planned for the upcoming encounters, Rabada said he believes in taking it game by game.</p>

<p>"I think taking it game by game and taking it one ball at a time is the best way to look at it, is the best way to approach it. And remember to have fun. And we need to learn and learn quickly how to go about the game in certain moments where we have felt we lacked because that is where we are going to put pressure on other teams and that's how we are going to win this tournament."</p>

<p>The side has been inconsistent with their performance. Though few batsmen like Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and skipper Shreyas Iyer have performed in individual games, the side lacked collective performance.&nbsp;</p>


Kagiso Rabada made a name for himself when he delivered consecutive six yorkers in the 'Super Over' to restrict Kolkata's run-machine Andre Russell and successfully defend mere 10 runs to hand Delhi a victory in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kagiso Rabada made a name for himself when he delivered consecutive six yorkers in the 'Super Over' to restrict Kolkata's run-machine Andre Russell and successfully defend mere 10 runs to hand Delhi a victory in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Rabada, who is the leading wicket-taker in this season so far, feels the team hasn't used him as a proper upfront bowler and rely more on his death bowling. When asked what strategy helped him scalp 11 wickets in six games, Rabada said, "Basically, in death, I feel like batsmen come at you more which gives you more chances of getting a wicket. However, in saying that, I also haven't been used really as an upfront bowler. Either I come first change or I come second change. And yes, batsmen are more conservatives." Rabada made his debut in IPL in 2017 and had clinched just six wickets in the six games, while in this season he is the Purple Cap holder as of now. Sharing how relieving it is for him as a bowler, Rabada said it feels good to contribute towards the team's success. "Yes, as well as excited to come back. In my first season, I did just okay, or a bit more than okay I guess. I feel glad that I have contributed towards the team's success and I am working towards my personal growth and I am glad that it is heading the right direction." Rabada's wicket tally isn't limited to dismissing just the lower batting order but it includes batsmen who are known for their destructive batting in the T20 format. So far, he has dismissed the likes of like Kolkata's hit machine Andre Russell, Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Hyderabad's in-form batsman David Warner. When asked whose dismissal did he enjoy the most and will call his favourite, Rabada was quick to take the name of his South African teammate and Bangalore's AB de Villiers. "I guess, I always play with AB, so playing against him on a big stage and I got him out. He is the most talented batsmen I have ever bowled to. And when you are standing at the top of your mark, you know, you really need to be on your A game. So I think I enjoyed his wicket because growing up I always used to admire him and then playing alongside him was always great and now playing against him. You really have to test yourself and I was looking forward to it." The South African cricketer added a pun to his statement saying De Villiers will surely gonna be coming after him. Delhi are currently placed at the sixth position with three wins and three reverses. They need to win their next few games to reach the playoffs without much hassle. When asked what strategies have they planned for the upcoming encounters, Rabada said he believes in taking it game by game. "I think taking it game by game and taking it one ball at a time is the best way to look at it, is the best way to approach it. And remember to have fun. And we need to learn and learn quickly how to go about the game in certain moments where we have felt we lacked because that is where we are going to put pressure on other teams and that's how we are going to win this tournament." The side has been inconsistent with their performance. Though few batsmen like Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and skipper Shreyas Iyer have performed in individual games, the side lacked collective performance.

Kagiso Rabada to WION: Delhi haven't 'used me' as an upfront bowler

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Deepak Chahar creates record for most dot balls in IPL

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

IPL 2019: It's Chennai's MS Dhoni vs Kolkata's Andre Russell

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Virat Kohli becomes leading run-getter in Indian Premier League

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

<p>Indian Premier League 2019 got its first controversy when Rajasthan opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wishy-washy-areas-in-mankading-law-need-to-be-addressed-jos-buttler-207934">Jos Buttler was 'Mankaded' by Punjab's R Ashwin during their campaign opener</a> in Jaipur.</p>

<p>Buttler's dismissal which went to the third umpire and was given out triggered a furore and left the cricket world divided.</p>

<p>While Buttler was furious over the incident, raising questions on Ashwin's cricketing spirit, the Punjab skipper termed it legal and within the rulebook of the International Cricket Council (ICC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION, the English cricketer termed the entire incident 'disappointing' and urged for a better-written law on 'Mankading'.</p>

<p>"Ya, I was obviously disappointed with the incident but now I understand that the laws of the game are there and that's fine and have no problem with that."</p>

<p>"But, I think the law could probably be written in a better way. Think there is a quote in it that says expected to release the ball and I'm sure that's quite a grey area. If you look back at it, I think I was probably in my ground when the ball was expected to be released."</p>

<p>Buttler, who has smashed two half-centuries in the league so far, stressed that cricketers should play to be a bigger role model for the young kids. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I understand why the law is there but the spirit of the cricket is important. I think we have to be bigger role models for young kids, but unfortunately, everyone will interpret what the spirit of cricket is. So it's another tough question to answer because we all will see the world differently and we all interpret the law differently and what the spirit of cricket is, so I think it could be clarified better the way the law is written."</p>

<p>In this season, Rajasthan were on a losing streak - having suffered defeats at the hands of Punjab, Hyderabad and Chennai - before finally defeating Bangalore to register their first win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked how special the win was Buttler said it was nothing but a 'big relief for the entire team'.</p>

<p>"It is a big relief to get our first win. We played some good cricket in stages in the previous games but haven't managed to put together a whole performance and get a win for the team. Guys are delighted to get that first win on the board and hopefully, we can now get on a roll."</p>

<p>Buttler is the most dependent batsmen of the Rajasthan as he stood up on two occasions when the side needed him the most. He, however, failed to turn it into a win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When questioned about his role in the team, said I just react to the conditions.</p>

<p>"The role changes a little bit depending on the situation of the game. The other night I was disappointed to get out and not be there till the end, so that's was something I tried to do and get the team over the line. And I think, you just have to react to the conditions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ajinkya Rahane led-team will next face Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.</p>

<p>When asked what plans the team has for this upcoming games, the 28-year-old said it is important to construct to climb the points table and get into the play-offs. &nbsp;</p>


Indian Premier League 2019 got its first controversy when Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was 'Mankaded' by Punjab's R Ashwin during their campaign opener in Jaipur.

Indian Premier League 2019 got its first controversy when Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was 'Mankaded' by Punjab's R Ashwin during their campaign opener in Jaipur. Buttler's dismissal which went to the third umpire and was given out triggered a furore and left the cricket world divided. While Buttler was furious over the incident, raising questions on Ashwin's cricketing spirit, the Punjab skipper termed it legal and within the rulebook of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Speaking exclusively to WION, the English cricketer termed the entire incident 'disappointing' and urged for a better-written law on 'Mankading'. "Ya, I was obviously disappointed with the incident but now I understand that the laws of the game are there and that's fine and have no problem with that." "But, I think the law could probably be written in a better way. Think there is a quote in it that says expected to release the ball and I'm sure that's quite a grey area. If you look back at it, I think I was probably in my ground when the ball was expected to be released." Buttler, who has smashed two half-centuries in the league so far, stressed that cricketers should play to be a bigger role model for the young kids. "I understand why the law is there but the spirit of the cricket is important. I think we have to be bigger role models for young kids, but unfortunately, everyone will interpret what the spirit of cricket is. So it's another tough question to answer because we all will see the world differently and we all interpret the law differently and what the spirit of cricket is, so I think it could be clarified better the way the law is written." In this season, Rajasthan were on a losing streak - having suffered defeats at the hands of Punjab, Hyderabad and Chennai - before finally defeating Bangalore to register their first win. When asked how special the win was Buttler said it was nothing but a 'big relief for the entire team'. "It is a big relief to get our first win. We played some good cricket in stages in the previous games but haven't managed to put together a whole performance and get a win for the team. Guys are delighted to get that first win on the board and hopefully, we can now get on a roll." Buttler is the most dependent batsmen of the Rajasthan as he stood up on two occasions when the side needed him the most. He, however, failed to turn it into a win. When questioned about his role in the team, said I just react to the conditions. "The role changes a little bit depending on the situation of the game. The other night I was disappointed to get out and not be there till the end, so that's was something I tried to do and get the team over the line. And I think, you just have to react to the conditions." The Ajinkya Rahane led-team will next face Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. When asked what plans the team has for this upcoming games, the 28-year-old said it is important to construct to climb the points table and get into the play-offs.

Need better-written law on Mankading: Jos Buttler to WION

<p>Kolkata&nbsp;spinner Piyush Chawla says the Bangalore will certainly bounce back in the IPL because they have quality players in their ranks. Bangalore is the only team to not have won a match so far in this IPL, losing all four matches played so far.</p>

<p>"We all know what type of game RCB has got and four games down doesn't mean that they are down and out. We know the quality of players they have, they are going to bounce back. They will come even more hard at us. We have to prepare in that way and play some good cricket to beat them," Chawla said ahead of the&nbsp;match against Virat Kohli-led team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chawla said Kolkata bowlers need to stick to basics against Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and dangerous AB de Villiers.</p>

<p>"Plans are simple. We need to follow the basics. Virat, AB and even Parthiv (Patel) the way he batted in the last game, they all are quality batsmen. We need to make sure we don't give them easy things," he said.</p>

<p>Asked if it was a cause of worry for Kolkata conceding over 180 runs in all three matches so far, Chawla replied in a negative.</p>

<p>"Even if we had given away 180-odd against Kings XI, we also scored 200-odd runs. We could bowled better against Delhi Capitals. I don't think there is anything to worry about, but we would like to pull socks up," he said.</p>

<p>On Shreyas Gopal, Chawla said the Royals leggie bowled brilliantly.</p>


Kolkata spinner Piyush Chawla says the Bangalore will certainly bounce back in the IPL because they have quality players in their ranks. Bangalore is the only team to not have won a match so far in this IPL, losing all four matches played so far.

Kolkata spinner Piyush Chawla says the Bangalore will certainly bounce back in the IPL because they have quality players in their ranks. Bangalore is the only team to not have won a match so far in this IPL, losing all four matches played so far. "We all know what type of game RCB has got and four games down doesn't mean that they are down and out. We know the quality of players they have, they are going to bounce back. They will come even more hard at us. We have to prepare in that way and play some good cricket to beat them," Chawla said ahead of the match against Virat Kohli-led team. Chawla said Kolkata bowlers need to stick to basics against Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and dangerous AB de Villiers. "Plans are simple. We need to follow the basics. Virat, AB and even Parthiv (Patel) the way he batted in the last game, they all are quality batsmen. We need to make sure we don't give them easy things," he said. Asked if it was a cause of worry for Kolkata conceding over 180 runs in all three matches so far, Chawla replied in a negative. "Even if we had given away 180-odd against Kings XI, we also scored 200-odd runs. We could bowled better against Delhi Capitals. I don't think there is anything to worry about, but we would like to pull socks up," he said. On Shreyas Gopal, Chawla said the Royals leggie bowled brilliantly.

Virat Kohli's Bangalore not down and out yet: Kolkata's Piyush Chawla

<p>Kolkata's batting coach Simon Katich spoke highly of side's explosive batting unit that has inspired the team to two wins and a narrow defeat so far in the ongoing edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata defeated Hyderabad by six wickets in their campaign opener and registered another win in their second match against Punjab, however, they suffered a defeat to Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi in an intriguing match that concluded in a Super Over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview to WION, Katich said, "Lot of positives in the three matches so far. Didn't get up against Delhi especially in the Super Over, but proud of the way the boys fought back."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Against Delhi, Kolkata was at a score of 61 after losing five wickets but the middle batting order stepped up and ended up giving a 185-run target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We got highly skilled batsmen. Nice to have that balance, I trust the boys to go with their instinct," Katich said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Australia left-handed batsman talked about Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik's magnificent form in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We knew how much of a match-winner Russel can be but from a batting point of view, we tried to work on keeping his front leg still and that has allowed him to be in a much more powerful position," said Kolkata's batting coach on Russell's training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Teams can't just throw the ball with pace or bowl wide yorkers and if he can continue to do that then he can be hard to bowl to."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Windies batsman Russell has been outstanding in the ongoing season, in the first match Hyderabad, he scored an unbeaten 49 off 19 and in the second match against he scored 48 off 17 balls. Against Delhi, Russell hit a half-century, he scored 62 runs off 28 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "None of the guys would try to execute these shots unless they've done it in practice and they try to simulate the situation and Dinesh does it very well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "He has the experience and can be difficult to bowl to at the back end of the innings."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the tournament, Katich had dropped a hint that Karthik would use the IPL to showcase his skill set in pressure games, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katich gave especially mention to the local players, who are well aware of the conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "It's the IPL, locals have a big advantage as they know the conditions."</p>

<p>"Big advantage for KKR with these players. Even Shubhman Gill is among them. He has had a great IPL he is not getting opportunities at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If he does get the time he's got huge talent," said Katich.&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata's batting coach Simon Katich spoke highly of side's explosive batting unit that has inspired the team to two wins and a narrow defeat so far in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League.

Kolkata's batting coach Simon Katich spoke highly of side's explosive batting unit that has inspired the team to two wins and a narrow defeat so far in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. Kolkata defeated Hyderabad by six wickets in their campaign opener and registered another win in their second match against Punjab, however, they suffered a defeat to Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi in an intriguing match that concluded in a Super Over. In an exclusive interview to WION, Katich said, "Lot of positives in the three matches so far. Didn't get up against Delhi especially in the Super Over, but proud of the way the boys fought back." Against Delhi, Kolkata was at a score of 61 after losing five wickets but the middle batting order stepped up and ended up giving a 185-run target. "We got highly skilled batsmen. Nice to have that balance, I trust the boys to go with their instinct," Katich said. The former Australia left-handed batsman talked about Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik's magnificent form in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. "We knew how much of a match-winner Russel can be but from a batting point of view, we tried to work on keeping his front leg still and that has allowed him to be in a much more powerful position," said Kolkata's batting coach on Russell's training. He added, "Teams can't just throw the ball with pace or bowl wide yorkers and if he can continue to do that then he can be hard to bowl to." Windies batsman Russell has been outstanding in the ongoing season, in the first match Hyderabad, he scored an unbeaten 49 off 19 and in the second match against he scored 48 off 17 balls. Against Delhi, Russell hit a half-century, he scored 62 runs off 28 balls. Katich is confident that their captain Dinesh Karthik will once again excel in his designated finisher's role. He said, "None of the guys would try to execute these shots unless they've done it in practice and they try to simulate the situation and Dinesh does it very well." He added, "He has the experience and can be difficult to bowl to at the back end of the innings." Ahead of the tournament, Katich had dropped a hint that Karthik would use the IPL to showcase his skill set in pressure games, making a case for his selection in India's World Cup squad. Katich gave especially mention to the local players, who are well aware of the conditions. He said, "It's the IPL, locals have a big advantage as they know the conditions." "Big advantage for KKR with these players. Even Shubhman Gill is among them. He has had a great IPL he is not getting opportunities at the moment. "If he does get the time he's got huge talent," said Katich.

Kolkata got 'highly skilled batsmen' says batting coach Simon Katich to WION

IPL 2019: All teams and their squad list

<p>Paceman Kagiso Rabada defended 10 runs in the Super Over to steer Delhi&nbsp;to a thrilling victory over Kolkata after the home side made heavy weather of a run chase here Saturday.</p>

<p>Chasing 186 to win, Delhi&nbsp;were set up nicely by Prithvi Shaw's 99 off 55 balls but they could not score six runs from the last over, bowled by chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who held his nerves to give Kolkata a chance to steal a win.</p>

<p>The Capitals ended their run chase at 185 for 6 in 20 overs, taking the match to Super Over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The home side managed just 10 runs in the Super Over bowled by paceman Krishna Prasidh but Rabada executed yorkers perfectly to deny Kolkata. He removed dangerous</p>

<p>Andre Russell with a perfectly placed yorker and did not allow other batsmen, including captain Dinesh Karthik, to free their arms.</p>

<p>Kolkata needed five off the final ball but managed just one.</p>

<p>Shaw missed out on his century by just one run but steered Delhi&nbsp;to the doorsteps of a win.</p>

<p>Jamaican Russell had endured a beamer blow but still produced a blistering knock of 62 runs from 28 balls to lift Kolkata to a fighting 185 for eight from 64 for five at one stage after being put into bat.</p>

<p>Shaw paced his innings superbly. He initially was happy rotating the strike but did not miss when he had the chance to open his arms.</p>

<p>The 19-year-old from Mumbai packed a lot of power in his pull shots and also drove elegantly. He hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 55-ball knock which pushed the home side to the doorsteps of a win.</p>

<p>He was caught in the penultimate over, edging one off Lockei Ferguson while going for a big shot.</p>

<p>Shaw shared a 89-run stand with his skipper Shreyas Iyer (43 off 32).</p>

<p>The Capitals made it tough for themselves in the last over with Rishabh Pant and others failing to take the side past the finish line.</p>

<p>The home side did not have a flying start and lost Shikhar Dhawan (16) early but shaw and Iyer rotated the strike and also found boundaries in between to keep the required run rate under control.</p>

<p>Shaw's six off Russell, a pull in the mid-wicket, was a treat to watch. He completed his fifty with a six and a four off chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who was also taken to the cleaners by Iyer.</p>

<p>The partnership ended when Iyer was caught by Shubhman Gill off Russell, two balls after he was dropped by the same fielder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, Shaw added 54 for the third wicket with Rishabh Pant (11).</p>

<p>Earlier, Russell smashed 62 off 28 balls and shared a crucial 95-run stand with his skipper Dinesh Karthik (50 off 36 balls) for the sixth wicket.</p>

<p>The home side dominated a large part of the innings after electing to bowl but Russell and Karthik seized the momentum with their fearless batting.</p>

<p>Russell was hit on his left shoulder by a beamer from pacer Harshal Patel in the 14th over and was on the ground. However, after receiving treatment, he launched an assault on the home bowlers, hitting four fours and six sixes.</p>

<p>Kolkata collected 84 runs in the last six overs to have a challenging total on the board.</p>

<p>The wicket had good carry and it showed when both Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris bowled. They did trouble the batsmen with pace and bounce.</p>

<p>Lamichhane too tested the KKR batsmen with his leg-breaks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer smartly shuffled his bowlers around, mixing pace with spin. Patel got rid of Robin Uthappa (11) and Nitish Rana (1) while Rabada had Chris Lynn (20) caught behind.</p>

<p>The run out of young Shubman Gill only made it worse for the visiting side.</p>

<p>The run flow improved dramatically with Russell going hammer and tongs.</p>

<p>Lamichhane, who had given only 12 runs in his three overs, ended his quota with an expensive over with skipper Karthik and Russell creaming off 17 runs.&nbsp;</p>


Paceman Kagiso Rabada defended 10 runs in the Super Over to steer Delhi to a thrilling victory over Kolkata after the home side made heavy weather of a run chase here Saturday.

Paceman Kagiso Rabada defended 10 runs in the Super Over to steer Delhi to a thrilling victory over Kolkata after the home side made heavy weather of a run chase here Saturday. Chasing 186 to win, Delhi were set up nicely by Prithvi Shaw's 99 off 55 balls but they could not score six runs from the last over, bowled by chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who held his nerves to give Kolkata a chance to steal a win. The Capitals ended their run chase at 185 for 6 in 20 overs, taking the match to Super Over. The home side managed just 10 runs in the Super Over bowled by paceman Krishna Prasidh but Rabada executed yorkers perfectly to deny Kolkata. He removed dangerous Andre Russell with a perfectly placed yorker and did not allow other batsmen, including captain Dinesh Karthik, to free their arms. Kolkata needed five off the final ball but managed just one. Shaw missed out on his century by just one run but steered Delhi to the doorsteps of a win. Jamaican Russell had endured a beamer blow but still produced a blistering knock of 62 runs from 28 balls to lift Kolkata to a fighting 185 for eight from 64 for five at one stage after being put into bat. Shaw paced his innings superbly. He initially was happy rotating the strike but did not miss when he had the chance to open his arms. The 19-year-old from Mumbai packed a lot of power in his pull shots and also drove elegantly. He hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 55-ball knock which pushed the home side to the doorsteps of a win. He was caught in the penultimate over, edging one off Lockei Ferguson while going for a big shot. Shaw shared a 89-run stand with his skipper Shreyas Iyer (43 off 32). The Capitals made it tough for themselves in the last over with Rishabh Pant and others failing to take the side past the finish line. The home side did not have a flying start and lost Shikhar Dhawan (16) early but shaw and Iyer rotated the strike and also found boundaries in between to keep the required run rate under control. Shaw's six off Russell, a pull in the mid-wicket, was a treat to watch. He completed his fifty with a six and a four off chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who was also taken to the cleaners by Iyer. The partnership ended when Iyer was caught by Shubhman Gill off Russell, two balls after he was dropped by the same fielder. Later, Shaw added 54 for the third wicket with Rishabh Pant (11). Earlier, Russell smashed 62 off 28 balls and shared a crucial 95-run stand with his skipper Dinesh Karthik (50 off 36 balls) for the sixth wicket. The home side dominated a large part of the innings after electing to bowl but Russell and Karthik seized the momentum with their fearless batting. Russell was hit on his left shoulder by a beamer from pacer Harshal Patel in the 14th over and was on the ground. However, after receiving treatment, he launched an assault on the home bowlers, hitting four fours and six sixes. Kolkata collected 84 runs in the last six overs to have a challenging total on the board. The wicket had good carry and it showed when both Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris bowled. They did trouble the batsmen with pace and bounce. Lamichhane too tested the KKR batsmen with his leg-breaks. Iyer smartly shuffled his bowlers around, mixing pace with spin. Patel got rid of Robin Uthappa (11) and Nitish Rana (1) while Rabada had Chris Lynn (20) caught behind. The run out of young Shubman Gill only made it worse for the visiting side. The run flow improved dramatically with Russell going hammer and tongs. Lamichhane, who had given only 12 runs in his three overs, ended his quota with an expensive over with skipper Karthik and Russell creaming off 17 runs.

IPL 2019: Kagiso Rabada leads Delhi to Super Over win after Prithvi's 99

<p>India's young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was Sunday caught in the eye of a storm owing to an edited stump microphone clip from an IPL game which went viral on social media but was dismissed by the BCCI as "misconstrued".</p>

<p>The less-than-a-minute long clip was from <a href="Was Delhi vs Kolkata match fixed? Twitter says so, posts proof also">Saturday night's match between Pant's Delhi and Kolkata</a>.</p>

<p>It shows Pant, from behind the stumps, saying that "yeh to chauka hai" (this is a boundary) as Kolkata's Robin Uthappa took guard against Sandeep Lamichhane. Delhi won the match in Super Over after the scores were tied in the regulation overs.</p>

<p>"No one heard what Rishabh said before that particular sentence. He was apparently telling (Delhi captain) Shreyas Iyer to increase fielders on off-side to stop an imminent four," a top BCCI official told PTI.</p>

<p>The next delivery was pushed through the covers for a boundary and the edited clip of Pant's purported prediction started doing the rounds from unverified Twitter accounts, claiming to be cricket fans.</p>

<p>What wasn't clear from the video clip was the context of Pant's comment.</p>

<p>It has been learnt that Hotstar, who hold the digital (streaming rights) rights of the IPL, have complained to various social media platforms for illegal use of their footage and are getting the clippings removed.</p>

<p>The BCCI official said that it was "very unfortunate" that social media ran an incomplete clipping.</p>

<p>"Maligning a young cricketer without even knowing the details is so unfortunate. A section of media allowed social media to insinuate and vilify a young talent without getting into details. This is so disgusting," said the official.</p>

<p>This isn't the first time that stump microphone has pushed Pant into the spotlight. During his highly successful tour of Australia, Pant's humourous teasing of rival batsmen, especially Aussie captain Tim Paine, went viral on social media.</p>


India's young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was Sunday caught in the eye of a storm owing to an edited stump microphone clip from an IPL game which went viral on social media but was dismissed by the BCCI as "misconstrued".

India's young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was Sunday caught in the eye of a storm owing to an edited stump microphone clip from an IPL game which went viral on social media but was dismissed by the BCCI as "misconstrued". The less-than-a-minute long clip was from Saturday night's match between Pant's Delhi and Kolkata. It shows Pant, from behind the stumps, saying that "yeh to chauka hai" (this is a boundary) as Kolkata's Robin Uthappa took guard against Sandeep Lamichhane. Delhi won the match in Super Over after the scores were tied in the regulation overs. "No one heard what Rishabh said before that particular sentence. He was apparently telling (Delhi captain) Shreyas Iyer to increase fielders on off-side to stop an imminent four," a top BCCI official told PTI. The next delivery was pushed through the covers for a boundary and the edited clip of Pant's purported prediction started doing the rounds from unverified Twitter accounts, claiming to be cricket fans. What wasn't clear from the video clip was the context of Pant's comment. It has been learnt that Hotstar, who hold the digital (streaming rights) rights of the IPL, have complained to various social media platforms for illegal use of their footage and are getting the clippings removed. The BCCI official said that it was "very unfortunate" that social media ran an incomplete clipping. "Maligning a young cricketer without even knowing the details is so unfortunate. A section of media allowed social media to insinuate and vilify a young talent without getting into details. This is so disgusting," said the official. This isn't the first time that stump microphone has pushed Pant into the spotlight. During his highly successful tour of Australia, Pant's humourous teasing of rival batsmen, especially Aussie captain Tim Paine, went viral on social media.

IPL 2019: BCCI explains Rishabh Pant's stump mic chatter that went viral

<p>Delhi won a spectacular super over to beat Kolkata at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Saturday. But fans went crazy when they found something suspicious during the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to several Twitter users, the game was fixed as Delhi batsman Rishabh Pant had announced the result of the ball in advance. Even in the videos posted on social, Pant can be heard informing the bowler that this particular ball will go for a four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the ball was delivered it actually went for a four, hit by Robin Uthappa.&nbsp;The incident happened in the third over when Kolkata were playing at 16 for the loss of one wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the fifth ball that had to be&nbsp;bowled by Sandeep&nbsp;Lamichhane.</p>

<p>Here&nbsp;are the reactions and videos posted by Twitter users.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a><br />
<br />
This needs to be investigated. At 3.4 overs <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabPant777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabPant777</a> is heard to be saying "Ye tho waise bhi chauka hai" and next ball goes to a boundary..<br />
<br />
Was <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvsKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvsDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvsDC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kKRvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kKRvDC</a> a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fixed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fixed</a> or a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Scripted?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Scripted</a> affair ? <a href="https://t.co/6cm9ipHXpC">pic.twitter.com/6cm9ipHXpC</a></p>
— ʞǝʌıΛ (@vickky48) <a href="https://twitter.com/vickky48/status/1112063171106267137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</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" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wtf!!! Yah Live Fixing Ho Rahi IPL main😱 Yah To wasy Hi Chokaa Hai Wicket keeper pahly hi Kah Raha Tha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a><br />
Rt please viral kar do isy <a href="https://t.co/pssxIVhDZk">pic.twitter.com/pssxIVhDZk</a></p>
— 𝙒𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄🐺 (@iWaqasWassi) <a href="https://twitter.com/iWaqasWassi/status/1112056701526700033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</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>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What Rishabh pant just said "Yeh toh aise bhi 4ka hai". Are IPL players involved in any kind ko fixing. Anyone certainly have doubts comming around in their minds after all. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ipl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvDC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fixing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fixing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spotfixing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spotfixing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rishabhpant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rishabhpant</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiVsKolkata?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiVsKolkata</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvsKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dcvskkr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dcvskkr</a> <a href="https://t.co/bxE6f2j66i">pic.twitter.com/bxE6f2j66i</a></p>
— shubham verma (@shubhamvrm34) <a href="https://twitter.com/shubhamvrm34/status/1112024547551838208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</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" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lmaoooo IPL isn't even hiding their match-fixing anymore 😂😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/z7pwMwCqcK">pic.twitter.com/z7pwMwCqcK</a></p>
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArsenalBlogz/status/1112066219501191168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</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>Some even tagged the BCCI asking what is happening here?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Put into bat, Kolkata had posted 185 runs. But Delhi managed to reach the runs scored but fell a run short of victory.</p>

<p>The game went into super over where the Delhi had put up a target of 11 runs, which the Dinesh Karthik led-side failed to score.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi won a spectacular super over to beat Kolkata at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Saturday. But fans went crazy when they found something suspicious during the game.

Delhi won a spectacular super over to beat Kolkata at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Saturday. But fans went crazy when they found something suspicious during the game. According to several Twitter users, the game was fixed as Delhi batsman Rishabh Pant had announced the result of the ball in advance. Even in the videos posted on social, Pant can be heard informing the bowler that this particular ball will go for a four. After the ball was delivered it actually went for a four, hit by Robin Uthappa. The incident happened in the third over when Kolkata were playing at 16 for the loss of one wicket. It was the fifth ball that had to be bowled by Sandeep Lamichhane. Here are the reactions and videos posted by Twitter users. @BCCI @IPL This needs to be investigated. At 3.4 overs @RishabPant777 is heard to be saying "Ye tho waise bhi chauka hai" and next ball goes to a boundary.. Was #DCvKKR #DCvsKKR #KKRvsDC #kKRvDC a #Fixed or a #Scripted affair ? pic.twitter.com/6cm9ipHXpC — ʞǝʌıΛ (@vickky48) March 30, 2019 × Wtf!!! Yah Live Fixing Ho Rahi IPL main😱 Yah To wasy Hi Chokaa Hai Wicket keeper pahly hi Kah Raha Tha #IPL2019 Rt please viral kar do isy pic.twitter.com/pssxIVhDZk — 𝙒𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄🐺 (@iWaqasWassi) March 30, 2019 × What Rishabh pant just said "Yeh toh aise bhi 4ka hai". Are IPL players involved in any kind ko fixing. Anyone certainly have doubts comming around in their minds after all. #Ipl #KKRvDC #fixing #spotfixing #rishabhpant #kkr #Dc #DelhiVsKolkata #DCvKKR #DCvsKKR #dcvskkr pic.twitter.com/bxE6f2j66i — shubham verma (@shubhamvrm34) March 30, 2019 × Lmaoooo IPL isn't even hiding their match-fixing anymore 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/z7pwMwCqcK — Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) March 30, 2019 × Some even tagged the BCCI asking what is happening here? Put into bat, Kolkata had posted 185 runs. But Delhi managed to reach the runs scored but fell a run short of victory. The game went into super over where the Delhi had put up a target of 11 runs, which the Dinesh Karthik led-side failed to score.

IPL 2019: Was Delhi vs Kolkata match fixed? Twitter says so, posts proof also

<p>Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi will host Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Known for its slowness, the conditions of Kotla might turn out to be favourable for the visiting team Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As we have seen in the previous match when Chennai exploited the slow conditions at Kotla better than the home side with their spinners taking full advantage of the track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same way, Kolkata also have a world-class spin bowling attack led by Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine, along with Piyush Chawla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a rock solid bowling attack, their batting is also top-notch at the moment with the likes of Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Robin Uthappa and Shubhman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Especially, Russell, with his incredible power-hitting ability, is the most dangerous batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Delhi, both the openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant have been in good form but to score runs at Kotla's slow pitch against spinners is a difficult task.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gE0BPa7Iqh4" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Despite having Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw, middle batting order will be an issue for the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the bowling unit, Delhi spinners Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatiya and Amit Mishra will have to be on top form while dealing with the in-form Kolkata batsmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Kagiso Rabada needs to step up as will also have to take the load of stopping runs in the beginning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see what kind of track Delhi opts for in the remainder of the home matches and how Delhi-led team will prepare for Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>


Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi will host Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. Known for its slowness, the conditions of Kotla might turn out to be favourable for the visiting team Kolkata.

Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi will host Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. Known for its slowness, the conditions of Kotla might turn out to be favourable for the visiting team Kolkata. As we have seen in the previous match when Chennai exploited the slow conditions at Kotla better than the home side with their spinners taking full advantage of the track. The same way, Kolkata also have a world-class spin bowling attack led by Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine, along with Piyush Chawla. With a rock solid bowling attack, their batting is also top-notch at the moment with the likes of Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Robin Uthappa and Shubhman. Especially, Russell, with his incredible power-hitting ability, is the most dangerous batsman. For Delhi, both the openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant have been in good form but to score runs at Kotla's slow pitch against spinners is a difficult task. × Despite having Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw, middle batting order will be an issue for the team. In the bowling unit, Delhi spinners Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatiya and Amit Mishra will have to be on top form while dealing with the in-form Kolkata batsmen. But Kagiso Rabada needs to step up as will also have to take the load of stopping runs in the beginning. It will be interesting to see what kind of track Delhi opts for in the remainder of the home matches and how Delhi-led team will prepare for Kolkata.

IPL 2019, Kolkata vs Delhi: Game of spinners at Feroz Shah Kotla

IPL 2019: Match preview of Mumbai vs Punjab and Delhi vs Kolkata

<p>South African pacer Chris Morris was spotted training with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> team Delhi as he was gearing up to join the squad for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-kolkata-vs-delhi-game-of-spinners-at-feroz-shah-kotla-206656">match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata</a> at Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi will be playing on their home turf but there is a possibility that the conditions may turn out to be favourable for the visiting Kolkata with their spin oriented bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata team is also banking on their batsmen as Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Robin Uthappa and Shubhman Gill are all among runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Especially, Russell, with his incredible power-hitting ability, is the most dangerous batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Delhi pacer Chris Morris also hailed him as an "absolute genius" but also warned him ahead of the clash.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pace, swing and bounce 💥<br />
<br />
Our overseas fast bowling contingent is geared up for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvKKR</a> 💪<br />
<br />
Inki bowling dekhne neela pehen ke <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QilaKotla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QilaKotla</a> zaroor aana 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsNewDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsNewDelhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/XqckKKvQ67">pic.twitter.com/XqckKKvQ67</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1111925029518741504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<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>Morris said, "It will be a case of 'if he misses, I hit'. I won't give away too many secrets."</p>

<p>"I might look like a duck, but my brain is working overtime and I will look to trust my training," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have got similar roles. He bats a little higher. Our job is to hit sixes and pick up wickets. But maybe he has a little more responsibility as a batsman than me."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gE0BPa7Iqh4" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Doesn't matter where Pant bats, he is good wherever he bats. My role is to play hard at the end," Morris concluded.&nbsp;</p>


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>Mumbai&nbsp;opening batsman Quinton de Kock Wednesday said his side will have a good chance to win against Bangalore on Thursday if they get AB De Villiers out early.</p>

<p>"AB being AB, he is a big wicket for them. I think if we get him out pretty early, we stand a good chance of doing well in the game. So we have spoken about it -- about how we're going to try and get him out and hopefully it comes off tomorrow," de Kock told reporters on the eve of the match at Chinnaswamy stadium here.</p>

<p>"Otherwise, we just hope he (de Villiers) makes a mistake," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering his team's loss to Delhi in Mumbai, de Kock said it will be a big game for Mumbai against Bangalore and they need a win to get going.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any big tournament around the world, everybody wants to get off to a good start. Coming into this game, knowing we haven't won a game, so it's a big game for us tomorrow. We need to get going with a win and hopefully build some momentum, get things rolling for our campaign this year," he said.</p>

<p>Mumbai&nbsp;lost their first match against Delhi by 37 runs, despite Yuvraj Singh's brilliant half-century in his debut match for this franchise.</p>

<p>De Kock said going after Bangalore bowlers, including Umesh Yadav, would be a tough proposition.</p>

<p>"I have played against Umesh (Yadav), and a couple of their bowlers. When they are bowling well, they are really hard to get going against. They have got some good bowlers in their team that they rely on so we are just going to go out there and see what happens and hopefully just come out on top," de Kock said.</p>

<p>He said he's determined to score heavily in the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Playing in this tournament, no matter whom we are playing against or whom I'm playing against, you're always quite determined to score runs whether that's RCB, Delhi, Sunrisers whoever. I am always quite determined to contribute towards the team and just get the team over to a winning side. That's what my goal is and what I wil try and do," he said.</p>

<p>He added Hardik Pandya and Mitch McClenaghan are going to bounce back in the game.</p>

<p>Replying to a query, de Kock said Rishabh Pant is going to do wonders for India as he has a lot of power in his shots.</p>

<p>"I have played with Rishabh before. I have seen him grow very quickly. He has a lot of power in his shots. He is a very strong boy. I think he is going to be a good investment for India," he said.</p>


Mumbai opening batsman Quinton de Kock Wednesday said his side will have a good chance to win against Bangalore on Thursday if they get AB De Villiers out early.

Mumbai opening batsman Quinton de Kock Wednesday said his side will have a good chance to win against Bangalore on Thursday if they get AB De Villiers out early. "AB being AB, he is a big wicket for them. I think if we get him out pretty early, we stand a good chance of doing well in the game. So we have spoken about it -- about how we're going to try and get him out and hopefully it comes off tomorrow," de Kock told reporters on the eve of the match at Chinnaswamy stadium here. "Otherwise, we just hope he (de Villiers) makes a mistake," he added. Considering his team's loss to Delhi in Mumbai, de Kock said it will be a big game for Mumbai against Bangalore and they need a win to get going. "Any big tournament around the world, everybody wants to get off to a good start. Coming into this game, knowing we haven't won a game, so it's a big game for us tomorrow. We need to get going with a win and hopefully build some momentum, get things rolling for our campaign this year," he said. Mumbai lost their first match against Delhi by 37 runs, despite Yuvraj Singh's brilliant half-century in his debut match for this franchise. De Kock said going after Bangalore bowlers, including Umesh Yadav, would be a tough proposition. "I have played against Umesh (Yadav), and a couple of their bowlers. When they are bowling well, they are really hard to get going against. They have got some good bowlers in their team that they rely on so we are just going to go out there and see what happens and hopefully just come out on top," de Kock said. He said he's determined to score heavily in the tournament. "Playing in this tournament, no matter whom we are playing against or whom I'm playing against, you're always quite determined to score runs whether that's RCB, Delhi, Sunrisers whoever. I am always quite determined to contribute towards the team and just get the team over to a winning side. That's what my goal is and what I wil try and do," he said. He added Hardik Pandya and Mitch McClenaghan are going to bounce back in the game. Replying to a query, de Kock said Rishabh Pant is going to do wonders for India as he has a lot of power in his shots. "I have played with Rishabh before. I have seen him grow very quickly. He has a lot of power in his shots. He is a very strong boy. I think he is going to be a good investment for India," he said.

IPL 2019: We have a good chance against Bangalore if we get AB early, says Quinton de Kock

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Punjab-Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4FS4o7X7Gk" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Punjab's biggest star Chris Gayle scored a 47-ball 79 and his Jamaican rivalry with fellow mate Andre Russell, who also looked in blistering touch for Kolkata, will be one of the sub plots of the clash here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A typical slow starter, Gayle was 14 off 18 balls but the opener hit top gear in the 12th over hammering Jaydev Unadkat for four successive boundaries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A former Kolkata player, Gayle knows Eden Gardens like the back of his hand as he would look to continue his assault on the spin-oriented Kolkata attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell will be Kolkata's answer to Gayle as the KKR star also fashioned a sensational win, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 19 balls in their opening fixture against Hyderabad here two days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win saw their star spinner and explosive opener, Sunil Narine, hurt his finger and Kolkata would hope he is fit in time.&nbsp;</p>


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

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

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