Today BJP President leads a mega roadshow in Kolkata. Before Roadshow posters of Amit shah or BJP were removed by the TMC Supporters. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: PM Modi's dare to opposition

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city.

"Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party. They escaped soon after we reached here," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told ANI.

Since the Lok Sabha elections began on April 10, both BJP and TMC have been at loggerheads in West Bengal.

Workers of two parties have repeatedly clashed with each other on polling days.

The BJP has alleged TMC of attacking its party workers and their convoys while campaigning in different parts of the state.

West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. While election to 31 parliamentary constituencies has been already held, polling in the remaining eight seats will be held on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city. "Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party.

The BJP on Tuesday alleged that its party posters and flags were removed by TMC workers and police ahead of party president Amit Shah's roadshow in the city. "Mamata ji's goons and police removed all the posters and flags of our party. They escaped soon after we reached here," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told ANI. Since the Lok Sabha elections began on April 10, both BJP and TMC have been at loggerheads in West Bengal. Workers of two parties have repeatedly clashed with each other on polling days. The BJP has alleged TMC of attacking its party workers and their convoys while campaigning in different parts of the state. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. While election to 31 parliamentary constituencies has been already held, polling in the remaining eight seats will be held on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP alleges posters, flags removed by TMC ahead of Amit Shah's rally in Kolkata

Kolkata remains tense with BJP accusing TMC of removing its posters. Kolkata Police has also denied permission to start Amit Shah's roadshow in the city from Sahid Minar Maidaan.

TMC supporters removed posters just before Amit Shah's rally, BJP claims

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.&nbsp;

The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added.&nbsp;

The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country.

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West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. <a href="https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk">https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk</a>
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"The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official.

The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said. The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added. The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country. West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × "The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official. The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights delayed at Kolkata airport as Internet server goes down

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/chandrababu-naidu-to-participate-in-mamatas-poll-rallies-216723&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio0eWnzZDiAhU_4nMBHXq4AIIQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QLL5IjABggEooEjN3FCVT"> N Chandrababu Naidu</a> have held a closed-door discussion with his West Bengal counterpart<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/insult-to-indias-constitution-pm-modi-on-mamata-banerjees-do-not-consider-him-pm-remark-217332&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-ouu5zZDiAhUi73MBHTegDVIQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw09G2kv8S3bnT40rycl5ZkQ"> Mamata Banerjee</a> in Kharagpur on future plans of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).

The meeting between Banerjee and Naidu took place for over 15 minutes late Thursday evening, according to a well-placed source in the Trinamool Congress.

The two leaders met and spoke about the future plans of the Mahagatbandhan. Naidu and Didi (Banerjee) also discussed the TDP leaders meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi Wednesday, a senior TMC member told PTI.

On whether Banerjee will be attending the proposed meeting of the opposition parties likely to be held on May 21, the TMC leader said that the date of the meeting was yet not decided.

It's not decided that the meeting will be held on May 21... It seems that it might be deferred by a couple of days and take place after May 23. Didi Maybe taking part in it, he said.

Naidu and Banerjee are believed to have also talked about the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) issue and the probable voting percentage in the so far held five phases of polling in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, the TMC leader said.

Earlier, Naidu joined Banerjee at a campaign meeting of TMC at Kharagpur on Thursday where he spoke high about her and urged people to vote for Trinamool to oust the BJP from the power.

Later, Naidu participated and delivered a speech for TMC North Kolkata Lok Sabha constituency candidate Sudip Bandyopadhyay at Sithi in the city. Banerjee, who has floated the idea of a federal front of regional parties, has been playing an important role for unity of the anti-BJP bloc.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu have held a closed-door discussion with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in Kharagpur on future plans of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu have held a closed-door discussion with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in Kharagpur on future plans of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). The meeting between Banerjee and Naidu took place for over 15 minutes late Thursday evening, according to a well-placed source in the Trinamool Congress. The two leaders met and spoke about the future plans of the Mahagatbandhan. Naidu and Didi (Banerjee) also discussed the TDP leaders meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi Wednesday, a senior TMC member told PTI. On whether Banerjee will be attending the proposed meeting of the opposition parties likely to be held on May 21, the TMC leader said that the date of the meeting was yet not decided. It's not decided that the meeting will be held on May 21... It seems that it might be deferred by a couple of days and take place after May 23. Didi Maybe taking part in it, he said. Naidu and Banerjee are believed to have also talked about the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) issue and the probable voting percentage in the so far held five phases of polling in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, the TMC leader said. Earlier, Naidu joined Banerjee at a campaign meeting of TMC at Kharagpur on Thursday where he spoke high about her and urged people to vote for Trinamool to oust the BJP from the power. Later, Naidu participated and delivered a speech for TMC North Kolkata Lok Sabha constituency candidate Sudip Bandyopadhyay at Sithi in the city. Banerjee, who has floated the idea of a federal front of regional parties, has been playing an important role for unity of the anti-BJP bloc.

Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu hold closed door meeting on Mahagathbandhan

NASA has released images showing the impact of Cyclone Fani on power situation in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Watch this video to know more.

NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

Reports claimed that Cyclone Fani to reach Assam & Bangladesh by today...

Cyclone Fani to reach Assam, Bangladesh by today

Watch How Cyclone Fani racked havoc in East India.

Cyclone Fani racked havoc in East India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-agency-praises-india-on-minimising-loss-of-life-from-cyclone-fani-215838">Cyclone Fani</a>, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India.

Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-agency-praises-india-on-minimising-loss-of-life-from-cyclone-fani-215838">looked to have been averted</a>.

Bangladeshi police said nine people perished even before the eye of the storm crossed the border on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-bites-odisha-eight-dead-naveen-patnaik-holds-review-meeting-215768">Eight others died in India</a>, press reports said, although officials could not confirm this.&nbsp;

More than 1.6 million people have been taken to shelters, Bangladeshi officials told AFP, with at least 36 villages flooded after a storm surge breached embankments in coastal areas.

The dead included a minor in Barguna district on the coast and five others killed by lightning in the northern district of Kishoreganj.

"At least 63 people were also injured," Shaheen Sultana, a disaster ministry official, told AFP, with more than 2,000 houses destroyed.

"We are mooring our boat because it's the only means of income for us. Only Allah knows when we can go back to fishing again," Akbar Ali, a fisherman near the town of Dacope in Bangladesh, told AFP while battling surging waves to tie his boat to a tree.

With the storm weakening into a deep depression but still packing a punch, winds of up to 70 kilometres (45 miles) per hour and heavy rain battered overnight and on Saturday morning the Indian state of West Bengal and its capital Kolkata, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest area.

"It's a total mess in islands of the Sunderbans as the cyclone has destroyed everything in its path, fuelling fears rivers could burst their banks and leave vast areas underwater," said Manturam Pakhira, Sunderbans affairs minister.

"Several homes have been flattened, roofs blown off, electric poles and trees toppled."

Several hundred thousand people were told to evacuate coastal areas of West Bengal before the arrival of Fani ("snake" in Bengali), with 5,000 leaving the low-lying areas and old, dilapidated buildings of Kolkata, home to 4.6 million people.

"Nearly a dozen people were trapped as an old building in the northern part of the city has collapsed," mayor Firhad Hakim said. "They have been rescued and shifted to a safer place."

India averted major human disaster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that on Monday he would visit Odisha where Fani made landfall on Friday, packing winds gusting up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) an hour, sending coconut trees flying, knocking down power lines and cutting off water and telecommunications.&nbsp;

Eight people were killed in Odisha, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported, including a teenage boy crushed under a tree and a woman hit by concrete debris.

Unable to confirm the death toll, Odisha disaster management official Prabhat Mahapatra told AFP there were about 160 people injured in Puri alone.

"It just went dark and then suddenly we could barely see five metres in front of us," said one Puri resident. "The wind is deafening."

PTI reported that a construction crane collapsed and that a police booth was dragged 60 metres by the wind. Electricity pylons were down, tin roofs were ripped off and windows on many buildings were smashed.

'Fani'&nbsp;weakens in West Bengal&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 'Fani' has now weakened into a deep depression and lay centred over Bangladesh and expected to weaken further into a depression.

"The CS 'FANI' over Gangetic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">West Bengal</a> moved further east-northeastwards and weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 08.30 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6degN and long 88.8degE. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a depression during next 06 hrs," tweeted India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Rain lashed Kolkata as cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier on Saturday. Trees were uprooted in towns in coastal West Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai as the storm surge forward.

After crossing Kharagpur, it moved further in North-East direction with approximately a wind speed of 90 km/hour. NDRF personnel were clearing the uprooted trees from the road at Digha and other places.

"Cyclone Fani has weakened and is covering areas of West Bengal in the form of the cyclone. It is further moving towards Bangladesh. The situation is under control and there is not much damaging effect. 9 teams of NDRF are present in West Bengal," said Randeep Kumar Rana, DIG Operations, NDRF.

&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India. Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones looked to have been averted.

Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India. Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones looked to have been averted. Bangladeshi police said nine people perished even before the eye of the storm crossed the border on Saturday morning. Eight others died in India, press reports said, although officials could not confirm this. More than 1.6 million people have been taken to shelters, Bangladeshi officials told AFP, with at least 36 villages flooded after a storm surge breached embankments in coastal areas. The dead included a minor in Barguna district on the coast and five others killed by lightning in the northern district of Kishoreganj. "At least 63 people were also injured," Shaheen Sultana, a disaster ministry official, told AFP, with more than 2,000 houses destroyed. "We are mooring our boat because it's the only means of income for us. Only Allah knows when we can go back to fishing again," Akbar Ali, a fisherman near the town of Dacope in Bangladesh, told AFP while battling surging waves to tie his boat to a tree. With the storm weakening into a deep depression but still packing a punch, winds of up to 70 kilometres (45 miles) per hour and heavy rain battered overnight and on Saturday morning the Indian state of West Bengal and its capital Kolkata, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest area. "It's a total mess in islands of the Sunderbans as the cyclone has destroyed everything in its path, fuelling fears rivers could burst their banks and leave vast areas underwater," said Manturam Pakhira, Sunderbans affairs minister. "Several homes have been flattened, roofs blown off, electric poles and trees toppled." Several hundred thousand people were told to evacuate coastal areas of West Bengal before the arrival of Fani ("snake" in Bengali), with 5,000 leaving the low-lying areas and old, dilapidated buildings of Kolkata, home to 4.6 million people. "Nearly a dozen people were trapped as an old building in the northern part of the city has collapsed," mayor Firhad Hakim said. "They have been rescued and shifted to a safer place." India averted major human disaster Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that on Monday he would visit Odisha where Fani made landfall on Friday, packing winds gusting up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) an hour, sending coconut trees flying, knocking down power lines and cutting off water and telecommunications. Eight people were killed in Odisha, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported, including a teenage boy crushed under a tree and a woman hit by concrete debris. Unable to confirm the death toll, Odisha disaster management official Prabhat Mahapatra told AFP there were about 160 people injured in Puri alone. "It just went dark and then suddenly we could barely see five metres in front of us," said one Puri resident. "The wind is deafening." PTI reported that a construction crane collapsed and that a police booth was dragged 60 metres by the wind. Electricity pylons were down, tin roofs were ripped off and windows on many buildings were smashed. 'Fani' weakens in West Bengal Meanwhile, 'Fani' has now weakened into a deep depression and lay centred over Bangladesh and expected to weaken further into a depression. "The CS 'FANI' over Gangetic West Bengal moved further east-northeastwards and weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 08.30 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6degN and long 88.8degE. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a depression during next 06 hrs," tweeted India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rain lashed Kolkata as cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier on Saturday. Trees were uprooted in towns in coastal West Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai as the storm surge forward. After crossing Kharagpur, it moved further in North-East direction with approximately a wind speed of 90 km/hour. NDRF personnel were clearing the uprooted trees from the road at Digha and other places. "Cyclone Fani has weakened and is covering areas of West Bengal in the form of the cyclone. It is further moving towards Bangladesh. The situation is under control and there is not much damaging effect. 9 teams of NDRF are present in West Bengal," said Randeep Kumar Rana, DIG Operations, NDRF.

Cyclone Fani barrels into Bangladesh, at least 9 dead

Cyclone Fani leaves 12 dead in Odisha, relief work underway. Watch the full video to know more.

13 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Odisha

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">cyclone Fani</a> on Thursday.

The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc.

After wreaking havoc at the Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal.

According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.&nbsp;

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday.

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday. The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc. After wreaking havoc at the Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal. According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.

Cyclone Fani: Air India resumes operation at Kolkata Airport

Cyclone Fani has hit Odisha this morning and has started making its impact felt and now it is moving towards the Indian state of West BEngal. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani heading towards West Bengal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-match-52-punjab-vs-kolkata-at-is-bindra-stadium-215712">Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets</a> in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;

With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points.&nbsp;

Chasing a challenging total of 184, Kolkata got off to a good start as their opener Chris Lynn hammered the hosts for regular boundaries. Lynn (46) was at his fluent best but his innings was cut short by his fellow countrymen Andrew Tye.&nbsp;

Kolkata had scored 62 runs for the loss of one wicket after the completion of six overs.&nbsp;

Shubhman Gill and Robin Uthappa did not let the momentum slip away and they continued to pile on the misery on Punjab's bowlers.

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🤜🤛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/yGnu8enbYU">pic.twitter.com/yGnu8enbYU</a>
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The duo stitched together a partnership of 38 runs but their resistance was cut short by Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin as he dismissed Uthappa (22).&nbsp;

Gill kept on going on his merry way and he brought up his half-century in the 13th over of the innings. He found support in the big-hitting Andre Russell and the duo put up a 50-run stand taking Kolkata closer to victory.&nbsp;

Russell (24) was dismissed by Shami in the 15th over with Kolkata requiring another 34 runs to win.&nbsp;

The skipper Dinesh Karthik came out to bat next for Kolkata and he, along with Gill ensured that the team does not suffer from any more hiccups.

The duo stitched together a partnership of ensuring Kolkata's victory by seven wickets and with 12 balls to spare. Gill and Karthik remained unbeaten on 65 and 21 respectively.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sam Curran's knock of 55 runs off just 24 balls helped Punjab post 183 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets in the allotted twenty overs.&nbsp;

Punjab got off to the worst start possible as they lost both their openers KL Rahul (2) and Chris Gayle (14) inside the first five overs. Sandeep Warrier sent both the batsmen back into the pavilion, reducing Punjab to 22 for two.&nbsp;

Nicholas Pooran came out to bat at number four and he started to play with an aggressive mindset from the very start.

He along with Mayank Agarwal retrieved the innings for Punjab as the duo put on a quickfire 69-run stand, but the partnership was cut short as Nitish Rana dismissed Pooran (48) in the 11th over.&nbsp;

Agarwal (36) was also sent back to the pavilion via a run-out and Punjab was reduced to 115 for four at the end of fourteen overs.&nbsp;

Sam Curran gave Punjab some firepower in the death overs and he hammered the visitors for regular boundaries.&nbsp;

Although Kolkata kept scalping wickets at the other end, they were not able to bog down Curran and he ensured that Punjab posts a challenging total on the board. Curran remained unbeaten on 55 at the end of the innings.&nbsp;

Punjab will next play against Chennai whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on May 5.&nbsp;

Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday. With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points.

Kolkata defeated Punjab by seven wickets in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Friday. With this win, Kolkata has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings with 12 points whereas Punjab is placed at the seventh position with 10 points. Chasing a challenging total of 184, Kolkata got off to a good start as their opener Chris Lynn hammered the hosts for regular boundaries. Lynn (46) was at his fluent best but his innings was cut short by his fellow countrymen Andrew Tye. Kolkata had scored 62 runs for the loss of one wicket after the completion of six overs. Shubhman Gill and Robin Uthappa did not let the momentum slip away and they continued to pile on the misery on Punjab's bowlers. 🤜🤛#KKR pic.twitter.com/yGnu8enbYU — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2019 × The duo stitched together a partnership of 38 runs but their resistance was cut short by Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin as he dismissed Uthappa (22). Gill kept on going on his merry way and he brought up his half-century in the 13th over of the innings. He found support in the big-hitting Andre Russell and the duo put up a 50-run stand taking Kolkata closer to victory. Russell (24) was dismissed by Shami in the 15th over with Kolkata requiring another 34 runs to win. The skipper Dinesh Karthik came out to bat next for Kolkata and he, along with Gill ensured that the team does not suffer from any more hiccups. The duo stitched together a partnership of ensuring Kolkata's victory by seven wickets and with 12 balls to spare. Gill and Karthik remained unbeaten on 65 and 21 respectively. Earlier, Sam Curran's knock of 55 runs off just 24 balls helped Punjab post 183 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets in the allotted twenty overs. Punjab got off to the worst start possible as they lost both their openers KL Rahul (2) and Chris Gayle (14) inside the first five overs. Sandeep Warrier sent both the batsmen back into the pavilion, reducing Punjab to 22 for two. Nicholas Pooran came out to bat at number four and he started to play with an aggressive mindset from the very start. He along with Mayank Agarwal retrieved the innings for Punjab as the duo put on a quickfire 69-run stand, but the partnership was cut short as Nitish Rana dismissed Pooran (48) in the 11th over. Agarwal (36) was also sent back to the pavilion via a run-out and Punjab was reduced to 115 for four at the end of fourteen overs. Sam Curran gave Punjab some firepower in the death overs and he hammered the visitors for regular boundaries. Although Kolkata kept scalping wickets at the other end, they were not able to bog down Curran and he ensured that Punjab posts a challenging total on the board. Curran remained unbeaten on 55 at the end of the innings. Punjab will next play against Chennai whereas Kolkata will take on Mumbai on May 5.

IPL 2019: Kolkata defeat Punjab by seven wickets

More than 200 trains and several flights have been cancelled as 'extremely severe' storm hit Odisha. Watch full video to know more.

Trains cancelled, rescuers on standby as Odisha, Bengal braces for Cyclone Fani

According to the IMD department the wind speed is expected to be between 170 and 180 km an hour, which can even reach up to 200 km at the time of landfall. Watch full video to know more.

Wind speed of Cyclone Fani expected to be between 170 and 180 km per hour

In view of cyclone storm Fani intensifying into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ over the south-east and adjoining south-west Bay of Bengal, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is on high alert to render necessary humanitarian assistance.

WION Fineprint: Exclusive conversation with Hurricane Chaser Josh Morgerman

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-to-hit-10000-villages-52-towns-massive-evacuation-underway-215467">Odisha government informed overnight </a>on Thursday&nbsp;that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">1.3 lakh from Puri district</a> were evacuated.

Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday.

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IMD said the cyclone on Friday&nbsp;afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph.&nbsp;

Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said.

After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added.&nbsp;

"It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area.

The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'.

Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts. The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and 1.3 lakh from Puri district were evacuated. Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday. IMD said the cyclone on Friday afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said. After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added. "It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph. The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area. The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'. Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Cyclone Fani likely to make landfall in afternoon, at least 1 million evacuated in Odisha

Three people have been killed as cyclone Fani made a landfall in Puri. Watch full video to know more.

3 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Odisha

In this video to WION, we brings to you latest from Odisha where to tackle Cyclone Fani, Two ships & two Chetak helicopters including Army, Navy, Airforce on stand-by. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani: Two ships & two Chetak helicopters including Army, Navy, Airforce on stand-by

In this video to WION, we brings to you latest from Odisha where according to the IMD department, Cyclone Fani has begun to weaken. Watch full video to know more.

IMD: Cyclone Fani has begun to weaken

WION exclusively speaks to Josh Morgerman is an obsessive stormchaser and gain his insight on Cyclone Fani. Watch video to know more.

WION speaks to Josh Morgerman, an obsessive stormchaser

Cyclone Fani has hit Odisha this morning and has started making its impact felt. Large areas in the temple town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rain battered the coast. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani hits coast, Trees Uprooted, heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha

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

IPL 2019 | Match Preview: Hyderabad vs Kolkata and Chennai vs Bangalore

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party.&nbsp;

At present, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) occupies that exalted position.

Political temperatures have risen across the country and in West Bengal, the stakes could be among the highest. The BJP is striving for greater political penetration of the state, even though its prevailing political heft in the state is negligible.&nbsp;

The Congress Party, meanwhile, is in an emaciated position. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front is a steadily shrinking political entity. Naturally, the TMC is not too concerned about anti-incumbency. &nbsp;

However, there is latent political opposition to the TMC. The Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) would try to make a dent in TMC’s political vote base, but to the TMC’s satisfaction, there are no political alliances among any of the three parties regarding seat-sharing. Talks of a possible alliance between the CPI(M) and the Congress fell apart amid mutual discord.&nbsp;

However the BJP, notwithstanding its negligible presence, could be a cause of some worry for the TMC. With its pan-India presence and strong commitment of its members, the BJP could throw a spanner in the TMC’s works.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supreme leader Mamata Banerjee’s alleged appeasement of Muslims is a major political issue for her opponents, particularly the BJP.&nbsp;

In a bid to introduce correctives, Banerjee has spoken of her identification with the best of Bengal’s culture and heritage, rejected charges of appeasement, articulated at length the inviolability of the rule of law, accorded high priority to national security and taken the narrative of holistic development to the heart of public discourse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To the TMC’s credit, it has presided over improved conditions in rural Bengal. It has also helped provide better infrastructural facilities: roads, electricity and drinking water to the villages.&nbsp;

Plus, there have been social sector reforms. The state government has successfully initiated “Kanyashree”, which empowers the girl child through education; for it, Banerjee’s government has also won a UN award.&nbsp;

Farmers have been provided a measure of financial security in the event of flagging retail prices of agricultural products. The state’s food security system has been revamped.&nbsp;

Small-scale and medium scale enterprises have been encouraged. Banerjee has repeatedly expressed her government’s support for organised, accountable entrepreneurial investments. &nbsp;

Perennial inter-party factional wrangling, its attendant violence and intermittent charges of corruption against TMC leaders are negative attributes. However, the penchant for political high-handedness among some of them, often visible during the party’s first stint, looks like having decelerated for the moment. &nbsp;

A fortnight ago, Rahul Gandhi campaigned at Chanchal in Malda district. He ranted against the TMC. Whether he realises it or not, it would not be of much help to Congress Party’s Bengal unit.&nbsp;

There is grim irony in Gandhi’s criticism of the ruling TMC in West Bengal. Apart from Amethi, Gandhi is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala. That state’s ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has interpreted it as a challenge to its candidate by Gandhi. In response, he has said that he would refrain from politically attacking the LDF. &nbsp;

If Gandhi can refrain from criticising the LDF in Kerala, then he could have withheld censuring the ruling TMC. Surely he knows that the TMC is much more opposed to the BJP than it is to the Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and other party leaders have also attacked the TMC.&nbsp;

They are keen to highlight security issues like infiltration and the necessity for a stable, coherent government at the Centre. But Banerjee and other TMC leaders are ready with their repartees.&nbsp;

Any notable trend regarding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections is still elusive, but most appraisals indicate that the TMC has a relative political edge in its bastion.&nbsp;

If it manages to win a substantial proportion of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats, its role could be crucial in supporting a coalition government. Conversely, it could constructively oppose another BJP-led NDA government.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-no-anti-incumbency-or-grand-alliance-in-bengal-2738695">original article)</a> 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party.

Electoral outcomes in West Bengal reveal that anti-incumbency is not a very big factor. Unless a major threshold of unacceptability has been crossed and a viable political alternative exists, a substantial section of the electorate continues to support the dominant political party. At present, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) occupies that exalted position. Political temperatures have risen across the country and in West Bengal, the stakes could be among the highest. The BJP is striving for greater political penetration of the state, even though its prevailing political heft in the state is negligible. The Congress Party, meanwhile, is in an emaciated position. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front is a steadily shrinking political entity. Naturally, the TMC is not too concerned about anti-incumbency. However, there is latent political opposition to the TMC. The Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) would try to make a dent in TMC’s political vote base, but to the TMC’s satisfaction, there are no political alliances among any of the three parties regarding seat-sharing. Talks of a possible alliance between the CPI(M) and the Congress fell apart amid mutual discord. However the BJP, notwithstanding its negligible presence, could be a cause of some worry for the TMC. With its pan-India presence and strong commitment of its members, the BJP could throw a spanner in the TMC’s works. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supreme leader Mamata Banerjee’s alleged appeasement of Muslims is a major political issue for her opponents, particularly the BJP. In a bid to introduce correctives, Banerjee has spoken of her identification with the best of Bengal’s culture and heritage, rejected charges of appeasement, articulated at length the inviolability of the rule of law, accorded high priority to national security and taken the narrative of holistic development to the heart of public discourse. To the TMC’s credit, it has presided over improved conditions in rural Bengal. It has also helped provide better infrastructural facilities: roads, electricity and drinking water to the villages. Plus, there have been social sector reforms. The state government has successfully initiated “Kanyashree”, which empowers the girl child through education; for it, Banerjee’s government has also won a UN award. Farmers have been provided a measure of financial security in the event of flagging retail prices of agricultural products. The state’s food security system has been revamped. Small-scale and medium scale enterprises have been encouraged. Banerjee has repeatedly expressed her government’s support for organised, accountable entrepreneurial investments. Perennial inter-party factional wrangling, its attendant violence and intermittent charges of corruption against TMC leaders are negative attributes. However, the penchant for political high-handedness among some of them, often visible during the party’s first stint, looks like having decelerated for the moment. A fortnight ago, Rahul Gandhi campaigned at Chanchal in Malda district. He ranted against the TMC. Whether he realises it or not, it would not be of much help to Congress Party’s Bengal unit. There is grim irony in Gandhi’s criticism of the ruling TMC in West Bengal. Apart from Amethi, Gandhi is also contesting from Wayanad in Kerala. That state’s ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has interpreted it as a challenge to its candidate by Gandhi. In response, he has said that he would refrain from politically attacking the LDF. If Gandhi can refrain from criticising the LDF in Kerala, then he could have withheld censuring the ruling TMC. Surely he knows that the TMC is much more opposed to the BJP than it is to the Congress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and other party leaders have also attacked the TMC. They are keen to highlight security issues like infiltration and the necessity for a stable, coherent government at the Centre. But Banerjee and other TMC leaders are ready with their repartees. Any notable trend regarding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections is still elusive, but most appraisals indicate that the TMC has a relative political edge in its bastion. If it manages to win a substantial proportion of the state’s 42 parliamentary seats, its role could be crucial in supporting a coalition government. Conversely, it could constructively oppose another BJP-led NDA government. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: There is no anti-incumbency or grand alliance in Bengal

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

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

Chennai&nbsp;head coach Stephen Fleming Monday said focusing too much on the big-hitting Andre Russell could backfire as Kolkata also have other quality batsmen in their line-up.

"Possibly, there are a couple of challenges. One is you ignore the other six (batsmen). And in a team that has (Chris) Lynn, (Dinesh) Karthik and (Robin) Uthappa you do that at your own peril. We've got to be careful we don't focus overtly on Russell," he said at the press conference ahead the IPL match against Kolkata.&nbsp;

"Even though he has been so dynamic, there's still good work done by the other players. So, again, I stress it doesn't change our preparation to focus on one or two players, but we're acutely aware of how dangerous these players are so, it's business as usual for us," Fleming said.

With the flamboyant Jamaican being in red-hot form, Fleming said whether it is spin or seam, one had to be accurate against hitters like Russell.

"You've got to put context around that as well&nbsp;different stages of the game. Look at analysis and match up with what you have, it's no secret that we're spin-heavy anyway.

So, if there's an opportunity to change-up to Russell, we will certainly look at it.&nbsp;

"Whether it's spin or seam at the end you've to be accurate against hitters like Russell, Dhoni, Pollard and Pandya. It's no different really, the pressure is always on in the last few overs."&nbsp;

About the possibility of Chennai using spinners at the death, Fleming said things couldn't be over planned.

"Possibly. But, again, if it's dewy. Mitch Santner who is one of the best spinners around struggled to hold the ball...So, you can't overplan...We have to have a free mind and be smart enough to assess conditions."

Fleming said Dhoni and the team had moved away from too much of analysis and data.

"We've gone a long way away from that. A lot of teams are loading up on analysis and numbers and we've actually gone away from that. Sometimes, information overload can be confusing. So, we're really trying to simplify it and make sure that the time we spend together is meaningful and understood," he added.

Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming Monday said focusing too much on the big-hitting Andre Russell could backfire as Kolkata also have other quality batsmen in their line-up.

Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming Monday said focusing too much on the big-hitting Andre Russell could backfire as Kolkata also have other quality batsmen in their line-up. "Possibly, there are a couple of challenges. One is you ignore the other six (batsmen). And in a team that has (Chris) Lynn, (Dinesh) Karthik and (Robin) Uthappa you do that at your own peril. We've got to be careful we don't focus overtly on Russell," he said at the press conference ahead the IPL match against Kolkata. "Even though he has been so dynamic, there's still good work done by the other players. So, again, I stress it doesn't change our preparation to focus on one or two players, but we're acutely aware of how dangerous these players are so, it's business as usual for us," Fleming said. With the flamboyant Jamaican being in red-hot form, Fleming said whether it is spin or seam, one had to be accurate against hitters like Russell. "You've got to put context around that as well different stages of the game. Look at analysis and match up with what you have, it's no secret that we're spin-heavy anyway. So, if there's an opportunity to change-up to Russell, we will certainly look at it. "Whether it's spin or seam at the end you've to be accurate against hitters like Russell, Dhoni, Pollard and Pandya. It's no different really, the pressure is always on in the last few overs." About the possibility of Chennai using spinners at the death, Fleming said things couldn't be over planned. "Possibly. But, again, if it's dewy. Mitch Santner who is one of the best spinners around struggled to hold the ball...So, you can't overplan...We have to have a free mind and be smart enough to assess conditions." Fleming said Dhoni and the team had moved away from too much of analysis and data. "We've gone a long way away from that. A lot of teams are loading up on analysis and numbers and we've actually gone away from that. Sometimes, information overload can be confusing. So, we're really trying to simplify it and make sure that the time we spend together is meaningful and understood," he added.

IPL 2019: Can't focus too much on Andre Russell, says Chennai coach Stephen Fleming

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;

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;

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;

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;

After the match, Twitterati came up with several hilarious memes that can be related to Bangalore's current situation.&nbsp;

Here are some Twitter reactions:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-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>
— 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">
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>
— 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">
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>
— 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">
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>
— 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">
<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>
— 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>
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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;

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

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Chinese wall graffiti appear on Kolkata streets

''Congress' expiry date is May 23rd'', says PM Modi from Kolkata rally

MS Dhoni's tactic against Jasprit Bumrah's yorkers, Virat Kohli's strategy to counter Kuldeep Yadav's googlies, Steve Smith's desperation to show his footwork, the 12th edition of Indian Premier League, which has already begun, will be all these and much more.&nbsp;

In the second match of IPL 2019, Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata will host Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens.&nbsp;

Strength and weaknesses of Hyderabad:&nbsp;

Kane Williamson, who led them to runners-up finish last season, will continue to captain Hyderabad, a team that is known for its depth and variation in bowling.&nbsp;

The arrival of Australian cricketer David Warner, who missed last season due to ball tampering scandal, is the main strength for the team.&nbsp;

Even as his international ban will end on March 28, the left-handed opener is eligible to play in the franchise league and would be hoping to get into his zone to stake a claim in Australia's World Cup squad.&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed will lead Sunrisers pace department, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan will be in charge of the spin attack.&nbsp;

Hyderabad have traded in Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma for Shikhar Dhawan, but it remains to be seen how they overcome the Indian opener's departure.&nbsp;

<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/t9mJMmiXUAQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Strength and weaknesses of Kolkata:&nbsp;

Skipper Dinesh Karthik will look to make most of the IPL opportunity to get the selectors' attention.&nbsp;

Karthik led Kolkata to a third-place finish following their loss to Hyderabad in the second eliminator last year.&nbsp;

Kolkata have roped in Carlos Brathwaite to go alongside Andre Russell, Sunil Narine as they would look to reinforce their batting firepower with Chris Lynn.

Spin sensation Kuldeep Yadav, supported by Sunil Naraine will be a key man in Kolkata's bowling department but despite having two brilliant spinners, bowling is a concern for the team.&nbsp;

Probable playing XI:&nbsp;

Hyderabad: Kane Willilamson (c), Manish Pandey, David Warner, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Shakib Al Hasan, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Basil Thampi.&nbsp;

Kolkata: Dinesh Karthik (c), Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni's tactic against Jasprit Bumrah's yorkers, Virat Kohli's strategy to counter Kuldeep Yadav's googlies, Steve Smith's desperation to show his footwork, the 12th edition of Indian Premier League, which has already begun, will be all these and much more.

MS Dhoni's tactic against Jasprit Bumrah's yorkers, Virat Kohli's strategy to counter Kuldeep Yadav's googlies, Steve Smith's desperation to show his footwork, the 12th edition of Indian Premier League, which has already begun, will be all these and much more. In the second match of IPL 2019, Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata will host Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. Strength and weaknesses of Hyderabad: Kane Williamson, who led them to runners-up finish last season, will continue to captain Hyderabad, a team that is known for its depth and variation in bowling. The arrival of Australian cricketer David Warner, who missed last season due to ball tampering scandal, is the main strength for the team. Even as his international ban will end on March 28, the left-handed opener is eligible to play in the franchise league and would be hoping to get into his zone to stake a claim in Australia's World Cup squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed will lead Sunrisers pace department, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan will be in charge of the spin attack. Hyderabad have traded in Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma for Shikhar Dhawan, but it remains to be seen how they overcome the Indian opener's departure. × Strength and weaknesses of Kolkata: Skipper Dinesh Karthik will look to make most of the IPL opportunity to get the selectors' attention. Karthik led Kolkata to a third-place finish following their loss to Hyderabad in the second eliminator last year. Kolkata have roped in Carlos Brathwaite to go alongside Andre Russell, Sunil Narine as they would look to reinforce their batting firepower with Chris Lynn. Spin sensation Kuldeep Yadav, supported by Sunil Naraine will be a key man in Kolkata's bowling department but despite having two brilliant spinners, bowling is a concern for the team. Probable playing XI: Hyderabad: Kane Willilamson (c), Manish Pandey, David Warner, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Shakib Al Hasan, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Basil Thampi. Kolkata: Dinesh Karthik (c), Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

IPL 2019, Hyderabad vs Kolkata: Strengths, weaknesses and probable playing XI

kolkata

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