<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Kohli played an important role with 49-ball 77 during which he stepped out to PBKS pacers multiple times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well I mean you have to (make additions to your game)," he said about playing pacers while stepping out as opposed to his natural game of playing from the crease.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-jasprit-bumrah-leaves-stuart-broad-steve-smith-speechless-with-ruthless-spell-against-gt-704096">Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT</a></p>

<p>"People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball.</p>

<p>"And once you're closer to the ball, you kind of negate the bounce that's going to happen. You meet it earlier.</p>

<p>"So, I mean, you have to come up with a game plan here and there and try to keep improving your game," Kohli added.</p>

<p>Kohli has returned to competitive cricket after two months in the IPL 2024 and will be the mainstay of RCB as they search for their maiden trophy.</p>

<p>As for the game against PBKS, RCB and Kohli were in command in chase of 177 till the 16th over. Two quick wickets including Kohli, however, pegged them back with 47 needed off the last 22 balls and four wickets in hand. RCB's impact player Mahipal Lomror and veteran Dinesh Karthik then added the rest of the runs in just 18 balls to take their team home.</p>

<p>Lomror hit an 8-ball 17 while Karthik smashed a 10-ball 28 as RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his innings and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.</p>


Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Kohli played an important role with 49-ball 77 during which he stepped out to PBKS pacers multiple times. "Well I mean you have to (make additions to your game)," he said about playing pacers while stepping out as opposed to his natural game of playing from the crease. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT "People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball. "And once you're closer to the ball, you kind of negate the bounce that's going to happen. You meet it earlier. "So, I mean, you have to come up with a game plan here and there and try to keep improving your game," Kohli added. Kohli has returned to competitive cricket after two months in the IPL 2024 and will be the mainstay of RCB as they search for their maiden trophy. As for the game against PBKS, RCB and Kohli were in command in chase of 177 till the 16th over. Two quick wickets including Kohli, however, pegged them back with 47 needed off the last 22 balls and four wickets in hand. RCB's impact player Mahipal Lomror and veteran Dinesh Karthik then added the rest of the runs in just 18 balls to take their team home. Lomror hit an 8-ball 17 while Karthik smashed a 10-ball 28 as RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his innings and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.

IPL 2024: RCB's Virat Kohli REVEALS why he stepped out to play pacers against Punjab Kings

<p>Mahipal Lomror played his role of finisher as an impact player to perfection, forming a match-winning partnership with Dinesh Karthik in RCB’s first home game of the ongoing IPL season. Lomror revealed that he had been told the night before the game by the team management that he would be utilised as a finisher if RCB were chasing, and he had prepared accordingly.</p>

<p>“Yeah, this is what the team management wants me to prepare about for this role and they have communicated really well about this and they are very clear because we have a really good, strong batting lineup. So that's the only place where they can shuffle and use me. They are very clear about it from the very first day and I'm also preparing for the same,” Mahipal said after striking an unbeaten 17 off just 8 deliveries in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s four-wicket win over the Punjab team.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-virat-kohli-comes-at-par-with-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-after-rcb-beat-pbks-704380">IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS</a></p>

<p>Talking further about his role as an impact player, Mahipal stated, “This impact player rule is such that you have to be ready and you can get a call at any time to go in and as the name says you have to show that and you have to make an impact on the game. So yeah we were ready and the management discussed about it last night that ‘if we are chasing we might use you down the order. So be prepared for that.’ So mentally I was prepared and yeah that worked."</p>

<p>Walking in at 130 for 6 in the 17th over in the chase of 177, Mahipal flicked his first ball for four. In the next over, he struck Arshdeep Singh for a massive six-over long-on. Explaining how he prepares for his role to repay the faith of the RCB management, Mahipal said that he focuses on hitting in the nets so that he can hit boundaries as soon as he comes into bat in a game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He remarked, “Preparation-wise, the role I used to do in the last few years gave me more balls to bat. But now as an impact sub or low down the order, there's not going to be many balls to play. So my preparations are such that whenever I'm going into nets or whenever I'm training, I just try and hit. I try and hit boundaries from the very first ball and from the word go. So yeah, I'm trying to prepare like that.”</p>

<p>The pair of Karthik and Mahipal added 48 runs in just 18 deliveries as RCB reached the target with 4 balls to spare. Talking about the experience of batting with the senior pro, Mahipal said his chats with Karthik in the middle helped him stay focused.</p>

<p>“I think batting with him makes things really easy for us because he is an experienced guy and he has like 15-17 years of experience in the IPL. And he has been doing that role for such a long period of time now and he has executed his plans really well,” Mahipal said.</p>

<p>“He was just telling me to stay calm and just focus on the next ball and focus on the job in hand, not to get over-excited or not to get too aggressive, just focus on the ball and that kind of small talk&nbsp;always helps. And yeah, that's the experience he brings to the team and he's doing that job of a finisher really well,” he concluded.</p>

<p>RCB will play their next match on Friday, 29 March at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.</p>


Mahipal Lomror played his role of finisher as an impact player to perfection, forming a match-winning partnership with Dinesh Karthik in RCB’s first home game of the ongoing IPL season.

Mahipal Lomror played his role of finisher as an impact player to perfection, forming a match-winning partnership with Dinesh Karthik in RCB’s first home game of the ongoing IPL season. Lomror revealed that he had been told the night before the game by the team management that he would be utilised as a finisher if RCB were chasing, and he had prepared accordingly. “Yeah, this is what the team management wants me to prepare about for this role and they have communicated really well about this and they are very clear because we have a really good, strong batting lineup. So that's the only place where they can shuffle and use me. They are very clear about it from the very first day and I'm also preparing for the same,” Mahipal said after striking an unbeaten 17 off just 8 deliveries in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s four-wicket win over the Punjab team. Also Read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS Talking further about his role as an impact player, Mahipal stated, “This impact player rule is such that you have to be ready and you can get a call at any time to go in and as the name says you have to show that and you have to make an impact on the game. So yeah we were ready and the management discussed about it last night that ‘if we are chasing we might use you down the order. So be prepared for that.’ So mentally I was prepared and yeah that worked." Walking in at 130 for 6 in the 17th over in the chase of 177, Mahipal flicked his first ball for four. In the next over, he struck Arshdeep Singh for a massive six-over long-on. Explaining how he prepares for his role to repay the faith of the RCB management, Mahipal said that he focuses on hitting in the nets so that he can hit boundaries as soon as he comes into bat in a game. He remarked, “Preparation-wise, the role I used to do in the last few years gave me more balls to bat. But now as an impact sub or low down the order, there's not going to be many balls to play. So my preparations are such that whenever I'm going into nets or whenever I'm training, I just try and hit. I try and hit boundaries from the very first ball and from the word go. So yeah, I'm trying to prepare like that.” The pair of Karthik and Mahipal added 48 runs in just 18 deliveries as RCB reached the target with 4 balls to spare. Talking about the experience of batting with the senior pro, Mahipal said his chats with Karthik in the middle helped him stay focused. “I think batting with him makes things really easy for us because he is an experienced guy and he has like 15-17 years of experience in the IPL. And he has been doing that role for such a long period of time now and he has executed his plans really well,” Mahipal said. “He was just telling me to stay calm and just focus on the next ball and focus on the job in hand, not to get over-excited or not to get too aggressive, just focus on the ball and that kind of small talk always helps. And yeah, that's the experience he brings to the team and he's doing that job of a finisher really well,” he concluded. RCB will play their next match on Friday, 29 March at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

IPL 2024: RCB's Mahipal Lomror opens up on impact player role after match-winning knock vs PBKS

<p>Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25). Pietersen was in awe of Kohli's&nbsp;passion and panache for the game and even lauded his fitness. In addition,&nbsp;he feels the former Team India captain has turned Indian cricketers into athletes. On Monday evening, Kohli also starred for RCB in their&nbsp;home game versus PBKS as the&nbsp;Faf du Plessis-led franchise got off the mark in the ongoing edition courtesy of his sublime 49-ball 77.</p>

<h2><strong>'Virat Kohli&nbsp;has turned Indian cricketers into athletes'</strong></h2>

<p>During the game, while speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen said, "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out-and-out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-virat-kohli-comes-at-par-with-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-after-rcb-beat-pbks-704380">IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done'</strong></h2>

<p>The former cricketer further opined, "When he is running between the wickets, his full commitment and his energy and his desire to be the best, and he is the best. That starts before the field, that starts with diet, that starts with the energy he puts in the gym, that starts with the sacrifices that he has made to walk the walk because when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's what all the other players who have played under you are following you, watch you. The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done."</p>

<p>Over the years, Kohli has inspired one and all with his fitness. It is one of the major reasons for his success and longevity at the highest level. During his captaincy tenure, passing the Yo-Yo Test became mandatory for selection for the Indian cricketers. Kohli-starrer RCB will now host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru on Friday evening (March 29).&nbsp;</p>


Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25).

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25). Pietersen was in awe of Kohli's passion and panache for the game and even lauded his fitness. In addition, he feels the former Team India captain has turned Indian cricketers into athletes. On Monday evening, Kohli also starred for RCB in their home game versus PBKS as the Faf du Plessis-led franchise got off the mark in the ongoing edition courtesy of his sublime 49-ball 77. 'Virat Kohli has turned Indian cricketers into athletes' During the game, while speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen said, "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out-and-out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that." Also read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS 'The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done' The former cricketer further opined, "When he is running between the wickets, his full commitment and his energy and his desire to be the best, and he is the best. That starts before the field, that starts with diet, that starts with the energy he puts in the gym, that starts with the sacrifices that he has made to walk the walk because when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's what all the other players who have played under you are following you, watch you. The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done." Over the years, Kohli has inspired one and all with his fitness. It is one of the major reasons for his success and longevity at the highest level. During his captaincy tenure, passing the Yo-Yo Test became mandatory for selection for the Indian cricketers. Kohli-starrer RCB will now host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru on Friday evening (March 29).

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli turned Indian cricketers into athletes - Kevin Pietersen hails RCB star batter

<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Dinesh Karthik once again proved his mettle in death overs as he guided his team home in a tense chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 in Indian Premier League (IPL). Karthik smashed an unbeaten 10-ball 28 and added 48 runs for the seventh wickets with RCB impact sub Mahipal Lomror to help his team chase down 177 in 19.2 overs.</p>

<p>Karthik hit PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh for a six and a four on the first two balls of the last over as RCB registered their first win of the IPL 2024 season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter scooped the first ball from Arshdeep towards fine-leg for a six before hitting a four down the ground on the next ball as RCB won by four wickets. Have a look at the shots here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a finish 🔥<br />
What a chase 😎<br />
<br />
An unbeaten 48*-run partnership between <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/mahipallomror36?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mahipallomror36</a> wins it for the home team 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> register a 4-wicket win!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvPBKS</a> <a href="https://t.co/0BFhn9BRnC">pic.twitter.com/0BFhn9BRnC</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1772320850580001264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karthik, who has announced his retirement from IPL after the ongoing season, came on the crease in the 17th over after the fall of Virat Kohli. RCB was dealt another blow as Anuj Rawat was trapped LBW by Sam Curran two balls into the 17th over. With 47 needed off 22 balls and four wickets in hand, Karthik and Lomror did extremely well to pull off the heist.</p>

<p>It was Lomror who started the proceedings with two fours in the 17th over before hitting Arshdeep for a six and a four in the next one. Karthik took over from the 19th over onwards with RCB still needing 23 off 12 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karthik smashed former RCB bowler Harshal Patel for a six and a four in the 18th over as RCB cleared 13 runs from the target, leaving 10 for the last over. Karthik then finished off the game with two back-to-back boundaries in the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB's Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his 49-ball 77 and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.</p>


Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Dinesh Karthik once again proved his mettle in death overs as he guided his team home in a tense chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Dinesh Karthik once again proved his mettle in death overs as he guided his team home in a tense chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 in Indian Premier League (IPL). Karthik smashed an unbeaten 10-ball 28 and added 48 runs for the seventh wickets with RCB impact sub Mahipal Lomror to help his team chase down 177 in 19.2 overs. Karthik hit PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh for a six and a four on the first two balls of the last over as RCB registered their first win of the IPL 2024 season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter scooped the first ball from Arshdeep towards fine-leg for a six before hitting a four down the ground on the next ball as RCB won by four wickets. Have a look at the shots here: What a finish 🔥 What a chase 😎 An unbeaten 48*-run partnership between @DineshKarthik and @mahipallomror36 wins it for the home team 💪@RCBTweets register a 4-wicket win!#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/0BFhn9BRnC — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2024 × Karthik, who has announced his retirement from IPL after the ongoing season, came on the crease in the 17th over after the fall of Virat Kohli. RCB was dealt another blow as Anuj Rawat was trapped LBW by Sam Curran two balls into the 17th over. With 47 needed off 22 balls and four wickets in hand, Karthik and Lomror did extremely well to pull off the heist. It was Lomror who started the proceedings with two fours in the 17th over before hitting Arshdeep for a six and a four in the next one. Karthik took over from the 19th over onwards with RCB still needing 23 off 12 balls. Karthik smashed former RCB bowler Harshal Patel for a six and a four in the 18th over as RCB cleared 13 runs from the target, leaving 10 for the last over. Karthik then finished off the game with two back-to-back boundaries in the last over. RCB's Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his 49-ball 77 and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.

IPL 2024: WATCH | Dinesh Karthik hits PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh for consecutive boundaries to help RCB win

<p>There is a lot of news coming from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of the IPL 2024 curtain raiser, where the Yellow Army will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru&nbsp;(RCB) in Chennai on Friday (March 22). While on Thursday (March 21), it was confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad has succeeded MS Dhoni as the CSK captain, another important update has emerged for the Chennai fans. Matheesha Pathirana, Sri Lanka's young pacer, has been declared fit ahead of the season-opener.</p>

<p>Pathirana, who ended with 19 wickets&nbsp;in IPL 2023 (third-most for CSK), suffered a hamstring tear (Grade 1) during Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh. He got injured during the second and penultimate T20I and has been away from action since then. Now, his manager confirmed, on X, that he has been declared fit.</p>

<p><i>“The answer to ‘Where's Pathirana’. He is fit and ready to throw Thunder balls. Be ready. Finally a together with the Legend,”</i>&nbsp;Kalugalage wrote on Friday. <strong>Here is the post:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The answer to "Where's Pathirana"<br />
<br />
He is fit and ready to throw Thunder ⚡ balls. Be ready 💣.<br />
Finally a 📸 together with the Legend <a href="https://twitter.com/matheesha_9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@matheesha_9</a> 😄 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/csk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#csk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/JKsv9gacWm">pic.twitter.com/JKsv9gacWm</a></p>
— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) <a href="https://twitter.com/akalugalage/status/1771024855242248681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-ruturaj-gaikwad-reveals-ms-dhoni-told-him-to-be-ready-for-csk-captaincy-in-2023-702994">IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals MS Dhoni told him to 'be ready' for CSK captaincy in 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>Pathirana is, however, expected to join the CSK setup only after he gets a clearance from the Sri Lanka&nbsp; Cricket Board (SLC). Earlier, it was reported that the 21-year-old would miss 2-3 games due to&nbsp;injury. However, CSK fans would hope for his early appearance in the IPL 2024 edition.</p>

<p>On Friday evening, CSK and RCB will lock horns and kickoff the 17th season of the cash-rich league. The match will mark the commencement of the Gaikwad-era in the Chennai setup with Dhoni stepping away from captaincy duties.</p>

<p><strong>CSK squad for IPL 2024:&nbsp;</strong>MS Dhoni&nbsp;(wk), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway (wk), Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha&nbsp;Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly</p>


There is a lot of news coming from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of the IPL 2024 curtain raiser, where the Yellow Army will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai on Friday (March 22).

There is a lot of news coming from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of the IPL 2024 curtain raiser, where the Yellow Army will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai on Friday (March 22). While on Thursday (March 21), it was confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad has succeeded MS Dhoni as the CSK captain, another important update has emerged for the Chennai fans. Matheesha Pathirana, Sri Lanka's young pacer, has been declared fit ahead of the season-opener. Pathirana, who ended with 19 wickets in IPL 2023 (third-most for CSK), suffered a hamstring tear (Grade 1) during Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh. He got injured during the second and penultimate T20I and has been away from action since then. Now, his manager confirmed, on X, that he has been declared fit. “The answer to ‘Where's Pathirana’. He is fit and ready to throw Thunder balls. Be ready. Finally a together with the Legend,” Kalugalage wrote on Friday. Here is the post: The answer to "Where's Pathirana" He is fit and ready to throw Thunder ⚡ balls. Be ready 💣. Finally a 📸 together with the Legend @matheesha_9 😄 #WhistlePodu #csk #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/JKsv9gacWm — Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) March 22, 2024 × Also read: IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals MS Dhoni told him to 'be ready' for CSK captaincy in 2023 Pathirana is, however, expected to join the CSK setup only after he gets a clearance from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). Earlier, it was reported that the 21-year-old would miss 2-3 games due to injury. However, CSK fans would hope for his early appearance in the IPL 2024 edition. On Friday evening, CSK and RCB will lock horns and kickoff the 17th season of the cash-rich league. The match will mark the commencement of the Gaikwad-era in the Chennai setup with Dhoni stepping away from captaincy duties. CSK squad for IPL 2024: MS Dhoni (wk), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway (wk), Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly

IPL 2024: Ahead of CSK vs RCB opener, Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana declared fit

<p>Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach Andy Flower says that his team will adopt an attacking strategy in the upcoming 2024 season which gives them the best chance to win the tournament. Notably, RCB are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy despite being one of the best sides in the tournament since the league's inception in 2008.</p>

<p>Flower made the comments in an exclusive chat with the media platform Hindustan Times at the recently concluded ILT20 where he was associated with Gulf Giants. Flower was appointed the coach of RCB after the conclusion of last season during which the side failed to make it to the playoffs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-rajasthan-royals-skipper-sanju-samson-reveals-motive-behind-his-power-hitting-game-702121">IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson reveals 'motive' behind his power-hitting game</a></p>

<p>“We want to play a type of game that we will be proud of. We will attack the game, and that will give us a really good chance of getting through to playoffs. Once you get through, then you've got a good chance at the title. So, there are steps along the way that we must take,” Flower said.</p>

<p>Speaking on his motivation to join RCB as the coach, the former Zimbabwe player said: “I'm really excited about that challenge (of joining a side that is yet to win an IPL title). It is one of the main reasons I wanted to take this job. It gives me a very exciting opportunity to see if we can do something special with RCB. We have got a really exciting group of players. I think our squad is strong. We have got some great experience in the dressing room,” says the RCB coach further."</p>

<p>The RCB coach also noted that the all-rounders will be playing an important role for RCB in the upcoming season which starts on March 22.</p>

<p>“All-rounders, we think, are going to play a really important part in the tournament. The opportunity of winning a tournament is right there in front of us, but my personal view of taking on a challenge like that is always simplifying the route,” added Flower.</p>

<p>RCB play their first match on the opening day against defending champions Chennai Super Kings.</p>


Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach Andy Flower says that his team will adopt an attacking strategy in the upcoming 2024 season which gives them the best chance to win the tournament.

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach Andy Flower says that his team will adopt an attacking strategy in the upcoming 2024 season which gives them the best chance to win the tournament. Notably, RCB are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy despite being one of the best sides in the tournament since the league's inception in 2008. Flower made the comments in an exclusive chat with the media platform Hindustan Times at the recently concluded ILT20 where he was associated with Gulf Giants. Flower was appointed the coach of RCB after the conclusion of last season during which the side failed to make it to the playoffs. Also Read: IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson reveals 'motive' behind his power-hitting game “We want to play a type of game that we will be proud of. We will attack the game, and that will give us a really good chance of getting through to playoffs. Once you get through, then you've got a good chance at the title. So, there are steps along the way that we must take,” Flower said. Speaking on his motivation to join RCB as the coach, the former Zimbabwe player said: “I'm really excited about that challenge (of joining a side that is yet to win an IPL title). It is one of the main reasons I wanted to take this job. It gives me a very exciting opportunity to see if we can do something special with RCB. We have got a really exciting group of players. I think our squad is strong. We have got some great experience in the dressing room,” says the RCB coach further." The RCB coach also noted that the all-rounders will be playing an important role for RCB in the upcoming season which starts on March 22. “All-rounders, we think, are going to play a really important part in the tournament. The opportunity of winning a tournament is right there in front of us, but my personal view of taking on a challenge like that is always simplifying the route,” added Flower. RCB play their first match on the opening day against defending champions Chennai Super Kings.

IPL 2024: 'We will attack...,' RCB coach Andy Flower shares strategy for upcoming season

<p>Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him. Kohli was addressing the fans gathered at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where RCB was rechristened as Royal Challengers Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli walked to the stage as the boisterous crowd went berserk and started chanting his name. Upon being&nbsp;asked how he was feeling after returning to the cricket field post the birth of his second child, Kohli said it was "lovely to be back again".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon hearing their star player's statement, the crowd went crazy yet&nbsp;again and 'Kohli, Kohli' chants started reverberating across the stadium.</p>

<p>A visibly elated Kohli, playfully told the crowd: "Let me talk. Guys, we have to get to Chennai tonight we have a chartered flight so we don't have time (laughs)."</p>

<p>"Firstly, you need to stop calling me that word (King). Please call me Virat. Don't call me that word (king), I was just telling Faf du Plessis that I feel embarrassed every year when you call me that word. So just call me Virat, please, from now on, don't use that word, it's very embarrassing for me," Kohli added.</p>

<p>Having made his India debut in 2008 and stayed with RCB since then, Kohli has become a fan favourite across the globe. Owing to his throughouly imposing nature on the field, fans refer to him as 'King' and it has become associated with his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-unbox-2024-live-updates-check-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-701448"><b>Also read |&nbsp;RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey</b></a></p>

<p>Notably, Tuesday wasn't the first instance when Kohli urged the fans to not call him 'king'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s sweet. I know why they are saying it, but I don’t prefer it. I like to be called by my own name, Virat,” he said last years on RCB Insider show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People tell me King out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>RCB rechristened</strong></h2>

<p>After urging the crowd, Kohli alongside skipper Faf du Plessis and women's team captain Smriti Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rcb-officially-change-name-to-royal-challengers-bengaluru-in-glitzy-ceremony-701988"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;RCB officially change name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in glitzy ceremony</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(WIth inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him. Kohli was addressing the fans gathered at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where RCB was rechristened as Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli walked to the stage as the boisterous crowd went berserk and started chanting his name. Upon being asked how he was feeling after returning to the cricket field post the birth of his second child, Kohli said it was "lovely to be back again". Upon hearing their star player's statement, the crowd went crazy yet again and 'Kohli, Kohli' chants started reverberating across the stadium. A visibly elated Kohli, playfully told the crowd: "Let me talk. Guys, we have to get to Chennai tonight we have a chartered flight so we don't have time (laughs)." "Firstly, you need to stop calling me that word (King). Please call me Virat. Don't call me that word (king), I was just telling Faf du Plessis that I feel embarrassed every year when you call me that word. So just call me Virat, please, from now on, don't use that word, it's very embarrassing for me," Kohli added. Having made his India debut in 2008 and stayed with RCB since then, Kohli has become a fan favourite across the globe. Owing to his throughouly imposing nature on the field, fans refer to him as 'King' and it has become associated with his name. Also read | RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey Notably, Tuesday wasn't the first instance when Kohli urged the fans to not call him 'king'. “It’s sweet. I know why they are saying it, but I don’t prefer it. I like to be called by my own name, Virat,” he said last years on RCB Insider show. "People tell me King out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’," he added. RCB rechristened After urging the crowd, Kohli alongside skipper Faf du Plessis and women's team captain Smriti Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name. Also read | RCB officially change name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in glitzy ceremony Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition. (WIth inputs from agencies)

‘It embarrasses me’: Virat Kohli tells RCB fans to STOP calling him this...

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<p>Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, RCB, officially rechristened itself as Royal Challengers Bengaluru during a glitzy ceremony held in front of a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday (Mar 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The highly anticipated RCB Unbox event celebrated the franchise's history as well as recent successes with an attempt to reinvigorate the brand with a new name and a brand new jersey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event kickstarted with the RCB men's team giving a guard of honour to newly crowned Women's Premier League (WPL) champions - Smriti Mandhana's RCB-Women team.</p>

<p>Afterwards, former captain Virat Kohli, alongside current skipper Faf du Plessis and Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The City we love, the Heritage we embrace, and this is the time for our ಹೊಸ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯ.<br />
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PRESENTING TO YOU, ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU, ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಂಡ, ನಿಮ್ಮ RCB!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B2%A8%E0%B2%AE%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AERCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ನಮ್ಮRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBUnbox?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBUnbox</a> <a href="https://t.co/harurFXclC">pic.twitter.com/harurFXclC</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1770102167623303500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have also changed their names in the recent past.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-unbox-2024-live-updates-check-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-701448"><b>Also read |&nbsp;RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey</b></a></p>

<h2><strong>RCB fans elated</strong></h2>

<p>The fans of the IPL franchise celebrated the name change and thanked the club for finally listening to their demands. Some hoped that the name change would bring the first IPL silverware for the men's team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thank you RCB management for finally listening to fans. We needed this," said one fan, while another commented: "Finally after so many years, they have made the decision to change Bangalore to BENGALURU. Thank you!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>A third added: "Hopefully, the name change brings luck and RCB win their first IPL trophy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being hugely popular among cricket fans, RCB is yet to win the coveted IPL trophy. The previous 16 seasons have seen the team come perilously close to the title on three separate occasions but falling at the final hurdle.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-rcb-captain-faf-du-plessis-recalls-how-he-connected-instantly-with-virat-kohli-698060"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: RCB captain Faf du Plessis recalls how he connected instantly with Virat Kohli</strong></a></p>

<p>The last time RCB qualified for the final was in 2016 when Sunrisers Hyderabad stopped Virat Kohli and co. from winning the maiden title.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCB will start their 2024 campaign on the opening day of the tournament by squaring up against defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, RCB, officially rechristened itself as Royal Challengers Bengaluru during a glitzy ceremony held in front of a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday (Mar 19).

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, RCB, officially rechristened itself as Royal Challengers Bengaluru during a glitzy ceremony held in front of a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday (Mar 19). The highly anticipated RCB Unbox event celebrated the franchise's history as well as recent successes with an attempt to reinvigorate the brand with a new name and a brand new jersey. The event kickstarted with the RCB men's team giving a guard of honour to newly crowned Women's Premier League (WPL) champions - Smriti Mandhana's RCB-Women team. Afterwards, former captain Virat Kohli, alongside current skipper Faf du Plessis and Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name. The City we love, the Heritage we embrace, and this is the time for our ಹೊಸ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯ. PRESENTING TO YOU, ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU, ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಂಡ, ನಿಮ್ಮ RCB!#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBUnbox pic.twitter.com/harurFXclC — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 19, 2024 × Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition. The likes of Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have also changed their names in the recent past. Also read | RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey RCB fans elated The fans of the IPL franchise celebrated the name change and thanked the club for finally listening to their demands. Some hoped that the name change would bring the first IPL silverware for the men's team. "Thank you RCB management for finally listening to fans. We needed this," said one fan, while another commented: "Finally after so many years, they have made the decision to change Bangalore to BENGALURU. Thank you!" A third added: "Hopefully, the name change brings luck and RCB win their first IPL trophy." Despite being hugely popular among cricket fans, RCB is yet to win the coveted IPL trophy. The previous 16 seasons have seen the team come perilously close to the title on three separate occasions but falling at the final hurdle. Also read | IPL 2024: RCB captain Faf du Plessis recalls how he connected instantly with Virat Kohli The last time RCB qualified for the final was in 2016 when Sunrisers Hyderabad stopped Virat Kohli and co. from winning the maiden title. RCB will start their 2024 campaign on the opening day of the tournament by squaring up against defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22. (With inputs from agencies)

RCB officially change name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in glitzy ceremony

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore&nbsp;(RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has revealed that the title triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) involved as much as a whole year of meticulous planning and strategising on and off the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From brainstorming the kind of dressing room culture they wanted to create, to having a dedicated communication group for the Indian domestic players in the off-season, RCB left no stone unturned in this labour of love that eventually led them to ultimate glory on Sunday.</p>

<p>It was a night of multiple triumphs for RCB. The players showcased their peak performance in the pivotal tournament finale, adeptly seizing opportunities with the ball to limit the opponent to a modest total of 113 and then they demonstrated prowess with the bat, efficiently chasing the target with only two wickets down.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-postpone-t20i-series-vs-afghanistan-citing-concerns-over-womens-rights-in-asian-country-701763">Cricket Australia postpones T20I series vs Afghanistan citing concerns over women's rights in country</a></p>

<p>In addition to winning the Fair Play award, RCB also swept the individual awards in a historic first in the WPL, taking the Orange Cap for most runs 347 (Ellyse Perry), Purple Cap for most wickets 13 and Emerging Player of the Tournament (both Shreyanka Patil).</p>

<p>The day after RCB lifted the WPL trophy, captain Smriti spoke about the painstaking preparations that had gone into turning the dream into reality. “The first thing, they were like, this is your team and build it the way you want to do it and set the culture. That was the biggest thing for me. And the second thing was that we really want to set a good culture in terms of, happy and positive stuff. So that was a big thing in terms of planning, how we want the team environment to be,” Smriti said.</p>

<p>“Then the second bit of planning, where we started chalking down names, started tracking players, like Sophie Molineux was injured last year. So we had to track her, whether she's doing fine, what's happening. (Coach) Luke (Williams) being from Australia really helped."</p>

<p>Talking about the importance of the numerous training camps organised by RCB over the past year, Smriti said, “One very good thing RCB did was they conducted several camps last year. Training camps, fitness camps, batting and bowling-specific camps, that was also part of our planning. Our plan was to give a platform to domestic cricketers so that they were completely ready for this level."</p>

<p>She added, “Over the past one year we did a lot of video calls together. We had a group of our own Indian domestic girls and whenever they needed something we were all always there."</p>

<p>“So if you are working for a year, your job becomes easier when the season arrives. Once the season starts, it becomes a bit hard to put in that kind of work. So RCB worked on them for a year, and that really paid off a lot in terms of how they were confident,” concluded Smriti.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has revealed that the title triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) involved as much as a whole year of meticulous planning and strategising on and off the field.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has revealed that the title triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) involved as much as a whole year of meticulous planning and strategising on and off the field. From brainstorming the kind of dressing room culture they wanted to create, to having a dedicated communication group for the Indian domestic players in the off-season, RCB left no stone unturned in this labour of love that eventually led them to ultimate glory on Sunday. It was a night of multiple triumphs for RCB. The players showcased their peak performance in the pivotal tournament finale, adeptly seizing opportunities with the ball to limit the opponent to a modest total of 113 and then they demonstrated prowess with the bat, efficiently chasing the target with only two wickets down. Also Read: Cricket Australia postpones T20I series vs Afghanistan citing concerns over women's rights in country In addition to winning the Fair Play award, RCB also swept the individual awards in a historic first in the WPL, taking the Orange Cap for most runs 347 (Ellyse Perry), Purple Cap for most wickets 13 and Emerging Player of the Tournament (both Shreyanka Patil). The day after RCB lifted the WPL trophy, captain Smriti spoke about the painstaking preparations that had gone into turning the dream into reality. “The first thing, they were like, this is your team and build it the way you want to do it and set the culture. That was the biggest thing for me. And the second thing was that we really want to set a good culture in terms of, happy and positive stuff. So that was a big thing in terms of planning, how we want the team environment to be,” Smriti said. “Then the second bit of planning, where we started chalking down names, started tracking players, like Sophie Molineux was injured last year. So we had to track her, whether she's doing fine, what's happening. (Coach) Luke (Williams) being from Australia really helped." Talking about the importance of the numerous training camps organised by RCB over the past year, Smriti said, “One very good thing RCB did was they conducted several camps last year. Training camps, fitness camps, batting and bowling-specific camps, that was also part of our planning. Our plan was to give a platform to domestic cricketers so that they were completely ready for this level." She added, “Over the past one year we did a lot of video calls together. We had a group of our own Indian domestic girls and whenever they needed something we were all always there." “So if you are working for a year, your job becomes easier when the season arrives. Once the season starts, it becomes a bit hard to put in that kind of work. So RCB worked on them for a year, and that really paid off a lot in terms of how they were confident,” concluded Smriti.

Skipper Smriti Mandhana reveals year-long planning as reason behind RCB’s WPL triumph

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore&nbsp;(RCB) Women's Sophie Molineux bowled a dream over in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 final against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday (Mar 17) to help her team lift&nbsp;the trophy. Batting first, DC were on the charge with 64/0 in seven overs when Molineux bowled the triple-wicket over and derailed the proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The RCB bowler first dismissed Shafali Verma who was looking dangerous with 44 off 26 already to her name. Molineux then removed Jemimah Rodrigues and Alice Capsey on successive balls in the same over as DC went from 64/0 to 65/3 at the end of the over. Have a look at the wickets below:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sooooo good Soooooophie 🔥<br />
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<a href="https://t.co/2aobeTQu1g">pic.twitter.com/2aobeTQu1g</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1769378840307196013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Molineux eventually finished with&nbsp;figures of 3/20 in her four overs and won the Player of the Match award for her performance. DC could never bounce back from the triple blow and Shreyanka Patil's exploits ensured that they didn't play full 20 overs. Patil took 4/12 in 3.3 overs as DC got bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-rcb-skipper-smriti-mandhana-proud-of-team-for-saving-best-for-the-last-after-winning-maiden-title-701307">WPL 2024: We 'saved our best for the last', says RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana on maiden title</a></p>

<p>Chasing the target, RCB added 49 runs for the first wicket before Shikha Pandey removed Sophie Devine (32 off 27) in the ninth over. Skipper Smriti Mandhana (39-ball 31) then added 33 runs for the second wicket with Orange Cap winner Ellyse Perry who scored an unbeaten 35 off 37 balls.</p>

<p>After Mandhana's fall, Perry and Richa Ghosh added the remaining 32 runs and took the team home in 19.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.&nbsp;Mandhana praised her team after the win and said: "In tournaments like these, you need to peak at the right time, maybe we saved our best for the last."</p>

<p>This was RCB's first WPL title and maiden silverware for the franchise, including for RCB men's team in the WPL's sister tournament Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's Sophie Molineux bowled a dream over in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 final against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday (Mar 17) to help her team lift the trophy.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's Sophie Molineux bowled a dream over in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 final against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday (Mar 17) to help her team lift the trophy. Batting first, DC were on the charge with 64/0 in seven overs when Molineux bowled the triple-wicket over and derailed the proceedings. The RCB bowler first dismissed Shafali Verma who was looking dangerous with 44 off 26 already to her name. Molineux then removed Jemimah Rodrigues and Alice Capsey on successive balls in the same over as DC went from 64/0 to 65/3 at the end of the over. Have a look at the wickets below: Sooooo good Soooooophie 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2aobeTQu1g — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 17, 2024 × Molineux eventually finished with figures of 3/20 in her four overs and won the Player of the Match award for her performance. DC could never bounce back from the triple blow and Shreyanka Patil's exploits ensured that they didn't play full 20 overs. Patil took 4/12 in 3.3 overs as DC got bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs. Also Read: WPL 2024: We 'saved our best for the last', says RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana on maiden title Chasing the target, RCB added 49 runs for the first wicket before Shikha Pandey removed Sophie Devine (32 off 27) in the ninth over. Skipper Smriti Mandhana (39-ball 31) then added 33 runs for the second wicket with Orange Cap winner Ellyse Perry who scored an unbeaten 35 off 37 balls. After Mandhana's fall, Perry and Richa Ghosh added the remaining 32 runs and took the team home in 19.3 overs with eight wickets in hand. Mandhana praised her team after the win and said: "In tournaments like these, you need to peak at the right time, maybe we saved our best for the last." This was RCB's first WPL title and maiden silverware for the franchise, including for RCB men's team in the WPL's sister tournament Indian Premier League (IPL).

WPL 2024, Final: RCB's Sophie Molineux bowls sensational triple-wicket over vs DC - WATCH

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women skipper Smriti Mandhana&nbsp;said that the team probably&nbsp;'saved their best for the last', after winning their maiden Women's Premier League (WPL) title. RCB beat Delhi Capitals in a one-sided match on Sunday (Mar 17) to win the WPL 2024 trophy - their first silverware as a franchise across the Indian Premier League (IPL) and WPL.</p>

<p>"We spoke of how our last three games were effectively like a quarterfinals, semi-final and final. We had to step up at the right time. In tournaments like these, you need to peak at the right time, maybe we saved our best for the last," said Mandhana after the match.</p>

<p>The skipper acknowledged that the feeling of winning the title would take time to sink in but praised the team for sticking together through all the ups and downs.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/finally-ee-sala-cup-namdu-heres-how-social-media-reacted-to-rcbs-maiden-wpl-title-win-701246">How social media reacted to RCB’s maiden WPL title win</a></p>

<p>"The feeling hasn't sunk in, maybe it'll take time. It's hard to come out with a lot of expressions at the moment. The only thing I want to say is how proud I am of the bunch. We've been through ups and downs, the way they stuck together and got us through the line was amazing to watch," she said.</p>

<p>RCB had started their campaign with two consecutive wins before losing the track a bit. The team, however, persevered through to eventually book a place in the final.</p>

<p>"The Bangalore leg was really good, we won three out of five, but in Delhi we had two tough losses," Mandhana said while reflecting on the team's campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on what it means to win the WPL title, Mandhana said: "I think for RCB it's a lot more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm not the only one who has won the trophy, the team has won it. To win it as a franchise is really special. It hasn't sunk in yet, but it feels definitely like one of the top five moments. Definitely, a World Cup win will top it," she added.</p>

<p>Mandhana played a crucial role with 39-ball 31 during RCB's chase as they reached the 114-run target in the last over with eight wickets in hand.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women skipper Smriti Mandhana said that the team probably 'saved their best for the last', after winning their maiden Women's Premier League (WPL) title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women skipper Smriti Mandhana said that the team probably 'saved their best for the last', after winning their maiden Women's Premier League (WPL) title. RCB beat Delhi Capitals in a one-sided match on Sunday (Mar 17) to win the WPL 2024 trophy - their first silverware as a franchise across the Indian Premier League (IPL) and WPL. "We spoke of how our last three games were effectively like a quarterfinals, semi-final and final. We had to step up at the right time. In tournaments like these, you need to peak at the right time, maybe we saved our best for the last," said Mandhana after the match. The skipper acknowledged that the feeling of winning the title would take time to sink in but praised the team for sticking together through all the ups and downs. Also Read: How social media reacted to RCB’s maiden WPL title win "The feeling hasn't sunk in, maybe it'll take time. It's hard to come out with a lot of expressions at the moment. The only thing I want to say is how proud I am of the bunch. We've been through ups and downs, the way they stuck together and got us through the line was amazing to watch," she said. RCB had started their campaign with two consecutive wins before losing the track a bit. The team, however, persevered through to eventually book a place in the final. "The Bangalore leg was really good, we won three out of five, but in Delhi we had two tough losses," Mandhana said while reflecting on the team's campaign. Speaking on what it means to win the WPL title, Mandhana said: "I think for RCB it's a lot more." "I'm not the only one who has won the trophy, the team has won it. To win it as a franchise is really special. It hasn't sunk in yet, but it feels definitely like one of the top five moments. Definitely, a World Cup win will top it," she added. Mandhana played a crucial role with 39-ball 31 during RCB's chase as they reached the 114-run target in the last over with eight wickets in hand.

WPL 2024: We 'saved our best for the last', says RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana on maiden title

<p><strong>WPL Final 2024, RCB vs DC:&nbsp;</strong>Delhi Capitals (DC) Women and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women will be facing off each other in the second Women's Premier League (WPL) final on Sunday, March 17 in New Delhi. While this is DC's second consecutive final, RCB reached here by winning a thriller against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the eliminator. Both finalists will be itching to get their hands on the trophy but it's Delhi who looks a side with a better chance to win.</p>

<p>Delhi had started their campaign with a loss against MI but then went on to win four games in a row before losing a thriller against UP Warriorz (UPW) Women by just a run. In their next two games, DC held their nerve and won against RCB to qualify for the playoffs and then against Gujarat Giants (GG) Women to finish on top of the table and qualify for the final.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-i-didnt-try-to-convince-him-a-lot-nehra-breaks-silence-on-hardik-pandyas-move-to-mumbai-indians-700927">IPL 2024: ‘I didn't try to convince him a lot’- Nehra breaks silence on Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians</a></p>

<p>RCB, on the other hand, had a different course till the final. They started the season with two back-to-back wins but then lost two consecutive games. RCB tried to get back to the winning ways and did well against UPW with 23-run win. They again lost two more games before winning the last one against MI by seven wickets to enter the playoffs. They then beat the MI in eliminator to set up the date with DC. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the ace players, it will be Shafali Verma for Delhi who will hold the key at the top and Ellyse Perry will play the same role for the RCB. Skipper Smriti Mandhana will also be looking to offer a solid start at the top to help her team give a chance to win.</p>

<p>Among the bowlers, Marizanne Kapp would be the key for DC if they wish to tame the RCB batting and the same role will be played by Renuka Singh for RCB along with Perry and Sophie Molineux.</p>


WPL Final 2024, RCB vs DC: Delhi Capitals (DC) Women and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women will be facing off each other in the second Women's Premier League (WPL) final on Sunday, March 17 in New Delhi.

WPL Final 2024, RCB vs DC: Delhi Capitals (DC) Women and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women will be facing off each other in the second Women's Premier League (WPL) final on Sunday, March 17 in New Delhi. While this is DC's second consecutive final, RCB reached here by winning a thriller against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the eliminator. Both finalists will be itching to get their hands on the trophy but it's Delhi who looks a side with a better chance to win. Delhi had started their campaign with a loss against MI but then went on to win four games in a row before losing a thriller against UP Warriorz (UPW) Women by just a run. In their next two games, DC held their nerve and won against RCB to qualify for the playoffs and then against Gujarat Giants (GG) Women to finish on top of the table and qualify for the final. Also Read: IPL 2024: ‘I didn't try to convince him a lot’- Nehra breaks silence on Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians RCB, on the other hand, had a different course till the final. They started the season with two back-to-back wins but then lost two consecutive games. RCB tried to get back to the winning ways and did well against UPW with 23-run win. They again lost two more games before winning the last one against MI by seven wickets to enter the playoffs. They then beat the MI in eliminator to set up the date with DC. Talking about the ace players, it will be Shafali Verma for Delhi who will hold the key at the top and Ellyse Perry will play the same role for the RCB. Skipper Smriti Mandhana will also be looking to offer a solid start at the top to help her team give a chance to win. Among the bowlers, Marizanne Kapp would be the key for DC if they wish to tame the RCB batting and the same role will be played by Renuka Singh for RCB along with Perry and Sophie Molineux.

WPL 2024, Final Preview: Delhi, Bangalore face off one last time for maiden silverware

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that the batters couldn't hold their nerve in the Women's Premier League (WPL) eliminator on March 15 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Chasing 136, MI were in complete command with 16 needed of 13 balls and seven wickets in hand but eventually lost the game by 5 runs. The win propelled RCB to their maiden WPL final while defending champions MI crashed out of the tournament.</p>

<p>"We bowled really well to restrict them to under 140. Batting was also good but in the last 12 balls, we could not bat well. We just needed one boundary and we were not able to get it. That is what this game always teaches you. It puts you under pressure and you have to keep learning from it. When we lost my wicket, our batters could not hold their nerve, that was the turning point," said Kaur at the post-match presentation.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2024-eliminator-heartbreak-for-mi-as-rcb-clinch-thriller-to-reach-maiden-final-700580">WPL 2024, Eliminator: Heartbreak for MI as RCB clinch thriller to reach maiden final</a></p>

<p>The drama started when Kaur got out on the last ball of the 18th over, leaving MI with 16 to get in last two. Sophie Molineux then gave away just four runs in the penultimate over and got Sajeevan Sajana out as well. The MI skipper was full of praise of Sajana despite her&nbsp;not able to finish the job.</p>

<p>"She (Sajana) is someone who can hit the ball really hard, and that is what we want the WPL to do, to create more young players," said Kaur about the youngster.</p>

<p>In the last over, MI couldn't score 12 runs and only managed six runs to lose the game.</p>

<p>"We fought really hard. This season was a little up and down. Last season we did really well. we learned a lot and hopefully next season, we can come back hard," said Kaur.</p>

<p>RCB will now play Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 final on March 17.</p>


Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that the batters couldn't hold their nerve in the Women's Premier League (WPL) eliminator on March 15 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that the batters couldn't hold their nerve in the Women's Premier League (WPL) eliminator on March 15 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Chasing 136, MI were in complete command with 16 needed of 13 balls and seven wickets in hand but eventually lost the game by 5 runs. The win propelled RCB to their maiden WPL final while defending champions MI crashed out of the tournament. "We bowled really well to restrict them to under 140. Batting was also good but in the last 12 balls, we could not bat well. We just needed one boundary and we were not able to get it. That is what this game always teaches you. It puts you under pressure and you have to keep learning from it. When we lost my wicket, our batters could not hold their nerve, that was the turning point," said Kaur at the post-match presentation. Also Read: WPL 2024, Eliminator: Heartbreak for MI as RCB clinch thriller to reach maiden final The drama started when Kaur got out on the last ball of the 18th over, leaving MI with 16 to get in last two. Sophie Molineux then gave away just four runs in the penultimate over and got Sajeevan Sajana out as well. The MI skipper was full of praise of Sajana despite her not able to finish the job. "She (Sajana) is someone who can hit the ball really hard, and that is what we want the WPL to do, to create more young players," said Kaur about the youngster. In the last over, MI couldn't score 12 runs and only managed six runs to lose the game. "We fought really hard. This season was a little up and down. Last season we did really well. we learned a lot and hopefully next season, we can come back hard," said Kaur. RCB will now play Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2024 final on March 17.

WPL 2024, Eliminator: 'Batters couldn't hold nerve,' says MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur after shock loss to RCB

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's all-rounder Ellyse Perry bowled the best spell in Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Tuesday (Mar 12). Perry finished with the figures of 6/15 against Mumbai Indians (MI) to help her team qualify for the playoffs of 2024 season. She also scored 40 unbeaten runs in RCB's 114-run chase and deservingly won the Player of the Match award.</p>

<p>Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss in New Delhi, MI were off to a good start, scoring 43/1 in the powerplay before Perry ran amok through MI batting line-up. She dismissed Sajeevan Sajana and Harmanpreet Kaur on consecutive balls in the ninth over of the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pacer-mohammed-siraj-reveals-he-mulled-quitting-cricket-in-2019-heres-why-699616">India pacer Mohammed Siraj reveals he mulled quitting cricket in 2019! Here's why</a></p>

<p>In her next over, she again took two back-to-back wickets sending Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur, bringing Mumbai down to 5/73 at midway. In her last over of the spell, Perry again two wickets, dismissing Pooja Vastrakar and and Nat-Sciver Brunt on third and last ball of the 13th over to crush MI. Have a look at some of the wickets below:</p>

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<p>After Perry's sensational spell, MI couldn't do much and folded out for 113 in 19 overs. During the chase, RCB had some hiccups, losing three wickets for 39 runs in 6.1 overs before Perry and Richa Ghosh added unbeaten 76 runs for the fourth wicket. The partnership took RCB home in 15 overs and into the playoffs.</p>

<p>With eight points in eight games, RCB sit third in the playoff and will be playing the second-placed team in the points table in the eliminator on March 15. RCB could end up playing second-placed MI again in the eliminator if Delhi either win their last game against Gujarat Giants on Wednesday (Mar 13) or lose by a lower margin to keep the net run rate higher than Mumbai.</p>

<p>The top-place finisher in the group stage will directly secure a place in the final, scheduled to be played on March 19.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's all-rounder Ellyse Perry bowled the best spell in Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Tuesday (Mar 12). Perry finished with the figures of 6/15 against Mumbai Indians (MI) to help her team qualify for the playoffs of 2024 season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's all-rounder Ellyse Perry bowled the best spell in Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Tuesday (Mar 12). Perry finished with the figures of 6/15 against Mumbai Indians (MI) to help her team qualify for the playoffs of 2024 season. She also scored 40 unbeaten runs in RCB's 114-run chase and deservingly won the Player of the Match award. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss in New Delhi, MI were off to a good start, scoring 43/1 in the powerplay before Perry ran amok through MI batting line-up. She dismissed Sajeevan Sajana and Harmanpreet Kaur on consecutive balls in the ninth over of the innings. Also Read: India pacer Mohammed Siraj reveals he mulled quitting cricket in 2019! Here's why In her next over, she again took two back-to-back wickets sending Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur, bringing Mumbai down to 5/73 at midway. In her last over of the spell, Perry again two wickets, dismissing Pooja Vastrakar and and Nat-Sciver Brunt on third and last ball of the 13th over to crush MI. Have a look at some of the wickets below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) × After Perry's sensational spell, MI couldn't do much and folded out for 113 in 19 overs. During the chase, RCB had some hiccups, losing three wickets for 39 runs in 6.1 overs before Perry and Richa Ghosh added unbeaten 76 runs for the fourth wicket. The partnership took RCB home in 15 overs and into the playoffs. With eight points in eight games, RCB sit third in the playoff and will be playing the second-placed team in the points table in the eliminator on March 15. RCB could end up playing second-placed MI again in the eliminator if Delhi either win their last game against Gujarat Giants on Wednesday (Mar 13) or lose by a lower margin to keep the net run rate higher than Mumbai. The top-place finisher in the group stage will directly secure a place in the final, scheduled to be played on March 19.

WPL 2024: RCB's Ellyse Perry bowls BEST SPELL in tournament history during match vs MI - WATCH

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women face Mumbai Indians (MI) in Women's Premier League (WPL) penultimate group stage match on Tuesday (Mar 9). RCB need to ensure that they win the game to firmly book a place in the playoffs alongside Mumbai and Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A loss, however, will dent their chances to make it to playoff as it will then be decided on net run-rate among RCB, UP Warriorz (UPW) and Gujarat Giants (GG), given Gujarat win their last game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday (Mar 13).</p>

<p>RCB had started the season with a bang by winning first two games of their campaign. They then lost track by losing two games back-to-back against DC and MI by 25 runs and seven wickets, respectively. RCB then won against UPW by 23 runs to stay in the playoff race.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2024-playoff-qualification-how-rcb-up-warriorz-and-gujarat-giants-can-still-reach-the-playoffs-699329">WPL 2024 playoff qualification: How RCB, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants can still reach the playoffs</a></p>

<p>Their next two matches again&nbsp;saw them ending on the losing side including the last match against DC - a true humdinger which RCB lost on the last ball by just one run. With six points in seven games, RCB have a chance to put aside all the upsets of the season by qualifying for the playoffs with a win.</p>

<p>As for Mumbai, the game offers a chance to finish on top and book a place in the final directly. If MI win the game today, they'll have 12 points to their name and will put DC under pressure to win their last match on Wednesday for a place in the final.</p>

<p>Overall, MI have had a great season so far, winning five games and losing just two so far in seven matches. They currently sit second on the points table behind Delhi on the basis of net run rate.</p>

<p>Delhi, meanwhile will be hoping for a loss to MI, which will make them favourites to finish on top in the group stage and a place in the final.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women face Mumbai Indians (MI) in Women's Premier League (WPL) penultimate group stage match on Tuesday (Mar 9). RCB need to ensure that they win the game to firmly book a place in the playoffs alongside Mumbai and Delhi.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women face Mumbai Indians (MI) in Women's Premier League (WPL) penultimate group stage match on Tuesday (Mar 9). RCB need to ensure that they win the game to firmly book a place in the playoffs alongside Mumbai and Delhi. A loss, however, will dent their chances to make it to playoff as it will then be decided on net run-rate among RCB, UP Warriorz (UPW) and Gujarat Giants (GG), given Gujarat win their last game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday (Mar 13). RCB had started the season with a bang by winning first two games of their campaign. They then lost track by losing two games back-to-back against DC and MI by 25 runs and seven wickets, respectively. RCB then won against UPW by 23 runs to stay in the playoff race. Also Read: WPL 2024 playoff qualification: How RCB, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants can still reach the playoffs Their next two matches again saw them ending on the losing side including the last match against DC - a true humdinger which RCB lost on the last ball by just one run. With six points in seven games, RCB have a chance to put aside all the upsets of the season by qualifying for the playoffs with a win. As for Mumbai, the game offers a chance to finish on top and book a place in the final directly. If MI win the game today, they'll have 12 points to their name and will put DC under pressure to win their last match on Wednesday for a place in the final. Overall, MI have had a great season so far, winning five games and losing just two so far in seven matches. They currently sit second on the points table behind Delhi on the basis of net run rate. Delhi, meanwhile will be hoping for a loss to MI, which will make them favourites to finish on top in the group stage and a place in the final.

WPL 2024, RCB vs MI Match Preview: Bangalore look to seal playoff berth as Mumbai eye final's spot

<p>Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season. Notably, the South African joined the Bengaluru-based franchise two years back and replaced Kohli as the RCB captain.</p>

<p>Since his inclusion at RCB, Du Plessis and Kohli have forged a superb opening pair. The two have also worked well as leaders of the group. Recently, Du Plessis shared his relationship with Kohli and said in a Star Sports interview, "There are quite a few things that Virat and I are very similar, very alike in the way we see the game or think about the game, but also in how we look at ourselves and how we want to be."</p>

<p>"Obviously athletic, train hard, be fit, eat well. So we look at a holistic approach to being a professional sportsman and I think that's why we connected so well in my first season at RCB, we were very similar."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-rishabh-pant-should-not-rush-his-comeback-former-csk-stars-advice-to-dc-captain-697558">IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant should not rush his comeback - Former CSK star's advice to DC captain</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "And yes he's amazing, he trains hard, he's very fit, and I feel like in today's age of sport you have to be like that if you're looking for longevity so he will be a great example for the younger generation that maybe feel like they can just come in and rely on their talent. Yes they are good enough in terms of talent but in terms of longevity in your body to make sure you can play for as long as possible, fitness will definitely play a role."</p>

<p>Kohli is currently out of international action and missed the entire home Tests versus England due to personal reasons. In mid-February, the superstar cricketer got blessed with a second child and is currently with wife Anushka Sharma and close family members. He is expected to join RCB squad soon for the upcoming IPL season.</p>

<p>RCB take on defending champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024 opener on March 22 in Chennai.</p>


Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season.

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season. Notably, the South African joined the Bengaluru-based franchise two years back and replaced Kohli as the RCB captain. Since his inclusion at RCB, Du Plessis and Kohli have forged a superb opening pair. The two have also worked well as leaders of the group. Recently, Du Plessis shared his relationship with Kohli and said in a Star Sports interview, "There are quite a few things that Virat and I are very similar, very alike in the way we see the game or think about the game, but also in how we look at ourselves and how we want to be." "Obviously athletic, train hard, be fit, eat well. So we look at a holistic approach to being a professional sportsman and I think that's why we connected so well in my first season at RCB, we were very similar." Also read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant should not rush his comeback - Former CSK star's advice to DC captain He added, "And yes he's amazing, he trains hard, he's very fit, and I feel like in today's age of sport you have to be like that if you're looking for longevity so he will be a great example for the younger generation that maybe feel like they can just come in and rely on their talent. Yes they are good enough in terms of talent but in terms of longevity in your body to make sure you can play for as long as possible, fitness will definitely play a role." Kohli is currently out of international action and missed the entire home Tests versus England due to personal reasons. In mid-February, the superstar cricketer got blessed with a second child and is currently with wife Anushka Sharma and close family members. He is expected to join RCB squad soon for the upcoming IPL season. RCB take on defending champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024 opener on March 22 in Chennai.

IPL 2024: RCB captain Faf du Plessis recalls how he connected instantly with Virat Kohli

<p><strong>Dinesh Karthik Retirement:&nbsp;</strong>Veteran India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik will call time on his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the upcoming season. According to a report on Thursday (Mar 7), Karthik will end his 17-year association as a player with the IPL as he is in the twilight of his career. Serving for the likes of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders in the last 16 years, the player will end his IPL stint at RCB as they search for their maiden title.</p>

<h2><strong>Karthik to call time on IPL stint</strong></h2>

<p>Karthik, who will turn 39 in June has been doing commentary stints during India’s international matches having been down the pecking order. However, he had forged a role of a pitch-hitter and a finisher in the IPL where he was one of the best in the business. However, according to a report published by Espncricinfo, Karthik’s upcoming season with RCB will be his last as a player, while he is expected to take a commentary role in the future.</p>

<p>Karthik’s retirement will also serve as a landmark moment in IPL with him being one of the seven players to have played in all seasons of the premier tournament. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha and Manish Pandey, are the only other players to have played in every season of the IPL. With MS Dhoni also likely to retire after the upcoming season, the tally could be down to five players.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-gujarat-giants-openers-wolvaardt-mooney-break-multiple-records-with-140-run-partnership-vs-rcb-697345">WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB</a></p>

<p>In his 16 seasons in the IPL so far he played for Daredevils (2008-11), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings - 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Knight Riders (2018-21) and Royal Challengers (2015, 2022-present). During this period Karthik scored 4516 runs in 240 matches with an average of 26 while scoring 20 half centuries. With 133 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, he is only second to MS Dhoni on the list while also scalping 36 stumpings.</p>

<p>The Chennai-born player had a remarkable 2022 IPL season which saw him return to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. During the IPL 2022, he scored 330 runs and was the best finisher in the entire league and kept out Rishabh Pant from the Playing XI during the T20 World Cup in Australia.</p>


Dinesh Karthik Retirement: Veteran India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik will call time on his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the upcoming season.

Dinesh Karthik Retirement: Veteran India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik will call time on his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the upcoming season. According to a report on Thursday (Mar 7), Karthik will end his 17-year association as a player with the IPL as he is in the twilight of his career. Serving for the likes of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders in the last 16 years, the player will end his IPL stint at RCB as they search for their maiden title. Karthik to call time on IPL stint Karthik, who will turn 39 in June has been doing commentary stints during India’s international matches having been down the pecking order. However, he had forged a role of a pitch-hitter and a finisher in the IPL where he was one of the best in the business. However, according to a report published by Espncricinfo, Karthik’s upcoming season with RCB will be his last as a player, while he is expected to take a commentary role in the future. Karthik’s retirement will also serve as a landmark moment in IPL with him being one of the seven players to have played in all seasons of the premier tournament. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha and Manish Pandey, are the only other players to have played in every season of the IPL. With MS Dhoni also likely to retire after the upcoming season, the tally could be down to five players. ALSO READ | WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB In his 16 seasons in the IPL so far he played for Daredevils (2008-11), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings - 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Knight Riders (2018-21) and Royal Challengers (2015, 2022-present). During this period Karthik scored 4516 runs in 240 matches with an average of 26 while scoring 20 half centuries. With 133 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, he is only second to MS Dhoni on the list while also scalping 36 stumpings. The Chennai-born player had a remarkable 2022 IPL season which saw him return to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. During the IPL 2022, he scored 330 runs and was the best finisher in the entire league and kept out Rishabh Pant from the Playing XI during the T20 World Cup in Australia.

IPL 2024: Veteran RCB batter Dinesh Karthik to retire after upcoming season, calls time after 17 seasons

<p>Gujarat Giants (GG) Women registered their first win of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 edition&nbsp;by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women by 19&nbsp;runs on Wednesday (Mar 6).</p>

<p>Chasing a mammoth 200 to win, RCB kept losing wickets at regular interval to keep up with the run rate, but the efforts were eventually rendered futile. RCB could eventually manage 180/8&nbsp;in 20 overs as they lost their third game of the season and Gujarat snapped the four-loss streak.</p>

<p>For RCB, skipper Smriti Mandhana started the charge, scoring 24 off 16 balls before getting out on the first ball of the fourth over.</p>

<p>Mandhana's partner Sabbhineni Meghana also fell in the first over after the powerplay after scoring just 4 off 13 balls.</p>

<p>Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine then added 34 runs for the third wicket before Devine (23) was bowled by Tanuja Kanwar.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-gujarat-giants-openers-wolvaardt-mooney-break-multiple-records-with-140-run-partnership-vs-rcb-697345">WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB</a></p>

<p>Perry (24) was next to fall as RCB lost four wickets for less than 100 in 13.1 overs. Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham then tried to keep the innings afloat by adding 33 runs for the fifth wicket but Ghosh's (30 off 21) departure mean RCB needed a mounting 71 in last four overs.</p>

<p>Wareham then kept going with 48&nbsp;off 22&nbsp;balls but the target proved too much to handle for her and RCB.</p>

<p>Earlier, Giants openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt recorded the second highest partnership of the WPL&nbsp;history.</p>

<p>The duo added 140 runs for the first wicket - second highest partnership for any wicket, behind only to Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning's 162 for Delhi Capitals in 2023 season.</p>

<p>Coming in to bat after winning the toss, GG openers took RCB to cleaners early on by adding 59 runs in the powerplay.</p>

<p>The partnership was broken on the last ball of the 13th over when Wolvaardt got run out on 76 off 45 balls. Mooney, on the other hand, remained not out throughout the innings, scoring 85 off 51 balls as Gujarat posted highest total of the season - 199/5.</p>

<p>At one point, GG were looking set to score first 200+ total of the season but four wickets for six runs in the last two overs kept them one short of the milestone.</p>


Gujarat Giants (GG) Women registered their first win of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 edition by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women by 19 runs on Wednesday (Mar 6).

Gujarat Giants (GG) Women registered their first win of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 edition by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women by 19 runs on Wednesday (Mar 6). Chasing a mammoth 200 to win, RCB kept losing wickets at regular interval to keep up with the run rate, but the efforts were eventually rendered futile. RCB could eventually manage 180/8 in 20 overs as they lost their third game of the season and Gujarat snapped the four-loss streak. For RCB, skipper Smriti Mandhana started the charge, scoring 24 off 16 balls before getting out on the first ball of the fourth over. Mandhana's partner Sabbhineni Meghana also fell in the first over after the powerplay after scoring just 4 off 13 balls. Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine then added 34 runs for the third wicket before Devine (23) was bowled by Tanuja Kanwar. Also Read: WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB Perry (24) was next to fall as RCB lost four wickets for less than 100 in 13.1 overs. Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham then tried to keep the innings afloat by adding 33 runs for the fifth wicket but Ghosh's (30 off 21) departure mean RCB needed a mounting 71 in last four overs. Wareham then kept going with 48 off 22 balls but the target proved too much to handle for her and RCB. Earlier, Giants openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt recorded the second highest partnership of the WPL history. The duo added 140 runs for the first wicket - second highest partnership for any wicket, behind only to Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning's 162 for Delhi Capitals in 2023 season. Coming in to bat after winning the toss, GG openers took RCB to cleaners early on by adding 59 runs in the powerplay. The partnership was broken on the last ball of the 13th over when Wolvaardt got run out on 76 off 45 balls. Mooney, on the other hand, remained not out throughout the innings, scoring 85 off 51 balls as Gujarat posted highest total of the season - 199/5. At one point, GG were looking set to score first 200+ total of the season but four wickets for six runs in the last two overs kept them one short of the milestone.

WPL 2024: Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney star as Gujarat Giants beat RCB for maiden win of season

<p>Gujarat Giants (GG) Women openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt recorded the second highest partnership of the Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Wednesday (Mar 6). The duo added 140 runs for the first wicket in WPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers (RCB) Women in New Delhi. The partnership is second only to Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning's 162 for Delhi Capitals in 2023 season. This is also the highest partnership for any wicket this season - taking over Verma and Lanning's 119 vs UP Warriorz (UPW) earlier in the tournament.</p>

<p>Coming in to bat after winning the toss, GG openers took RCB to cleaners early on by adding 59 runs in the powerplay. The partnership was broken on the last ball of the 13th over when Wolvaardt got run out on 76 off 45 balls. Mooney, on the other hand, remained not out throughout the innings, scoring 85 off 51 balls as Gujarat posted highest total of the season - 199/5.</p>

<p><strong>Read More:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-ipl-coach-tom-moody-reveals-mis-skipper-hardik-pandyas-biggest-challenge-in-upcoming-season-697304">Former IPL coach Tom Moody reveals MI skipper Hardik Pandya's biggest challenge in upcoming season</a></p>

<p>At one point, GG were looking set to score first 200+ total of the season but four wickets for six runs in the last two overs kept them one short of the milestone. The earlier highest score of the season - 198/3 - was set by RCB vs UPW on March 4. GG's total is also the fifth highest overall in the WPL history with previous four 200+ totals coming in the last season.</p>

<p>Wolvaardt and Mooney also entered the top three on the list of highest individual scorers this season. Mooney now tops the list with RCB's Smriti Mandhana (80) second on the list and Wolvaardt third.</p>

<p>Overall, Mooney's 85 not out is the fourth highest individual score in the league history, behind Sophie Devine (99), Alyssa Healy (96 not out) and Tahlia McGrath (90 not out) - all three scores ahead of Mooney, however, came in the last season.</p>


Gujarat Giants (GG) Women openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt recorded the second highest partnership of the Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Wednesday (Mar 6).

Gujarat Giants (GG) Women openers Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt recorded the second highest partnership of the Women's Premier League (WPL) history on Wednesday (Mar 6). The duo added 140 runs for the first wicket in WPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers (RCB) Women in New Delhi. The partnership is second only to Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning's 162 for Delhi Capitals in 2023 season. This is also the highest partnership for any wicket this season - taking over Verma and Lanning's 119 vs UP Warriorz (UPW) earlier in the tournament. Coming in to bat after winning the toss, GG openers took RCB to cleaners early on by adding 59 runs in the powerplay. The partnership was broken on the last ball of the 13th over when Wolvaardt got run out on 76 off 45 balls. Mooney, on the other hand, remained not out throughout the innings, scoring 85 off 51 balls as Gujarat posted highest total of the season - 199/5. Read More: Former IPL coach Tom Moody reveals MI skipper Hardik Pandya's biggest challenge in upcoming season At one point, GG were looking set to score first 200+ total of the season but four wickets for six runs in the last two overs kept them one short of the milestone. The earlier highest score of the season - 198/3 - was set by RCB vs UPW on March 4. GG's total is also the fifth highest overall in the WPL history with previous four 200+ totals coming in the last season. Wolvaardt and Mooney also entered the top three on the list of highest individual scorers this season. Mooney now tops the list with RCB's Smriti Mandhana (80) second on the list and Wolvaardt third. Overall, Mooney's 85 not out is the fourth highest individual score in the league history, behind Sophie Devine (99), Alyssa Healy (96 not out) and Tahlia McGrath (90 not out) - all three scores ahead of Mooney, however, came in the last season.

WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB

<p>The Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Wednesday (Mar 6) will feature Gujarat Giants taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the former search for their maiden win of the season. GG, who lost all four matches in Bengaluru, will look for a fresh start in Delhi as they try to keep their remote hopes of a playoff spot alive. RCB on the flip side will be eyeing the top spot in the WPL standings as they try to dethrone Delhi Capitals from&nbsp;the top of the standings.</p>

<p>Gujarat Giants have so far endured a tough season and earlier lost to RCB by eight wickets in the first meeting between the sides. The clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be the fourth meeting between the sides with GG’s only win coming in the 2023 WPL season. A defeat for them on Wednesday will all but end their hopes of making the playoffs of the WPL 2024 season.</p>

<p>RCB, on the other hand, could go top of the WPL standings with a big win over GG under Smriti Mandhana’s leadership. So far, RCB have lost two matches in the WPL season but stay in the hunt for a playoff berth having won three matches out of five.</p>

<h2><strong>Head-to-Head</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Total Matches:</strong>&nbsp;3</p>

<p><strong>Gujarat Giants: </strong>1 Win</p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:</strong>&nbsp;2 Wins</p>

<h2>Form</h2>

<p><strong>Gujarat Giants:</strong> LLLL</p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore:</strong> WLLWW</p>

<h1><strong>Match Details</strong></h1>

<p><strong>Match No: </strong>Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Match No. 13</p>

<p><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp;Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi</p>

<p><strong>Time Start:</strong> 7:30 PM with toss taking place at 7:00 PM</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neil-wagner-retirement-kane-williamson-takes-jibe-at-taylor-says-i-dont-think-anybody-is-forced-to-retire-697034">Neil Wagner Retirement: Kane Williamson takes jibe at Taylor, says 'I don't think anybody is forced to retire'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Result Prediction</strong></h2>

<p>Considering the form of both sides, Royal Challengers Bangalore should be the favourites to win the match. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, are not in the best&nbsp;position having lost all four matches so far in the ongoing WPL season.</p>

<h2><strong>Predicted XIs of both teams</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Gujarat Giants</strong></p>

<p>Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (c &amp; wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Veda Krishnamurthy, Dayalan Hemalatha, Kathryn Bryce, Tanuja Kanwar, Tarannum Pathan, Meghna Singh and Mannat Kashyap</p>

<p><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></p>

<p>Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine, Sabbhineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Ekta Bisht, Simran Bahadur, Asha Sobhana and Renuka Thakur Singh</p>


The Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Wednesday (Mar 6) will feature Gujarat Giants taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the former search for their maiden win of the season.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Wednesday (Mar 6) will feature Gujarat Giants taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the former search for their maiden win of the season. GG, who lost all four matches in Bengaluru, will look for a fresh start in Delhi as they try to keep their remote hopes of a playoff spot alive. RCB on the flip side will be eyeing the top spot in the WPL standings as they try to dethrone Delhi Capitals from the top of the standings. Gujarat Giants have so far endured a tough season and earlier lost to RCB by eight wickets in the first meeting between the sides. The clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be the fourth meeting between the sides with GG’s only win coming in the 2023 WPL season. A defeat for them on Wednesday will all but end their hopes of making the playoffs of the WPL 2024 season. RCB, on the other hand, could go top of the WPL standings with a big win over GG under Smriti Mandhana’s leadership. So far, RCB have lost two matches in the WPL season but stay in the hunt for a playoff berth having won three matches out of five. Head-to-Head Total Matches: 3 Gujarat Giants: 1 Win Royal Challengers Bangalore: 2 Wins Form Gujarat Giants: LLLL Royal Challengers Bangalore: WLLWW Match Details Match No: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Match No. 13 Location: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Time Start: 7:30 PM with toss taking place at 7:00 PM ALSO READ | Neil Wagner Retirement: Kane Williamson takes jibe at Taylor, says 'I don't think anybody is forced to retire' Result Prediction Considering the form of both sides, Royal Challengers Bangalore should be the favourites to win the match. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, are not in the best position having lost all four matches so far in the ongoing WPL season. Predicted XIs of both teams Gujarat Giants Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Veda Krishnamurthy, Dayalan Hemalatha, Kathryn Bryce, Tanuja Kanwar, Tarannum Pathan, Meghna Singh and Mannat Kashyap Royal Challengers Bangalore Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine, Sabbhineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Ekta Bisht, Simran Bahadur, Asha Sobhana and Renuka Thakur Singh

GG-W vs RCB-W, WPL 2024 Preview: GG search for maiden win as second spot RCB eye top playoff berth

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry said that she was 'worried' after smashing a car window in a Women's Premier League (WPL) match on Monday (Mar 4). Perry, playing against UP Warriorz (UPW) Women in Bengaluru, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rcbs-ellyse-perry-shatters-car-window-with-a-mammoth-six-in-wpl-2024-696571">smashed a six in penultimate over</a> of RCB's innings which broke tournament sponsor Tata's car window.</p>

<p>The Aussie was bemused with her own shot and immediately made a gesture of putting her hand over her head, indicating that 'she didn't mean to do it.' Speaking after the match about the shot, Perry said: “I was a bit worried. I’m not sure I have insurance over here to cover me. So in a bit of strife there.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-veteran-dinesh-karthik-slams-tamil-nadu-coach-for-criticising-skipper-after-semis-loss-in-ranji-trophy-696678">India veteran Dinesh Karthik slams Tamil Nadu coach for criticising skipper after semis loss in Ranji Trophy</a></p>

<p>Perry eventually finished with 58 off 37 balls and added 95 runs for the second wicket with skipper Smriti Mandhana who herself scored 50-ball 80. Thanks to both, RCB finished with season-high 198/3 in 20 overs. Perry also praised the Bengaluru crowd as well as Mandhana to help her settle before going big.</p>

<p>“It is the the best atmosphere I have consistently played in front of in my entire career,” said Perry. “I had a great chance to get myself in with Smriti [Mandhana] at the other end, and then it was nice at the end to release a few.”</p>

<p>While chasing, UPW made a flying start with openers Alyssa Healy and Karan Navgire adding 47 runs for the first wicket in 4.1 overs. The chase, however, derailed soon as half of UPW's side including Healy, who hit 38-ball 55, were back in the hut in 12.3 overs for 113 runs.</p>

<p>Deepti Sharma (33) and Poonam Khemnar (31) then tried to salvage the innings but it was too late. The Warriorz eventually managed just 175/8 in 20 overs, losing the game by 23 runs. With the win, RCB are now tied with table-toppers Delhi Capitals and second-placed Mumbai Indians on the points table with all three teams having six points each.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry said that she was 'worried' after smashing a car window in a Women's Premier League (WPL) match on Monday (Mar 4).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women's Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry said that she was 'worried' after smashing a car window in a Women's Premier League (WPL) match on Monday (Mar 4). Perry, playing against UP Warriorz (UPW) Women in Bengaluru, smashed a six in penultimate over of RCB's innings which broke tournament sponsor Tata's car window. The Aussie was bemused with her own shot and immediately made a gesture of putting her hand over her head, indicating that 'she didn't mean to do it.' Speaking after the match about the shot, Perry said: “I was a bit worried. I’m not sure I have insurance over here to cover me. So in a bit of strife there.” Also Read: India veteran Dinesh Karthik slams Tamil Nadu coach for criticising skipper after semis loss in Ranji Trophy Perry eventually finished with 58 off 37 balls and added 95 runs for the second wicket with skipper Smriti Mandhana who herself scored 50-ball 80. Thanks to both, RCB finished with season-high 198/3 in 20 overs. Perry also praised the Bengaluru crowd as well as Mandhana to help her settle before going big. “It is the the best atmosphere I have consistently played in front of in my entire career,” said Perry. “I had a great chance to get myself in with Smriti [Mandhana] at the other end, and then it was nice at the end to release a few.” While chasing, UPW made a flying start with openers Alyssa Healy and Karan Navgire adding 47 runs for the first wicket in 4.1 overs. The chase, however, derailed soon as half of UPW's side including Healy, who hit 38-ball 55, were back in the hut in 12.3 overs for 113 runs. Deepti Sharma (33) and Poonam Khemnar (31) then tried to salvage the innings but it was too late. The Warriorz eventually managed just 175/8 in 20 overs, losing the game by 23 runs. With the win, RCB are now tied with table-toppers Delhi Capitals and second-placed Mumbai Indians on the points table with all three teams having six points each.

WPL 2024: RCB's Ellyse Perry 'worried' after breaking car window with six vs UPW

<p>It was yet another frustrating outing for UP Warriorz on Monday (Mar 4) in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) after they lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-scoring contest at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match had plenty of talking points, including Alyssa Healy’s&nbsp;car window-breaking shot and Smriti Mandhana’s 80-run knock.&nbsp;However one of the highlights was the controversial decision given against Chamari Athapaththu&nbsp;that proved to be the turning point of the match according to Warriorz’s head coach Jon Lewis.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the incident?</strong></h2>

<p>On the third ball of the seventh over, Athapaththu was hit on the pads while she attempted a sweep shot off Georgia Wareham. To the naked eye, it seemed as if the ball had turned away after pitching on a legstump line. Vrinda Rathi, the on-field umpire had declared it not out before Mandhana, the RCB skipper, opted to take a review.</p>

<p>However, much to everyone’s surprise the ball tracking projected the ball to be heading straight, going on to hit the middle stump. This left everyone stunned in the opposition RCB camp as well, while Warriorz skipper Healy even protested to the on-field umpire.</p>

<p>"Chamari is an amazing player and you saw how difficult it was when a left-hander and a right-hander were batting together, of the quality of Smriti [Mandhana] and Ellyse Perry. And they are able to access the short side of the ground. That was one of the reasons why we picked Chamari, to be able to access the short side of the ground for both the right and the left-hander. So to lose her in that way was incredibly frustrating.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rcbs-ellyse-perry-shatters-car-window-with-a-mammoth-six-in-wpl-2024-696571">Watch | RCB’s Ellyse Perry shatters car window with mammoth SIX in WPL 2024</a></p>

<p>"I don't know the ins and outs of hawk-eye and the technology and how it works. But it was certainly an interesting passage of play and something that we are pretty frustrated about,” Warriorz coach Lewis said in the post-match.</p>

<p>The Warriorz lost by 23 runs which now sees them occupy the fourth spot in the five-team league but are still within two points of leaders Delhi Capitals. Monday’s game in Bengaluru was also the final one in the South Indian city as the attention will now turn to the North as Delhi will host the remaining matches, including the playoffs and the final.</p>


It was yet another frustrating outing for UP Warriorz on Monday (Mar 4) in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) after they lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-scoring contest at the M.

It was yet another frustrating outing for UP Warriorz on Monday (Mar 4) in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) after they lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-scoring contest at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match had plenty of talking points, including Alyssa Healy’s car window-breaking shot and Smriti Mandhana’s 80-run knock. However one of the highlights was the controversial decision given against Chamari Athapaththu that proved to be the turning point of the match according to Warriorz’s head coach Jon Lewis. What was the incident? On the third ball of the seventh over, Athapaththu was hit on the pads while she attempted a sweep shot off Georgia Wareham. To the naked eye, it seemed as if the ball had turned away after pitching on a legstump line. Vrinda Rathi, the on-field umpire had declared it not out before Mandhana, the RCB skipper, opted to take a review. However, much to everyone’s surprise the ball tracking projected the ball to be heading straight, going on to hit the middle stump. This left everyone stunned in the opposition RCB camp as well, while Warriorz skipper Healy even protested to the on-field umpire. "Chamari is an amazing player and you saw how difficult it was when a left-hander and a right-hander were batting together, of the quality of Smriti [Mandhana] and Ellyse Perry. And they are able to access the short side of the ground. That was one of the reasons why we picked Chamari, to be able to access the short side of the ground for both the right and the left-hander. So to lose her in that way was incredibly frustrating. ALSO READ | Watch | RCB’s Ellyse Perry shatters car window with mammoth SIX in WPL 2024 "I don't know the ins and outs of hawk-eye and the technology and how it works. But it was certainly an interesting passage of play and something that we are pretty frustrated about,” Warriorz coach Lewis said in the post-match. The Warriorz lost by 23 runs which now sees them occupy the fourth spot in the five-team league but are still within two points of leaders Delhi Capitals. Monday’s game in Bengaluru was also the final one in the South Indian city as the attention will now turn to the North as Delhi will host the remaining matches, including the playoffs and the final.

WPL 2024: We were pretty frustrated - Warriorz coach Jon Lewis on Chamari Athapaththu's controversial wicket

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women would be looking to get back to winnings ways during their Women's Premier League (WPL) match against resurgent UP Warriorz (UPW) Women on Monday (March 4) in Bengaluru. Both the teams are at four points each after winning two of their four games in the season so far. While UPW have won their last two games, RCB have&nbsp;been on the losing end despite making a winning start to the season.</p>

<p>The two teams had faced each other on February 24 as well - the second match of the season - and RCB emerged victorious in that, albeit by just two runs. Bangalore's next outing was much better when they&nbsp;chased down a target of 108 runs against Gujarat Giants with eight wickets in hand.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-gujarat-giants-sayali-satghare-becomes-first-concussion-sub-of-tournament-during-match-vs-dc-696382">WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare becomes first concussion sub of tournament during match vs DC</a></p>

<p>In the next two matches, RCB faltered with both bat and ball and lost successively against table-toppers Delhi Capitals and then to Mumbai Indians.</p>

<p>Against Delhi, RCB conceded 194 runs&nbsp;- the highest this season by any team but could manage only 169 runs in reply, thus losing the match by 25 runs. Against Mumbai, RCB batters failed to get going and set a below par target of 132 to Mumbai, who chased it down with seven wickets in hand.</p>

<p>Talking about UPW, after losing their first match closely to RCB, they received a proper thumping from DC. The Warriorz could manage only 119/9 against Delhi and the Capitals chased it down in 14.3 overs for the loss of only one wicket.</p>

<p>UPW, however, bounced back strongly after that and won two back-to-back games against Mumbai and Gujarat. The Warriorz's batting did extremely well to chase down 162 against MI and win&nbsp;by seven wickets. The story repeated against Gujarat as UPW won by six wickets to register their second win of the season.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women would be looking to get back to winnings ways during their Women's Premier League (WPL) match against resurgent UP Warriorz (UPW) Women on Monday (March 4) in Bengaluru.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women would be looking to get back to winnings ways during their Women's Premier League (WPL) match against resurgent UP Warriorz (UPW) Women on Monday (March 4) in Bengaluru. Both the teams are at four points each after winning two of their four games in the season so far. While UPW have won their last two games, RCB have been on the losing end despite making a winning start to the season. The two teams had faced each other on February 24 as well - the second match of the season - and RCB emerged victorious in that, albeit by just two runs. Bangalore's next outing was much better when they chased down a target of 108 runs against Gujarat Giants with eight wickets in hand. Also Read: WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare becomes first concussion sub of tournament during match vs DC In the next two matches, RCB faltered with both bat and ball and lost successively against table-toppers Delhi Capitals and then to Mumbai Indians. Against Delhi, RCB conceded 194 runs - the highest this season by any team but could manage only 169 runs in reply, thus losing the match by 25 runs. Against Mumbai, RCB batters failed to get going and set a below par target of 132 to Mumbai, who chased it down with seven wickets in hand. Talking about UPW, after losing their first match closely to RCB, they received a proper thumping from DC. The Warriorz could manage only 119/9 against Delhi and the Capitals chased it down in 14.3 overs for the loss of only one wicket. UPW, however, bounced back strongly after that and won two back-to-back games against Mumbai and Gujarat. The Warriorz's batting did extremely well to chase down 162 against MI and win by seven wickets. The story repeated against Gujarat as UPW won by six wickets to register their second win of the season.

WPL 2024, RCB-W vs UPW-W, Match Preview: Bangalore aim to snap losing streak against resurgent Warriorz

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Shreyanka Patil put in a sensational fielding effort to stop a six in Women's Premier League (WPL) match against Mumbai Indians on March 2 in Bengaluru. Patil, fielding at the long-on boundary, caught the ball hit by Mumbai batter Hayley Mathews inside the ropes but lost balance. To avoid conceding a six, Patil threw the ball inside the boundary while at full stretch. Have a look at the video below:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAWPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAWPL</a> Season 2 🤝 Spectacular fielding<br />
<br />
Recap Shreyanka Patil's super save near the ropes 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/fmbcgkZBnu">pic.twitter.com/fmbcgkZBnu</a></p>
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/wplt20/status/1763980377931362332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>As for the match, Mumbai eventually returned to the top of the points table with a dominating seven-wicket win in 15.1 overs. Chasing a modest 132, Mumbai openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Mathews made small work of the chase, adding 45 runs in just four overs and setting the tone.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-all-round-mumbai-back-on-top-with-dominating-win-over-rcb-695981">WPL 2024: All-round Mumbai back on top with dominating win over RCB</a></p>

<p>All the Mumbai batters kept the tempo up throughout the chase with Bhatia hitting 31 off 15 balls, Mathews scoring 26 off 21, Nat Sciver-Brunt contributing 27 and Amelia Kerr chipping in with unbeaten 40 off 24 balls.</p>

<p>Speaking to the broadcasters after the match, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana said: "Batting first, we have seen it is holding a little bit. We could not adjust to the pitch. We went in with the same flow. Something to learn from, hopefully we come back very soon. In terms of bowling, we need to bowl at the stumps a lot more. We have to bring the stumps in play - that is what we did in the first two games."</p>

<p>RCB were asked to bat first by Mumbai after losing the toss and were down at 33/3 inside the powerplay. Bangalore could never recover from the situation even with Wareham and Ellyse Perry's 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket. For them, Perry top scored with unbeaten 44 while Wareham chipped in with 27 off 20 balls.</p>

<p>RCB next play on March 4 (Monday) against UP Warriorz.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Shreyanka Patil put in a sensational fielding effort to stop a six in Women's Premier League (WPL) match against Mumbai Indians on March 2 in Bengaluru.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player Shreyanka Patil put in a sensational fielding effort to stop a six in Women's Premier League (WPL) match against Mumbai Indians on March 2 in Bengaluru. Patil, fielding at the long-on boundary, caught the ball hit by Mumbai batter Hayley Mathews inside the ropes but lost balance. To avoid conceding a six, Patil threw the ball inside the boundary while at full stretch. Have a look at the video below: #TATAWPL Season 2 🤝 Spectacular fielding Recap Shreyanka Patil's super save near the ropes 🔥🔥#RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/fmbcgkZBnu — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 2, 2024 × As for the match, Mumbai eventually returned to the top of the points table with a dominating seven-wicket win in 15.1 overs. Chasing a modest 132, Mumbai openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Mathews made small work of the chase, adding 45 runs in just four overs and setting the tone. Also Read: WPL 2024: All-round Mumbai back on top with dominating win over RCB All the Mumbai batters kept the tempo up throughout the chase with Bhatia hitting 31 off 15 balls, Mathews scoring 26 off 21, Nat Sciver-Brunt contributing 27 and Amelia Kerr chipping in with unbeaten 40 off 24 balls. Speaking to the broadcasters after the match, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana said: "Batting first, we have seen it is holding a little bit. We could not adjust to the pitch. We went in with the same flow. Something to learn from, hopefully we come back very soon. In terms of bowling, we need to bowl at the stumps a lot more. We have to bring the stumps in play - that is what we did in the first two games." RCB were asked to bat first by Mumbai after losing the toss and were down at 33/3 inside the powerplay. Bangalore could never recover from the situation even with Wareham and Ellyse Perry's 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket. For them, Perry top scored with unbeaten 44 while Wareham chipped in with 27 off 20 balls. RCB next play on March 4 (Monday) against UP Warriorz.

WPL 2024: WATCH | RCB's Shreyanka Patil puts in 'SUPERGIRL' stretch effort to stop a six vs Mumbai Indians

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