Marcus Rashford's brilliant finish and a Bruno Fernandes penalty handed Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Granada on Thursday, putting them firmly in charge of their Europa League quarter-final.

Rashford latched onto a long ball from Victor Lindelof in the first half, the striker injecting the one bit of quality into a frantic contest at Los Carmenes before Fernandes made it two in the 90th minute.

The result gives United a commanding lead heading into the second leg next week at Old Trafford, where they should finish the job and book their place in the semi-final to face either Ajax or Roma, the Italians leading 2-1 after the first leg.&nbsp;

"It's a clean sheet and David (de Gea) wasn't really troubled," said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "There were moments that could have been chances but I thought we defended well when we had to and I think 2-0 is a good lead."

Rashford has now scored eight of United's 23 goals in Europe this season.

"It was a very good run and he takes the ball fantastically," said Solskjaer.

Granada celebrated their 90-year anniversary on Tuesday and arguably have never played a bigger fixture, a club that has never won a major trophy against one that has claimed 20 Premier League titles and three European Cups.&nbsp;

This is something of a fairytale for the Spanish club that finished 10th in the second division only three years ago before Diego Martinez, arguably La Liga's brightest up and coming coach, engineered promotion and then qualification for Europe.&nbsp;

Six players in their starting line-up played for them in the second tier and with Los Carmenes empty, Granada even sent all their season ticket holders a personalised ticket as a souvenir to mark the occasion.&nbsp;

But it will take a momentous comeback next week for them to turn this tie around. "I think the result is a harsh punishment for what happened in the game," said Martinez. "The last goal hurts, it hurts a lot."

<h2>- De Gea back in goal -</h2>

For United, the Europa League remains Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's only realistic hope of a trophy and with a place in the top four all-but guaranteed, he can afford to give it his full attention.&nbsp;

Solskjaer fielded a strong line-up, with Rashford handed a start despite coming off against Brighton on Sunday with a knock. David de Gea was picked in goal for the first time since February.&nbsp;

Granada had Roberto Soldado up front, the 35-year-old striker who endured two disappointing seasons with Tottenham in the Premier League but tasted victory against United in his last appearance for them in 2014, when he came off for a young Harry Kane.&nbsp;

United had to survive a frantic opening period when neither side really settled but Rashford dropped the first bit of real precision into the match just after half an hour.&nbsp;

Lindelof spotted his run in behind but Rashford still had a lot to do, his outstretched foot cushioning the ball perfectly into his path and giving him a simple finish past Rui Silva.&nbsp;

Granada responded, a mishit cross from Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, hitting the post before Kenedy tested De Gea with a well-struck volley.&nbsp;

But United absorbed the pressure and should have scored a second when Daniel James burst through down the left and slipped in Fernandes, but he was unable to find the finish from the angle.&nbsp;

Fernandes, though, won the penalty, fouled by Yan Eteki before getting up to take it, a scuffed shot squirming into the bottom corner to put United in sight of the semis.

Marcus Rashford's brilliant finish and a Bruno Fernandes penalty handed Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Granada on Thursday, putting them firmly in charge of their Europa League quarter-final.

Marcus Rashford's brilliant finish and a Bruno Fernandes penalty handed Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Granada on Thursday, putting them firmly in charge of their Europa League quarter-final. Rashford latched onto a long ball from Victor Lindelof in the first half, the striker injecting the one bit of quality into a frantic contest at Los Carmenes before Fernandes made it two in the 90th minute. The result gives United a commanding lead heading into the second leg next week at Old Trafford, where they should finish the job and book their place in the semi-final to face either Ajax or Roma, the Italians leading 2-1 after the first leg. "It's a clean sheet and David (de Gea) wasn't really troubled," said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "There were moments that could have been chances but I thought we defended well when we had to and I think 2-0 is a good lead." Rashford has now scored eight of United's 23 goals in Europe this season. "It was a very good run and he takes the ball fantastically," said Solskjaer. Granada celebrated their 90-year anniversary on Tuesday and arguably have never played a bigger fixture, a club that has never won a major trophy against one that has claimed 20 Premier League titles and three European Cups. This is something of a fairytale for the Spanish club that finished 10th in the second division only three years ago before Diego Martinez, arguably La Liga's brightest up and coming coach, engineered promotion and then qualification for Europe. Six players in their starting line-up played for them in the second tier and with Los Carmenes empty, Granada even sent all their season ticket holders a personalised ticket as a souvenir to mark the occasion. But it will take a momentous comeback next week for them to turn this tie around. "I think the result is a harsh punishment for what happened in the game," said Martinez. "The last goal hurts, it hurts a lot." - De Gea back in goal - For United, the Europa League remains Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's only realistic hope of a trophy and with a place in the top four all-but guaranteed, he can afford to give it his full attention. Solskjaer fielded a strong line-up, with Rashford handed a start despite coming off against Brighton on Sunday with a knock. David de Gea was picked in goal for the first time since February. Granada had Roberto Soldado up front, the 35-year-old striker who endured two disappointing seasons with Tottenham in the Premier League but tasted victory against United in his last appearance for them in 2014, when he came off for a young Harry Kane. United had to survive a frantic opening period when neither side really settled but Rashford dropped the first bit of real precision into the match just after half an hour. Lindelof spotted his run in behind but Rashford still had a lot to do, his outstretched foot cushioning the ball perfectly into his path and giving him a simple finish past Rui Silva. Granada responded, a mishit cross from Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, hitting the post before Kenedy tested De Gea with a well-struck volley. But United absorbed the pressure and should have scored a second when Daniel James burst through down the left and slipped in Fernandes, but he was unable to find the finish from the angle. Fernandes, though, won the penalty, fouled by Yan Eteki before getting up to take it, a scuffed shot squirming into the bottom corner to put United in sight of the semis.

Rashford and Fernandes ensure United brush off Granada

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

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

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

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

Sunrisers Hyderabad have always punched above their weights when it comes to performing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Showing sheer consistency, teamwork and hunger to win matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad are hailed as one of the most consistent sides in the history of IPL. However, they last won the coveted trophy in the year 2016 and since then, the ultimate glory has been evading the Hyderabad franchise.

Ahead of the IPL 2021, Sunrisers Hyderabad bolstered their squad at the auction table without tinkering with their core players. SRH added the likes Kedar Jadhav, J Suchith and Mujeeb ur Rahman to their team while replacing Mitchell Marsh, who pulled out at the last moment, with Jason Roy, as they eye another season of glory in India’s cricket carnival – the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor and one of the legends of the game, VVS Laxman, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the SRH squad, bio-bubbles, the role IPL has played in the growth of Indian cricket and much more.

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&nbsp;

SRH headed into the IPL 2021 auction with just INR 10.75 crore. With a small purse at a mini-auction, the Hyderabad outfit made some shrewd picks while roping in the likes of experienced Indian all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman and left-arm spinner Jagadeesha Suchit. They later had another addition in Jason Roy after Mitchell Marsh pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

Laxman believes SRH have a perfect blend of youth and experience, well capable of setting the stage on fire. While saying Hyderabad have got all the bases covered, Laxman added that they have a variety of players who can perform in different conditions on offer in India.

“It was a very quiet auction for us because we just required to pick up the players because we already had 22 in our squad. And because we knew that the tournament was going to happen in India in the summer, well, there will be a lot of help for the spinners and Mujeeb is an exceptional talent and also we got Suchit. Kedar Jadhav, he bolsters our middle order with his experience, batting for so many times in the IPL and also for India and winning matches,” Laxman told WION in an exclusive interview.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-to-wion-selection-headache-a-good-thing-for-punjab-kings-375722" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings</a>

“But overall, we are very happy and confident that we've covered all the bases and that's one of the important aspects a franchise takes into account at the start of the. I think that's why we are very happy that we've covered all the bases While there are a lot of experienced international players in our squad, but there are also a lot of talented players who just showcased their talent in the last year's IPL but I feel that they are much more mature, they're much more experienced compared to last year. And I'm sure that they will also set the stage on fire and I believe that we've got a lot of options at our disposal is just about playing the best combination against a particular opposition and in a particular condition. And then just playing to our potential if we do that, I'm sure the results will go in our favour,” the former Indian batsman, who has more than 10,000 runs for India in Tests and ODIs, explained.

<img alt="VVS Laxman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9abeaa98-b1a1-44c0-955e-95303a1fd9c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Laxman.JPG" />

But how tricky was the task at the auction table when franchises were unaware of the venues and conditions that will be on offer during the IPL? Laxman feels despite all the challenges, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a plethora of options and variety available at their helm. With matches in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru, the former Indian batsman feels Hyderabad have all the ingredients to win the battle of match-ups and create their playing XIs based on who they are playing against in the IPL.

“You pick a squad where you can go and perform in various conditions. It's not that you pick a sport only to suit your home condition. And I think that that's where we are very confident because the options are available in both batting and bowling department, which can perform in various condition. We're going to play in four venues starting with Chennai, then Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. And I believe that they got various options and various combination for these four venues.

“It depends which team you're playing against because in T20 cricket, I believe, that matchup play a big part. While we don't want to create insecurity in the minds of our players, because we are one team that gives a long rope to whichever player is invested in. But I think matchups play a very important and integral part of T20. Cricket so based on the opposition you're playing against, I think we got enough options in our squad you know, to challenge them. So overall we are very happy that we have covered all the bases irrespective of which when you are going to play the match on or which conditions we're going to confront we are very confident that they got enough players who can perform in those conditions,” Laxman explained.

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Intensity, a lot of intensity was at display in our first practice match yesterday 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeOrNothing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeOrNothing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/dx5nmZJCVM">pic.twitter.com/dx5nmZJCVM</a>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1380024315337318401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The last six months have been a roller-coaster ride when it comes to Indian cricket. Starting from IPL 2020 in the UAE to the tour of Australia and then hosting England for full-fledged tour, players involved in all three events have been part of the bio-secure bubble for months while being able to spend just a few days with families in the six-month time frame. The debate surrounding mental health have picked up and Laxman feels while it is extremely tough for athletes to stay inside bubbles for months, it is like a sacrifice to do be able to live your dream.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/riley-meredith-shahrukh-khan-surprise-packages-who-can-take-ipl-2021-by-storm-375897" hreflang="en">In pics- Meredith, Shahrukh: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm</a>

“It was quite tough and challenging, while I was part of the bubble in UAE, during the IPL 2020. But it's crazy for the Indian team and other international teams and other sports as well, you know, because it's never easy to stay in a bubble. And the Indian team players who play all the formats have been in bubbles since August, last year, till now, you know, at the end of the England series, and now they will be joining the franchise for the IPL. I think it's definitely a tough ask from each and every individual,” Laxman quipped.

“But I think this is the new normal ways to be safe. If you have to continue to do what you love the most, which is play the sport. I think you have to be part of the bubble level because it's safe for all the stakeholders, but it's a lot of sacrifices, especially players who have their families who have young family have to make a huge sacrifice. But I think they are ready to do that because they love what they're doing. And they are professionals,” the SRH mentor added.

<img alt="VVS Laxman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0976188c-97e8-4cfe-8b13-74ca7a9c77e3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Laxman-1.JPG" />

While the Indian team scripted history in Australia and also won across formats against England at home, the emergence of young players and their ability to win matches for the country have left the cricketing world in awe. Laxman said it is due to the exposure in IPL that the youngsters are so confident when they play for India and against world-beaters.

The story of SRH pacer Thangarasu Natarajan makes the sport special but the way the likes of Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur among others have performed in the last six months, credit was automatically given to the IPL and strong roots of Indian cricket and the Rahul Dravid-led NCA.

“IPL is a tournament which gives the opportunity to talented players, gives an opportunity for a youngster to realize their dream. As a Sunrisers mentor and as a franchise, we are very proud whenever a player maximizes his potential in the last season. It was a Natarajan who went on to realize his dream of playing for the country, but a lot of other youngsters in SRH who are equally talented. And eventually, they will also realize their dream of playing for the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-srh-pacer-t-natarajan-reveals-precious-ms-dhoni-advice-from-last-season-375883" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: T Natarajan reveals precious MS Dhoni advice from last season</a>

"And I just feel that the endeavour as far as a franchise is concerned is to pick players who are not only skilful, who are not only talented and have got the potential to win matches and tournaments for the franchise, but also who are very committed to the team you know and to create an environment in the dressing room which is very important, because that is one of the challenges of being part of IPL tournament because very quickly, and in a very short span of time you have to have everyone gelling with each other, and that camaraderie and that bonding is very important if you have to play as a unit and win matches as a unit. And that's why this story is one story where talent meets an opportunity and he grabs it both the hands and realize his dream and hope that a lot more youngsters from the SRH family will continue to realize that dream,” Laxman said.

<img alt="Dhoni-Natarajan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2047261-be98-48eb-a542-28f38a95f38a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dhoni-Natarajn.JPG" />

Laxman cited his example of being left overawed while making his debut in South Africa in 1996 but added that is no more the case when it comes to young players as IPL has given them the confidence and exposure of rubbing shoulders with world-class players.

“You know, there's also a lot of importance given to Ranji Trophy, and the List-A matches be it Syed Mushtaq Ali or Vijay Hazare Trophy. But I think the biggest talking point over the last four months has been the bench strength of the Indian cricket team. You know, I think one of the historical wins for India has been the one we recently achieved in Australia. And one of the main reasons is the IPL. There's no doubt about it,” Laxman said.

“The biggest difference, and I've experienced that in my career, when I made my international debut in South Africa in 1996. That was the first time I was playing in front of 45,000 people and I was overawed by the big location, and you're playing against quality bowlers from South Africa. But what IPL is done is for a period of two to one months, it allows the uncapped, talented Indian players to rub shoulders with the best in the world, you know, not only from India but from the world. And when that opportunity of understanding the game learning from the best will sort of enhance&nbsp;the growth and progress as a professional cricketer. And that's what IPL has done,” he explained.

Further elaborating on his point, Laxman said that IPL has played a major role in boosting the bench strength of the Indian cricket team - which is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

“You can see the Brisbane Test match where India were without Virat Kohli and a frontline Test bowling attack. They had a bowling attack, which was probably just four or five Test matches experienced as far as the international cricket was concerned. But the way they carried the&nbsp;responsibility and the way they delivered when it mattered, shows that how much IPL has helped them to develop as&nbsp;cricketers.

“The partnership between Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, they're playing in Test match cricket for first time&nbsp;and to play against Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and also Nathan Lyon and to bat in that fashion is just because of the confidence they got playing in IPL. So I feel as a lot of positives and one of the reasons why Indian bench strength&nbsp;is strong is because of the youngsters participating in IPL without undervaluing the structure, the systems of the BCCI where the age group level cricket. India A and India Under-19 are given a lot of importance, the role of NCA - all played a part but I feel from the confidence level point of view IPL has made a big impact on these youngsters,” Laxman concluded.

Sunrisers Hyderabad open their IPL 2021 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on April 11.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-schedule-team-wise-full-fixture-list-date-time-and-venues-368637" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 Schedule: Team-wise full fixture list, date, time and venues</a>

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad for IPL 2021: David Warner (Captain), Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Sreevats Goswami (WK), Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Kedar Jadhav, Priyam Garg, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Virat Singh, Jason Roy, Jason Holder, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T. Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul, Basil Thampi, Jagadeesha Suchith, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman

Sunrisers Hyderabad have always punched above their weights when it comes to performing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Showing sheer consistency, teamwork and hunger to win matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad are hailed as one of the most consistent sides in the history of IPL.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have always punched above their weights when it comes to performing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Showing sheer consistency, teamwork and hunger to win matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad are hailed as one of the most consistent sides in the history of IPL. However, they last won the coveted trophy in the year 2016 and since then, the ultimate glory has been evading the Hyderabad franchise. Ahead of the IPL 2021, Sunrisers Hyderabad bolstered their squad at the auction table without tinkering with their core players. SRH added the likes Kedar Jadhav, J Suchith and Mujeeb ur Rahman to their team while replacing Mitchell Marsh, who pulled out at the last moment, with Jason Roy, as they eye another season of glory in India’s cricket carnival – the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor and one of the legends of the game, VVS Laxman, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the SRH squad, bio-bubbles, the role IPL has played in the growth of Indian cricket and much more. × SRH headed into the IPL 2021 auction with just INR 10.75 crore. With a small purse at a mini-auction, the Hyderabad outfit made some shrewd picks while roping in the likes of experienced Indian all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman and left-arm spinner Jagadeesha Suchit. They later had another addition in Jason Roy after Mitchell Marsh pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Laxman believes SRH have a perfect blend of youth and experience, well capable of setting the stage on fire. While saying Hyderabad have got all the bases covered, Laxman added that they have a variety of players who can perform in different conditions on offer in India. “It was a very quiet auction for us because we just required to pick up the players because we already had 22 in our squad. And because we knew that the tournament was going to happen in India in the summer, well, there will be a lot of help for the spinners and Mujeeb is an exceptional talent and also we got Suchit. Kedar Jadhav, he bolsters our middle order with his experience, batting for so many times in the IPL and also for India and winning matches,” Laxman told WION in an exclusive interview. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings “But overall, we are very happy and confident that we've covered all the bases and that's one of the important aspects a franchise takes into account at the start of the. I think that's why we are very happy that we've covered all the bases While there are a lot of experienced international players in our squad, but there are also a lot of talented players who just showcased their talent in the last year's IPL but I feel that they are much more mature, they're much more experienced compared to last year. And I'm sure that they will also set the stage on fire and I believe that we've got a lot of options at our disposal is just about playing the best combination against a particular opposition and in a particular condition. And then just playing to our potential if we do that, I'm sure the results will go in our favour,” the former Indian batsman, who has more than 10,000 runs for India in Tests and ODIs, explained. But how tricky was the task at the auction table when franchises were unaware of the venues and conditions that will be on offer during the IPL? Laxman feels despite all the challenges, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a plethora of options and variety available at their helm. With matches in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru, the former Indian batsman feels Hyderabad have all the ingredients to win the battle of match-ups and create their playing XIs based on who they are playing against in the IPL. “You pick a squad where you can go and perform in various conditions. It's not that you pick a sport only to suit your home condition. And I think that that's where we are very confident because the options are available in both batting and bowling department, which can perform in various condition. We're going to play in four venues starting with Chennai, then Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. And I believe that they got various options and various combination for these four venues. “It depends which team you're playing against because in T20 cricket, I believe, that matchup play a big part. While we don't want to create insecurity in the minds of our players, because we are one team that gives a long rope to whichever player is invested in. But I think matchups play a very important and integral part of T20. Cricket so based on the opposition you're playing against, I think we got enough options in our squad you know, to challenge them. So overall we are very happy that we have covered all the bases irrespective of which when you are going to play the match on or which conditions we're going to confront we are very confident that they got enough players who can perform in those conditions,” Laxman explained. Intensity, a lot of intensity was at display in our first practice match yesterday 🔥#OrangeOrNothing #OrangeArmy #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/dx5nmZJCVM — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 8, 2021 × The last six months have been a roller-coaster ride when it comes to Indian cricket. Starting from IPL 2020 in the UAE to the tour of Australia and then hosting England for full-fledged tour, players involved in all three events have been part of the bio-secure bubble for months while being able to spend just a few days with families in the six-month time frame. The debate surrounding mental health have picked up and Laxman feels while it is extremely tough for athletes to stay inside bubbles for months, it is like a sacrifice to do be able to live your dream. IN PICS | In pics- Meredith, Shahrukh: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm “It was quite tough and challenging, while I was part of the bubble in UAE, during the IPL 2020. But it's crazy for the Indian team and other international teams and other sports as well, you know, because it's never easy to stay in a bubble. And the Indian team players who play all the formats have been in bubbles since August, last year, till now, you know, at the end of the England series, and now they will be joining the franchise for the IPL. I think it's definitely a tough ask from each and every individual,” Laxman quipped. “But I think this is the new normal ways to be safe. If you have to continue to do what you love the most, which is play the sport. I think you have to be part of the bubble level because it's safe for all the stakeholders, but it's a lot of sacrifices, especially players who have their families who have young family have to make a huge sacrifice. But I think they are ready to do that because they love what they're doing. And they are professionals,” the SRH mentor added. While the Indian team scripted history in Australia and also won across formats against England at home, the emergence of young players and their ability to win matches for the country have left the cricketing world in awe. Laxman said it is due to the exposure in IPL that the youngsters are so confident when they play for India and against world-beaters. The story of SRH pacer Thangarasu Natarajan makes the sport special but the way the likes of Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur among others have performed in the last six months, credit was automatically given to the IPL and strong roots of Indian cricket and the Rahul Dravid-led NCA. “IPL is a tournament which gives the opportunity to talented players, gives an opportunity for a youngster to realize their dream. As a Sunrisers mentor and as a franchise, we are very proud whenever a player maximizes his potential in the last season. It was a Natarajan who went on to realize his dream of playing for the country, but a lot of other youngsters in SRH who are equally talented. And eventually, they will also realize their dream of playing for the country. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: T Natarajan reveals precious MS Dhoni advice from last season "And I just feel that the endeavour as far as a franchise is concerned is to pick players who are not only skilful, who are not only talented and have got the potential to win matches and tournaments for the franchise, but also who are very committed to the team you know and to create an environment in the dressing room which is very important, because that is one of the challenges of being part of IPL tournament because very quickly, and in a very short span of time you have to have everyone gelling with each other, and that camaraderie and that bonding is very important if you have to play as a unit and win matches as a unit. And that's why this story is one story where talent meets an opportunity and he grabs it both the hands and realize his dream and hope that a lot more youngsters from the SRH family will continue to realize that dream,” Laxman said. Laxman cited his example of being left overawed while making his debut in South Africa in 1996 but added that is no more the case when it comes to young players as IPL has given them the confidence and exposure of rubbing shoulders with world-class players. “You know, there's also a lot of importance given to Ranji Trophy, and the List-A matches be it Syed Mushtaq Ali or Vijay Hazare Trophy. But I think the biggest talking point over the last four months has been the bench strength of the Indian cricket team. You know, I think one of the historical wins for India has been the one we recently achieved in Australia. And one of the main reasons is the IPL. There's no doubt about it,” Laxman said. “The biggest difference, and I've experienced that in my career, when I made my international debut in South Africa in 1996. That was the first time I was playing in front of 45,000 people and I was overawed by the big location, and you're playing against quality bowlers from South Africa. But what IPL is done is for a period of two to one months, it allows the uncapped, talented Indian players to rub shoulders with the best in the world, you know, not only from India but from the world. And when that opportunity of understanding the game learning from the best will sort of enhance the growth and progress as a professional cricketer. And that's what IPL has done,” he explained. Further elaborating on his point, Laxman said that IPL has played a major role in boosting the bench strength of the Indian cricket team - which is at an all-time high. “You can see the Brisbane Test match where India were without Virat Kohli and a frontline Test bowling attack. They had a bowling attack, which was probably just four or five Test matches experienced as far as the international cricket was concerned. But the way they carried the responsibility and the way they delivered when it mattered, shows that how much IPL has helped them to develop as cricketers. “The partnership between Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, they're playing in Test match cricket for first time and to play against Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and also Nathan Lyon and to bat in that fashion is just because of the confidence they got playing in IPL. So I feel as a lot of positives and one of the reasons why Indian bench strength is strong is because of the youngsters participating in IPL without undervaluing the structure, the systems of the BCCI where the age group level cricket. India A and India Under-19 are given a lot of importance, the role of NCA - all played a part but I feel from the confidence level point of view IPL has made a big impact on these youngsters,” Laxman concluded. Sunrisers Hyderabad open their IPL 2021 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on April 11. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Schedule: Team-wise full fixture list, date, time and venues Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad for IPL 2021: David Warner (Captain), Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Manish Pandey, Sreevats Goswami (WK), Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Kedar Jadhav, Priyam Garg, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Virat Singh, Jason Roy, Jason Holder, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T. Natarajan, Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul, Basil Thampi, Jagadeesha Suchith, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman

VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday knowing they must rediscover the magic at home or risk finishing outside the top four for the first time since 2016.

At the bottom, Fulham have a chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone while Manchester United will seek revenge at Tottenham after their 6-1 humiliation earlier this season.

AFP Sport looks at some of the main talking points ahead of the weekend action in the English top-flight.

<h2>Can Liverpool stop Anfield rot?</h2>

When Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield in mid-December it appeared to be business as usual for Jurgen Klopp's side.

But little did they know that they would reach April with no further wins on their home turf and a paltry two goals to show for their efforts.

The Premier League champions take on mid-table Aston Villa on Saturday with a chance to clamber back into the top four, at least temporarily.

Liverpool suffered a chastening 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in midweek but results in the Premier League last weekend went in their favour.

Klopp described their 3-0 win at sorry Arsenal as a "very important statement" but his side must rediscover the winning formula at home after six successive defeats in the league.

<h2>Lingard leads charge for hungry West Ham</h2>

Jesse Lingard is a revitalised player since joining West Ham on loan from Manchester United, where he had become a forgotten man.

The England midfielder flourished in the early days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign at Old Trafford but became an increasingly peripheral figure as Bruno Fernandes assumed the main creative role.

But the 28-year-old has made up for lost time since arriving at the London Stadium in January, scoring six goals in eight Premier League matches.

He has also won back his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

West Ham, who host Leicester on Sunday, are fourth in the Premier League table, one point clear of Chelsea with eight games remaining.

Lingard, who scored a spectacular goal and played a part in the other two in Monday's 3-2 win against Wolves, has urged his team-mates to stay level-headed.

"We need to maintain our focus in each game," he said. "We've got a tough run of fixtures but the lads are ready and we'll prepare for the next game."

<h2>Newcastle fight to stay clear of drop zone</h2>

Newcastle, who have been flirting with the relegation places, could find themselves in the bottom three by the time they kick off on Sunday if Fulham beat Wolves.

Steve Bruce's side have won just two of their past 21 games in all competitions but the manager has dismissed suggestions of a split in the camp.

"That is the big thing that frustrates us all, a so-called mole in the dressing room, certain players unhappy, blah, blah, blah, the spirit is not good, this nonsense," he said.

The Magpies can take some confidence ahead of the game against Burnley from last weekend's 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

Fulham themselves have not taken advantage of Newcastle's struggles but would climb above them on goal difference if they beat Wolves on Friday.

Manager Scott Parker said his team would "fight and scrap" to stay in the division.

Bottom-placed Sheffield United appear doomed but there is a flicker of hope at 19th-placed West Brom, who hammered 10-man Chelsea 5-2 last week.

<h2>Fixtures (GMT)</h2>

Friday

Fulham v Wolves (1900)

Saturday

Manchester City v Leeds (1130), Liverpool v Aston Villa (1400), Crystal Palace v Chelsea (1630)

Sunday

Burnley v Newcastle (1100), West Ham v Leicester (1305), Tottenham v Manchester United (1530), Sheffield United v Arsenal (1800)

Monday

West Brom v Southampton (1700), Brighton v Everton (1915)

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday knowing they must rediscover the magic at home or risk finishing outside the top four for the first time since 2016.

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday knowing they must rediscover the magic at home or risk finishing outside the top four for the first time since 2016. At the bottom, Fulham have a chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone while Manchester United will seek revenge at Tottenham after their 6-1 humiliation earlier this season. AFP Sport looks at some of the main talking points ahead of the weekend action in the English top-flight. Can Liverpool stop Anfield rot? When Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield in mid-December it appeared to be business as usual for Jurgen Klopp's side. But little did they know that they would reach April with no further wins on their home turf and a paltry two goals to show for their efforts. The Premier League champions take on mid-table Aston Villa on Saturday with a chance to clamber back into the top four, at least temporarily. Liverpool suffered a chastening 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in midweek but results in the Premier League last weekend went in their favour. Klopp described their 3-0 win at sorry Arsenal as a "very important statement" but his side must rediscover the winning formula at home after six successive defeats in the league. Lingard leads charge for hungry West Ham Jesse Lingard is a revitalised player since joining West Ham on loan from Manchester United, where he had become a forgotten man. The England midfielder flourished in the early days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign at Old Trafford but became an increasingly peripheral figure as Bruno Fernandes assumed the main creative role. But the 28-year-old has made up for lost time since arriving at the London Stadium in January, scoring six goals in eight Premier League matches. He has also won back his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad. West Ham, who host Leicester on Sunday, are fourth in the Premier League table, one point clear of Chelsea with eight games remaining. Lingard, who scored a spectacular goal and played a part in the other two in Monday's 3-2 win against Wolves, has urged his team-mates to stay level-headed. "We need to maintain our focus in each game," he said. "We've got a tough run of fixtures but the lads are ready and we'll prepare for the next game." Newcastle fight to stay clear of drop zone Newcastle, who have been flirting with the relegation places, could find themselves in the bottom three by the time they kick off on Sunday if Fulham beat Wolves. Steve Bruce's side have won just two of their past 21 games in all competitions but the manager has dismissed suggestions of a split in the camp. "That is the big thing that frustrates us all, a so-called mole in the dressing room, certain players unhappy, blah, blah, blah, the spirit is not good, this nonsense," he said. The Magpies can take some confidence ahead of the game against Burnley from last weekend's 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Fulham themselves have not taken advantage of Newcastle's struggles but would climb above them on goal difference if they beat Wolves on Friday. Manager Scott Parker said his team would "fight and scrap" to stay in the division. Bottom-placed Sheffield United appear doomed but there is a flicker of hope at 19th-placed West Brom, who hammered 10-man Chelsea 5-2 last week. Fixtures (GMT) Friday Fulham v Wolves (1900) Saturday Manchester City v Leeds (1130), Liverpool v Aston Villa (1400), Crystal Palace v Chelsea (1630) Sunday Burnley v Newcastle (1100), West Ham v Leicester (1305), Tottenham v Manchester United (1530), Sheffield United v Arsenal (1800) Monday West Brom v Southampton (1700), Brighton v Everton (1915)

Liverpool bid to end home pain as Lingard fires West Ham push

British sports chiefs say they would accept the introduction of coronavirus "vaccine passports" as a means of allowing full capacities at stadiums.

In a letter to lawmakers, a number of bodies including the Football Association, Premier League, Rugby Football Union and England and Wales Cricket Board said current social distancing rules would be "insufficient to end sport's Covid financial crisis".

Test events are being launched over the coming weeks as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, with an FA Cup semi-final and the FA Cup final among pilot events for a "Covid status certification" scheme.

The system would show whether people had been vaccinated, had antibodies for Covid-19 or had tested negative.

Vaccine and testing passports are opposed by a group of MPs but Prime Minister Boris Johnson and opposition leader Keir Starmer are among several politicians to be told by sporting organisations that they are a "credible option" to achieve full venues.

"All of our sports can see the benefit that a Covid certification process offers in getting more fans safely back to their sport as quickly as possible," the joint letter says. "We know that our stadia can only be fully filled with an assurance process.

"This process must ensure that everyone can access stadia and must include arrangements that would verify a negative Covid test or an antibody test or vaccination certification.

"The final approach must not be discriminatory, should protect privacy, and have clear exit criteria."

Under current plans, from May 17 stadiums in England will be allowed to open with a 25-percent capacity limit, up to a maximum of 10,000 spectators.&nbsp;

The current plan is for all restrictions on social contact to be lifted on June 21.

Britain has administered around 32 million first vaccine doses -- around 60 percent of the adult population -- in one of the world's most successful inoculation drives.

But even with the swift rollout, full venues at major sports events are understood to be unlikely until late in the English sporting summer at the earliest.

Premier League executive director Bill Bush told the BBC on Friday that a certification system was necessary in the absence of unrestricted access to stadiums.

"The alternative (to certification) is not freedom," he said. "The alternative is social-distancing, tiny crowds, major restrictions on people's movement and ability to eat, drink, travel. Away fans banned, for example.

"So to end those restrictions of freedom, we believe that something like this is an acceptable burden to give fans the freedom to attend."

A government spokesman, responding to the letter, said: "We welcome the constructive approach from major British sports as we explore how testing Covid certification and other steps can help get more fans back into stadiums and other large events safely.

"We want as many fans as possible to be able to enjoy a great British summer of sport, safely."

British sports chiefs say they would accept the introduction of coronavirus "vaccine passports" as a means of allowing full capacities at stadiums. In a letter to lawmakers, a number of bodies including the Football Association, Premier League, Rugby Football Union and England and Wales Cricket Board said current social distancing rules would be "insufficient to end sport's Covid financial crisis".

British sports chiefs say they would accept the introduction of coronavirus "vaccine passports" as a means of allowing full capacities at stadiums. In a letter to lawmakers, a number of bodies including the Football Association, Premier League, Rugby Football Union and England and Wales Cricket Board said current social distancing rules would be "insufficient to end sport's Covid financial crisis". Test events are being launched over the coming weeks as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, with an FA Cup semi-final and the FA Cup final among pilot events for a "Covid status certification" scheme. The system would show whether people had been vaccinated, had antibodies for Covid-19 or had tested negative. Vaccine and testing passports are opposed by a group of MPs but Prime Minister Boris Johnson and opposition leader Keir Starmer are among several politicians to be told by sporting organisations that they are a "credible option" to achieve full venues. "All of our sports can see the benefit that a Covid certification process offers in getting more fans safely back to their sport as quickly as possible," the joint letter says. "We know that our stadia can only be fully filled with an assurance process. "This process must ensure that everyone can access stadia and must include arrangements that would verify a negative Covid test or an antibody test or vaccination certification. "The final approach must not be discriminatory, should protect privacy, and have clear exit criteria." Under current plans, from May 17 stadiums in England will be allowed to open with a 25-percent capacity limit, up to a maximum of 10,000 spectators. The current plan is for all restrictions on social contact to be lifted on June 21. Britain has administered around 32 million first vaccine doses -- around 60 percent of the adult population -- in one of the world's most successful inoculation drives. But even with the swift rollout, full venues at major sports events are understood to be unlikely until late in the English sporting summer at the earliest. Premier League executive director Bill Bush told the BBC on Friday that a certification system was necessary in the absence of unrestricted access to stadiums. "The alternative (to certification) is not freedom," he said. "The alternative is social-distancing, tiny crowds, major restrictions on people's movement and ability to eat, drink, travel. Away fans banned, for example. "So to end those restrictions of freedom, we believe that something like this is an acceptable burden to give fans the freedom to attend." A government spokesman, responding to the letter, said: "We welcome the constructive approach from major British sports as we explore how testing Covid certification and other steps can help get more fans back into stadiums and other large events safely. "We want as many fans as possible to be able to enjoy a great British summer of sport, safely."

British sports chiefs back use of 'vaccine passports' to fill stadiums

Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona made any signings in the January transfer market so we’re unlikely to see any new faces when they face each other in ElClasico on Saturday. Yet, there will be a new, and at the same time very familiar face in the stands: Joan Laporta, Barca’s recently elected president who previously held the post between 2003 and 2010.

Laporta is therefore no stranger to the spectacle of ElClasico. The Barcelona-born lawyer enjoyed many memorable ElClasico victories during his first spell, including a famous 6-2 win for the&nbsp;Blaugrana&nbsp;at the Santiago Bernabeu in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge back in 2009. Barca’s ElClasico record during Laporta’s first tenure as president was positive: seven wins, two draws and just five defeats in 14 LaLiga encounters.

Other unforgettable ElClasico moments for Laporta’s Barcelona included a last-gasp winner from Xavi Hernandez at the Bernabeu in 2004; Ronaldinho dismantling&nbsp;Los Blancos&nbsp;almost single-handedly in 2005 (a match which also happened to be the ElClasico debut of a certain Lionel Messi); 19-year-old Messi’s hat-trick in the dramatic 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou in 2007, and the 2009/10 home and away double win thanks to goal from Messi, Pedro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/laliga-special-the-great-assist-providers-of-el-clasico-376290" hreflang="en">LaLiga Special: The great assist providers of El Clasico</a>

His return to the ElClasico stage also means that Laporta will cross paths with Florentino Pérez once again, the Real Madrid president since 2009 and who previously held the role between 2000 and 2006. Images of the two presidents sitting side by side during some of the most intense ElClasico matches of the 2000s are fresh in the memory for most fans of these two clubs, even if more than a decade has now passed since Laporta stepped aside in 2010. Laporta and Pérez have always maintained a respectful relationship and a serious rivalry, and went head-to-head in seven ElClasico fixtures: Laporta’s Barcelona won five, while Perez’s Real Madrid came out on top just twice.

Having only taken over the Barcelona presidency in March, Laporta is yet to mould the squad to his liking and he’ll surely look to compete with Pérez and Real Madrid for the biggest names in this summer’s transfer market. Yet he’ll already be as determined as ever to win another ElClasico and to enjoy the bragging rights in club football’s biggest rivalry.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/laliga-will-go-down-to-the-wire-real-madrids-karim-benzema-ahead-of-el-clasico-376303" hreflang="en">LaLiga will go down to the wire: Real Madrid's Karim Benzema ahead of El Clasico</a>

Laporta has always enjoyed injecting a bit of humour into the rivalry too. He went as far as launching his most recent presidential election campaign by installing a huge advertisement just yards from the Santiago Bernabeu in central Madrid.&nbsp;“Ganas de volver a verso,” it read in Spanish… ‘Keen to see you again.’

This Saturday night, Laporta will finally get his wish and come face to face with Real Madrid once again as Barcelona president, albeit in new surroundings at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium. The first of what looks to be many reunions with Barca’s biggest rivals.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lionel-messi-is-unbelievable-barcelonas-pedri-ahead-of-el-clasico-376304" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi is unbelievable: Barcelona's Pedri ahead of El Clasico</a>

Watch ElClasico live this Sunday at 00.30 am on Facebook Watch

Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona made any signings in the January transfer market so we’re unlikely to see any new faces when they face each other in ElClasico on Saturday.

Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona made any signings in the January transfer market so we’re unlikely to see any new faces when they face each other in ElClasico on Saturday. Yet, there will be a new, and at the same time very familiar face in the stands: Joan Laporta, Barca’s recently elected president who previously held the post between 2003 and 2010. Laporta is therefore no stranger to the spectacle of ElClasico. The Barcelona-born lawyer enjoyed many memorable ElClasico victories during his first spell, including a famous 6-2 win for the Blaugrana at the Santiago Bernabeu in Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge back in 2009. Barca’s ElClasico record during Laporta’s first tenure as president was positive: seven wins, two draws and just five defeats in 14 LaLiga encounters. Other unforgettable ElClasico moments for Laporta’s Barcelona included a last-gasp winner from Xavi Hernandez at the Bernabeu in 2004; Ronaldinho dismantling Los Blancos almost single-handedly in 2005 (a match which also happened to be the ElClasico debut of a certain Lionel Messi); 19-year-old Messi’s hat-trick in the dramatic 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou in 2007, and the 2009/10 home and away double win thanks to goal from Messi, Pedro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ALSO READ: LaLiga Special: The great assist providers of El Clasico His return to the ElClasico stage also means that Laporta will cross paths with Florentino Pérez once again, the Real Madrid president since 2009 and who previously held the role between 2000 and 2006. Images of the two presidents sitting side by side during some of the most intense ElClasico matches of the 2000s are fresh in the memory for most fans of these two clubs, even if more than a decade has now passed since Laporta stepped aside in 2010. Laporta and Pérez have always maintained a respectful relationship and a serious rivalry, and went head-to-head in seven ElClasico fixtures: Laporta’s Barcelona won five, while Perez’s Real Madrid came out on top just twice. Having only taken over the Barcelona presidency in March, Laporta is yet to mould the squad to his liking and he’ll surely look to compete with Pérez and Real Madrid for the biggest names in this summer’s transfer market. Yet he’ll already be as determined as ever to win another ElClasico and to enjoy the bragging rights in club football’s biggest rivalry. WATCH: LaLiga will go down to the wire: Real Madrid's Karim Benzema ahead of El Clasico Laporta has always enjoyed injecting a bit of humour into the rivalry too. He went as far as launching his most recent presidential election campaign by installing a huge advertisement just yards from the Santiago Bernabeu in central Madrid. “Ganas de volver a verso,” it read in Spanish… ‘Keen to see you again.’ This Saturday night, Laporta will finally get his wish and come face to face with Real Madrid once again as Barcelona president, albeit in new surroundings at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium. The first of what looks to be many reunions with Barca’s biggest rivals. WATCH: Lionel Messi is unbelievable: Barcelona's Pedri ahead of El Clasico Watch ElClasico live this Sunday at 00.30 am on Facebook Watch

El Clasico - Back for more: Joan Laporta comes face to face with Real Madrid once again

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to kick-start on Friday. While the matches will be played behind closed doors amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in India, the question that has been bugging the fans is whether there will be an opening ceremony ahead of IPL 2021?<o:p></o:p>

IPL opening ceremony has been a regularity before the tournament officially kickstarts. However, in IPL 2020, there was no opening ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic. <o:p></o:p>

With IPL 2021 being held in challenging times and with strict restrictions, there will be no opening ceremony this time as well with the tournament starting directly with the season opener between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore directly.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-what-is-new-what-has-changed-who-is-in-who-is-out-ten-things-different-this-time-376268" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time</a>

However, top BCCI officials such as Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah among others and members of Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) will be attending the opener between MI and RCB in Chennai on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

“This year’s IPL Opening ceremony for the first time shall have representation from the Differently abled governing council members. Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI, has extended an invitation to the office bearers of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI),” twitted the association’s official Twitter handle.<o:p></o:p>

Even media will not be allowed to cover IPL 2021 from the venues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the restrictions may be lifted if the situation around the virus eases down.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a>

“Owing to the health and safety concerns, media personnel will not have access to the stadium to cover the games or team practice sessions,” the BCCI said in a release.<o:p></o:p>

“If health and safety conditions are more favourable later in the season, media may be allowed to access the stadiums to cover the tournament. Such an announcement will be made in due course,” the BCCI statement read.

LIVE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/IPL2021-Live-Score-Mumbai-Indians-MI-Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-RCB-Chidambaram-Stadium-Chennai-Today-Live-match-updates" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Live Updates</a>

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Catch full coverage of IPL 2021 here!</a></o:p>

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to kick-start on Friday. While the matches will be played behind closed doors amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in India, the question that has been bugging the fans is whether there will be an opening ceremony ahead of IPL 2021?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to kick-start on Friday. While the matches will be played behind closed doors amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in India, the question that has been bugging the fans is whether there will be an opening ceremony ahead of IPL 2021? IPL opening ceremony has been a regularity before the tournament officially kickstarts. However, in IPL 2020, there was no opening ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic. With IPL 2021 being held in challenging times and with strict restrictions, there will be no opening ceremony this time as well with the tournament starting directly with the season opener between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore directly. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time However, top BCCI officials such as Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah among others and members of Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) will be attending the opener between MI and RCB in Chennai on Friday. “This year’s IPL Opening ceremony for the first time shall have representation from the Differently abled governing council members. Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI, has extended an invitation to the office bearers of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI),” twitted the association’s official Twitter handle. Even media will not be allowed to cover IPL 2021 from the venues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the restrictions may be lifted if the situation around the virus eases down. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 “Owing to the health and safety concerns, media personnel will not have access to the stadium to cover the games or team practice sessions,” the BCCI said in a release. “If health and safety conditions are more favourable later in the season, media may be allowed to access the stadiums to cover the tournament. Such an announcement will be made in due course,” the BCCI statement read. LIVE: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Live Updates Catch full coverage of IPL 2021 here!

IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know

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

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

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

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

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday reacted to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments in which he linked rape and sexual violence to how women dress. The former captain of the Pakistan cricket team has been under fire for his recent comments and has been accused of being a “rape apologist” by Human right groups in Pakistan. <o:p></o:p>

Ashwin, who has always been a vocal character, took to social media platform Twitter as he schooled Khan by urging everyone to “do better parenting”. <o:p></o:p>

After denouncing crimes against women and children, Khan had said that sexual violence was a result of "increasing obscenity", adding it was a product of India, the West and Hollywood movies.<o:p></o:p>

“Let’s do better parenting please. ‘Today will determine our tomorrow’s’,” tweeted Ashwin on Friday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Let’s do better parenting please🙏🙏. 
“Today will determine our tomorrow’s”. <a href="https://t.co/MnDtUVvCLd">https://t.co/MnDtUVvCLd</a>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1380492471059107843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Khan had recently denounced crimes against women and children but triggered controversy by linking rape and sexual violence to how women dress. The Oxford-educated Khan blamed “fahashi” (vulgarity) for the rise in rape cases in Pakistan while suggesting women cover up to prevent “temptation”. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

“This entire concept of purdah (covering up or segregating) is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it," Khan had said.<o:p></o:p>

The Pakistan PM added, "in any society where vulgarity is prevalent, there are consequences."<o:p></o:p>

However, his comments irked the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.<o:p></o:p>

"Not only does this betray a baffling ignorance of where, why and how rape occurs, but it also lays the blame on rape survivors, who, as the government must know, can range from young children to victims of honour crimes," the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement.

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Here's how Ashwin's comments were lauded by netizens:</o:p></h2>

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Savage Anna 💯
— Prateek Shrivastava (@PrateekFrom_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrateekFrom_Ind/status/1380492695987097604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wow. Absolutely destroyed him Ash 🔥 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/wJutLHioZa">https://t.co/wJutLHioZa</a>
— AD (@cricadharsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricadharsh/status/1380496499734323201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bowled him <a href="https://t.co/LV9l7etNmv">https://t.co/LV9l7etNmv</a>
— Jash Parekh` (@JashParekh16) <a href="https://twitter.com/JashParekh16/status/1380495180499804160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hear hear Ashwin. <a href="https://t.co/IPnUhCTM91">https://t.co/IPnUhCTM91</a>
— Ketaki Golatkar (@Golty) <a href="https://twitter.com/Golty/status/1380493358875967490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Word! <a href="https://t.co/xhmmYO0s95">https://t.co/xhmmYO0s95</a>
— Sourav Sinha (@sourav_sinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sourav_sinha/status/1380492796977508355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women in terms of safety and equality.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Ashwin will be seen playing for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, starting April 9.<o:p></o:p>

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday reacted to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments in which he linked rape and sexual violence to how women dress.

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday reacted to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments in which he linked rape and sexual violence to how women dress. The former captain of the Pakistan cricket team has been under fire for his recent comments and has been accused of being a “rape apologist” by Human right groups in Pakistan. Ashwin, who has always been a vocal character, took to social media platform Twitter as he schooled Khan by urging everyone to “do better parenting”. After denouncing crimes against women and children, Khan had said that sexual violence was a result of "increasing obscenity", adding it was a product of India, the West and Hollywood movies. “Let’s do better parenting please. ‘Today will determine our tomorrow’s’,” tweeted Ashwin on Friday. Let’s do better parenting please🙏🙏. “Today will determine our tomorrow’s”. https://t.co/MnDtUVvCLd — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 9, 2021 × Khan had recently denounced crimes against women and children but triggered controversy by linking rape and sexual violence to how women dress. The Oxford-educated Khan blamed “fahashi” (vulgarity) for the rise in rape cases in Pakistan while suggesting women cover up to prevent “temptation”. “This entire concept of purdah (covering up or segregating) is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it," Khan had said. The Pakistan PM added, "in any society where vulgarity is prevalent, there are consequences." However, his comments irked the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. "Not only does this betray a baffling ignorance of where, why and how rape occurs, but it also lays the blame on rape survivors, who, as the government must know, can range from young children to victims of honour crimes," the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement. Here's how Ashwin's comments were lauded by netizens: Savage Anna 💯 — Prateek Shrivastava (@PrateekFrom_Ind) April 9, 2021 × Wow. Absolutely destroyed him Ash 🔥 🔥 https://t.co/wJutLHioZa — AD (@cricadharsh) April 9, 2021 × Bowled him https://t.co/LV9l7etNmv — Jash Parekh` (@JashParekh16) April 9, 2021 × Hear hear Ashwin. https://t.co/IPnUhCTM91 — Ketaki Golatkar (@Golty) April 9, 2021 × Word! https://t.co/xhmmYO0s95 — Sourav Sinha (@sourav_sinha) April 9, 2021 × Pakistan is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women in terms of safety and equality. Meanwhile, Ashwin will be seen playing for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, starting April 9.

Do better parenting: R Ashwin ignites Twitter with rebuke to Pak PM Khan for rape remarks

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

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

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

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

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has left everyone surprised with his new never-seen-before angry avatar including current Indian captain Virat Kohli. Featuring in an advertisement, Dravid can be seen getting angry at others from his car stuck in traffic. Dravid is seen even saying "Indiranagar ka gunda hun main" (I am an Indirinagar goon). <o:p></o:p>

Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen saying "it is like saying Rahul Dravid has anger issues" while referring to the benefits offered by the platform. Dravid then appears shouting at everyone and even breaking the side-mirror of a car standing next to him.<o:p></o:p>

Commenting on the ad, India skipper Kohli wrote: "Never seen this side of Rahul bhai."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-ipl-biggest-game-changer-for-indian-cricket-376128" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket</a>

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Never seen this side of Rahul bhai 🤯🤣 <a href="https://t.co/4W93p0Gk7m">pic.twitter.com/4W93p0Gk7m</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1380451732690411521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Kohli gearing up for IPL 2021</h2>

Meanwhile, Kohli will be seen in the opening match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his side Royal Challengers Bangalore against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Friday. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

"I truly believe that we have to focus on our skills and our strengths as a side. Mumbai, obviously, is a champion team they know how to win this competition, we know the strength of their team so if focus too much on that then we are not gonna focus on what we can do.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-royal-challengers-bangalore-team-preview-can-captain-kohli-guide-rcb-to-maiden-trophy-375940" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, RCB - Team Preview: Can captain Kohli guide team to maiden trophy?</a>

"At the end of the day, you are playing cricket which is played on the day at the moment and you could be better than any other guy in the world at that moment," Kohli said in a video posted by the RCB on their official Twitter handle. <o:p></o:p>

"Coming up against Mumbai is always an exciting challenge. Last year, we had two exciting games and we won one and they won the second one which was obviously close and they came through because they have such a strong team. The first one was a cliff-hanger as well big scores and Super Over. We expect a great game to start off the IPL. I can't think of a more exciting or highly skilled intense game to start off the IPL," he added.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has left everyone surprised with his new never-seen-before angry avatar including current Indian captain Virat Kohli. Featuring in an advertisement, Dravid can be seen getting angry at others from his car stuck in traffic.

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has left everyone surprised with his new never-seen-before angry avatar including current Indian captain Virat Kohli. Featuring in an advertisement, Dravid can be seen getting angry at others from his car stuck in traffic. Dravid is seen even saying "Indiranagar ka gunda hun main" (I am an Indirinagar goon). Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen saying "it is like saying Rahul Dravid has anger issues" while referring to the benefits offered by the platform. Dravid then appears shouting at everyone and even breaking the side-mirror of a car standing next to him. Commenting on the ad, India skipper Kohli wrote: "Never seen this side of Rahul bhai." ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket Never seen this side of Rahul bhai 🤯🤣 pic.twitter.com/4W93p0Gk7m — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 9, 2021 × Kohli gearing up for IPL 2021 Meanwhile, Kohli will be seen in the opening match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his side Royal Challengers Bangalore against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Friday. "I truly believe that we have to focus on our skills and our strengths as a side. Mumbai, obviously, is a champion team they know how to win this competition, we know the strength of their team so if focus too much on that then we are not gonna focus on what we can do. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, RCB - Team Preview: Can captain Kohli guide team to maiden trophy? "At the end of the day, you are playing cricket which is played on the day at the moment and you could be better than any other guy in the world at that moment," Kohli said in a video posted by the RCB on their official Twitter handle. "Coming up against Mumbai is always an exciting challenge. Last year, we had two exciting games and we won one and they won the second one which was obviously close and they came through because they have such a strong team. The first one was a cliff-hanger as well big scores and Super Over. We expect a great game to start off the IPL. I can't think of a more exciting or highly skilled intense game to start off the IPL," he added.

Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise

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

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

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

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

There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match.

Precise build-up play is key to scoring goals. Look no further than matches like ElClasico, where fine margins can determine everything. With this in mind, here’s a list of the top assist providers in ElClasico since the 1998/99 season.

<h2>Lionel Messi</h2>

The Argentine star has provided the most assists in ElClásico this century (9). He’s also the top scorer in ElClasico history, with 26 goals. This season, specifically, he sits top of the assist ranking of both sides, together with Toni Kroos, with eight assists so far.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashford-and-fernandes-ensure-united-brush-off-granada-376221" hreflang="en">Rashford and Fernandes ensure United brush off Granada</a>

<h2>Xavi</h2>

Xavi Hernández was the definition of precision when delivering the ball to his teammates. The former Barcelona midfielder is a true legend of LaLiga, playing 40 times in ElClasico. In those games he provided six assists, proving the difference on many occasions.

<h2>Sergi Roberto</h2>

Sergi Roberto is the perfect example of a multipurpose player. His versatility has allowed him to play in ElClásico de LaLiga both as a midfielder and as a right-back. The Barça youth squad has embraced the philosophy of&nbsp;La Masía&nbsp;of maintaining possession and being precise in passing to advance in attack. In ElClásico matches, Roberto sits third among the top assist providers with a total of five.

<h2>Karim Benzema</h2>

Real Madrid’s French striker, in addition to scoring goals, also knows how to link up and provide assists for teammates. Benzema ranks fourth in the assists rankings in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures in the past 23 years, providing four assists.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-gasp-slavia-leave-arsenals-europa-league-hopes-in-balance-376223" hreflang="en">Last-gasp Slavia leave Arsenal's Europa League hopes in balance</a>

<h2>Jordi Alba</h2>

The left flank is definitely an area that Barcelona will look to exploit come this weekend’s ElClasico. Left-back Jordi Alba is key to attacks from wide, and is of course among the fixture’s most prolific assist providers, with four. The Catalan has already provided four assists this season and is also key to the team’s passing game, having made 1821 passes this campaign, fourth most in the entire competition.&nbsp;

<h2>Roberto Carlos</h2>

Another left back, this time a legend for Real Madrid. Fans of&nbsp;Los Blancos&nbsp;fell in love with the Brazilian thanks to his exciting and tireless roaming down the flank in the 1990s and 2000s. His power, speed and attacking ability saw him provide four assists in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures during his career, in addition to a number of goals.

<h2>Dani Alves</h2>

Another Brazilian defender, this time a right-back, who left his mark on the history of ElClásico was Dani Alves. The Barça defender managed to make four assists against Real Madrid in LaLiga Santander.

<h2>Andres Iniesta</h2>

Like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta is a veritable legend of LaLiga. Iniesta enamoured fans the world over with his style and quality and playing in 38 ElClasico fixtures during his time at Barcelona. The former Barça midfielder and World Cup winner is one of the top assist providers of Real Madrid-FC Barcelona in LaLiga Santander over the last 23 years, with a total of three assists.

<h2>Where to watch ElClasico?</h2>

Watch ElClasico live on Sunday at 00.30 am IST on Facebook Watch.

There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match.

There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match. Precise build-up play is key to scoring goals. Look no further than matches like ElClasico, where fine margins can determine everything. With this in mind, here’s a list of the top assist providers in ElClasico since the 1998/99 season. Lionel Messi The Argentine star has provided the most assists in ElClásico this century (9). He’s also the top scorer in ElClasico history, with 26 goals. This season, specifically, he sits top of the assist ranking of both sides, together with Toni Kroos, with eight assists so far. ALSO READ: Rashford and Fernandes ensure United brush off Granada Xavi Xavi Hernández was the definition of precision when delivering the ball to his teammates. The former Barcelona midfielder is a true legend of LaLiga, playing 40 times in ElClasico. In those games he provided six assists, proving the difference on many occasions. Sergi Roberto Sergi Roberto is the perfect example of a multipurpose player. His versatility has allowed him to play in ElClásico de LaLiga both as a midfielder and as a right-back. The Barça youth squad has embraced the philosophy of La Masía of maintaining possession and being precise in passing to advance in attack. In ElClásico matches, Roberto sits third among the top assist providers with a total of five. Karim Benzema Real Madrid’s French striker, in addition to scoring goals, also knows how to link up and provide assists for teammates. Benzema ranks fourth in the assists rankings in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures in the past 23 years, providing four assists. ALSO READ: Last-gasp Slavia leave Arsenal's Europa League hopes in balance Jordi Alba The left flank is definitely an area that Barcelona will look to exploit come this weekend’s ElClasico. Left-back Jordi Alba is key to attacks from wide, and is of course among the fixture’s most prolific assist providers, with four. The Catalan has already provided four assists this season and is also key to the team’s passing game, having made 1821 passes this campaign, fourth most in the entire competition. Roberto Carlos Another left back, this time a legend for Real Madrid. Fans of Los Blancos fell in love with the Brazilian thanks to his exciting and tireless roaming down the flank in the 1990s and 2000s. His power, speed and attacking ability saw him provide four assists in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures during his career, in addition to a number of goals. Dani Alves Another Brazilian defender, this time a right-back, who left his mark on the history of ElClásico was Dani Alves. The Barça defender managed to make four assists against Real Madrid in LaLiga Santander. Andres Iniesta Like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta is a veritable legend of LaLiga. Iniesta enamoured fans the world over with his style and quality and playing in 38 ElClasico fixtures during his time at Barcelona. The former Barça midfielder and World Cup winner is one of the top assist providers of Real Madrid-FC Barcelona in LaLiga Santander over the last 23 years, with a total of three assists. Where to watch ElClasico? Watch ElClasico live on Sunday at 00.30 am IST on Facebook Watch.

LaLiga Special: The great assist providers of El Clasico

Manchester United head to Spanish surprise package Granada while Arsenal take on Slavia Prague, but Ajax against Roma may be the tie of the round.

AFP Sport looks ahead to the Europa League quarter-finals ahead of the first legs on Thursday at 1900 GMT:

<h2>- Emery the Europa League expert -</h2>

Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Villarreal (ESP)

Unai Emery won the Europa League in three consecutive years with Sevilla and took Arsenal to the 2019 final. When he was appointed by Villarreal last summer he said he dreamed of winning a trophy with a club that has been one of the most consistent in Spain in the last 15 years, with nine top-five finishes in La Liga. There have been four European semi-finals too, but they have never won a major trophy or reached a final.

With Emery, they are currently sixth in La Liga and have been excellent in Europe, cruising through their group before eliminating Red Bull Salzburg and Dynamo Kiev. Now they face perennial Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb who are enjoying their best European run since the 1960s after stunning Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16.

Croatian international Mislav Orsic is the man to watch after his brilliant hat-trick did for Spurs.

<h2>- Ajax eyeing another final -</h2>

Ajax (NED) v Roma (ITA)

On paper this is the tie of round, as the runaway Dutch league leaders welcome visitors from Serie A to Amsterdam for the first leg.

Four-time European champions Ajax are enjoying another deep run in continental competition soon after reaching the Europa League final in 2017 and the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Erik ten Hag was in charge two years ago and is still at the helm now with Ajax beating Lille and Young Boys after dropping out of the Champions League in the group stage.

Roma's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League from Serie A have been hit by a slump in form so the opportunity to get there by winning this competition should not be sniffed at. They have already eliminated Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk in the knockout rounds.

<h2>- Slavia threat for Arsenal -</h2>

Arsenal (ENG) v Slavia Prague (CZE)

For the second year running Arsenal's poor league form under Mikel Arteta has left them looking to cup competitions for success. FA Cup winners last year, the Gunners' only hope of silverware this season is in the Europa League, and this competition -- in which they reached the 2019 final -- almost certainly offers their best chance of returning to the Champions League next season.

After winning all six group games and then edging Benfica and Olympiakos, Arsenal can nevertheless not afford to take Slavia Prague lightly. The Czech champions are on a 21-game unbeaten run which includes knocking Leicester City and Rangers out of Europe.

The latter tie was marred by accusations by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara that he was racially abused by Slavia centre-back Ondrej Kudela, who will miss Thursday's game in London with what his club described as "a bruised nose" and "high fever".

<h2>- Man Utd too strong for Granada? -</h2>

Granada (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG)

United shrugged off the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage to claim impressive wins against Real Sociedad and AC Milan in the Europa League.

The Old Trafford side are chasing a first trophy since winning this competition in 2017 and on paper they should be too strong for Granada, even if Anthony Martial is out injured and Eric Bailly has tested positive for Covid-19.

Granada have slumped to ninth in La Liga but have enjoyed a brilliant debut European campaign, notably beating PSV Eindhoven away in the group stage and eliminating Napoli in the last 32 before defeating United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's old club Molde of Norway in the round of 16.

"On Thursday we are going to play one of the most important matches in our history," said Granada coach Diego Martinez, who won the Europa League during his time as an assistant coach to Emery at Sevilla.

Manchester United head to Spanish surprise package Granada while Arsenal take on Slavia Prague, but Ajax against Roma may be the tie of the round. AFP Sport looks ahead to the Europa League quarter-finals ahead of the first legs on Thursday at 1900 GMT: - Emery the Europa League expert - Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Villarreal (ESP) Unai Emery won the Europa League in three consecutive years with Sevilla and took Arsenal to the 2019 final.

Manchester United head to Spanish surprise package Granada while Arsenal take on Slavia Prague, but Ajax against Roma may be the tie of the round. AFP Sport looks ahead to the Europa League quarter-finals ahead of the first legs on Thursday at 1900 GMT: - Emery the Europa League expert - Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Villarreal (ESP) Unai Emery won the Europa League in three consecutive years with Sevilla and took Arsenal to the 2019 final. When he was appointed by Villarreal last summer he said he dreamed of winning a trophy with a club that has been one of the most consistent in Spain in the last 15 years, with nine top-five finishes in La Liga. There have been four European semi-finals too, but they have never won a major trophy or reached a final. With Emery, they are currently sixth in La Liga and have been excellent in Europe, cruising through their group before eliminating Red Bull Salzburg and Dynamo Kiev. Now they face perennial Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb who are enjoying their best European run since the 1960s after stunning Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16. Croatian international Mislav Orsic is the man to watch after his brilliant hat-trick did for Spurs. - Ajax eyeing another final - Ajax (NED) v Roma (ITA) On paper this is the tie of round, as the runaway Dutch league leaders welcome visitors from Serie A to Amsterdam for the first leg. Four-time European champions Ajax are enjoying another deep run in continental competition soon after reaching the Europa League final in 2017 and the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Erik ten Hag was in charge two years ago and is still at the helm now with Ajax beating Lille and Young Boys after dropping out of the Champions League in the group stage. Roma's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League from Serie A have been hit by a slump in form so the opportunity to get there by winning this competition should not be sniffed at. They have already eliminated Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk in the knockout rounds. - Slavia threat for Arsenal - Arsenal (ENG) v Slavia Prague (CZE) For the second year running Arsenal's poor league form under Mikel Arteta has left them looking to cup competitions for success. FA Cup winners last year, the Gunners' only hope of silverware this season is in the Europa League, and this competition -- in which they reached the 2019 final -- almost certainly offers their best chance of returning to the Champions League next season. After winning all six group games and then edging Benfica and Olympiakos, Arsenal can nevertheless not afford to take Slavia Prague lightly. The Czech champions are on a 21-game unbeaten run which includes knocking Leicester City and Rangers out of Europe. The latter tie was marred by accusations by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara that he was racially abused by Slavia centre-back Ondrej Kudela, who will miss Thursday's game in London with what his club described as "a bruised nose" and "high fever". - Man Utd too strong for Granada? - Granada (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG) United shrugged off the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage to claim impressive wins against Real Sociedad and AC Milan in the Europa League. The Old Trafford side are chasing a first trophy since winning this competition in 2017 and on paper they should be too strong for Granada, even if Anthony Martial is out injured and Eric Bailly has tested positive for Covid-19. Granada have slumped to ninth in La Liga but have enjoyed a brilliant debut European campaign, notably beating PSV Eindhoven away in the group stage and eliminating Napoli in the last 32 before defeating United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's old club Molde of Norway in the round of 16. "On Thursday we are going to play one of the most important matches in our history," said Granada coach Diego Martinez, who won the Europa League during his time as an assistant coach to Emery at Sevilla.

Man Utd, Arsenal set for Europa League quarters

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29.

Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai.&nbsp;

The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009.

He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago.

Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field. The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29. Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai. The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009. He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago. Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Federer poised for clay return in Madrid

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City "felt the pressure" of expectancy in the Champions League as they needed Phil Foden's 90th minute winner to take a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

City have now won 27 of their last 28 games in all competitions to remain on course for a historic quadruple of Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

But they have failed to get beyond the last eight in the Champions League in each of the Guardiola's four previous seasons in charge.

"We felt the pressure today, in this competition, at home, not knowing how we would react," said Guardiola.

"It's better to win than draw but even at 1-1 we had 90 minutes to do it."

The sides will meet again in Germany on April 14 with the winners facing Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the last four.

Dortmund are at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League next season after slipping seven points adrift of the top four in the Bundesliga.

However, the visitors started brightly until Emre Can gifted the ball away to Riyad Mahrez and City launched a ruthless counter-attack.

De Bruyne, Foden and Mahrez exchanged passes before the Belgian tapped home from close range.

City thought they had a great chance to double their advantage moments later when Rodrigo went down under Can's challenge inside the area and referee Ovidiu Hategan pointed to the penalty spot.

Hategan, though, rightly overturned his call on a VAR review in the first of a number of dubious decisions from the Romanian official.

His next big call ruled out a Dortmund goal when he adjudged Jude Bellingham to have fouled Ederson as he dispossessed the Brazilian and tapped into an empty net just before half-time.

This time VAR could not intervene as Hategan had blown before Bellingham rolled the ball home.

"I definitely think I won the ball fairly," said the England international. "It's a bit frustrating at a time when they have so many cameras, they don't let me put the ball in the net and check it."

<h2>- Haaland more than a goalscorer -</h2>

Erling Haaland was the focus of much of the pre-match hype with City one of a number of clubs interested in the Norwegian wonder kid.

The 20-year-old had failed to score in just two of his previous 14 Champions League appearances, but he spurned his one big chance to net early in the second-half.

Haaland showed great strength and pace to outmuscle and outsprint Ruben Dias, but could not lift the ball over the advancing Ederson.

De Bruyne was at the heart of all of City's most dangerous moments as Foden should have done better than fire too close to Marwin Hitz with the goal gaping.

The City captain then sent a low shot inches wide before once more picking out Foden, who saw another effort beaten away by Hitz.

However, City were then hit with a sucker punch as Haaland showed he is more than just a goalscorer.

His brilliant reverse ball released Marco Reus to fire beyond Ederson in what seemed a sting in the tale six minutes from time.

But Dortmund could not hold out in the closing stages as City pushed for a winner.

De Bruyne was the creator again as his cross found Ilkay Gundogan at the back post and his cut-back was swept home by a relieved Foden.

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City "felt the pressure" of expectancy in the Champions League as they needed Phil Foden's 90th minute winner to take a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City "felt the pressure" of expectancy in the Champions League as they needed Phil Foden's 90th minute winner to take a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. City have now won 27 of their last 28 games in all competitions to remain on course for a historic quadruple of Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. But they have failed to get beyond the last eight in the Champions League in each of the Guardiola's four previous seasons in charge. "We felt the pressure today, in this competition, at home, not knowing how we would react," said Guardiola. "It's better to win than draw but even at 1-1 we had 90 minutes to do it." The sides will meet again in Germany on April 14 with the winners facing Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the last four. Dortmund are at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League next season after slipping seven points adrift of the top four in the Bundesliga. However, the visitors started brightly until Emre Can gifted the ball away to Riyad Mahrez and City launched a ruthless counter-attack. De Bruyne, Foden and Mahrez exchanged passes before the Belgian tapped home from close range. City thought they had a great chance to double their advantage moments later when Rodrigo went down under Can's challenge inside the area and referee Ovidiu Hategan pointed to the penalty spot. Hategan, though, rightly overturned his call on a VAR review in the first of a number of dubious decisions from the Romanian official. His next big call ruled out a Dortmund goal when he adjudged Jude Bellingham to have fouled Ederson as he dispossessed the Brazilian and tapped into an empty net just before half-time. This time VAR could not intervene as Hategan had blown before Bellingham rolled the ball home. "I definitely think I won the ball fairly," said the England international. "It's a bit frustrating at a time when they have so many cameras, they don't let me put the ball in the net and check it." - Haaland more than a goalscorer - Erling Haaland was the focus of much of the pre-match hype with City one of a number of clubs interested in the Norwegian wonder kid. The 20-year-old had failed to score in just two of his previous 14 Champions League appearances, but he spurned his one big chance to net early in the second-half. Haaland showed great strength and pace to outmuscle and outsprint Ruben Dias, but could not lift the ball over the advancing Ederson. De Bruyne was at the heart of all of City's most dangerous moments as Foden should have done better than fire too close to Marwin Hitz with the goal gaping. The City captain then sent a low shot inches wide before once more picking out Foden, who saw another effort beaten away by Hitz. However, City were then hit with a sucker punch as Haaland showed he is more than just a goalscorer. His brilliant reverse ball released Marco Reus to fire beyond Ederson in what seemed a sting in the tale six minutes from time. But Dortmund could not hold out in the closing stages as City pushed for a winner. De Bruyne was the creator again as his cross found Ilkay Gundogan at the back post and his cut-back was swept home by a relieved Foden.

Foden hands Man City late advantage against Dortmund

Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid made Liverpool pay for more defensive errors on Tuesday, a 3-1 victory putting them in sight of the Champions League semi-finals.

Vinicius and Marco Asensio both profited in the first half after darting behind Liverpool's makeshift back-line before a simple move from a throw-in gave Vinicius a simple finish in the second.

Mohamed Salah's strike shortly after the interval briefly made it a contest at Valdebebas, with an away goal certainly a significant consolation for Liverpool to take into the second leg at Anfield next week.

But without fans and with a miserable recent record at home, Jurgen Klopp will know his side have it all to do to avoid his team's season becoming solely about scraping into the Premier League's top four.

"We didn't play well enough, that's my first concern," said Klopp. "We didn't deserve to win tonight, but the good news is that there is another match.

"We are going to fight, 3-1 is not good, but we have a chance."

Except for two spells after half-time and at the finish, when their opponents were holding on to what they had, Liverpool were overpowered by Real Madrid, whose only disappointment might be missing out on a clearer margin ahead of the return in eight days' time.

Before then, they go up against Barcelona on Saturday and this result, their fifth consecutive victory, should be another huge boost to morale going into what will be a crucial fixture in La Liga's title race.

"Nothing is close, nothing is won," Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said. "We are alive in two competitions and we will keep fighting. We will start the second leg like it's 0-0 because it will be another very difficult game."

Madrid were without Sergio Ramos, who throughout was bellowing at his team from the stands, while Raphael Varane testing positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday morning meant both sides were fielding patched-up back fours.

The last time these two clubs met, Ramos dislocated Salah's shoulder and Madrid went on to win their 13th European Cup but Klopp insisted there was no desire for revenge in the minds of his players.

They could have done with some extra fire because Madrid were superior in the first half, more controlled in possession and more aggressive out of it. Liverpool seemed caught between trying to match Madrid's intensity and slowing the game down to gain a foothold.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Kroos runs the show -</h2>

&nbsp;

In the end they did neither, as the openings came early. Luka Modric wanted a penalty afer being clipped just outside the box and Trent Alexander-Arnold was beaten too easily by Ferland Mendy, whose cross was headed just wide by Vinicius.

The excellent Toni Kroos was given space at the base of midfield to dictate the tempo and it was a pair of arrowed balls forward from the German that put Madrid in charge.

The first he fired between Alexander-Arnold and Nat Phillips for the scampering Vinicius, who did brilliantly to chest the ball beyond his opponents and shoot low into the Liverpool net.

Seven minutes later, Kroos did it again, this time with the aid of a badly misguided Alexander-Arnold header, locating Asensio, who lifted over Alisson Becker to leave himself with an open net.

A full stadium would have sent a surge of momentum through Madrid but there was still a simmering buzz, as their substitutes were cheering louder and the players pressed quicker and passed harder.

Liverpool were holding on for half-time but the raging Klopp could not wait, hauling off Naby Keita with three minutes left and sending on Thiago Alcantara in his place.

The break briefly had an effect, Liverpool pulling a goal back five minutes after as Georginio Wijnaldum tore forward and Diogo Jota's shot deflected kindly into the path of Salah, who poked in off the crossbar.

For a while, the game was in the balance. Kroos shot over and Sadio Mane almost finished off a break down the left. Asensio should have finished for Madrid but opted to pass and it was blocked.

Yet another Madrid chance was not far away, as Liverpool failed to react to a throw-in down the right and Modric was allowed to drift inside, teeing up Vinicius to sidefoot in a second.

Liverpool pushed for another away goal in the final minutes but Madrid were not troubled. It was Spanish cheers that could be heard when the whistle blew

Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid made Liverpool pay for more defensive errors on Tuesday, a 3-1 victory putting them in sight of the Champions League semi-finals.

Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid made Liverpool pay for more defensive errors on Tuesday, a 3-1 victory putting them in sight of the Champions League semi-finals. Vinicius and Marco Asensio both profited in the first half after darting behind Liverpool's makeshift back-line before a simple move from a throw-in gave Vinicius a simple finish in the second. Mohamed Salah's strike shortly after the interval briefly made it a contest at Valdebebas, with an away goal certainly a significant consolation for Liverpool to take into the second leg at Anfield next week. But without fans and with a miserable recent record at home, Jurgen Klopp will know his side have it all to do to avoid his team's season becoming solely about scraping into the Premier League's top four. "We didn't play well enough, that's my first concern," said Klopp. "We didn't deserve to win tonight, but the good news is that there is another match. "We are going to fight, 3-1 is not good, but we have a chance." Except for two spells after half-time and at the finish, when their opponents were holding on to what they had, Liverpool were overpowered by Real Madrid, whose only disappointment might be missing out on a clearer margin ahead of the return in eight days' time. Before then, they go up against Barcelona on Saturday and this result, their fifth consecutive victory, should be another huge boost to morale going into what will be a crucial fixture in La Liga's title race. "Nothing is close, nothing is won," Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said. "We are alive in two competitions and we will keep fighting. We will start the second leg like it's 0-0 because it will be another very difficult game." Madrid were without Sergio Ramos, who throughout was bellowing at his team from the stands, while Raphael Varane testing positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday morning meant both sides were fielding patched-up back fours. The last time these two clubs met, Ramos dislocated Salah's shoulder and Madrid went on to win their 13th European Cup but Klopp insisted there was no desire for revenge in the minds of his players. They could have done with some extra fire because Madrid were superior in the first half, more controlled in possession and more aggressive out of it. Liverpool seemed caught between trying to match Madrid's intensity and slowing the game down to gain a foothold. - Kroos runs the show - In the end they did neither, as the openings came early. Luka Modric wanted a penalty afer being clipped just outside the box and Trent Alexander-Arnold was beaten too easily by Ferland Mendy, whose cross was headed just wide by Vinicius. The excellent Toni Kroos was given space at the base of midfield to dictate the tempo and it was a pair of arrowed balls forward from the German that put Madrid in charge. The first he fired between Alexander-Arnold and Nat Phillips for the scampering Vinicius, who did brilliantly to chest the ball beyond his opponents and shoot low into the Liverpool net. Seven minutes later, Kroos did it again, this time with the aid of a badly misguided Alexander-Arnold header, locating Asensio, who lifted over Alisson Becker to leave himself with an open net. A full stadium would have sent a surge of momentum through Madrid but there was still a simmering buzz, as their substitutes were cheering louder and the players pressed quicker and passed harder. Liverpool were holding on for half-time but the raging Klopp could not wait, hauling off Naby Keita with three minutes left and sending on Thiago Alcantara in his place. The break briefly had an effect, Liverpool pulling a goal back five minutes after as Georginio Wijnaldum tore forward and Diogo Jota's shot deflected kindly into the path of Salah, who poked in off the crossbar. For a while, the game was in the balance. Kroos shot over and Sadio Mane almost finished off a break down the left. Asensio should have finished for Madrid but opted to pass and it was blocked. Yet another Madrid chance was not far away, as Liverpool failed to react to a throw-in down the right and Modric was allowed to drift inside, teeing up Vinicius to sidefoot in a second. Liverpool pushed for another away goal in the final minutes but Madrid were not troubled. It was Spanish cheers that could be heard when the whistle blew

Vinicius double puts Real Madrid on top against Liverpool

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target.

More than one million of them were randomly put in jail. They were tortured, men faced forced sterilisation, women were raped, forced into getting abortions, and then forced into labour.

None of this is a secret. The world has known about all of this for a while now. The United States chose to release the report only last month. It went on to slap sanctions on China. But that may not be enough.

So, team Biden is considering another way to embarrass China. Boycotting the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They're scheduled for 2022. Will the US boycott the games?

They're considering the possibility. We got the first hint on Tuesday US State Department spokesperson &nbsp;Ned Price was holding a press conference. He said Washington wants to discuss the joint boycott with allies.

He said, "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss and that it is certainly something that we understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interests but also in the interests of our allies and partners. So this is one of the issues that are on the agenda both now and going forward, and when we have something to announce, we will be sure to do that."

He couldn't have been clearer. The US will sound out its allies. Perhaps ask them to withdraw from the games.

The statement created quite a stir. So much so that the state department came up with a clarification. It said there has been no discussion about a joint boycott with allies.

That doesn't mean there will be no discussion in the day ahead. This is enough to raise the hackles of Beijing. It deployed Zhao Lijian to respond, the wolf warrior-in-chief.

What did he say? America is politicising the Olympics.

"If the US insists on ignoring the real truth and facts and deliberately uses lies to smear and attack China, this will certainly be doomed to fail. Not only will it damage the US’s reputation and interests, but will also definitely encounter the firm opposition of the Chinese people and a strong response from China."

Is this an overreaction? Not in the least. The call for boycotting Beijing Olympics isn't new.

Last year in September, more than 160 human rights groups spoke against China.

They wanted the International Olympic Committee or the IOC to revoke the Winter Olympic Games from China.

Then in October, Uighur rights groups met the IOC. They shared stories of detainees.

They told the Olympic committee about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. And also what's happening in Tibet and Hong Kong

Their demand was the same: Take the Olympic Games out of Beijing.

How did the IOC respond? Not very favourably. According to one Uighur representative, their concerns were "completely dismissed".

Zumretay Arki of the World Uighur Congress says the IOC is hiding behind political neutrality. And that the committee is willing to host "genocidal Olympic games".

"When we met with the IOC in October, we asked them to listen to our voices but instead they completely dismissed our experiences and sufferings,” Arki said.

The pressure is mounting. Not just on China and the International Olympics Committee, but also the sponsors.

Companies like Visa and Coca Cola are the "Olympic partners" for this event. They're facing criticism. Another sponsor Airbnb is facing tough questions. It is being asked why it is providing lodging in a country that has concentration camps for Uighurs.

For big sponsors, this is a test of their corporate social responsibility.

But exiting won't be easy. Any boycott is sure to invite a backlash from China.

Ask H&amp;M and Nike: they've faced a state engineered boycott in China. That's because they said they won't buy cotton from Xinjiang. Moral of the story: boycotting China won't be easy. China will fight back.

But it cannot fight everyone. So the boycott must be a joint effort. How can the world do it?

The Eurasia group - a political risk consultancy firm - has put together a report. It has listed three ways in which the world can boycott the winter games.

Number one: A diplomatic boycott.

That's something the US has hinted at. America could join at least one other major western country and boycott the games in China. The Eurasia group says this is the most likely scenario with a 60 per cent probability.

Their report says the likely participants in such a boycott could be the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Some European countries could join in too.

Possibility number two: An athletic boycott.

What does this mean? One or more western countries could stop their athletes from participating in the games. They could consider an economic boycott as well, with a ban on US spectators, broadcasters and sponsors. So basically, this option is about discouraging any form of participation at home. The probability of this is 30 per cent.

The final option is an outlier scenario.

This one rules out a boycott. Instead, &nbsp;countries could just issue "mild political statements about the games". The Eurasia group says there is only a 10 per cent chance of this happening.

So will the Beijing Olympics be boycotted?

We'll have to wait for the answer.

Have Olympic Games been boycotted? The answer is yes. The last time this happened was in 1980. That's when the US had led a diplomatic boycott against Moscow.

This was over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. A total of 65 countries had refused to participate in the games.

Today, if America chooses to take a stand against China and withdraws its athletes from the winter games, &nbsp;there's a good chance that more nations will follow suit.

For China, the trend would be hard to miss.

First, governments calling out the genocide in Xinjiang. Then, international brands following suit, talking about forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton fields.

What is China doing about all of this?

Xinjiang produces 20% of the world's cotton.

China cannot afford a boycott. So it has launched a propaganda campaign.

It involves fashion shows and musicals. Videos of Uighurs singing, dancing and falling in love. The idea is to show that everything is normal in Xinjiang. 
 
The question is, who is believing China?

How far can you go to win a narrative war?

When it comes to China, the country knows no limits.

Here's an example. Most of you already know what's happening in this part of the world.

Xinjiang is the home to Uighur Muslims. They are an ethnic minority that China has waged a war on. One million Uighurs have been put in concentration camps.

What happens behind these walls can be summed up as: Forced organ transplants, rape, sterilisation, forced conversions, and medical experiments.

China is guilty of orchestrating a genocide. Beijing will never accept it. China is also guilty of forced labour. Uighurs have been forced to work in the cotton fields of Xinjiang. Recently, the EU, Britain and Canada imposed sanction on Chinese officials.

Hell broke loose when H&amp;M issued a statement on forced labour in Xinjiang. More brands followed suit.

China pushed back hard. It began punishing businesses that raised questions on Xinjiang. International brands like Nike, H&amp;M, Adidas were taken off Chinese e-commerce apps. They were also removed from maps.

Reports say H&amp;M was forced to close 20 outlets. Chinese celebrities publicly junked endorsement deals with international brands.

Chinese media openly issued threats. Spokespersons blew the war bugle on social media. And designers turned ramps into battlefields with their patriotic outcries.

Chief designer of Sun-bird, Zhou Li said: "As a Chinese designer, of course, my support for Xinjiang cotton is correct. For me, I think Xinjiang cotton is my sweetheart, my lover. This time I want to thank him. He brought me so much joy."

Too much drama? Watch this footage.

This is China trying to portray Xinjiang as a happy place. You know, where Uighurs sing, dance, fall in love. The Chinese Communist Party has sponsored a musical called the Wings of Songs. It paints a Utopian picture of Xinjiang. This is the latest addition to China's propaganda campaign.

Like you just saw, the campaign has turned into a comedy.

Guess what? There's more. Chinese TV stations have been blurring out logos of western brands. The result looks like this: People floating on clouds. People whose bodies have disappeared.

We told you, China can go far in a bid to win a narrative war. It's another story that China's bluff was called out long back.

And with all the drama, the dragon is now only making a spectacle of itself.

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target. More than one million of them were randomly put in jail.

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target. More than one million of them were randomly put in jail. They were tortured, men faced forced sterilisation, women were raped, forced into getting abortions, and then forced into labour. None of this is a secret. The world has known about all of this for a while now. The United States chose to release the report only last month. It went on to slap sanctions on China. But that may not be enough. So, team Biden is considering another way to embarrass China. Boycotting the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They're scheduled for 2022. Will the US boycott the games? They're considering the possibility. We got the first hint on Tuesday US State Department spokesperson Ned Price was holding a press conference. He said Washington wants to discuss the joint boycott with allies. He said, "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss and that it is certainly something that we understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interests but also in the interests of our allies and partners. So this is one of the issues that are on the agenda both now and going forward, and when we have something to announce, we will be sure to do that." He couldn't have been clearer. The US will sound out its allies. Perhaps ask them to withdraw from the games. The statement created quite a stir. So much so that the state department came up with a clarification. It said there has been no discussion about a joint boycott with allies. That doesn't mean there will be no discussion in the day ahead. This is enough to raise the hackles of Beijing. It deployed Zhao Lijian to respond, the wolf warrior-in-chief. What did he say? America is politicising the Olympics. "If the US insists on ignoring the real truth and facts and deliberately uses lies to smear and attack China, this will certainly be doomed to fail. Not only will it damage the US’s reputation and interests, but will also definitely encounter the firm opposition of the Chinese people and a strong response from China." Is this an overreaction? Not in the least. The call for boycotting Beijing Olympics isn't new. Last year in September, more than 160 human rights groups spoke against China. They wanted the International Olympic Committee or the IOC to revoke the Winter Olympic Games from China. Then in October, Uighur rights groups met the IOC. They shared stories of detainees. They told the Olympic committee about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. And also what's happening in Tibet and Hong Kong Their demand was the same: Take the Olympic Games out of Beijing. How did the IOC respond? Not very favourably. According to one Uighur representative, their concerns were "completely dismissed". Zumretay Arki of the World Uighur Congress says the IOC is hiding behind political neutrality. And that the committee is willing to host "genocidal Olympic games". "When we met with the IOC in October, we asked them to listen to our voices but instead they completely dismissed our experiences and sufferings,” Arki said. The pressure is mounting. Not just on China and the International Olympics Committee, but also the sponsors. Companies like Visa and Coca Cola are the "Olympic partners" for this event. They're facing criticism. Another sponsor Airbnb is facing tough questions. It is being asked why it is providing lodging in a country that has concentration camps for Uighurs. For big sponsors, this is a test of their corporate social responsibility. But exiting won't be easy. Any boycott is sure to invite a backlash from China. Ask H&M and Nike: they've faced a state engineered boycott in China. That's because they said they won't buy cotton from Xinjiang. Moral of the story: boycotting China won't be easy. China will fight back. But it cannot fight everyone. So the boycott must be a joint effort. How can the world do it? The Eurasia group - a political risk consultancy firm - has put together a report. It has listed three ways in which the world can boycott the winter games. Number one: A diplomatic boycott. That's something the US has hinted at. America could join at least one other major western country and boycott the games in China. The Eurasia group says this is the most likely scenario with a 60 per cent probability. Their report says the likely participants in such a boycott could be the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Some European countries could join in too. Possibility number two: An athletic boycott. What does this mean? One or more western countries could stop their athletes from participating in the games. They could consider an economic boycott as well, with a ban on US spectators, broadcasters and sponsors. So basically, this option is about discouraging any form of participation at home. The probability of this is 30 per cent. The final option is an outlier scenario. This one rules out a boycott. Instead, countries could just issue "mild political statements about the games". The Eurasia group says there is only a 10 per cent chance of this happening. So will the Beijing Olympics be boycotted? We'll have to wait for the answer. Have Olympic Games been boycotted? The answer is yes. The last time this happened was in 1980. That's when the US had led a diplomatic boycott against Moscow. This was over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. A total of 65 countries had refused to participate in the games. Today, if America chooses to take a stand against China and withdraws its athletes from the winter games, there's a good chance that more nations will follow suit. For China, the trend would be hard to miss. First, governments calling out the genocide in Xinjiang. Then, international brands following suit, talking about forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton fields. What is China doing about all of this? Xinjiang produces 20% of the world's cotton. China cannot afford a boycott. So it has launched a propaganda campaign. It involves fashion shows and musicals. Videos of Uighurs singing, dancing and falling in love. The idea is to show that everything is normal in Xinjiang. The question is, who is believing China? How far can you go to win a narrative war? When it comes to China, the country knows no limits. Here's an example. Most of you already know what's happening in this part of the world. Xinjiang is the home to Uighur Muslims. They are an ethnic minority that China has waged a war on. One million Uighurs have been put in concentration camps. What happens behind these walls can be summed up as: Forced organ transplants, rape, sterilisation, forced conversions, and medical experiments. China is guilty of orchestrating a genocide. Beijing will never accept it. China is also guilty of forced labour. Uighurs have been forced to work in the cotton fields of Xinjiang. Recently, the EU, Britain and Canada imposed sanction on Chinese officials. Hell broke loose when H&M issued a statement on forced labour in Xinjiang. More brands followed suit. China pushed back hard. It began punishing businesses that raised questions on Xinjiang. International brands like Nike, H&M, Adidas were taken off Chinese e-commerce apps. They were also removed from maps. Reports say H&M was forced to close 20 outlets. Chinese celebrities publicly junked endorsement deals with international brands. Chinese media openly issued threats. Spokespersons blew the war bugle on social media. And designers turned ramps into battlefields with their patriotic outcries. Chief designer of Sun-bird, Zhou Li said: "As a Chinese designer, of course, my support for Xinjiang cotton is correct. For me, I think Xinjiang cotton is my sweetheart, my lover. This time I want to thank him. He brought me so much joy." Too much drama? Watch this footage. This is China trying to portray Xinjiang as a happy place. You know, where Uighurs sing, dance, fall in love. The Chinese Communist Party has sponsored a musical called the Wings of Songs. It paints a Utopian picture of Xinjiang. This is the latest addition to China's propaganda campaign. Like you just saw, the campaign has turned into a comedy. Guess what? There's more. Chinese TV stations have been blurring out logos of western brands. The result looks like this: People floating on clouds. People whose bodies have disappeared. We told you, China can go far in a bid to win a narrative war. It's another story that China's bluff was called out long back. And with all the drama, the dragon is now only making a spectacle of itself.

Will the world boycott China's Winter Olympics?

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. <o:p></o:p>

After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others.<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-to-wion-selection-headache-a-good-thing-for-punjab-kings-375722" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings</a>

The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. <o:p></o:p>

Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. <o:p></o:p>

In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin.<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Mumbai Indians, IPL 2021 Squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Anmolpreet Singh, Aditya Tare, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Yadav, Anukul Roy, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohsin Khan, Adam Milne, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, James Neesham, Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen, Arjun Tendulkar<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition.

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others. Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin. Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Mumbai Indians, IPL 2021 Squad Rohit Sharma (c), Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Anmolpreet Singh, Aditya Tare, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Yadav, Anukul Roy, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohsin Khan, Adam Milne, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, James Neesham, Yudhvir Charak, Marco Jansen, Arjun Tendulkar

IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs.

With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad. <o:p></o:p>

Captain Kohli will take up the opener’s slot with Devdutt Padikkal in the RCB playing XI with the likes of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell to follow. That itself makes up for a really strong top four and RCB would be hoping for the quartet to fire all cylinders with the bat.<o:p></o:p>

With the talent of Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed and new recruits Mohammad Azharuddeen, Harshal Patel providing exciting options, RCB’s lower-middle order also looks potent and well-capable of taking the death overs by storm. <o:p></o:p>

The overseas options of Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson make the playing combination more lethal and on paper, better than ever. RCB spent heavily on the duo in a bid to solidify their all-rounder options.<o:p></o:p>

The bowling attack looks pretty similar to what it was last year and the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to do the heavy lifting with the ball. <o:p></o:p>

While the new additions have opened new opportunities for RCB, it would be interesting to see how Kohli marshals his troops in the cash-rich T20 tournament. <o:p></o:p>

Can RCB end the trophyless run? It will depend on how they use their options.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021 squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Pavan Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Harshal Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Christian, Suyash Prabhudessai, KS Bharat<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs. With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad. Captain Kohli will take up the opener’s slot with Devdutt Padikkal in the RCB playing XI with the likes of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell to follow. That itself makes up for a really strong top four and RCB would be hoping for the quartet to fire all cylinders with the bat. With the talent of Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed and new recruits Mohammad Azharuddeen, Harshal Patel providing exciting options, RCB’s lower-middle order also looks potent and well-capable of taking the death overs by storm. The overseas options of Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson make the playing combination more lethal and on paper, better than ever. RCB spent heavily on the duo in a bid to solidify their all-rounder options. The bowling attack looks pretty similar to what it was last year and the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to do the heavy lifting with the ball. While the new additions have opened new opportunities for RCB, it would be interesting to see how Kohli marshals his troops in the cash-rich T20 tournament. Can RCB end the trophyless run? It will depend on how they use their options. Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021 squad Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Finn Allen, Pavan Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Daniel Sams, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Kane Richardson, Harshal Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Sachin Baby, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Christian, Suyash Prabhudessai, KS Bharat

IPL 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore - Team Preview: Can captain Kohli guide RCB to maiden trophy?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence from April 9 with the final of the mega T20 tournament scheduled to be played on May 30. The IPL 2021 season opener will be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai after the BCCI made a few tweaks in the scheduling for IPL 2021.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence from April 9 with the final of the mega T20 tournament scheduled to be played on May 30. The IPL 2021 season opener will be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai after the BCCI made a few tweaks in the scheduling for IPL 2021. In the 14th edition of IPL, each franchise will play at four venues during the league stage and all matches will be played at neutral venues and no team will play at their home venue. Out of the 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata & Bengaluru will host 10 matches each while Ahmedabad and Delhi will host 8 matches each. Ahead of IPL 2021, let us take a look at the team-wise complete fixture list of the 14th edition of the tournament: 🚨 BCCI announces schedule for VIVO IPL 2021 🚨 The season will kickstart on 9th April in Chennai and the final will take place on May 30th at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. More details here - https://t.co/yKxJujGGcD #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/qfaKS6prAJ — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 7, 2021 × ALSO READ: IPL 2021 schedule announced: Narendra Modi Stadium to host playoffs and final - check full fixtures Chennai Super Kings: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 10-04 - CSK v DC, Mumbai, 7.30 pm 16-04 - Punjab Kings v CSK, Mumbai, 7.30 pm 19-04 - CSK vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai, 7.30 pm 21-04 - KKR vs CSK, Mumbai, 7.30 pm 25-04 - CSK vs Royal Challengers, Mumbai, 3.30 pm 28-04 - CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi, 7.30 pm 01-05 - Mumbai Indians vs CSK, Delhi, 7.30 pm 05-05 - Rajasthan Royals vs CSK, Delhi, 7.30 pm 07-05 - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs CSK, Delhi, 7.30 pm 09-05 - CSK vs Punjab Kings, Bangalore, 3.30 pm 12-05 - CSK vs KKR, Bangalore, 7.30 pm 16-05 - CSK vs Mumbai Indians, Bangalore, 7.30 pm 21-05 - Capitals vs CSK, Kolkata, 7.30 pm 23-05 - RCB vs CSK, Kolkata, 7.30 pm Delhi Capitals: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 10-04 – Mumbai – CSK vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 15-04 – Mumbai – RR vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 18-04 – Mumbai – DC vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 20-04 – Chennai – DC vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 25-04 – Chennai – SRH vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 27-04 – Ahmedabad – DC vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 29-04 – Ahmedabad – DC vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 02-05 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 08-05 – Ahmedabad – KKR vs Delhi Capitals, 3.30 pm 11-05 – Kolkata – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 14-05 – Kolkata – RCB vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 17-05 – Kolkata – Delhi Capitals vs SRH, 7.30 pm 21-05 – Kolkata – Delhi Capitals vs CSK, 7.30 pm 23-05 – Kolkata – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, 3.30 pm. Rajasthan Royals: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 12-04 – Mumbai – Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 15-04 – Mumbai – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 19-04 – Mumbai – Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 22-04 – Mumbai – RCB vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 24-04 – Mumbai – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 29-04 – Delhi – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, 3.30 pm 02-05 – Delhi – Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm 05-05 – Delhi – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 pm 08-05 – Delhi – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 11-05 – Kolkata – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 13-05 – Kolkata – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 16-05 – Kolkata – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3.30 pm 18-05 – Bangalore – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 22-05 – Bangalore – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm. Kolkata Knight Riders: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 11-04 – Chennai – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 13-04 – Chennai – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 18-04 – Chennai – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 3.30 pm 21-04 – Mumbai – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 pm 24-04 – Mumbai – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 26-04 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 29-04 – Ahmedabad – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 03-05 – Ahmedabad – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 08-05 – Ahmedabad – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals, 3.30 pm 10-05 – Bangalore – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 12-05 – Bangalore – Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 15-05 – Bangalore – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 18-05 – Bangalore – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 21-05 – Bangalore – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm. Royal Challengers Bangalore: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 09-04 – Chennai – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 14-04 – Chennai – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs RCB, 7.30 pm 18-04 – Chennai – RCB vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 3.30 pm 22-04 – Mumbai – RCB vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 25-04 – Mumbai – CSK vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3.30 pm 27-04 – Ahmedabad – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 30-04 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 03-05 – Ahmedabad – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 06-05 – Ahmedabad – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 09-05 – Kolkata – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 14-05 – Kolkata – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 16-05 – Kolkata – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3.30 pm 20-05 – Kolkata – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 23-05 – Kolkata – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 pm. Sunrisers Hyderabad: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 11-04 – Chennai – SRH vs KKR, 7.30 pm 14-04 – Chennai – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs RCB, 7.30 pm 17-04 – Chennai – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 21-04 – Chennai – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm 25-04 – Chennai – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 28-04 – Delhi – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 02-05 – Delhi – Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm 04-05 – Delhi – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 07-05 – Delhi – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 pm 09-05 – Kolkata – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 13-05 – Kolkata – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm 17-05 – Kolkata – Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 19-05 – Bangalore – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 21-05 – Bangalore – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm. Mumbai Indians: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 09-04 – Chennai – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 13-04 – Chennai – KKR vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 17-04 – Chennai – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7.30 pm 20-04 – Chennai – DC vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 23-04 – Chennai – Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 29-04 – Delhi - Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, 3.30 pm 01-05 – Delhi – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 pm 04-05 – Delhi – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 08-05 – Delhi – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 10-05 – Bangalore – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7.30 pm 13-05 – Bangalore – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, 3.30 pm 16-05 – Bangalore – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 20-05 – Kolkata – RCB vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 23-05 – Kolkata – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, 3.30 pm Punjab Kings: IPL 2021 Full Fixture List 12-04 – Mumbai – RR vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 16-04 – Mumbai – Punjab Kings vs CSK, 7.30 pm 18-04 – Mumbai – DC vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 21-04 – Chennai – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3.30 pm 23-04 – Chennai – Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, 7.30 pm 26-04 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs KKR, 7.30 pm 30-04 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30 pm 02-05 – Ahmedabad – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 7.30 pm 06-05 – Ahmedabad – RCB vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 9-05 – Bangalore – CSK vs Punjab Kings, 3.30 pm 13-05 – Bangalore – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, 3.30 pm 15-05 – Bangalore – KKR vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 19-05 – Bangalore – SRH vs Punjab Kings, 7.30 pm 22-05 – Bangalore – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30 pm.

IPL 2021 Schedule: Team-wise full fixture list, date, time and venues

Delhi Capitals are one of the franchises that are yet to win an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. While they finished as the runners-up in IPL 2020 in the UAE, DC would be looking to go all the way in the 14th edition of IPL under the captaincy of young and exciting Rishabh Pant.<o:p></o:p>

Shreyas Iyer’s injury comes as a massive blow to DC and with the regular skipper out for the season, Pant has been given the charge to lead an extremely strong squad on paper. While Iyer’s absence does shake up the team combination a bit, the Delhi outfit has a variety of skill-sets in their squad, well capable of filling Iyer’s boots. <o:p></o:p>

Openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan’s good run of form leading into the cash-rich tournament comes as a welcome sign for DC ahead of the tournament and fans would be hoping to see the duo go all guns blazing.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/riley-meredith-shahrukh-khan-surprise-packages-who-can-take-ipl-2021-by-storm-375897" hreflang="en">Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm</a>

Ajinkya Rahane is likely to bat at number three in Iyer’s absence and it could result in Steve Smith missing out from the playing XI for the majority part of the season. However, it would be tough for Ricky Ponting-coached outfit to bench quality player like Smith in every match. <o:p></o:p>

The quality and exuberance of Shimron Hetmyer and an in-form Rishabh Pant would excite DC fans and the duo has all the abilities to win matches for their side single-handedly. Marcus Stoinis following Hetmyer and Pant makes the team balance even more lethal, something which was witnessed by all in IPL 2020.<o:p></o:p>

With Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra to follow, DC have the perfect mix and variety in the spin department. A left-arm spinner, off-spinner and wrist-spinner, DC have ticked all the boxes when it comes to spinning the web around the batters.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

The pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje was one of the key reasons behind DC’s success last season. Even though the South African pacers are likely to miss the opening match, they are expected to lead the pace bowling duties throughout the season.<o:p></o:p>

Chris Woakes and Tom Curran provide options to strengthen the batting and bowling unit with their quality. Whereas Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav are likely to battle for a single spot in the XI.<o:p></o:p>

Overall, the Delhi Capitals look extremely well-balanced on paper and are expected to qualify for the playoffs. Anything less than that would be a major disappointment.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Delhi Capitals: Squad<o:p></o:p></h2>

Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant (c &amp; wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Lalit Yadav, Pravin Dubey, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan, Steve Smith, Umesh Yadav, Ripal Patel, Vishnu Vinod, Lukman Meriwala, M Siddarth, Tom Curran, Sam Billings<o:p></o:p>

Delhi Capitals are one of the franchises that are yet to win an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. While they finished as the runners-up in IPL 2020 in the UAE, DC would be looking to go all the way in the 14th edition of IPL under the captaincy of young and exciting Rishabh Pant.

Delhi Capitals are one of the franchises that are yet to win an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. While they finished as the runners-up in IPL 2020 in the UAE, DC would be looking to go all the way in the 14th edition of IPL under the captaincy of young and exciting Rishabh Pant. Shreyas Iyer’s injury comes as a massive blow to DC and with the regular skipper out for the season, Pant has been given the charge to lead an extremely strong squad on paper. While Iyer’s absence does shake up the team combination a bit, the Delhi outfit has a variety of skill-sets in their squad, well capable of filling Iyer’s boots. Openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan’s good run of form leading into the cash-rich tournament comes as a welcome sign for DC ahead of the tournament and fans would be hoping to see the duo go all guns blazing. IN PICS | Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm Ajinkya Rahane is likely to bat at number three in Iyer’s absence and it could result in Steve Smith missing out from the playing XI for the majority part of the season. However, it would be tough for Ricky Ponting-coached outfit to bench quality player like Smith in every match. The quality and exuberance of Shimron Hetmyer and an in-form Rishabh Pant would excite DC fans and the duo has all the abilities to win matches for their side single-handedly. Marcus Stoinis following Hetmyer and Pant makes the team balance even more lethal, something which was witnessed by all in IPL 2020. With Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra to follow, DC have the perfect mix and variety in the spin department. A left-arm spinner, off-spinner and wrist-spinner, DC have ticked all the boxes when it comes to spinning the web around the batters. IN PICS | List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 The pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje was one of the key reasons behind DC’s success last season. Even though the South African pacers are likely to miss the opening match, they are expected to lead the pace bowling duties throughout the season. Chris Woakes and Tom Curran provide options to strengthen the batting and bowling unit with their quality. Whereas Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav are likely to battle for a single spot in the XI. Overall, the Delhi Capitals look extremely well-balanced on paper and are expected to qualify for the playoffs. Anything less than that would be a major disappointment. Delhi Capitals: Squad Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Lalit Yadav, Pravin Dubey, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan, Steve Smith, Umesh Yadav, Ripal Patel, Vishnu Vinod, Lukman Meriwala, M Siddarth, Tom Curran, Sam Billings

IPL 2021, Delhi Capitals - Team Preview: Can DC end trophy drought under Rishabh Pant's captaincy?

‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle on Wednesday joined the Punjab Kings squad after finishing his mandatory seven-day quarantine ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, starting April 9. The West Indies opener is one of the key players for the Punjab outfit and the KL Rahul-led outfit would be hoping for a fruitful season from the veteran.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of Gayle while providing the update of him completing the quarantine ahead of the lucrative T20 tournament. In the video, Gayle is seen breakdancing on Michael Jackson’s famous song ‘Smooth Criminal’.

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Quarantine da khatam khel, bahar aa gaye tuhadde favourite - Chris Gayle 🕺🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/henrygayle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@henrygayle</a> <a href="https://t.co/rrDHPZ3lvQ">pic.twitter.com/rrDHPZ3lvQ</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1379749702610997253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Gayle has played as many as 132 IPL matches while scoring a staggering 4772 runs at a strike rate of 150.11. The left-handed batsman, who batted at number three for the Punjab franchise in IPL 2020, has amassed six centuries and 31 half-centuries in the tournament while blasting 349 sixes.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a>

Last season, Gayle missed the first half of IPL but came back strong in the second half wherein he scored 288 runs in seven matches at an average of 41.44.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gayle is also set to face stiff competition from new recruits Dawid Malan, Moises Henriques, Fabian Allen for the overseas slot in the batting order.

Punjab Kings’ Head of Cricket Operations, Anil Kumble, in an exclusive interview with WION, talked about the selection headache as he explained how Punjab Kings planned for the auctions for the 14th edition of the tournament.

“What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of give support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble told WION.

FULL INTERVIEW:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-to-wion-selection-headache-a-good-thing-for-punjab-kings-375722">Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings</a>&nbsp;

“So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner. Plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of you know them really free KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan. I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squat to choose from,” the former India captain and also the head of ICC’s Cricket Committee concluded.

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IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

Punjab Kings open their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on Monday (April 12) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 
&nbsp;

‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle on Wednesday joined the Punjab Kings squad after finishing his mandatory seven-day quarantine ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, starting April 9.

‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle on Wednesday joined the Punjab Kings squad after finishing his mandatory seven-day quarantine ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, starting April 9. The West Indies opener is one of the key players for the Punjab outfit and the KL Rahul-led outfit would be hoping for a fruitful season from the veteran. Punjab Kings took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of Gayle while providing the update of him completing the quarantine ahead of the lucrative T20 tournament. In the video, Gayle is seen breakdancing on Michael Jackson’s famous song ‘Smooth Criminal’. Quarantine da khatam khel, bahar aa gaye tuhadde favourite - Chris Gayle 🕺🥰#IPL2021 #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/rrDHPZ3lvQ — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 7, 2021 × Gayle has played as many as 132 IPL matches while scoring a staggering 4772 runs at a strike rate of 150.11. The left-handed batsman, who batted at number three for the Punjab franchise in IPL 2020, has amassed six centuries and 31 half-centuries in the tournament while blasting 349 sixes. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 Last season, Gayle missed the first half of IPL but came back strong in the second half wherein he scored 288 runs in seven matches at an average of 41.44. Meanwhile, Gayle is also set to face stiff competition from new recruits Dawid Malan, Moises Henriques, Fabian Allen for the overseas slot in the batting order. Punjab Kings’ Head of Cricket Operations, Anil Kumble, in an exclusive interview with WION, talked about the selection headache as he explained how Punjab Kings planned for the auctions for the 14th edition of the tournament. “What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of give support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble told WION. FULL INTERVIEW: Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings “So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner. Plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of you know them really free KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan. I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squat to choose from,” the former India captain and also the head of ICC’s Cricket Committee concluded. × IN PICS | List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 Punjab Kings open their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on Monday (April 12) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Watch: Punjab Kings' Chris Gayle dances out of quarantine ahead of IPL 2021

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host its seventh Apex Council meeting on April 16. The major points on the agenda for the Apex Council meeting are the ICC T20 World Cup in India, the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, FTP for international women’s cricket, domestic season among others. <o:p></o:p>

There are as many as 14 discussions points on the agenda for the seventh Apex Council ‘special meeting’. Besides the mentioned points, discussions on Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and representation by Telangana Cricket Association and appointment of support staff for women’s team. <o:p></o:p>

"Notice is hereby given that the 7th Apex Council Meeting (Special Meeting) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India ("BCCI) will be held on the 16th of April, 2021," read the letter from BCCI secretary Jay Shah to the members, accessed by WION.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-has-back-up-plans-for-t20-world-cup-in-india-interim-ceo-geoff-allardice-375878" hreflang="en">ICC has back-up plans for T20 World Cup in India: Interim CEO Geoff Allardice</a>

Moreover, Bihar Cricket Association’s (BCA) organization of a T20 league despite BCCI’s warning is also to be discussed in the Apex Council meeting. <o:p></o:p>

Women’s cricket in India has been a topic of debate among cricket fans. While there’s no clarity about international women’s FTP, the BCCI will also hold talks around the matter while also discussing the appointment of support staff for the Indian women’s cricket team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-srh-pacer-t-natarajan-reveals-precious-ms-dhoni-advice-from-last-season-375883" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: SRH pacer T Natarajan reveals precious MS Dhoni advice from last season</a>

Furthermore, talks surrounding the affiliation of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) will also take place. An update on NCA RFP, IPL digital RFP will also be provided in the Apex Council meeting, set to be held on April 16.<o:p></o:p>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host its seventh Apex Council meeting on April 16. The major points on the agenda for the Apex Council meeting are the ICC T20 World Cup in India, the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, FTP for international women’s cricket, domestic season among others.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host its seventh Apex Council meeting on April 16. The major points on the agenda for the Apex Council meeting are the ICC T20 World Cup in India, the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, FTP for international women’s cricket, domestic season among others. There are as many as 14 discussions points on the agenda for the seventh Apex Council ‘special meeting’. Besides the mentioned points, discussions on Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and representation by Telangana Cricket Association and appointment of support staff for women’s team. "Notice is hereby given that the 7th Apex Council Meeting (Special Meeting) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India ("BCCI) will be held on the 16th of April, 2021," read the letter from BCCI secretary Jay Shah to the members, accessed by WION. ALSO READ: ICC has back-up plans for T20 World Cup in India: Interim CEO Geoff Allardice Moreover, Bihar Cricket Association’s (BCA) organization of a T20 league despite BCCI’s warning is also to be discussed in the Apex Council meeting. Women’s cricket in India has been a topic of debate among cricket fans. While there’s no clarity about international women’s FTP, the BCCI will also hold talks around the matter while also discussing the appointment of support staff for the Indian women’s cricket team. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: SRH pacer T Natarajan reveals precious MS Dhoni advice from last season Furthermore, talks surrounding the affiliation of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) will also take place. An update on NCA RFP, IPL digital RFP will also be provided in the Apex Council meeting, set to be held on April 16.

BCCI Apex Council meeting on April 16 with T20 WC, women's cricket FTP, 2028 Olympics on agenda

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Sams tested positive for the dreaded virus, opener Devdutt Padikkal returned negative and has joined the squad.

According to a statement by RCB, the Australian all-rounder arrived in India on April 3 and had a negative COVID-19 test report at that time. Sams’ report on April 7 came positive and the RCB player is currently in isolation at a medical facility.

“Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility,” RCB said in a statement.

“Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols."

Sams was traded to RCB this season from his previous franchise Delhi Capitals. The 28-year-old became the second player from the Bengaluru franchise to test positive after Padikkal.

"Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for Covid-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being," the franchise stated in a separate release.

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Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/BtVszNABJW">pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1379667755482243073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While Sams has played only three IPL matches with his tournament debut coming for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020.

The 14th edition of IPL has been hit hard by COVID-19 with a number of groundstaff at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, broadcast crew event management officials and a few cricketers including the likes of Axar Patel, Nitish Rana testing positive for the dreaded virus early.

IPL 2021 is set to start from April 9, behind closed doors in India.

<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Sams tested positive for the dreaded virus, opener Devdutt Padikkal returned negative and has joined the squad. According to a statement by RCB, the Australian all-rounder arrived in India on April 3 and had a negative COVID-19 test report at that time. Sams’ report on April 7 came positive and the RCB player is currently in isolation at a medical facility. “Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility,” RCB said in a statement. “Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols." Sams was traded to RCB this season from his previous franchise Delhi Capitals. The 28-year-old became the second player from the Bengaluru franchise to test positive after Padikkal. "Devdutt Padikkal, has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports for Covid-19 as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being," the franchise stated in a separate release. Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021 × While Sams has played only three IPL matches with his tournament debut coming for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. The 14th edition of IPL has been hit hard by COVID-19 with a number of groundstaff at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, broadcast crew event management officials and a few cricketers including the likes of Axar Patel, Nitish Rana testing positive for the dreaded virus early. IPL 2021 is set to start from April 9, behind closed doors in India.

IPL 2021: RCB all-rounder tests positive for COVID-19, Devdutt Padikkal joins squad

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

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

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

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds.

"It is something that we certainly wish to discuss," State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies.

However he later reiterated that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "2022 remains a ways off, but we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach."

Activists and Republican politicians have increasingly called for a boycott of the Olympics in part over what rights monitors say is the mass incarceration and indoctrination of more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim people in the western region of Xinjiang.

"When it comes to our concerns with the government in Beijing, including Beijing's egregious human rights violations -- its conduct of genocide in the case of Xinjiang," Price said, US action is "meaningful" but an effort that "brings along our allies and partners will have all the more influence with Beijing."

"We understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interest but also in the interests of our allies and partners," he added.

President Joe Biden's administration has repeatedly kept the door open to boycotting the Olympics without announcing any firm direction.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier said the administration will consult with the US Olympic Committee.

A potential boycott of the Beijing Olympics has increasingly become embroiled in US domestic politics with Republicans seeking to call Biden hypocritical for backing the moving of baseball's All-Star Game from Georgia after the US state made voting more difficult for many people of color.

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who after leaving office urged a boycott of the Olympics, wrote on Twitter: "If you live in mainland China, there's no voter ID required because there's no voting that takes place."

China has denounced calls for a boycott and denies genocide, saying it is providing vocational training to minorities to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism.

The United States led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, with the Soviet bloc in retaliation boycotting the Summer Games in Los Angeles four years later.

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds.

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds. "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss," State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies. However he later reiterated that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "2022 remains a ways off, but we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach." Activists and Republican politicians have increasingly called for a boycott of the Olympics in part over what rights monitors say is the mass incarceration and indoctrination of more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim people in the western region of Xinjiang. "When it comes to our concerns with the government in Beijing, including Beijing's egregious human rights violations -- its conduct of genocide in the case of Xinjiang," Price said, US action is "meaningful" but an effort that "brings along our allies and partners will have all the more influence with Beijing." "We understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interest but also in the interests of our allies and partners," he added. President Joe Biden's administration has repeatedly kept the door open to boycotting the Olympics without announcing any firm direction. White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier said the administration will consult with the US Olympic Committee. A potential boycott of the Beijing Olympics has increasingly become embroiled in US domestic politics with Republicans seeking to call Biden hypocritical for backing the moving of baseball's All-Star Game from Georgia after the US state made voting more difficult for many people of color. Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who after leaving office urged a boycott of the Olympics, wrote on Twitter: "If you live in mainland China, there's no voter ID required because there's no voting that takes place." China has denounced calls for a boycott and denies genocide, saying it is providing vocational training to minorities to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism. The United States led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, with the Soviet bloc in retaliation boycotting the Summer Games in Los Angeles four years later.

US wants to 'discuss' Beijing winter Olympics boycott calls

The rebranded Punjab Kings went to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction with the biggest purse and signed up some of the biggest names in the world of T20 cricket. With a well-settled squad and much-needed firepower at their helm, Punjab Kings would be looking to end their trophy drought and lift the coveted trophy in the 14th edition of the tournament, starting April 9.

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, Anil Kumble, Director of Cricket Operations at Punjab Kings and the Chairman of ICC’s Cricket Committee, talked about the Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2021, auction plans, signing big-name players such as Dawid Malan and Jhye Richardson, bio-secure bubble and much more.&nbsp;

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The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League will be held just within six months of the previous edition of the lucrative T20 tournament, which was held in the UAE. With the players and coaching staff coming together after a brief gap, Kumble feels it has given a sense of continuity when it comes to team bonding and chemistry within the squad.

“Yes, it does give you some sort of continuity. As you're aware, last year was the first time that I got involved with this team. And, the entire support staff was new, the captain was new. I thought we had a really good campaign. Unfortunately, the points table doesn't reflect that. But, you know, we sort of did really well as a unit. And to have this competition again, within a span of six months, it doesn't seem like we've been away from each other. So when I met, players who sort of came from last year to this year, the retained players, it felt as though we had not left the bubble at all,” Kumble, who has a staggering 619 Test wickets for India, told WION in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anilkumble1074</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mayankcricket</a>: Thinking about hitting another 💯 vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a>? 😉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/7F6FNCCRq0">pic.twitter.com/7F6FNCCRq0</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1379343121218166784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bio-secure bubbles have become a crucial part of an athlete’s life since the COVID-19 pandemic left the entire world stunned. With rising cases of COVID-19 across the nation, bio-bubbles will play a crucial role in ensuring IPL 2021 is conducted without any hitch. Kumble explained the experience of being in the bio-bubble for previous edition of IPL while revealing Punjab Kings have appointed a sports psychologist while keeping the mental well-being of everyone associated with the franchise in mind.

“See, for the first time, we sort of got into a bubble last year, for the first time in the IPL for everyone, it was the first time it was very different last year, because as you're aware, you know, for six months, nobody had sort of done anything. They were at home locked down, with no access to facilities, no access to training.&nbsp;

“So when we started last year, it was new to all of us. So we had to tread really, really carefully in terms of understanding what it takes to be a part of this. And, and I think, there were a lot of learnings from, from the experience that we had last year, and of course, from there on, you know, for me, this is a second bubble, but then the players have been in multiple other bubbles, whether it has been their international commitments or domestic commitments. So the players are used to it,” Kumble said.

“But having said that, what we have done as a leadership unit, as this year is to engage with a sports psychologist who's a part of our squad, and over the last two weeks that we've been a part of this bubble. The first week, of course, we were in quarantine, in isolation in our respective rooms, and post that we've been on the ground. So it's been a great help interacting with him, having a few team chats, and also individually connecting with him. So it's wonderful to have that experience and the expertise within the group. So that is something that we wanted to address. And I'm glad that we have, we have a professional on board,” India’s highest Test wicket-taker added.

<img alt="Kumble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c65bc37c-8afb-4880-b9d4-3f1d21cc3d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kumble-2_1.JPG" />

Punjab Kings roped in the likes of Dawid Malan (INR 1.5 crore), Jhye Richardson (INR 14 crore), Riley Meredith (INR 8 crore), Moises Henriques (INR 4.2 crore), Jalaj Saxena (INR 30 lakh), Shahrukh Khan (INR 5.25 crore), Utkarsh Singh (INR 20 lakh), Saurabh Kumar (INR 20 lakh) in the IPL 2021 auction.&nbsp;

The KL Rahul-led outfit snapped the world’s number one T20I batsman – Malan – for his base price while also spending big on the likes of Jhye, Allen and Meredith.

So what was Punjab Kings’ plan ahead of the IPL 2021 auction?

“The idea was to, of course, fill the gaps that we require. But at the same time, make sure that we have enough experience with the batting, plus some firepower in the bowling and make sure that we have some young, exciting talent who are extractors who could be game-changers. And that's something that we wanted to focus on,” Kumble explained.

“So I think overall, you pick a squad, not worrying too much about where you're going to play. You want them to adapt to any condition. And that's the kind of squad that you want to choose from. And we are happy with the existing squad and I'm really happy with the way things have come along so far.

“What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of giving support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble elaborated.

<img alt="Kumble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbd45973-3587-4748-961e-0ec78d9e3ca0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kumble-3_0.JPG" />

“So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner.

“For us, plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of freeing&nbsp;KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan, I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and we wanted to look at that it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squad&nbsp;to choose from,” he added.

In IPL 2020, Punjab Kings – then Kings XI Punjab – played some exciting cricket. While a couple of Super Overs, umpiring calls, and close matches, went against the outfit they caught the eyeballs with an impressive winning run in the later phase of the tournament. They had finished sixth after winning six matches and losing 8 out of their 14 games in the tournament.

With IPL 2021 being held in India but with a catch – no teams would be playing in their home stadium. The new regularities do bring new challenges into the scene but Kumble reckons players’ experience in playing in different conditions will come into play while adding the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament will also produce close matches considering every team is equally balanced on paper.

<img alt="Kumble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e1521e6-871a-424a-9bb6-730b982ede8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kumble-1_1.JPG" />

“Last year, I thought we really had a good squad we started off really well. We were a bit unlucky in some of the matches with the kind of cricket we played. I didn't I didn't mean the points table. But then I thought the kind of cricket that we played at the beginning of the IPL was really solid.

“Unfortunately, the results didn't go away a couple of close calls, Super Overs. I mean, I thought we were the most exciting team in the IPL because we played a lot more Super Overs and created that kind of an environment, you know, close finishes. So, yes, as you said, we came really, really close. And I was really proud of the team with the way we bounced back after six losses, you know, one out of seven and then to win five in a row. And yes, we sort of fell short towards the end. But that's the IPL. But we are really proud of the way we played, we were that close to qualifying and we believe that all matches are going to be tough. All the teams are equally balanced,” Kumble said.

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The mains had their 👀 glued on the practice match today 👌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anilkumble1074</a> <a href="https://t.co/GACe5zGESS">pic.twitter.com/GACe5zGESS</a>
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“And as you said, the conditions are going to be fine. You can say neutral. But you know more. I think most of the players have played in all these venues. The four venues that we are going to play in, in all the players have played there. We know the conditions. So yes, you can call the neutral. But yeah, the conditions are probably the same for football teams. So all the players understand that,” he concluded.

Punjab Kings start their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

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The rebranded Punjab Kings went to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction with the biggest purse and signed up some of the biggest names in the world of T20 cricket.

The rebranded Punjab Kings went to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction with the biggest purse and signed up some of the biggest names in the world of T20 cricket. With a well-settled squad and much-needed firepower at their helm, Punjab Kings would be looking to end their trophy drought and lift the coveted trophy in the 14th edition of the tournament, starting April 9. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, Anil Kumble, Director of Cricket Operations at Punjab Kings and the Chairman of ICC’s Cricket Committee, talked about the Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2021, auction plans, signing big-name players such as Dawid Malan and Jhye Richardson, bio-secure bubble and much more. × The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League will be held just within six months of the previous edition of the lucrative T20 tournament, which was held in the UAE. With the players and coaching staff coming together after a brief gap, Kumble feels it has given a sense of continuity when it comes to team bonding and chemistry within the squad. “Yes, it does give you some sort of continuity. As you're aware, last year was the first time that I got involved with this team. And, the entire support staff was new, the captain was new. I thought we had a really good campaign. Unfortunately, the points table doesn't reflect that. But, you know, we sort of did really well as a unit. And to have this competition again, within a span of six months, it doesn't seem like we've been away from each other. So when I met, players who sort of came from last year to this year, the retained players, it felt as though we had not left the bubble at all,” Kumble, who has a staggering 619 Test wickets for India, told WION in an exclusive interview. .@anilkumble1074 to @mayankcricket: Thinking about hitting another 💯 vs #RR? 😉#SaddaPunjab #IPL2021 #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/7F6FNCCRq0 — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 6, 2021 × Bio-secure bubbles have become a crucial part of an athlete’s life since the COVID-19 pandemic left the entire world stunned. With rising cases of COVID-19 across the nation, bio-bubbles will play a crucial role in ensuring IPL 2021 is conducted without any hitch. Kumble explained the experience of being in the bio-bubble for previous edition of IPL while revealing Punjab Kings have appointed a sports psychologist while keeping the mental well-being of everyone associated with the franchise in mind. “See, for the first time, we sort of got into a bubble last year, for the first time in the IPL for everyone, it was the first time it was very different last year, because as you're aware, you know, for six months, nobody had sort of done anything. They were at home locked down, with no access to facilities, no access to training. “So when we started last year, it was new to all of us. So we had to tread really, really carefully in terms of understanding what it takes to be a part of this. And, and I think, there were a lot of learnings from, from the experience that we had last year, and of course, from there on, you know, for me, this is a second bubble, but then the players have been in multiple other bubbles, whether it has been their international commitments or domestic commitments. So the players are used to it,” Kumble said. “But having said that, what we have done as a leadership unit, as this year is to engage with a sports psychologist who's a part of our squad, and over the last two weeks that we've been a part of this bubble. The first week, of course, we were in quarantine, in isolation in our respective rooms, and post that we've been on the ground. So it's been a great help interacting with him, having a few team chats, and also individually connecting with him. So it's wonderful to have that experience and the expertise within the group. So that is something that we wanted to address. And I'm glad that we have, we have a professional on board,” India’s highest Test wicket-taker added. Punjab Kings roped in the likes of Dawid Malan (INR 1.5 crore), Jhye Richardson (INR 14 crore), Riley Meredith (INR 8 crore), Moises Henriques (INR 4.2 crore), Jalaj Saxena (INR 30 lakh), Shahrukh Khan (INR 5.25 crore), Utkarsh Singh (INR 20 lakh), Saurabh Kumar (INR 20 lakh) in the IPL 2021 auction. The KL Rahul-led outfit snapped the world’s number one T20I batsman – Malan – for his base price while also spending big on the likes of Jhye, Allen and Meredith. So what was Punjab Kings’ plan ahead of the IPL 2021 auction? “The idea was to, of course, fill the gaps that we require. But at the same time, make sure that we have enough experience with the batting, plus some firepower in the bowling and make sure that we have some young, exciting talent who are extractors who could be game-changers. And that's something that we wanted to focus on,” Kumble explained. “So I think overall, you pick a squad, not worrying too much about where you're going to play. You want them to adapt to any condition. And that's the kind of squad that you want to choose from. And we are happy with the existing squad and I'm really happy with the way things have come along so far. “What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of giving support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble elaborated. “So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner. “For us, plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of freeing KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan, I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and we wanted to look at that it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squad to choose from,” he added. In IPL 2020, Punjab Kings – then Kings XI Punjab – played some exciting cricket. While a couple of Super Overs, umpiring calls, and close matches, went against the outfit they caught the eyeballs with an impressive winning run in the later phase of the tournament. They had finished sixth after winning six matches and losing 8 out of their 14 games in the tournament. With IPL 2021 being held in India but with a catch – no teams would be playing in their home stadium. The new regularities do bring new challenges into the scene but Kumble reckons players’ experience in playing in different conditions will come into play while adding the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament will also produce close matches considering every team is equally balanced on paper. “Last year, I thought we really had a good squad we started off really well. We were a bit unlucky in some of the matches with the kind of cricket we played. I didn't I didn't mean the points table. But then I thought the kind of cricket that we played at the beginning of the IPL was really solid. “Unfortunately, the results didn't go away a couple of close calls, Super Overs. I mean, I thought we were the most exciting team in the IPL because we played a lot more Super Overs and created that kind of an environment, you know, close finishes. So, yes, as you said, we came really, really close. And I was really proud of the team with the way we bounced back after six losses, you know, one out of seven and then to win five in a row. And yes, we sort of fell short towards the end. But that's the IPL. But we are really proud of the way we played, we were that close to qualifying and we believe that all matches are going to be tough. All the teams are equally balanced,” Kumble said. The mains had their 👀 glued on the practice match today 👌#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPL2021 @anilkumble1074 pic.twitter.com/GACe5zGESS — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 4, 2021 × “And as you said, the conditions are going to be fine. You can say neutral. But you know more. I think most of the players have played in all these venues. The four venues that we are going to play in, in all the players have played there. We know the conditions. So yes, you can call the neutral. But yeah, the conditions are probably the same for football teams. So all the players understand that,” he concluded. Punjab Kings start their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Anil Kumble to WION: With new additions, Punjab Kings got all bases covered at auction

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

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

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

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

ICC interim CEO Geoff Allardice has said that the world governing body has back-up plans ready for the T20 World Cup in India later this year but hasn’t activated those plans yet. Allardice comments come at a time when India is battling with a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.&nbsp;

The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in October-November in India – which is reporting over a lakh case daily for the past few ways. Amid the pandemic, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is scheduled to start from April 9 (Friday) behind closed doors.

"We are certainly proceeding with the event as planned," Allardice said during a virtual media round-table.

"Plan B we have, but we haven't activated those plans yet. We are working with the BCCI, we do have backup plans that can be activated if the time comes," he added.

Allardice was named ICC’s interim CEO after Manu Sawhney was sent on “leave” after coming under the scanner for his conduct during an internal investigation.

"Cricket is being played in a number of countries at the moment and we are learning from all of them.

"We have been talking to others sports bodies about what they are doing, we are in a good shape at the moment but acknowledge that the world is changing at a rapid rate.

"We have also got the World Test Championship final coming up in two months' time, but we are proceeding with both as planned," he said.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted IPL 2020, could be one of the back-up venues for the T20 World Cup should the situation demand a move.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

ICC interim CEO Geoff Allardice has said that the world governing body has back-up plans ready for the T20 World Cup in India later this year but hasn’t activated those plans yet.

ICC interim CEO Geoff Allardice has said that the world governing body has back-up plans ready for the T20 World Cup in India later this year but hasn’t activated those plans yet. Allardice comments come at a time when India is battling with a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in October-November in India – which is reporting over a lakh case daily for the past few ways. Amid the pandemic, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is scheduled to start from April 9 (Friday) behind closed doors. "We are certainly proceeding with the event as planned," Allardice said during a virtual media round-table. "Plan B we have, but we haven't activated those plans yet. We are working with the BCCI, we do have backup plans that can be activated if the time comes," he added. Allardice was named ICC’s interim CEO after Manu Sawhney was sent on “leave” after coming under the scanner for his conduct during an internal investigation. "Cricket is being played in a number of countries at the moment and we are learning from all of them. "We have been talking to others sports bodies about what they are doing, we are in a good shape at the moment but acknowledge that the world is changing at a rapid rate. "We have also got the World Test Championship final coming up in two months' time, but we are proceeding with both as planned," he said. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted IPL 2020, could be one of the back-up venues for the T20 World Cup should the situation demand a move. (With PTI inputs)

ICC has back-up plans for T20 World Cup in India: Interim CEO Geoff Allardice

Kevin de Bruyne on Wednesday signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025.

Amassing 254 appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015, De Bruyne has won seven major trophies during his time at the club and was the first City player ever to be named PFA Player of the Year, in 2020.

The Belgian midfielder has enjoyed another stellar season in 2020/21, scoring seven and assisting 16, as the Cityzens continue to compete on all four domestic and European fronts. Six years after leaving Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, this new contract will see De Bruyne reach a milestone decade in Manchester.

De Bruyne said: “I could not be happier. Since joining City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans; my family are settled here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/foden-hands-man-city-late-advantage-against-dortmund-375838" hreflang="en">Foden hands Man City late advantage against Dortmund</a>

“This football club is geared for success. It offers me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was a straightforward decision. I am playing the best football of my career and I honestly feel there is more to come.

“Pep and I see football in the same way. Having that relationship with a manager is so important to me because our objectives are totally aligned, and we want the same things.

“My focus now is on ensuring we have a successful end to the current campaign. Our results and performances so far have been excellent, but we need to make sure we end the season with the silverware we deserve.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guardiola-hails-exceptional-haaland-amid-bid-talk-375546" hreflang="en">Guardiola hails 'exceptional' Haaland amid bid talk</a>

The development comes after de Bruyne guided Manchester City to a thrilling 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first-leg, which was played at the Etihad Stadium.&nbsp;

While Man City have been adamant to keep hold of arguably the world's best midfielder, the Cityzens have now completed the contract extension of the Belgian. De Bruyne has been central to Man City's success since signing for the club in 2015. Not only has he won league titles, FA Cup, League Cup, the midfielder was also awarded the PFA Player of the Year in 2020 for his terrific performances in the previous season.

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “This is a very significant moment for this football club. “Kevin is, without question, one of the best players in world football. His performance level has been remarkably consistent since coming to City, and in the last few years he has developed into one of the game’s elite players.

“His talent is unquestionable – but he is also a consummate professional whose dedication to Manchester City during his time here has been nothing short of remarkable. He constantly seeks to improve, and his approach is the perfect blueprint for any young player looking to carve out a career.

“We are delighted he is our player and I look forward to watching him during his peak years here at Manchester City.”

Kevin de Bruyne on Wednesday signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025. Amassing 254 appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015, De Bruyne has won seven major trophies during his time at the club and was the first City player ever to be named PFA Player of the Year, in 2020.

Kevin de Bruyne on Wednesday signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025. Amassing 254 appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015, De Bruyne has won seven major trophies during his time at the club and was the first City player ever to be named PFA Player of the Year, in 2020. The Belgian midfielder has enjoyed another stellar season in 2020/21, scoring seven and assisting 16, as the Cityzens continue to compete on all four domestic and European fronts. Six years after leaving Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, this new contract will see De Bruyne reach a milestone decade in Manchester. De Bruyne said: “I could not be happier. Since joining City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans; my family are settled here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well. ALSO READ: Foden hands Man City late advantage against Dortmund “This football club is geared for success. It offers me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was a straightforward decision. I am playing the best football of my career and I honestly feel there is more to come. “Pep and I see football in the same way. Having that relationship with a manager is so important to me because our objectives are totally aligned, and we want the same things. “My focus now is on ensuring we have a successful end to the current campaign. Our results and performances so far have been excellent, but we need to make sure we end the season with the silverware we deserve.” ALSO READ: Guardiola hails 'exceptional' Haaland amid bid talk The development comes after de Bruyne guided Manchester City to a thrilling 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first-leg, which was played at the Etihad Stadium. While Man City have been adamant to keep hold of arguably the world's best midfielder, the Cityzens have now completed the contract extension of the Belgian. De Bruyne has been central to Man City's success since signing for the club in 2015. Not only has he won league titles, FA Cup, League Cup, the midfielder was also awarded the PFA Player of the Year in 2020 for his terrific performances in the previous season. Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “This is a very significant moment for this football club. “Kevin is, without question, one of the best players in world football. His performance level has been remarkably consistent since coming to City, and in the last few years he has developed into one of the game’s elite players. “His talent is unquestionable – but he is also a consummate professional whose dedication to Manchester City during his time here has been nothing short of remarkable. He constantly seeks to improve, and his approach is the perfect blueprint for any young player looking to carve out a career. “We are delighted he is our player and I look forward to watching him during his peak years here at Manchester City.”

Kevin de Bruyne signs two-year contact extension with Manchester City

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