<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements.</p>

<p>In the recent media interaction, IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla, said, "The franchises will get replacements for the players as they (David Warner and Steve Smith) will not be allowed to play this year." In an official statement, BCCI said it had decided to ban Smith and Warner with immediate effect from participation in IPL 2018.</p>

<p>"The BCCI hopes that the cricketers participating in the IPL hold the highest regard for the spirit of Cricket and code of conduct for players and match officials," the statement said.</p>

<p>"The concerned IPL franchises will be allowed replacement players," it said. Earlier, both the players David Warner and Steve Smith had stepped down from the captainship of their respective IPL teams, as both were retained by their franchises and were supposed to lead the team.</p>

<p>Also, One-year bans have been handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>Cameron Bancroft, the reports added, will be handed a nine-month ban.</p>

<p>On Tuesday Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised for the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>


The franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements: Rajiv Shukla

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements. In the recent media interaction, IPL Commissioner Rajiv Shukla, said, "The franchises will get replacements for the players as they (David Warner and Steve Smith) will not be allowed to play this year." In an official statement, BCCI said it had decided to ban Smith and Warner with immediate effect from participation in IPL 2018. "The BCCI hopes that the cricketers participating in the IPL hold the highest regard for the spirit of Cricket and code of conduct for players and match officials," the statement said. "The concerned IPL franchises will be allowed replacement players," it said. Earlier, both the players David Warner and Steve Smith had stepped down from the captainship of their respective IPL teams, as both were retained by their franchises and were supposed to lead the team. Also, One-year bans have been handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Cameron Bancroft, the reports added, will be handed a nine-month ban. On Tuesday Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised for the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.

Now, BCCI snubs Smith, Warner over ball-tampering

<p>David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia.</p>

<p>Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016.</p>

<p>According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad</p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/978878109876391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>

<p>The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson.</p>

<p>A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition.</p>

<p>"We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added.</p>

<p>"We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision.</p>

<p>Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."</p>


Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League

David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia. Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016. According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy. “In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 28, 2018 The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson. A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition. "We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."

IPL 2018: David Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after ball-tampering scandal

<p>Monu Kumar Singh, another cricket sensation from Mahi's hometown Ranchi, Jharkhand is ready to rock in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League as he was bought by the CSK in the 2018 IPL auction at his base price 20 lakh.</p>

<p>Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.</p>

<p>In the 2017-18 National Twenty20 Championship, he finished among the top-10 wicket-takers.</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban as they faced suspension for alleged spot-fixing.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Super Kings day out at the Chepauk! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a>?? <a href="https://t.co/IR0vwQOQS3">pic.twitter.com/IR0vwQOQS3</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977603811387691008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>CSK have definitely invested well to emerge as a righteousness contender to claim the trophy of IPL 2018.</p>

<p>On his debut in IPL, he said, "I’m excited to be picked up by CSK on my Indian Premier League debut, more so because Mahi bhaiya (MS Dhoni) is leading the side and he knows how to extract the best out of me... he knows my bowling."</p>

<p>"I got to learn a lot under Dhoni during that Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign," he further added.</p>

<p>"He advised me a lot on how to think as a bowler and where to bowl," he admired MS Dhoni's guidance.</p>

<p>"I work on planning a batsman out. I stick to the basics, I live on line and length," he concluded.&nbsp</p>

<p>The 11th edition of the IPL kicks off on April 7 with CSK taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p><em>With inputs from&nbspwww.chennaisuperkings.com</em></p>


Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup

Monu Kumar Singh, another cricket sensation from Mahi's hometown Ranchi, Jharkhand is ready to rock in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League as he was bought by the CSK in the 2018 IPL auction at his base price 20 lakh. Monu made his T20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 3 January 2016 and before this he was part of India's squad for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In the 2017-18 National Twenty20 Championship, he finished among the top-10 wicket-takers. Chennai Super Kings have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban as they faced suspension for alleged spot-fixing. Super Kings day out at the Chepauk! #Thala #WhistlePodu?? pic.twitter.com/IR0vwQOQS3 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2018 × CSK have definitely invested well to emerge as a righteousness contender to claim the trophy of IPL 2018. On his debut in IPL, he said, "I’m excited to be picked up by CSK on my Indian Premier League debut, more so because Mahi bhaiya (MS Dhoni) is leading the side and he knows how to extract the best out of me... he knows my bowling." "I got to learn a lot under Dhoni during that Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign," he further added. "He advised me a lot on how to think as a bowler and where to bowl," he admired MS Dhoni's guidance. "I work on planning a batsman out. I stick to the basics, I live on line and length," he concluded. The 11th edition of the IPL kicks off on April 7 with CSK taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. With inputs from&nbspwww.chennaisuperkings.com

IPL 2018: Meet Jharkhand's Monu Kumar Singh set to play for Dhoni's CSK

<p>The last ten years of Indian Premier League (IPL) has given us some amazing rags-to-riches stories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First played in 2008, the cash-rich tournament was never a welcome idea by many prominent cricketing personalities, but with every edition, the love for the league has only seen an upward scale.</p>

<p>As the XIth edition of the tournament is set to commence from April 7, here&#39;s another story of a passionate cricketer, who despite all odds managed to prove his skill and merit.</p>

<p>His name is Rinku Singh - son of an LPG cylinder delivery man.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-kkr-karthiks-knight-riders-36421" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR &mdash; &#39;Karthik&#39;s Knight Riders&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>The 20-year-old from Aligarh was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 80 lakh - four times his base price of Rs 20 lakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time Rinku has been picked by a franchise as he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 10 lakh in 2017.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While one of his five brothers drives an auto-rickshaw, another works at a tuition centre. His 16-year-old brother Jeetu also plays cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about his cricketing career, Rinku has represented Uttar Pradesh in all three formats of the game since making his T20 debut during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has scored a total of 375 runs in 27 T20s at a strike rate of 133.45 and average of 19.73.</p>

<p>He shot to fame when he smashed 154 runs in a match at Agra, drawing early attention to his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He reinforced his abilities in 2014 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he hit 206 and 154 runs in two matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He finally made it to the UP Ranji Trophy team in 2016 and recently played in Delhi.</p>

<p>The young player idols Suresh Raina and wants to emulate his inside-out shot.</p>

<p>Rinku next received a pair of gloves and bat gifted by Raina during their first interaction on the sidelines of his domestic debut.</p>

<p>Definitely, Rinku&#39;s journey to SRK&rsquo;s team is an achievement which will inspire many aspiring cricketers of his age.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound

The last ten years of Indian Premier League (IPL) has given us some amazing rags-to-riches stories. First played in 2008, the cash-rich tournament was never a welcome idea by many prominent cricketing personalities, but with every edition, the love for the league has only seen an upward scale. As the XIth edition of the tournament is set to commence from April 7, here's another story of a passionate cricketer, who despite all odds managed to prove his skill and merit. His name is Rinku Singh - son of an LPG cylinder delivery man. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders' The 20-year-old from Aligarh was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 80 lakh - four times his base price of Rs 20 lakh. This is not the first time Rinku has been picked by a franchise as he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 10 lakh in 2017. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches The left-hander lives with his family of nine inside an LPG Company compound. While one of his five brothers drives an auto-rickshaw, another works at a tuition centre. His 16-year-old brother Jeetu also plays cricket. Talking about his cricketing career, Rinku has represented Uttar Pradesh in all three formats of the game since making his T20 debut during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament in 2014. He has scored a total of 375 runs in 27 T20s at a strike rate of 133.45 and average of 19.73. He shot to fame when he smashed 154 runs in a match at Agra, drawing early attention to his talent. He reinforced his abilities in 2014 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he hit 206 and 154 runs in two matches. He finally made it to the UP Ranji Trophy team in 2016 and recently played in Delhi. The young player idols Suresh Raina and wants to emulate his inside-out shot. Rinku next received a pair of gloves and bat gifted by Raina during their first interaction on the sidelines of his domestic debut. Definitely, Rinku's journey to SRK’s team is an achievement which will inspire many aspiring cricketers of his age.

IPL 2018: Meet Rinku Singh - A delivery man's son who is now KKR's 'Trump card'

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) and his Chennai Super Kings teammates are set to return to cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) after a gap of two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the team worked hard to got back into the groove in training, the &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39; is also busy having loads of fun off the field.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-sweats-it-out-in-nets-ahead-of-ipl-2018-36831" target="_blank">Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018</a></strong></p>

<p>In a series of videos uploaded by CSK on their Instagram and Twitter account, the Dhoni-led team can be seen shooting for a promotional video of their team for the cash-rich league, which commences on April 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>The video, which stars MS Dhoni and other CSK players, shows the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai Super Happy Kings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrustTheLeader?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrustTheLeader</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMuthootGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@themuthootgroup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/OUZ7bM36VV">pic.twitter.com/OUZ7bM36VV</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977114327923773440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Another clip has been uploaded in form of a boomerang video showing Harbhajan Singh performing bhangra while sitting in an auto.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgpwLSkl50h/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgpwLSkl50h/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So much #Yellove! ????????</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chennaiipl/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Chennai Super Kings</a> (@chennaiipl) on <time datetime="2018-03-23T04:31:27+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 22, 2018 at 9:31pm PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The CSK club also posted several photos of the players preparing for the commercial shoot. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Start moojik! <a href="https://t.co/PjDfPqMDce">pic.twitter.com/PjDfPqMDce</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977094428077805568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That&#39;s how you do last minute revisions...total focus amidst chaos! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/sg4JY35AlS">pic.twitter.com/sg4JY35AlS</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977070719631634432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YelloAgain! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/By77JGC8sH">pic.twitter.com/By77JGC8sH</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977044926839115776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoot day and what better than the Filter Kaapi to start it with! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/sT82vwVm4g">pic.twitter.com/sT82vwVm4g</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/977036416495439872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The IPL 2018 opening match will see defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on two-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK).</p>

<p>Dhoni has been the skipper of CSK for all eight seasons and the team saw its stars turn up for training including Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and former Mumbai Indian Harbhajan Singh.</p>

<p>However, they will miss the services of another regular R Ashwin, who was not retained by the franchise.</p>

<p>Ashwin was brought by Kings XI Punjab at the IPL auctions in January and was also assigned the responsibility to lead the team in the upcoming edition.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The videos show the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) and his Chennai Super Kings teammates are set to return to cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) after a gap of two years. While the team worked hard to got back into the groove in training, the 'Yellow Brigade' is also busy having loads of fun off the field. Also read: Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018 In a series of videos uploaded by CSK on their Instagram and Twitter account, the Dhoni-led team can be seen shooting for a promotional video of their team for the cash-rich league, which commences on April 7. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches The video, which stars MS Dhoni and other CSK players, shows the captain dancing and celebrating with his teammates. Chennai Super Happy Kings #TrustTheLeader! @themuthootgroup #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/OUZ7bM36VV — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × Another clip has been uploaded in form of a boomerang video showing Harbhajan Singh performing bhangra while sitting in an auto. So much #Yellove! ???????? A post shared by Chennai Super Kings (@chennaiipl) on Mar 22, 2018 at 9:31pm PDT × The CSK club also posted several photos of the players preparing for the commercial shoot. Start moojik! pic.twitter.com/PjDfPqMDce — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × That's how you do last minute revisions...total focus amidst chaos! #Thala @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/sg4JY35AlS — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × YelloAgain! #HomeSweetDen #WhistlePodu ???????? pic.twitter.com/By77JGC8sH — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × Shoot day and what better than the Filter Kaapi to start it with! #WhistlePodu ???? pic.twitter.com/sT82vwVm4g — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2018 × The IPL 2018 opening match will see defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) take on two-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni has been the skipper of CSK for all eight seasons and the team saw its stars turn up for training including Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and former Mumbai Indian Harbhajan Singh. However, they will miss the services of another regular R Ashwin, who was not retained by the franchise. Ashwin was brought by Kings XI Punjab at the IPL auctions in January and was also assigned the responsibility to lead the team in the upcoming edition.

Watch: MS Dhoni, his Yellow Brigade shake a leg 'off the field' ahead of IPL 2018

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition.</p>

<p>The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn&rsquo;t inform him about this update.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages.</p>

<p>The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as &nbsp;Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool.</p>

<p>Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way.<br />
<br />
Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976752845994250240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What do you mean by new faces? Why don&rsquo;t you guys inform me?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976760435943858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Skipper, let us discuss this on DM.</p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976764196028235777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&rsquo;ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool. But where are my bullets? <a href="https://t.co/Dv783h8lzK">pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK</a></p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976768797532151808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We got you covered skipper. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/scoGecT0Xg">pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976769382293454848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And what&rsquo;s wrong with <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a>&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976772222181396481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/aKQNZgjSI0">pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0</a></p>
&mdash; hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/976773764410216449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a>, what about <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaspritBumrah93</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> and the rest of the boys?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976776072518864896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We just got an update that <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> is taking off for Mumbai. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YzQXePfVi">pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976779414972149760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya&rsquo;s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman.</p>

<p>Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, &ldquo;And what&rsquo;s wrong with @hardikpandya7&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit&rsquo;s tweets, &ldquo;I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The skipper took to Twitter to question the decision

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition. The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn’t inform him about this update. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages. The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle. Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way. Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! #CricketMeriJaan — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × What do you mean by new faces? Why don’t you guys inform me? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × Skipper, let us discuss this on DM. — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × I’ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. But where are my bullets? pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We got you covered skipper. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0 — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 22, 2018 × @mipaltan, what about @JaspritBumrah93, @KieronPollard55 and the rest of the boys? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We just got an update that @KieronPollard55 is taking off for Mumbai. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad. Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman. Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, “And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire?” Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit’s tweets, “I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan”

IPL 2018: Rohit Sharma annoyed as Mumbai Indians announce new faces

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn&#39;t want to leave any stone unturned to help his franchise win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the third time.</p>

<p>Chennai&#39;s favourite son, who will again be leading the side, on Thursday was seen sweating it out in the nets, days before the XIth edition of the cash rich-tournament kicks off on April 7.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get that ball back from the car parking please! - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/D7mCwp7Poe">pic.twitter.com/D7mCwp7Poe</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/976825462126194688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The former captain&#39;s performance was, however, under scanner during South Africa tour, where India clinched the T20 and ODI series.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How&#39;s that for a cool off drive?! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HomeSweetDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HomeSweetDen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/z85jVDHQwk">pic.twitter.com/z85jVDHQwk</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/976820578857508865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Dhoni has led CSK in all the eight seasons the club participated in. The team returns to the league after a gap of two years and the players as well as the fans are equally excited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joining Dhoni in their side&rsquo;s third title conquest are Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and Harbhajan Singh among others.</p>

<p>The 11th edition of begins with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p><strong>Team:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
MS Dhoni (15 cr)<br />
Suresh Raina (11 cr)<br />
Ravindra Jadeja (7 cr)<br />
<br />
<strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Faf du Plessis (1.5 cr), Harbhajan Singh (2 cr), Dwayne Bravo (6.4 cr), Shane Watson (4 cr), Kedar Jadhav (7.8 cr), Ambati Rayudu (2.2 cr), Imran Tahir (1 cr), Karn Sharma (5 cr), Shardul Thakur (2.6 Cr), Jagadeesan Narayan (20L), Mitchell Santner (50L), Deepak Chahar (80L), KM Asif (40L), Lungi Ngidi (50 L), Kanishk Seth (20L), Dhruv Shorey (20L), M Vijay (2 cr), Sam Billings (1 cr), Mark Wood (1.5 cr), Kshitiz Sharma (20 L), Monu Singh (20L), Chaitanya Bishnoi (20L)<br />
(WION Web Team)</p>


Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn't want to leave any stone unturned to help his franchise win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the third time. Chennai's favourite son, who will again be leading the side, on Thursday was seen sweating it out in the nets, days before the XIth edition of the cash rich-tournament kicks off on April 7. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches Dhoni was rested from India squad for the recently-concluded Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka. Get that ball back from the car parking please! - #Thala #HomeSweetDen ???????? pic.twitter.com/D7mCwp7Poe — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2018 × The former captain's performance was, however, under scanner during South Africa tour, where India clinched the T20 and ODI series. How's that for a cool off drive?! #Thala #HomeSweetDen #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/z85jVDHQwk — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2018 × Dhoni has led CSK in all the eight seasons the club participated in. The team returns to the league after a gap of two years and the players as well as the fans are equally excited. Joining Dhoni in their side’s third title conquest are Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson and Harbhajan Singh among others. The 11th edition of begins with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium. Team: Retained: MS Dhoni (15 cr) Suresh Raina (11 cr) Ravindra Jadeja (7 cr) Purchased: Faf du Plessis (1.5 cr), Harbhajan Singh (2 cr), Dwayne Bravo (6.4 cr), Shane Watson (4 cr), Kedar Jadhav (7.8 cr), Ambati Rayudu (2.2 cr), Imran Tahir (1 cr), Karn Sharma (5 cr), Shardul Thakur (2.6 Cr), Jagadeesan Narayan (20L), Mitchell Santner (50L), Deepak Chahar (80L), KM Asif (40L), Lungi Ngidi (50 L), Kanishk Seth (20L), Dhruv Shorey (20L), M Vijay (2 cr), Sam Billings (1 cr), Mark Wood (1.5 cr), Kshitiz Sharma (20 L), Monu Singh (20L), Chaitanya Bishnoi (20L) (WION Web Team)

Watch: MS Dhoni sweats it out in nets ahead of IPL 2018

<p>Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of Indian Premier League has confirmed that,&nbsp;for the first time, Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in the upcoming edition of IPL.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, this idea has been going around for many years,&quot; said Rajiv Shukla in Press Trust of India.</p>

<p>The eleventh edition of IPL will get underway from April 7 and the decision makes the IPL, the second T20 league in the world, after Pakistan Super League, to incorporate technology to reduce umpiring howlers.</p>

<p>In the upcoming IPL,&nbsp;each team will get one review per innings.</p>

<div style="background:#eee;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:5px 10px;"><strong>What is Decision Review System (DRS)?</strong><br />
The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS or DRS) is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials with their decision-making.</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the upcoming IPL, each team will get one review per innings

Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of Indian Premier League has confirmed that, for the first time, Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in the upcoming edition of IPL. "Yes, this idea has been going around for many years," said Rajiv Shukla in Press Trust of India. The eleventh edition of IPL will get underway from April 7 and the decision makes the IPL, the second T20 league in the world, after Pakistan Super League, to incorporate technology to reduce umpiring howlers. In the upcoming IPL, each team will get one review per innings. What is Decision Review System (DRS)? The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS or DRS) is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials with their decision-making.

IPL to use Decision Review System, finally

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as CSK has marked its return after a two-year ban after facing suspension for alleged spot-fixing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the world&rsquo;s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already is around the corner, lets us relive some amazing moments that IPL has given the fans in the last 10 years.</p>

<p>When we talk about the &#39;amazing moments&#39; then the acrobatic and stunning catches cannot be snubbed.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-as-ipl-begins-heres-a-throwback-to-all-pulsating-themes-of-previous-seasons-36446">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s a look back at the league&#39;s previous themes</a></strong></p>

<p>IPL celebrates&nbsp;fielding talent by giving away the award of &#39;Perfect Catch of the Match&#39; award is given to the best catch, selected by the television commentators at the end of every match that includes Rs 1 lakh prize money, a trophy and a VIVO phone.</p>

<p>Also, a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs is awarded to the player who takes the best catch of the season.</p>

<p>In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina&nbsp;was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season.</p>

<p><em>Watch here some spectacular catches in the history of IPL:&nbsp;</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="322" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvivoipl2018india%2Fvideos%2F2087790344799758%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t0cHptssKis" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as CSK has marked its return after a two-year ban after facing suspension for alleged spot-fixing. As the world’s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already is around the corner, lets us relive some amazing moments that IPL has given the fans in the last 10 years. When we talk about the 'amazing moments' then the acrobatic and stunning catches cannot be snubbed. IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes IPL celebrates fielding talent by giving away the award of 'Perfect Catch of the Match' award is given to the best catch, selected by the television commentators at the end of every match that includes Rs 1 lakh prize money, a trophy and a VIVO phone. Also, a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs is awarded to the player who takes the best catch of the season. In the previous season of IPL, there were many spectacular catches but Suresh Raina was awarded as the winner of IPL best catch of the season. Watch here some spectacular catches in the history of IPL: × ×

IPL 2018: Throwback to some acrobatic catches in history of IPL

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad, popularly known as &quot;The Orange Army,&quot; came into the existence in 2012 when they replaced former Hyderabad-based franchise Deccan Chargers after they were controversially terminated in the Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>The franchise is owned by Kalanithi Maran of&nbsp; Sun TV channel Network and has Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, as its home ground.</p>

<p>They have a glorious record when they made it to the playoffs in the first season and claimed the IPL trophy in 2016.</p>

<p>Hyderabad always believed in having a power-pack bowling but it has been compromising with its batting side.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>If we talk about this year&#39;s squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad, then again Hyderabad has decked-up talented bowlers as their &quot;trump cards&quot;, who will be guided by Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan as their bowling coach.</p>

<p>Hyderabad had retained Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Rs 8.5 crore. The Indian pacer displayed his brilliance in India&#39;s recent tour to South Africa.</p>

<p>The spin department is quite strong as they the Orange Army has invested in Afghanistan&#39;s spin-star Rashid Khan who has a terrific record of 135 wickets in 91 T20s, averaging 15.14 at under 6 runs an over.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-kkr-karthiks-knight-riders-36421">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR &mdash; &#39;Karthik&#39;s Knight Riders&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>The in-form Ranji bowler Thangarasu Natarajan who played for Karnataka can also be a valuable wicket-taker. England bowler Chris Jordan might give a boost to the squad with his pace and swing.</p>

<p>Mehdi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh will provide variation in bowling, which is necessary for IPL that deals with injuries on regular basis due to a hectic schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to batting, the top order is very aggressive as they have power hitter Shikhar Dhawan and Captain David Warner.</p>

<p>Apart from that, they have New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who will provide stability at the crucial No-3 position.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-as-ipl-begins-heres-a-throwback-to-all-pulsating-themes-of-previous-seasons-36446">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s a look back at the league&#39;s previous themes</a></strong></p>

<p>The middle order is quite settled with Manish Pandey, Carlos Brathwaite, Wriddhiman Saha and the experienced Shakib-Al-Hasan.</p>

<p>Yusuf Pathan (IPL career batting strike rate of 145.49) will add value to the team with his destructive batting.</p>

<p>They have released some known players like Yuvraj Singh, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Laughlin, Moises Henriques.</p>

<p>The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman.</p>

<p>Under the guidance of coach Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and leadership of David Warner, the Orange Army is a strong contender in IPL-XI.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the squad list of Sunrisers Hyderabad:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong></p>

<p>David Warner (12.5 cr)</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong></p>

<p>Shikhar Dhawan (5.2 cr), Shakib Al Hasan (2 cr), Kane Williamson (3 cr), Manish Pandey (11 cr), Carlos Brathwaite (2 cr), Yusuf Pathan (1.9 cr), Wriddhiman Saha (5 cr), Rashid Khan (9 cr), Ricky Bhui (20 L), Deepak Hooda (3.6 cr), Siddarth Kaul (3.8 cr), T Natarajan (40 L), Basil Thampi (95 L), Khaleel Ahmed (3 cr), Mohammad Nabi (1 cr), Sandeep Sharma (3 cr), Sachin Baby (20 L), Chris Jordan (1 cr), Billy Stanlake (50 L), Tanmay Agarwal (20 L), Shreevats Goswami (1 cr), Bipul Sharma (20 L), Mehdi Hasan (20 L)</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lVPb9swYpak"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here&#39;s the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman

Sunrisers Hyderabad, popularly known as "The Orange Army," came into the existence in 2012 when they replaced former Hyderabad-based franchise Deccan Chargers after they were controversially terminated in the Indian Premier League. The franchise is owned by Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV channel Network and has Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, as its home ground. They have a glorious record when they made it to the playoffs in the first season and claimed the IPL trophy in 2016. Hyderabad always believed in having a power-pack bowling but it has been compromising with its batting side. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list If we talk about this year's squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad, then again Hyderabad has decked-up talented bowlers as their "trump cards", who will be guided by Lankan legend, Muttiah Muralitharan as their bowling coach. Hyderabad had retained Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Rs 8.5 crore. The Indian pacer displayed his brilliance in India's recent tour to South Africa. The spin department is quite strong as they the Orange Army has invested in Afghanistan's spin-star Rashid Khan who has a terrific record of 135 wickets in 91 T20s, averaging 15.14 at under 6 runs an over. IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders' The in-form Ranji bowler Thangarasu Natarajan who played for Karnataka can also be a valuable wicket-taker. England bowler Chris Jordan might give a boost to the squad with his pace and swing. Mehdi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh will provide variation in bowling, which is necessary for IPL that deals with injuries on regular basis due to a hectic schedule. When it comes to batting, the top order is very aggressive as they have power hitter Shikhar Dhawan and Captain David Warner. Apart from that, they have New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who will provide stability at the crucial No-3 position. IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes The middle order is quite settled with Manish Pandey, Carlos Brathwaite, Wriddhiman Saha and the experienced Shakib-Al-Hasan. Yusuf Pathan (IPL career batting strike rate of 145.49) will add value to the team with his destructive batting. They have released some known players like Yuvraj Singh, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Laughlin, Moises Henriques. The squad is well balanced and the bench is very strong but Hyderabad have invested quite a lot in Manish Pandey, in that place they could have opted for some another batsman. Under the guidance of coach Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and leadership of David Warner, the Orange Army is a strong contender in IPL-XI. Here is the squad list of Sunrisers Hyderabad: Retained: David Warner (12.5 cr) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8.5 cr) Purchased: Shikhar Dhawan (5.2 cr), Shakib Al Hasan (2 cr), Kane Williamson (3 cr), Manish Pandey (11 cr), Carlos Brathwaite (2 cr), Yusuf Pathan (1.9 cr), Wriddhiman Saha (5 cr), Rashid Khan (9 cr), Ricky Bhui (20 L), Deepak Hooda (3.6 cr), Siddarth Kaul (3.8 cr), T Natarajan (40 L), Basil Thampi (95 L), Khaleel Ahmed (3 cr), Mohammad Nabi (1 cr), Sandeep Sharma (3 cr), Sachin Baby (20 L), Chris Jordan (1 cr), Billy Stanlake (50 L), Tanmay Agarwal (20 L), Shreevats Goswami (1 cr), Bipul Sharma (20 L), Mehdi Hasan (20 L) Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here's the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Afghan bowler Rashid Khan is the trump card

<p>Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win.</p>

<p>But in IPL, it will be Karthik&#39;s consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660" target="_blank"> IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik&rsquo;s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir&rsquo;s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench.</p>

<p>But overall, the side is strong on spin</p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
Sunil Narine (12.5 cr)<br />
Andre Russell (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L)</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khEm6SJHjs8"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


His splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy ended all the speculations

Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability. His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win. But in IPL, it will be Karthik's consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on. The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik's leadership. During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team. Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively. Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup. The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department. The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on. After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal. Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side. Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik’s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament. Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir’s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages. Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain. Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them. Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench. But overall, the side is strong on spin Retained: Sunil Narine (12.5 cr) Andre Russell (8.5 cr) Purchased: Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L) Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders'

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>The world&rsquo;s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, &#39;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&#39;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><em>Here is the video:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> with - <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiDaredevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiDaredevils</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> <a href="https://t.co/FeOmCMd1v0">pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0</a></p>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/973224897659813888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>But do you remember the first theme of IPL?</p>

<p>If not then let&#39;s relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories.</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2008: &quot;Cricket ka Karamrayudh&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8onc4II8m_g" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2009: &quot;Ek Desh Ek Junun&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_VlSXRx8Lw" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2010: &quot;Manoranjan ka Baap&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u6WXg9Fw058" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2011: &quot;Bharath Band&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BuW-6NogI40" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2012: &quot;Yeh IPL hai boss&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8n06jsQb_ME" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2013: &quot;Koi Nahi Bachega!!!&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_L6nXrpAk88" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2014: &quot;Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2RO2ACSLcg8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2015: &quot;India Ka Tyohaar&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DIL2ENBqLP8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2016: &quot;PISTAH&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G--bS40GdY0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><strong>IPL 2017: &quot;Va Re Va Cricket&quot;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WiGnL1jbzC0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


If not then let's relive through all the ten themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. The world’s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, 'Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...' The theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. Here is the video: Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️#VIVOIPL with - @ChennaiIPL @DelhiDaredevils @lionsdenkxip @KKRiders @mipaltan @rajasthanroyals @RCBTweets @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 12, 2018 × The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" But do you remember the first theme of IPL? If not then let's relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories. IPL 2008: "Cricket ka Karamrayudh" × IPL 2009: "Ek Desh Ek Junun" × IPL 2010: "Manoranjan ka Baap" × IPL 2011: "Bharath Band" × IPL 2012: "Yeh IPL hai boss" × IPL 2013: "Koi Nahi Bachega!!!" × IPL 2014: "Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai" × IPL 2015: "India Ka Tyohaar" × IPL 2016: "PISTAH" × IPL 2017: "Va Re Va Cricket" ×

IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which&nbsp;marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, &quot;Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The wait is finally over! The much anticipated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestvsBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestvsBest</a>! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! <a href="https://t.co/MgpvoJVjYC">pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/973204655256756226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The lyrics of the anthem is, &quot;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot; is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>The original song is from the movie &#39;Naya Daur&#39; which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.</p>

<p>The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics.</p>

<p>Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans.</p>

<p><em>Watch the original song:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BeqcIyuNVZI" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, "Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." Watch the video here: The wait is finally over! The much anticipated #VIVOIPL 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the #BestvsBest! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2018 × The lyrics of the anthem is, "Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" The original song is from the movie 'Naya Daur' which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics. Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans. Watch the original song: ×

2018 IPL anthem: 'Ye khel hai sher jawano ka albelo ka mastano ka...'

<p>One can draw many similarities between Sunrisers Hyderabad&rsquo;s (SRH) Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns in 2016 and 2017. They finished at No. 3 in the points table in both seasons. They had two bowlers in top five at identical spots by the end of season: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (first) and Mustafizur Rahman (fifth) in 2016, Bhuvneshwar (first) and Rashid Khan (fifth) in 2017. They had two batsmen in top five, again by the end of season: David Warner (second) and Shikhar Dhawan (fifth) in 2016, Warner (first) and Dhawan (third) in 2017.</p>

<p>Further, SRH found a new overseas bowling sensation in both seasons. If Mustafizur did the job for them last year, Rashid&rsquo;s googlies bamboozled the best of batsmen in the ongoing league. Bhuvneshwar, Warner and Dhawan were consistent just like the previous season. The team had a good time playing at home, in fact better than the last year. However, the similarities end here, as the team bowed out of the tournament after losing Eliminator on Wednesday against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the same side they had beaten in the same match last year before going on to win Qualifier 2 and eventually the final.</p>

<p>From here, the focus shifts from what went wrong to the things they did differently this year to the things that did not click for them and the reasons behind their unsuccessful campaign. Let us take a look at the possible reasons behind their failure, the positives out of this campaign as well as what lies in store.</p>

<p><strong>Home bullies falter in away games</strong></p>

<p>In IPL 2016, SRH had won 7 of their 10 away games, thus having a 70 per cent success rate playing away from home. Being good away from home was a hallmark of their success last year. However, it came down drastically this year, with the team winning just 25 per cent of its away games: 2 out of 8. Although SRH had a better home season from last year (6 wins this year as compared to 4 in IPL 2016), the poor away record in IPL 2017 was one of the key factors behind their failure.</p>

<p><strong>Unsettled XI</strong></p>

<p>Unlike last year, SRH could not find a stable playing XI till their final game. The fact that they made as many as four changes for the Eliminator from their previous game underlies the issue. The likes of Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Nabi did well in the limited chances they got. Giving them a longer run would probably have helped the franchise. But these players were shuffled far too often in order to find the right balance, which eventually never happened. Inconsistency in selection of playing XI, thus also hampered their prospects in IPL 2017.</p>

<p>Heavy reliance on a few individuals: One of the major reasons why SRH won the campaign last year was that they played as a single unit, with all players chipping in with vital contributions. This year, though, the team heavily relied on a couple of individuals in every department. Warner and Dhawan, just like last year, scored consistently. But barring them, none of them really stepped up. Yuvraj Singh was good in patches. Moises Henriques was good initially but lost his form as the tournament progressed. In-form Williamson was played in only half the games.</p>

<p>In bowling department as well, the story was not any different. Bhuvneshwar and Rashid excelled. Siddharth Kaul and Siraj did what they do best. But Ashish Nehra broke down once again, while an off-colour Mustafizur got just a solitary game. The dependency on a few individuals clearly hurt the side.</p>

<p><strong>Lastly, luck</strong></p>

<p>In the end, SRH would have been mighty disappointed with the way they bowed out of the tournament. Though they could only post a below-par 128 against KKR, a 20-over game would have given them a chance to defend it. They had enough firepower in their bowling arsenal to put up a fight, but a 6-over run chase was not fair to them. Had they been a little lucky yesterday night, a washed-out game would have put them into Qualifier 2.</p>

<p><strong>Positives from IPL 2017</strong></p>

<p>Rashid, Kaul, Siraj and Vijay Shankar were the biggest positives for SRH this season. However, it is unlikely if they remain a part of the squad next year with a high possibility of all the players going in the auction pool.</p>

<p><strong>The road ahead</strong></p>

<p>Even though SRH failed to cross the knockout hurdle, they played some good cricket overall. They have a solid group of players at their disposal and their aim next year should be to retain the core group. It is not going to be easy, with a fresh auction taking place for all the teams. But building the same team will be their top agenda next year.</p>

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Muttiah Muralitharan confirmed the same at the post-match press conference after Eliminator. &ldquo;We had a very good season and we played well. However, unfortunately you need to go out sometimes when you are in the knockouts. Therefore, unfortunately this year is not our year. We will make sure if we can build the same team next year, comeback and fight for the trophy,&rdquo; he said.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Our batsmen batted well, the bowlers, who were picked in the auction, did well as well. Therefore, we are satisfied with our players along with our performance as well. We also won eight matches or something, while we just lost five matches, along with this loss. We won it last year, and that is not going to happen every time. Every team tries hard. Therefore, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. We take it on the chin and say &lsquo;Ok, it&rsquo;s not our year&rsquo;. I also congratulate all the players who played really well for us,&rdquo; he added.</p>

<p>Given the performances SRH have put up over the last couple of seasons, there is no denying they will comeback harder next year and try even harder to win back the title.</p>

<p>(This story first appeared on cricketcountry.com)</p>


Though SRH failed to cross the knockout hurdle, they played some good cricket overall

One can draw many similarities between Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns in 2016 and 2017. They finished at No. 3 in the points table in both seasons. They had two bowlers in top five at identical spots by the end of season: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (first) and Mustafizur Rahman (fifth) in 2016, Bhuvneshwar (first) and Rashid Khan (fifth) in 2017. They had two batsmen in top five, again by the end of season: David Warner (second) and Shikhar Dhawan (fifth) in 2016, Warner (first) and Dhawan (third) in 2017. Further, SRH found a new overseas bowling sensation in both seasons. If Mustafizur did the job for them last year, Rashid’s googlies bamboozled the best of batsmen in the ongoing league. Bhuvneshwar, Warner and Dhawan were consistent just like the previous season. The team had a good time playing at home, in fact better than the last year. However, the similarities end here, as the team bowed out of the tournament after losing Eliminator on Wednesday against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the same side they had beaten in the same match last year before going on to win Qualifier 2 and eventually the final. From here, the focus shifts from what went wrong to the things they did differently this year to the things that did not click for them and the reasons behind their unsuccessful campaign. Let us take a look at the possible reasons behind their failure, the positives out of this campaign as well as what lies in store. Home bullies falter in away games In IPL 2016, SRH had won 7 of their 10 away games, thus having a 70 per cent success rate playing away from home. Being good away from home was a hallmark of their success last year. However, it came down drastically this year, with the team winning just 25 per cent of its away games: 2 out of 8. Although SRH had a better home season from last year (6 wins this year as compared to 4 in IPL 2016), the poor away record in IPL 2017 was one of the key factors behind their failure. Unsettled XI Unlike last year, SRH could not find a stable playing XI till their final game. The fact that they made as many as four changes for the Eliminator from their previous game underlies the issue. The likes of Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Nabi did well in the limited chances they got. Giving them a longer run would probably have helped the franchise. But these players were shuffled far too often in order to find the right balance, which eventually never happened. Inconsistency in selection of playing XI, thus also hampered their prospects in IPL 2017. Heavy reliance on a few individuals: One of the major reasons why SRH won the campaign last year was that they played as a single unit, with all players chipping in with vital contributions. This year, though, the team heavily relied on a couple of individuals in every department. Warner and Dhawan, just like last year, scored consistently. But barring them, none of them really stepped up. Yuvraj Singh was good in patches. Moises Henriques was good initially but lost his form as the tournament progressed. In-form Williamson was played in only half the games. In bowling department as well, the story was not any different. Bhuvneshwar and Rashid excelled. Siddharth Kaul and Siraj did what they do best. But Ashish Nehra broke down once again, while an off-colour Mustafizur got just a solitary game. The dependency on a few individuals clearly hurt the side. Lastly, luck In the end, SRH would have been mighty disappointed with the way they bowed out of the tournament. Though they could only post a below-par 128 against KKR, a 20-over game would have given them a chance to defend it. They had enough firepower in their bowling arsenal to put up a fight, but a 6-over run chase was not fair to them. Had they been a little lucky yesterday night, a washed-out game would have put them into Qualifier 2. Positives from IPL 2017 Rashid, Kaul, Siraj and Vijay Shankar were the biggest positives for SRH this season. However, it is unlikely if they remain a part of the squad next year with a high possibility of all the players going in the auction pool. The road ahead Even though SRH failed to cross the knockout hurdle, they played some good cricket overall. They have a solid group of players at their disposal and their aim next year should be to retain the core group. It is not going to be easy, with a fresh auction taking place for all the teams. But building the same team will be their top agenda next year. Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Muttiah Muralitharan confirmed the same at the post-match press conference after Eliminator. “We had a very good season and we played well. However, unfortunately you need to go out sometimes when you are in the knockouts. Therefore, unfortunately this year is not our year. We will make sure if we can build the same team next year, comeback and fight for the trophy,” he said. “Our batsmen batted well, the bowlers, who were picked in the auction, did well as well. Therefore, we are satisfied with our players along with our performance as well. We also won eight matches or something, while we just lost five matches, along with this loss. We won it last year, and that is not going to happen every time. Every team tries hard. Therefore, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. We take it on the chin and say ‘Ok, it’s not our year’. I also congratulate all the players who played really well for us,” he added. Given the performances SRH have put up over the last couple of seasons, there is no denying they will comeback harder next year and try even harder to win back the title. (This story first appeared on cricketcountry.com)

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Unfortunate end to defending champions? inconsistent season

<p>Delhi Daredevils snapped their five-match losing streak with a comfortable six wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and mathematically remained in the race for the IPL play-offs here tonight.</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh scored a timely 70, his second half-century of the season, and raised a 93-run stand with Moises Henriques (25) to lead the visitors to a challenging 185 for three after being asked to bat.</p>

<p>The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, then came up with an inspiring collective batting show to stun the defending champions with five balls to spare.</p>

<p>Each and every Delhi batsman, who took strike, contributed in the win. The openers Karun Nair (39) and Sanju Samson (24) scored 40 runs in first four overs to provide a decent start and the batsmen who followed them<br />
built on the momentum.</p>

<p>Rishabh Pant (34) and Shreyas Iyer (33) batted with dogged determination to ensure that the required run-rate never go out of hands.</p>

<p>Nair was dropped on 20 by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the Daredevils stand-in captain could not make full use of the life and was dismissed by Siddarth Kaul.</p>

<p>Runs came at a good pace for the hosts with young batsmen batting sensibly. They needed 61 from last seven overs and with Anderson and Iyer at the crease, it was not a big task. However, Iyer was dismissed by<br />
Bhuvneshwar.</p>

<p>Since the Delhi batsmen lost wickets after getting their eyes in, it kept Sunrisers&#39; hopes alive but gradually the required run rate dropped and Corey Anderson (41 not out) finished the match in company of Chris Morris (15 not out).</p>

<p>With this win, which is their third, Daredevils lifted themselves to the sixth spot from the earlier bottom place with five more matches to play while Sunrisers remained on third spot with 13 points.</p>

<p>Incidentally, Daredevils&#39; last win had come at this very ground against Kings XI Punjab.</p>

<p>SRH were off to a flying to start through skipper David Warner (30) and Shikhar Dhawan (28) but Delhi spin duo of Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav managed to choke the defending champions in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson dropped Yuvraj on 29 and the dashing left-hander exploited it to get some crucial runs for his side. After making 62 against RCB in his first match, he was struggling for runs and found touch when the team needed.</p>

<p>He took some time to settle down on a slow pitch but gradually stroked the ball nicely. His 70 came off 41 balls with 11 fours and a six.</p>

<p>In the last three overs, Sunrisers collected 52 runs with Kagiso Rabada leaking 39 runs in 18th and 20th overs. Earlier, Mishra played a crucial role in choking the Hyderabad batsmen as he gave away only 23 runs in his four overs and also got rid of Dhawan.</p>

<p>Jayant Yadav, included in place of Shahbaz Nadeem, also did a great job by conceding only 26 runs in his four overs.</p>

<p>Warner began from where he left against KKR, striking the ball confidently. He found boundaries off Yadav and Rabada with remarkable ease.</p>

<p>Dhawan also was in tremendous touch as he creamed off two fours and a six off Chris Morris. The SRH openers were never troubled by the home bowlers. Warner smashed one from Mohammed Shami to mid-wicket boundary to raise the team&#39;s fifty.</p>

<p>However, Shami took revenge in the next ball with a well- placed yorker that uprooted Warner&#39;s off stump. Mishra has not bowled during Power Play overs this season and the trend continued. He bowled the ninth over and struck in second ball as Dhawan top-edged the googly to Shreyas Iyer, who covered good distance to take the catch.</p>

<p>The two wickets affected the run flow but the visitors still put on board 83 at half-way mark as Kane Williamson (24) found a few boundaries.</p>

<p>Tight overs by Morris, Mishra and Yadav, created pressure and Williamson, trying to break free, went for a pull off Shami bouncer but only top-edged it to Morris.</p>

<p>There was gap of 15 balls when no boundary was struck. Yuvraj finally found one off Shami and it raised the team&#39;s 100 in 13.2 overs.</p>

<p>Runs were still tough to come by for SRH with Yuvraj and Henriques managing only singles and doubles. Yuvraj though changed the script after being dropped.<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, came up with an inspiring collective batting show

Delhi Daredevils snapped their five-match losing streak with a comfortable six wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and mathematically remained in the race for the IPL play-offs here tonight. Yuvraj Singh scored a timely 70, his second half-century of the season, and raised a 93-run stand with Moises Henriques (25) to lead the visitors to a challenging 185 for three after being asked to bat. The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, then came up with an inspiring collective batting show to stun the defending champions with five balls to spare. Each and every Delhi batsman, who took strike, contributed in the win. The openers Karun Nair (39) and Sanju Samson (24) scored 40 runs in first four overs to provide a decent start and the batsmen who followed them built on the momentum. Rishabh Pant (34) and Shreyas Iyer (33) batted with dogged determination to ensure that the required run-rate never go out of hands. Nair was dropped on 20 by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the Daredevils stand-in captain could not make full use of the life and was dismissed by Siddarth Kaul. Runs came at a good pace for the hosts with young batsmen batting sensibly. They needed 61 from last seven overs and with Anderson and Iyer at the crease, it was not a big task. However, Iyer was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar. Since the Delhi batsmen lost wickets after getting their eyes in, it kept Sunrisers' hopes alive but gradually the required run rate dropped and Corey Anderson (41 not out) finished the match in company of Chris Morris (15 not out). With this win, which is their third, Daredevils lifted themselves to the sixth spot from the earlier bottom place with five more matches to play while Sunrisers remained on third spot with 13 points. Incidentally, Daredevils' last win had come at this very ground against Kings XI Punjab. SRH were off to a flying to start through skipper David Warner (30) and Shikhar Dhawan (28) but Delhi spin duo of Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav managed to choke the defending champions in the middle overs. Sanju Samson dropped Yuvraj on 29 and the dashing left-hander exploited it to get some crucial runs for his side. After making 62 against RCB in his first match, he was struggling for runs and found touch when the team needed. He took some time to settle down on a slow pitch but gradually stroked the ball nicely. His 70 came off 41 balls with 11 fours and a six. In the last three overs, Sunrisers collected 52 runs with Kagiso Rabada leaking 39 runs in 18th and 20th overs. Earlier, Mishra played a crucial role in choking the Hyderabad batsmen as he gave away only 23 runs in his four overs and also got rid of Dhawan. Jayant Yadav, included in place of Shahbaz Nadeem, also did a great job by conceding only 26 runs in his four overs. Warner began from where he left against KKR, striking the ball confidently. He found boundaries off Yadav and Rabada with remarkable ease. Dhawan also was in tremendous touch as he creamed off two fours and a six off Chris Morris. The SRH openers were never troubled by the home bowlers. Warner smashed one from Mohammed Shami to mid-wicket boundary to raise the team's fifty. However, Shami took revenge in the next ball with a well- placed yorker that uprooted Warner's off stump. Mishra has not bowled during Power Play overs this season and the trend continued. He bowled the ninth over and struck in second ball as Dhawan top-edged the googly to Shreyas Iyer, who covered good distance to take the catch. The two wickets affected the run flow but the visitors still put on board 83 at half-way mark as Kane Williamson (24) found a few boundaries. Tight overs by Morris, Mishra and Yadav, created pressure and Williamson, trying to break free, went for a pull off Shami bouncer but only top-edged it to Morris. There was gap of 15 balls when no boundary was struck. Yuvraj finally found one off Shami and it raised the team's 100 in 13.2 overs. Runs were still tough to come by for SRH with Yuvraj and Henriques managing only singles and doubles. Yuvraj though changed the script after being dropped. (PTI)

IPL: Delhi Daredevils snap losing streak, stun Sunrisers Hyderabad with 6-wicket win

<p>Swashbuckling opener David Warner smashed a whirlwind century to guide Sunrisers Hyderabad to a comfortable 48-run win over table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL encounter here today.</p>

<p>Warner butchered the KKR bowlers with a 59-ball 126-run innings, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes to power defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad to an imposing 209-3 after captain Gautam Gambhir decided to bowl.</p>

<p>Chasing the target, KKR were reduced to 12-2 in 2.3 overs with both their openers -- Gambhir (11) and Sunil Narine (1) back to the pavillion.</p>

<p>Robin Uthappa (53) and Manish Pandey (39) then shared a 78-run partnership off 51 balls for the 3rd wicket to keep KKR in the hunt.</p>

<p>After their dismissal, Yusuf Pathan (12), Sheldon Jackson (16) and Colin de Grandhomme (18) tried their hands but it was not enough in the end as KKR were restricted to 161-7 in stipulated 20 overs.</p>

<p>For Sunrisers, Mohammed Siraj (2/26), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Siddharth Kaul (2/26) took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan (1/38) also contributed with one wicket.</p>

<p>There was also a rain-interruption of 42 minutes when KKR were 52-2 in 7 overs with Uthappa and Pandey at the crease but it didn&#39;t affect the match as no overs were lost.</p>

<p>This was Sunrisers&#39; sixth win in 10 matches. They now have 13 points and are placed at the third spot in the table. For two-time champions and table-toppers KKR, it is only their third loss in 10 matches.</p>

<p>With this win, Sunrisers also avenged their 17-run loss to KKR in their previous outing.</p>

<p>Earlier, Warner and Shikhar Dhawan (29), who had forged a 107-run opening partnership in their last match against KXIP, produced yet another scintillating 139-run opening stand in 76 balls to set up the foundation for a huge total.</p>

<p>Once they were back into the hut, Kane Williamson (40) blasted five fours in his 25-ball innings and alongwith Yuvraj Singh (6 not out) took Sunrisers across the 200-mark.</p>

<p>This was the highest total in this season and also the third time that Sunrisers have scored a 200-plus total. They had scored 207-3 against Kings XI Punjab in their last match, besides scoring 207-4 against RCB early in the season.</p>

<p>For KKR, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table, none of the bowlers could make any impression as they were taken to the cleaners by Warner.</p>

<p>Opening the innings, Warner put KKR bowlers to the sword as he alongwith Dhawan amassed 79-0 in the Powerplay overs.</p>

<p>Warner made his intention clear from the start by dealing in boundaries. He picked up Chris Woakes for special treatment in the 3rd over when he blasted him for a four and a couple of sixes to amass 17 runs.</p>

<p>Yusuf Pathan then came in his firing line as he smashed two fours and a six to once again pile on 17 runs and bring up the team fifty in just 23 balls.</p>

<p>The Australian then switch-hit Sunil Narine over short third man to score his 50 in 20 balls. He then punching him through cover for a four.</p>

<p>He continued his rampage and brought up the team 100 in the ninth over by hammering Nathan Coulter-Nile for a maximum over midwicket in the fourth ball.</p>

<p>Kuldeep Yadav then bled 18 runs as Warner clobbered one boundary and two sixes in the 10th over.</p>

<p>In the 11th over, Warner picked up a couple of runs by sending Umesh Yadav to the deep midwicket area to score the third century of this season. He took just 43 balls for his hundred.</p>

<p>In the 13th over, Dhawan (29), who was playing the second fiddle, was run out as KKR finally broke the opening partnership.</p>

<p>It was Kuldeep Yadav, who produced a brilliant fielding where he picked up the ball and threw the stumps down at the bowler&#39;s end after Dhawan failed to make the ground.</p>

<p>Warner&#39;s sensational innings came to an end in the 17th over when once again looking for a six off Woakes he was holed out by Gambhir.</p>

<p>Kane Williamson (40) and Yuvraj Singh (6) then took Sunrisers across the 200-mark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


David Warner butchered the KKR bowlers with a 59-ball 126-run innings, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes

Swashbuckling opener David Warner smashed a whirlwind century to guide Sunrisers Hyderabad to a comfortable 48-run win over table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL encounter here today. Warner butchered the KKR bowlers with a 59-ball 126-run innings, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes to power defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad to an imposing 209-3 after captain Gautam Gambhir decided to bowl. Chasing the target, KKR were reduced to 12-2 in 2.3 overs with both their openers -- Gambhir (11) and Sunil Narine (1) back to the pavillion. Robin Uthappa (53) and Manish Pandey (39) then shared a 78-run partnership off 51 balls for the 3rd wicket to keep KKR in the hunt. After their dismissal, Yusuf Pathan (12), Sheldon Jackson (16) and Colin de Grandhomme (18) tried their hands but it was not enough in the end as KKR were restricted to 161-7 in stipulated 20 overs. For Sunrisers, Mohammed Siraj (2/26), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Siddharth Kaul (2/26) took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan (1/38) also contributed with one wicket. There was also a rain-interruption of 42 minutes when KKR were 52-2 in 7 overs with Uthappa and Pandey at the crease but it didn't affect the match as no overs were lost. This was Sunrisers' sixth win in 10 matches. They now have 13 points and are placed at the third spot in the table. For two-time champions and table-toppers KKR, it is only their third loss in 10 matches. With this win, Sunrisers also avenged their 17-run loss to KKR in their previous outing. Earlier, Warner and Shikhar Dhawan (29), who had forged a 107-run opening partnership in their last match against KXIP, produced yet another scintillating 139-run opening stand in 76 balls to set up the foundation for a huge total. Once they were back into the hut, Kane Williamson (40) blasted five fours in his 25-ball innings and alongwith Yuvraj Singh (6 not out) took Sunrisers across the 200-mark. This was the highest total in this season and also the third time that Sunrisers have scored a 200-plus total. They had scored 207-3 against Kings XI Punjab in their last match, besides scoring 207-4 against RCB early in the season. For KKR, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table, none of the bowlers could make any impression as they were taken to the cleaners by Warner. Opening the innings, Warner put KKR bowlers to the sword as he alongwith Dhawan amassed 79-0 in the Powerplay overs. Warner made his intention clear from the start by dealing in boundaries. He picked up Chris Woakes for special treatment in the 3rd over when he blasted him for a four and a couple of sixes to amass 17 runs. Yusuf Pathan then came in his firing line as he smashed two fours and a six to once again pile on 17 runs and bring up the team fifty in just 23 balls. The Australian then switch-hit Sunil Narine over short third man to score his 50 in 20 balls. He then punching him through cover for a four. He continued his rampage and brought up the team 100 in the ninth over by hammering Nathan Coulter-Nile for a maximum over midwicket in the fourth ball. Kuldeep Yadav then bled 18 runs as Warner clobbered one boundary and two sixes in the 10th over. In the 11th over, Warner picked up a couple of runs by sending Umesh Yadav to the deep midwicket area to score the third century of this season. He took just 43 balls for his hundred. In the 13th over, Dhawan (29), who was playing the second fiddle, was run out as KKR finally broke the opening partnership. It was Kuldeep Yadav, who produced a brilliant fielding where he picked up the ball and threw the stumps down at the bowler's end after Dhawan failed to make the ground. Warner's sensational innings came to an end in the 17th over when once again looking for a six off Woakes he was holed out by Gambhir. Kane Williamson (40) and Yuvraj Singh (6) then took Sunrisers across the 200-mark. (PTI)

IPL 2017: Warner's 126 sets up Sunrisers Hyderabad's 48-run win over KKR

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad&#39;s top-order batted with aplomb before the bowlers delivered the goods as the defending champions registered an emphatic 26-run win over struggling Kings XI Punjab, here tonight.<br />
<br />
Half-centuries from openers Shikhar Dhawan (77), David Warner (51) and Kane Williamson (54 not out) propelled Hyderabad to a very challenging 207 for three after being asked to take the first strike.<br />
<br />
The hosts were off to a flying start but intermittent wickets did not help their cause. All they could manage was 181 for nine, allowing Hyderabad consolidate their third position in the table.<br />
<br />
Australian left-hander Shaun Marsh made good use of two lives to keep the defending champions nervous but once his whirlwind knock 84 runs was ended by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the win was a mere formality for Hyderabad.<br />
<br />
At the start also when Martin Guptill (23) was going hammer and tongs, it was Bhuvneshwar who had dismissed the Kiwi cricketer to bring relief for his side.<br />
<br />
Bhuvneshwar, who has been the most impressive bowler this IPL season, continued to dominate the batsmen and his impeccable line and length at crucial juncture yet again proved a boon for his side.<br />
<br />
Afghan spinner Rashid Khan was exceptional in the middle overs. He choked the Punjab batsmen with his superb control over line and length. He conceded only two runs in his first 12 balls which meant that the required run-rate mounted to 13.20 after 10 overs.<br />
<br />
Overall, he gave away only 16 runs in his four-over quota and also dismissed dangerous Eoin Morgan.<br />
<br />
Siddarth Kaul accounted for three batsmen -- Maxwell (0), Wriddhiman Saha (2) and Axar Patel (16).<br />
<br />
Earlier, home skipper Glenn Maxwell invited Hyderabad to bat but could hardly trouble the visitors who negotiated the attack with remarkable ease.<br />
<br />
The platform for Hyderabad&#39;s second 200-plus total was set by the 107-run stand between Dhawan and Warner.<br />
<br />
After Dhawan and Warner did the job with their half- centuries, Kiwi batsman Williamson provided the finishing touches to Hyderabad innings with his fiery knock that came off just 27 balls.<br />
<br />
Dhawan and Warner struck the ball hard and clean, sending the fielders on a leather hunt even as the ball swung a bit initially, suggesting that pacers may dictate the terms.<br />
<br />
However, none of the bowlers could make an impression with the two left-handers finding boundaries at will. The runs came at a good pace and Hyderabad had put on board 100 runs before the half-way mark.<br />
<br />
Skipper Maxwell (2/29) introduced himself to the attack and succeeded in sending back his counterpart, who swept and missed only to see his stumps rattled. Warner&#39;s 51 came off just 27 balls with four sixes and and as many fours.<br />
<br />
By that time the damage was already done and Hyderabad were set for a big total. Kane Williamson joined Dhawan at the crease and there was a period of 18 balls when no boundary was scored.<br />
<br />
Williamson broke the shackles as he opened his arms to smack Axar Patel for a huge six over mid-wicket region.<br />
<br />
Mohit Sharma dismissed Dhawan, who holed out to Maxwell in the mid-wicket region. Dhawan took 48 balls for his knock which had nine shots to the fence and one over the ropes.<br />
<br />
His fall brought Yuvraj (15) to the crease and the onus to exploit the good work done by the openers was on him and his Kiwi partner. However the left-hander could not contribute much, becoming second victim of Maxwell.<br />
<br />
Williamson though ensured that Hyderabad cross the 200- run mark with his innings which was laced with six boundaries, including two sixes.<br />
<br />
(PTI)</p>


Half-centuries from openers Shikhar Dhawan (77), David Warner (51) and Kane Williamson (54 not out) propelled Hyderabad to a very challenging 207 for three

Sunrisers Hyderabad's top-order batted with aplomb before the bowlers delivered the goods as the defending champions registered an emphatic 26-run win over struggling Kings XI Punjab, here tonight. Half-centuries from openers Shikhar Dhawan (77), David Warner (51) and Kane Williamson (54 not out) propelled Hyderabad to a very challenging 207 for three after being asked to take the first strike. The hosts were off to a flying start but intermittent wickets did not help their cause. All they could manage was 181 for nine, allowing Hyderabad consolidate their third position in the table. Australian left-hander Shaun Marsh made good use of two lives to keep the defending champions nervous but once his whirlwind knock 84 runs was ended by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the win was a mere formality for Hyderabad. At the start also when Martin Guptill (23) was going hammer and tongs, it was Bhuvneshwar who had dismissed the Kiwi cricketer to bring relief for his side. Bhuvneshwar, who has been the most impressive bowler this IPL season, continued to dominate the batsmen and his impeccable line and length at crucial juncture yet again proved a boon for his side. Afghan spinner Rashid Khan was exceptional in the middle overs. He choked the Punjab batsmen with his superb control over line and length. He conceded only two runs in his first 12 balls which meant that the required run-rate mounted to 13.20 after 10 overs. Overall, he gave away only 16 runs in his four-over quota and also dismissed dangerous Eoin Morgan. Siddarth Kaul accounted for three batsmen -- Maxwell (0), Wriddhiman Saha (2) and Axar Patel (16). Earlier, home skipper Glenn Maxwell invited Hyderabad to bat but could hardly trouble the visitors who negotiated the attack with remarkable ease. The platform for Hyderabad's second 200-plus total was set by the 107-run stand between Dhawan and Warner. After Dhawan and Warner did the job with their half- centuries, Kiwi batsman Williamson provided the finishing touches to Hyderabad innings with his fiery knock that came off just 27 balls. Dhawan and Warner struck the ball hard and clean, sending the fielders on a leather hunt even as the ball swung a bit initially, suggesting that pacers may dictate the terms. However, none of the bowlers could make an impression with the two left-handers finding boundaries at will. The runs came at a good pace and Hyderabad had put on board 100 runs before the half-way mark. Skipper Maxwell (2/29) introduced himself to the attack and succeeded in sending back his counterpart, who swept and missed only to see his stumps rattled. Warner's 51 came off just 27 balls with four sixes and and as many fours. By that time the damage was already done and Hyderabad were set for a big total. Kane Williamson joined Dhawan at the crease and there was a period of 18 balls when no boundary was scored. Williamson broke the shackles as he opened his arms to smack Axar Patel for a huge six over mid-wicket region. Mohit Sharma dismissed Dhawan, who holed out to Maxwell in the mid-wicket region. Dhawan took 48 balls for his knock which had nine shots to the fence and one over the ropes. His fall brought Yuvraj (15) to the crease and the onus to exploit the good work done by the openers was on him and his Kiwi partner. However the left-hander could not contribute much, becoming second victim of Maxwell. Williamson though ensured that Hyderabad cross the 200- run mark with his innings which was laced with six boundaries, including two sixes. (PTI)

All-round show scripts Sunrisers Hyderabad's 26-run win over Punjab

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match Saturday.</p>

<p>After a series of flop shows, Dhoni&#39;s reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but on Saturday&nbsp;the former India captain was in his elements, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase.</p>

<p>Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium.</p>

<p>Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes.</p>

<p>This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses.</p>

<p>Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over.</p>

<p>When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith&#39;s wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match.</p>

<p>However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj.</p>

<p>Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over.</p>

<p>Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan.</p>

<p>But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue.</p>

<p>For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three.</p>

<p>Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out<br />
off 10 balls).</p>

<p>Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring.</p>

<p>Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30.</p>

<p>Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian.</p>

<p>Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante.</p>

<p>Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six.</p>

<p>After Warner&#39;s departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match Saturday. After a series of flop shows, Dhoni's reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but on Saturday the former India captain was in his elements, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase. Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium. Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes. This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses. Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over. When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith's wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match. However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season's costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over. Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over. Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue. For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece. Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three. Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls). Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring. Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30. Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian. Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante. Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six. After Warner's departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries. (PTI)

Dhoni seals 6-wicket victory for Pune Supergiant against Sunrisers Hyderabad

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant&nbsp;to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match here today.<br />
<br />
After a series of flop shows, Dhoni&#39;s reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but today the former India captain was in his element, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase.<br />
<br />
Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium.<br />
<br />
Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes.<br />
<br />
This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points.<br />
<br />
Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses.<br />
<br />
Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over.<br />
<br />
When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith&#39;s wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match.<br />
<br />
However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out.<br />
<br />
Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over.<br />
<br />
Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj.<br />
<br />
Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over.<br />
<br />
Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball.<br />
<br />
Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue.<br />
<br />
For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece.<br />
<br />
Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three.<br />
<br />
Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls).<br />
<br />
Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring.<br />
<br />
Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30.<br />
<br />
Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian.<br />
<br />
Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante.<br />
<br />
Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six.<br />
<br />
After Warner&#39;s departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total.<br />
<br />
He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 61 to finally come good and reassert his top-class finisher tag as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to a six-wicket victory over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling IPL match here today. After a series of flop shows, Dhoni's reputation as a top-notch finisher was at stake, but today the former India captain was in his element, smashing a flurry of fours and sixes as Pune overhauled the target of 177 in the final ball of the run chase. Dhoni needed two runs from the final delivery but he hit Siddarth Kaul for a boundary as Pune reached 179 for 4 to the wild celebrations of the home supporters at the MCA Stadium. Dhoni faced 34 deliveries for his unbeaten 61 that included five fours and three sixes. This was the third win for Pune from six matches and they now have six points. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have eight points from seven matches, after four wins and three losses. Opener Rahul Tripathi had kept Pune in the hunt with a 41-ball 59 before he was out in the 14th over. Captain Steve Smith contributed with a 21-ball 27 but he got out early in the 11th over. When Dhoni came out at number four at the fall of Smith's wicket in the final delivery of the 11th over at 87 for 2, Pune needed 10 runs an over to win the match. However, the situation worsened after Tripathi was out. Ben Stokes (10), this IPL season's costliest buy, once again failed to contribute, falling in the 17th over and by that time the asking rate had shot up to above 14 an over. Dhoni, who seemed to be struggling as he could not connect his bat with the ball for some time, then swung into action as he hit two fours and a six to take 17 runs from the 18th over bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Dhoni was on song then and he did not spare death overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, stealing 19 runs from the penultimate over with the help of two fours and a six. That changed the complexion of the match and Pune needed 11 runs from the final over. Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) was dropped in the first ball of the final over and got a four courtesy Rashid Khan. But Tiwary and Dhoni could score only in singles in the next three deliveries before a couple of runs in the penultimate ball. Pune needed two from the last ball and Dhoni hit a four to seal the issue. For Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bipul Sharma and Rashid Khan got wicket apiece. Earlier, Pune produced a disciplined bowling effort before a smashing half-century by Moises Henriques enabled Hyderabad to reach a competitive 176 for three. Put into bat, Hyderabad were struggling at 122 for three in the 16th over before Henriques (55 not out) increased the tempo to steal 54 runs in the last four overs, in the able company of Deepak Hooda (19 not out off 10 balls). Off to a decent start after being put in to bat, skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 55-run stand for the opening wicket before Hyderabad bowlers led by Daniel Christian (1/20) and Imran Tahir (1/23) dominated the middle overs to put brakes on the scoring. Tahir was the one, who gave Hyderabad their first breakthrough by seeing off Dhawan for a 29-ball 30. Kane Williamson tried to accelerate the run-rate during his 21 off 14 balls that included a six and a four, he was trapped leg-before wicket by Christian. Even though Warner held on to his wicket and played a responsible knock, he failed to up the ante. Eventually he was bowled out by Jaydev Unadkat for 43 off 40 deliveries, studded with three boundaries and a six. After Warner's departure, Henriques launched a furious assault, hitting two sixes and six boundaries to guide the team to a 175-plus total. He remained unbeaten on 55 off just 28 deliveries. (PTI)

IPL: Dhoni leads Rising Pune Supergiant to six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on Kane Williamson&#39;s attacking knock of 89 and some brilliant bowling at the death as they beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs in their IPL match here today.</p>

<p>Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson&#39;s 89 off just 51 balls and his 136-run stand for the second wicket with opener Shikhar Dhawan (70), and then restricted Delhi to 176 for 5 to maintain their unbeaten run at home.</p>

<p>With their fourth successive win at home, Hyderabad jumped to second spot with eight points from six matches, from four wins and two losses.</p>

<p>Chasing 192 for a win, Delhi were in the hunt as they reached 56 for 1 at the end of six powerplay overs with Sanju Samson (42) and Karun Nair (33) going great guns though they lost Sam Billings (13) early on.</p>

<p>But once Samson and Nair were out, Delhi innings lost way and the asking rate piled up. They needed 65 from the final five overs but could only score 49 with the Hyderabad side bowlers coming up with a fine bowling show at the death overs.</p>

<p>Needing 24 runs from the final over, Delhi made a valiant attempt but ended up 15 runs short in the end.</p>

<p>For Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj took two wickets for 39 runs while Siddarth Kaul and Yuvraj Singh grabbed a wicket each.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Batting first, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson's 89 off just 51 balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on Kane Williamson's attacking knock of 89 and some brilliant bowling at the death as they beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs in their IPL match here today. Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson's 89 off just 51 balls and his 136-run stand for the second wicket with opener Shikhar Dhawan (70), and then restricted Delhi to 176 for 5 to maintain their unbeaten run at home. With their fourth successive win at home, Hyderabad jumped to second spot with eight points from six matches, from four wins and two losses. Chasing 192 for a win, Delhi were in the hunt as they reached 56 for 1 at the end of six powerplay overs with Sanju Samson (42) and Karun Nair (33) going great guns though they lost Sam Billings (13) early on. But once Samson and Nair were out, Delhi innings lost way and the asking rate piled up. They needed 65 from the final five overs but could only score 49 with the Hyderabad side bowlers coming up with a fine bowling show at the death overs. Needing 24 runs from the final over, Delhi made a valiant attempt but ended up 15 runs short in the end. For Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj took two wickets for 39 runs while Siddarth Kaul and Yuvraj Singh grabbed a wicket each. (PTI)

IPL: Riding on Williamson's brilliant knock, Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kings XI Punjab by five runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here tonight.</p>

<p>Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.</p>

<p>In reply, Punjab were staring at a defeat at 62 for five at the end of 10th over, but Manan Vohra (95 off 50 balls) brought the visitors within striking distance of pulling off an incredible win.</p>

<p>But Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned excellent figures of 5/19, had the last laugh as the seamer trapped Vohra in the penultimate over of the match.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlKPdmNUXVg" width="600"></iframe></p>

<p>Vohra struck nine boundaries and five sixes during his whirlwind knock.</p>

<p>Kings XI Punjab were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.4 overs.</p>

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad, thus, registered their first win after suffering two defeats.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kings XI Punjab by five runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here tonight. Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In reply, Punjab were staring at a defeat at 62 for five at the end of 10th over, but Manan Vohra (95 off 50 balls) brought the visitors within striking distance of pulling off an incredible win. But Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned excellent figures of 5/19, had the last laugh as the seamer trapped Vohra in the penultimate over of the match. Vohra struck nine boundaries and five sixes during his whirlwind knock. Kings XI Punjab were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.4 overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, thus, registered their first win after suffering two defeats. (PTI)

IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch victory over Kings XI Punjab by 5 runs

<p>Mumbai Indians beat defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in an Indian Premier League encounter, here today.</p>

<p>Chasing a victory target of 159, Mumbai achieved the target in 18.4 overs with youngster Nitish Rana scoring 45 and veteran keeper Parthiv Patel scoring 39 off 24 balls.</p>

<p>Rana&rsquo;s innings comprised of three fours and two sixes.</p>

<p>Krunal Pandya also played an attractive knock of 37 off only 20 balls.</p>

<p>Earlier, David Warner&rsquo;s 49 and Shikhar Dhawan&rsquo;s 48 were the significant contributions in an otherwise modest 158 for 8 on batting-friendly conditions at the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u33ofsEhbT8"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>WION&#39;s sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo provides talks about what to expect in the match as the two IPL giants clash at Wankhede today (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Chasing a victory target of 159, Mumbai achieved the target in 18.4 overs

Mumbai Indians beat defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in an Indian Premier League encounter, here today. Chasing a victory target of 159, Mumbai achieved the target in 18.4 overs with youngster Nitish Rana scoring 45 and veteran keeper Parthiv Patel scoring 39 off 24 balls. Rana’s innings comprised of three fours and two sixes. Krunal Pandya also played an attractive knock of 37 off only 20 balls. Earlier, David Warner’s 49 and Shikhar Dhawan’s 48 were the significant contributions in an otherwise modest 158 for 8 on batting-friendly conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo provides talks about what to expect in the match as the two IPL giants clash at Wankhede today (WION) × (PTI)

IPL: Mumbai Indians beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 4 wickets

<p>Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad made a perfect start to their Indian Premier League campaign crushing a depleted Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs in the opening encounter, here tonight.<br />
<br />
Veteran Yuvraj Singh&#39;s blazing blade (62 off 27 balls) and unheralded Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Arman (2/36 in 4 overs)&#39;s crucial breakthroughs enabled Sunrisers to outwit a Virat Kohli-less RCB in all departments.<br />
<br />
A challenging target of 208 was achievable on a placid track but RCB could only manage 172 in 19.4 overs losing wickets at regular intervals. This was the first time after 23 IPL matches that RCB were all-out.<br />
<br />
RCB&#39;s top four -- Chris Gayle (32), Mandeep Singh (24), Travis Head (30) and Kedar Jadhav (31) -- were all set before getting out. Kedar&#39;s dismissal was the turning point as RCB were never in the match after that.<br />
<br />
The India international was looking dangerous during his 16-ball stay and was run-out when Ben Cutting&#39;s direct throw from the deep found him short by a metre.<br />
<br />
On a belter where pacers became easy prey for the batsmen, Sunrisers skipper David Warner rotated his spinners well trying to take the pace off the deliveries.<br />
<br />
Young Rashid, who created history by being the first Afghan to play an IPL match got Mandeep with a fuller delivery that didn&#39;t turn.<br />
<br />
The batsman trying to cut got an inside edge onto the stumps. The celebration was atypical Shahid Afridi just like his style of fastish leg-breaks. Rashid also got Travis Head when the batsmen tried to play a slog sweep.<br />
<br />
But Deepak Hooda got the most important wicket when he got Gayle trying to hit him over long-off for a second six only to be caught by Warner. Th wickets fell at regular intervals and there was no pressure on Sunrisers as they coasted to victory. Ashish Nehra (2/42) also gota couple of wickets to reach a personal milestone of 100 IPL victims.<br />
<br />
Earlier, a vintage Yuvraj hammered RCB bowlers to submission as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a commendable 207 for 4 put into bat by Shane Watson.<br />
<br />
On a batting beauty, Yuvraj smashed the RCB bowlers to cleaners after Srinath Aravind dropped a dolly at deep square leg boundary. Yuvraj was on 26 then and the let-off allowed him to score his fastest IPL half-century off 23 balls.<br />
<br />
Moises Henriques&#39; 52 off 37 balls also went a long way in contributing to Sunrisers&#39; total. The Yuvraj-Henriques pair added 58 runs runs in only 4.5 overs after Shikhar Dhawan (40) was involved in a 74-run stand for the second wicket.<br />
<br />
Yuvraj&#39;s innings had seven fours and three sixes while Henriques&#39; innings had three fours and two sixes.<br />
<br />
Skipper David Warner started with a couple of boundaries and huge six over long-on off left-arm seamer Aniket Chaudhary but was gone when his slash was taken by a leaping Mandeep Singh at backward point.<br />
<br />
Dhawan banged rival skipper Shane Watson for four boundaries in the final Powerplay over to set the tone.<br />
<br />
Henriques at the other end chanced his arms to hit a six over long-on off Travis Head. Once Dhawan was caught in the deep off Stuart Binny&#39;s delivery, Yuvraj came in and started taking on the bowlers.<br />
<br />
Rajasthan&#39;s Chaudhary, who has been with the India camp came in for special treatment including a lofted extra cover drive for a six apart fom two fours in a single over.<br />
<br />
Aravind, who dropped him bowled a back of the hand slower that was dispatched into mid-wicket stands.<br />
<br />
A widish delivery from Chaudhary was slashed past point to reach his half-century.<br />
<br />
IPL&#39;s million dollar boy Tymal Mills was flicked past short fine leg and once again picked the slower delivery into the deep square leg stands before becoming his first victim.<br />
<br />
India&#39;s T20- specialist Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22 in 4 overs) held his own without conceding a single boundary while Mills 1/31 in 4 overs bowled the maximum (11) dot balls.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Veteran Yuvraj Singh's blazing blade and unheralded Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan Arman helped the defending champions start with a win

Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad made a perfect start to their Indian Premier League campaign crushing a depleted Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs in the opening encounter, here tonight. Veteran Yuvraj Singh's blazing blade (62 off 27 balls) and unheralded Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Arman (2/36 in 4 overs)'s crucial breakthroughs enabled Sunrisers to outwit a Virat Kohli-less RCB in all departments. A challenging target of 208 was achievable on a placid track but RCB could only manage 172 in 19.4 overs losing wickets at regular intervals. This was the first time after 23 IPL matches that RCB were all-out. RCB's top four -- Chris Gayle (32), Mandeep Singh (24), Travis Head (30) and Kedar Jadhav (31) -- were all set before getting out. Kedar's dismissal was the turning point as RCB were never in the match after that. The India international was looking dangerous during his 16-ball stay and was run-out when Ben Cutting's direct throw from the deep found him short by a metre. On a belter where pacers became easy prey for the batsmen, Sunrisers skipper David Warner rotated his spinners well trying to take the pace off the deliveries. Young Rashid, who created history by being the first Afghan to play an IPL match got Mandeep with a fuller delivery that didn't turn. The batsman trying to cut got an inside edge onto the stumps. The celebration was atypical Shahid Afridi just like his style of fastish leg-breaks. Rashid also got Travis Head when the batsmen tried to play a slog sweep. But Deepak Hooda got the most important wicket when he got Gayle trying to hit him over long-off for a second six only to be caught by Warner. Th wickets fell at regular intervals and there was no pressure on Sunrisers as they coasted to victory. Ashish Nehra (2/42) also gota couple of wickets to reach a personal milestone of 100 IPL victims. Earlier, a vintage Yuvraj hammered RCB bowlers to submission as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a commendable 207 for 4 put into bat by Shane Watson. On a batting beauty, Yuvraj smashed the RCB bowlers to cleaners after Srinath Aravind dropped a dolly at deep square leg boundary. Yuvraj was on 26 then and the let-off allowed him to score his fastest IPL half-century off 23 balls. Moises Henriques' 52 off 37 balls also went a long way in contributing to Sunrisers' total. The Yuvraj-Henriques pair added 58 runs runs in only 4.5 overs after Shikhar Dhawan (40) was involved in a 74-run stand for the second wicket. Yuvraj's innings had seven fours and three sixes while Henriques' innings had three fours and two sixes. Skipper David Warner started with a couple of boundaries and huge six over long-on off left-arm seamer Aniket Chaudhary but was gone when his slash was taken by a leaping Mandeep Singh at backward point. Dhawan banged rival skipper Shane Watson for four boundaries in the final Powerplay over to set the tone. Henriques at the other end chanced his arms to hit a six over long-on off Travis Head. Once Dhawan was caught in the deep off Stuart Binny's delivery, Yuvraj came in and started taking on the bowlers. Rajasthan's Chaudhary, who has been with the India camp came in for special treatment including a lofted extra cover drive for a six apart fom two fours in a single over. Aravind, who dropped him bowled a back of the hand slower that was dispatched into mid-wicket stands. A widish delivery from Chaudhary was slashed past point to reach his half-century. IPL's million dollar boy Tymal Mills was flicked past short fine leg and once again picked the slower delivery into the deep square leg stands before becoming his first victim. India's T20- specialist Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22 in 4 overs) held his own without conceding a single boundary while Mills 1/31 in 4 overs bowled the maximum (11) dot balls. (PTI)

IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in curtain-raiser

<p>It is hard to imagine a childhood with no playground in it. However, there are innumerable kids worldwide who are deprived of a ball or, for that matter, a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;bat to play with. One&#39;s life is far from normal if, as a teenager, you witnessed bombings, gunfights and battlefields right round the corner of your home. Where does one go if, the government cannot provide even the basic amenities? How does one survive amidst bloodshed?&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the end, it all comes down to picking sides, the right or the wrong.</p>

<p>But then, among the ashes rise individuals who are similar in their grit to a Superman or, maybe, a Batman. The Afghan&nbsp;cricketers who have been making their presence felt in the international arena of&nbsp;cricket, have been bringing smiles, harmony and, most of all, unity in the war-struck nation.</p>

<p>&quot;Cricket&nbsp;is not just a sport for Afghanistan anymore, it is a lot more. It has helped bring peace and harmony back in our country. Even the opposition party leaders sit with the ruling party members and watch our matches. In the last few years, we are winning on a consistent basis. When we lose or win matches our fans stand by us. And in the coming years, you will see that Afghanistan&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;team will be a force to reckon with,&quot; Shir Agha Hamkar, Afghanistan&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;team manager pointed out.</p>

<p>Just like the superheroes of our age, these men dressed in blue and red jersey also flaunt weapons. Their weapons are not AK-47s or those fancy high-end gadgets but a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;ball and a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;bat. And, what counts as their battlefield is not a piece of territory along the Line Of Control but a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;pitch, measuring 22 yards. Their challenge is to outplay the opposition and not outrun them. Their victories are often numbered in runs and wickets and not in treaties or surrenders.</p>

<p>For these Afghan&nbsp;cricketers, the dream of playing the game would not have been possible without the help of Board of Control for&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;in India (BCCI). In December 2015, the BCCI and the Afghanistan&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Board got into an agreement to help the boys from the faraway nation; Afghan&nbsp;cricketers got the permission to use the Greater Noida Sports Complex as their home ground. Since then it has been a joyous ride for the Afghan sportsmen, defeating the likes of West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland at major events.</p>

<p>Speaking about the stadium, the&nbsp;cricketers found no fault: &quot;This is such a good facility. We have all that is required to improve our game. The sports complex is nice, the people are nice. There are a lot of students and families from Afghanistan here in Delhi, and they come out in support of us, which is so heartening to see,&#39;&#39; Mohammad Nabi, the star player from Afghanistan told&nbsp;WION.</p>

<p>At the recently concluded Indian Premier League auction, Nabi and Rashid Khan have been roped in by the champion team, Sunrisers Hyderabad. &quot;Playing at the IPL will be like a dream come true for me and Nabi. Not just for us but for our brothers back home as well. This will only open the doors for other Afghan&nbsp;cricketers to make it to the IPL,&quot; Rashid Khan said.</p>

<p>The men dressed in blue and red have won 11 consecutive T20s and that&#39;s a record. They last beat Ireland in a T20 series, winning all the 3 matches. The Afghan dream has been sown in by these momentous players. The dreams of these heroes have begun to take wings already. &nbsp;These players might not have beaten teams like India or Australia on a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;field but they sure do know how to win hearts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For now, all that we can say is, dream on boys, and keep that Afghan flying high.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>
<centre><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDqFyTXBL6U" width="854"></iframe><centre></centre></centre>

Cricket has unified Afghanistan with local players making their presence felt in the international cricket arena

It is hard to imagine a childhood with no playground in it. However, there are innumerable kids worldwide who are deprived of a ball or, for that matter, a cricket bat to play with. One's life is far from normal if, as a teenager, you witnessed bombings, gunfights and battlefields right round the corner of your home. Where does one go if, the government cannot provide even the basic amenities? How does one survive amidst bloodshed? In the end, it all comes down to picking sides, the right or the wrong. But then, among the ashes rise individuals who are similar in their grit to a Superman or, maybe, a Batman. The Afghan cricketers who have been making their presence felt in the international arena of cricket, have been bringing smiles, harmony and, most of all, unity in the war-struck nation. "Cricket is not just a sport for Afghanistan anymore, it is a lot more. It has helped bring peace and harmony back in our country. Even the opposition party leaders sit with the ruling party members and watch our matches. In the last few years, we are winning on a consistent basis. When we lose or win matches our fans stand by us. And in the coming years, you will see that Afghanistan cricket team will be a force to reckon with," Shir Agha Hamkar, Afghanistan cricket team manager pointed out. Just like the superheroes of our age, these men dressed in blue and red jersey also flaunt weapons. Their weapons are not AK-47s or those fancy high-end gadgets but a cricket ball and a cricket bat. And, what counts as their battlefield is not a piece of territory along the Line Of Control but a cricket pitch, measuring 22 yards. Their challenge is to outplay the opposition and not outrun them. Their victories are often numbered in runs and wickets and not in treaties or surrenders. For these Afghan cricketers, the dream of playing the game would not have been possible without the help of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In December 2015, the BCCI and the Afghanistan Cricket Board got into an agreement to help the boys from the faraway nation; Afghan cricketers got the permission to use the Greater Noida Sports Complex as their home ground. Since then it has been a joyous ride for the Afghan sportsmen, defeating the likes of West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland at major events. Speaking about the stadium, the cricketers found no fault: "This is such a good facility. We have all that is required to improve our game. The sports complex is nice, the people are nice. There are a lot of students and families from Afghanistan here in Delhi, and they come out in support of us, which is so heartening to see,'' Mohammad Nabi, the star player from Afghanistan told WION. At the recently concluded Indian Premier League auction, Nabi and Rashid Khan have been roped in by the champion team, Sunrisers Hyderabad. "Playing at the IPL will be like a dream come true for me and Nabi. Not just for us but for our brothers back home as well. This will only open the doors for other Afghan cricketers to make it to the IPL," Rashid Khan said. The men dressed in blue and red have won 11 consecutive T20s and that's a record. They last beat Ireland in a T20 series, winning all the 3 matches. The Afghan dream has been sown in by these momentous players. The dreams of these heroes have begun to take wings already. These players might not have beaten teams like India or Australia on a cricket field but they sure do know how to win hearts. For now, all that we can say is, dream on boys, and keep that Afghan flying high. (WION)

Cricket fever revives Afghanistan, players eye IPL

sunrisers-hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad, News on Sunrisers Hyderabad, stories on Sunrisers Hyderabad, articles on Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad stories at Wion, Sunrisers Hyderabad news, Sunrisers Hyderabad latest news

sunrisers hyderabad