IPL 2024 Points Table: How Loss To RR Impacts RCB

Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 100 to trump Virat Kohli's first century of the IPL season as Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets on Saturday. England's Buttler reached his ton, from 58 balls, with a six in his 100th IPL match when Rajasthan needed one for victory in their chase of 184, with five balls to spare in Jaipur. Buttler, who struck form after he scored 35 across the previous three matches, put on 148 runs for the second wicket with skipper Sanju Samson, who made 69. Earlier Kohli reached his eighth IPL ton in 67 balls and finished on an unbeaten 113 to take Bengaluru to 183-3.

But his effort was not enough as inaugural champions Rajasthan remained unbeaten in the season with four wins as they took top spot in the 10-team table, ahead of second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders who have three wins in as many matches.

On the other hand, RCB's position in the table remained unchanged despite the loss. The Faf du Plessis-led side continues to hold the eighth spot.

See the updated IPL 2024 points table here:

Talking about the game, Buttler started slowly before he hammer

ed Mayank Dagar for three fours and a six in a 20-run sixth over to set up the chase.

Samson also took on the opposition attack after he joined Buttler following the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the second ball of the innings.

Both Samson and Buttler brought the crowd alive at their home venue with delightful strokeplay and 16 fours and five sixes between the two.

Kohli hit the first hundred of the 17th edition of the IPL as he reached the three-figure mark with a single off Nandre Burger and took off his helmet and raised his bat to a cheering crowd.

"I don't want to be over-aggressive, want to keep the bowler guessing. They want me to go hard and get me out," Kohli said.

"It's just experience and maturity. I play the conditions and have the game ready."

Kohli hit his third fifty-plus score of this season as he put on an opening stand of 125 with skipper Faf du Plessis, who hit 44, to lay the foundations for the total.

Kohli reached his half-century off 39 balls with a six, hitting Riyan Parag down the ground.

Du Plessis fell to Yuzvendra Chahal as he gave a catch to long-on. Burger soon bowled Glenn Maxwell for one to check the surge.

Kohli stood firm and hit back as he finished with 12 fours, including three in the final over, and four sixes in his 72-ball knock.

The former India captain consolidated his position at the top of this year's batting chart with 316 runs in five matches.

Kohli is still awaiting his first IPL title with Bengaluru.

(With AFP Inputs)

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Big Blow For SRH! Star Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out Of IPL 2024

Sunrisers Hyderabad legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to chronic heel pain in his left foot, as ESPNcricinfo reported. According to ESPNcricinfo, Hasaranga had not joined the Hyderabad squad and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed BCCI of his unavailability for the season. In December's IPL 2024 auction, Sri Lanka's star all-rounder was bought for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore by Hyderabad. A sought-after figure in the T20 league circuit, Hasaranga played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last two seasons, doing well as a spinner.

Hasaranaga, who last played in Sri Lanka's limited-overs series in Bangladesh in March, was treated by SLC medical personnel who felt the pain in his left heel was caused by wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system. He was supposed to fly overseas for specialist consultation before receiving permission from SLC to play in the IPL. Sunrisers head coach Daniel Vettori announced on Thursday that Hasaranga had consulted a specialist in Dubai, after which the word of his withdrawal spread.

Hasaranga was suspended from Sri Lanka's ongoing Test series against Bangladesh earlier this month after receiving eight demerit points for violating article 2.8 of the players' code of conduct during the third one-day international against Bangladesh.

Earlier, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori gave a major update on Sri Lanka star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga's injury and said that the 26-year-old has travelled to Dubai to consult with a specialist.

While speaking at the pre-match press conference, Vettori said that the Hyderabad-based franchise is currently waiting for Hasaranga's medical reports to come. The former New Zealand cricketer said that they are hoping that they will receive positive reports.

He added that the team management will decide on the Sri Lanka spinner's future after they receive the medical report.

"Hasaranga has visited a specialist in Dubai and we are waiting for the reports to come. We are just hopeful that positive reports come out, and as soon as we have the reports, we will be making the decision," Vettori said.

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"Aaja, Aaja": Kohli Taunts India Star Who Banged Helmet After Win vs RCB

Rajasthan Royals on Friday uploaded a funny video of Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli meeting their pacer Avesh Khan. RCB are set to take on RR in an IPL 2024 game at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Saturday, April 6. The RCB team has already started its preparations by reaching the venue ahead of the game. During a practice session, Kohli met Avesh in a funny manner, the video of which was shared by RR on social media. "Aaja, aaja. Ummmm... aisa mouka phir kahan milega. (Come, come. When am I going to get such a chance again?)," says Kohli to Avesh before the duo share a hug.

Watch it here:

Jaipur mein!pic.twitter.com/rjMJFeDc4j

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 5, 2024

Both Avesh and Kohli hogged the limelight during the two RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants games in IPL 2023 for wrong reasons. The first match-up between RCB and LSG turned out to be a thriller, with KL Rahul's side emerging as the winners. The then LSG player, Avesh, who was on the pitch when the side successfully completed the run-chase against RCB, threw his helmet on the ground in celebration. The gesture saw Avesh earning a hefty fine later.

The issue became a matter of debate before the Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq and Gautam Gambhir took over in their next game.

RCB won the contest when the two teams clashed for the second time in IPL 2023. Kohli clearly vented his anger out after the victory and that led to his clash with LSG player Naveen and then mentor Gambhir. The tussle become one of the major controversial moments of IPL 2023.

Talking about the upcoming IPL 2024 game, struggling RCB and high-flying RR bizarrely have similar worries to address when they face each other in Jaipur on Saturday.

The eighth place where RCB are currently on the 10-team table is a fair indication of their troubles, but Rajasthan's all-win record so far do not necessarily mirror their turmoil.

(With PTI Inputs)

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"Don't Test My Patience": Shaheen's Cryptic Post Amid Pak Captaincy Saga

Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has shared a cryptic post on his Instagram account amid ongoing controversy surrounding the captaincy of the national side. Shaheen was stripped of the T20 captaincy by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with Babar Azam regaining the position. The decision was taken after Pakistan slumped to a 4-1 series defeat against New Zealand just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Shaheen shared a video on his Instagram story which featured the lines - "Never ever put me in a position where I have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be. Don't test my patience. Because I might be the kindest and sweetest person you've ever met, but once I reach my limit, you'll see me do the things that no one thought I was capable of doing."

Earlier, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi opened up about his son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi's recent removal from captaincy and revealed that he always wanted to keep the young pacer away from the skipper's role.

After the captaincy fiasco, Shahid Afridi wants Shaheen to focus on his cricket and revealed that he always wanted to keep the young pacer away from captaincy as for most players it didn't end well including himself.

"I want Shaheen to focus on his own cricket. I always tried to keep Shaheen away from captaincy," Afridi said in a statement as quoted from Geo News.

Shaheen was handed T20I captaincy based on his performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he led Lahore Qalandars to consecutive title wins in 2022 and 2023.

While announcing the change in captaincy, PCB stated that reinstating Babar was a "strategic move" that was aimed at ensuring player well-being and peak performance.

Azam's first assignment after reappointment as captain will be the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand from April 18 onwards. With the T20 World Cup just two months away, Pakistan would aim to enhance their preparations for the marquee event under his leadership.

It was under his leadership that Pakistan reached the final of the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. They would now be hoping to go one better as the tournament shifts to the USA and West Indies.

(With ANI inputs)

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IPL 2024 Points Table: SRH Gain Two Spots With Win, CSK Are At...

Aiden Markram struck a brisk half-century as Sunrisers Hyderabad overcame some late jitters to beat Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in the Indian Premier League on Friday. The South African batsman hit four fours and a six in his 50-run knock to help Hyderabad overhaul Chennai's below-par total of 165-5 with 11 balls to spare at the packed Rajiv Gandhi International stadium. The victory lifted Hyderabad to fifth place in the 10-team competition with two wins from four games.

IPL 2024 Points Table | IPL 2024 Schedule

Chennai suffered their second defeat in the tournament but stayed at the third position.

Kolkata Knight Riders continue to hold the top spot while Rajasthan Royals remain at the second position. Lucknow Super Giants are fourth in the list.

Hyderabad made a flying start with opener Abhishek Sharma hammering 27 runs including three sixes and two fours in the second over by Mukesh Choudhary.

But his heroics were cut short by Deepak Chahar who had Sharma caught by Ravindra Jadeja for 37.

Markram then steadied the innings with his well-composed knock off 36 balls before being trapped leg before by England's Moeen Ali.

Ali then struck again in his next over to remove Shahbaz Ahmed (18), stunning the home crowd into silence.

Heinrich Klassen and Nitish Kumar Reddy however ensured there were no further setbacks and carried the team past the target.

Chennai started slowly after being put in to bat, with openers Rachin Ravindra (12) and Gaikwad (26) cautious in their approach.

Shivam Dube provided a fillip to the innings with a quickfire 45 off 24 balls studded with four sixes and two fours.

He appeared set for a bigger knock but was caught at backward point off Australian fast bowling star Pat Cummins.

Ajinkya Rahane (35) and Ravindra Jadeja (31 not out) also made useful contributions but Hyderabad bowlers did well to keep the batsmen in check.

A disciplined bowling performance meant CSK could only add 37 runs in the last five overs.

(With AFP Inputs)

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"BCCI Showing Mayank Yadav Haris Rauf Videos": Pak Reporter. Criticised

Farid Khan, a sports journalist from Pakistan, has been on the receiving end of some fierce criticism from fans for his prediction on Indian tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav. In a viral video, Farid claimed that Mayank will play for India in the T20 World Cup and the team management is showing him videos of Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf in order to get him prepped for the game against Pakistan in New York on June 9. For the unversed, Mayank has been making waves since making his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last month.

Despite playing just two games so far, Mayank has managed to win over former cricketers and experts with his searing pace. He bowled the fastest delivery of IPL 2024, clocked at 156.7, during the game against RCB on Tuesday.

In two matches, Mayank has picked up six wickets, conceding just 41 runs. The 21-year-old has been touted by many to play for India in the coming months.

Speaking on Mayank, Farid claimed that former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel, who is part of LSG's support staff, is working on Mayank to get him ready for the T20 World Cup, especially for the game against India.

"Mayank Yadav will be part of India's T20 World Cup squad. I assure you. You can take a screenshot of my post. India are getting him ready and he will play against Pakistan. BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf's spell against India in the last T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel is at LSG, he is getting Mayank ready," Farid said in a video posted by him on X (formerly Twitter).

Mayank Yadav will play against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024. BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf

Former Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel also working with Mayank in Lucknow, and making plans for Babar Azam & Saim Ayub #tapmad #HojaoADFree #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/skzUhmxBoQ

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) April 3, 2024

However, Farid had to face the wrath of fans for his prediction.

Here's how social media reacted:

"BCCI is already showing him videos of Haris Rauf" Why? To show him how not to bowl? lol

— Me$$! fan B@rca Supporter (@Joshia206) April 3, 2024

Bhai yeh haris rauf rauf kaun hain?

— stock market parody (@AS269146) April 3, 2024

Out of context

— shubham singh (@shubham49326686) April 3, 2024

Meanwhile, videos of Haris Rauf be like pic.twitter.com/25kOwbHLBt

— Aditya (@adt007ad_) April 3, 2024

Meanwhile, former India batter Manoj Tiwary said that if he was the selector, he would pick Mayank as India's third-choice pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

"If I was in Ajit Agarkar's position I would put him in. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and then him. Looking at Mayank's form, action and release it looks like he is in control and it feels like if you give him a bigger stage, he will deliver. With IPL where many overseas players do come in and get them out, your confidence will also go up," Tiwary said in a discussion on Cricbuzz.

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IPL 2024 Points Table: PBKS Make Massive Gain With Thrilling Win Over GT

Punjab Kings registered a thrilling victory over Gujarat Titans by three wickets in their IPL 2024 match on Thursday in Ahmedabad. Asked to bat first, GT posted 199/4 with skipper Shubman Gill playing an unbeaten knock of 89 off 48 balls. Later, PBKS clinched victory on the penultimate ball of the match after batter Shashank Singh remained unbeaten at 61 off 29 balls. Ashutosh Sharma also played a quick knock of 31 off 17 balls for PBKS. This was Punjab's second victory in four matches.

With this win, PBKS have jumped from seventh to fifth spot in the points table with a total of four points and a net run-rate of -0.220. On the other hand, GT have slipped down to the sixth spot with two victories in four matches and a net run-rate of -0.580.

Currently, Kolkata Knight Riders are on the top of the points table with a total of three victories in as many matches.

Talking about the match, Gill made 89 off 48 balls, the highest individual score this season so far, and in the process hit six fours and four maximums to guide GT to an imposing 199 for four. He was also helped generously by B Sai Sudharsan's 19-ball 33 and Rahul Tewatia's eight-ball unbeaten 23.

But there was a heartbreak in store for GT as Shashank played the knock of his life, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 29 balls during which he hit six boundaries and four sixes to guide PBKS home with a ball to spare.

He was ably supported by Ashutosh Sharma (31 off 17) as the duo shared 43 runs off just 22 balls to raise PBKS' hopes, which eventually came true.

(With PTI Inputs)

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