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West Indies thump Ireland in record-tumbling win, hit back at critics! What do we learn?

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West Indies thump Ireland in record-tumbling win, hit back at critics! What do we learn?

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This was no Greenidge and Haynes.

Let it be. This was no Gayle and Lewis either.

Did you expect that the biggest hit-makers on a very Irish Sunday would be John Campbell and Shai Hope- 6, 46 ODI innings respectively?

But hey, here's the real winner of the day. May 5, 2019.

Surely, not just Ian Bishop, a redoubtable West Indian but even their cricket's staunchest critics will 'remember the date.'

And perhaps, for times to come.

When was the last time that you saw the West Indies obliterate an ODI opponent at its own turf?

Dublin saw a run-fest. But it was a one-sided one. It also unfurled a clatter of tumbling wickets. This too, a one-sided affair. At both ends, stood the West Indians, their chests puffed, not with false ego but with pride. And at the losing end stood an Ireland, with Porterfield, Stirling, O'Brien, Wilson utterly defied.

The West Indies entered an ODI facing Ireland, in Ireland and exited the Clontarf Cricket Ground at Dublin earlier than expected.

Way earlier.

The first of the seven ODIs in the three-match series (also featuring Bangladesh) saw Jason Holder's tourists making a light work of the hosts, who were dismissed inside 32 overs. If you were a West Indies fan, then with so much spare time at hand, an ideal way to end a jubilant evening would've been in watching a re-run of the big blows and the fluent boundaries, with Holder's men for company.

This 196-run win was interesting.

It was unimaginable and must it be said, it was forged in uncertain conditions, in the sense that not many would've actually given the West Indians a chance.

After all, their key players were thousands of miles away, engulfed in IPL's sub-continental turfs, wickets that are night and day different from what they shall be facing soon in England.

This was also majestic. Given the fact that there was, apart from no Gayle, Pollard, Lewis, Russell, no Marlon Samuels either; so the West Indies were expected to have struggled, right?

But then, how many times have we heard that when you take an opponent lightly, you often end up struggling? But let's dispense with cliches. What's the point of them anyway? Just like there's no point of siding with a cliche that one thinks might be getting slightly overdone in news headlines and social media keywords: West Indies blast Ireland, West Indies trounce Ireland.

So much of all that Jazz.

Anyways, it's pointless to suggest so early on- albeit West Indies having registered a cracking triumph- are here to topple everybody in the imminent World Cup, just as it would be mindless to reduce the glory of their big win.

Not only have the West Indies never beaten Ireland by such a huge margin, but they've never done so on an Irish pitch.

So when Shai Hope and John Campbell; precision and power, timing and fluence, strokeplay plus flamboyance; joined hands on an assuming opening one-dayer of the tri-series, it were the Irish who flew from Dublin.

Sixes were being hit as if an irate crowd was pelting stones. Boundaries were being found by the middle of the bat as if a hunting pack was keen to close down on some prey.

Never before has any ODI contest seen both openers cross 150 whilst batting together. Never ever had the West Indies reached an opening stand as the colossal 365-run mark peaked by Shai Hope and John Campbell.

In so doing, the record-shattering effort that included 37 boundaries and 8 sixes, Campbell accounting for 6 half-a-dozens alone saw the West Indies better Pakistan's record stand.

The previous best was Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq's 304-run-stand vs Zimbabwe, in 2018.

And that's not all.

The heartening win, already a darling of the media, as expected, saw the West Indies pace bowlers being in the thick of things. A two-for by Roach ably supported Ashlee Nurse's four-for, with Holder and Gabriel doing their bit, the captain going under four and a half an over as the Trinidadian pacer claimed three wickets.

But caution must be thrown to the winds. The West Indies, talented and capricious in equal measure capitulate ever so suddenly. Wondering how?

It was against this very opposition that they simply collapsed in the bowling department in an important league game in 2015's Cricket World Cup. They couldn't defend 304.

Thankfully, they don't have to face the Irish threat in the 2019 ICC World Cup. But quite, on the contrary, the rest of the world will have to face what Brian Lara calls a possible "West Indies" threat.

And what's more?

The return of their big-three- Gayle, Lewis, Russell- will empower a side that's already flexing some muscle.

But again, let's not get mad here in the fun of the joyful moment. Jason Holder wouldn't want his team to be complacent here- right?

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West Indies smash Ireland, break records, as Shai and Campbell Hope

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This was no Greenidge and Haynes. Let it be. This was no Gayle and Lewis either. Did you expect that the biggest hit-makers on a very Irish Sunday would be John Campbell and Shai Hope- 6, 46 ODI innings respectively? But hey, here's the real winner of the day.

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Analysis Of Afghanistan’s 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of Afghanistan’s 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Asian side Afghanistan have battled all the odds to be one of the rising forces in world cricket. The war-torn nation will be one of the teams to look forward to in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards in England and Wales.

The Afghans had stunned one and all to win the ICC World Cup Qualifiers last year and make an entry into the main edition.

It will be just their second appearance at the World Cup, but Afghanistan are already being touted by many as the dark horses for the 10-team tournament.

They might not go on to win the World Cup, but their spirit and character may help them to make grounds and be the party spoilers.

Afghanistan have come a long way and there is a heady mix of youth and experience. They look like a side capable of springing surprises against their more fancied rivals at the mega-event.

Most of the key players have all been named and there is a sense of understanding and comfort in the bunch as far as the atmosphere is concerned.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/world-cup-2019-india-squad/
However, in a tournament where all teams will play each other in a round robin format, squad depth is vital, and Afghanistan have the resources to look forward to in the tourney.

The major point that has been discussed since a while is the leadership change, from Asghar Afghan to Gulbadin Naib.

It remains to be seen how Naib goes about doing the business right especially with Asghar being such a commendable skipper.

Under Afghan, the team had risen through the ranks, and became a Full Member of the ICC, besides winning last year's CWC Qualifier and also completing their first-ever Test win over Ireland.

It is a big gamble for a side whose current skipper having never captained in an international game. So handing him the responsibility in a World Cup is pretty shocking, but having said that, he could inject fresh energy into the squad.

Naib will also look to get crucial inputs from Asghar and the other regulars in the bunch.

Here we analyse Afghanistan's 15-member ICC World Cup 2019 squad.

Afghanistan have an aggressive top order

Afghanistan have a desired opening combination that can set the tone from the onset. In Mohammad Shahzad, they already have an opener, who has the desired knowledge and experience.

His boundary-hitting abilities could be the way for the side to go out and attack. The 31-year-old has scored 2,562 runs from 79 ODIs that includes five hundreds and 13 fifties.

He will be well supported by Hazratullah Zazai. If they decide to pair Zazai and Shahzad, there could be fireworks. The two can take bowlers to the cleaners in matter of no time.

Zazai successfully announced his arrival as a hard-hitting batsman and has garnered positive reviews. He has been an instant success in T20 cricket.

Before 2019, he featured in only two ODIs for Afghanistan and had scored only 15 runs at 7.50. This year, he has played four ODIs, all of them against Ireland, and bettered his tally to 140 runs at an average of 35.

In the shortest format. But a real test will await him in a spectacle such as the World Cup, where there will be quality bowlers all around.

He will get little time to shift his momentum from T20s to ODI cricket. They also have Noor Ali Zadran, who can be an able customer against the new ball. He has 47 ODIs under his belt.

Rahmat Shah could take the number three position and its a crucial test for the player to come in and have his say. With 58 ODIs under his belt, Rahmat has been one of the regulars in the Afghan side.

He has three hundreds and 13 fifties to his name.

Middle order has a blend of experience

31-year-old former skipper Asghar has played 99 ODIs and is one of the star players. He has what it takes to be the fulcrum of this team. His presence will aid the middle order.

He is a sound customer at number four and will be required to keep his side in the hunt. Saimullah Shinwari is one of the desired names in the side.

He is more than just a batsman. His inputs as an all-rounder will help Afghanistan. He can bowl leg-breaks and can fulfil the role as a third spinner in the side. Shinwari has 81 matches under his belt.

There is the vitality of Mohammad Nabi as well. He could be a force in that number six position. Nabi has the credentials of getting those big shots and clearing the fences.

He is an able spinner and can contain batsmen on any given pitch. His experience and simplicity will be beneficial for the side. Najibullah Zadran is a solid left-handed batsman, who can add depth from the bench.

The 26-year-old is versatile in nature and looks like someone who can be trusted when called upon.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is another big name in this squad. The middle order batsman has had a good start to his ODI career. In 24 matches, he has amassed 747 runs with a best of 97*.

He is another left-handed batsman in the ranks. 28-year-old skipper Naib is a strong all-rounder and will look to lift up the middle order. He is a strong bowling-all-rounder.

Afghanistan's bowling quartet boasts of world class spinners

Afghanistan have a world-class spin-bowling attack comprising of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb ur Rahman. The trio have been excellent over the last couple of years.

This makes them a dangerous unit and the team would look to get the best out of them in the conditions that can have something for spinners.

Interestingly, they all have the capability of claiming wickets everywhere they have played. The three spinners have picked up 54 wickets between them in the last 12 months, while the rest of the bowling line-up have just claimed 26.

That's a massive sense of comfort for the Afghans, who would be wanting to leave an impression for the fans, who have made UK their home.

Rashid is the key asset for Afghanistan. The youngster has already picked up 123 wickets in just 56 ODIs.

All three of Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb are playing in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. This will give them enough confidence and the desired inputs of working with top professionals.

One wants to see the quartet ready in the mega event. Afghanistan's main threat will come from these spinners.

Meanwhile, the seamers will be important as well specially if there's a hint of swing on offer on overcast days.

In Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, and skipper Naib, the Asian side has a decent pace attack to complement their slower bowlers. The only surprise inclusion in the side was that of veteran paceman Hamid Hassan.

"Luckily for us, the comeback of senior fast bowler Hamid Hassan is good news. However, we will take into account his form and fitness during upcoming practice matches," Ahmadzai said about the his comeback.

Squad: Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan and Mujeeb ur Rahman.

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Analysis Of Afghanistan's 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Asian side Afghanistan have battled all the odds to be one of the rising forces in world cricket. The war-torn nation will be one of the teams to look forward to in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards in England and Wales.

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Brian Lara: What We Often Underestimate or Ignore About The Legend ?

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Brian Lara: What We Often Underestimate or Ignore About The Legend ?

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The records they make help popularize cricketers. Some are known by the style they carry.

There are also those who are known by the number of times they stole a contest away from their opponents.

Then, there are those who are remembered for contributing to the weight history books ultimately gained. Guess Brian Lara was responsible for each of the above.

Where was another bat as admired as he was envied?

Was there another who appealed as much to the rest of the world as he was often reviled by his own?

To understand Brian Lara, who's turned 50, would be to stare beyond the charisma of his numbers. But the trouble is, there's quite many of them to go beyond. Can it ever be easy? You can choose to overlook the 375, but can you avoid the 277 in Sydney? You can even ignore the 400 not out but can you keep an eye away from the 153 against Australia?

Even if you succeeded in the above, can you possibly peek beyond the 156 against Pakistan, featuring a few one-handed sixes, or the 100 off 82 at Jamaica, the match-winning fifty against India in Singapore, the quintuple ton in County cricket or the only Test hundred he scored at his native Trinidad against Australia?

To get a sense of what the 'Prince of Trinidad' achieved- one might have to see beyond the ups and downs and the many turnstiles that Brian Lara himself confessed he came good against.

For a man who entertained for nearly a decade and a half, yet ending his journey with a question one may find bordering on funny and rhetorical- " Did I entertain "- could Lara have become what he did minus the challenges he encountered?

What we often ignore about Brian Lara's enigma is the foundation he built it on; never smooth, hardly secure, and seldom comforting. Losing his mother to cancer and his father quite early on in life, Brian Lara may be remembered for the monumental knocks he scored but he should also be credited for the emotional challenges he encountered and bettered in the end.

For someone whose interests lay in Accountancy and Football, Lara's gigantic leaps in Cricket would've never been had he not been encouraged to explore cricket by father, Bunty. The prodigious talent at Fatima College, one who'd become Sachin Tendulkar's number-one challenger embraced injuries, loss of form, episodes of indifference from the very cricket board he served, calling himself "a humble servant of West Indian cricket."

What we often admire about Lara are those 688 beautifully collected runs from the 3 Tests down in Sri Lanka, 2002-03. After all, he fought alone for his West Indies against Murali and Vaas at their own turf.

But what we fail to acknowledge is the period of trouble Lara encountered. We tend to neglect that before the start of the series, Lara was confronting a familiar foe: a patch of indifference with the bat.

The Lara who tamed Murali and Vaas in Sri Lanka, fighting fire with fire wouldn't have been the exemplary bat he became had he not interacted with Sir Gary Sobers, a man who guided him to make a tweak in his stance and therefore, his technique.

Yet, with all due respect, we regard Sachin for the mastery of the sweep when it was his great contemporary from Port of Spain, who swept Murali to oblivion.

Sanga, to this day, swears by Lara.

Even "Mikey" Michael Holding acknowledges Lara as a man even better than Sir Viv.

And, McGrath, Warne, Gillespie, Lee, Donald, Kallis have all found their confidence shaken by this dancing warlord on the 22 yards whose batting was perhaps as exhilarating as was the style in which he collected runs.

But implicit in the story of Brian Lara is the hunger to overcome odds; challenges that often knocked on his doors in the guise of his lackadaisical nature and bouts of inconsistency.

Akin to black clouds that strike uninvited, Brian Lara was knocked down twice in his career and that too, monumentally.

Once, before the start the Bridgetown, Barbados Test of 1998-99 series against Australia. And once, during the entirety of the England series in the Caribbean in 2004.

Not a pleasant site to see the crowd "baying for your blood" and the media "hounding" you, asking for your resignation as captain.

Yet, the events of the Barbados Test reveal that which has aptly been described by none other than Mark Waugh himself, a famous witness of the great assault waged by Lara: "Probably, the best inning I've ever seen!"

And similarly, with his team collapsing for under 50 in the series before, with Flintoff, Hoggard, Jones firing blistering cannons of speed and aggression, scoring those 400 runs, at Antigua can only be judiciously termed as an exhibition of batting masterclass.

And maybe that's the thing about Brian Lara, isn't it?

That he was so often down and out, with his back against the wall, that he had to stand in the line of fire, facing the fury of nature- be it Pollock or Waqar, Akram or McGrath- with only concentration and the desire to lift himself up being his only ally.

No one before Brian Lara made hundreds with such charisma and of that magnitude and no one has since. But it is Lara's will to succeed- something that's way more important than his flair and flamboyance- that must be paid more attention to.

And could it be that this is the thing about Brian Lara that deserves to be upheld just as his nuggets of precise focus and firepower are?

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The Genius Of Brian Lara Extends Beyond His Abilities With The Bat

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The records they make help popularize cricketers. Some are known by the style they carry. There are also those who are known by the number of times they stole a contest away from their opponents. Then, there are those who are remembered for contributing to the weight history books ultimately gained.

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How’s The Race Shaping Up For IPL 2019 Playoffs? Details Here

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How’s The Race Shaping Up For IPL 2019 Playoffs? Details Here

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 has entered to its business end of the season. The group stage is finally set to come to an end, with few matches left for every franchise.

Like usual, four teams will qualify for the playoffs. It has been an amazing ride so far with the tourney living up to its hype and expectations. We have seen some strong displays on the cricket field in IPL 2019.

The current situation sees defending champions Chennai Super Kings leading the proceedings with 16 points under their belt.

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals follow suit. The rest of the teams are also somehow alive in the race for making it to the last four.

One expects a stern battle right till the end as teams would be focusing on playing their best game of cricket to keep themselves alive in the global T20 tourney.

There are only 14 matches left in the group stage and its showdown for all the teams. Here we analyze what the eight teams need to do in order to enhance their qualification chances.

What does it mean for the current top three teams?

CSK have played smart cricket in IPL 2019 and they have reaped the benefits of an able experienced side. MS Dhoni's team lie on the top with 16 points from 12 matches.

They have two more encounters left this season. Another victory could guarantee their qualification. At the moment, their qualification is more or less confirmed.

Another victory could also assure them of sealing one of the top two spots. They are playing their remaining two matches against Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab.

After the loss against Mumbai on Friday, CSK will look to avoid defeat as there is a remote chance of elimination if other teams also reach the 16-point tally.

Delhi Capitals have been superb to watch this season.

They brought plenty of freshness and zeal into the tournament. DC look like strong candidates to make it to the last four with several match-winners available to them.

Besides CSK, the Shreyas Iyer-led unit faces bottom teams Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals.

However, it can always get tricky against both RR and RCB, Both have picked up some form and they have nothing to lose.

Even if DC lose all the three matches, they can still qualify with the help of other outfits.

The likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders should not win more than two matches in the remainder of the season.

Mumbai enhanced the qualification scenes by beating CSK at their own backyard. MI now have 14 points from 11 matches. Another victory could work in their favor.

MI face KKR twice and given their strong record against them, it is likely that MI will not only qualify, but perhaps even take the number one place. They have a strong NRR and that could be their striking factor.

Also, Rohit Sharma's team will face SRH, who will be without talismans David Warner and Jonny Bairstow.

We feel all these three teams are likely to be assured candidates in the top three.

SRH and KXIP could fight for the fourth spot

One cannot rule SRH out yet and the Kane Williamson outfit could make it to the last four. They have four more games to deal with and at least two wins could keep them afloat.

They have the best NRR this season of 0.654 and that could work strongly in their favour. If they lose at least three matches, then they may miss out on qualifying this season. SRH have their fate in their own hands.

KXIP have played well in parts and bits. But now they will be needing to give their absolute best in the remaining three games. Their clash against SRH is an enticing one, given both the sides are fighting for making it. They also face KKR and CSK in their remaining two games. KXIP need at least two wins and see how things pan out for them.

What are the bottom teams up to in IPL 2019 Playoff?

KKR have lost each of their last six IPL matches. This is a new low for the eastern giants.

They not only have to win all the three of their remaining matches, but register big margin of victories as well. They have four wins from 11 matches. Given their form and decision-making on the field, KKR might even end up finishing last this season.

A lot of factors need to work for KKR in order for them to qualify. Also, the twin battles against MI could be their undoing.

RCB did the damage to themselves after losing their first six games of the season. Since then, the side has picked up some well earned wins. The math for RCB is simple.

They need to win their remaining three matches and also hope that the likes of CSK, DC and MI beat the other teams. Quite a sticky prospect this!

Inconsistent RR will need to seal their remaining three matches like RCB and KKR to stay in the competition.

Also, like RCB, the Steve Smith-led side will want CSK, DC and MI to win all their matches. Going by the form, momentum and performances, it looks unlikely that any of these three teams will qualify for the IPL 2019 playoffs.

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How's The Race Shaping Up For IPL 2019 Playoff? Details Here

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 has entered to its business end of the season. The group stage is finally set to come to an end, with few matches left for every franchise. Like usual, four teams will qualify for the playoffs.

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Hitman Rohit Sharma Scales A Special Landmark In the IPL, Goes Past Dhoni

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Hitman Rohit Sharma Scales A Special Landmark In the IPL, Goes Past Dhoni

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Rohit Sharma in IPL 2019 leaves MS Dhoni, on top of this feat

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Rohit Sharma in IPL 2019 has just scaled a rare peak in the IPL.This happened thanks to his fantastic fifty against the CSK.

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Is Umpire Simon Taufel Correct In Saying MS Dhoni Crossed The Line In This IPL?

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Is Umpire Simon Taufel Correct In Saying MS Dhoni Crossed The Line In This IPL?

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To put it honestly, it’s not hard to separate Clint Eastwood from Simon Taufel, former ICC Cricket umpire who officiated dozens of contests at the highest level.

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IPL 2019: MS Dhoni crossed the line statement by Simon Taufel, Really???

To put it honestly, it's not hard to separate Clint Eastwood from Simon Taufel, former ICC Cricket umpire who officiated dozens of contests at the highest level.

The glint in the eye, the hat, the flustered and raised brow, and the sassy good looks: it often seemed that Clint Eastwood was officiating in an international ICC cricket contest and not Simon Taufel when it was the latter.

Makes sense too, by the way, since given his experience and the old man's unflappable wisdom, you'd rather have Clint preside over a matter from a neutral perspective, then say a Christopher Walken- right?

But on a serious note, reflect and think of Simon Taufel

If you thought about it, then the uncanny similarity between- Clint and Simon Taufel- is not the only thing that's common between the two.

Here's the thing.

Taking the cinematic inspiration of one of Eastwood's famous avatars in consideration- Dirty Harry- then the ability of Simon Taufel to call a spade a 'spade' makes him a bit like "San Francisco's finest."

Not someone who'd follow a fetish called an argument, Simon Taufel was, is, renowned for a plain and fairly uncomplicated approach to umpiring. You instantly liked his presence out in the middle and felt something 'nice' and nothing untoward about a shrewd executioner of all things cricket (decisions) on the 22 yards.

So recently when Simon Taufel made his observation about former India cricket captain MS Dhoni, it was bound to get noticed by a few and came across as a verdict from a man, who was, unquestionably, himself.

So what's it that Simon Taufel had to share on MS Dhoni, whilst not even being in the middle of the action? In the recently-held contest against the Rajasthan Royals, CSK's key asset, MS Dhoni ran stormed into the cricket field in the wake of a highly-debated no-ball ruling given by the umpire at the non-striker's end, Ulhas Gandhe.

What had happened?

Stokes bowled a full-toss to Santner, from the CSK, a delivery that although was adjudged a 'no-ball' by the on-field umpire a the non-striker's end, found disagreement with the square leg umpire, Bruce Oxenford.

Within a flash, the on-field umpire at the bowler's end put his arm down. This saw MS Dhoni running out to the field for clarification with his team needed 8 off 3.

Finally, the decision was withdrawn and CSK needed 8 off 2.

But that is when the so-called controversy erupted.

What was rather interesting wasn't whether the ball was called correctly but rather the polarising opinion MSD's arrival on the pitch got from various quarters.

So was MS Dhoni right in personally coming down to the ground, having been dismissed a few minutes back even if he was there to clarify as to what was going on?

Well, on this, Simon Taufel's presented his viewpoint.

Here's what he said:

"I would have much preferred to have seen the umpire at the bowler's end back himself and be confident with his original call, because from the officiating perspective, normally your first call or gut instinct is the right one.

The replays I have seen seem to support the original call in this case.

Be that as it may, there is no reason for the batting captain to come onto the field and contest the decision or seek clarification while the match is in progress. In this case, Dhoni did cross the line."

So, this leaves us with a simple question.

Was Dhoni in the wrong by running down to the pitch?

One may not be wrong to suggest that Dhoni's action won't make the ICC ban a cricketer of his stature or repute or push the BCCI to penalize someone who was then, merely looking for clarification.

After all, the on-field decision ruled by the umpires had a clear discord.

Did it not?

Yet, at the same time, a cricketer, cool as a cucumber that he may be, ought to know what exactly happened with the equation already hanging on the knife's edge: when can an 8 require off 3 ever be that easy?

Even the coolest sportsmen in other contests- notably Kimi Raikkonen, famously known as 'The Iceman'- are known to have lost it on occasions where the media's rhetorical questioning become a bit too much for the usually calm Finn to handle.

Dhoni, then, is no Dharma-guru. And he wasn't one in that situation. Then how in IPL 2019: MS Dhoni crossed the line statement by Simon taufel fits this incident?

To that end, Simon Taufel is also somewhere right that another player needn't have run down to the ground and asked for a clarification. Wait for the umpire's call.

To err, rather opine differently or have an opinion that isn't shared by another officiating umpire, is also human.

This is, in the same line of thought as Dhoni, who 'erred' according to what Taufel implied- right?

That said, it doesn't occur that either man- Taufel and Dhoni- did anything wrong.

At times, the intensity of a situation is simply, unbearable.

When Lara lost his cool and MS was batting

The format of the contest, shortest and the most excitable that it may be- notwithstanding- there's often a lot at stake during close encounters, such as the one seen between Chennai and Rajasthan the other day.

The noise, the expectations, the pressure and the sinking feeling of succumbing to a loss- they can all collectively take a toll on a cricketer, even the best in the world.

On that note, one instantly remembers the incident featuring Brian Lara and MS Dhoni when the West Indian quite literally snatched the ball into his hands after a controversial decision- in a Test match in the Caribbean- didn't go in Lara's favour; with a catch being declared as one taken behind the boundary line. Lara, visibly shaken and upset instructed Dhoni to walk off as the batsman stood his ground.

Why didn't one ask then the following:

Was Lara, one of the game's greatest right?

How would have his opposite number- Rahul Dravid- felt seeing the Prince's demeanor?

So who would rather blame or not blame in the Taufel-Dhoni scenario? Weren't they both correct in their respective situation?

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IPL 2019: MS Dhoni crossed the line statement by Simon taufel

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IPL 2019: MS Dhoni crossed the line statement by Simon Taufel, Really??? To put it honestly, it's not hard to separate Clint Eastwood from Simon Taufel, former ICC Cricket umpire who officiated dozens of contests at the highest level.

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Analysis of Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis of Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019 will be aiming to make themselves heard in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards in England and Wales.

The Lankan squad that was announced last week, sees plenty of surprises in terms of players picked and dropped. The selectors have gone for a squad that will bring in many surprises.

It remains to be seen how do Lanka shape up with the players at their disposal.

The Lankans went the bold way after seeing out several established names.

They appointed Dimuth Karunaratne as captain despite the player not playing a one-day international for four years.

The biggest omissions in Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019 include openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Upul Tharanga, former skipper Dinesh Chandimal, wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, and off-spinner Akila Dananjaya miss out.

That's a major reshuffle for the Island nation.

A lot will ride on Karunaratne, the current Test captain, who replaced Lasith Malinga as ODI skipper. Karunaratne, 30, led Sri Lanka to a Test series victory over South Africa earlier this year.

He will get guidance from veteran stars such as Malinga, Angelo Mathews, and Thisara Perera.

The biggest surprise in Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019 store was the inclusions of Milinda Siriwardana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Jeevan Mendis, who all made remarkable comebacks.

Siriwardana and Vandersay last played an ODI in October 2017, while Jeevan Mendis' previous appearance in the format came in the 2015 World Cup match against Afghanistan.

The major decision came after the Lankans were trounced by SA 5-0 in the ODI series. Inconsistency was the last thing certain players would have wanted.

In Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019, Lanka has taken a huge risk here, but one needs to now back the side. The 1996 champions do not go in as one of the favorites.

The basic idea will be to give everything and enjoy the cricket played in this mega tourney. Here we analyze Sri Lanka's 15-member squad announced for the 2019 World Cup.

Lanka have desirable options in batting

Skipper Karunaratne is a notable Test player and he has played just 17 ODIs up till now.

So this will be a big test for the player to come in and mold himself to the demands of 50-over cricket. He will not get the time to settle in as this is the World Cup and teams will be coming hard at each other.

The application will be key for Karunaratne and he needs to also Marshall his troops well.

21-year-old opening batsman Avishka Fernando keeps his place.

He is likely to be the back-up. He has played just 5 ODIs and scored 71 runs. He was recently seen against South Africa.

Thirimanne last played an ODI in 2017. It remains to be seen how he fits in.

He is most likely to open the batting. The left-handed batsman has the desired experience.

He has played 117 ODIs with four hundred and 20 fifties to his name.

Kusal Perera forms the crux in the middle order. A lot will depend on his form and consistency.

The wicket-keeper batsman is a regular in the side. He has scored 2,283 runs in 88 ODIs for Lanka. He will be accompanied by Kusal Mendis.

The talented cricketer will hope to add solidity at number four. He has 62 ODIs under his belt.

Altogether it is a decent batting unit, but there are question marks.

All-rounders the base of Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019

Sri Lanka have named a host of all-rounders to give them the balance.

They have solid experience in the form of Mathews and Perera. A veteran of 203 ODIs, Mathews will be of utmost significance for the side.

He has the knowledge of playing in World Cups. Mathews will be wanting to give his all, given that it is perhaps his final World Cup.

The 31-year-old can boast of a productive career that has seen him amassing 5,380 runs, besides 114 wickets under his belt.

Mathews will need to chip in consistently and power Lanka.

Perera's presence adds the cushion of a hard-hitting all-rounder. The 30-year-old is one of the senior members in the side and the responsibility is huge on his shoulders.

The bowling all-rounder has taken 169 scalps from 153 ODIs.

He is no mug with the bat. Perera can strike the ball at will. He has a ton and the fifties to throw weight to his credentials as a significant batsman.

Isuru Udana offers support and is the other pace-bowling all-rounder. In five ODIs, he has been decent so far with his offerings.

A player that will need to be ready when called upon from the bench. Jeevan and Siriwardana are spin-bowling all-rounders in the Lankan squad.

Jeevan with his leg-breaks could come in as an important player.

Dhananjaya de Silva brings quality in the side. He will provide variety with his off-breaks. So a wide pool of players to choose from for the Lankan team.

This is the moment for these players to come out and perform ably. Lanka's main threat will come from this department.

Malinga leads the bowling attack

Lasith Malinga is the major hope for Sri Lanka in the 2019 World Cup.

The right-arm fast bowler is one of the best in the world and the entire team is depending on his services.

He has the potential to be consistent and despite dropping pace, he still can turn up and produce match-winning efforts as seen in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

He also has leadership qualities and will look to hand inputs to the players and motivate them.

The veteran star, who is set to retire from ODIs after the World Cup, will have the extra motivation going on.

He will look to extract the confidence in seam-friendly conditions. With 322 scalps to his name, Malinga has been a champion performer.

32-year-old Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep are two premium pacers.

They will look to rally around Malinga and offer the support. Lakmal has taken 105 wickets in 81 ODIs and is a mainstay in this team.

Vandersay comes in as the only specialist spin-bowler in this side.

His role will be immense as well. He needs to step up with his bowling average being on the higher side. It's a moment for him to prove his mettle after the selectors invested faith in him.

Sri Lanka Squad for World Cup 2019 Fixtures

June 1: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Cardiff

June 4: Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Cardiff

June 7: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Bristol

June 11: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Bristol

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 21: England v Sri Lanka, Headingley

June 28: Sri Lanka v South Africa, Chester-le-Street

July 1: Sri Lanka v West Indies, Chester-le-Street

July 6: Sri Lanka v India, Headingley

Sri Lanka World Cup squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Avishka Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Jeevan Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhananjaya de Silva, Milinda Siriwardana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

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Analysis of Team Sri Lanka squad for World Cup 2019

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Sri Lanka squad for world cup 2019 will be aiming to make themselves heard in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. The Lankan squad that was announced last week, sees plenty of surprises in terms of players picked and dropped.

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Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar: Celebrating His Best Career Knocks.

‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar is celebrating his 46th birthday today. The greatest ever batsman to have graced the game, Sachin was one of his kind... Read more visit kyro sports.

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Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar: Celebrating His Best Career Knocks

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Sachin Tendulkar turns 46 today. We celebrate Tendulkar's birthday by looking at his best career knocks. We wish Tendulkar happy birthday.

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Analysis Of New Zealand’s 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of New Zealand’s 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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For ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand was the first nation to announce a 15-man squad for to be held in England and Wales from May 30 onwards.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand Squad

Kane Williamson will lead the side and a lot revolves around the sturdy cricketer. Veteran Ross Taylor is set to be the seventh New Zealand player to feature in four Cricket World Cups. That's a massive achievement.

Meanwhile, Williamson, Tim Southee, and Martin Guptill will be playing in their third World Cup tourney. All three are currently plying their trades in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The biggest surprise came in the form of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to play an ODI. Tim Seifert, a regular back-up in recent times to Tom Latham, was excluded.

This was partly due to a broken finger which has kept him out of action for the past month.

Blundell's List A record is decent - he has averaged 23.81 with three half-centuries in 40 games so far, though he has a Test hundred. He is considered as a talented keeper behind the stumps.

Seamer Doug Bracewell, who featured in New Zealand's home season, was handed the axe.

There were several other fast bowlers competing for spots, which led to Bracewell missing out.

Coach Gary Stead said that there were some tough calls during the selection process, but felt the right balance has been struck.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket, and to be the first nation to name a squad for the tournament is really exciting.

I'd like to congratulate all the players selected. To represent your country at a World Cup is a huge honor, and I know the entire squad and support staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead," he said.

"As with any squad named for a major tournament, there's had to be some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players.

The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive World Cup," the Kiwi coach added.

New Zealand opens their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 1 in Cardiff. Here we analyze ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand squad.

Williamson will need to handle the top order

New Zealand have experience in the opening department to start with. Colin Munro and Martin Guptill are the household names.

They will be the main openers and both provide the base of getting off to brisk starts. They can take the game away in a flash and that can set the tempo for the Kiwis. Although, both these players can be guilty of being inconsistent at times.

Guptill, who scored 423 runs in ODIs last year, was wayward against India at the start of 2019. He got back to form against Bangladesh and scripted two successive centuries.

He has the desired quality to come strong. Munro will need to play smart cricket and make his selection count. The southpaw has all the shots in his book, but he has a poor average.

So the onus lies on Williamson to make it count for the side in an event as big as the World Cup. He will be the cynosure of all eyes.

The world class batsman's role is massive at number three. When you look at other sides, they have their best batters in this position.

Virat Kohli (India), Joe Root (England), Steve Smith (Australia) and Babar Azam (Pakistan) are some of the biggest names donning the role.

Williamson was massive in 2018 and scored 468 runs in 11 matches last year that included two tons. His consistency will be beneficial for the side.

Taylor powers the Kiwis middle order

Ross Taylor was New Zealand's best batsman in ODIs last year.

He smashed 639 runs in 11 matches and was included in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. The veteran has plenty of experience under his belt.

He has smashed 8,026 runs in 218 ODIs for New Zealand. Taylor's quality will benefit NZ in the middle order. He has the knack of getting those big scores and steering the side.

Henry Nicholls provides immense quality and depth. He is one of the rising stars of this unit. Nicholls has eight fifties and a ton in ODI cricket.

Tom Latham is a serious customer, who provides the authority in the middle. The southpaw has grown to become a quality name over the last five years.

The wicket-keeper batsman's aggression will be crucial for the side.

Jimmy Neesham is a powerful all-rounder and his exploits with the bat in the lower middle order will serve purpose. He has the credentials to go long and strong at the death.

The side will be bolstered by his presence as there is a sense of cushion with him. Colin de Grandhomme has risen as a renowned cricketer. He can produce the fireworks and is a superb fielder as well.

28-year-old debutant Blundell will provide the cushion from the bench. He has been decent in domestic cricket.

NZ bowlers have the essentials to thrive

The Black Caps have a solid bowling line-up at their disposal.

The conditions in England and Wales will be supportive of their gameplay and one expects the bowlers to join the party.

Trent Boult, who is a master of swing bowling, could be the one to light up the show for the Kiwis. He was their star player in the 2015 World Cup.

Boult is a big match player and one expects him to stand up and deliver for the Black Caps.

Boult has 147 wickets in 79 ODIs at an economy-rate of 5.07. The left-arm speedster will have the experienced Tim Southee to support him.

Southee was superb in the previous edition of the World Cup and the two bowlers did well with the new ball. Lockie Ferguson brings great pace on offer.

He has the tendency to go for runs, but the right-arm fast bowler can give you wickets. So far he has been solid for New Zealand.

Matt Henry is the fourth pacer of the side. The 27-year-old is a polished cricketer and brings genuine wicket-taking abilities.

He has had a fruitful career with 78 wickets in just 43 matches. The bowler can clock consistently over 140 kph.

Ishant Sodhi got the over Todd Astle as the second main spinner. Sodhi is experienced and has played 63 limited-overs internationals.

He will be effective with his leg-spin on offer. Left-arm spinner Santner will lead the line. The versatile all-rounder is quite a utility player in the ranks for NZ.

Neesham and Grandhomme provide the cushion as pace-bowling all-rounders.

The Kiwis have lots of variety in their bowling and that makes them a solid side.

New Zealand World Cup fixtures list and squad

June 1: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Cardiff

June 5: Bangladesh v New Zealand, The Oval

June 8: Afghanistan v New Zealand, Taunton

June 13: India v New Zealand, Trent Bridge

June 19: New Zealand v South Africa, Edgbaston

June 22: West Indies v New Zealand, Old Trafford

June 26: New Zealand v Pakistan, Edgbaston

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's

July 1: England v New Zealand, Chester-le-Street

NZ squad: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin Munro, Ish Sodhi, Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham.

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ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand announce 15-member squad

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For ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand was the first nation to announce a 15-man squad for to be held in England and Wales from May 30 onwards. Kane Williamson will lead the side and a lot revolves around the sturdy cricketer.

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IPL 2019 DCvsRR: Delhi won by 6 wickets with the help of Pant & Dhawan

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IPL 2019 DCvsRR: Delhi won by 6 wickets with the help of Pant & Dhawan

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IPL 2019 DCvsRR - Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets & secured top place

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In IPL 2019 DCvsRR With the help of half-centuries of Pant (78 not out) & Dhawan (54), Delhi Capitals secured the top position in the table

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Dinesh Karthik Has Lost The Plot As One Dimensional KKR Fall Rapidly

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Dinesh Karthik Has Lost The Plot As One Dimensional KKR Fall Rapidly

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The Indian Premier League is entering its final stages ahead of the play-offs.

The main aspect for teams at this juncture is to pick up a form or maintain the consistency, but in IPL 2019 KKR have done the exact opposite.

In IPL 2019 KKR, who started the season with a bang, are in a position of bother. Their IPL 2019 campaign seems to be getting over rather quickly.

The famed eastern giants have become too predictable for teams and that's become an issue for the Dinesh Karthik-led side.

In IPL 2019 KKR were table-toppers after having played five matches with four well-earned victories. Since then, everything has seemed to go haywire for the side.

Four successive losses with three at home is something the franchise wouldn't have hoped for. The major issue for the side is the bowling, which promised aplenty prior to the season.

But from game one, the body language of the bowlers have been negative.

Nine matches into the season, of IPL 2019 KKR's bowlers haven't changed their guard. There is no pleasure in watching them. The wicket columns have been dismal as well.

KKR have hardly been able to pick up wickets in matches and that has allowed teams to show their resurgence in approaching big scores.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik has done little significance in not coming with a proper plan and execution. That has hurt the side even more.

The loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday highlighted KKR's problems and also shows a chunk in the leadership armour.

They have a battle in hand now and need to stitch a flurry of wins to qualify for the play-offs. At this rate, the chances of being amongst the top four looks almost over.

Here we analyse KKR's rapid fall in IPL 2019 and how DK has lost the plot completely.

Karthik's leadership attributes have been questionable

The freshness Karthik brought last season is missing this term. It is as if he is depending on miracles from Andre Russell to come and rescue the side in every game.

He has been consistently going in with players that haven't performed. The question arises that is Karthik bold enough to drop players who are in their comfort zones?

At the moment he looks timid and clueless. The decision-making has robbed him. He doesn't know what his middle order should be in terms of which batsmen bat where.

Shubman Gill struggled at Eden Gardens against Chennai Super Kings as a finisher and he laboured his way through. And then on Friday, the youngster was asked to bat at number three when the side needed 214 runs to win. Gill suffered and got dismissed in a flash.

As a team one needs the best batters to come early.

So Nitish Rana and Russell need to come at number three and four to keep the momentum. At the moment allowing a struggling Robin Uthappa bat ahead of them is robbing KKR.

It was his approach that saw the side lose their way in the chase against RCB.

Karthik has harmed the side for not taking the mantle himself. He is a proven customer and needs to come early on like he did last season.

He hasn't been in the scenes. There is a feeling of him hiding at the moment. Also the decision to back players like Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna game in and out makes little sense. They have been a disaster this season.

Karthik's decision-making in terms of personnel in the starting XI has been a major failure.

In IPL 2019 KKR have been one dimensional

It is safe to claim that KKR have been one dimensional. There is no surprise element and the performances have been similar.

Teams know the weak link they possess and that's hurt the side. The bowlers have lacked the urgency and it's the same old tactics.

Krishna is really lucky to keep his place. One doesn't understand why an in-form bowler like Sandeep Warrier is limited to the bench? As of now Krishna has bowled at one tempo.

He has been on the shorter side and bad length balls have done him in. There is that dimension that is being discussed here.

Sunil Narine provides the hit or miss theory upfront. Teams have a plan against him and it has worked well. Why not shaken things up?

Why are KKR shying away from tactics? Opening with a Gill or Uthappa allows Chris Lynn to attack from the word go. And that's where someone like a Uthappa can take his time and rely on strike rotation.

The approach by KKR at the moment is no matter how we bat, we will rely on Russell to come and bail us out every game. This has made sure that KKR have lost wickets aplenty while batting.

There is a sense of rush and madness and often there is a lack of steel. If this dimension doesn't change, then KKR will continue to struggle.

In IPL 2019 KKR's bowling has been awful

In IPL 2019 KKR were expected to benefit largely especially from their trio of world class spinners. Instead, the likes of Piyush Chawla, Sunil Narine and Kuldeep have been below par.

16 wickets are all that KKR have managed from these three. The three spinners are nowhere near to the level of last term.

Collectively, they have conceded over eight runs per over. That's just unacceptable from players where so much is invested on them.

Kuldeep, in particular, has struggled with no rhythm in his game. He looks tired and out of ideas. On Friday, Moeen Ali dismissed him to all parts of the ground as he ended up conceding 59 runs.

KKR haven't been able to close out games and it is the lack of zeal at the death.

Teams have targeted KKR on most occasions at the final phase and the ploy has worked. Also, the lack of wickets have hurt them.

Strangely, the spinners haven't worked well as a team and too many easy deliveries are the root cause of being in a place they are. One decent ball is followed by two or three bad ones.

The pace battery has been awful. Krishna has bagged just two wickets in nine games. His economy rate is above nine. Lockie Ferguson (2 wickets) has conceded above 10 runs in over across five matches. That's been terrible. The issue is mainly at the death overs where KKR bowlers have leaked the runs.

The management needs to be bold enough to change the resources and get in fresh faces. Perhaps, this will serve as the best gamble in this pivotal part of the season. Otherwise, things could be similar for KKR in terms of production.

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IPL 2019 KKR Falls Rapidly Dinesh Karthik Has Lost The Plot

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The Indian Premier League is entering its final stages ahead of the play-offs. The main aspect for teams at this juncture is to pick up a form or maintain the consistency, but in IPL 2019 KKR have done the exact opposite. In IPL 2019 KKR, who started the season with a bang, are in a position of bother.

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Analysis Of Pakistan’s 15-member Provisional Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of Pakistan’s 15-member Provisional Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of Pakistan's 15-member Squad For ICC World Cup 2019

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Pakistan announced a strong 15-member provisional squad for ICC World Cup 2019. Here we analyse the squad ahead of the World Cup.

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Analysis Of South Africa’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of South Africa’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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South Africa have named an experienced 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 starting from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. The Proteas go into the coveted event as the dark horses.

Like usual, the South African side boast of immense steel and character on paper. It is the final outcome that will test them once again. Recent results in ODIs could play a strong role in bringing in the necessary substance in a marquee event.

South Africa's squad sees the experienced Hashim Amla being included. He was one of the major doubts given his poor form off late. His inclusion has resulted in Reeza Hendricks missing the cut.

Apart from that, the South African squad looks well settled and furnished. It was expected that the team will rely around the names that have been named by the selectors.

South Africa have some strong names in both batting and bowling and it's the latter where they could be more effective and dangerous.

They also face India on June 5. The start for them will be a difficult one, but one expects SA to rise to the challenge and provide a stern fight. They are ranked third in the ICC Rankings for Teams at the current moment.

South Africa will be in the mix in terms of the heavyweights going into the World Cup. Here we analyse their 15-member squad ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

SA will rely upon a power packed opening combination. They have the quality in the form of Quinton de Kock. The southpaw is currently enjoying a strong form with the bat.

He was on top gear against Sri Lanka in the ODIs this year. De Kock churned out his most productive ODI bilateral series ever. He slammed one century and three fifties in five innings.

He is currently doing well for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2019 season. In eight matches in 2019, he has already amassed 469 runs at an average of 58.62.

De Kock will be one assured opener and it remains to be seen whom South Africa choose to partner him with at the top.

Amla has been an accomplished senior player for South Africa in ODIs. He has scored 7,910 runs in ODIs at an average of just under 50. However, the classy batsman has struggled for form lately.

2018 was a disaster for Amla across formats as he failed to show any signs of consistency. But he has the pedigree which worked in his favour.

Aiden Markram is the third name in the list. He has played 18 ODIs for the Proteas and has a poor average of 29.58. He is yet to hit a ton. Markram could perhaps be looked upon as the third choice opener here.

He has the promise though of producing substance and is a fine Test player. Maintaining scoring form will be important.

Du Plessis will shoulder the middle order

Skipper Faf du Plessis will take command over the middle order. He has been in strong touch with the bat this year with 427 runs in 10 matches. The experienced campaigner will be crucial for the advancement of the team.

His role and importance in the side is of great value. Faf will need to do the bulk of scoring and Marshall his troops well.

The captain will be supported by veterans David Miller and JP Duminy in the middle order. The two left-handed batsmen have enough character and knowledge about the game.

Their ability to play match-winning innings will hand the side enough impetus. Miller is amongst the runs in IPL 2019 and Duminy is currently nursing an elbow injury.

Rassie van der Dussen is one of the promising high-profile names. He has had a strong start to his international career. In nine ODIs, he has scored 353 runs to aid the Proteas team.

He could be given the nod ahead of Duminy in the middle. The availability of all-rounders such as Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo will be important for SA in the lower middle order.

Both are handy pace-bowling all-rounders and will offer impetus in the bowling as well.

SA have a dream bowling line-up on offer

Faf will also have a lot of pace options to choose from, with all of Kagiso Rabada, Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje and Pretorius in the mix.

Rabada and Steyn are the go to bowlers and the leaders of this unit. Their form and experience can guide SA in going long and strong.

Rabada has lit up IPL 2019 with a flurry of wickets. Steyn has also been roped in by RCB as a replacement bowler. There is that presence of world class attributes with the two at the helm.

Ngidi and Nortje add variable support and present a strong case as the third pacer in the team. Both these player missed the ongoing IPL with injuries.

Nortje can hit speeds upwards of 150kph as he showed the same in the Mzansi Super League last year. He also impressed in the Sri Lanka series, where he made his debut. Both players are on the road to recovery.

The spin department will be headed by 40-year-old wrist-spinner Imran Tahir. The ace spinner has been on fire in the IPL 2019 season for Chennai Super Kings. He will look to continue with his fine form in the coveted tournament.

The side can also fall back on Tabraiz Shamsi if they need a back-up to Tahir. Meanwhile, Duminy is an experienced part-timer as well.

With Pretorius and Phehlukwayo, SA will not be short of bowlers in a match even if someone has a bad day.

Here is a look at South Africa's fixtures and complete squad

May 30: England v South Africa, The Oval

June 2: South Africa v Bangladesh, The Oval

June 5: South Africa v India, Southampton

June 10: South Africa v West Indies, Southampton

June 15: South Africa v Afghanistan, Cardiff

June 19: New Zealand v South Africa, Edgbaston

June 23: Pakistan v South Africa, Lord's

June 28: Sri Lanka v South Africa, Chester-le-Street

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, JP Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.

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Analysis Of South Africa's 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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South Africa have named an experienced 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 starting from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. The Proteas go into the coveted event as the dark horses. Like usual, the South African side boast of immense steel and character on paper.

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Chennai’s flop show without Dhoni, Hyderabad won by 6 wickets

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Chennai’s flop show without Dhoni, Hyderabad won by 6 wickets

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CSKvsSRH IPL 2019 - Chennai's Flop Show Without Dhoni

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In CSKvsSRH IPL 2019 Without Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings was batting first, could score only 132 runs on five wickets.

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Analysis Of England’s 15-member preliminary squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of England’s 15-member preliminary squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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England go into the ICC World Cup 2019 as one of the leading favourites to win the coveted trophy. The Eoin Morgan-led side has played an excellent brand of cricket over the last few years. England's dominance in the ODIs have largely been due to a settled unit that has boasted plenty of firepower. Since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, England have won a whopping six ODI series.

There is no doubt that the side will be the team to beat at home when the World Cup starts from May 30 onwards. Perhaps the biggest moment for England was against a visiting Indian team in the 3-match ODI series in July 2018. And the hosts came out strong to seal the three-match series 2-1. In both their wins, England were class ahead of India. That will gave them the intensity and belief to be strong headed.

Apart from that, the dual series win against Australia both away and home was a terrific feat.

On Wednesday, the ECB named a 15-member preliminary squad for the 2019 World Cup. They went with the same set of players who featured in the one-day internationals against West Indies earlier this year. But as per the ECB, the door for certain players aren't closed yet. With England playing against Pakistan in an ODI series prior to the World Cup, a few players named in the squad could push for selection for the main event.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/world-cup-2019-india-squad/
The top ODI side also plays a 50-over match against Ireland as well. The number one ranked team in ODIs have left out Jofra Archer from their initial squad of 15 for the Cricket World Cup. The door, however, is not closed on Archer's World Cup aspirations: he has been named in the squads for the Ireland and Pakistan series.

The in-form Sussex player can potentially be still considered for the mega event based on his performances. He has been in excellent form in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Also, players like Chris Jordan and Sam Billings could also provide a late challenge when England's main draft is prepared ahead of the World Cup.

Morgan's side has all the resources in hand and it's a bit bowling heavy at the moment. But the team has all the credentials to make it large at home where conditions and the momentum will suffice them to large extent. The Three Lions are backed to excel in the World Cup and go bonkers. Here we analyse England's preliminary World Cup squad.

England's mix in opening presents a strong tale

The English team has the best batting unit in the world at the moment. Openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow provide the ultimate joy atop and are both aggressive with their intent. They deserve a special mention for being the best in business going into the World Cup. They had a terrific 2018 and amassed 1,025 and 894 runs respectively. The aggression provided by the two players makes England dominate the show from the word go.

All will depend on Roy and Bairstow's fine understanding. The two players have thrived at home and they know the conditions in and out. They can unsettle bowlers at ease. That's where the strength lies.

Alex Hales provides a solid back-up and he is a responsible player. Whenever he has got a chance, the player has grabbed the same. There is a sense of purpose and identity here in England's opening ranks. Hales scored a sublime 457 runs in 10 matches last year. That's a strong number for a back-up option.

So the mix is well sought by the selectors here and that makes the hosts pretty confident in their approach. So England aren't short of options here.

There is a sense of responsibility in the middle order

Every time, someone or the other across the line-up has come and stood tall. There is no panic in that middle order. Imagine having a star performer like Jos Buttler coming in at number 6 and clearing the ropes at ease. He is that perfect finisher in the side. His 671 runs this year tells you a story of sheer work and motivation shown by him.

That being said, when you look at the series against India, it was the stupendous successive centuries by Joe Root that helped England take charge. Skipper Eoin Morgan, who was undergoing a lean patch in the start of 2018, took control from there on. His consistency told from the series against New Zealand.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/australia-squad-for-world-cup-2019/
He did well against India and then versus Sri Lanka. His presence till the end has helped England win matches. This is crucial for the team to see the skipper stand strong. Both Root and Morgan featured in the list for top run-scorers in ODIs in 2018. Root dominated the show with 936 runs and Morgan joined the party with 756 to his tally.

What it does highlight is the consistency in the ranks and players are ready to show their contributions in a timely fashion. Sam Billings is another player pushing for a place. England could perhaps drop a seamer and get Billings to add that extra bit of cushion in the batting unit. bench strength will be key.

England have tremendous depth in all-round department

Looking at the players they have in this zone, one can easily claim them as the best in business at this moment.

Enigmatic Ben Stokes is a class act with Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali offering immense contributions time and time again. Woakes in particular provides that assurance in the lower middle order. With the ball he solves a lot of problems. In 2018, Woakes took 19 wickets in 12 ODIs. He also scored an impressive 205 runs in this period and with the batsmen above him delivering, he hasn't got many chances.

What bodes well for England is that Woakes knows how to bat sensibly and his power hitting capabilities make him a sheer match winner. He promises so much and his consistency is class above the rest.

Then there is spin all-rounder Moeen. He has been a regular in the side and has played 22 matches this year. Moeen impressed with 29 wickets last season. Moeen like Woakes, is a power performer. England bat real deep which helps the side to keep themselves in the game.

Joe Denly is there as well. The experienced campaigner has earned his place via the domestic circuit and he is someone who can take charge from ball one. Denly has developed his leg-spin to be more than part-time bowler. He can open the innings or come in at number three. So it's solidity written all over.

England look to go all out with their bowling

The pace options for the Morgan's side consists of a plethora of pacers. England have followed Australia in terms of going in with a heavy pace attack. The likes of Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, David Willey and Tom Curran are the four frontline names. Plunkett and Wood are the names that will be the go to options for Morgan. Wood in particular has done well in recent times.

In Plunkett, the side gets plenty of experience to deal with. Willey and Curran are notable options. However, if Archer stakes a claim, then he could be making the cut. The Rajasthan Royals bowler is the dark horse for the side if he features in the final squad. With the presence of regulars Stokes and Woakes, the England line-up gets a brilliant feel to it.

England's bowling has a fabulous mix of experience and youth on offer. Spinner Adil Rashid, in particular, has been in his own league. He finished 2018 with with 42 scalps. He has been among the wickets consistently and has the wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. Add Moeen and Denly to it and there is plenty of options for the team to deal with. Moeen took an impressive 29 wickets in 2018.

The World Cup being in England gives them the edge just like the host nations India and Australia got in 2011 and 2015 respectively.

Here is a look at England's fixtures and complete squad

May 30: England v South Africa, The Oval

June 3: England v Pakistan, Trent Bridge

June 8: England v Bangladesh, Cardiff

June 14: England v West Indies, Southampton

June 18: England v Afghanistan, Old Trafford

June 21: England v Sri Lanka, Headingley

June 25: England v Australia at Lord's

June 30: England vs India, Edgbaston

July 3: England v New Zealand, Chester-le-Street

World Cup squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

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Analysis Of England's 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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England go into the ICC World Cup 2019 as one of the leading favourites to win the coveted trophy. The Eoin Morgan-led side has played an excellent brand of cricket over the last few years. England's dominance in the ODIs have largely been due to a settled unit that has boasted plenty of firepower.

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Analysis Of Australia’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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Analysis Of Australia’s 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019

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The Australia squad for world cup 2019 was announced on Monday with David Warner and Steve Smith's return being the major highlight.

Smith and Warner make a comeback to the international fold following 12-month bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that took place in South Africa last year.

Australia, who are being touted as one of the favourites for the trophy, looks heavy on the bowling front.

The selection was always going to be a tough one as stated by coach Justin Langer and it proved out to be the same. There was no room for in-form batsman Peter Handscomb, who was surprisingly left out.

With Smith's return, Australia squad for world cup 2019 are looking to identify the position that was undertaken by Handscomb. Moreover, the heavy artillery in the pace department meant there was no space for an extra batsman to add depth.

Joining Handscomb in the list were Ashton Turner and Kane Richardson, who toured India and the United Arab Emirates last month.

However, the likes of Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson were called up subject to fitness, while star pacer Josh Hazelwood missed out completely due to injury woes.
ALSO READ:Analysis of India's 15 Member squad for ICC World Cup 2019
The 15-man squad announcement comes as Australia seek title defence in England and Wales where the tournament kicks off from May 30 onwards.

Aussies beat New Zealand on home soil four years ago to lift their fifth World Cup honour. Trevor Hohns, the chairman of the selectors, said the return of "world-class players" Warner and Smith would help Australia win the World Cup.

"[Smith and Warner] are world-class players and it has been pleasing to see them produce some good form in the IPL. We have been extremely pleased with how the ODI squad has been building over the past six months," Trevor Hohns said.

With the impending Ashes tour following immediately after the World Cup, this will mark an important phase for the side. here we analyse the Australian 15-member squad and what's in store for Aaron Finch's men.

Langer eyes flexibility as Aussies have headache with openers

With the return of Warner, Australia have a selection headache in terms of opening combination.

Usman Khawaja and Finch have been solid as an unit after scoring the runs against Pakistan in the 5-0 series whitewash.

Warner also has been in tremendous form in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The southpaw has scored 400 runs and is the Orange Cap holder.

His return means that the Aussies will have to change the dynamics a bit.

What we feel strongly is that all three of Finch, Khawaja and Warner will feature in the starting line-up and perhaps the skipper will drop down to accommodate Warner.

Even Khawaja may be asked to come in at number three, given that Warner and Finch have enjoyed a solid run in the past.

The left-hander has been supreme in 2019 and has amassed 769 runs which is the highest by a batsman this year.

Finch got back to form against Pakistan and is amongst the runs.

Warner's form also is sky high at the moment.

That shows Australia have three in-form batsmen that could take hold of the top order. Coach Langer has called for flexibility.

"We have amazing flexibility now Usman and Finchy have done an incredible job opening the batting.

David and Finchy have done a great job in the past doing it. I love the flexibility of it.

[It's about] boys playing their roles for the team not just playing the roles that suit them," Langer told Melbourne radio SEN.

A look at Australia's middle order

All eyes will be on talisman Smith, who was Australia's best player in the 2015 edition of the World Cup. The Aussie superstar had amassed a mouth-watering 402 runs from eight matches.

Smith had smashed one century and four fifties. He will be required to handle the batting department and will need players to revolve around him.

Smith's eye for the details and ability to score big runs will help Australia immensely. He is a strong platform for Australia to count upon.

Shaun Marsh adds valuable experience. The southpaw will need to be ready whenever called upon to handle the responsibility.

Glenn Maxwell is another player that is in form for the Aussies and he has matured into a fine player. His ability to handle pressure and play some crucial knocks is becoming the order of the day.

Maxi will also be needed to bowl a few overs on a consistent basis. His fielding is a plus for the side.

Marcus Stoinis is another name that fits into this starting XI. The all-rounder adds depth and is a strong finisher like Maxi.

His ability to be variable with the ball could help Australia in the middle overs.

Alex Carey is the lone wicket-keeper. He is another strong name in that middle order.

What Australia do lack is someone like a Handscomb to give them that extra bit in batting. Besides Marsh, they do not have an established name in the bench.

That could be a testing situation for the world champions. It remains to be seen whether the decision to leave Handscomb out has much bearing.

Australia have gone for a heavy bowling attack

Australia have named a heavy bowling unit to present their case in England and Wales.

They have gone for a five-man pace attack with variety written all over.

We will see two pacers warming the bench on most occasions and perhaps there could be plenty of rotation in store. That must be the reason behind this move.

Mitchell Starc, who was the best bowler in the 2015 World Cup for the Aussies, returns to the mix. He has been training well after making a return from injury.

His form and fitness will be a major highlight. The Aussies will want a 100% fit Starc and will unleash him at the opponents.

Starc is the senior figure alongside Nathan Coulter-Nile, who has enough quality and experience to cause an effect. He was in strong form in the series against Pakistan.

Jason Behrendorff, who is currently plying his trade in the IPL, gets a look in as the second left-arm pacer of this team.

He doesn't have much experience playing for Aussies, but is riding on some strong form this year. Joining Behrendorff is Jhye Richardson, who looks a strong bet.

He has drawn attention with his wicket-taking abilities and has express pace. He is currently nursing a dislocated shoulder, but is expected to make a comeback soon.

Pat Cummins is the ace of this bowling unit. The right-arm fast bowler holds the cards for Australia's show in the coveted tourney. Cummins is enjoying the best spell of his life.

The Aussies have gone in with two spinners.

Adam Zampa is the in-form name that will look to hurt sides with his consistency. He has played a major role in helping Australia win against India last month.

Zampa is their leading wicket-taker this year, with 18 scalps. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon adds cover. His experience will be a soothing aspect for the side.

Here is a look at Australia's fixtures and complete squad

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia at Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies at Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia at The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan at Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia at The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh at Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia at Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia at Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa at Old Trafford (D/N)

Australia Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

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Team analysis Of Australia squad for world cup 2019

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The Australia squad for world cup 2019 was announced on Monday with David Warner and Steve Smith's return being the major highlight. Smith and Warner make a comeback to the international fold following 12-month bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that took place in South Africa last year.

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The ICC World Cup 2019 starts from May 30 onwards in England and Wales and prior to that teams would be wanting that the major trump cards stay mentally fresh and is in form.

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What’s Been The Issue With India’s Top Order Batsmen In IPL 2019?

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What’s Been The Issue With India’s Top Order Batsmen In IPL 2019?

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The ICC World Cup 2019 starts from May 30 onwards in England and Wales and prior to that teams would be wanting that the major trump cards stay mentally fresh and is in form.

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The ICC World Cup 2019 starts from May 30 onwards in England and Wales and prior to that teams would be wanting that the major trump cards stay mentally fresh and is in form.

For India, a lot depends on how the top order functions during the coveted event.

The success of the team has been solely based on the consistent performances of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

These three batsmen have shared the responsibility of scoring the bulk of runs for the tam since the last few years.

India owe their success story to these three, who have been the pivotal force in giving the team momentum.

And we expect the trio to give its all in the upcoming 2019 World Cup less than two months away.

To be honest, India's major strength lies in the top order given the unpredictable nature of the batsmen in the middle.

However, in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, the three batsmen are yet to hit the right chords.

Several issues have hampered the three players be it form, pressure and a negative pattern.

India will be wanting these three superstars to be in the best possible frame of mind going into the World Cup.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/australia-are-in-the-mix-as-favourites-for-the-icc-world-cup-2019/

India's main success in ODI cricket is largely due to these players and the side being considered as one of the favourites is also due to the same.

With consistent issues in middle order and India lacking the composure, the onus on the top order is immense.

So the IPL is expected to play a significant role and help the players stay in sync.

Here we look at the three players and the issues surrounding them and what needs to be done going into the World Cup.

Dhawan hasn't lived up to hype for DC

The openers in particular have been a worry, Shikhar Dhawan was expected to light up Delhi Capitals' campaign, but the solidity has evaded him.

This often leaves the middle order exposed early.

Dhawan has managed just 152 runs from six matches in the ongoing IPL 2019 season.

His strike-rate is a dismal 116.03.

Dhawan was handed a responsibility to handle the scoring of the side and bat for longer periods.

but that hasn't happened. With the World Cup approaching, Dhawan seems to be short of confidence in this vital period.

One also feels that the player should have made better use of the power plays for Delhi Capitals.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/icc-world-cup-2019/

DC's change of fortunes this season will depend on how Dhawan goes about from here on.

His lack of runs have affected the side's balance to win games consistently. DC with the team under their belt, would liked to have been doing better than where they are now.

As an opener, Dhawan needs to clear his head and bat well to regain confidence ahead of the coveted tourney.

Rohit hasn't delivered and recent injury scare an issue as well

On the other hand, Rohit too has struggled for runs while representing Mumbai Indians.

The MI skipper promoted himself up the order to stay in sync ahead of the World Cup, but things haven't gone well for him.

He has struggled to make an impact like the manner he does for India in T20Is.

MI have the momentum largely because of their bowling. And it's time Rohit needs to be more expressive.

In five matches, he has scored just 118 runs.

Also, Rohit has suffered a muscle strain while training ahead of the clash against Kings XI Punjab.

He is being assessed by the physio. Rohit finally got back to his feet a short while later and hobbled off to the dressing room for further treatment and did not complete the remainder of the practice session.

Also, there isn't any official word about the details of his injury from the MI management, but fans will hope the injury isn't serious, considering the World Cup is set to start next month.

MI's batting unit has failed largely and perhaps the batsmen will rise if Rohit leads from the front.

It's a testing time for both the player and his side.

One would want to see the senior cricketer amongst the runs in the IPL and like Dhawan, he too has struggled to get the impetus going.

RCB's poor show has taken a toll on Kohli

Virat Kohli is Team India's main fulcrum. He has been the best batsman in ODI cricket since a while now.

For two successive years, he ended up as the highest run-scorer in the format in world cricket.

Kohli has done well so far for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

He has been the side's top run-scorer.

He has 203 runs from six games. Although RCB have let him down after not being up to the mark with six losses from six games so far.

There is pressure evident on Kohli's face and with all the added responsibility of scoring, the mental balance is often quite hard to deal with.

He is no doubt a strong character, but leading a side with no confidence whatsoever has hurt him.

RCB are virtually out of IPL 2019 and that's a major disappointment for Kohli and his men.

This has also led former England skipper Michael Vaughan in suggesting that Kohli needs to be rested and it would be a smart move ahead of the World Cup.

Last thing you need is your skipper being down in terms of mentality and absorbing pressure.

So Vaughan's concerns does throw weight into the matter.

If India are smart they rest @imVkohli now for the World Cup ... Give him some time off before the big event ... #IPL2019

- Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 7, 2019

Now coming into the World Cup, India will need these three players to stay upbeat and move on from their respective disappointments.

India cannot afford to have these three doubting themselves ahead of the World Cup. So it's a challenge for them to pick up themselves and make the most out of IPL 12.

If they score some solid runs, then it will only help them mentally.

They cannot carry the poor form into the mega event.

It's a crucial phase ahead for these three players. India open their campaign against South Africa on June 5, 2019.

Fans would be hoping that the team led by Kohli will be up on its toes and start off well in a big tournament as such.

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What's Been The Issue With India's Top Order Batsmen In IPL 2019?

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The ICC World Cup 2019 starts from May 30 onwards in England and Wales and prior to that teams would be wanting that the major trump cards stay mentally fresh and is in form. For India, a lot depends on how the top order functions during the coveted event.

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How is India’s number four in batting shaping up via IPL 2019?

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How is India’s number four in batting shaping up via IPL 2019?

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The Indian cricket team would have liked to get the problematic number four in batting sorted much ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. With less than two months to go for the coveted tournament, Indian selectors know that they have a battle in hand to be spot on regarding the choice. With the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League going on, a few players are giving it all to get hold of the berth. The IPL could be an essential factor in governing the minds of the Indian selectors.

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The Indian cricket team would have liked to get the problematic number four in batting sorted much ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. With less than two months to go for the coveted tournament, Indian selectors know that they have a battle in hand to be spot on regarding the choice. With the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League going on, a few players are giving it all to get hold of the berth. The IPL could be an essential factor in governing the minds of the Indian selectors.

The 15-man squad of each team needs to be announced by April 23 and the clock is ticking along. Behind the extravaganza of the IPL, the Indian management is slowly analysing what the squad will be heading into England and Wales.

It's a crucial time for everyone concerned at the moment given the situation India have found themselves in.

Earlier, Team India had finally identified Ambati Rayudu as the one to take charge of the position. The veteran cricketer started well, but with time his performances with the bat fell flat.

Most importantly, in the final ODI series before the World Cup against Australia, Rayudu failed in three successive matches.

Prior to that, he also endured a difficult campaign in Australia, but made it up with some decency in the next series against the Kiwis.

The consistency factor is something that has been lacking for quite some time now. Prior to the series, Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli had stated that they want to be sure of the 15-member squad to be selected for the World Cup.

He had also added that the IPL 2019 season will have no bearing in selection process.

Yet post the series, India were presented with more questions than answers, Suddenly, two-three places in the side came forward to be up for grabs. One essential place is that middle order issue.

India had tried a host of player in that position since the last few years, but they never managed to crack the code.

This saw the IPL becoming crucial for certain players in contention to grab the opportunities. Here we analyse how things are shaping up as far the number four in batting is concerned.

Time is running out for Rayudu

The veteran is still very much in the plans, but he needs to work hard. Although the issue for Rayudu is that he hasn't played well so far in the IPL.

With time running out, he needs one or two solid innings to remove doubts from the minds of the management. His confidence has taken a hit.

Rayudu has been dismissed five times out of six matches to fast bowlers. Given the conditions in England that will assist seam and swing, Rayudu will have a difficult time.

He hasn't replicated the form show last season for Chennai Super Kings. Skipper MS Dhoni has shifted him to number four, but the problems have been existing.

He has managed a paltry 76 runs from six games in IPL 2019. Should India take a player who isn't promising enough runs and consistency? This is a major question.

Does Rahane fit into the picture?

The selectors had stated that Ajinkya Rahane is in contention for the World Cup after a solid domestic season. But surprisingly, he wasn't given a shot in the ODIs against Australia in March.

Rahane last played an ODI in early 2018 and since then was left out in the cold.

The Rajasthan Royals skipper has had a mixed campaign this season and needs to put in a string of consistent efforts. His versatility and experience can serve India well, but things do not look positive for the senior cricketer.

He needs runs to showcase his attributes and force the selectors in having a headache.He has scored just 124 runs for the Royals in five matches this season.

Can Iyer bring that shield?

Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer is reported to be another player in the mix. He has played a few matches for India in the past. Iyer did not find the rhythm early on, but he got the starts.

In recent outings, the player showed his calibre with some positive innings. The match-winning fifty against RCB was a showcase of his talent.

Iyer can help himself by making a shot at the selection process. He has scored a handful 215 runs for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2019. In order to make it to the Indian team, Iyer needs a few more innings of substance.

India need someone with some assuring cushion on offer. It's time for Iyer to take that claim and show he is ready for the big battle.

Can Shankar be trusted?

Besides these three, what India can actually also do is that they can promote Vijay Shankar to number four. He is being eyed as a back-up all-rounder for Hardik Pandya, but the in-form player is more of a batting all-rounder.

He has had a decent campaign for India in recent outings and showed the willingness to work hard.

This could hand him a place in the side, but he will want more. So to get the same, Shankar needs to nail down a place with his batting and the number four is there for the grabs.

The problem though is his consistency level. Also can he be trusted in a big tourney such as the World Cup?

He started well for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but since then fizzled out. Shankar has scored 131 runs in six matches for SRH.

Why MS Dhoni seems as the best best?

Lastly, MS Dhoni can be promoted as well which in turn allows someone like a Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant (whoever gets selected) to come in at number five.

Someone like a Kedar Jadhav can come in at number six with Hardik Pandya following suit. All these players are more of finishers rather than number four. Allowing MSD to bat at number four settles the side.

What Dhoni brings is experience and stability. He can come in and build the innings. MSD's form in 2019 has been strong. He can run well between the wickets and help skipper Kohli in taking off the pressure.

Even Anil Kumble voiced for MSD to come in at number four during the World Cup.

Dhoni can also settle in and play as per the demands. His ability to accelerate and finish off games is an added bonus. With most of the above mentioned players not quite bringing in the package, Dhoni has it all to master the middle order beautifully.

He has done well so far in IPL 12 and boasts of a sound average. India can count upon MSD.

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How is India's number four in batting shaping up via IPL 2019?

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The Indian cricket team would have liked to get the problematic number four in batting sorted much ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. With less than two months to go for the coveted tournament, Indian selectors know that they have a battle in hand to be spot on regarding the choice.

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Andre Russell Has Conquered IPL 2019 And This Mayhem Could Continue

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Andre Russell Has Conquered IPL 2019 And This Mayhem Could Continue

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In IPL 2019 Andre Russell is having the form of his life at the moment.

The powerful West Indies all-rounder has come into Indian Premier League 2019 and bossed the field.

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In IPL 2019 Andre Russell is having the form of his life at the moment.

The powerful West Indies all-rounder has come into Indian Premier League 2019 and bossed the field.

There hasn't been anyone as destructive as the explosive Russell.

His eye for details has helped Kolkata Knight Riders earn victories from difficult situations.

For the fourth game in a row, Russell showed his magic in the 12th edition of the tourney.

KKR have managed to seal three wins out of four matches in IPL 12.

They sit second on the table and it's all because of one man - Andre Russell.

The big-hitting all-rounder has been building on his efficient raw power clubbed with athleticism.

His finesse in picking out the the boundaries from any given ball and situation has been the highlight of IPL 2019.

We have a new king in T20 cricket and Russell richly deserves the tagline. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday, the efficient Russell made the impossible look possible.

KKR lost skipper Dinesh Karthik to leave the side reeling at 153/5 in 17 overs. They needed another 54 runs off the last three overs.

But Russell changed the scenario and capitalised on some poor bowling from RCB, who had earlier posted 205/3 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A second beamer of the innings from fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, which the all-rounder hit for six, forced RCB skipper Virat Kohli to replace him with Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

Russell was waiting eagerly and then smoked three sixes off the 18th over from Stoinis and took the chase in control.

The powerful player then took Tim Southee to the cleaners - hammering him for four sixes and a four in the penultimate over.

Kolkata won the match with five balls to spare and Russell ended the day remaining unbeaten on 48 off 13 balls, which was studded with seven sixes and one four.

This could be a season which could see Russell dominate the show and perhaps even win to for KKR. It isn't a one-match affair. Four successive games is no mean feat in cricket.

Here we look at how in IPL 2019 Andre Russell and how KKR could benefit immensely from the strong all-rounder.

In IPL 2019 Andre Russell has been dealing only in sixes

Russel has been playing shots all around the park and it's sheer madness to watch him attack bowlers at the death with such finesse.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals and now Royal Challengers Bangalore faced the brunt of Russell's power.

It's a one-man army this. It has been an absolute carnage on the field. To win matches from unlikely scenarios have become the flavour of KKR's journey.

The stage is almost set for this man. He comes in towards the end and pulls off the magic tricks from the hat.

Nobody saw KKR coming back strongly against SRH and then RCB in the manner in which they did. Russell's heroics had seen KKR scoring 53 runs from the last three overs. Against Punjab, it was Russell's 49-run knock that helped KKR score 56 runs from the last 19 deliveries.

He was lucky and fed off from the mistake committed by KXIP earlier in the 17th over.

Then perhaps the strongest moment came against Delhi. The visitors were reeling at 61/5 and a collapse was written in the cards.

But Russell applied himself well and went on to score 62 runs that saw KKR gain momentum and post 185.

It was only via Super Over that DC went on to win after KKR pulled the strings in the second innings towards the end.

Here's a look at Russell's exploits in IPL 2019 in the four games so far for KKR.

Russell picks out shots nobody can imagine

Imagine a beamer being clubbed for a six. On top of that accidental top edges finding the boundary as well makes this man quite a maniac.

This is sheer power and class. Russell has managed to take hitting at another level. His hand and eye coordination is just superb.

Be it clearing one leg and hammering bowlers through mid-wicket region or dispatching length balls straight down the wicket, he is a sensation.

Lower full-tosses are dispatched at ease with the right-handed batsman playing the short arm jab.

The question lies where does a team bowl to him? Anything in his zone is clubbed. Short pitch bowling and length balls are a sheer mistake. So are the deceptive slower balls.

One needs pin-point accuracy to get this man. Perhaps, perfect yorkers are the way forward. Kagiso Rabada's Super Over was an example of this.

He had bowled those two perfect yorkers that had Russell clueless. He was also beaten by the raw pace.

RCB missed the trick and bowled flat against him. He makes bowlers panic and puts them under pressure.

So how does Russell manage to pull off these shots? He said post the win against RCB, "No ground is big enough for me I guess, I just trust my power.

The hand-eye coordination is the key (for low full tosses) as they aren't easy to hit. I try short arm jabs as extending the arms can put you in trouble," he said.

Chris Gayle is 'Universe Boss', Russell is the 'King'

Russell like 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle has developed a knack of hitting sixes. Gayle has truly been the best ever striker of the ball and he has mastered the format for so many years.

The 39-year-old Gayle is an outright opener who comes in and sets the tempo. We have seen Gayle being destructive against the world's best bowlers over the years.

His role may have changed over time as he seeks more time to settle in, but there is that threat of whirlwind sixes. Gayle has 302 in the IPL.

Now the KKR star is doing the same in the IPL in particular. He is more of a finisher though and the role is different from Gayle.

But when it comes to effortless six-hitting, Russell has shown flashes of the legendary Gayle.

The KKR all-rounder has the best strike-rate this season (268.83).

He has hit the most sixes in IPL 2019 (22). And he is only the third batsman to go past 200 runs this term.

His calm presence and persona is a true identity of the confidence that follows. He does weird things in terms of shot-making and his absolute power makes him the king of T20 cricket.

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IPL 2019 Andre Russell Has Conquered And This Mayhem Could Continue

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In IPL 2019 Andre Russell is having the form of his life at the moment. The powerful West Indies all-rounder has come into Indian Premier League 2019 and bossed the field. There hasn't been anyone as destructive as the explosive Russell. His eye for details has helped Kolkata Knight Riders earn victories from difficult situations.

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Alzarri Joseph: ‘The Rising Star’ From West Indies Lights Up IPL 2019

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Alzarri Joseph: ‘The Rising Star’ From West Indies Lights Up IPL 2019

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When Mumbai Indians’ young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was handed with the opportunity to bowl against an in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad, little did the pacer know of what was to follow.

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When Mumbai Indians' young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was handed with the opportunity to bowl against an in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad, little did the pacer know of what was to follow.

In a 16-ball spell, the promising right-handed bowler took a staggering six wickets for just 12 runs to shatter the records in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

This spell will be remembered for a long time. A new star was born in Hyderabad on a terrific night for the Mumbai Indians.

West Indies' Joseph returned the best bowling figures in Indian Premier League history on his debut in the Twenty20 competition.

The 22-year old ripped apart the Orange Army with lethal pace and on offer. The productive show helped his side achieve a 40-run win over SRH.

For more than a decade, former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir (6/14) held the record for the best bowling figures in the IPL.

Tanvir's heroics came against Chennai Super Kings for the Rajasthan Royals team. Nobody in the history of the IPL went on to better the feat.

But in came Joseph, who was recently announced as a replacement for injured pacer Adam Milne. MI was smart to identify the pacer and took a risk in calling him to the IPL.

After spending some time on the bench, Joseph was handed this break. He came in for the veteran Lasith Malinga and from there on he conquered Hyderabad with a match-winning spell.

And it wasn't just that. Joseph's first wicket in the IPL came in the form of David Warner. The Australian is the Orange Cap holder this season and has been firing from all cylinders. Joseph thrived over two spells and came back to haunt the hosts.

Here we look at Joseph and also analyze how MI can do well in IPL 2019 with the pace attack at their disposal.

Alzarri Joseph runs riot in Hyderabad

SRH were going at 33/1 after 4 overs before Joseph came into the attack. He got Warner with his first ball in IPL. It was a dream moment. Joseph bowled a fuller length and was outside the off stump.

Warner threw his bat at and the ball hit his inside edge and crashed on to the stumps. In his next over, the youngster got Vijay Shankar with the back of a length delivery that skidded off the surface. This was a perfect moment for the bowler.

Joseph came back in the 16th over and bowled straight and full towards Deepak Hooda, who was bowled. The next ball Joseph bowled short and quick and Rashid Khan had no answers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Siddarth Kaul were his next to the next two targets. It left everyone stunned and amazed to see a young bowler come in and show instant impact in a tourney like the IPL.

"It was a sensational bowling effort from Alzarri, to bowl like this in the first game. He's come in on a lot of confidence from the CPL and he's carrying it here," said Rohit Sharma after his side's thumping victory.

Alzarri Joseph smashes the record books

A superb performance is always associated with records and feats. Joseph was a part of this as well. He became only the third bowler to take six wickets in an innings in the IPL.

Tanvir and Adam Zampa (6/19) are the two other bowlers. The youngster also has the best figures on debut in the IPL.

He is the second bowler to pick a five-wicket haul on IPL debut. The first player was Andrew Tye who registered figures of five for 17 for Gujarat Lions.

Joseph is also the first player from West Indies to claim a 6-wicket haul in T20 cricket. He has now recorded the second best bowling performance in a T20 match in Asia.

He also broke Malinga's ten-year-old record of scripting the best figures for MI on debut (3/15).

Alzarri Joseph became the fourth bowler for MI to take a five-for in the IPL. At 22 years & 137 days, Joseph is now the second youngest to claim a five-for in IPL history.

"It's a dream start, can't get better than this. I just wanted to bowl to the plans. When they said I was playing, I decided to keep it simple and back myself," said Joseph while receiving the man of the match award.

Who is Alzarri Joseph?

The young pacer hails from Antigua. His biggest moment of recognition came when he took 7/46 against the Windward Islands in 2015. He has been coached by Winston Benjamin.

The pacer looks up to legend Dale Steyn as his inspiration. Joseph was part of the U-19 World Cup side that won the trophy in 2016. They had beaten India in the finale.

Many West Indian legends have had positive words for the player, who doesn't talk much. Sadly, the bowler lost his mother earlier this year during the Test series against England.

During the second Test match against the Three Lions, Joseph lost his mother on Day 3, but then he came on to the field. He was given a great ovation by the crowd and England players, wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, joined in the applause.

The promising Joseph made his Test debut against India back in 2016. Since then he has played nine Tests that includes 25 scalps with a best of 3/53.

He has also played 16 ODIs for the Windies and has taken 24 wickets. His best figures in 5/56. He is yet to play a T20I for WI, but with a start like this in the IPL, a call seems not to be far away.

Mumbai Indians blessed with a strong pace attack

The success for MI this year could owe to the fact of the resources they have in pace bowling. Perhaps, it's safe to assume that MI does have the best pace-bowling unit in IPL 2019.

The side has picked up momentum and their fast bowlers have come in and delivered. Against Chennai, Aussie fast bowler Jason Behrendorff produced the goods. And now there was Joseph to their rescue.

Lasith Malinga is immensely experienced and has bowled well so far in the matches he has featured in. Jasprit Bumrah has been consistent and classy.

He is their go to the bowler at the death. Mitchell McClenaghan brings the stability and experience factor. He was amongst the wickets in the matches he featured in. Then there is Ben Cutting, who adds vitality from the bench.

Hardik Pandya has been a livelier prospect and shined against CSK. The all-rounder is naturally gifted. Then there are the likes of Barinder Iran and teenager Rasikh Salam providing the cushion. What it does is that this depth allows MI to breathe freely. They can easily rotate bowlers at ease and can pick and choose as per conditions. The striking factor is that all major aspects are covered. And MI will believe that they can defend any total with the mix they have on offer.
Recommended:-

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Alzarri Joseph: 'The Rising Star' From West Indies Lights Up IPL 2019

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When Mumbai Indians' young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was handed with the opportunity to bowl against an in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad, little did the pacer know of what was to follow. In a 16-ball spell, the promising right-handed bowler took a staggering six wickets for just 12 runs to shatter the records in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Get Instant Sports Live News only on Kyro Sports

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Get Instant Sports Live News only on Kyro Sports

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Kyrosports - Cricket Live Updates, Schedules, News, Stats & Fixtures

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Hardik Pandya had the most difficult period in his life both on and off the field in the last seven months. The all-rounder was embroiled in controversy off the field. And that affected his game time. Prior to that, a horrific injury in the Asia Cup 2018 made him miss months of cricket.

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A new season for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but there is nothing new in terms of the product on offer. Virat Kohli's side has been dismal in IPL 2019 and already into four matches this season, the southern giants are in a spot of bother.

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France won the FIFA World Cup 2018 largely because of their fluid midfield. Croatia too reached the finale, on back of a composed and organised shift put in by the midfielders. Majority of teams in the World Cup in Russia fielded three in the centre of the field from where they looked to dictate happenings and be the link-up engine ...

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You would be mistaken to think that what it takes to win in Formula 1 is simply great speed and amazing reflexes coupled with fitness. Yes, there are necessary raw materials for success. But in order for success to sustain itself, it often boils down to the kind of chemistry that a driver shares with his team boss.

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Kyrosports is a sports news website exclusively for the game of cricket. The site features news, articles, live coverage of cricket matches (including liveblogs and scorecards).

Kyrosports was launched on 15 Dec 2017 by Mr. Aditya Kumar, with help from colleagues at their BMW Service Center job. The site was reliant on contributions from fans around the world who spent hours compiling electronic scorecards and contributing them to Kyrosports's comprehensive archive.

Kyrosports is an all-sports website, with multinational audience and writers. Users engage on the website, read, write and post comments while interacting with like-minded fans from all over the globe. The site covers mainstream sports like football, cricket, tennis, basketball, hockey, Formula One, badminton, professional wrestling, mixed martial arts and boxing as well as niche ones like kabaddi and squash. It also covers American sports such as football and formula one.

Kyrosports's content is procured from a variety of sources; the site accepts and publishes articles contributed by its community of voluntary writers. An article can be contributed by any user who registers on the site. It boasts of having a pool of over 5+ such writers.

The site claims to publish around 3-5 articles every day, which are primarily made up of match previews/reviews, satires, tributes, open letters, news, videos, top 5/top 10 articles, and analysis

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Kyrosports is a sports news website exclusively for the game of cricket. The site features news, articles, live coverage of cricket matches (including liveblogs and scorecards). Kyrosports was launched on 15 Dec 2017 by Mr. Aditya Kumar, with help from colleagues at their BMW Service Center job.

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England vs India 2018 Virat Kohli India tour of South Africa 2018 Indian cricket team India tour of England 2018 ENGvIND Rohit Sharma Kings XI Punjab IPL 11 MS Dhoni Shikhar Dhawan IPL 2018 Sunrisers Hyderabad Indian Premier League 2018 Indian Premier League

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Hello England, app’Roach’ Kemar with caution in Antigua and for the reminder of the series!

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Hello England, app’Roach’ Kemar with caution in Antigua and for the reminder of the series!

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The international media boldly carried a headline around three days or so in the past that said the following in regards to the West Indies versus England Test series:
"The West Indies will ask for a quick Antigua pitch so that Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach can win them the Test."
Legit ask, right?

One thinks, why not?

Why shouldn't the West Indies be actually allowed a quick pitch?

Well, not only do quick pitches such as what WACA once was, fuel life into a contest that's often batsman oriented.

But also because the hosts, needless to say, often get the upper hand in deciding the nature of a pitch. Do they not? And when its someone like the West Indies, currently eighth in the Test rankings, one provided happens to be their fan, wouldn't mind that one bit.

After all, it's not always that the West Indies win and that too, a Test- right?

Wrong?

Well, essentially, the complaint lodged against the Windies is that they hardly ever win.

On top of it, they don't seem to be able to win Tests.

How often have you heard, rather felt the above? Perhaps, many a jet black hair has grown pearl white in anticipating a West Indian win right?

But if you were at the Kensington Oval, the scene of Jason Holder's sides' most recent Test win, you'd have noticed that it was the same venue where his team had thrashed a familiar looking opponent around 3 years back in time, one it had just made headlines hammering a few days back.

Although, there was a key factor.

Back then, during the West Indies' 5-wicket win over England, there was no Kemar Roach (hero of the current Wisden Series' First Test win). '

Lil' Bravo played a fine unbeaten knock, guiding his team to a solid, series-levelling win.

His ally at the other end was Jermaine Blackwood. Jerome Taylor had led England's downfall, grabbing 6 wickets from the famous Barbados Test win. Shannon Gabriel had clinched crucial wickets, three of them in all, including a 2-for during England's first inning. Heck, even Marlon Samuels- not West Indies' most reliable bowler or the one with the cleanest action, as seen in the past- had claimed a wicket.

One man hadn't played any part in the game.

It was the same man who inspired West Indies' recent mega triumph at Barbados, one that may not be forgotten for a long time.

Kemar Roach, who had the agony of having missed out on 2015's Barbados Test due to an injury had been in some form as evidenced by his Antigua performance, during the First Test in that Wisden series.

Back then, in removing Cook, Bell, Buttler, and Broad, Roach broke England's batting spine.

The fan, who'd seen the tempo of the series opener been set perfectly well by some wham-bamming swing bowling on what's typically a batting-friendly wicket had to contend with having no Kemar Roach at Barbados.

And it didn't help either that in the Second Test of that Wisden series, Roach had gone wicketless at Grenada.

Interestingly, against the same opposition, one minus Cook but with a famous quartet (if you like) in Bairstow, Root, Buttler, and Stokes, Kemar Roach was at it again.

In giving Windies an early edge into the 4-match series, something that's, let's face it, is as rare an occurrence as February having 29 days, Kemar Roach added to the sparkle of the Bajan sunshine.

His 5 for 17 at the Kensington Oval broke the English back once again, in 2019's ecstatic early triumph for his West Indies.

This time, Bairstow, Buttler, Stokes, and Ali would fall prey to the pillaging effort of a 30-year-old, who'd send England tripping to 77 all out in the first inning.

Later on, in completing the formality on the part of his team (to win), Kemar Roach wouldn't even find the trouble to pick up the ball, all thanks to his fellow Bajan, Roston Chase' 8-for.

But what one saw during that enthralling Barbados Test was a silent trier, a passionate doer attempting what he does the best; going all out, bowling with all his heart out without having to compromise on pace and all the rigours that fast bowlers happen to endure perhaps for being who they are.

And they are, if it must be said, a different species altogether- aren't they?

A little clue as to why England would be well-advised to take Kemar Roach seriously would point to more than his ability to bring the ball sharply into the right-handers or make the shorter one do the talking.

Almost half a cricketing summer ago, the Bangladesh Cricket team did the mistake of approaching his West Indies lightly on their 2018 tour to the Caribbean.

In the First Test played at Antigua, from July 3-7, Kemar Roach ran into Bangladesh batsmen akin to a mad raging bull that has been unleashed to go all out on anything that appears red.

The result?

In making an even lighter version of the term 'lightwork' of Bangladesh, the Barbadian medium pacer skittled the tourists to a heart-stopping low of being 43 all out. His own contribution? 5 for 8 off 5 overs, including a maiden and the key wickets of Tamim, Mominul, Mushfiqur, and even, Shakib.

Did you notice it then?

All said and done, Roach, known for his proclivity for appreciating rigour and for holding a sense of the contest will not make life any easier for Joe's England.

Then, whether the Barbadian, 171 wickets from 51 Tests, including 9 fifers (already) can make life any easier for the visitors to the Caribbean this time around.

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Why Kemar Roach is the real threat for England, apart from Windies' bats?

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The international media boldly carried a headline around three days or so in the past that said the following in regards to the West Indies versus England Test series: "The West Indies will ask for a quick Antigua pitch so that Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach can win them the Test."

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New Zealand Have Plenty To Chew Upon After Sorry Show Against India

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New Zealand Have Plenty To Chew Upon After Sorry Show Against India

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Losing a series at home by a big margin just months ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, will definitely ring alarm bells for New Zealand. In the ongoing five-match series against India, the Kiwis have gone down 0-3 and could be in for a white-wash. This is what skipper Kane Williamson would not have wanted given that New Zealand offered nothing significant.

Since 2013, New Zealand had not lost three successive games at home, but India have kept the hosts at bay. There is a huge gap evident between the two sides and all the talk of the Kiwis being a top unit for the World Cup, has suddenly taken another direction. The manner in which the home team has conceded the ongoing series comes as a surprise after their dominance against Sri Lanka weeks ago.

"It has been a step-up in opposition, and at the same time, India winning the key moments has put us under pressure," Ross Taylor said after the third match. The veteran batsman was right in his analysis of what's been the difference all of a sudden. New Zealand have issues at large and that have come to surface in this series. The squad is yet to be settled and with less than four months left for the world event, the Black Caps should worry.

The main concern for the hosts have been their batting. The runs have dried up and for three successive matches they were bowled out inside 50 overs. Indian bowlers have made the difference, but the Kiwis are to be blamed equally for throwing themselves in unfriendly situations quite often. Lack of application and precision hurt them.

The Kiwis lost to England at home last season in the ODIs and now another big defeat against India highlights the concerns. Big teams have come here and hurt them. Here we analyse the issues New Zealand are currently dealing with, as they head into the World Cup starting from May 30 onwards in England and Wales.

Openers have been dismal

New Zealand's batting, in particular, has let them down. The opening position is the biggest worry at the moment. The Kiwi openers have averaged a dismal 11.85 in their last 14 outings. 1The scores read (most recent first) 10, 23, 5, 16, 34, 23, 3, 14, 13, 1, 0, 12, 6, 6. Now this is huge disadvantage for a side going into the World Cup. What is does is that the middle order is exposed too soon and there is an added pressure.

At a time when several top teams are thriving with their openers in the 50-over format, New Zealand are in a shell. In contrast, India have won so many matches due to their openers delivering consistently. Colin Munro in particular has been in shambles. He has been handed so many opportunities, but sadly he hasn't taken them.

Since the start of 2018, Munro has amassed just three fifties. In nine matches he has scored below 10 runs with four ducks among them. This is poor in international standards. The accuracy presented by Indian pacers in this series frustrated Munro. He played nothing shots and was forced to go hard. New Zealand need a solution as things cannot continue like this for them.

Martin Guptill has struggled to get going as well and a player of his calibre needs to be more sharp. Kiwis need one of their openers to bat for longer periods and keep them in the hunt. Guptill, who can burst into life with big hundreds, will need to take a leaf out from someone like Rohit Sharma in particular.

Guptill has managed just 48 runs from the last five ODIs, all of which was played at home. Not getting the shield from the openers have hurt the Kiwis badly.

Team too dependent on Taylor and Williamson

Ross Taylor has been by far New Zealand's best batsman since 2018. His heroics last year saw him being named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year this month. Taylor has brought his experience into play and that has guided him well in this series as well. The veteran right-handed batsman amassed 639 runs from just 11 matches in 2018.

The average of 91.28 helped his cause and saw NZ do well in the ODIs. In this series as well, the middle order batsman found his natural instincts in a classy 93 in the third ODI. Prior to that he got starts, but couldn't convert the same. Now take Taylor out, then the only other player that has scored is Kane Williamson. The 28-year-old scored 468 runs last year that included two centuries.

Williamson like Taylor, is the fulcrum of this side and no wonder the Kiwis are happy to play through their experience. But there is a clear indication of dependency here and a lack of penetration from the rest. Losing 3-4 wickets ahead of 25 overs often puts a team behind in terms of a cushion, and New Zealand have faced the same.

The hosts cannot be repeating the same if they want to go ahead and make it far in the World Cup. Teams like that of India and England will come out and hurt them more than often. New Zealand have not been able to play the Indian spinners and have conceded wickets.

What Williamson needs to do here is Marshall his troops and come up with a Plan B if they keep facing issues in batting. With limited time on offer, the going could get difficult for the New Zealand camp.

Question marks prevail for NZ

Several spots in the New Zealand squad are up for grabs and there are question marks across departments. Also the unpredictability has hurt the side. Pacer Doug Bracewell and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi looked miles far from their capabilities in this ongoing series.Bracewell proved to be expensive with the ball in the last two games and had picked only one wicket from the three matches. His only notable contribution was a quick-fire half-century in the second ODI. Sodhi also failed to impress with the ball in the two games he played as he went wicketless.

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New Zealand Have Plenty To Chew Upon After Sorry Show Against India

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Losing a series at home by a big margin just months ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, will definitely ring alarm bells for New Zealand. In the ongoing five-match series against India, the Kiwis have gone down 0-3 and could be in for a white-wash.

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ICC World Cup 2019: ‘Utility Man’ Kedar Jadhav’s Significance Is Huge

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ICC World Cup 2019: ‘Utility Man’ Kedar Jadhav’s Significance Is Huge

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Kedar Jadhav's role in the Indian cricket team bears utmost significance given his consistency and love for batting in crunch situations. The middle order batsman offers plenty of cushion for Team India with his match-winning attributes. From being an able bowler, who can give you the wickets, to that of playing strongly with the bat, Jadhav is a captain's delight.

Jadhav was superb once again in the first ODI against Australia in Hyderabad after guiding Indian to a sensational six-wicket win. The utility man chipped in with a sublime 87-ball 81, which was studded with nine boundaries and a six. He joined hands with veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni and the pair stitched a match-winning 141-run stand.

India got to the score of 240 for four in 48.2 overs after the Aussies had managed 236/7 in 50 overs. Ahead of his mastery with the bat, Jadhav also performed well with the ball after figures of 1/31 in seven overs. Jadhav has repaid the faith the side has vested in him and he has given the feeling of being an able finisher.

With the ICC World Cup 2019 starting in England and Wales from May 30 onwards, Jadhav's influence in the team will be immense. One can expect skipper Virat Kohli to continuously turn on to the player in terms of producing moments of magic with both bat and ball. Jadhav has grown to become an experienced customer and every now and then he has played innings of substance to help India win ODI matches.

Here we analyse his significance for the Men in Blue with the Cricket World Cup coming up.

India can rely on the experience of Jadhav

India's main strength is their top order. Nine out of 10 times the trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shine as a unit. Their consistency and eye for runs have helped India dominate the show in the 50-over format. But on some occasions they can have a bad day. Like that against Australia in Hyderabad. There have been questions catering to the capabilities of the middle order.

Despite having experience aplenty, India's middle order hasn't been tested to great heights. When they faced a test, there have been moments of struggle. But in recent times, the middle order has answered. Be it in Australia and then in New Zealand, India's middle order clicked. And now in the first ODI, Dhoni and Jadhav were there to the rescue.

What Jadhav has shown here is that the side can rely on his experience during tricky chases. In January, his 61* helped India get past the line. Back in 2017, his knocks of 120 and 90* against England, helped the side register stiff targets in the ODI series at home.

Jadhav is a player that excels in these type of situations. In the Asia Cup in 2018, his 23* helped India beat Bangladesh in the final. Once again India were chasing in that match. This is a strong sign of a player, who isn't afraid to go out and express himself in these situations.

Jadhav has gained a reputation as a chaser

When you follow Jadhav's ODI career trajectory, while batting first, the right-hander has only one 50+ score in 18 innings. But when it comes to chasing a match, he has six 50+ scores. The statistic puts weight to his credentials as a chaser. He is someone who is growing to become like a Dhoni or Kohli, who are known to be terrific while chasing down targets.

"Recently in Australia, we pulled off similar kind of chase. I just did that again today. I tried to learn a lot from him (MS). MS and Cheeku (Virat Kohli) are the best chasers in the game," Jadhav said after the match.

India can trust Jadhav when the going gets tough. He has a calm head and has a healthy knack of finding the odd boundary from time to time. He has all the shots in his bag and when the moment is right, we see him unleashing them. He played a calculated innings in Hyderabad and that helped India benefit.

The pitch in the first ODI was giving the Australian bowlers some assistance. We saw the pacers extracting some bounce while the spinners were also getting turn. Both Dhoni and Jadhav took their time and kept the scorecard ticking. Jadhav's running between the wickets showed that he has finally put his injury troubles behind him.

They played smart cricket, taking singles and getting their eye in. And then they got those boundaries at pivotal moments of the game. What India did well was to not allow the run-rate to soar high. Dhoni and Jadhav waited for the bad balls and then got the runs. Their partnership made the difference and dealt a blow to the Aussies.

Jadhav comes in as the valuable sixth bowler

Jadhav's role is more than just a part-time spinner. His attributes with the ball make him a vital bowler in this ODI side. One can expect the player to get crucial overs during the Cricket World Cup. He won't be there just to fill in the numbers. Kohli will be tempted to give him decent amount of overs and bring that impact in the middle overs. Jadhav has a knack of getting key scalps and he is often a partnership breaker.

On Saturday, he picked up the crucial wicket of Marcus Stoinis (37), who was set and looked to get to a vital score. He bowled slightly on the shorter side and invited Stoinis to pull. The Aussie was left distraught after Kohli gleefully accepted the catch. Jadhav is a dangerous customer with his slingers. But then he has other tricks in his armour as well.

In the World Cup in England. Jadhav will be required to step in as the sixth bowler and often as the third spinner. He can put the pressure on batsmen and also have an effect in slowing things down. Jadhav has picked 26 wickets in 55 ODIs and is a value for money player. "My bowling is all about reading batsmen's mind. I tried to bowl stump-to-stump. I don't think like I'm a bowler. I enjoy my responsibility," said the all-rounder.

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ICC World Cup 2019: 'Utility Man' Kedar Jadhav's Significance Is Huge

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Kedar Jadhav's role in the Indian cricket team bears utmost significance given his consistency and love for batting in crunch situations. The middle order batsman offers plenty of cushion for Team India with his match-winning attributes. From being an able bowler, who can give you the wickets, to that of playing strongly with the bat, Jadhav is a captain's delight.

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IPL 2019: One Impact Player From Each Franchise

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IPL 2019: One Impact Player From Each Franchise

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Here's a look at one impact player of every team in IPL 2019.

Chennai Super Kings: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina's bearing for CSK has a lot of significance. He has been a consistent performer in the IPL since its inception in 2008. Raina had a solid campaign in IPL 11 as well and contributed immensely to the team's success. Watson and Ambati Rayudu may have outscored him, but Raina's 445 runs from 15 matches cannot be ignored.

Raina is the leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 4,985 runs under his belt. He has amassed 35 half-centuries and has 95 catches to his name. He could have a record-breaking season in store. Raina's ability to score quick runs and bringing the solidity at number three will give CSK the base to work upon. His experience and the winning mentality makes him a dangerous customer.

Raina is working rad on his fitness and his timing of the cricket ball is still as good as any. CSK will look up to their old warhorse to bring that level of buzz around.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan youngster Rashid Khan has grown on to become the most exciting cricketer in the world. He is the world's best spinner in limited-overs cricket and the impact he has had is massive. Rashid is also one of the most popular cricketers in domestic T20 leagues across the world. His impact for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been brilliant over the last two seasons.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-strengths-weaknesses-and-strategies-of-teams/

His quick leg-breaks, variations and ability to surprise batsmen have paid dividends. Rashid is also an aggressive batsman who has the ability to score quick runs and play those match-winning cameos. In IPL 2018, Rashid picked 21 wickets for SRH at a brilliant economy of 6.73. Overall, the spin ace has taken 48 wickets for the Orange Army. He is the go to bowler for SRH. His ability to bowl anytime during an innings makes him sorted.

Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler

England's Jos Buttler can be termed as a champion striker, whose vision is spot on. The right-handed batsman adds so much vitality for Rajasthan Royals at the top. His role as an opener in T20 cricket suits RR perfectly. Buttler's versatility and knack of playing special innings, will give the RR a lot of cushion.

He is considered to be one of the most dangerous clean hitters of the cricket ball in world cricket. Buttler was RR's best batsman in IPL 11. His promotion to the top of the batting order yielded great results and that helped them reach the play-offs. He scored an astounding 548 runs at an average of 54.80 and strike rate in excess of 155. He also set a record of smashing five fifties in a row.

In IPL 2019, Buttler will add the much needed essence for RR. Fans would be hoping for the repeat of IPL 2018 performance and there's no reason why he will not be able to deliver.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: AB de Villiers

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers is one of the most loved players in the history of the game. Indian cricket fans respect him immensely for his exploits as a cricketer. He has rightly earned their love and respect with his outstanding batting and unorthodox style.

IPL 2019 will be crucial for ABD as he is one of RCB's main core alongside skipper Virat Kohli. AB is playing T20 leagues around the world and that has kept him in sync with the demands of the shortest format. He has been in prime form with the bat and his run-scoring credentials are massive. Last season he smashed 480 runs in just 12 matches at a strike-rate of 174.54.

AB has scored a total of 3,953 runs and is in cusp of amassing a special record.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most successful franchises in IPL history with twi titles. Last year, KKR ended at number 3 on the points table behind CSK and SRH. KKR have some mega stalwarts in their ranks and several players can bring that X-factor mode. However, West Indies' all-rounder Sunil Narine is their best bet.

Narine's hard-hitting capabilities as an opener sees him take the game away from the opposition. His contributions as a premier spinner makes a huge difference in the outcome of the game. In IPL 2018, Narine played 16 matches. He scored 357 runs at a strike rate of 189.89. He also picked up 17 wickets and was the leading performer for KKR.

Narine is one of the established household names in the IPL and his impact over the years have been massive.

Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul

KL Rahul enjoys the T20 cricket and this is a format he relishes. The star cricketer is a strong customer atop and provides that shield for KXIP. Already in the recently concluded two T20Is against Australia, Rahul performed and scored two valuable knocks. He is also the highest-ranked Indian batsman in the ICC's T20I Rankings.

KL was KXIP's star performer in IPL 11 alongside Andrew Tye. He scored 659 runs from 14 matches at an average of 54.91 and strike rate of 158.41. He was also the third leading run-scorer of the season. In IPL 2019, KL Rahul will have the burden of continuing from where he left off. A solid campaign can help his confidence moving forward.

He will have the talisman Universe Boss Chris Gayle as his strike partner. Rahul is KXIP's best player to deliver the goods.

Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant

The youngster has all the credentials of becoming a top performer in world cricket. Pant came into the limelight last season after a defining season for Delhi. He is definitely one of the most exciting young cricketers in the world. His aggressive style of batting. ability to strike the ball anywhere in the field and positivity makes him a deadly T20 player. The new-look Delhi Capitals will be relying heavily on young Pant in IPL 2019.

In IPL 11, Pant scored 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and strike rate of 173.60. His innings of 128*off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad was the highest individual score of IPL 2018. Pant, who is vying for a place in the ICC World Cup 2019 squad for India, will look to use his strengths for a batting-rich DC this year. Expect him to come out all guns blazing.

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya

Mumbai Indians will enter the tournament as one of the favourites. The three-time IPL winners will rely around the core players to perform strongly. And Hardik Pandya becomes an important feature for them. Pandya hasn't played much cricket since his injury in the Asia Cup 2018 in September. Controversies off the field and an issue with stiff back means that Pandya's confidence is a bit low.

He missed the ongoing series against Australia. A crucial member for India in the World Cup, the IPL is a platform for him to gain much needed game time. Pandya is one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball and he is very useful with his swing bowling, at any stage of the innings, too. If he attains complete fitness before the start of the tournament, that will serve MI well.

He has scored 666 runs in the IPL and taken 28 scalps. He shined with the ball in IPL 11 after bagging 18 scalps.

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IPL 2019: One Impact Player From Each Franchise

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Here's a look at one impact player of every team in IPL 2019. Suresh Raina's bearing for CSK has a lot of significance. He has been a consistent performer in the IPL since its inception in 2008. Raina had a solid campaign in IPL 11 as well and contributed immensely to the team's success.

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ICC World Cup 2019: How Important Are Hard Hitters In Cricket?

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ICC World Cup 2019: How Important Are Hard Hitters In Cricket?

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On a frantic day in cricket on Wednesday, we witnessed absolute carnage hard hitters bring to the game. In the modern day, very few batsmen have successfully established themselves with the tag. With the ICC World Cup 2019 a few months away, the art of hard hitting will be a crucial factor in England and Wales. A hard hitter win you matches. They steal the thunder at any given time after getting set. It's mayhem on the pitch.

On Wednesday, there were three vital innings from three of the dangerous batsmen in the game. Firstly, England's wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler lifted the side on a record-breaking day with a magnificent 77-ball 150 against the West Indies in the fourth ODI. Secondly, in the same encounter, 39-year-old veteran Chris Gayle almost got his side past the line with a powerful 162.

Thirdly, on a different continent, Glenn Maxwell's effortless massacre (113*) helped the Aussies trounce India in the 2nd T20I in Bengaluru.

On a single day, we witnessed three magnificent tons. This was absolute brutality of these batsmen, who came in and showed their prowess against the white ball. Going into the World Cup, England, Windies and Australia could benefit immensely, given the impetus these batsmen can produce. Hard hitters are absolutely needed in today's cricket as it lifts the side and helps them stay in matches.

All three of Buttler, Gayle and Maxwell showed their strengths in counter attacking teams. There were shades of AB de Villiers in all of these three in different ways. Hard hitting does one more thing. It helps a team notch several records. Here we look at the trio and what they can offer in the global event. Also how the Indian cricket team misses someone of this calibre. But will it matter? Let's find out.

Gayle has peaked at the right time

In the first ODI against England, Gayle laboured at the start before going on to smash a 129-ball 135. The 39-year-old southpaw took his time in the middle after not playing much cricket since a while. That innings helped Gayle and his confidence. What followed was a knock of 50 in the second ODI and then a blockbuster 162.

The veteran looked to be among the runs from the very beginning in the fourth ODI. It was the need of the hour as England set a target of 419. Gayle looked set and in no time he started to get going. What followed was an enormous 14 sixes from his bat. It was clean hitting of the cricket ball. Vintage Gayle as we might refer as.

Gayle used his power to great effect and toyed with English bowlers. He surpassed 10,000 runs in ODI cricket (10,074) and got to his 25th career ton in the 50-over format. The legend helped Windies get to 389 as the hosts almost pulled off an incredible chase, only to lose by 29 runs. Gayle has peaked at the right time.

One more ODI, and then the 'Universe Boss' will shift his attention to the Indian Premier League. He will hope to maintain his fitness levels and go absolute bonkers to stay in sync. Windies need someone like Gayle. The young side will rally around him and his starts for the team becomes so crucial. Windies will also be bolstered by another big hard hitter in Andre Russell.

Gayle's mantra is to hang in the middle as long as possible and then once he has gauged the bowlers, it is absolute mayhem.

Jos Buttler has risen to a champion striker

England's Jos Buttler can be termed as a champion striker, whose vision is spot on. The right-handed batsman adds so much vitality for England in the middle. His role as a finisher suits the side perfectly. Buttler's versatility and knack of playing special innings, will give the number one ODI side in the world a lot of cushion.

England are outright favourites going into the World Cup. Their batting looks top notch and Buttler's presence makes it even pleasing to the eye. On Wednesday, Buttler was at his brutal best with his 12 sixes - the most by an England batsman in ODIs. He absolutely hammered the full deliveries and the low full tosses.

Buttler came to the crease at 165-3 and started off in a relatively reserved manner before exploding at the end of the innings alongside skipper Eoin Morgan. His hard hitting skills came to the fore as the Englishman raced from 50 to 100 in just 15 balls. He also took 31 deliveries in total to go from his half-century to 150.

It was like De Villiers a few years ago against the Windies. Buttler is massive and he brings that attribute of snatching the game away at any given moment. His batting makes England look so much better. Buttler brings so much to the table. "Buttler is like a champion racehorse, once he gets in his stride, he's magnificent to watch and when you're at the other end watching it, it's really incredible," said Eoin Morgan after England's win.

Maxwell's overall package makes him a real deal

Glenn Maxwell helped Australia win a major bilateral T20I series after smashing a 55-ball 113*. It was one of the greatest T20I innings in a long time. His unorthodox style, coupled with superb execution and a sense of maturity helped the Aussies draw so much confidence. Maxi may be unpredictable and inconsistent at times, but now we are slowly getting to see him become more mature.

He made it necessary to stay along right till the end and win the match for the visitors. There was a change in his shot selection and it was more of substance. Like Gayle and Buttler, when Maxi gets in flow, he can be a force as destructive as any. He is also a live wire on the field, besides being a useful bowler as well.

In Visakhapatnam, the all-rounder was out trying to hit a wide leg-spinner, yet he hit those same deliveries to and above the fences with ease in Bengaluru. He smashed the low full tosses and the higher balls were clubbed with a lot of ease. His array of shots make him different. From sweeps to the switch hits, Maxi changed the complexion of the match.

His presence for Australia serves them well. He can bat anywhere in the middle and Australia need to utilise him wisely. The World Cup is an essential platform for Maxi to come to life. His application makes him a prime finisher. He can soak in the pressure and like any hard hitter, he knows when to accelerate.

India lack a genuine hard hitter

India have been a strong side that into the World Cup as one of the favourites. India's strength has mainly been the impact of the front three batsmen. They have a lot of class in the ranks. The middle order boasts of utility players and plenty of experience to get the side past the line.

India have its share of match-winners in MS Dhoni and the pocket-sized Kedar Jadhav. But what the team misses is an out and out hard hitter, Dhoni was known as one back in his prime. But his role has changed. So a lot of this will depend on Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has the promise, but he is far off from someone like a Gayle, Buttler and Maxwell.

India's overall strength in departments make them a team to watch out for. That will hand them the onus, but when it comes to hard hitting exploits and taking the match away in a flash, the absence of a hard hitter will hurt them. India lack that spunk of someone like a Buttler especially down the middle order.

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ICC World Cup 2019: How Important Is a Hard Hitter In Cricket?

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On a frantic day in cricket on Wednesday, we witnessed absolute carnage hard hitters bring to the game. In the modern day, very few batsmen have successfully established themselves with the tag. With the ICC World Cup 2019 a few months away, the art of hard hitting will be a crucial factor in England and Wales.

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IPL 2019: Captaincy Ratings And What’s Expected Under Their Leadership

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IPL 2019: Captaincy Ratings And What’s Expected Under Their Leadership

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season is all set to start from March 23 onwards and the excitement levels are growing with each passing day. Over the 11 seasons in the IPL, what we have noticed is that strong captaincy skills are essential to get a side past the line. Teams that have been consistent over the years, were privileged to get captains that stood out and led them from the front.

In the shortest format of cricket, things happen in a blink of an eye. That's where a captain's focus is so crucial. Often it's the leader and his attributes that is usually the difference between the winning and losing teams. A captain brings so much into the game in T20Is. Be it the bowling changes, smart field placements and a strong playing XI, a captain has a versatile role on offer.

Over the years in this global T20 league, we have witnessed some fantastic skippers that went on to dominate the show. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have been the most successful ones with three titles a piece. Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir had his share of success. Knowledge, presence of mind and consistency are key factors that drive a leader. Also add the trust factor of his teammates.

In IPL 11 we witnessed some new skippers coming off the blocks. Overall it was a good learning phase for them. This season we can expect something bigger and better. As we head towards another new season of the IPL, we look at the captains and what would one expect under their leadership.

MS DHONI (Chennai Super Kings)

MS Dhoni's Midas touch helped Chennai Super Kings to lift the IPL 2018 title. The most consistent skipper was back for CSK after the franchise was suspended for a two-year-period. Dhoni, who has led CSK to the play-offs in nine out of nine seasons, just flowed in with the job. He knows the franchise in-and-out and once again CSK go in as the pre-tournament favourites.

Dhoni made some masterstroke moves last season and that helped him get the maximum out from his side. The backing of Ambati Rayudu to open the innings was possibly the best move. Rayudu and veteran Shane Watson were the chief architects for CSK's title win. One feels that MSD will keep things simple as usual.

A master strategist, Dhoni is a rare kind of a leader that knows exactly what's happening on the field. He gets almost everything spot on and gets the players to give their maximum. With a settled team at his disposal, Dhoni has the credentials to get CSK flying. He gets a 9.5 rating for being comfortable with the art of winning.

Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson came in to lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad after David Warner was banned for his involvement in the the ball-tampering scandal. Williamson was brilliant and his calm demeanour saw SRH reach the final of IPL 11.

Williamson took the burden in scoring runs for his side and he won the Orange Cap (735 runs). Williamson is set to lead the Orange Army this time as well, despite David Warner returning.

The 28-year-old's calmness is a touch of gold. He doesn't do anything fancy and relies on his instincts. Williamson has a strong squad and he is expected to handle his players as per the demands. What makes him a strong leader is his decision making. He thrives even in tense moments.

The aspect of his leadership is building the momentum with the bowlers. He is well informed and uses his bowlers wisely. He gets a rating of 9.

Dinesh Karthik (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Dinesh Karthik had was a surprise selection as a leader by KKR and the move turned out to be a defining one. Karthik surprised everyone with his attributes as a skipper and he brought a lot of freshness. It wasn't easy to replace Gautam Gambhir, but the veteran handled the pressure well.

He got KKR to be consistent as they ended third in the season. What stood out in his favour was his fearless approach and he thrived with his decision-making.

Karthik backed the youngsters throughout the campaign and wasn't afraid to field them consistently even after some defeats down the road.

With all the cricket Karthik has played for India since the IPL, expect him to be better prepared. In IPL 2019, we can expect KKR to be more expressive. Karthik's trust in the youngsters will allow them to play a fearless brand of cricket. It isn't all about winning a trophy, but building for the future. He gets a rating of 8.5.

Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)

Rohit's pedigree as a skipper has improved consistently. The senior cricketer has been one of the most successful captains in the IPL. Last season, MI went on to lose a few close matches and the overall composure was lacking. Rohit didn't have a solid campaign with the bat as well.

In IPL 2019, MI will look to rally around him. One will hope that Rohit bats higher up the order given his T20I prowess. MI have a misbalanced squad in terms of overall depth and balance, therefore Rohit has work to do. He needs to decide on his best possible XI and get off to a strong start.

One can expect MI's core to be the main threat this time like usual, but choosing from the vast pool of pacers and getting the shots right in batting will test Rohit. So his experience will be handy. He gets a rating of 7.

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

In IPL 11, Virat Kohli couldn't quite live up to expectations as the leader of RCB. His captaincy at times was questionable. The teams he fielded and the decision to stick to five bowlers saw RCB losing ground. Kohli ran out of options and that hurt the side.

RCB have bolstered the side well in IPL 2019. So expect them to put up a stronger performance. Kohli will have the resources to go all out and lead from the front. He amassed 530 runs last season and he will be the side's go to batsman this time too.

One will want Kohli to rally the side and make them come out strong. RCB never found the balance in their squad and this time Kohli will look change the scenario. He gets a rating of 6.5.

Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals)

This season will be massive for Rahane, who had a mixed campaign as captain last term. He will want to start afresh in IPL 2019 and show more maturity as a leader. Rahane cannot afford mistakes like he made last term. He struggled to get things right, especially with tactical decisions and team selections.

Personally, he had a dismal campaign with the bat and that saw RR struggle at times. Although Royals reached the play-offs, Rahane's decision-making was the issue. His move to push Jos Buttler up the order midway through the season was the best aspect.

This time things will be challenging with Buttler and Ben Stokes not going to play the entire season for World Cup preparations. RR's lack of depth means that Rahane will have a difficult road ahead. He needs to be among the runs and get off to a strong start. He gets a rating of 5.

Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Capitals)

Shreyas Iyer came in midway through the season to replace Gautam Gambhir as the new skipper for Delhi. His raw energy and growth was witnessed as the season progressed. Delhi Capitals struggled to deliver consistent performances but under the Indian cricketer, there were glimpses of brilliance.

Iyer will look to be responsible in a bigger manner this term. He will draw from his learnings as skipper from last year. Also the presence of senior cricketer Shikhar Dhawan will help him. Iyer has the team to go out all guns blazing and he needs to be calm under pressure situations. It's still a learning curve for him.

If can get his team to perform, then expect DC to do well and provide some fight after a last place finish last term. It's an interesting season ahead for the Mumbaikar. He gets a rating of 6.

R Ashwin (Kings XI Punjab)

R Ashwin was another new skipper on the block in IPL last season. He was handed captaincy, despite not having the desired experience of leading in the coveted T20 league.

Ashwin got off to a strong start as KXIP skipper and it all looked rosy for the side. But as the season progressed, the both Ash and his team ran out of ideas. His decision-making with the team selection and tinkering the batting positions didn't serve KXIP well. Remember the side had gone for an overhaul.

KXIP ended on a dismal note and was forced to change their squad in a massive manner heading into IPL 2019. Now the question lies can Ash change the scenario and bring in the consistency? Can he propel another new team under him to gel well and get that balance? It's a difficult ask. Ashwin gets a rating of 4.

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IPL 2019: Captaincy Ratings And What's Expected Under Their Leadership

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season is all set to start from March 23 onwards and the excitement levels are growing with each passing day. Over the 11 seasons in the IPL, what we have noticed is that strong captaincy skills are essential to get a side past the line.

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The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set foo begin from March 23 onwards. With each passing moment, the excitement is building up as teams have gathered to start their pre-season preparations. This is the final week to sort everything out before the season opener gets underway in Chennai. IPL 2019 is set to continue from where it left off last season.

The tournament has delivered the entertainment in every season without any fail. And that has been the hallmark. Over the years several legends graced the IPL and with time, they took a call on their career to bid farewell from the coveted T20 league. IPL 2019 has several veterans plying their trades. And many of them could be in for a final showdown in this tournament.

This makes the season interesting as players will be looking to make the most out of everything before the swan song. Here we figure out 7 players who might be playing their last season in the IPL.

Harbhajan Singh - Chennai Super Kings

Harbhajan Singh has been one of the most decorated players of the IPL. The veteran, who made his IPL debut in 2008, has gone on to win four IPL titles. His statistics in itself is a testament to his character. Bhajji was a driving force for Mumbai Indians over the years. He joined CSK in 2018 and had instant success. He also won the IPL trophy in 2017.

After a decent show in IPL 2018, CSK retained his services. The veteran player has taken 134 scalps from an astounding 149 IPL matches. He has been a go to player. However, with age and fitness issues nearing, one might see him calling curtains on his career. Bhajji is 38 years old and one may see him give his all for CSK this year. He was recently seen doing commentary stints.

Yuvraj Singh - Mumbai Indians

The famed southpaw flopped badly for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2018. Yuvraj managed just 65 runs from eight matches. The senior cricketer seemed to have lost his touch and the flair he once had. Yuvi found no takers initially in the IPL 2019 Auction. The celebrated cricketer was given a lifeline after Mumbai Indians decided to get him.

With age catching up and Yuri not being mobile on the field, time could be running out for the former Indian cricketer. Post IPL 2019, one could see him retire from the game altogether. He has been contemplating on the same. Fans will hope that the 37-year-old star goes out with a bang and pays off MI's trust. He has scored 2,652 runs from 128 matches.

Lasith Malinga - Mumbai Indians

Lasith Malinga is preparing for one final shot in the IPL. It was strange to see him making himself available as a player in the auction. Last year he worked as a mentor for Mumbai and didn't play. So coming back as a player means that IPL's all-time leading wicket-taker could show his mettle for one last time.

Malinga will represent Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2019 and perhaps the IPL will help him get much needed practice. Although, it remains to be seen how many games he gets to play. MI have a pool of pacers and Malinga doesn't has lost pace considerably. He isn't that lethal anymore. He has 154 IPL wickets from 11o matches.

Shane Watson - Chennai Super Kings

The well-built Australian all-rounder could call it a day after the upcoming edition of IPL 2019. Watson has played non-stop T20 cricket across global leagues and it will be an important decision for him given the workload and the necessity to maintain the fitness levels. He was the hero for CSK, when they knocked out SRH in IPL 2018 final. This year his influence will be immense.

Although, Watson can deliver the goods pretty often, fitness concerns could ideally make him hang his boots. His reflexes on the field has slowed down and the Aussie is injury-prone as well. Skipper MS Dhoni will not risk him with bowling workload. Watson will be wanting to have a big say in CSK's fortunes this season. He has scored 3,177 runs in 117 IPL matches.

Chris Gayle - Kings XI Punjab

Chris Gayle has been in solid form in recent times and his boundary hitting abilities makes him a dangerous prospect. Gayle, who is set to retire from ODIs post the World Cup, could also move away from the IPL. He is approaching 40 and he is no more the runner, who can rotate the strike and take important singles and twos.

The Universe Boss has achieved everything in the IPL and a trophy is what eludes him. Perhaps, this could be his year with KXIP. He was also a last-minute buy in IPL 2018 when Preity Zinta bagged him for his base price of INR 2 crores. However, he repaid them brilliantly by knocking it on a regular basis. Gayle has scored 3,994 runs in 112 matches.

Wriddhiman Saha - Sunrisers Hyderabad

The experienced wicket-keeper batsman from Bengal has represented four different franchises across eleven editions. Saha, who won his only IPL title with the Chennai Super Kings back in 2011, has amassed 1,679 runs at a strike-rate of 129.85. Last season, the veteran keeper was dismal for SRH and hardly got going.

Injuries and poor form have taken a toll. He has lost his place in the Indian Test team as well and a return looks unlikely. Last season he managed just 122 runs in eleven matches for Kane Williamson's men. Saha was released ahead of the 2019 Auction, but was bought back by the Hyderabad franchise for INR 1.2 crore. Age, fitness and not much game time could signal his end.

Murali Vijay - Chennai Super Kings

Murali Vijay has endured a difficult time with the bat in the Test circuit for India. He has lost his place once again after a dismal Australia series. The veteran is no more agile with the bat and poor form could signal the end for him in international cricket. As far IPL is concerned, Vijay is a back-up option for CSK.

With the likes of Watson, Ambati Rayudu and Fat du Plessis above him in the pecking order, Vijay may hardly get a game. Last season, he played only one game for Chennai in which he managed just 12 runs. The Tamil Nadu star who will turn 35 on April 1, is unlikely to feature in the next edition of the IPL given both his age and form.

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IPL 2019: Players who could be playing their last season

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The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set foo begin from March 23 onwards. With each passing moment, the excitement is building up as teams have gathered to start their pre-season preparations. This is the final week to sort everything out before the season opener gets underway in Chennai.

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Spinners who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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Spinners who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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Spin bowling in T20 cricket is an art. Batsmen at times often fail to clear the ropes against top quality bowlers. Having plenty of ammunition in the armoury helps a spinner to take charge. The modern day spinners have that quality in them to exude confidence and win battles against batsmen. As we draw closer to the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, there will be plenty of spinners out there looking to have massive influence.

In IPL 11 we witnessed some strong performances from the spinners and the coming into the scene for certain debutants was noteworthy. Collectively the spinners had a decent outing and the numbers could get better this time around. We have several match-winners this term, who could come in and bring that aura of responsibility. Teams would be looking at these names as promising game-changers.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-five-reasons-csk-can-defend-trophy/

Last season teams with a strong spin-bowling quarter went on to do well. Chennai Super Kings banked on their spin-heavy unit to lead the proceedings. Sunrisers Hyderabad shined through two premier names. Kolkata Knight Riders' three-man spin attack performed well as a unit. So fans can expect another exciting season ahead as far spin bowling is concerned.

Ahead of IPL 2019, we look at the leading spinners, who could have maximum say.

A player who has grown to become a steady hand for KKR with his all-round abilities. Sunil Narine is a real deal for the eastern giants. His influence is massive for the two-time winners and they have entrusted him with leading the attack. There is no doubt that the West Indian is their major match-winner. And Narine as a spinner is still to be feared.

After a remodelled action, Narine may have become a bit more predictable of late in the IPL, but he isn't afraid to show his confidence. He thrives in pressure situations and has stood out despite this time being that of the wrist-spinners. A celebrated t20 player, Narine has been KKR's major asset over the years.

Last season, the right-arm spinner bagged 17 scalps and led the show for his side.

His experience and ability to not give away many runs make him a strong prospect for the purple and gold unit. Skipper Dinesh Karthik will utilise the ability of Narine to full perfection.

Rashid Khan - SRH

He is right now the best in business in world cricket. Rashid Khan is just 21 years of age and in a short time he has written history. The Afghanistan wrist-spinner has dominated the show like nobody else in limited-overs cricket. And rightly so, the youngster has risen on top of the ICC Rankings for Bowlers.

Rashid was instrumental for SRH last season and he helped them win several matches on his own. A sheer match-winner, Rashid is a true contender for the prestigious Purple Cap. He finished as the second highest wicket-taker last season (21). Fearless, accurate and confident - Rashid has been a thorn for batsmen.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-one-impact-player-franchise/

His rise across global T20 leagues makes him a vital weapon for the Orange Army. He cam bowl anytime ay any given situation and is always on the money. He can get his team the wickets at any given stage and his biggest strength is the pace he derives unlike other spinners. He can bowl high dot-ball percentage and he topped the billing last term.

Kuldeep Yadav - KKR

Like Rashid, the left-arm Indian spinner has grown from strength to strength. His numbers for India in 2018 was impressive. Kuldeep thrived in conditions away from home and like usual wrist-spinner, he derived maximum from any given surface. Kuldeep has grown in confidence and his wicket-taking abilities has never shied away.

Last season, he formed a strong unit with Narine and Piyush Chawla. Kuldeep picked up 17 scalps for KKR and one will back him to get more wickets this time. He was on the costlier side last season and bowled at an economy-rate of 8.14. This is something he will want to better in IPL 2019. One may feel it's time for Kuldeep to replicate his national success to his franchise.

The Chinaman bowler will look to support Narine well and make the difference for KKR. Perhaps, his international stint could come to his aid for his franchise in IPL 2019.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman - KXIP

Afghanistan have a knack of producing quality spinners. In IPL 2018, Mujeeb Ur Rahman became the youngest player in the tournament and he didn't disappoint at all. He was backed by Kings XI Punjab and the mystery spinner took charge of his own fortunes. Mujeeb was economical and often bowled upfront with the new ball.

The youngster picked up 14 scalps in his debut season. Originally a right arm off-break bowler, Mujeeb mixes it up with subtle googlies. He was often the problem for many batsmen, who failed to pick him up. KXIP will need to give him the desired game time once again in order to stand a chance.

They have skipper R Ashwin and new mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the mix as well. But Mujeeb has done enough to stake a claim in the side. His outings for Afghanistan and a stint for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, will bring in that confidence in him to go and perform well. He took 12 wickets in the BBL08 campaign for Heat.

Sandeep Lamichhane - DC

The youngster from Nepal was wasted by Delhi Capitals in IPL 11 and he only made the cut in the business end of the season. Sandeep picked up five scalps from three IPL matches in 2018. But this time, one will expect the franchise to make the mystery spinner one of their go to players.

Lamichhane has been a star for his nation and he has quickly grown as a player across T20 leagues. He participated in the Carribean Premier League and also represented Melbourne Stars in the BBL08 campaign. He picked up 11 wickets from seven matches. The 18-year-old has thrived in the big stage and has shown plenty of nerves around star players. He will have the experienced Amit Mishra to guide him in IPL 2019. Together, the two leg-spinners can keep DC in the hunt this season.

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Spinners who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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Spin bowling in T20 cricket is an art. Batsmen at times often fail to clear the ropes against top quality bowlers. Having plenty of ammunition in the armoury helps a spinner to take charge. The modern day spinners have that quality in them to exude confidence and win battles against batsmen.

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Road To IPL 2019: A Look At The Unbreakable Records

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Road To IPL 2019: A Look At The Unbreakable Records

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The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to start from March 23 onwards. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore open the campaign in a mouth-watering clash. Over the years in the IPL, we have witnessed a plethora of records being scripted. From teams to that of individual players, we have seen records aplenty that left us mesmerised.

A lot of records been set and broken since the first ever match been played. Many records were broken in the subsequent seasons and a new set of the same were registered. The T20 format is one that helps you in mustering some special feats and when you have star players gracing leagues such as the IPL, the chances get bigger. Such is the demand of the game.

However, there are only some mind boggling records that might never be broken or it would be immensely tough to achieve the same in near future. Here, we look at such records.

Chris Gayle's 175* could stay on forever

West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle entertained us with a fascinating innings in the format in 2013. It was one of the best innings ever witnessed in the IPL and also in T20 cricket. His heroics will live on forever. The veteran T20 Universe Boss holds the record of the highest score by an individual in the tourney.

Gayle amassed an unbeaten 175-run knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors. He achieved the feat in just 66 balls. Right from the outset, Gayle made his intentions clear. He thrashed the bowlers all over the park with 13 fours and 17 sixes.

The southpaw reached three-figures before nine overs and hit eight fours and eleven sixes, which meant that 98 of his runs came having to run between the wickets. RCB eventually emerged victorious after thumping Pune by a staggering 130 runs.

This record by Gayle is absolutely monumental and it would require a herculean effort to break this feat. Perhaps in this generation it might never.

Gayle's other notable feats that might remain untouched

The veteran also holds the record for the fastest IPL ton. He achieved the same in just 30 balls. This came in the epic unbeaten 175-run knock against Pune. The previous fastest century in IPL was achieved in 37 balls by Yusuf Pathan in the 2010 edition of the IPL.

Besides the fastest ton, Gayle also holds the record for the most number of sixes in an innings (17). This too was achieved in the bludgeoning 175-run knock. Gayle also leads the overall sixes record with 298. This season he will definitely add to that tally and be the first one to hit 300-plus sixes in IPL.

It will be almost impossible by modern day batsmen to surpass these feats. In that same encounter against Pune, RCB amassed 263/5 and that is still the highest total in the IPL. This is a monstrous feat and needs something special to be broken.

Amit Mishra's three IPL hat-tricks a special feat

It is definitely hard to achieve hat-tricks in the T20 format. A bowler can get you dot balls and wickets, but hat-tricks are a different ball game altogether. And leg-spinner Amit Mishra holds this unique record of amassing three IPL hat-tricks, This in itself is an achievement of real glory.

Across 11 seasons in the IPL, only 14 bowlers have managed to claim a hat-trick. Mishra claimed the feats in 2008, 2011 and 2013. Mishra, who represented several teams in the past, helped his side win these matches. In 2013, he helped Sunrisers Hyderabad win against Pune by a 11-run margin. He dismissed the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rahul Sharma, Ashok Dinda.

In 2011, Mishra helped the Deccan Chargers win the game. He picked up the wickets of Ryan McLaren, Mandeep Singh and Ryan Harris. In this must-win scenario, Chargers overcame KXIP to clinch a thriller.

In 2008, with 15 runs needed off six balls, former Delhi skipper Virender Sehwag tossed the ball to Mishra. The Haryana leg-spinner closed out the game in the first three balls itself. He ended up with a five-wicket haul and hand Delhi a 12-run win against Deccan Chargers. He dismissed Ravi Teja, Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh.

Another record that seems distant.

Kohli's four centuries in IPL 2016 is unbreakable

Scoring a century in the T20 format is indeed a special achievement for a player. Over the years we have witnessed so many tons and their impact have been massive. But 2016 was a special year in the IPL. Indian captain Virat Kohli was part of this brilliance. The RCB skipper smashed a whopping four tons in a single edition of the T20 tourney.

Interestingly, Kohli has achieved four tons in his IPL career and all of them came in a single season. That was monstrous batting from the right-handed batsman, who defied all odds and seemed glory. Kohli scored a breathtaking 973 runs in that edition which itself is a record.

Except him, nobody else has crossed the 900-run mark ever in IPL. Kohl registered his maiden IPL ton against the Gujarat Lions (100 off 63 balls). But that wasn't enough as Gujarat chased down the target of 181. The second came against Rising Pune Supergiant. Kohli smashed a brilliant 108 from 58 deliveries including 8 boundaries and 7 huge sixes. This was a winning cause for his side.

His third came against Gujarat once again.Kohli bettered his high score as he smashed a scintillating 109 from 55 deliveries, a knock comprising of 5 fours and 8 sixes. RCB won the encounter. Rain saw this match get reduced to 15 overs, but that didn't stop Kohli. He smashed 113 with the innings laced with 12 fours and 8 massive sixes. Kohli led RCB to a comfortable victory against KXIP.

Other notable feats that may never be touched

Three-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings have been a part of nine out of 11 IPL seasons. Interestingly, MS Dhoni's side have made it to the play-offs in every season they have participated. This makes CSK the most successful team in the cash-rich T20 league.

They have made it to the IPL final a record seven times. No other teams have come this close. Besides winning the trophy thrice, CSK ended up as runners-up on four occasions.

Former Pakistani bowler Sohail Tanvir holds the record for the best bowling figures 6/14. He achieved the same in 2008. Over a decade now, no other bowler has gone on to break this brilliant record. He scripted this against CSK while representing the Rajasthan Royals.

CSK batsman Suresh Raina holds the record for most runs in IPL, but he has a unique record of scoring 400-plus across seven consecutive seasons in the IPL . Out of 11 seasons, Raina has amassed 400-plus runs in nine seasons. This is an unique set of records and needs utmost consistency for someone to achieve the same.

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Road To IPL 2019: A Look At The Unbreakable Records

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The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to start from March 23 onwards. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore open the campaign in a mouth-watering clash. Over the years in the IPL, we have witnessed a plethora of records being scripted.

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Batsmen who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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Batsmen who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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As we head into the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, teams are preparing hard in their final phase ahead of the season opener on March 23, 2019.

The IPL has been a mega platform for batsmen and over the years, we have had some strong performances that made the difference for teams across a season.

The IPL 2019 edition will be no different. Batting isn't just about aggression, but also about the quality throughout the innings.

There are players out there who can lead sides past the rope with the bat. Consistency is key for batsmen in the IPL and often the top run-getters go on to make a massive impact.

In IPL 11 we witnessed some strong performances from several batsmen and the coming into the scene for certain debutants was noteworthy. Collectively, batsmen from both India and outside made their presence felt.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-players-playing-last-season/
We have several match-winners in terms of batting this term, who could come in and bring that aura of responsibility.

Teams would be looking at these names as promising assets who could change the complexion of the games. Last season, Chennai Super Kings thrived with the bat and that got them their third IPL title.

It was a collective process where many players came together. Ahead of IPL 2019, we look at the leading batsmen, who could have maximum say.

Rohit Sharma - Mumbai Indians

The biggest USP for Mumbai Indians this season is that skipper Rohit Sharma is set to open all the matches for the side. The senior cricketer, who led MI to three IPL titles, will be eager to add more silverware. Rohit has excelled as an opener of the Indian cricket team, but the Mumbai Indians team management decided that their leader was a better fit in the middle order as time progressed. Last season, MI went in with Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis as openers.

Rohit was shifted in there with the idea to add more cushion, but it wasn't a success story when taken as a whole. He did shine in that role a couple of times, but now the team has decided to get him back to his usual role. This time he will want to shine with the willow and make up for a failed season last term. For the first time, Rohit failed to score 300 runs in a season. He managed 286 runs and his strike-rate dropped considerably as well. But now an enhanced role could aid the player and Mumbai.

Batting alongside the aggressive Quinton de Kock, could suit the MI skipper and if he gets the runs, then it will help MI do well.

AB de Villiers - Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB de Villiers has been a busy man after continuous stints at the Bangladesh Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. He has been in decent touch with the bat and one expects him to be the asset of this RCB side. The franchise has been dependent on him and Virat Kohli over the years and this time it is no different. His aggression, ability to clear the ropes, mobility on the field and ability to pull off brilliant catches makes him a player to savour.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/spinners-massive-influence-ipl-2019/
He has a strong campaign in IPL 2018 and amassed 480 runs at a strong average of 53.33. His strike-rate of 174.54 was instrumental as well. AB's consistency on the field makes him a strong factor for this RCB unit, who would be keen to shed off disappointments in the past few seasons. ABD will come in at an important number three position and the idea will be to be solid as the innings progresses. He has been a stalwart of the side since his move in 2011.

AB is all set to cross the 4,000-run mark in IPL this term. He currently has 3,953 with three centuries and 28 fifties.

Shane Watson - Chennai Super Kings

37-year-old Shane Watson had a defining IPL 2011 season and he played that match-winning innings in the final to guide CSK to the title. Watson scored 555 runs last term. He also amassed two centuries and proved everyone why he is a big match player. Watson is expected to be the main asset for CSK with the bat. His natural power-hitting and ability to find the boundaries makes him a dangerous option.

Watson has been in supreme form with the willow in recent times. He was the awarded with the Player of the Tournament award at the Pakistan Super League 2019. The former Australia all-rounder scored 430 runs in 12 games for title-winners Quetta Gladiators, with four half-centuries, at a strike-rate of 143.81. The veteran cricketer helped his side win the final and seal the all important PSL trophy.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-five-reasons-csk-can-defend-trophy/
Prior to that, Watson turned out for Sydney Thunder in the 2018-19 Big Bash League, and scored 344 runs. He ended as the second-highest scorer for his team. Watson also hit a magical century for the Thunder, which was the first of the tourney. The two-time IPL winner will be raring to continue in the same vein and give CSK the joy to come out on top.

Dinesh Karthik - Kolkata Knight Riders

This IPL will be a vital one for KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik. The management is keen to back him as the finisher of the side. With a berth on offer for the Indian cricket team in the ICC World Cup 2019, Karthik will be looking to show that he deserves a place. He was dropped in the series against Australia earlier this month for Rishabh Pant. With Pant failing to grab the chance, DK is back into contention. Few days earlier, KKR assistant coach Simon Katich had backed the veteran to find a place.

Karthik's ability to finish off matches and the calmness in tense situations, make him a strong personality. He is the ideal leader for the eastern giants. They feed upon DK's knowledge and experience in the IPL. The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of the IPL.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-look-one-best-finisher-franchise/
Last season he was the leading run-scorer for KKR with 498 runs. One would want the numbers to be similar if KKR are to do well. DK showed his skills as a skipper in his debut season at KKR and this time he will want to lead the way by being an example with the bat once again.

Ajinkya Rahane - Rajasthan Royals

Ajinkya Rahane is focused to make the IPL 2019 season count. He looks in a positive frame of mind and has done well in domestic cricket when being out of India's limited-overs side. With the number four slot for India being open after the failures of Ambati Rayudu, there is a stake for Rahane to claim the same going into the World Cup. He will be challenged immensely by Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer. Rahane, who last featured for India in ODIs in 2018, knows he has a supreme task in hand.
ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-rating-opening-combination-franchise/
Last season the senior cricketer couldn't quite come to the fore and he struggled for runs. But if the Royals want to do well, then Rahane is key. The return of Steve Smith makes RR a better side and Rahane knows he has to score at the top. He will have the power-hitter Jos Buttler as company in the opening role and that will allow him to play his natural game.

Rahane is one of the senior members in the side and he will have immense responsibility to better his show.

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Batsmen who could have massive influence in IPL 2019

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As we head into the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, teams are preparing hard in their final phase ahead of the season opener on March 23, 2019. The IPL has been a mega platform for batsmen and over the years, we have had some strong performances that made the difference for teams across a season.

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IPL 2019: Most dangerous all-rounder of each team

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IPL 2019: Most dangerous all-rounder of each team

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The aspect of all-rounders in T20 cricket is crucial. Apart from contributing with either bat or ball, each player contributes immensely well in the fielding department as well. These all-rounders can have a major say in the format which sees a game situation change at anytime during a course of a match. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed the same over the last 11 years. And IPL 2019 will be no different as far the contribution of all-rounders are concerned.

The idea of having a sound all-rounder is mainly to bring solid balance in the side. From pace-bowling to spin all-rounders, IPL 2019 will be dictated heavily by these powerful players.

ALSO READ: https://www.kyrosports.com/ipl-2019-one-impact-player-franchise/

Let us look at the list of the most dangerous all-rounder from each IPL team.

Shakib Al Hasan - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad need to be credited for roping in Shakib Al Hasan last season. The Bangladeshi couldn't quite live up to heights for KKR earlier. Shakib produced some match-winning performances with both bat and ball after being bought at a mere price of Rs 2 crore despite being in the marquee list.

Shakib has been in the top 3 of the ICC rankings for all-rounders in all three formats for years. It highlights his consistency across formats and conditions. Shakib will want to start well for SRH and be on the money. He has played 60 matches and scored 737 runs. The spinner has taken 57 wickets in the IPL with a best of 3/17.

Sam Curran - Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab had an impressive start to the 11th edition of IPL winning five out of six games. After that they lost key momentum and mustered only one win in the last eight games. They retained only nine of their players and went for an overhaul. KXIP lack that cutting edge in the all-round department this season as well. But they got in a promising star in Sam Curran.

He is a delightful left-arm pacer, who has done well since making his debut for England last year. His natural angle and nippy pace will trouble batsmen. Curran often found Indian batsman wanting in the Test series win last year. He is a dangerous batsman with the bat as well wielding the long handle.

He has chipped in with strong performances with the bat and has the capability to clear the ropes. He is expected to play a key role in the fortunes of KXIP. It will be interesting to see how he fares in Indian conditions. He has the promise in him.

Shivam Dube - Royal Challengers Bangalore

Shivam Dube was a headline buy for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2019 Auction. RCB needed someone that could power them and the feeling will be strong with Dube's acquisition. Dube will get to feature consistently for RCB and that bodes well for him. The team has some strong foreign all-rounders in the mix, but not everybody will feature together.

That makes Dube's case interesting. The all-rounder, who will be making his IPL debut, will be given the responsibility to make an impact with both bat and ball. It's an important moment for the player, who has the credentials of performing well in both departments.

One aspect that helped him create the wave in the auction was when he hit Pravin Tambe for 5 sixes in an over in the Mumbai T20 league. And then he replicated the same feat in a Ranji Trophy match against Baroda's Swapnil Singh.

In 15 T20s, he has scored 202 runs. He has 14 wickets to his name with a best of 3/27.

Sunil Narine - Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunil Narine is crucial for KKR and could power them in IPL 2019. His role has changed over the years and he has grown to become a solid opener. Last season he smashed 357 runs at a strike-rate of 189.89. He was also the side's leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets to his name.

He is one of the best all-rounders in the IPL and is a big name. Over the years he has been KKR's best bowler and now he has shaped up well as a batsman. His economy-rate is one of the best in IPL and he can deceive batsmen easily. A slightly re-modelled action may have made him a bit more predictable, but Narine is ominous at any given stage.

In 98 IPL matches, he has 112 wickets with a best of 5/19. He has 628 runs with the bat. Majority of his runs came in the last two seasons.

Dwayne Bravo - Chennai Super Kings

One of the most experienced players in T20 format, Dwayne Bravo has enjoyed remarkable success in the IPL. The two-time Purple Cap winner has played in almost all established T20 leagues all over the world. With explosive batting skills, mobility in fielding, and dependable death bowler, Bravo is a complete package.

He has grown in the game under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He is the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket with 464 scalps and is one of the leaders in IPL. He is dangerous with the bat because of his ability to sixes anywhere.

His knock for CSK in IPL 2018 was one for ages. He hit a powerful 68 off 30 balls against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Muztafizur Rahman of Mumbai Indians. Bravo is a gifted bowler and fielder. In 122 matches, Bravo has scored 1,379 runs and has taken 136 wickets.

Krunal Pandya - Mumbai indians

Mumbai Indians need a better show this time after the inconsistency last term. MI have some powerful all-rounders, who can don the role both with bat and ball. Kieron Pollard can get some big blows and roll his arm in middle overs. There is Hardik Pandya, who is a star sensation. But Hardik hasn't played much cricket of late and injuries have played a toll. He has resumed training for MI though, ahead of IPL 2019.

That sees his brother Krunal get the nod as the most dangerous all-rounder of this side. Krunal has got some decent outings for India in the shorter formats and he has gained a lot of confidence. The performance in the IPL has seen him gain grounds and he is a matured entity. Krunal was the main reason behind Mumbai Indians' title-winning campaign in IPL 10. It was his match-winning innings of 47 runs helped MI defeat Rising Pune Supergiants by a narrow margin of 1 run in the final of IPL 2017.

Krunal can aid Mumbai at the death overs and his familiarity could be the trump factor. He is a handy bowler as well and give skipper Rohit Sharma the pivotal four overs in between. He has a knack of picking up wickets. Last season he took 12 wickets and scored 228 runs with the bat.

In 39 matches, he has amassed 708 runs, besides taking 28 scalps with a best of 3/14.

Chris Morris - Delhi Capitals

South African bowling all-rounder Chris Morris could play a huge role behind Delhi Capitals' success in the upcoming edition of IPL. Delhi have a powerful batting line-up, but need an experienced head to finish off matches. That's where Morris comes in. The veteran has plenty of experience in the IPL and knows the side well.

He is also an efficient bowler and has decent pace to back it. He has an effective short ball and can bowl those yorkers as well. Last season, Delhi Capitals didn't use Morris to full capabilities. It hurt them badly.The side often lost several close games. Hence, if Delhi Capitals are really serious about their chances this term. then they will need to use Morris' abilities as a solid all-rounder.

Morris will be hoping to get into the side and show his capabilities as an all-rounder. In 52 matches, Morris has scored 485 runs. He has taken 56 scalps with a best of 4/23.

Ben Stokes - Rajasthan Royals

Ben Stokes is one of the feared all-rounders of the game and he holds utmost importance for the Rajasthan Royals outfit. Stokes, who has been pivotal for England in the last couple of years in white ball cricket, will want to make it count in IPL 2019. He had a rather forgettable IPL 11 and that often hurt the side. He was bought for a whopping sum in IPL 2018 Auction by RR after a productive campaign for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.

The Durham was awarded with the most valuable player of the season award. He scored a scintillating hundred and won a match single-handedly in a run chase of 160. Stokes had led RPS to the final, where they lost a closely fought tie against Mumbai Indians. His bowling efforts makes him a sorted player and RR will hope that he can replicate performances of 2017.

Stokes won't be available for the entire season with the World Cup in mind, but till the time he is available, he will be wanting to help RR. In 25 matches he has scored 512 runs besides picking up 20 scalps with a best of 3/15.

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IPL 2019: Most dangerous all-rounder of each team

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The aspect of all-rounders in T20 cricket is crucial. Apart from contributing with either bat or ball, each player contributes immensely well in the fielding department as well. These all-rounders can have a major say in the format which sees a game situation change at anytime during a course of a match.

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IPL 2019: Rating the opening combination of each franchise

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IPL 2019: Rating the opening combination of each franchise

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Opening the batting in T20 cricket is quite an important aspect of any side. And the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no different. Over the years we have seen the opening batsmen smashing the most runs time and time again. Opening the batting has many facets and that's why teams prefer to build on the same.

The first six overs need you to be aggressive and if one of these batsmen hang on until the 15th over, then a side can get immense push on and the runs follow. When openers end up as the highest run-scorer for side, then on most occasions teams end up going further in the tournament. Last season Kane Williamson's 735 helped SRH reach the finale. Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu's consistency allowed CSK to go all out and win the title.

This season fans will hope the mega stars upfront banking on their strengths and getting the runs.

Ahead of IPL 2019, we rate the opening combinations of each franchise.

Narine and Lynn - Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn are settled customers for KKR and they are the go to players in the side. The eastern giants have a many combinations available. Joe Denly, Robin Uthappa and Shubman Gill can all come out and open, but the duo of Narine and Lynn is how the side will go about. Last season the two players gave a solid account of themselves.

Narine got a staggering 357 runs at a strike-rate of 189.89. His role is to attack from the onset and get maximum boundaries in the first six overs. That allows someone like Lynn to take his time and be the support cast. Lynn can look to hang out much longer and play the big shots when needed. The Aussie scored 491 runs from 16 games in IPL 11.

Narine and Lynn get a rating of 8/10.

Rahul and Gayle - Kings XI Punjab

KL Rahul is comfortable in T20 cricket and its a format that belongs to him. He can set the tempo for KXIP and get the runs coming at ease. Rahul's role will be important as someone play his aggressive game and maintain flow for KXIP in IPL 2019. He was the top run-scorer for his side in IPL 11 with 659 runs that included six fifties. He will be expected to bank on his consistency.

His partner Chris Gayle is perhaps still the most dangerous T20 batsman out there. The Universe Boss was in solid form for West Indies in the ODIs against England. Gayle is no more mobile on the field, so don't expect many singles and twos. He starts off slowly and gets into the act with monstrous sixes. KXIP have Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran as back-up openers.

Rahul and Gayle get a rating of 9/10.

Rayudu and Watson - Chennai Super Kings

Last season these two experienced guns ruled the proceedings with brilliant co-ordination for CSK. Both Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson played to their strengths and helped each other with s solid game of understanding. Their ability to come out and put in a string of consistent shows, gave CSK the impetus to build on.

In IPL 2019, we expect the two to continue from where they left off. Last term the two players added 1,100-plus runs between them besides three tons. This was the base that helped the side to get along and win games. Watson also hit a ton in the final to win his side the title. CSK have Faf du Plessis and Murali Vijay as back-up options. There is experience written all over.

Rayudu and Watson get a rating of 9/10.

Dhawan and Shaw - Delhi Capitals

This is a new combination that is set to greet us in IPL 2019. The experienced customer in Shikhar Dhawan will join hands with youngster Prithvi Shaw for Delhi Capitals. Dhawan, who did so much for Sunrisers Hyderabad over the years, switched to DC this season and he is expected to shoulder the responsibility. Dhawan's eye for runs and simplicity makes him a successful name.

The southpaw scored 497 runs in IPL 11 and this time he will be wanting to better the tally. Alongside him is the free-flowing Prithvi Shaw. The teenager showed his instincts and range of shots last term and there was promise written all over. Shaw is naturally gifted and has all the shot-making range in his bag. The left and right-hand combination could be the surprise package.

Dhawan and Shaw get a rating of 8.5/10.

Rohit and De Kock - Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians saw Suryakumar Yadav and Even Lewis open the batting in IPL 11. The two players looked strong and grew along as the season progressed. But this time, things could change for MI. The side roped in South Africa's Quinton de Kock and he has been in stellar form in the recently concluded ODIs against Sri Lanka. His experience can help MI massively.

Rohit endured a poor campaign with the bat last term, but expect him to pull up his socks. He needs to bat atop as that's his best position. Over the years, he has mainly come in the middle. The combination of Rohit and De Kock can power the side. If they fail as a pair, the Surya and Lewis can always come in as replacements. The Rohit-De Kock combo looks dangerous on paper.

Rohit and De Kock get a rating of 7.5/10.

Rahane and Buttler - Rajasthan Royals

RR made a masterstroke of a decision last season by promoting Jos Buttler up the order. Although it did come a bit late, but that was enough for the side to earn a play-off berth. Buttler will look to make the most out of his presence up till April end. He won't be there in the final phase for the side. But till then expect the Englishman to strike the ball all over the ground.

Buttler scored 530 runs last season and gave RR a strong start. Batting alongside Buttler, will be the experienced Ajinkya Rahane. He suffered last term, but with the World Cup berth in focus, expect the senior cricketer to put his best foot forward. Having Buttler going all guns blazing can allow Rahane to settle in and go with the flow. Sanju Samson is a handy back-up option.

Rahane and Buttler get a rating of 7/10.

SRH will have different combinations

SRH have issues to cater to going into IPL 2019. David Warner will be eligible from March 29 onwards. Kane Williamson is nursing a minor shoulder injury at the moment and could miss the opening matches. Now this could see Martin Guptill and Jonny Bairstow open the innings initially. Once Warner and Williamson come in, the two stars will take over.

Williamson showed that hard-hitting isn't the only feature to get runs. Skills and panache are important attributes. Warner will return to action after missing IPL 11. He will be be raring to go with the World Cup berth in mind. Bairstow can be brought in at times as well. Once Warner and Bairstow leave for World Cup camp, Williamson and Guptill will take over in the final phase.

SRH with all the factors in mind get 6.5/10.

Kohli and Parthiv - Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB have the most weak opening combination in IPL 2019. The Virat Kohli-led side didn't address this position well in the IPL 2019 Auction. They released De Kock and Brendon McCullum and that means only Parthiv Patel is left as a specialist opener. The southpaw has the tendency to try too many things in the start. He needs to be more wise and practical this time.

Virat has shown that his credentials as an opener and is expected to open the batting alongside Parthiv. He scored 530 runs in IPL 11 and RCB will bank on him for the runs upfront. If Parthiv does not keep his good form intact throughout the tournament, then the pressure will grow on Kohli. The likes of Akshdeep Nath and Himmat Singh can come in to stake a claim.

Parthiv and Kohli get a rating of 5/10.

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IPL 2019: Rating the opening combination of each franchise

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Opening the batting in T20 cricket is quite an important aspect of any side. And the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no different. Over the years we have seen the opening batsmen smashing the most runs time and time again. Opening the batting has many facets and that's why teams prefer to build on the same.

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Pacers who could have maximum influence in IPL 2019

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Pacers who could have maximum influence in IPL 2019

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 is all set to start from March 23 onwards and finally we have another brand new season of excitement and intensity. Once again we will see pacers being the cynosure of all eyes as the IPL progresses. Last few seasons have been dominated by pacers, who have gone on to bag the Purple Cap. And this time they can once again be determined to excel.

Pace bowling is quite an art in T20 cricket. And the impact of the pacers are immense for teams across an innings. Pace specialists, who excel throughout the innings are assets to be proud of. They are on the money at the beginning and even have that assuring presence when called upon at the death. From picking wickets, to defending totals and restricting sides, a complete fast bowler is a must in T20 cricket and more so in the IPL.

Since the league's inception in 2008, every franchise has always made sure that there is that once specialist pacer that will give them the onus to win matches.

Here is a look at the pacers who could have maximum influence in IPL 2019 with their overall impact.

Trent Boult - Delhi Capitals

29-year-old left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult has been in supreme form across formats since a while. His pace and ability to swing the ball both ways will be a massive help for Delhi Capitals. Boult comes from a zone of confidence after doing well at home against Bangladesh. He also had his moments against India in the ODIs.

The senior cricketer was on song for Delhi last season and ended as the highest wicket-taker for the side with 18 scalps to his name. The one-time IPL winner may have a bowling strike-rate of over 8, but he always gets you the wickets. If Delhi Capitals are to do well this time, then Boult needs to be effective at both the start and at the death.

He will have the experienced Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada to Gove him company. Overall, the pacer has 33 wickets from 28 matches in the T20 tourney. One can expect him to bowl those toe-crushing yorkers as well in pivotal moments. Boult is a major asset for the northern outfit in IPL 12.

Mohit Sharma - Chennai Super Kings

With Lungi Ngidi out for the season with injury, the onus has shifted to Mohit Sharma to make things count for CSK at the death. Mohit was bought by CSK in the IPL 2019 Auction after Kings XI Punjab released him. Mohit is not new to the Chennai atmosphere. He has enjoyed success here earlier and that prompted the southern outfit to go for the pacer.

CSK's Indian pace battery lends immense support to the side. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur showed excellent skills last season in the IPL. Thakur was the pick of the bowlers last season. Now the addition of Mohit makes the attack more sound and there is depth. Mohit will look to vary his pace well and his accuracy can suit the side.

MS Dhoni knows him well and can get the best out of him this term. He brings the stability in the pace attack. He had an excellent time for CSK in 2013 and 2014. Mohit finished with 20 and 23 scalps back then. He will also be keen to move on from last season's dismal show for KXIP in IPL 11.

Jasprit Bumrah - Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah has gone on to become the fulcrum of this Mumbai Indians side. He has played an immense role in the last few years and helped MI win the title in 2017 after being a hero with the ball. Last season as well he produced the goods, although MI missed out on the playoffs. Bumrah may have debuted in the IPL in 2013, but he was trusted from 2016 onwards and he didn't fail to deliver. He has been immensely successful with 52 wickets in the last three seasons.

Overall, the player has taken 63 scalps in the IPL at an average of 28.20. The prime force of Indian bowling - Bumrah is excellent at the death. He hardly gives anything away in those final overs and helps the side restrict teams. His slower balls and fuller deliveries often deceive batsmen.

MI have a vast pool of pacers in IPL 2019. And that can help them choose wisely. But one can expect things to revolve around Bumrah. Whenever Bumrah needs to be rested, Barinder Sran can come in.

Lockie Ferguson - Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR have already lost three pacers going into IPL 2019 and they are in a bit of bother. Now to make things a bit easier, Lockie Ferguson needs to have a terrific campaign for the side. The New Zealand international is tailor made for this format and he is lethal with his venomous pace and variety. A bowler that can clock at 150-plus, will be a menace for many teams. Ferguson has seen his stocks rise over time and that makes him a dangerous customer.

He is an integral part of the New Zealand limited-overs set up. KKR cannot afford to lose this player at any cost, He is their base as far pace bowling is concerned. The Indian line-up consist of rookies Prasidh Krishna and Sandeep Warrier. So a lot will rest on Ferguson in terms of giving the side an ideal start.

He will also need to take the mantle in the end overs. KKR had issues at the death last season and their foreign pacers didn't have much impact. Ferguson will hope to script a new tale and show that he has the credentials to lift the spirit of KKR in IPL 2019.

Jofra Archer - Rajasthan Royals

Jofra Archer's significance for Rajasthan Royals will be immense. He had an excellent first season in the IPL and since then the Sussex player has grown to become a T20 specialist bowler all. It was a debut to remember for Archer, who made his place with returns of 3/22. Prior to that, he had an excellent Big Bash League 2017-18 campaign.

Archer came in as an unknown commodity and became a high-profile player. The performances helped RR retain him without a second thought. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer took 15 wickets at an average of 21.6 in the last season. His influence in the middle overs was massive as well in IPL 2018.

Royals, who lack the overall spunk in pace bowling, will depend on Archer to bail them out. Jaydev Unadkat is the only other reputed name in the ranks. Archer has the credentials to build on the show and take the Royals further in the tournament.

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Pacers who could have maximum influence in IPL 2019

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 is all set to start from March 23 onwards and finally we have another brand new season of excitement and intensity. Once again we will see pacers being the cynosure of all eyes as the IPL progresses.

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IPL 2019: Useful tricks and tips for the right Dream XI combination

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IPL 2019: Useful tricks and tips for the right Dream XI combination

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The Indian Premier League 2019 season is all set to start from March 23 onwards and one thing that must be going on in many fans' minds is how to choose the right combination for fantasy sites such as Dream XI. There are many sites that offer you cash prizes when you participate in choosing your teams for IPL matches. Dream XI is generally the most preferred site among fans.

When you join Dream XI, there is an option of selecting your team and then entering a pool or a contest that mark the prize money associated with it. You get contests that have many participants and the cash prize is huge with lesser amount to enrol for. And then there are contests that have a slightly higher sum to participate, but the competitors are way lesser.

Besides Dream XI, one can also opt for sites like MyTeamXI, Indus Games, Howzat and StarPick. Majority of these sites have cash prizes on offer and the rules are almost similar.

Dream XI for instance allows you to have maximum of seven players from one team. The rules indicate what you get as far your choices are concerned. A captain makes twice(2 X) the points earned and his deputy makes (1.5 times) the points earned. As far a batsman is concerned, he gets 1 point for every 2 runs scored. Meanwhile, a bowler gets 10 points for every wicket taken.

Fielding is important as well. Smart fielders often hep you massively. A fielder gets 4 points for every catch taken. A wicket-keeper get 6 points for a stumping. Also there are special bonus points available as far millstones are concerned. A fifty or a century helps you earn them. Bonus points are also available for maiden overs, run-outs, five-wicket hauls and less economy-rate.

Ahead of IPL 2019, here are the things you should keep in mind while choosing a team for Dream XI.

What kind of batsmen shall I go with?

In terms of picking a batsman, it is essential to select a player who comes top of the order. So in this case player that can face maximum deliveries should get the nod. If you look at the IPL. then top order batsmen are generally the leading run-scorers. Also batting at the top often helps a side amass big scores.

Also pick batsmen that are in form. This will maximise your chances of getting that extra bit of points.

Also the focus would be on batsmen, who stay on the pitch longer. This will help you with gaining maximum points. As far a wicket-keeper batsman is concerned, one should try to get someone, who is strong with the bat. For example, Kings XI Punjab's KL Rahul and Kolkata Knight Riders' Dinesh Karthik serves more purpose because of the consistency they bring.

A wicket-keeper should also be effective behind the stumps.

How to choose all-rounders and sound bowling options?

Having top quality all-rounders is an essential ploy. All-rounders or impact players are often the most valuable players in Fantasy XI. This is because they contribute across departments. An all-rounder can bring quality with the bat and help finish off games. He can also come in and get you wickets while rolling the arms. Fielding is another strong aspect.

Moreover, it is advisable to pick an all-rounder who can bat at important positions such as number five or six. And who is sure to bowl a few overs as well. In this case, a bowling all-rounder who bats is often handy.

As far bowlers are concerned, one should rope in players who can pick up desired wickets. The idea is to get bowlers who thrive in death overs. That's where maximum wickets tend to fall. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Trent Boult come in as useful names.

When you seek a lot of points, wickets give you the desired results rather than anything else. Keep this in mind.

What other factors come in useful?

Conditions play a strong role. One should have clear idea about where is the match being played. How's the venue like? Does it support batsmen more than bowlers or vice versa? What's the average batting first and second? How long are the boundaries? Keeping an eye on previous year records at the venue will prove to be essential.

The next important aspect is the condition of the pitch, Is it more spin-friendly or pace? Will spinners be more effective in getting wickets? Another vital attribute is choosing a captain well. A skipper gives you more points and that becomes crucial. Preferably, one should opt for an all-rounder as a skipper of the side.

Also if you choose a skipper from say 'Team X', then the ideal situation is to select a vice-captain from 'Team Y'.

What are the things I should avoid?

Many Dream XI and other sports fantasy platform users often go in for their favourite players. That's a clear no. Favourite players do not get you the points you are looking for. Just because you are a diehard fan of someone, doesn't mean you have him in the side. Also another major thing to keep in mind is to avoid injury-prone players. That can rob you off serious points.

Also before selecting an IPL fantasy team before a match, one should have a clear idea of which players are likely to feature. Selecting the wrong ones means you don't get the desired points to boost your score and earnings. Also do not enter pools that have many participants. Less competitors will maximise your chances. Our advice is that you should join leagues that have better value and less participants.

Do not go for all-rounders who are likely to just bat our bowl. Try names that give you both.

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IPL 2019: Useful tricks and tips for the right Dream XI combination

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The Indian Premier League 2019 season is all set to start from March 23 onwards and one thing that must be going on in many fans' minds is how to choose the right combination for fantasy sites such as Dream XI.

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Montezemolo holds Fernando Alonso partly responsible for Ferrari defeats. Is this fair?

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Montezemolo holds Fernando Alonso partly responsible for Ferrari defeats. Is this fair?

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You would be mistaken to think that what it takes to win in Formula 1 is simply great speed and amazing reflexes coupled with fitness. Yes, there are necessary raw materials for success. But in order for success to sustain itself, it often boils down to the kind of chemistry that a driver shares with his team boss. Isn't it? In that regard, one doesn't quite know the real equation between an F1 driver and his team boss.

Can Fernando Alonso claim to know former Ferrari boss Montezemolo?

Well, who knows? But here's a point for contention.

While at the outset, it's pretty simple and easy to run down a driver and his team, it's quite another to step into their shoes and examine their situation. Truth be told, you'd much rather be any other team at this point in time than be Ferrari, arguably the sport's most famous racing outfit.

Why's that, but, you might wonder? Well, it hurts to lose right?

And then, when you find no respite from the usual narrative- being beaten by the Silver Arrows comprehensively in Ferrari's case- it is bound to hurt even more- correct?

If you were someone who saw Ferrari in the recent years in their unsuccessful bid to beat Mercedes, then you would've registered something.

That Ferrari failed to beat Mercedes in both the driver's and the constructor's championship wasn't just the ultimate outcome.

That they failed consistently for the past half a decade goes to show how badly they were they beaten by the table-toppers in the world's most enigmatic single-seater racing contest.

It wouldn't increase the price of fish or reduce the carbon footprint in any developing country to recollect how comprehensively did Lewis Hamilton thump Ferrari's, Sebastian Vettel.

But before the Maranello-based outfit realized that even after favoring Vettel over an 'aging' Raikkonen wasn't going to suffice to hold either the (Red) Bulls by their horns or the Mercedes, things weren't that sullen.

Back in 2010, a year where a famous Spaniard broke into the sport's most glorious outfit, Ferrari did, after all, seem on song.

How else are you going to define the menacing form that Fernando Alonso fetched Ferrari? In his maiden year of donning the famous blood-shot reds, Alonso went on to win 5 glorious races.

Perhaps it may take an absolutely petulant critic or some irrationally opinionated fan to undermine the importance of one such Grand Prix victory; that stellar win in front of the Tifosi where Alonso popped open the champagne at Monza, in his very first appearance in a red racing suit.

But, even as Fernando Alonso went from strength to strength, albeit losing to Vettel in 2010 by a margin as dainty as 4 points, followed by a 3-point deficit to the German in 2012, it did produce a simple result.

That there quite literally was nobody other than Fernando Alonso who could stand up to Vettel became the narrative of those tumultuous pre-hybrid era years, circa 2010-13.

And just what was this narrative that dominated F1's headlines?

Well, the Fernando Alonso versus Sebastian Vettel show what else?

Moreover, that Fernando Alonso grabbed 11 wins with Ferrari, and therefore, nearly a third of his career wins, clearly defines his superb success with Vettel's current team, one with whom the German tangled in many a duel, whether in Catalunya or Sakhir.

Against this backdrop, when one gets to hear that someone like Luca di Montezemolo has blamed Fernando Alonso for the defeats that Ferrari fetched of late, then one's ought to be surprised, right?

It's something that does, after all, sound bitter in a way that's inexplicable or indescribable. So what did Montezemolo exactly say in relation to Fernando Alonso?

When he wins, he's happy. When he doesn't win, it's the problem of the team, he's unhappy. He's less close to the team than Michael and Niki.

"Particularly in the difficult moments. To be close to the team in the good moments is easy."

If you are a Fernando Alonso fan or even someone who's admired Ferrari for a while, having seen the sweat and toil that the Spaniard cheerily endured in a bid to beat Vettel in that indomitable Red Bull, then the feeling would be quite bitter. It would be akin to accusing an Olympic runner, someone who fetched joys for his country, of having taken a banned substance in order to win.

It sounds shocking. It is ludicrous. It's, quite frankly, worse than being stabbed in the back- is it not?

After all, who's to be blamed for the culture of defeats that Ferrari have so regularly been displaying? What sense- one is compelled to ask- does it serve to rekindle memories of an era that is not only not applicable anymore to anything that's contemporary about F1 (at this point) and nor can it fill in the void that the Maranello-based outfit is so desperately seeking; the lack of wins.

To most drivers as well as fans who would have noticed 'El Nino's' form in 2014, a season where Ferrari were quite simply no match to Red Bull, the leading protagonists of the season, visiting a simple statistic would've explained Alonso's "character!"

To Kimi Raikkonen- then making a return to the Prancing Horse- who gathered 55 points, Fernando Alonso clocked up 161 points; outpacing the famous Finn by a margin as wide as 106 crucial points.

A question therefore to Mr. Montezemolo.

Where were you when the former F1 driver single-handedly roasted Raikkonen? Where were you when Alonso lifted the ante of the competition in stoking some emotion in the sport (as only he could have) in snatching victories from the grasp of Red Bull during those halcyon days?

Finally, what does Alonso's character tell us; this being a driver who fashioned 11 wins from 2010-14 ever since donning the reds?

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Is Montezemolo fair in blaming Fernando Alonso's nature for Ferrari failure

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You would be mistaken to think that what it takes to win in Formula 1 is simply great speed and amazing reflexes coupled with fitness. Yes, there are necessary raw materials for success. But in order for success to sustain itself, it often boils down to the kind of chemistry that a driver shares with ...

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Why we must spare Mick comparisons with his famous father, Michel Schumacher?

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Why we must spare Mick comparisons with his famous father, Michel Schumacher?

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Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher is it right?

Every human being is unique, so we must spare Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher. No two fingers in the hand are similar to one another. One must treat people as individuals for they are that precisely at the end of the day. Also, there's one more.

Comparisons lead to a downfall.

Ever heard the above? You may have?

How can you not have heard of the last one?

It's the physics' equivalent in the realm of literature; the thing has to fall down, to the ground.

Is it not?

Yet, it's a fallacious human tendency to engage in some, for reasons not exactly clear.

In Boxing, a sport that Muhammad Ali made his own, the arrival of his daughter, Laila, at least for nearly half a decade excited audiences like no other.

Then, eventually, after a few bouts, she became history and opted for TV. Do you think we must spare Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher? Let's consider this

Sachin Tendulkar, who is considered a 'God' of cricket might be the finest father ever. But son Arjun, a rising cricketer would understand the true enormity that his surname carries.

Truth be told, the very public glare that the youngster, who's a developing left-arm pacer and a handy lower order bat must be subjected to would tantamount to making him grow weak in the knees.

Who knows not by the physicality of pain but by the enormity of expectation.

Let us emphasize a bit more on this for a bit.

The Indian media, particularly fond of pitting a noted father vis-a-vis his rising offspring has done that already in domains other than sport.

To its merit, it would say, it's shown versatility in comparisons.

It not only compared actor Abhishek Bachchan- a fine actor on his own considering he's helmed several smashing hits- to his father, Amitabh Bachchan, an icon in India, a bit brutally, but it also resorted to downing Rohan Gavaskar in comparing the modestly successful batsman to Sir Sunny.

Did Rohan Gavaskar commit a crime against humanity by not rising to the lofty standards his father had set, which he didn't help forge?

Must it be asked- what did this process achieve? Are we sincerely and solemnly indebted to some universal court of justice that we must pass our verdicts on those who accumulate little or meager success instead of amassing loads of it?

Now here's a fact.

Akin to the birth of a new one brings a lot of smiles into a family, the arrival of someone special and much-anticipated in a specter as grandiose as sports also brings with it, curiosity and excitement.

In Formula 1, this has happened a few times already.

Heard of the name Verstappen?

To F1, it's a sparkling, no-holds-barred lexicon of immense talent and grandeur.

Joe Verstappen's son, a notable F1 driver and speed maniac Max Verstappen- temperamental according to some, maverick according to most others- has carried forward the legacy of his father.

Joe interestingly, 17 career points, 2 podiums, 0 wins, despite not being a tremendous racer, to this day commands respect.

Max on his own has emerged as the go-to man at Christian Horner-led Red Bull, a team driving for which he registered arguably the finest Grand Prix drive post something subliminal that Senna brought during his 'Regenmeister' years: the 2016 rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

But one wonders, comparisons, and talks about Max being so different from his father kept aside, how easy must it have been for Max to have contested had his father been a tremendous success?

Should we fans and the F1 community be feeling glad that 'thankfully' Max's success- as amplified by 5 race wins already in a short span- were well fetched for his father wasn't exactly an F1 luminary?

But that said, life wasn't the easiest for Nico Rosberg, who, one wonders may have always remained in the shadow of his iconic father, Keke, a Flying Finn, had the 2016 World title not had happened.

But then every sport finds a reason to applaud a new young talent

It's understandable.

Some would say, it's the natural order of things. In F1, the contest often boils down to the ability of experience versus the exuberance of the youth.

And we've seen what happens when the latter gets going. We've seen that in 26-year-old Kimi Raikkonen at Sakhir, who came from P22 to third in 2006's Bahrain Grand Prix.

We've seen that in the 25-year-old Fernando Alonso hammering Michael Schumacher of all drivers in the 2005-06 titles. And we've seen that when Vettel won the 2010 world title. He was just 23.

But the above told, what worth is it really in comparing a 20-year-old driver who hasn't yet raced with 20 of the world's fastest men to his father, a luminary in a sport where things can often go dark and in no time at all?

While on the one hand there's Mick Schumacher, who's hours away from his Formula 2 debut, where he's slated to drive for both Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, on the other is Michael Schumacher, perhaps the only man who really could've bagged 2 world titles with Benetton, keeping his 5 with Ferrari aside.

It's one thing to rule at the top echelons of motorsports.

It's something quite other to expect a younger generation breaking through to pop open the champagne.

No?

To that regard, whether Mick Schumacher- 8 wins, 4 poles, and 7 fastest laps in the Formula 3 European Championships- wins or loses in F1, it doesn't really matter.

What matters is that the sport will be benefitting from the alacrity of a youngster who promises so much excitement. Then, that he has a surname that shall grant him a bit of a press leeway as much as it would test him with no easy days ahead shall only thicken the contests that are in front of them.

So while one doesn't bat the eye twice before letting someone like Kimi - who could hardly care about anything- be, why shouldn't we follow suit for Mick?

Here is our thought why you must spare Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher. What do you think let us know in the comments below?
Also Read:-
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Hamilton clinches pole. What can the other do?
5 things to look forward in F1 2019 season

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Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher Why it's unfair to compare

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Every human being is unique, so we must spare Mick Schumacher vs Michael Schumacher. No two fingers in the hand are similar to one another. One must treat people as individuals for they are that precisely at the end of the day. Also, there's one more. Comparisons lead to a downfall.

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Shimron Hetmyer: Why He Needs To Play The Patient Game Even in IPL

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Shimron Hetmyer: Why He Needs To Play The Patient Game Even in IPL

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A few days ago, Carlos Brathwaite, upon being asked by the media whether the West Indies- as seen in the hammering they served England in the Caribbean- were 'back?'

To this, the T20 captain shared a rather interesting reply.

He implied that while the redemption was perhaps still at some distance, what's indeed been a wrong notion on the part of the media is its tendency to identify the 'next' 'Lara' or 'Walsh' in the Windies.

It's not for nothing that Brathwaite signalled a clear red-herring.

How often, it must be asked, has one heard that Shimron Hetmyer bats like Lara or that he's, quite simply, a new 'Lara?'

First things first. There are no two ways about Shimron Hetmyer being a world-class find for his team. For someone who's barely into his twenties, he's already struck 4 ODI centuries, amassed a strike rate of over 100, clubbed 36 sixes and, is only some 100 runs from reaching his first real landmark in cricket- 1000 ODI runs.

To his credit, he's already been picked as one of the finest batsmen in the game right now. There's little doubt about the fact that when he hits it, the ball stays hit.

And at a time where the template of the sport is being textured by the freshness of names like Sam Curran, Rishabh Pant, Henry Nicholls, Aiden Markram, having Shimron Hetmyer around as a dangerous bat augurs well.

How many, it must be asked, would've done that? Well, we don't know. We aren't into clairvoyance. And at the end of the day, random speculation is about as cool as eating ice-cream in Alaska on a sore throat.

But how on earth is Shimron Hetmyer a new Brian Lara?

Let it not be forgotten that it's not for the first time that a batsman has been compared to Brian Lara, of all people.

To this day, whenever the elegant Darren Bravo makes it to the middle, some hearts begin throbbing restlessly. They cannot help but rewind back incessantly to the time where 'The Prince of Trinidad' played the shots the way Bravo, in the second wind of his career, does.

Nostalgia, after all, does hold a strong value in our lives- does is not? The feeling of viewing things with sepia-tinted glasses does unearth surreal joys.

But is Shimron Hetmyer- with scores of 5 and 0 behind him recently as seen in the IPL- the new Brian Lara?

Nothing could be further from the truth.

This is not to say that biologically the assumption that the Guyanese batsman is like the Trini is ill-founded.

We are, after all, in an era of plastic surgeries and rhinoplastic surgeries and that jazz.

But on a serious note, to be even compared to the holder of the highest-individual Test record, one has to get used to failures, get accustomed to playing back t0 back match-winning knocks and above all, demonstrate patience.

While some of Hetmyer's sixes may surely have landed closer to the last row in any Caribbean stadia, it's patience and technique where he constantly falters.

And much to the surprise and sheer disbelief of those who do sense in him a batsman who can weave magic, he seems unwilling to learn from his mistakes.

For those simple reasons, it suffices to say that Shimron Hetmyer, a slayer of bowlers; a rattler of miser bowling economy rates, a destructor of spin, a hammerer of the white ball, is no Brian Lara.

Think this is hitting below the belt?

Just two simple instances, completely unrelated by series or format of contest demonstrate where Shimron Hetmyer is lacking.

On February 27, 2019, as the West Indies were up against 419, Hetmyer arrived in the middle in the 24th over. Bravo, 61 of 59 had just departed. At that time, the Windies needed 199 runs off 162 balls. Importantly, 7 wickets were still intact.

All that Hetmyer, who hit a 6 stunningly off the very first ball of Mark Wood, had to do was to have hung in there. Gayle, well set on the other end, would've wanted nothing more of his partner than to simply hang in there.

Yet, what did Shimron Hetmyer do? He decided to hammer another short-pitched delivery only to find the fielder on the on-side. Hales had been specifically placed on the on-side boundary by Wood for a catch and Hetmyer didn't disappoint England.

His score? 6 of 2.

A few hours back, in a tight contest featuring Bangalore and Mumbai, Hetmyer arrived just when AB De Villiers would've wanted someone solid at the other end to just hang in there; rotate the strike and at worst, give him the strike.

Hetmyer, knowing well that Kohli, Parthiv, Ali had all been dismissed with only De Villiers the most experienced batsman around, decided to take the aerial route to Bumrah of all bowlers, even as he wasn't set.

What happened next?

A wicket fell; one for which RCB had spent crores and crores of rupees. Hetmyer was on his way for 5. Previously, he had managed a duck in a game against Chennai. He went for a run that didn't exist.

Would Lara have done such a thing?

Make no mistake, on a few occasions in his career, Lara did assist bowlers by picking an absolutely horrific shot, often manufactured out of the anxiousness to get off the mark and on other occasions, to just get going. But heck, Brian Lara, on nine out of ten occasions possessed the art, technique and nuance to hold on to his own when the chips were down.

Lara, a superstar in his career by the time he was approaching 24 had already hit 277. A few months down the line, he'd leave Sir Sobers behind and reach sky-rocketing fame courtesy that 375.

In between, he had found a way to toy around with bowlers, rotate the strike, offer the big expansive 'Laraesque' strokes but not before building partnerships with a Chanderpaul, Sherwin Campbell, Keith Arthurton, Carl Hooper to which he was an effluent contribut0r.

How many stands has Hetmyer- the man responsible for perhaps one of the finest ODI tons hit in India courtesy that 106 at Vizag in 2018- been a part of?

How many times has Hetmyer found the West Indies solely relying on him to bail themselves out? Lara's shoes, wear-able that they may seem are a mighty ask.

They require the wearer to be someone who can do more than wear his heart on his sleeve; they require the promising individual- Hetmyer is indeed one- to be able to calm the storms as much as he can kick up one during inclement weather.

A question therefore to Shimron himself.

Are you that man?

Won't it make more sense to first learn the tricks of the game, one considered a religion in India and a literal unifier in the Caribbean?

Lara's aren't forged in wild heaves, virulent hits and, massive strikes alone. Lara's are born out of situations and struggles. The world would appear sweet and welcoming only if you tried to hang in there first.

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Shimron Hetmyer: Why He Needs To Play The Patient Game Even in IPL

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A few days ago, Carlos Brathwaite, upon being asked by the media whether the West Indies- as seen in the hammering they served England in the Caribbean- were 'back?' To this, the T20 captain shared a rather interesting reply.

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IPL 2019: CSK’s spin show to be their flavour of the season

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IPL 2019: CSK’s spin show to be their flavour of the season

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Chennai Super Kings spinners (CSK) have got off to a terrific start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season.

They have already collected four points from the first two matches and MS Dhoni's side has looked settled so far. To be honest, if CSK keeps paying to their strengths, then they will walk away with the title once again.

The defending champions have been solid with their spin show on offer and that looks to be the flavor of the season.

In the opening encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh rolled back years to show the relevance that a finger spinner can be decisive in the shortest format.

He was joined by South Africa's ageless wonder Imran Tahir, and together the two ripped apart RCB for 70 runs. CSK spinners accounted for eight wickets in total.

Against the Delhi Capitals, Ravindra Jadeja was on song on a slow track as CSK sealed a well-earned victory.

So far it has been a decisive approach by Dhoni, who goes into a match with plenty of options in the bowling. The master knows what he wants and he uses his troops as per the demands of the situation.

There were occasions last season when several of his prime bowlers didn't get over in a game. He didn't need to.

IPL 2019 could have a similar effect on how Chennai Super Kings spinners march ahead. This gives them the cushion over other teams and experience has served them well on repeated occasions.

Here we analyze how important spin will be for CSK this season.

Spin has paid rich dividends for CSK

Against RCB, the Chennai Super Kings spinners bowled 13 overs in total on a wicket that held on at the Chepauk. And they were worth every penny.

Bhajji bowled all of his four overs in the start and ended with figures of 3/20.

The early onslaught paved the way for Tahir, who tormented the visitors even more with his googlies that killed the contest in the first half.

With so much assistance for spinners, senior cricketer Ravindra Jadeja wasn't going to be left behind, finishing with 2/15 in 4 overs.

Suresh Raina in between got an over as well. In 13 overs that were bowled by spinners, RCB managed a paltry 50 runs.

This tells the story about how the experienced quartet worked their way and fed off the vulnerabilities of RCB batsmen.

Bhajji had gauged the pitch well and he altered the length of his deliveries effectively. What worked for him was that he also reduced the pace at times to trouble the batsmen.

He also dropped his length, and the slowness of the track made batsmen indecisive and that worked for CSK at home in front of a packed stadium.

Against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni got just 10 overs from his spinners and in return, they responded with two wickets for 73 runs. Dhoni will take that any day.

This shows his mettle to know exactly what he wants. He even didn't bowl Kedar Jadhav up till now in IPL 2019. Also, CSK has fielded just three foreigners in both their games.

There are options aplenty for Dhoni to count upon.

Chennai Super Kings spinners have started off well

Teams like KKR have seen their spinners struggle in both games and have been plundered at will.

Despite winning both their matches, KKR's famed trio have got just two wickets between them in two matches. Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan to have not been sublime yet.

RCB's Yuzvendra Chahal and SRH's Rashid Khan are the only two names that have been good to watch so far. CSK, on the other hand, have looked consistent. and the spin quartet has started well.

What bodes well for the Chennai unit is the abundance of variety. Bhajji has excelled with his length and line.

Tahir offers that comfort of wicket-taking balls and his variations are sublime to watch. Jadeja is consistent and accurate.

He relies on his simplicity. If by chance they have a bad day, then Jadhav can be utilized with his sleek-arm action.

He is someone that can break partnerships. On the bench, we have Mitchell Santner and Kar Sharma.

So at the moment, there is plenty of confidence riding. One can expect Dhoni to build on this momentum and give his spinners the freedom to exploit the surfaces and conditions on offer.

What has also helped them is the experience that exists among the bowlers. Bhajji, Tahir and Jaddu have a staggering 290 wickets among them. So that helps you read situations better.

CSK can build on this momentum

CSK needed a bit of luck to start IPL 2019 with a bang. Harbhajan's off-break dropped short but Virat Kohli's mistimed pull-shot was taken by Jadeja at mid-wicket boundary.

That kick-started the campaign for CSK. 10 wickets from spinners in two matches at home and away, brings forward the character the side has identified itself with.

CSK do have quality pacers in the ranks to share the workload, but the main identity of this side is the spin attack.

The strength on the bench and the collective variety makes CSK the side, who would want to build on this momentum.

For now, it's simple arithmetic. Bhajji is likely the one to come in the front. Tahir and Jadeja can join in and double the pressure in middle overs.

It has been Bhajji's performance so far that has been the focal point.

After his match-winning efforts in Super Kings's first match, Harbhajan registered another economical spell on a wicket which was supporting the spinners.

Given the slow nature of the surface, Harbhajan was on song and bowled as per the plans.

Going into midway of the IPL, expect CSK's spinners to have the most wickets among bowlers. Also, check out their economy-rate.

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IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings spinners show their flavour

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Chennai Super Kings spinners (CSK) have got off to a terrific start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season. They have already collected four points from the first two matches and MS Dhoni's side has looked settled so far. To be honest, if CSK keeps paying to their strengths, then they will walk away with the title once again.

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IPL 2019 – Best Dream 11, It’s impossible to defeat this team

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IPL 2019 – Best Dream 11, It’s impossible to defeat this team

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Best Dream11 Team for IPL 2019 by Kyrosports India

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Hey IPL Lovers so here we are with best Dream11 team. The IPL has begun and all the teams have played their first match.

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IPL 2019: Reasons why SRH can win the trophy this time

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IPL 2019: Reasons why SRH can win the trophy this time

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Sunrisers Hyderabad may have lost a thriller at the Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders, but they still are a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season. The Orange Army reached the final in the IPL 2018 edition. What stood out for the 2016 winners was their consistency in terms of getting results. The unit grew in confidence and skipper Kane Williamson led the side well. SRH have become a consistent force in the IPL in the last few years.

Their strong side promises something big once again this season. SRH will be looking to add to their tally of one title, which they won under David Warner in 2016. The Aussie superstar is back after a 12-month ban and he led the way with a stroke-filled 85 in the opening match for SRH. But that was overshadowed by Andre Russell's blitz in the end for KKR. Till the 17th over, SRH were in the match and looked like winning the tie.

Williamson will be leading the side from the second match onwards, and he will benefit from the seniors in the team. Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jonny Bairstow will be part of that leadership think-tank to ease the duty of Williamson.

SRH have a settled side in their ranks and they will rely upon their bowling in particular to hurt opposition teams. There are plenty of match-winners out there. The idea for SRH will be to recreate the situation they were in last term and bring it in IPL 2019. The experience might help them go long and strong.

Here are the reasons why SRH can go on to clinch the IPL 2019 trophy.

Foreign batsmen bring quality in the top order

SRH's four foreign batting stars bring immense quality in the ranks. Warner has won two Orange Caps in the past after being the top run-scorer in the IPL while playing for SRH. He was on top gear for three successive seasons between 2015-17. Last season the classical Williamson came in and won the prestigious award. He was a visual treat.

These two will be key for SRH when they step on to the field. Williamson is most likely to feature from the 2nd match onwards for the Orange army, as he has been battling a minor injury. Add Jonny Bairstow to the side and you have another solid T20 player. He has been a revelation for England and offers that slice of versatility. He scored 39 in the first match against KKR.

The aggressive Martin Guptill is there as well and could be a strong force in the final phase of SRH's campaign. Once Bairstow and Warner depart for World Cup preparation duties, Guptill will need to bring that calmness and authority.

The pace bowling unit is world class

There is no doubt that the Orange Army boast of the best bowling line- up. And the pacers in particular are lethal and provide that steel required to win you games. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the leader of the pack and he offers assistance with swing at the top and the accuracy at the death. His presence makes the side strong. He will be supported by last season's hero Siddarth Kaul. The right-arm fast bowler will be required to maintain the consistency he showed in IPL 11.

What makes SRH a deadly fast-bowling unit is that variety of Indian bowlers. Sandeep Sharma is a seasoned T20 veteran. He can easily come in and produce substance. Basil Thampi showed his strengths in the matches he played last term, He adds depth from the bench. Khaleel Ahmed will bring that extra bit with his left-arm option. He has gained experience with the Indian side.

The side can easily rotate the bowlers and offer that rest to key assets when required. In addition to the Indian bowlers, Billy Stanlake is very much efficient and strong. A stable team with quality on offer makes the side build on the confidence.

Quality in spin can help SRH defend totals

SRH have quality in the ranks as far spin bowling is concerned. And what they did well was to add Shabad Nadeem as the third main spinner of the side. He has been a quality bowler over the years for Delhi. And then we have the best spinner in the world - Rashid Khan. Khan has been proven to unpredictable over the last two seasons and he guarantees you wickets in abundance.

Last season, the leg-spinner grabbed 21 wickets at an economy rate of 6.73. This is immense for a spinner to weave his magic. No batsman like to face him, and this works in the mind of batsmen. In the recent past, the youngster has shown that he can be an able pinch-hitter as well. That's added bonus. In two seasons of IPL he has already picked 38 scalps.

The impact of Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan huge. Shakib has a strong presence of mind and is a gifted all-rounder. He supports Rashid well and bowls in tandem. In terms of batting, he brings the solidity in the middle order. Shakib is a captain's delight and he can thrive under pressure situations. Yusuf Pathan can also chip in when needed and gets you the odd wickets.

Leadership will play a huge role

SRH have abundance in terms of quality leadership. That bodes well for the side. Williamson's calm presence and the ability to gain momentum as a leader makes him a strong force. He is calm and resonate. What makes him easy to watch is his application in tense situations. He knows the situation well and gains productivity.

Warner can be expected to give his valuable inputs during every game. He can also take over the mantle if Williamson sits out. The two have been the chief contributors for SRH's consistency in the past few years. Williamson took over the job well from Warner in IPL 11. And there is so much trust in the camp. The presence of these two power-packed stars can help the side dominate the show.

A captain is as good as a side and the brilliance of the players makes the skippers well balanced. They enjoy the work and bring that stability needed to go far in the tournament.

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IPL 2019: Reasons why SRH can win the trophy this term

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Sunrisers Hyderabad may have lost a thriller at the Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders, but they still are a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season. The Orange Army reached the final in the IPL 2018 edition.

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Leclerc on pole for 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix as Ferrari shoot out Merc in front row lockout

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Leclerc on pole for 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix as Ferrari shoot out Merc in front row lockout

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"How hard is it to take set that hot lap here in the desert," asked Paul di Resta to the Ferrari driver with car number 16.
And in came an answer that echoed a quiet sense of confidence and grace akin to a paratrooper returning from a battlefield.

"It's extremely hard because Seb is an amazing driver and I've learnt a lot from him but today was a good day. Now I work hard for the race win!"

With these graceful words, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc warmed up to a bit of history as he clinched the pole position for the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix.

In so doing he became the second youngest driver ever in the history of the sport to become pole-sitter.

Leclerc keeps his cool in the desert

Additionally, he also became the first-ever driver from Monaco to clinch pole position here at Sakhir, the home of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

It was a bit of history all around for the new Ferrari recruit because it was back in 2017 where he had clinched pole for Formula 2 but had managed third in the race.

From this perspective, Ferrari fans would certainly hope that Sunday's race result bears no similarity whatsoever to Leclerc's 2017 exploits.

But all said and done, it won't be incorrect to state that on March 30, 2019, as Leclerc, among the youngest and fastest drivers on the grid stormed to the pole in the desert, a thought went out to Jules Bianchi.

A thought goes out to the late Jules

One makes no bones in admitting that had the Frenchman been around, he would've been perhaps in tears or filled with immense joy for a man he helped train and nurture.

And it's none other than pole-sitter Charles Leclerc.

With Leclerc on pole, how did the other Ferrari perform?

But as Charles Leclerc topped the table in the qualifying, setting a new track record at 1.27.866 and in the process beating his Ferrari teammate, Sebastian Vettel held on to a fighting second.

The German would set a 1:28:160 and in so doing completed a front row lockout for the Scuderia.

But why was this front row lockout important for Ferrari?

With Charles Leclerc on pole and Sebastian going second, respectively on the grid for the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari too, scaled a bit of fascinating history.

This was the 62 nd occasion where the Scuderia stable ensured a front row lockout start for a Grand Prix. Their current feat sees them tied with the likes of McLaren and Williams.

That told, how did the Mercedes drivers fare at the qualifying?

Following the show-stopping performance by Ferrari, who seem to have immediately responded to a frail show at Melbourne, Hamilton and Bottas ensured a third and fourth-fastest slot on the grid.

In so doing, the five-time world champion, who also happens to be the defending champion for the 2019 season, Lewis Hamilton, clocked a 1:28:190, the front of her Silver Arrows machine just parked behind the rear of Vettel's Ferrari.

No surprises then why Hamilton echoed a quiet sense of confidence, despite the Ferrari blow rendered to both Mercedes' that, "we will try to beat them and being fastest doesn't mean that they can't be beaten," when interacting with Paul di Resta.

The Briton was closely followed by teammate Valtteri Bottas, who trailed Lewis by a margin as dainty as six-hundredths of a second; the gap between third-placed Hamilton and Bottas being as low as 0.066 seconds.

Max rests on 5th at the Bahrain GP qualifying as others follow

While Verstappen, fresh from a P3 at Australia's Albert Park, in the season-opener was comfortably stacked at a rather sedate P5, a slew of dynamic performers followed his Red Bull.

Leading the array of final five including the top ten on the grid was Danish driver Kevin Magnussen, inarguably, the faster of the two Haas drivers. He would go at a smashing 1:28:757, his personal best of the three qualifying runs.

He'd ensure that his quick pace on the softer compounds would ensure that McLaren's Carlos Sainz Jr., who did seem struggling during the initial few minutes of the qualifying run would follow in on seventh at 1:28:813.

Then came the other Haas of Romain Grosjean, among the most improved drivers during the qualifying runs, and someone who failed to score a point at Australia.

Kimi struggles but makes the cut somehow

One of the only three drivers among the top ten who recorded time into the 1:29's, the Frenchman went fast but not fast enough to avoid a P8 at 1:29:015. Following him was Kimi Raikkonen in his Alfa Romeo, the Finn constantly struggling throughout the three qualifying runs but luckily doing just enough to scamper home on ninth courtesy his 1:29:022, although comfortably 2 seconds off the leader of the pack.

To complete the final position on the grid was McLaren's other driver, rookie Lando Norris, who until the second qualifying was much higher up than both Raikkonen and his own teammate, Carlos Sainz Jr.

Norris would set a 1:29:043 in his very first run at Bahrain.

Charles Leclerc stands on the cusp of history

But on Sunday, all eyes would be on Charles Leclerc, all of 21. Someone who'll be competing against vastly experienced drivers, titans in their own right if you may, it'll be interesting to see how well can the young Ferrari rookie can hold onto his own against two supremely capable men who'll be in hot pursuit of the aggressively quick Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Notable drivers missing the final qualifying run and hence start outside the Top-10?

Daniel Ricciardo- Renault

Nico Hulkenberg- Renault

Robert Kubica-Williams

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Leclerc on pole for 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix as Ferrari smash Merc in quali

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"How hard is it to take set that hot lap here in the desert," asked Paul di Resta to the Ferrari driver with car number 16. And in came an answer that echoed a quiet sense of confidence and grace akin to a paratrooper returning from a battlefield.

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2019 Bahrain Grand Prix: Who’ll Lead The Desert Storm as Ferrari battle Mercedes, Red Bull?

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2019 Bahrain Grand Prix: Who’ll Lead The Desert Storm as Ferrari battle Mercedes, Red Bull?

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Bottas, currently the table-topper, is set to gather his focus again. Hamilton knows what he has to do; being a runner's up is not really him. Verstappen has already announced his intentions to both Ferrari and Mercedes at Albert Park. Now the question most would be wondering about is- who'll unleash the desert heat at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix?

With its giant run-off areas, high-speed corners, long straights and, plenty of room for overtaking- the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix is upon us. Amid its quintessential heat, Sakhir, the electrifying venue for Sunday is set to go ablaze by the prospect of unfolding yet another duel that could really throw up anybody as the winner among the famous troika- Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

The second race of the season is upon us. Thankfully, from a fan perspective, there are 19 more races to go after this. Sit down on that couch; grab that popcorn or Ceaser's salad and pop open the beer and Iced tea. Gather your friends, lower the music, cut away from the rest of the world.

On Sunday, as 20 drivers and therefore, 10 teams prepare to unleash themselves at the 57-lap contest, one wonders what's in store for the top three teams on the grid.

So what could we expect from Mercedes at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix?

Not always does one find Lewis Hamilton trailing teammate Valtteri Bottas on the tables, right? At the recently-concluded Australian Grand Prix, much of the discussion during the race as also post it shifted to Valtteri Bottas. In 2018, he endured a winless run. In 2019, he began with a bang. Such is Valtteri Bottas- someone who's yet to win at Bahrain but come the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix and given the newfound confidence the Finn is contending with, he could well make Lewis trail his Mercedes.

But Lewis Hamilton, yet to win at Bahrain since his 2014 and 2015 wins, would want to set the record straight. He'd love to do his bit in helping Mercedes offset Ferrari's dominance.

Sakhir, lest it is forgotten, has been a kingly dominion of sorts where only the Red Cars have ruled in the past two installments.

Can Hamilton bounce back on top?

For starters, he'd do well to remember that he's stepped on the podium in the last three installments of the Grand Prix consecutively, which in itself, is an impressive feat.

His doubters who are already hailing Bottas as being sufficiently ahead of Lewis in this year's race would be advised to know that Hamilton has been at 'it' at Sakhir, ever since the 2007 race, his maiden run where he finished second. So his successes at Bahrain, winless that they may have been in past 2 seasons, are pretty much regulation job for the Briton.

Bottas, meanwhile, would be interested to prove that his stellar win at Albert Park was no flash in the pan. Interesting stuff ahead of us at Bahrain then?

Will Verstappen stun everyone, seal a spot on the podium at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen, together with Christian Horner's astute leadership and the experience of Dr. Helmut Marko constitutes a solid team at Red Bull.

But ever since F1 went the hybrid-engine way, Red Bull have failed to bag a win. Not a pretty statistic for a team that has consistently beaten the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari in challenging circuits such as Mexico, Monaco, and Spielberg (both in 2018).

But all of this could be set for a change given the promise of the RB15, as seen at Melbourne. While Sebastian Vettel would be wary of the menacing pace in which Verstappen blast past his defenses in the dying stages of the contest, it will be fascinating to see if Max can redo that jig and upset the familiar frontrunners at Sakhir.

On the other hand, Pierre Gasly, the former Toro-Rosso driver, would love to get going and finish with a decent accumulation at Sakhir, a track that has traditionally favored the car with better front-line speed. His P11 at Melbourne didn't really extract anything worthy of being discussed as such.

Should Max and Gasly, with the former in particular get going in putting the pressure right from the start, it could take the power of two bulls (at the same time) for Ferrari and Merc to contend with.

Can Vettel bounce back, silence his critics at Sakhir?

In some ways, the man of the moment, if it could be said, is the bloke who could at best salvage a fourth at Melbourne.

Nothing exciting.

Nothing too fancy to ever write about- right, Seb?

But Sebastian Vettel is a very different creature under the bright shiny lights at the electrifying Sakhir, one of the most enduring enigmas of the F1 roster.

Ever since Vettel's stepped up his game starting 2017, he's failed everyone on the grid and made the top step of the podium his.

In fact, critics and pundits both have been united in their assessment of the Ferrari as being the car with better straight-line speed here at Sakhir, vis-a-vis that of the Mercedes.

But what will Vettel do at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix? Can he complete a hat-trick of wins (2018, 2017 winner) or will he, salvage some pride and clinch a third at best for his team?

Whatever it is, Ferrari begin with a bit of pressure at Bahrain this weekend. They would be conscious about the fact that given they failed to win at Australia (a track where Vettel has won in last two seasons) they've got to fire out here in the parameter of the desert.

To that end, it's time for the SF-90, currently, a subject of a polarising debate for it not having the best or 'ideal' aerodynamic package, to settle the dust.

And if so, maybe Red Bull's Dr. Helmut Marko will find his answer about the pace the car is bringing to the fore.

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2019 Bahrain Grand Prix: What to expect from the desert Storm

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Bottas, currently the table-topper, is set to gather his focus again. Hamilton knows what he has to do; being a runner's up is not really him. Verstappen has already announced his intentions to both Ferrari and Mercedes at Albert Park. Now the question most would be wondering about is- who'll unleash the desert heat at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix?

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Why DC Are The Outsiders In IPL 2019 Despite The Madness?

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Why DC Are The Outsiders In IPL 2019 Despite The Madness?

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Delhi Capitals have had a mixed approach in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. The side is filled with a solid bunch of Indian players and there is experience in the ranks provided by foreigners. Despite the intent, there is a tendency to make life difficult for themselves. DC need to be careful of the same. The ultra aggressive mentality needs to be curbed.

DC can be destructive for the good and also for the worst. The unpredictability and surprises in store makes them a fun side to watch though. They have the quality to make matches interesting irrespective of the result.

When you look at DC's exploits against Kolkata Knight Riders, they had the match under control. Yet, the game was forced to go to the Super Over. Most teams would have sailed through, but DC somehow panicked to allow KKR make a comeback. Then in the Super Over, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was terrific to win the match for the side.

The next encounter against Kings XI Punjab had DC in complete control of the proceedings. Yet, somehow, they managed to lose seven wickets for eight runs to surrender the tie. It was a match DC needed to win, but they fell prey to madness once again.

Barring the match against Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has played a watchable brand of cricket. There is no short of entertainment associated with this unit. Will we see these kind of madness outings in time to come? Perhaps, yes. But given the experienced management to deal with, one will hope the side learns from mistakes and makes progression.

They are capable of looking foolish, but the side also has the character to go and surprise one and all. DC will be more effective on pitches that assist batting more often.

Delhi can be termed as the dark horses this season. Here we analyse the same.

DC need to bat as an unit

Firstly, let's look at the positives. Delhi actually have what to takes to fire them in the batting department. Shikhar Dhawan is a settled force in opening. He has just one fifty to his name in IPL 12, but expect the runs to follow. Dhawan's responsibility to bat for longer periods and play his natural game allows him the cushion.

Prithvi Shaw looked electric after a magnificent 99 against KKR. His role allows him to go big in being more aggressive. Shaw's productivity lies in the first six overs which allows him to attack bowlers. DC will be looking to get the most out of him. Rishabh Pant has entertained fans with his cameos and he is a strong bet in the middle order.

The work for Pant is that he has to turn into being a potential match-winner rather than just come in and go all guns blazing. He has to take the responsibility to hang in there and make sure he stays till the end. This will allow DC to be saved from potential collapses in the middle.

Colin Ingram and Shreyas Iyer add steel. Ingram in particular is a solid buy and his experience will be handy when the business end of the season arrives. Iyer has turned out to be a strong leader and he has learnt the tricks of captaincy rapidly since last season. So the batting will revolve around these five players and together they can work through to make it work.

Delhi will have to put in the work

Delhi will have to stop the madness that can be their potential downfall. Two matches in a row, the side lacked the composure, despite being on the driver's seat. So the ability to finish off games is a real test of character. Expect them to earn quickly and seal these pivotal moments.

Shaw in particular needs to be careful with his selection of shots. He has the tendency to get flattered easily. But then he is just 20 years of age and these moments can be expected. Likewise, the same goes for Pant. He too needs to balance his innings well. DC will need them to pick up the trades and move on.

DC's batting against SRH was one that was laboured on a slow track. They will have to find a way in order to deal in such conditions. SRH have one of the best bowling attack in the IPL and that paid dividends at the Kotla. DC must find a collective effort to sort out their batting. It could undo the work they can be capable of. Consistency is the key here for the side.

But despite all the issues at the moment, we expect the side to pick up momentum as the season progresses. It's not a myth. DC might turn out to be the outsiders and come strong.

DC's bowling has a strong character

Rabada has lit up IPL 2019 with his excellent approach at the death. That Super Over against KKR was a real deal. He has looked like someone to have set the campaign for DC. The Proteas pacer is known for his nagging pace and accuracy. He can come and deliver at crunch moments. This is something DC needed from a bowler and they have found that person.

When you look at Delhi's season in 2018, Trent Boult was the magician for them. He picked up 18 wickets and featured in every match. This term, Boult has become the second choice foreign pacer. This has its own merit. When Rabada needs a rest, Boult can always come in and provide quality. He can swing the ball and the pace generated makes him potent. Also, Boult is a left-hander.

Ishant Sharma started off the season well. And at the moment it is Harshal Patel, who is being rotated with Ishant. So what that does is, it gives you variety. The presence of the experienced Amit Mishra spells vital for DC. He has 149 IPL wickets and has found his rhythm. Sandeep Lamichhane is the crux of this side. The Nepal international is no wonder a hit across global T20 leagues.

With the Feroz Shah Kotla pitches being on the slower side, expect the spinners to gain more authority as the season progresses. Perhaps, the bowling could inspire the inconsistent batting line-up. They had very little to do against SRH, yet the bowlers fought valiantly post Bairstow's advancements. Against CSK as well, the side took the match to the last over. Now it's time to build on this.

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Why DC Are The Outsiders In IPL 2019 Despite The Madness?

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Delhi Capitals have had a mixed approach in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. The side is filled with a solid bunch of Indian players and there is experience in the ranks provided by foreigners. Despite the intent, there is a tendency to make life difficult for themselves.

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IPL 2019: Why Virat Kohli’s RCB seem to be out of contention for the playoffs?

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IPL 2019: Why Virat Kohli’s RCB seem to be out of contention for the playoffs?

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A new season for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but there is nothing new in terms of the product on offer. Virat Kohli's side has been dismal in IPL 2019 and already into four matches this season, the southern giants are in a spot of bother.

RCB have lost four successive matches on the trot and two of them have been rather heavy ones in IPL 2019. The side looks in tatters at the moment and things could go bleaker as the season progresses.

RCB were expected to do some big things in the 12th edition of the IPL after adding some key names and bolstering the squad. There was a strong feeling around the camp and certain areas would have been the target for Virat Kohli's side.

But it has been a similar story for the team whose batting has collapsed twice already. In the match against Mumbai Indians, the RCB middle order failed to produce substance in a match they should have liked to win.

With several other teams performing to their strengths, a few more such performances for RCB will end their campaign before it even began on a proper note.

There is a shade of danger hovering around the side at the moment. Most importantly, it has been a collective failure of sorts for Virat Kohli and his troops. Against RR, the fielding quality was poor and players seemed to be flat.

So what are the issues plaguing the side? Is there any way out? Is Kohli the right answer for leading the RCB army in IPL 2019? There are several questions that come along.

Here we analyze why RCB will not be able to make it to the playoffs this season.

The RCB middle order has fallen flat

The middle order crisis-plagued RCB over the years. It was a position they wanted to identify this time. But three matches went for the side, Virat Kohli's men find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table. Is there any way out? There are still 11 matches to be played and RCB need a change of fortunes to strike the right chords.

Shimron Hetmyer was a positive young addition to the ranks, but there was always going to be an added pressure on him of performing consistently. Hetmyer has lacked the patience as much as fans would have liked to see in him. He was also tried out as an opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the move backfired. Against Royals, he had no rhythm on a slow wicket.

Shivam Dube is a work in progress like Hetmyer, but he needs to join the party soon. The likes of Moeen Ali and Colin de Grandhomme haven't lived up to expectations either. Also, the issue is with the bench strength, that lacks the proper feel of quality and persona.

Over time we have seen RCB ride on the performances of two or three players, and this time too, it looks to be a familiar story.

Going by what we have seen, there is no connectivity in the RCB ranks and there seems a lot of disjointed elements on offer. And if the middle order is made to be asked questions on a regular basis, then that's an issue. Teams will be taking note and they know that besides Kohli and AB de Villiers, the RCB unit can be attacked.

New opening combinations a major issue

One major issue for RCB as discussed even before IPL 2019 started, was the opening combination on offer. Three matches into the season, the fear has paid dividends. Yes, RCB has faltered with their opening combinations on offer.

The team has had three different opening pairs in their three matches, and there's a good chance it could be more chopping and changing as the season progresses. Virat Kohli returned to open against RR and he and Parthiv put on 49-run stand. The truth is every time we might see a new batsman coming out to bat alongside Parthiv Patel.

In the first match, the pair of Kohli and Parthiv added 16 runs for the opening wicket. The next match against Mumbai saw Moeen come out to bat and the two left-handers managed 27-run stand atop. In the third encounter against SRH, the opening combo of Hetmyer and Parthiv put on just 13. So that's 105 runs across 4 matches with three different pairs on offer.

What is RCB's ideal opening combination? It's a puzzle at the moment. The owners, management, besides the skipper need to share the blame. They should have been more careful during the IPL 2019 Auction in December 2018. This is also because the team decided to part ways with Brendon McCullum and Quinton de Kock. There were no able replacements.

If Kohli was the one to open as he has in the past, then why isn't he doing that on a regular basis? Does he fancy himself at number three on a permanent basis? If yes, then who will don the mantle?

Patel himself hasn't been on top gear with the bat which in turn intensifies the opening problem for RCB. This could be the major undoing for the side, who has managed just nine wins out of their 31 matches in the last three seasons (2017, 2018 and 2019).

Kohli's captaincy needs to be questioned

Virat Kohli as a skipper hasn't led RCB to the heights he would have expected to. His only bright moment came in 2016, where he led the side to the finale. Since then, RCB's struggles have been far too many.

From not being able to identify match-winners in auctions, to go for plenty of foreign recruits, being bullish about the playing XI and lack of depth in the ranks have halted RCB's charge. This season is no different.

A skipper plays an important role in what kind of players he would like in the squad and RCB has lacked that fizz. In comparison to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Virat Kohli's unit lack the composure that is vividly present in these sides.

When you look at the three games in IPL 2019, RCB were bullish to not try out the experience of Tim Southee at the death. Kohli himself hasn't yet fired and there is too much pressure on someone like an AB de Villiers.

In a high-pressure match against SRH, the decision to go with 16-year-old Prayas Ray Barman backfired. RCB find themselves unsettled in batting and they far often fell prey to collapses.

To be honest, Kohli's leadership attributes need to be questioned here in terms of the mobility of RCB. They fail to similar issues every season under Virat Kohli and how can there be no addressing the loopholes?

On one hand, we have MS Dhoni knowing what he wants and he stays true to the needs. On the other hand, we have Kohli, who hasn't yet cracked the code.

RCB will need to act tough and perhaps strip Kohli of the captaincy. They need fresh ideas and a leader, who chips in with some pivotal changes in the outlook. When it comes to international limited-overs matches, Kohli has Dhoni to guide him through.

Perhaps that has played a part in his success. In the IPL 2019 he has lacked the voice from behind the stumps and someone who could help him out. RCB is likely to fail yet again this season and its a sad sight for the fans.

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IPL 2019: "Virat Kohli's RCB looks like out of contention for playoffs?

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A new season for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but there is nothing new in terms of the product on offer. Virat Kohli's side has been dismal in IPL 2019 and already into four matches this season, the southern giants are in a spot of bother.

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Team India Needs Hardik Pandya At His Best During The World Cup

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Team India Needs Hardik Pandya At His Best During The World Cup

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Hardik Pandya had the most difficult period in his life both on and off the field in the last seven months. The all-rounder was embroiled in controversy off the field. And that affected his game time. Prior to that, a horrific injury in the Asia Cup 2018 made him miss months of cricket. Last month, Pandya was omitted from the ODI series against Australia in order to give him time to recover from a stiff back. The idea was to make him reach the fitness level ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. He must be selected for the World Cup 2019.

The move by the Indian selectors helped Pandya and it was a masterstroke. Staying off the field also allowed Pandya to focus on his mental strength and stay focused. Going into the IPL 12 season, a lot of eyes were on Pandya on how he will go about things given that he played only a few matches for India against New Zealand this year.

Four matches into the T20 tourney, Pandya has been one of Mumbai Indians' best players on the pitch. It has been a pleasure to watch him play and give his all. His heroics at the death with the bat brings so much to the table for MI. His quick-fire cameos have come handy for Mumbai.

In their fourth match against Chennai Super Kings, Pandya finally came alive with the ball as well and produced a masterclass spell. This phase is going well for the player and he needs to stay true to his potential.

The reason being is that less than two months are left for the ICC World Cup 2019 and India need someone like a Pandya to give them the strength in England and Wales. Pandya could be the fulcrum of this Indian team in the coveted tourney and getting him to be at his best will serve the side with plenty of impetus.

Here we analyze why Pandya is massive for Team India and how the IPL 2019 can help him come alive.

Pandya is India's best all-rounder and requires in World Cup 2019

Pandya is a true and complete all-rounder. He gives the side the depth in batting at number seven and can power the team in the final few overs with his ability to strike the ball well. A quick-fire 30-40 at the death for example, will serve Virat Kohli & Co. well against top teams.

Be it batting first or second, Pandya has shown that he can be the match-winner of he manages to stay in control. He is getting matured day by day and that is a boon for India.

Pandya is excellent with the ball as well. He can easily go in and bowl 10 overs at ease. At times he can serve as the third pacer when India opt for two spinners. In other matches, Pandya's influence can be seen as the fourth bowler.

Kohli will be using him a lot in the middle overs. Pandya's wicket-taking abilities will give the side the platform to attack with their spinners from the other end. Pandya is also a proven fielder and he has the knack of pulling off spectacular catches besides stopping boundaries.

Many teams have that extra bit of cushion in the all-round department. For India, the promising Pandya is the safest bet. Pandya has scored 735 runs in 45 ODI matches with four fifties in that. In recent times, he has been striking the ball well and that can help him clear the fences more often. With the ball, he has picked up 44 scalps at a standard economy-rate of 5.53.

No strong back-up all-rounder means Pandya has more responsibility

This is an issue for India. There is an absence of a proper all-rounder, who can support Pandya for the World Cup 2019. Also if he misses a few games, then India may see their progression stall. Vijay Shankar is someone who is being eyed as a back-up, but he is more of a batsman. Shankar can aid the side with the willow, but he cannot give you the shield in bowling. Also, India cannot throw the ball to him and say, give me 10 overs.

That rules Shankar out as the second all-rounder of the side. Ravindra Jadeja is more of a bowling all-rounder. He cannot win you games with the willow when you need a calm persona. And most importantly, Jaddu is not even assured of a berth in the World Cup squad. That rules out Jaddu as well.

So whom can India look up to? Kedar Jadhav is the only option that comes in. A utility player, Jadhav is pretty handy. He can win you matches with the bat and apply himself well in pressure situations. Besides that, he can roll in the overs with his unorthodox spin. He may not give you 10 overs in a game but can chip in with 5-6 overs at ease.

This situation means that Pandya will be handed with more responsibility. Can he handle the pressure? Well, seeing him play in IPL 2019, if he maintains the momentum, then it is possible.

IPL 2019 is crucial for Pandya

After getting out for a duck versus Delhi, Pandya has powered his way with brisk cameos in the end for MI. Scores of 32*, 31 and 25* have helped him get to the desired level. His emphatic strike-rate of 204.65 this season has made the difference. He has another 10 matches to go before the playoffs and MI need him to fire with this intent.

It's his role that suits him to perfection. Hardik's unbeaten 8-ball 25 against CSK helped MI to an emphatic 37-run win at their home ground. "It's been seven months that I've hardly played games. They weren't easy and I didn't know what to do. I've just batted and batted. I want to improve my game every day.

It's a fantastic feeling batting like that and making your team win. Now my only focus is to play IPL and make sure India wins the World Cup," the right-hander said after MI's win.

If Pandya can flex his muscles more often, then that can propel MI to have a strong campaign. It's all about the momentum and sealing the key moments. Tempo is crucial here. Pandya would be wanting to have a dream World Cup given it's his first. And before that, the homework lies with MI in the IPL 2019.

Confidence is what can take him higher and that spells positivity for India, who are one of the favorites to win the World Cup 2019.

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Team India Needs Hardik Pandya At His Best During The World Cup

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Hardik Pandya had the most difficult period in his life both on and off the field in the last seven months. The all-rounder was embroiled in controversy off the field. And that affected his game time. Prior to that, a horrific injury in the Asia Cup 2018 made him miss months of cricket.