Author: Vaibhav Tripathi

In last year’s IPL, Ajinkya Rahane emerged as a standout performer for CSK, playing an important role in their fifth title win. That was a make or break season for Rahane. He had struggled earlier in the cash-rich league. Over the three seasons leading up to 2023, he averaged just 15.9 with a strike rate of 104.5, managing only one fifty. His slow starts were evident from his strike rate. However, his fortunes changed drastically after joining CSK. Batting predominantly at number three, Rahane transformed into an indispensable member of the team. In 11 innings, he amassed 326 runs at…

Chennai Super Kings were without two of their frontline seamers – Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana. Then they lost Deepak Chahar early in the second innings. With three frontline bowlers missing and dew on the ground, defending a below-par target of 163 was always going to be challenging for the home team. Predictably, they couldn’t contain the opposition, who chased down the target comfortably in under 18 overs with seven wickets in hand. This victory propelled Punjab Kings to seventh place, while CSK maintained their position in fourth. Twin Strikes from Harpreet Brar PBKS fast bowlers struggled in the Powerplay…

After months and months of testing, Team India finally selected the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The selectors have opted for a healthy mix of tried-and-tested players on one hand and a few promising youngsters on the other. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opted out of T20Is following India’s semi-final defeat against England in 2022, until the Afghanistan series at home earlier this year. With these two modern-day legends focusing on the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, India groomed a group of young talents, who showcased their skills in the 2023 IPL season under…

Following two consecutive losses in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Chennai Super Kings returned to winning ways with a convincing 76-run victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous match. This victory propelled CSK to the third position in the standings, putting them within reach of a playoff spot. Their next challenge comes against the Punjab Kings, a team that has shown resurgence, particularly with their remarkable run-chase against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. Despite enduring four losses in the last five matches, the Punjab Kings displayed remarkable resilience in their stunning run chase against KKR. Although…

Tushar Deshpande was at his best with the ball for CSK. It could be argued that he delivered the finest spell of his IPL career to date. The right-arm seamer dismantled the formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad line-up with a remarkable four-wicket haul in Match 46 of IPL 2024 season at the Chepauk on Sunday. This marked his fourth T20 four-wicket haul but his first in the IPL. Defending a target of 213, the home team needed early wickets as they were up against the most dangerous batting line-up this season. As always, Deepak Chahar started the proceedings with the new ball…

Chennai Super Kings rode on the prowess of their pacers — considered the team’s most-fancied department — to overpower the big-hitting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. The commanding 78-run win was CSK’s fifth of the season. It was also SRH’s second consecutive loss chasing. This propels CSK to the third position on the points table, while SRH drop to fourth. Gaikwad lights up Chepauk Once again, Chepauk witnessed the brilliance of Ruturaj Gaikwad. He showcased another captivating innings, falling two short of a second successive century. In the energy-sapping heat and humidity of Chennai, Gaikwad opted for a zero-risk approach, yet…

Slowly but surely, KL Rahul is finding his rhythm again. He appears more confident and decisive in his approach, demonstrating a clearer vision of how he intends to navigate this format. Just a year ago, Rahul faced criticism for his sluggish strike rate, batting at a mere 113 in the IPL. It was hard to believe that this was the same player who previously boasted a strike rate of 158.41 in 2018. However, in IPL 2024, there is a noticeable transformation in Rahul’s gameplan. The batting numbers are evident. Accumulating a total of 378 runs at an impressive average of…

Rajasthan Royals are reminding IPL fans of their 2008 glory days. Back then, it was Shane Warne who led by example. Now, Sanju Samson has taken up the mantle. The skipper has consistently led the charge with the bat this season. Once again, he anchored the innings against Lucknow Super Giants, making 71 off just 33 balls. His flawless performance guided RR to victory. Sanju and Dhruv Jurel steered the team to the target of 197 runs. RR maintained their position on top, while LSG remained in fourth place. Neat work from RR new ball bowlers It’s rare to see…

It’s a narrative of two spinners, both team-mates in the Indian squad but adversaries in the IPL. With Lucknow Super Giants taking on Rajasthan Royals in Lucknow on Saturday, all eyes will be on Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal. Both are leg-spinners, but they have different styles. They are both competing for the role of the third spinner in India’s T20 World Cup squad. With Kuldeep Yadav’s position all but confirmed as the primary spinner and Ravindra Jadeja to be the spin-bowling all-rounder, the question remains, who will be the third tweaker? Bishnoi came in as Chahal’s replacement in the…

Forty-one matches have been completed in the IPL 2024 season so far. Indeed, this edition of club cricket, played on the most lavish scale in India, has again captured the attention of fans worldwide. There have been moments of brilliance as well as moments of disappointment for the players, and fans. A few have risen to the occasion and proved their worth, while some have struggled to meet expectations. The trend is true for both the Indian and overseas players. Here is a look at the hits and misses. Two Hits: Travis Head (Rs 6.8 Crore) Aussie Travis Head has…