The IPL Watcher
Gilchrist to retire from IPL at end of season
Rohan Sharma
17-May-2013
Adam Gilchrist has decided he will part ways from the IPL upon the conclusion of the tournament. His form, until recently, was highly questionable, and it seemed only natural that he would retire at the end of the season. However, his 85 off 54 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore was followed up last night with a 26-ball 42. It would seem that his upturn in form has come at a crucial time for Kings XI Punjab, who need to win their last remaining match, and hope other results go their way, to enter the top four. "Last year, I sat here and said I am finished, I probably won't come back, but I came back. I am not looking for any grandstand finish, but in two days, it will be [the] last time I play on this ground. Little things like that are really exciting and lift your enthusiasm levels. I just love this place, this region, it's been one of the greatest experiences of my cricketing life, to be able to come up here and play cricket."
Bowling to Sehwag a dream come true
Sandeep Sharma has been a revelation for Kings XI Punjab over the last few weeks. His performances have included a 3 for 21 on debut against Hyderabad Sunrisers, and then yesterday with 3 for 23 against Delhi Daredevils, which ultimately proved to be a vital spell. In an interview with IPLt20.com, he expressed his joy at being able to bowl to some of his cricketing heroes, and what that experience has meant to him, both personally and as a developing bowler: "I was enjoying it. I have grown up watching them. It was my dream to play with them, bowl to them. It has come true. There was no pressure. Even if they hit me I felt I would get to learn from that experience, how to bowl at the higher level." When asked if there is a vast gulf between domestic and international cricket, he said he didn't see too much of a difference, "I have never thought that there is a difference in the batsman or the wicket. I always think that a good delivery is a good delivery whether I am bowling at the U-19 level or Ranji Trophy. I have to be confident and do not think about what the batsman will do and believe in my strength."
Full postTambe - an inspiration to 40-somethings
A round-up of IPL news from May 16, 2013
ESPNcricinfo staff
16-May-2013
It's a rarity for a player over 40 to continue playing the game at a high level. It's even rarer when you actually get to realise your dream of playing in an IPL encounter, against arguably the best team in the competition. Pravin Tambe, 41-year-old leg spinner, has never played for his state side, but had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of cricket's biggest names when his Rajasthan Royals took on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede.
When asked about his experience thus far, he told IPLT20.com: "It is a dream come true! I have played plenty of matches here but, since I got to play an IPL game here, I am very happy. I have played club cricket here, so I knew a bit about the ground. However, playing in the IPL is something else." When asked what motivated him to keep playing, Tambe was candid in his response, "Love and passion! I have a lot of passion for cricket and I have got a lot of support from home - from my parents, siblings, wife and even kids. That is why I still enjoy playing cricket so much."
Such experiences prepare you for the tough days to come - Pandey
Manish Pandey hit the headlines in 2009, when he became the first Indian batsman to score a century in the IPL. He was then seen as an attacking batsman who could potentially don Indian colours. However, the innings appears to have been a flash in the pan as he has largely struggled to replicate his past exploits. This season has not been one of his more prolific, but Pandey believes he can overcome such challenges. "It is a little difficult mentally, but these are challenges that you have to get through," he told IPLT20.com. "I had to keep my calm and work really hard off the field and in the nets, which I did day in and day out." He has also taken a philosophical approach to coming down from the high of that famous century, "I had to come up by being hard on myself, since taking it easy would not have helped. I had to fight back and things went well for me. Such experiences prepare you for the tough days to come. They count a lot and make you stronger."
Manish Pandey hit the headlines in 2009, when he became the first Indian batsman to score a century in the IPL. He was then seen as an attacking batsman who could potentially don Indian colours. However, the innings appears to have been a flash in the pan as he has largely struggled to replicate his past exploits. This season has not been one of his more prolific, but Pandey believes he can overcome such challenges. "It is a little difficult mentally, but these are challenges that you have to get through," he told IPLT20.com. "I had to keep my calm and work really hard off the field and in the nets, which I did day in and day out." He has also taken a philosophical approach to coming down from the high of that famous century, "I had to come up by being hard on myself, since taking it easy would not have helped. I had to fight back and things went well for me. Such experiences prepare you for the tough days to come. They count a lot and make you stronger."
Having play-offs away from home is a disadvantage - Fleming
In an interview with the Indian Express, Stephen Fleming, coach of Chennai Super Kings, has expressed his dismay at playing playoff games away from home. "In Kolkata, we have done pretty well. Probably playing in Delhi and not in Chennai is a disadvantage to us, but you got to think positively about such things," Fleming said.
Full postIn an interview with the Indian Express, Stephen Fleming, coach of Chennai Super Kings, has expressed his dismay at playing playoff games away from home. "In Kolkata, we have done pretty well. Probably playing in Delhi and not in Chennai is a disadvantage to us, but you got to think positively about such things," Fleming said.
I am firm on what I said about Harbhajan incident - Sreesanth
A round-up of IPL news from May 15, 2013
Nikita Bastian
15-May-2013
India and Rajasthan Royals seamer Sreesanth has said he stands by what he said during an outburst on Twitter last month, where he accused the IPL of not releasing the "real video" of the incident in which Harbhajan Singh supposedly hit him during the 2008 IPL. During the course of an emotional line-up of tweets, Sreesanth had also said that there had actually been no slap at all, that he was elbowed, that the episode was "planned by a few", and that Harbhajan was a "back-stabbing person". Now, in an interview in Bangalore Times, Sreesanth said: "I felt like telling everyone what had happened that evening. So, I decided to give a blow-by-blow account. It's fine, as I did not hide or cook up any story. My tweets just revealed reality, and nothing else. Now, I feel light. I wasn't bothered about the reactions. Let them [the IPL officials] show the video. Come on, who can know better than me. I am firm on what I said." Relations between Harbhajan and him, Sreesanth said, were not strained: "He's a big brother, and trusts me. There's no bad blood. He understands that what I did wasn't to insult him or make him feel bad. It was my feeling and nothing else. I respect him a lot. You don't understand that sometimes, what's written [the back-stabbing comment] is not in the literal sense. Leave it, let's not get into details as the issue will again escalate. I always respect my seniors."
Running-between-wickets key in T20, says Michael Hussey
Chennai Super Kings' Michael Hussey, who is currently at No. 2 on IPL 2013's run chart and has customarily been one of his team's batting pillars across seasons, has said his focus in the shortest format is on running between the wickets. "Running between wickets is a very important part of batting in T20s. Whether you're going for the big shots or not, you have to keep running well between the wickets," Hussey told the IPL site. "For me, I try to have a couple of areas in my mind where I think I can hit the ball for four. If the ball is meant to be hit in that area, I don't hold back. If not, I just try and get some bat on it and run hard between the wickets." There are no major changes he makes to his approach in Twenty20 cricket, Hussey said: "I don't change too much in regards with my preparation and technique. I probably try and clear the front leg a little bit in T20. In Tests you try and stay behind the line and play the ball in front of your eyes whereas in T20s you're looking to free your arms and hit the ball a bit more. That's probably the only small technical change that I make. And no, I don't change my bat. I know most boys use heavier bats in T20s but I just keep the same bat."
Chennai Super Kings' Michael Hussey, who is currently at No. 2 on IPL 2013's run chart and has customarily been one of his team's batting pillars across seasons, has said his focus in the shortest format is on running between the wickets. "Running between wickets is a very important part of batting in T20s. Whether you're going for the big shots or not, you have to keep running well between the wickets," Hussey told the IPL site. "For me, I try to have a couple of areas in my mind where I think I can hit the ball for four. If the ball is meant to be hit in that area, I don't hold back. If not, I just try and get some bat on it and run hard between the wickets." There are no major changes he makes to his approach in Twenty20 cricket, Hussey said: "I don't change too much in regards with my preparation and technique. I probably try and clear the front leg a little bit in T20. In Tests you try and stay behind the line and play the ball in front of your eyes whereas in T20s you're looking to free your arms and hit the ball a bit more. That's probably the only small technical change that I make. And no, I don't change my bat. I know most boys use heavier bats in T20s but I just keep the same bat."
'I would have done the same in Kirsten's position' - Kallis
Allrounder Jacques Kallis has said while he was surprised by Gary Kirsten's decision to step down as South Africa coach, he understands why he took the call. In a column in the Times of India, Kallis wrote: "It was a surprise to hear about Gary Kirsten's decision not to renew his contract as South Africa coach, but understandable. Cricket has taken away too much time from families for all the centuries it has been played, so I'm all in favour of anybody who refuses to keep doing it! I know there are millions of young fathers in the world who have no choice but to work away from home for long periods of time, and who cannot afford to give up their jobs, but Gary is in the fortunate position of being able to make a change in his career and place his family at the top of his priority list. I know I would have done the same in his position." Kirsten will relinquish his role in July, his last assignment with South Africa being the Champions Trophy.
Full postAllrounder Jacques Kallis has said while he was surprised by Gary Kirsten's decision to step down as South Africa coach, he understands why he took the call. In a column in the Times of India, Kallis wrote: "It was a surprise to hear about Gary Kirsten's decision not to renew his contract as South Africa coach, but understandable. Cricket has taken away too much time from families for all the centuries it has been played, so I'm all in favour of anybody who refuses to keep doing it! I know there are millions of young fathers in the world who have no choice but to work away from home for long periods of time, and who cannot afford to give up their jobs, but Gary is in the fortunate position of being able to make a change in his career and place his family at the top of his priority list. I know I would have done the same in his position." Kirsten will relinquish his role in July, his last assignment with South Africa being the Champions Trophy.
'Umesh, the most talented bowler for India' - Nehra
A round-up of IPL news from May 14, 2013
Nikita Bastian
14-May-2013
Delhi Daredevils and former India seamer Ashish Nehra believes Umesh Yadav is the leading fast bowler in India at the moment, and will be central to India's fortunes in upcoming Test assignments. "Umesh has done so well and if you ask me personally, he is the most talented bowler for India," Nehra said on the eve of Daredevils' away match against Chennai Super Kings. "If he does well, then it will augur well for India as they will play some important Test matches [India tour South Africa at the end of the year] in coming months." Talking about his other Daredevils and India team-mate, Irfan Pathan, Nehra said his all-round skills could come in handy at the Champions Trophy and he is constantly improving. "The way I have seen Irfan bowling earlier, he is getting better by the day. He is getting into the rhythm slowly. I think in England, Irfan's batting will come in handy. I think that is what the selectors have seen [when picking him]."
'RCB bowling incapable of defending even 200' - Shastri
Former India allrounder and current television commentator Ravi Shastri has said Royal Challengers Bangalore find themselves in a tough corner in this IPL due to their ordinariness with the ball. "Bangalore are battling for survival. Despite having two of the three top run-busters in the season. Despite having the most feared bat in Chris Gayle. Despite having the most crushing presence of AB de Villiers in the death overs … The entire circuit now knows the issue with Bangalore. It's their bowling which is incapable of defending even 200 runs," Shastri wrote in a column in the Times of India. "They leak runs in torrents in the death overs. It's too one-dimensional. Ravi Rampaul, Vinay Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat are decent, but unthreatening with their presence. Spinners are non-existent." Their bowling becomes more ineffective as the game progresses, Shastri said: "Bangalore aren't a bad bowling side in the first six overs. Rampaul is crafty and can generate surprising bounce. Vinay and Jaydev are allowed to get a look-in. But once the restriction is off, they lose their mojo. They don't have pace. None but Vinay Kumar is good at taking pace off the ball. They are left with the only options of using the crease and bowling widish half-volleys."
Former India allrounder and current television commentator Ravi Shastri has said Royal Challengers Bangalore find themselves in a tough corner in this IPL due to their ordinariness with the ball. "Bangalore are battling for survival. Despite having two of the three top run-busters in the season. Despite having the most feared bat in Chris Gayle. Despite having the most crushing presence of AB de Villiers in the death overs … The entire circuit now knows the issue with Bangalore. It's their bowling which is incapable of defending even 200 runs," Shastri wrote in a column in the Times of India. "They leak runs in torrents in the death overs. It's too one-dimensional. Ravi Rampaul, Vinay Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat are decent, but unthreatening with their presence. Spinners are non-existent." Their bowling becomes more ineffective as the game progresses, Shastri said: "Bangalore aren't a bad bowling side in the first six overs. Rampaul is crafty and can generate surprising bounce. Vinay and Jaydev are allowed to get a look-in. But once the restriction is off, they lose their mojo. They don't have pace. None but Vinay Kumar is good at taking pace off the ball. They are left with the only options of using the crease and bowling widish half-volleys."
Off-limit Chepauk stands opened up for Daredevils game
The three stands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium that were sealed by the Chennai Corporation on Sunday have been opened up to the public for the Chennai Super Kings-Delhi Daredevils match on Tuesday. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the stands can be opened up just for this match, as tickets have already been sold for the game. The three stands seat approximately 12,000 people. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, according to reports, had assured Supreme Court the stands would not be used in any other match without its permission. The issue apparently centres around the stands being built without receiving the required permissions. While they had been sealed previously, till now in IPL 2013 they had all been in use.
The three stands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium that were sealed by the Chennai Corporation on Sunday have been opened up to the public for the Chennai Super Kings-Delhi Daredevils match on Tuesday. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the stands can be opened up just for this match, as tickets have already been sold for the game. The three stands seat approximately 12,000 people. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, according to reports, had assured Supreme Court the stands would not be used in any other match without its permission. The issue apparently centres around the stands being built without receiving the required permissions. While they had been sealed previously, till now in IPL 2013 they had all been in use.
'Nothing wrong with Ranchi pitch' - curator
Following Ranchi's debut as an IPL venue on Sunday, the sluggish pitch had come in for some criticism. The track, on which Royal Challengers Bangalore limped to 115 for 9, before Kolkata Knight Riders edged home with four balls to spare, was not "ideal for T20 cricket" Knight Riders allrounder Jacques Kallis had said. Royal Challengers spinner Murali Kartik had termed it slow and doubled-paced. But the JSCA International Stadium chief curator Shyam Bahadur Singh has said there was nothing substandard about the surface. "There's nothing wrong with the pitch. It has been made following the BCCI pitch committee's directive and under the guidance of head curator Daljit Singh right from the beginning. It has to be understood that every pitch is different in character and behaves accordingly," he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. "The same track will be used for the KKR-Pune tie." The Knight Riders-Pune Warriors game on Wednesday will be the second and last at the venue in this IPL.
Full postFollowing Ranchi's debut as an IPL venue on Sunday, the sluggish pitch had come in for some criticism. The track, on which Royal Challengers Bangalore limped to 115 for 9, before Kolkata Knight Riders edged home with four balls to spare, was not "ideal for T20 cricket" Knight Riders allrounder Jacques Kallis had said. Royal Challengers spinner Murali Kartik had termed it slow and doubled-paced. But the JSCA International Stadium chief curator Shyam Bahadur Singh has said there was nothing substandard about the surface. "There's nothing wrong with the pitch. It has been made following the BCCI pitch committee's directive and under the guidance of head curator Daljit Singh right from the beginning. It has to be understood that every pitch is different in character and behaves accordingly," he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. "The same track will be used for the KKR-Pune tie." The Knight Riders-Pune Warriors game on Wednesday will be the second and last at the venue in this IPL.
IPL to discuss addition of tenth franchise
A round-up of IPL news from May 13, 2013
Nikita Bastian
13-May-2013
IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla has said the tournament's management is set to discuss whether to include a tenth franchise in the league. "The issue of tenth team in the IPL would be discussed after the end of the current edition," Shukla was quoted as saying by PTI. The IPL originally had eight franchises, before Pune Warriors and Kochi Tuskers Kerala were added in the fourth edition, in 2011. However, Kochi Tuskers were dissolved after just one season, and the IPL has consisted of nine franchises since. Deccan Chargers, the tournament's original Hyderabad franchise was also dissolved ahead of the 2013 season, but was immediately replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Contentious stands off limits again at Chepauk
A big chunk of the fans who have booked tickets for Chennai Super Kings' clash with Delhi Daredevils on Tuesday - Super Kings' final home game in IPL 2013 - could be left without access to the stadium, after the Chennai Corporation sealed three stands at Chepauk on Sunday as part of ongoing legal proceedings. The seating capacity of the stands is 12,000, the Hindu reported. The issue is centred around the stands apparently not receiving planning permission and building approval. While the stands have been off limits previously, till now in IPL 2013 they had been open to spectators.
A big chunk of the fans who have booked tickets for Chennai Super Kings' clash with Delhi Daredevils on Tuesday - Super Kings' final home game in IPL 2013 - could be left without access to the stadium, after the Chennai Corporation sealed three stands at Chepauk on Sunday as part of ongoing legal proceedings. The seating capacity of the stands is 12,000, the Hindu reported. The issue is centred around the stands apparently not receiving planning permission and building approval. While the stands have been off limits previously, till now in IPL 2013 they had been open to spectators.
Weather worries in Dharamsala
Dharamsala is scheduled to hosts Kings XI Punjab's final two home games, on Thursday and Saturday, but at present whether the weather will allow those matches to be played out remains to be seen. The state of Himachal Pradesh was lashed by heavy rainfall on Sunday, with Dharamsala receiving the most rain - around 32mm. Rain is forecast for Monday too, but it is expected to clear up from Tuesday onwards and the groundstaff at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium remain confident of getting the ground ready for the games. As per reports, the stadium manager said the ground could be made ready for play "in an hour from when the rain stops". While washouts will snuff out any slim chance Kings XI have of qualifying for the playoffs, the biggest losers could be Mumbai Indians who have a much better chance of progressing and are scheduled to play there on Saturday. Delhi Daredevils are the other team that will play at the venue.
Full postDharamsala is scheduled to hosts Kings XI Punjab's final two home games, on Thursday and Saturday, but at present whether the weather will allow those matches to be played out remains to be seen. The state of Himachal Pradesh was lashed by heavy rainfall on Sunday, with Dharamsala receiving the most rain - around 32mm. Rain is forecast for Monday too, but it is expected to clear up from Tuesday onwards and the groundstaff at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium remain confident of getting the ground ready for the games. As per reports, the stadium manager said the ground could be made ready for play "in an hour from when the rain stops". While washouts will snuff out any slim chance Kings XI have of qualifying for the playoffs, the biggest losers could be Mumbai Indians who have a much better chance of progressing and are scheduled to play there on Saturday. Delhi Daredevils are the other team that will play at the venue.
'Watching Miller was like looking in a mirror' - Gayle
A round-up of IPL news from May 12, 2013
Nikita Bastian
12-May-2013
Chris Gayle, in his column in Hindustan Times, has said watching Kings XI Punjab's David Miller slam a 38-ball ton was a "painful lesson", and reminded him of the brutal innings he dishes out himself. "It's never fun to get a taste of your own medicine," Gayle wrote. "In a way, I could emphatise with a lot of bowlers as I was left saying to myself 'so that's what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a hammering'. It was almost like looking in a mirror to be honest, the way Miller kept taking his chances and the manner in which he was striking the ball. A painful lesson." Miller had helped Kings XI chase down Royal Challengers' 190 last week, striking at 265.78. Royal Challengers then almost faced another defeat following a similar - if much less intense - final surge from Delhi Daredevils on Friday. Gayle said the match was almost déjà vu: "I'm well placed to know the dangers left-handers pose and after Miller, we were close to experiencing some more agony against Delhi Daredevils the other night thanks to a couple of more southpaws in Irfan Pathan and Morne Morkel. Thankfully, we were able to pull through that time."
Parvez Rasool says no to liquor logos
Jammu and Kashmir allrounder Parvez Rasool, who has become the first player from the northern state to play in the IPL, has blanked out the logos of Pune Warriors' liquor-company sponsors from his jersey with the permission of the franchise. The logos, Rasool said, "hurt his religious sentiments". "I used tape to hide the logo and people were initially wondering why I was doing this. I told them that it is because my religion prohibits alcohol consumption. I can't endorse liquor brands," Rasool was quoted as saying by the Sunday Express. "For me my belief is paramount. My family is happy with the decision."
Full postJammu and Kashmir allrounder Parvez Rasool, who has become the first player from the northern state to play in the IPL, has blanked out the logos of Pune Warriors' liquor-company sponsors from his jersey with the permission of the franchise. The logos, Rasool said, "hurt his religious sentiments". "I used tape to hide the logo and people were initially wondering why I was doing this. I told them that it is because my religion prohibits alcohol consumption. I can't endorse liquor brands," Rasool was quoted as saying by the Sunday Express. "For me my belief is paramount. My family is happy with the decision."
Bowling yorkers, slower ones my strength - Unadkat
A round-up of IPL news from May 11, 2013
ESPNcricinfo staff
11-May-2013
Jaydev Unadkat, whose five-for against Delhi Daredevils helped his team Royal Challengers Bangalore win by four runs, has said his strength is bowling yorkers and varying his pace. "My strength is varying the pace and bowling the yorkers. My favourite delivery is the slower one that I bowl," Unadkat said at the end of the game.
Virender Sehwag and Mahela Jayawardene, the Daredevils openers, were among Unadkat's five victims. "The wicket was a little dry. And we stuck to the plan [varying the pace] and it was a good thing that I got the two wickets. We needed those wickets in the Powerplays early on.
"My plan was to vary the pace. The batsmen were hitting the ball really well with the pace and the wicket, too, was a little dry. I bowled a lot of slower ones and it worked for me on Friday."
Unadkat also bowled the final over off the game, off which Daredevils required 19. He conceded 14, though dismissed Morne Morkel with nine required off two deliveries.
Full postProudest day of my life - Rasool
A round-up of IPL news from May 10, 2013
ESPNcricinfo staff
10-May-2013
Parvez Rasool, the Jammu & Kashmir allrounder, has called his IPL debut for Pune Warriors the "proudest day" of his life. Rasool claimed the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders' Jacques Kallis and conceded only 23 from four overs.
"This is the proudest day of my life," Rasool told the IPL website. "And the whole of Jammu & Kashmir was watching today's match and I am proud of that. I would like to dedicate my debut performance to the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir and all the well-wishers all around India."
Rasool had become the first cricketer from the state to be selected in an Indian team to play an international side when he was called up to the India A squad for a warm-up match against England in January this year.
Rasool said he had come to know he would be playing against Knight Riders only on the morning of the match. "The first couple of balls I was nervous. Then Yuvi paaji (Yuvraj Singh) came over to me and helped me settle down. Jacques Kallis is definitely a legend; the best all-rounder in cricket. So, it felt really good to get his wicket."
Full post'We can give up on KKR now' - Shastri
A round-up of IPL news from May 9, 2013
Nikita Bastian
09-May-2013
Ravi Shastri, the former India allrounder and current TV commentator, has said in his column in the Times of India that defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have been way too predictable this season. Their middle order, he said, has been woeful. "I think we can give up on Kolkata Knight Riders now. They have been clinging to a slim chance which, but for them, isn't visible to others. Most know what they've lacked. For me, the biggest issue has been their lack of mystery. They're just so plain predictable," Shastri wrote. "So teams plan to play out Sunil Narine and attack the rest. A good fast bowler is kept in reserve for Yusuf Pathan. The middle-order is virtually non-existent so [the opposition's] best bowlers are pressed to get their top four. The virus has also got to Gambhir and Kallis, their two best batsmen. The two barely last beyond 10 overs. They also don't deserve a medal for their fielding." Knight Riders, after 12 games, have just four wins, and apart from winning all their remaining games will need other results to go in their favour to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
T20 not just about darting the ball in - Ojha
Mumbai Indians left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has said he has been working on slowing up his pace in the IPL, with some help from team mentor Anil Kumble. "I am consciously working on bowling slower through the air," Ojha said. "I keep things simple and vary the pace and spin the ball. Normally in this format, I have seen the bowlers bowl really fast, so they compromise on turning the ball. But when you have people like Anil Kumble as a mentor, that experience helps you." Ojha has 14 wickets in nine innings, with an economy rate of 6.25, so far this IPL season. Talking about Kumble's advice, Ojha said: "He has told me to vary the pace. In the second innings, there is always a lot of dew on the wicket. If you try to bowl fast, it becomes easy for the batsman to clear the boundary, but if you are slower through the air, he will need to use a lot of power and will need to get on top of the ball to hit it."
Mumbai Indians left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has said he has been working on slowing up his pace in the IPL, with some help from team mentor Anil Kumble. "I am consciously working on bowling slower through the air," Ojha said. "I keep things simple and vary the pace and spin the ball. Normally in this format, I have seen the bowlers bowl really fast, so they compromise on turning the ball. But when you have people like Anil Kumble as a mentor, that experience helps you." Ojha has 14 wickets in nine innings, with an economy rate of 6.25, so far this IPL season. Talking about Kumble's advice, Ojha said: "He has told me to vary the pace. In the second innings, there is always a lot of dew on the wicket. If you try to bowl fast, it becomes easy for the batsman to clear the boundary, but if you are slower through the air, he will need to use a lot of power and will need to get on top of the ball to hit it."
'T20 is like fast food' - Sandeep Patil
Even while the IPL extravaganza hurtles towards its climax, India's chief selector Sandeep Patil has reminded young cricketers to attach prime importance to Test cricket. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Patil - as quoted by the Times of India - said: "Please, if you want to play true cricket, it's only Test cricket. T20s are like fast food where you just pay, grab a bite and go home. But if you want to earn a name for yourself, for your team, for your country, for your parents, please give importance to the longer version of the game which is true cricket."
Full postEven while the IPL extravaganza hurtles towards its climax, India's chief selector Sandeep Patil has reminded young cricketers to attach prime importance to Test cricket. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Patil - as quoted by the Times of India - said: "Please, if you want to play true cricket, it's only Test cricket. T20s are like fast food where you just pay, grab a bite and go home. But if you want to earn a name for yourself, for your team, for your country, for your parents, please give importance to the longer version of the game which is true cricket."
How KKR can make the playoffs, how CSK could miss out
A round-up of IPL news from May 8, 2013
ESPNcricinfo staff
08-May-2013
Kolkata Knight Riders' heavy defeat against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday has severely dented their chances of finishing in the top four, but they aren't quite out of the race yet. If other results go to plan, they could still finish a clear fourth with 16 points.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings are currently sitting pretty on 18 points, but they aren't entirely safe yet: if they lose all their remaining matches, they could drop down to fifth.
For Knight Riders to go through, three of the top teams will have to win a lot of matches and break away from the group, giving Knight Riders an opportunity to sneak in as the fourth team. If, for instance, Mumbai Indians win all their matches, and Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals lose no more than one each, then Mumbai and Super Kings will finish on 24 points, and Royals on 22. If Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad lose their remaining games, and if Kings XI Punjab win no more than two, then all three teams will stay on 14. Knight Riders will then be the only team on 16. For that to happen, though, they'll first need to win their remaining four matches, against Pune Warriors and Sunrisers (both away), and against Royal Challengers and Warriors (in Ranchi).
Meanwhile, four teams are within four points of Super Kings, and all of them have at least four games to go, which means there's a chance for all them to finish on at least 20. If, for instance, Royal Challengers, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers win three, and if Mumbai win two of their remaining games (which is possible given the opponents they're playing against), all four teams will have either 20 or 22 points. Even if Super Kings win a game and go up to 20, qualification could still come down to net run rates since five teams could finish on 20 or more points.
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