Gilchrist to retire from IPL at end of season

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."