In Case You Missed It: IPL, injuries and selection struggles
Our best content from last week
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Mar-2019
The IPL is back. Do you know the names of the game? • BCCI
Last week was a big one for ESPNcricinfo as we launched Superstats, a set of new-age metrics that lend a whole new dimension to storytelling in cricket, quantify luck in the game, and forecast results, just in time for IPL 2019. What's that, you ask? Alagappan Muthu's crash course below is the only one you need. Meanwhile coaches and teams are praying that their biggest names will come through the IPL injury free in time for the World Cup, which is just 67 days away. Catch up on all the action here.
The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the IPL
Delhi Capitals? Mumbai Indians? You've come to the right place if you're a clueless extraterrestrial wondering, "Eyepeeyell, whut?" And now that you're primed for this season, meet the new kids on the block.
Delhi Capitals? Mumbai Indians? You've come to the right place if you're a clueless extraterrestrial wondering, "Eyepeeyell, whut?" And now that you're primed for this season, meet the new kids on the block.
Listen: Talking T20 - The evolution of IPL tactics
Why has a batting powerhouse like RCB never won the IPL? Were 2010-11 CSK ahead of their times? In this podcast, Tim Wigmore, Srinath Sripath and Gaurav Sundararaman discuss batting strategy.
Why has a batting powerhouse like RCB never won the IPL? Were 2010-11 CSK ahead of their times? In this podcast, Tim Wigmore, Srinath Sripath and Gaurav Sundararaman discuss batting strategy.
From Cape Town to Kolkata, David Warner completes the circle
Exactly a year after he allegedly told his opening partner to sandpaper a cricket ball, Warner was back to doing what he does best in the IPL. Earlier, he and Steve Smith met up with the Australian squad in Dubai but they won't play in the ODIs against Pakistan there. Despite a CA video suggesting the pair have seamlessly slotted back into the team, there remain many questions about their return, says Daniel Brettig.
Exactly a year after he allegedly told his opening partner to sandpaper a cricket ball, Warner was back to doing what he does best in the IPL. Earlier, he and Steve Smith met up with the Australian squad in Dubai but they won't play in the ODIs against Pakistan there. Despite a CA video suggesting the pair have seamlessly slotted back into the team, there remain many questions about their return, says Daniel Brettig.
Beauty, brutality and brotherhood in New Zealand
ESPNcricinfo correspondent Mohammad Isam was in New Zealand to cover what was to be a routine Test tour for Bangladesh. Then terror and tragedy struck. This is his tour diary.
ESPNcricinfo correspondent Mohammad Isam was in New Zealand to cover what was to be a routine Test tour for Bangladesh. Then terror and tragedy struck. This is his tour diary.
Will they don the Pakistan colours soon?
The 2019 PSL has just wound up and we have report cards and future prospects already. Danyal Rasool has his eye on four players who may make their international debut before PSL 2020, Umar Farooq picks the stars of this tournament. Rasool, though, has another question - the PSL has continued to churn out bowling stars, but where, oh where are the Pakistani batsmen?
The 2019 PSL has just wound up and we have report cards and future prospects already. Danyal Rasool has his eye on four players who may make their international debut before PSL 2020, Umar Farooq picks the stars of this tournament. Rasool, though, has another question - the PSL has continued to churn out bowling stars, but where, oh where are the Pakistani batsmen?
The nomads who went above and beyond for Test cricket
Many of Afghanistan's key players were dealing with great adversity, but they wouldn't let it affect them as they hunted down a maiden Test win. Sidharth Monga follows their journey.
Many of Afghanistan's key players were dealing with great adversity, but they wouldn't let it affect them as they hunted down a maiden Test win. Sidharth Monga follows their journey.
Ricky Ponting sees room for Usman Khawaja in World Cup XI
It's almost time to finalise squads for the World Cup and Ponting has his picks ready for Australia. Warner should open, and Smith can move down to No. 4 or No. 5, says the former Australia captain
It's almost time to finalise squads for the World Cup and Ponting has his picks ready for Australia. Warner should open, and Smith can move down to No. 4 or No. 5, says the former Australia captain
'Form first, reputation next' - Ottis Gibson on South Africa's World Cup selection
South Africa have cycled through umpteen options for their World Cup XI but the team coach is prioritising form. He also said the likes of Rabada, du Plessis and de Kock will be rested after the first T20I against Sri Lanka.
South Africa have cycled through umpteen options for their World Cup XI but the team coach is prioritising form. He also said the likes of Rabada, du Plessis and de Kock will be rested after the first T20I against Sri Lanka.
Ganguly, Ponting want Rishabh Pant to be India's No. 4 at World Cup
"You can't see Rishabh Pant failing at the top level," says the former India captain. Aakash Chopra, meanwhile, would rather people stop comparing Pant to MS Dhoni. Sanjay Manjrekar is worried about India's middle order, and says no batsman has shown the consistency and ability to be a clear pick for Nos. 4 and 5.
"You can't see Rishabh Pant failing at the top level," says the former India captain. Aakash Chopra, meanwhile, would rather people stop comparing Pant to MS Dhoni. Sanjay Manjrekar is worried about India's middle order, and says no batsman has shown the consistency and ability to be a clear pick for Nos. 4 and 5.
"99 regrets and the World Cup is No. 1": Allan Donald warns England to embrace favourites tag
The former South Africa quick still rues the missed opportunity at the 1999 World Cup, and warns England not to make same mistakes, in a chat with Valkerie Baynes.
The former South Africa quick still rues the missed opportunity at the 1999 World Cup, and warns England not to make same mistakes, in a chat with Valkerie Baynes.
"More dangerous or more aggressive is the way to go for me"
After a disappointing IPL last year, allrounder Kieron Pollard talks to Nagraj Gollapudi about how hungry he is to make an impact this season
After a disappointing IPL last year, allrounder Kieron Pollard talks to Nagraj Gollapudi about how hungry he is to make an impact this season
The effortless genius of Quinton de Kock
Dim? Him? Daniel Gallan begs to differ. South Africa's hottest ODI player is anything but, and here's why
Dim? Him? Daniel Gallan begs to differ. South Africa's hottest ODI player is anything but, and here's why
Heartbreak in Harare
One year ago, Scotland made it to the 2019 World Cup - and then they didn't. Tim Wigmore chronicles the heartbreak
One year ago, Scotland made it to the 2019 World Cup - and then they didn't. Tim Wigmore chronicles the heartbreak