Indian fast bowler Avesh Khan found himself in a playful interaction with the lively crowd at M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru. The star-studded clash drew a large audience on day three, especially since it was a Saturday, which brought a noticeable increase in attendance. The Chinnaswamy crowd, being loyal Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, quickly began to fill the stadium with their signature RCB chants.

Avesh Khan joins the RCB chant fun

With the atmosphere electric and the chants of "RCB-RCB" echoing around the ground, Avesh Khan, who was fielding near the boundary, was a good sport. Instead of ignoring the crowd, he playfully encouraged the fans to get even louder. In a video that quickly went viral, Avesh can be seen gesturing to the crowd, urging them to ramp up their cheers even more, showing his chilled-out demeanor in the face of the teasing chants. His lighthearted response only fueled the fans further, creating a fun and engaging moment during the match.

RCB fans teasing Avesh Khan for his Helmet Celebration

They are shouting continuously RCB RCB and boo 😭😭😭#CricketTwitter #rcb pic.twitter.com/j1WoajBcDh

— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) September 7, 2024

India A faces tough competition from India B

On the cricketing front, Avesh Khan had a solid performance for India A. In the first innings, he managed to pick up two crucial wickets while conceding 59 runs, as India B put up a total of 321 runs. On day three, India A could only muster 231 runs, falling short and conceding a 90-run lead to India B. India B capitalized on this lead, with Rishabh Pant contributing a quickfire 61 off 47 balls, while Sarfaraz Khan added a valuable 46 off 36 balls. Avesh picked up another wicket in the third innings, dismissing Sarfaraz and trying to keep his side in the game.

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Avesh Khan’s last appearance for India came in a match against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 10, 2024. With his recent performances, Avesh could be in line for a recall to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. With reports suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for the series, the selectors are keen on introducing fresh faces into the pace attack. Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh are strong contenders to be included in the squad, adding variety and depth to India’s fast bowling options.

Ravi Bishnoi, the star Indian spinner, showed off his fielding skills in India’s third T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. He took a fantastic catch to dismiss Brian Bennett.

This happened in the fourth over of Zimbabwe’s innings when they were trying to recover after losing Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani early. Shubman Gill’s decision to give Avesh Khan another over was brilliant, as Avesh managed to get Bennet’s crucial wicket.

Ravi Bishnoi’s blinder to dismiss Brian Bennet

Avesh bowled a short of good length delivery, which Bennet cut hard through the off side. But he couldn’t get pass Ravi Bishnoi, who timed his jump perfectly and took an amazing catch.

Bishnoi’s catch ended Bennet’s innings, leaving him with just four runs from five balls. After Bennet’s dismissal, captain Sikandar Raza joined Dion Myers to stabilize Zimbabwe’s innings.

Earlier, with Shubman Gill’s half-century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s useful knock, India set a challenging total of 182 runs. Zimbabwe was 36 for three in 5.3 overs.

India beat Zimbabwe by 23 runs in the third T20I on Wednesday, July 10, at Harare Sports Club. India chose to bat first and scored 182/4 in 20 overs, with a fantastic 66 off 49 balls from captain Shubman Gill. In response, Zimbabwe managed only 159/6 in their 20 overs.

Zimbabwe had a tough start. Avesh Khan 2-39 dismissed Wessly Madhevere in the second over, and Khaleel Ahmed got Tadiwanashe Marumani out for 13. Brian Bennett was caught by Ravi Bishnoi, and captain Sikandar Raza 15 off 16 was out to Washington Sundar 3-15.

Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed dominate early overs

Zimbabwe was struggling at 39/5 after seven overs. Dion Myers and Clibe Madande 37 off 26 put up a 77-run partnership to keep Zimbabwe in the game.

Madande was caught by Rinku Singh off Sundar in the 17th over, leaving Zimbabwe at 116/6. Myers kept fighting and scored his first T20I fifty 65* off 49, but it wasn’t enough to win the match.

India’s bowling unit seals the victory

Earlier, India started well with a 67-run opening stand between Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal 36 off 27. Sikandar Raza 2-24 got Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma out in quick succession, but Ruturaj Gaikwad (49 off 28) and Gill added 72 runs for the third wicket.

Late contributions from Sanju Samson 12* off 7 and Gaikwad helped India reach 182/4. Blessing Muzarabani 2-25 also took two wickets for Zimbabwe. With this win, India leads the series 2-1 and will look to secure the series win in the fourth game on Saturday, July 13, at the same venue.

India bounced back strongly in the series with a resounding 100-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad led the charge as India leveled the series on Sunday, July 7th.

In a thrilling comeback, the young Indian team dominated Zimbabwe in the second T20I. Abhishek Sharma played a stellar innings, smashing a sensational century to propel India to a massive total of 234 runs. Zimbabwe struggled right from the start, managing to score only 134 runs in response, thanks to outstanding bowling performances by Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mukesh Kumar.

Zimbabwe’s early charge and subsequent collapse

Zimbabwe began their chase aggressively, with Brian Bennett hitting boundaries early on. However, his departure after a quickfire 26 marked the start of Zimbabwe’s downfall. They lost wickets consistently, finding themselves at 76/7 by the 12th over. Luke Jongwe and Wessley Madhvere tried to revive the innings, but Zimbabwe eventually succumbed, getting all out in the 18.4 overs.

Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan stood out with their superb bowling. Bishnoi conceded just 11 runs in his spell and took crucial wickets, while Avesh Khan troubled the batsmen with his pace and aggression.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive century

The match belonged to Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played pivotal roles with their contrasting yet effective batting styles. Abhishek Sharma, after a slow start unleashed his aggression to score a maiden T20I century. He hit 8 sixes and 7 boundaries in his explosive innings, dominating the Zimbabwean bowlers.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his class with an unbeaten 77 off 47 balls, paying homage to MS Dhoni on his birthday. The duo’s partnership of 137 runs set India on course for their highest-ever T20I total against Zimbabwe.

Rinku Singh also made a significant contribution, smashing 48* off just 22 balls towards the end of the innings, further bolstering India’s formidable total.

With this win India has tied the series 1-1 there are still three matches to go.

The IPL 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, and with just two games remaining, the excitement is at an all-time high. In Qualifier 2, Rajasthan Royals faced off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial match at Chepauk, Chennai. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to leverage the dew factor that often comes into play in the second innings.

First Over Drama

The match started with a bang as Trent Boult, known for his prowess with the new ball, struck early. Abhishek Sharma, SRH’s opener, was dismissed in the first over itself, sending a jolt through the SRH camp. Boult’s ability to swing the ball both ways made it challenging for the batters to settle.

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Powerplay Performance

Despite the early loss, Rahul Tripathi came in with a positive intent. He played some scintillating shots and handled the pressure well. Tripathi’s aggressive approach paid off, as he scored a quick-fire 37 off just 14 deliveries, giving SRH a much-needed boost. However, Boult struck again, removing Tripathi and later Aiden Markram, putting SRH in a precarious position.

Middle Overs Drama

Heinrich Klaasen joined Travis Head at the crease, and together, they aimed to stabilize the innings. Their partnership was crucial as they kept the scoreboard ticking and built a platform for a competitive total. The first strategic timeout saw SRH at 81/3 after 7 overs, a position from which they could build.

Just as SRH seemed to be recovering, Sandeep Sharma delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Travis Head. This wicket triggered a middle-order collapse, with Avesh Khan making significant inroads. Nitish Reddy and Abdul Samad fell cheaply, leaving SRH struggling to maintain momentum.

Late Innings Fightback

Amidst the tumbling wickets, Heinrich Klaasen stood tall. His resilience was pivotal in pushing SRH towards a respectable total. Shahbaz Ahmed provided vital support, and their partnership ensured that SRH did not completely capitulate. Klaasen’s fifty was instrumental in SRH reaching a total of 175/9.

RR’s Bowling Highlights

Trent Boult was the star with the ball, claiming key wickets and maintaining pressure throughout his spell. Avesh Khan’s impact in the middle overs was equally significant, while Sandeep Sharma’s timely breakthroughs kept SRH from getting away. Apart from Boult (3/45) and Avesh Khan (3/27), Sandeep Sharma (2/25) also claimed two wickets.

In Match 50 of IPL 2024 between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Avesh Khan made a remarkable start for his team by striking with the first ball of the day. His crucial breakthroughs played a significant role in shaping the match’s outcome.

Avesh Khan’s First-Ball Strike

Avesh Khan’s exceptional bowling skills were on full display as he claimed the wicket of Abhishek Sharma with the very first ball of the match. This early breakthrough immediately put SRH on the back foot and set the tone for Rajasthan Royals’ dominance.

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Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal epitomized the meticulous planning executed by the Sanju Samson-led side. Avesh Khan’s delivery, bowled at 124.9 kph, forced Abhishek to attempt a big shot over deep square leg. However, a mistimed stroke resulted in an easy catch for Dhruv Jurel, leaving Abhishek disappointed with a meagre score of 12 runs off 10 balls.

Travis Head’s Dismissal

In the 15th over of the match, Avesh Khan struck again, claiming the crucial wicket of Travis Head, who had been batting fluently. Travis scored 58 runs off 44 balls.

Avesh bowled a full delivery angled outside off; Head moves across his stumps to play the lap but ends up playing it onto his stumps; the middle stump is uprooted, and his knock ends. Much needed wicket for Rajasthan as the partnership was starting to flourish.

Controversial Decision by the Third Umpire

The decision to overturn the on-field decision and declare Travis Head not out despite replays suggesting otherwise left many puzzled. The Rajasthan Royals’ camp, including captain Sanju Samson and coach Kumar Sangakkara, expressed their disbelief at the decision, highlighting the need for greater clarity in the decision-making process.

On the thrilling evening of March 28th at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur, cricket enthusiasts witnessed an electrifying clash between the home team Rajasthan Royals and the visiting Delhi Capitals. The match unfolded as Delhi Capitals took on the daunting challenge of chasing down a target of 186 runs set by the formidable Rajasthan Royals.

With the atmosphere charged with anticipation, Delhi Capitals embarked on their pursuit with determination. However, despite a valiant effort, they fell short of the target, succumbing to the relentless bowling attack of Rajasthan Royals. In a closely fought encounter, Delhi Capitals managed to post a total of 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs, showcasing their resilience amidst the pressure.

Riyan Parag’s performance snatch the heart

In the match between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, young all-rounder Riyan Parag emerged as the standout player for the home team. He scored his highest-ever individual score in the IPL, helping Rajasthan reach a total of 185 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their innings. Delhi Capitals, in their turn to bat, managed to score 173 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, falling short of the target set by Rajasthan.

This victory was significant for Rajasthan Royals as it improved their head-to-head record against Delhi Capitals. Out of the 28 matches played between the two teams, Rajasthan has now won 15 times, while Delhi has won 13 times.

Riyan Parag’s exceptional performance saw him score an unbeaten 84 runs off 45 balls, marking his third half-century in the IPL and his first since IPL 2022. This was also his highest-ever score in the IPL, placing him among the top two run-scorers in IPL 2024. Currently, he trails behind Heinrich Klaasen of Hyderabad, who has scored 143 runs, in the race for the Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s partnership lead them to win

Rajasthan Royals surprised by promoting veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to bat at number 5. Ashwin’s 54-run partnership with Riyan Parag steadied the innings. He smashed 29 runs off 19 balls, including some big sixes off Anrich Nortje, before being dismissed by Axar Patel. Dhruv Jurel contributed with 20 runs off 12 balls before getting out in the 18th over.

Parag continued his fine form, scoring his third IPL half-century and accelerating in the death overs. He remained unbeaten on 84 runs off 45 balls, hitting seven boundaries and six sixes, helping Rajasthan post 185 for 5. Shimron Hetmyer added a quick 14 runs off 7 balls.

Avesh Khan shines on the ground with his performance

Warner came close to achieving his 62nd IPL half-century but unfortunately edged a loose delivery from Avesh Khan to Sandeep Sharma, who made an outstanding catch at short third-man. He departed after scoring 49 runs off 34 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes.

In his 100th IPL match, Pant showed promise but was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal after scoring 28 runs off 26 balls. Abhishek Porel couldn’t replicate his previous match’s heroics and fell to Chahal in the 16th over.

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Tristan Stubbs got a lifeline when Trent Boult dropped him in the 17th over. He capitalized on the opportunity, smashing Ashwin for two sixes in the same over.

Despite Stubbs’ unbeaten 44, his efforts weren’t enough to lead his team to victory as they fell short by 12 runs, failing to score 17 runs in the last over.

After their defeat against Rajasthan, Delhi will aim to bounce back in their upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 31st. Meanwhile, Rajasthan will face off against Mumbai Indians on Monday, April 1st.

Mukesh Kumar’s absence was felt in the 3rd T20I between India and Australia in Guwahati on November 28, as the pacer was granted leave for his marriage. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Mukesh’s absence, humorously referring to his marriage as the “biggest game” of his life. Avesh Khan was brought in as Mukesh’s replacement for the match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially acknowledged Mukesh Kumar’s request for leave and announced that the seasoned pacer would rejoin the squad ahead of the 4th T20I scheduled in Raipur on December 1. To bolster the pace attack for the remaining T20I series, India included Deepak Chahar in the squad, with the series concluding in Bengaluru on December 3.

Update: Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities.

He will join the squad ahead of the…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2023

Mukesh Kumar’s Wedding Leave and India’s Tactical Adjustments

A statement from the BCCI clarified the situation, stating, “Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities. He will join the squad ahead of the 4th T20I in Raipur.”

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Mukesh Kumar had proven to be a reliable bowler in the T20I series, earning the trust of Captain Suryakumar Yadav to handle crucial death overs. In the first T20I, Mukesh played a pivotal role by executing precise yorkers, conceding only 5 runs in the final over of the Australian innings, contributing to India’s defensive efforts as the visitors posted a total of 208.

Avesh Khan has reportedly been involved in a direct swap, heading to the Rajasthan Royals, while opening batter Devdutt Padikkal is set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), according to a report on ESPNCricinfo. Although the trade was agreed upon by the franchises in the past week, final approval from the BCCI is expected this week.

The Lucknow Super Giants acquired Avesh Khan for INR 10 crore, while Devdutt Padikkal’s services were secured by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.75 crore. Both players were retained by their respective franchises.

For Padikkal, this move marks his third IPL franchise, having initially started with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Over two seasons with the Royals, he amassed 637 runs at an average of 23.59 and a strike rate of 125.88, with three fifties. Across his IPL career spanning 92 games, Padikkal has accumulated 2,768 runs, showcasing 17 fifties and three centuries.

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Similarly, Avesh Khan, representing his third IPL franchise, previously played for the Delhi Capitals (DC) and emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2021 with 24 scalps at an average of 18.75. In IPL 2022, he concluded as the highest wicket-taker for LSG. Currently part of India’s T20I squad for the home series against Australia, Avesh is known for his impactful performances.

This trade stands as the second ahead of IPL 2024, following Romario Shepherd’s transfer to Mumbai Indians (MI) from LSG. The deadline for franchises to announce their retention list is November 26, with the player auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai.

BCCI observed Avesh Khan‘s forceful response after the last chunk of the IPL 2023 match between Lucknow Super Monsters and Imperial Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru and reproved the LSG pacer. On Monday, he was found guilty of violating the IPL’s Code of Conduct. 

Avesh Khan of Lucknow Super Giants has received a warning for breaking the Code of Conduct 

Avesh confessed to even out 1 offense 2.2 of IPL’s Set of principles and acknowledged the approval. 

“The Match Referee’s decision is final and binding for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct,”

the IPL stated in a release.

When No. 11 Avesh Khan walked out to bat in the high-pressure situation, LSG needed one run off the final ball. The experienced Jaydev Unadkat had made an easy catch on the previous ball but had lost his composure. Avesh now had to find a way to sneak out on his own and get his side home.

However, the drama had just begun. RCB medium pacer Harshal Patel stopped on his delivery stride to attempt to inflict a run-out after seeing non-striker Ravi Bishnoi set off for a single, but miraculously missed the stumps. Bishnoi got through. However, this didn’t stop the youthful LSG leg-spinner from taking another early advantage. This time, Harshal bowled a normal delivery rather than another run-out.

Avesh tried to swing for his life, but he didn’t hit the ball. Avesh also set off after observing Bishnoi’s desperate attempt to sneak in a break. Bishnoi and Avesh were able to reach home in time to secure a dramatic LSG victory because RCB goalkeeper Dinesh Karthik failed to collect the ball on the first chance.

Avesh took off his helmet and threw it to the ground as soon as he reached the non-striker’s end. It was this very act that resulted in the censure from the BCCI.

After the high-octane match between RCB and LSG, disciplinary action was not taken against Avesh. After his team was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate, captain Faf du Plessis of the RCB was given a fine of 12 lakh rupees.

“The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match 15 against the Lucknow Super Giants at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Monday. As it was the team’s first offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offenses, captain Faf du Plessis was fined ₹12 lakh,”

IPL said.