In a surprising turn of events just before the commencement of the IPL 2024 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced a setback with the injury of Wanindu Hasaranga, one of their prized acquisitions. Sunrisers Hyderabad swiftly moved to fill the gap by signing Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s Injury

Wanindu Hasaranga’s journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad was poised to be an exciting one, given his exceptional skills in the T20 format. However, just before the start of the IPL season, news emerged of a heel injury that sidelined him from the initial matches. Despite initial hopes of a quick recovery, the injury persisted, forcing him to miss the entire season, leaving a void in the team’s lineup.

See Also: Big player returns for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand

Replacement Announcement

In light of Hasaranga’s unavailability, Sunrisers Hyderabad swiftly moved to fill the gap by signing Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. This decision was made at Viyaskanth’s base price of INR 50 lakhs, marking a strategic move by the team management to secure a suitable replacement within budget constraints.

Who is Vijayakanth Viyaskanth?

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth may be a new name to some, but his performance record speaks volumes about his capabilities. With an impressive tally of 42 wickets from 33 T20 matches at an average of 18.78, Viyaskanth has proven himself as a reliable spinner in the shortest format of the game. Despite limited batting credentials, his prowess with the ball has earned him recognition in various domestic and international leagues.

Hyderabad’s Current IPL Standing

As Sunrisers Hyderabad navigates through the IPL 2024 season, the addition of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth adds depth to their bowling lineup. Currently positioned fifth on the points table with four points from four games and a net run rate of +0.409, Hyderabad aims to leverage Viyaskanth’s talent to enhance their chances of success in the remainder of the tournament.

He finished with 13 wickets (economy 6.68) in LPL 2023, finishing behind only Carlos Brathwaite (18) and Nuwan Thushara (14) and level with Kasun Rajitha. His 22 wickets (at 6.98) are the third-most in the history of the Jaffna franchise, behind Maheesh Theekshana (33) and, when he used to represent them, Hasaranga (28).

Viyaskanth also played for the Chattogram Challengers for BPL 2023, his maiden foray into an overseas T20 league. He had a terrific outing for the MI Emirates in the 2024 ILT20, taking eight wickets at 10.87 while going at 5.43 an over, the most economical for the franchise.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore became part of memorable moments, heartwarming gestures, and emotional anecdotes on March 19. RCB Unbox event saw Virat Kohli and the whole RCB men’s team lined up to welcome Smriti Mandhana led women’s team on the field.

Guard of honour for Smriti Mandhana led RCB Women

Smriti Mandhana and her RCB women’s team finally brought the maiden trophy for the franchise when they won WPL 2024 by beating Delhi Capitals on Sunday. While fans erupted in joy, players could not stop congratulating the women for the achievement. Virat Kohli, the veteran core member of the side was seen video calling the women’s team after the massive win and congratulating the captain. No wonder, the winning team was invited to the RCB Unbox event. While their presence received lots of warmth from the fans, RCB men’s gesture for their women’s side broke the internet.

Virat Kohli and his team lined up to form a guard of honour and welcomed the women’s team on the field. Smriti Mandhana walked in with the trophy in hand and the rest of the team followed. They were welcomed amidst a huge cheer and applause from the home audience at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

See also: IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of Delhi Capitals

RCB Women take victory lap at RCB Unbox

Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to win the Women’s Premier League 2024. Despite being dismissed for a mere 113 runs, the Delhi Capitals bowlers fought back and managed to take the match to the final over making the climax a nail-biting one. Eventually, Bangalore won it with just three balls remaining and Smriti Mandhana’s side became part of history.

Despite the overseas players are already back home to resume their national duties, the spirit remained intact. Ellyse Perry joined the celebration through video call. The team took the victory lap while the stadium was painted with red flags.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have revealed their official match day attire for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with a heartfelt dedication to the women of Rajasthan and India. This unique initiative, under the banner of #PinkPromise, is scheduled for April 6, symbolizing a profound tribute to the spirit of womanhood.

Heritage-inspired design: A Tribute to Rajasthan’s Rich Legacy

The newly unveiled jersey is a fusion of cultural homage and contemporary design, intricately crafted with elements that recount the narratives of Rajasthan’s majestic heritage. Adorned with the bandhani pattern, reminiscent of the traditional attire of Rajasthani women, it boasts vibrant colors and dotted motifs, mirroring the jubilance and festivity of the Royals’ homeland. This design not only pays homage to age-old craftsmanship but also serves as a tribute to the exuberance and vitality that women bring into our lives. The yellow collar, symbolizing the sun as the ultimate source of energy, adds a symbolic touch. Each name inscribed on the jersey represents a story of women-driven progress in rural Rajasthan.

Adding depth to the jersey’s design are motifs inspired by the intricate jali work found in Rajasthan’s historic architecture, establishing a profound connection to the state’s rich legacy. The striking color palette of hot pink and admiral blue carries symbolic significance; hot pink symbolizes resilience and warmth, while admiral blue evokes notions of royalty and grace. These hues, deeply rooted in Jaipur’s identity as the ‘Pink City’, underscore the team’s commitment to advocating for causes such as cancer awareness.

Empowering Women: redefining the role of sports beyond the field

This Rajasthan Royals initiative transcends the boundaries of the cricket pitch, standing as a symbol of empowerment and acknowledgment for women’s invaluable contributions in every sphere. Through dedicating their IPL 2024 jersey to women, the Rajasthan Royals aren’t merely making a fashion statement; they are boldly proclaiming, “Aurat hai to Bharat hai” (If there are women, then there is India), echoing the profound essence of women’s significance in society.

SEE ALSO:Watch: Rohit Sharma surprises Mumbai team in dressing room during Ranji Final

After much anticipation, MS Dhoni finally revealed his new “role” in a recent advertisement for Jio Cinema ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The cricket legend, known for his mysterious social media posts, had fans guessing with a Facebook post teasing his upcoming venture.

In the advertisement, Dhoni surprises fans by playing a double role, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming T20 extravaganza. With his charismatic presence, the 42-year-old continues to captivate audiences both on and off the field.

Dhoni shared a Facebook post, where it’s written, “Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned!”

He uploaded the video of the ad on social media

Tagging Jio Cinema, he wrote, “New season, double role! All the action brought to you absolutely free with #IPLonJioCinema, starting 22nd March. Kyunki sab yahaan, aur kahaan!”

Social media buzz before IPL 2024

Having been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the inception of the IPL, Dhoni’s leadership has led the team to numerous victories, including 5 IPL titles and 2 Champions League T20 titles. Despite being past his prime as a batsman, Dhoni’s skills as a wicketkeeper and captain still hold immense value for the Yellow Army.

See Also: “There have been several times that I have thought whether 100 Tests means anything at all”, R Ashwin says ahead of his 100th Test

As Dhoni gears up for yet another IPL season, fans eagerly await his performance on the field. His arrival in Chennai for IPL 2024 signals the beginning of another thrilling chapter in his illustrious career. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing Dhoni in action when CSK takes on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 22.

Former Indian National Cricket Team fast bowler Praveen Kumar has showered praise on Rohit Sharma, describing him as an exceptional captain.

Currently captaining the team in the ongoing 5-match home Test series against the England National Cricket Team, Rohit Sharma has showcased outstanding leadership skills while also making significant contributions with the bat.

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership: Following in the Footsteps of Ganguly

Despite a shaky start with a loss against England, Rohit Sharma’s team bounced back remarkably, securing three consecutive dominant victories to clinch the series 3-1.

As India eyes a comprehensive 4-1 series win against Ben Stokes & Co., the final Test match is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala from March 07.

During a recent interaction with TimesofIndia.com, former swing bowler Praveen Kumar commended Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, drawing parallels with the legendary Sourav Ganguly. He remarked, “Rohit is a fantastic skipper. He is leading the side really well. Sourav Ganguly was the one who built the team. He created the team with a mix of youngsters and experienced players.”

Praveen Kumar Highlights Rohit Sharma’s Balanced Approach: Offering Tough Love and Encouragement

The former Indian speedster further praised Rohit Sharma as ‘the friend of friends’, highlighting his balanced approach of both admonishing and uplifting players.

“Rohit is ‘the friend of friends’. He scolds the players when they make mistakes and also embraces them. He offers guidance and grants them freedom on the field,” the former bowler elaborated.

In the same discussion, Praveen Kumar was asked to identify an Indian pace bowler from the current era who has left a strong impression on him. Without hesitation, he named Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing his exceptional bowling skills and the ability to take wickets at critical junctures.

“Jasprit Bumrah is truly outstanding. His prowess speaks for itself, and there’s hardly any doubt regarding his abilities. He’s become a senior player now, mastering the art of taking wickets whenever needed,” Praveen affirmed.

Furthermore, Praveen mentioned Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as promising pacers who have caught his eye recently, expressing confidence in their potential for long-term success.

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“Akash Deep has caught my attention significantly. Mukesh Kumar has shown promise too. These bowlers have showcased impressive performances and have bright futures ahead, as long as they continue to learn and evolve,” he remarked.

Turning back to Rohit Sharma, he is set to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 following the conclusion of the five-match Test series against England, led by Ben Stokes. However, this season, the leadership role for the Mumbai Indians (MI) has been entrusted to Hardik Pandya.

The BCCI is set to gradually reveal the much-anticipated IPL 2024 schedule, with the much-anticipated tournament expected to kick off next month. Despite the imminent start, the BCCI has yet to disclose the full schedule due to the General Elections this year.

The delay stems from the dependence of the IPL 2024 schedule on the election dates, prompting the BCCI to opt for a phased announcement, as per a report from CricketNext. According to the report, the IPL governing council is currently finalizing the schedule, with the initial phase set to be revealed soon.

“We have internally deliberated on the schedule and are close to finalizing it. However, a formal announcement awaits clarity and necessary approvals from the Home Ministry and the Election Commission of India regarding the polling schedule,” a source informed the news outlet.

“The schedule will be unveiled in stages, akin to the approach adopted in 2019. Initially, we will release the schedule for the first few matches of each team, and subsequently, as we receive further clarity on the polling schedule and other significant dates, we will disclose the remainder,” the source elaborated.

IPL 2024 Set to Take Place in India

The report also noted that the BCCI has ruled out the possibility of relocating the IPL 2024 outside of India due to the elections. Previously, in 2009 and 2014, the tournament was moved abroad for the same reason. However, in 2019, despite the elections, the entire IPL was successfully held in India, instilling confidence within the BCCI for hosting IPL 2024 in the country.

In 2019, the schedule was also staggered due to the elections. During that year, the elections were conducted over seven phases, prompting the BCCI to initially announce only the schedule for the first two weeks of the IPL. While the precise schedule for IPL 2024 remains uncertain, multiple reports have indicated that the 17th edition of the tournament is likely to span from March 22 to May 26.

The commencement of IPL 2024 in March is anticipated, yet uncertainties persist regarding its schedule and venue. Scheduled to span from March to May, this seventeenth edition aims to conclude before the T20 World Cup kicks off in June. In contrast, IPL 2023 spanned from March 31 to May 29. The upcoming season is slated to commence and conclude earlier, affording players sufficient time for recuperation and preparation for the impending T20 World Cup scheduled for June 1. Despite these expectations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to provide an official update on the schedule.

The prevailing confusion and delay in announcing the schedule are attributed to the General Elections in India this year. The IPL’s fate hinges on the election schedule, with reports indicating that IPL 2024 might be held entirely in India despite the elections. Notably, while IPL 2019 occurred entirely in India during the elections, the tournament was moved abroad in 2009 and 2014. In 2009, it was played in South Africa, and in 2014, a portion of the tournament took place in the UAE.

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As the mystery surrounding the IPL 2024 venue unfolds, Sri Lankan media speculates on the possibility of Sri Lanka hosting some matches. Reports suggest that a meeting between BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando took place, during which Fernando requested hosting a few IPL 2024 games in Sri Lanka. The outcome remains uncertain, but with general elections on the horizon, the BCCI may consider conducting some games in Sri Lanka.

Amidst the uncertainties, it is worth noting that Sri Lanka faced setbacks in hosting international cricket events. While the country successfully hosted the Asia Cup last year, the ICC revoked its hosting rights for the ICC U19 World Cup due to government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). This recent request to host IPL games reflects Sri Lanka’s continued interest in hosting major cricket tournaments despite past challenges.

Yash Dayal, the left-arm pacer from Uttar Pradesh, has been signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Registering himself at a base price of Rs 20 lakhs, Dayal became the subject of a bidding war between RCB and Gujarat Titans. Ultimately, Royal Challengers Bangalore secured his services for a sum of Rs 5 crores. Yash Dayal is aiming for a strong comeback in IPL 2024 following a challenging outing in the previous season (2023). 

His performance in a particular match saw him on the receiving end of a monumental knock from Rinku Singh, who hit him for consecutive sixes in the last over, orchestrating a miraculous win for the Kolkata Knight Riders. As Yash Dayal joins the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, he will be looking to put past experiences behind him and make a significant impact with his left-arm pace. The franchise’s investment in him reflects their confidence in his abilities.

How will Yash Dayal be helpful for the Royal Challengers Bangalore?

Yash Dayal’s inclusion in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad adds variety to their pace attack, complementing the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Alzarri Joseph, and Lockie Ferguson. As a left-arm pacer, Dayal brings a different angle to the team’s bowling options. However, analyzing his performance in the IPL 2023, especially in death overs, reveals a mixed bag.

While Dayal’s overall stats may not meet expectations, his potential for improvement and adaptability are evident. As he dons the RCB jersey in the upcoming IPL season, fans will be curious to see how he fares and whether he can justify the significant investment of 5 crores made by the franchise. It will be an interesting chapter in Dayal’s career, and the IPL platform provides an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and contribute to RCB’s success.

Yash Dayal’s performances in the tournament will be closely scrutinized, and he will have the chance to demonstrate his skills, make a positive impact, and contribute to the team’s success. The IPL platform often serves as a turning point for players, and Yash Dayal’s journey in the upcoming season will be closely followed to see how well he adapts to the challenges and expectations placed on him by the franchise and fans can anticipate an eager and determined Yash Dayal in the upcoming IPL season.

In conclusion, the substantial investment of 5 crores for Yash Dayal by Royal Challengers Bangalore suggests that he has been overpaid by the franchise, considering his past performances and the competitive nature of the IPL auction. However, the upcoming IPL season will be a pivotal opportunity for Yash Dayal to prove his worth and justify the faith RCB has placed in him. As he takes on the significant responsibility within the RCB pace attack, it is highly likely that he will feature prominently in the playing XI.

In the IPL 2024 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) managed to retain over 4 crores even after securing 8 new players. The team strategically preserved its core, with many of the acquisitions serving as backups for the first XI.

Punjab Kings have grappled with a historical challenge of extracting optimal performances from the players they bring into their fold. Despite boasting a roster of overseas superstars who have excelled with other franchises, they have struggled to replicate that success.

The team’s last appearance in an IPL final dates back to 2014, marking their sole final appearance in the league. Seeking a change in fortunes, they brought back Sanjay Bangar as the team’s Head Of Cricket Development ahead of IPL 2024. Bangar, present at the auction, appeared content with the team’s acquisitions.

While PBKS has secured backups for nearly every department, a notable absence is a contingency plan for Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan, set to lead the side, faces the considerable pressure of maintaining consistency at the top of the order. The remaining experienced players in the squad will also be crucial in taking ownership of their roles.

See Also: IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Gujarat Titans (GT) Post Mini Auction

With a diverse mix of seasoned overseas players, PBKS faces an intriguing challenge in selecting the playing XI, and it will be fascinating to observe which players earn their spots in the lineup.

The potential playing XI for PBKS in IPL 2024 features:

1. Shikhar Dhawan (C): Opening the batting, Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper, is among the top scorers in the IPL. With over 800 runs for Punjab Kings in the last two seasons, he brings experience and leadership to the team.
2. Jonny Bairstow (WK): Bairstow partners with Dhawan at the top. Looking to improve his numbers for Punjab Kings, Bairstow aims for a strong performance after a challenging run in the previous season.
3. Prabhsimran Singh: The keeper-batter can slot in at three. Known for his big-hitting abilities, Singh adds firepower to the batting lineup, scoring 358 runs last season, including a century.
4. Liam Livingstone: Batting at four, Livingstone is a hard-hitter and an all-rounder. A recent participant in the World Cup for England, he aims for a successful season, utilizing his all-round abilities.
5. Jitesh Sharma: Batting at five, Jitesh Sharma displayed finishing skills in the last season. Returning to the Indian T20I side, he looks to solidify his place with impactful performances.
6. Sam Curran: Retained despite an off-season, Curran bats at six. The franchise invests faith in his abilities, and Curran aims to deliver with both bat and ball in IPL 2024.
7. Rishi Dhawan: Batting at seven, Rishi Dhawan, the Himachal cricketer, aims to make a mark in this season. A seasoned IPL player, he looks to cement his place in the team.
8. Harshal Patel: Slotting in at eight, Harshal Patel serves as the specialist Indian seamer. A Purple Cap winner in IPL 2021, Patel was picked by Punjab Kings for 11.75 crores after being released by the franchise.
9. Arshdeep Singh: Partnering with Harshal Patel as the second Indian specialist seamer, Arshdeep Singh has been with Punjab Kings since the start of his IPL career. With 57 wickets in 51 matches, he adds depth to the pace attack.
10. Kagiso Rabada: Leading the pace attack, Rabada joined Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 and has been impactful, picking 30 wickets in the last two seasons. The South African pacer looks to contribute significantly.
11. Rahul Chahar: The specialist spinner in the XI, Rahul Chahar, aims to showcase his best form. With 22 wickets in the last two seasons, Chahar plays a crucial role in the bowling lineup.

Impact Sub: Harpreet Brar: The left-arm spinner serves as the impact sub. Known for dismissing Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell in the same match, Brar adds quality to the bowling attack.

PBKS IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw. 

In the IPL 2024 auction, Mumbai Indians (MI) finalized their squad with the addition of 8 new players. The five-time IPL champions secured Gerald Coetzee for 5 crores, marking him as their most expensive acquisition at the auction. Another notable addition was the Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka, brought in for 4.60 crores.

Shreyas Gopal, secured for 2 crores, emerged as another significant addition, serving as a valuable backup for Piyush Chawla. While Mumbai Indians experienced success at the auction table, a prominent point of discussion revolved around the trade of Hardik Pandya and his subsequent appointment as the team captain, despite concerns about his recent injury-prone history.

The decision has sparked debate among cricket experts, as Mumbai Indians’ long-time captain, Rohit Sharma, with five IPL titles to his name, now finds himself in a secondary role. Having played a pivotal part in the success of numerous Indian players, Rohit Sharma’s adjustment to this new dynamic will be closely observed.

Mumbai Indians, historically one of the two most successful IPL franchises with five titles, face the challenge of managing Indian talent within the squad under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. Additionally, Pandya must navigate the selection of overseas players to form the perfect XI, adding an intriguing dimension to the team’s strategy.

See Also:IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Post Mini Auction

The potential playing XI for MI in IPL 2024 features:

1. Rohit Sharma: Continuing as the opener, Rohit Sharma brings his ultra-aggressive batting approach, having scored over 500 runs in the World Cup. The Hitman looks to maintain his template despite stepping down as the franchise captain.
2. Ishan Kishan (WK): The first-choice keeper, Ishan Kishan opens the batting with Rohit. Having been part of India’s World Cup squad, Kishan’s success with the bat primarily comes at the top order.
3. Suryakumar Yadav: Batting at three, SKY looks to showcase his form after reacting to the captaincy change with a broken heart emoji. Having tasted success as India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav remains a player to watch.
4. Tilak Varma: Batting at four, Tilak Varma has played two seasons for MI, scoring 790 runs. His consistency earned him an ODI and T20I debut, and he is set to contribute in the middle order.
5. Hardik Pandya: Slotting in at five, Pandya was traded from GT to MI after successful seasons with the Titans. As a key player and leader, his role in leading Mumbai Indians will be closely observed.
6. Tim David: The Australian hard-hitter, Tim David, bats at six, seen as Kieron Pollard’s replacement. Known as a T20 specialist across leagues, David adds firepower to the middle order.
7. Gerald Coetzee: Coetzee bats at seven and is expected to contribute as a classy upcoming pacer. With 20 wickets in the IPL and a solid World Cup performance, he forms part of a formidable pace trio with Bumrah and Madushanka.
8. Jasprit Bumrah: Leading the pace attack, Bumrah is the linchpin of the MI bowling lineup. With a successful World Cup, he pairs up with Coetzee and Madushanka to create a potent pace trio.
9. Dilshan Madushanka: Serving as the third seamer, Madushanka impressed with 21 wickets in the World Cup, showcasing his potential against top teams. He forms part of the promising pace trio for Mumbai Indians.
10. Akash Madhwal: The fourth pacer in the lineup, Madhwal adds depth to the pace attack with his raw pace. With an impressive performance in the previous season, he looks to contribute to the team’s success.
11. Piyush Chawla: Concluding the likely playing XI, Chawla, with 22 wickets from the last season, brings experience to the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. His spin bowling adds variety to the team.

Impact Sub: Nehal Wadhera: As the impact sub, Wadhera played a key role in the previous season. Expected to contribute as a specialist with the bat, he showcased his big-hitting prowess with a strike rate of 145.18.

MI IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, Hardik Pandya (c), Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, Nuwan Thushara, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma.