Its been really a poor show by India in 3rd T20 which held in Rajkot. India Played brilliantly in their first 2 T20s, but the third one was quite mixed one. India won the toss and elected to bowl first. India bowled brilliantly till their 16 over then Livingston took the charge and gave a comfortable score of 179. In reply Indian openers crumbled at the start though good batting by Hardik Pandaya still India couldn't chase the target and lost by 26 runs. 

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Top Reasons For India's Loss

India lost the match due to their slow approch in the second innings of the game where they lacked in chase despite being in the game till 15th over. 

England Good Batting At The End

India displayed a good bowling show where they removed Philp Salt in the second over itself. But Duckett went on going, though England lost wickets in regular intervals. Duckett went on to score a brilliant fifty. But after that every player crumbled. It was at the end where Liam Livingston came for rescue scoring 43 of 24 balls. England took charge after 16th over, where they put on to make a good score of 171.

Poor Bowling Display By India

Mohammad Shami was back after a long interval of injury break. Indian bowlers displayed a good show till 15th over but after that they strugged to find their line and length, they started to leak runs at the end which led England to put up a good score of 171.

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India Poor Performance With Bat

 India went on to chase the target of 171 but it seemed they have lack in approch. Where India lost Sanju early who tried to apply pull shot but didn't get connected. The pace of the ball deceived him. Every batsman tried to imply the shot on the slowy pitch and got out cheaply. Hardik tried his best to get the command but couldn't hold on. Captain Surya poor form, Tilak getting out on spin which get back in to the stumps. Till 15th over India had the hope of chase but lack of intent at the later stages costed the match for India. 

Poor Intent

It was clearly visible that India were in lack of intent throught the game. At first innings they were unable to bowled out England despite having a good start. In the second innings same thing happened where started the innings poorly and later on they builded up but the intent was too conjusty, As everyone was trying to hit hard rather than understanding the nature of pitch. 

Misunderstanding The Aggressive Approach

Its ok to show the aggressive approach in a t20 game it is meant for it. But sometime you have to understand the nature of the game and how the game progress. At first innings India took out early  six wickets but after that they didn't went for the kill allowed England to score a decent total. In the second innings batsman were trying to hit the ball hard rather than understanding what the pitch is offering. England bowlers were consistent with their hard length deleviries making hard for the Indian batting. Which was later pointed out by the captain Surya Kumar Yadav. 

Visitors England made a comeback in the T20I series against the hosts India after clinching a handsome 26-run win in the Rajkot T20I on Tuesday (January 28). 

Leading the T20I series by 2-0, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss once again and chose to field in the third of the five-match T20I series at Rajkot. It was the much-awaited comeback match for the Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who missed out on international cricket for more than 14 months. While England scored 171/9 in 20 overs, India replied with 145/9 in 20 overs. 

England innings: Ben Duckett powered before Varun Chakravarthy's magic

Although the opener Phil Salt once again lost his wicket early at five runs, his opening partner Ben Duckett set up a strong start with the in-form skipper Jos Buttler. Duckett was dominating the Indian bowlers from the powerplay and set up England’s first 50-run partnership in this T20I series as he had a 76-run partnership for the second wicket with Buttler. 

Once England were batting at 83/1, but the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav handled the spinners really well as the English batting line-up once again faced deep trouble. From 83/1, England were suddenly down to 127/8. 

While the skipper Buttler scored 24 off 22 balls, the opener Duckett scored 51 off 28 balls with seven fours and two sixes. 

Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed a fifer as he had bowling figures of 4-0-24-5. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets (2/33), while Axar Patel (1/19) and Ravi Bishnoi (1/46) got one wicket each. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah Honored as ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024

Liam Livingstone added vital runs

While the other English middle and lower-order batters struggled, Liam Livingstone added some vital runs of 43 off 24 balls with the help of one four and five sixes. Also, Adil Rashid (10*) and Mark Wood’s (10*) additions proved crucial for the visitors.

Indian innings: No strong batting performance; England bowlers were disciplined powered by Adil Rashid

In reply, England were taking wickets at regular intervals, while the English skipper Jos Buttler handled the bowlers really well. Opener Abhishek Sharma got a strong start but was caught out for 24 off 14 balls as Jofra Archer took a great catch. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (14) is far away from his form, while Tilak Varma was finally dismissed by brilliant Adil Rashid for 18 runs.

Apart from Abhishek, only Hardik Pandya scored 20+ runs in that innings, but he didn’t get any support who could help him by at least rotating the strike. Pandya scored 40 off 35 balls with one four and two sixes but it was far from enough.

Adil Rashid was exceptional once again with the bowling figures of 4-0-15-1, while Jamie Overton took three wickets (3/24). Also, Brydon Carse (2/28) and Jofra Archer (2/33) picked up two wickets and Mark Wood got a wicket (1/29).

With the 26-run win, England are trailing the five-match T20I series by 2-1 with two to go. 

While the Indian bowlers completely dominated in the Kolkata T20I over the English batters, it is a new tense sign for the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) fans as three of their English batters completely failed in the first innings of the match.

Although the English captain Jos Buttler provided a good start, the other English batters had no answer for the Indian bowlers. English cricketers Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell are RCBians, and all of them had hard luck on Wednesday night.

Phil Salt scored a duck

Opener Salt couldn’t open the scoreline as Arshdeep Singh delivered a short ball and an extra bounce resulted in Salt’s dismissal after the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson comfortably took the catch. It was just the third ball of the match while England were 0/1. 

Also Watch: Varun Chakravarthy's double put India in strong position

Liam Livingstone also scored a duck; Jacob Bethell struggled

Liam Livingstone scored a two-ball duck as the in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled him. The new RCBian Jacob Bethell failed to help the visitors from the tough situation and his clueless batting disturbed the English skipper’s fighting flow. It was Hardik Pandya who dismissed Bethell for seven off 14 balls. 

England were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs

Indian bowlers dominated in England innings as England were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs. While the skipper Buttler scored fighting 68 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, Harry Brook (17) and Jofra Archer (12) were the only other English batters with double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Varun Chakravarthy got three wickets (3/23), while Arshdeep Singh (2/17), Axar Patel (2/22), and Hardik Pandya (2/42) bagged two wickets each.  

Later, Abhishek Sharma's dominant batting, as he scored 79 off 34 balls, guided India to reach the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets. 

England leveled the ODI series by creating history in the second game of the three-match ODI series against the hosts West Indies at Antigua. 

Trailing the series by 1-0, England chose to field first after winning the toss in the second game of the series. After West Indies scored 328/6 in 50 overs, England successfully reached the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets.

Captain Shai Hope scored a century in the first innings

Captain Shai Hope scored his 17th ODI century as his 117 off 127 balls (eight fours and four sixes) powered the Caribbean team to score a big ODI total. Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54) supported him with half-centuries, while Shimron Hetmyer (24), Roston Chase (20*), and Matthew Forde (23*) brought some useful cameos.

Captain Liam Livingstone fired a match-winning century

In reply, although England lost a couple of wickets cheaply, they always had some useful partnerships. Opener Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52) scored valuable half-centuries, while the captain Liam Livingstone scored his maiden ODI century as he remained not out on 124 runs off 85 balls (five fours and nine sixes) to guide the visitors to reach the target safely. 

Both captains scored centuries in the same ODI

• It was the seventh time in ODI cricket history that both captains scored centuries in the same game. 

• England also became the first team to successfully chase three 300+ ODI targets in the West Indies. Even the hosts West Indies have recorded it twice. 

Second highest successful ODI chase in West Indies

• England recorded the second-highest successful ODI chase in the West Indies. They also hold the record for the highest successful chase of 361 runs against West Indies in the 2019 Bridgetown ODI. 

Following Liam Livingstone‘s departure from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Rajasthan Royals bid farewell to another English cricketer as explosive batsman Jos Buttler exits the tournament to fulfil his national commitments.

Buttler’s Farewell: Rajasthan Royals Lose a Key Player

In a poignant video shared by the Rajasthan Royals’ official social media handle, Jos Buttler is seen bidding farewell to his teammates before departing from the Royals’ camp. His departure leaves a void in the team, depriving Rajasthan of a critical player known for his explosive batting prowess.

Liam Livingstone’s Departure: English Exodus from IPL Continues

The exit of Jos Buttler marks the continuation of a trend wherein English players have been leaving the IPL midway to prepare for international duties. Liam Livingstone’s departure preceded Buttler’s exit, adding to the list of English stars relinquishing their IPL campaigns for national duty.

See Also: GT vs KKR: Toss delayed due to bad weather; Check latest updates

Liam Livingstone’s premature departure from the IPL was driven by concerns over his fitness, particularly his troublesome knee. Having suffered from a series of muscle injuries recently, Livingstone prioritized his recovery for the T20 World Cup to ensure his availability for England’s campaign.

ECB’s Call: National Duty Beckons for England Players

The decision to leave the IPL stems from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) call for World Cup-bound players to return to the national setup ahead of the crucial series against Pakistan. With the T20Is against Pakistan serving as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup, key players like Buttler become imperative for England.

Following Livingstone and Buttler’s exit, the rest of England’s World Cup squad members who participated in the IPL are expected to return home. Players like Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt will join their teammates in England, where they will regroup ahead of the series against Pakistan. The squad is scheduled to reconvene in Leeds ahead of England’s first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22.

Reunion in Leeds: England Squad Gathers for T20I Against Pakistan

The England squad’s reunion in Leeds marks the beginning of a crucial phase in their preparation for the T20 World Cup. As players regroup and focus shifts towards the series against Pakistan, anticipation builds among fans as they eagerly await the team’s performance on home soil.

In the IPL 2024 season, Sanju Samson has not only continued to impress with his batting but has also turned heads with his exceptional skills behind the stumps. His recent performance against Punjab Kings, where he ensured Liam Livingstone’s runout, highlighted a pivotal moment not just for the Rajasthan Royals but for Samson’s career as a standout wicketkeeper.

The Signature Runout Against Punjab Kings

In a critical match moment, Samson executed a stunning run-out of Liam Livingstone, who was looking dangerous at 21 off 14 balls. The throw from debutant Tanush Kotian was off target, but Samson’s agility and presence of mind turned it into a match-defining moment, keeping Punjab under 150 runs.

See Also: IPL 2024: Mitchell Marsh returns to Australia after hamstring injury, check latest report

Evolution of His Wicket-keeping

Traditionally not viewed as an exceptional wicketkeeper, Samson has dramatically shifted this perception in IPL 2024. With five dismissals to his name already, including a standout runout that could be dubbed a “Dhoni-esque” moment, he has redefined his role in the team.

Samson’s Batting Brilliance

This year, Samson has averaged an impressive 82 at a strike rate of 157, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer so far. His consistent performance marks a significant upturn compared to previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often overshadowed by inconsistency.

Samson’s Technique and Training

Samson’s improvement is a testament to his rigorous training regime and the technological inputs from coaching staff. Special emphasis on agility drills and reflex training has enhanced his ability to execute quick stumpings and runouts.

Impact on Rajasthan Royals’ Strategy

Samson’s form and skills have allowed the Rajasthan Royals to strategize more aggressively, knowing they have both a reliable batsman and a sharp wicketkeeper. His role as a pivotal player in crunch situations has solidified this season.

Comparison with Legendary Wicket-keepers

While comparisons with MS Dhoni might be premature, Samson’s recent exploits hint at a potential to reach similar heights. His calm demeanor and sharp reflexes echo the qualities seen in legendary figures like Dhoni.

Several key players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 are facing the prospect of early exits from the tournament due to their international commitments. These players, integral to their IPL franchises, are likely to depart earlier than expected, leaving a void in their teams’ line-ups. Let’s know about the details of these potential departures and their impact on the ongoing IPL season.

Reece Topley (RCB)

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Reece Topley is an essential component of England’s T20 World Cup plans. Scheduled to leave in the third week of May, Topley’s absence could pose a challenge for RCB’s bowling lineup as they strive for success in the IPL.

Sikandar Raza (PBKS)

Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sikandar Raza is expected to bid adieu to the IPL by the end of April. With Zimbabwe set to tour Bangladesh for five T20Is, Raza’s departure could disrupt PBKS’ balance in the middle order.

Mustafizur Rahman (CSK)

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mustafizur Rahman’s services might not be available in May due to Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the USA. Rahman’s absence could affect CSK’s bowling options in the crucial stages of the tournament.

Jos Buttler (RR)

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Jos Buttler could receive a call back in the third week of May as England prepares to face Pakistan in four T20Is starting from May 22. Buttler’s potential departure could leave a significant void in RR’s batting lineup.

Will Jacks (RCB)

Another player from RCB, Will Jacks, is a vital cog in England’s T20 World Cup plans. Like Topley, he might leave the IPL early to participate in T20Is against Pakistan, potentially impacting RCB’s middle-order stability.

Liam Livingstone (PBKS)

PBKS’s Liam Livingstone is another English player who could exit the IPL prematurely to feature in the Pakistan series. His departure might disrupt PBKS’s plans, especially considering his all-round capabilities.

Moeen Ali (CSK)

CSK’s Moeen Ali could face unavailability issues with England facing Pakistan from May 22 onwards. Ali’s departure might leave a void in CSK’s middle order and spin department.

Phil Salt (KKR)

Representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), opener Phil Salt might also face an early exit from the IPL due to England’s series against Pakistan. KKR could struggle to find a suitable replacement for Salt at the top of the order.

Joshua Little (Gujarat Titans)

Although he hasn’t featured in any games this season, Joshua Little of Gujarat Titans might have to leave in May as Ireland plays Pakistan in three T20Is from May 10 to 14. His absence might not directly impact Gujarat Titans but could affect their squad depth.

Sam Curran (PBKS)

PBKS’s Sam Curran, a key member of the team, might be unavailable towards the end of the league stage due to his international commitments. His absence could pose challenges for PBKS in both batting and bowling departments.

Jonny Bairstow (PBKS)

Another PBKS player, Jonny Bairstow, might have to depart early to be available for England’s T20Is against Pakistan. His early exit could disrupt PBKS’s batting plans and team balance.

See Also: Shubman Gill gives an epic reply to ‘leaving it too late for a win’ comment

These potential departures due to international commitments highlight the delicate balance between IPL participation and national team duties. Cricket enthusiasts will keenly observe how these developments unfold and the subsequent impact on their respective IPL franchises.

On Wednesday, April 5, while Punjab Kings were playing Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, their hard-hitting English recruit Liam Livingstone was practicing at Old Trafford. On Thursday, he was seen going around the Manchester ground while Lancashire were engaged with a county game against Surrey.

Evidently, the time he was scheduled to arrive in India for the IPL 2023 has passed, and the Punjab Kings do not yet know exactly when the daring batsman will join the Mohali team.

“He will be here next week,”

said a PBKS official after the team’s win, over Rajasthan Royals, second in as many games.

According to inquiries conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC), the arrival of Livingstone, who was purchased for INR 11.5 crores in the 2022 auction for his all-round abilities, may not occur until the middle of April.

“He’s due to arrive mid-April. He is coming along nicely.”

an ECB official told Cricbuzz on Thursday. 

Livingstone appears to not be 100%, and he has been working on his fitness with his LCCC teammates. He has not played competitive cricket since December due to injuries to his knee and ankle.

“He is still working through his rehab on the injury. He is currently working on his rehab at Old Trafford. He will be in India around April 15, the dates are fluid,”

the ECB official said.

Addressing Sky Sports on Thursday night, Livingstone said he is expecting clinical freedom in the following two or three days to travel to India.

“Looking forward to a good IPL season,”

the all-rounder said on live television following which indicates he could arrive before the 15th of this month.

Livingstone has been encouraging his PBKS teammates from afar through posts on social media before and after their IPL games so far. However, the franchise would be looking for his expertise in fielding and the bat’s firepower, which is crucial to the side’s middle-order.

PBKS IPL 2023 Squad: Liam Livingstone to join next week, Rabada available

• As he goes through rehab, Liam Livingstone will miss a few more games.
• Kagiso Rabada has joined the squad and will be available for the Sunrisers game. 
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also fit and is likely to be available for the Hyderabad match. 
• The England star will join the squad next week. PBKS expects him to be cleared by the ECB.

The Shikhar Dhawan side offer the best position in the focuses table with Gujarat Titans with four places. On April 9, they will play another away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Prior to the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL), Melbourne Renegades suffered a major blow after Liam Livingstone pulled out of the tournament. Back in August, the Renegades picked Livingstone as their first player. As he was set to take part in the first half of the tournament before plying his trade in the SA20. “We’ve already secured Andre Russell for the first four matches and know the match-winning ability he will add to our team,” Rosengarten added.

However, he was later picked for England’s Test series against Pakistan in December. Earlier, the Renegades signed West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on a four-game deal with the hope that Livingstone would come back. But that won’t be the case anymore. Livingstone became the second overseas player after all-rounder David Willey. Also pulled out of the upcoming T20 championship on Australian soil. The Renegades are scheduled to start their BBL campaign on December 15 against the Brisbane Heat at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns.

Also Read: IPL 2023: Joe Root puts name forward for IPL auction after lengthy T20 absence

Liam Livingstone won’t be taking part in BBL 2022-23

“We’re obviously disappointed that we won’t have Liam as part of our team this summer, but we understand his decision.” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten, was quoted as saying. “Liam is a fantastic cricketer and there’s a reason we used our first pick in the draft to select him. Since then, his schedule has changed with added international duties. We wish him the best as he pushes for a Test debut. The Renegades finished at the bottom of the points table last season with wins in only three of their 14 matches in the league stage.

“We know Liam had been looking forward to working with our head coach, David Saker, and playing for our club. Hopefully, we can make that happen in the coming seasons,” he stated. “We have been in regular communication with Liam. His management over the last couple of months, which has allowed us to execute a plan that is best for the Renegades for this season.

A stifling bowling show, led by Kagiso Rabada’s four-for and figures of 4-0-17-0 from Sandeep Sharma, restricted table-toppers Gujarat Titans to a below-par 143 and revived Punjab Kings’ campaign for the playoffs race. Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Liam Livingstone made short work of the chase which they sealed with as many as four overs to spare, and lifted Kings from eighth to fifth spot on the table. More importantly, their net run rate was boosted from -0.470 to -0.229. Titans experimented with the decision of opting to bat but could not stitch any substantial partnerships with regular fall of wickets.

It was Sai Sudharsan’s maiden fifty that steered them from 67 for 4 in the 12th over towards 150, but like captain Hardik Pandya said later, “obviously we were not even close to par”.The early strangle from Kings’ bowlers. Rabada takesShubman Gill’s poor recent form and the lack of a stable batter at No. 3 had been troubling Titans, and their issues were compounded on Tuesday. Wridhhiman Saha swung for the hills down the ground for a stroke-filled 21 off 17 but he and Gill fell in consecutive overs.

Saha swung the next ball for a one-bounce four and hammered a six next over, but he swung one too many when he miscued Rabada to mid-off in the fourth over. Rabada, Eight overs without a boundary. The King’s bowlers not only struck regularly, but they also dried up the boundaries. Sandeep stuck to the length and short-of-good length areas just outside off with a hint of swing and the others, too, bowled to their fields so well that the Titans couldn’t score a boundary for 48 balls. Hardik Pandya crawled to Rabada 1 off six balls before edging one behind after the powerplay ended.

Must Read: IPL 2022: Young Pace Guns of The Season

Rabada takes 4 wickets and takes the match from Table Topper GT

Rahul Chahar then hurt his bowling hand in his first over while collecting a throw from the deep and he walked off immediately. Livingstone completed the over and then got one more, also because he could bowl off-breaks to two left-hand batters with the longer boundary on the leg side. He barely offered any room, and when David Miller tried to end the boundary-less streak, he found long-off for 11 and Titans were 67 for 4. Sudharsan’s maiden fifty lifts Titans. It was almost as if 20-year-old Sudharsan flicked a switch on for boundaries once Miller fell.

He pounced on the short balls and collected fours in consecutive overs off Rishi, Livingstone and the returning Chahar and then one down the ground off Arshdeep Singh to race to 45. Even though Rabada choked the lower order with back-to-back wickets of Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the 17th over, Sudharsan pulled Arshdeep for six to bring up his fifty and lead Titans to a more respectable 143 for 8. Dhawan, Rajapaksa go bang, bang. Chasing a below-par total on a pitch that was two-paced and had good bounce for the quicks.

Mayank Agarwal chose to drop himself down further and sent left-hand batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa at No. 3. Shikhar had already dispatched two wide balls for back-to-back fours against his Delhi team-mate Pradeep Sangwan and he found able support in Rajapaksa who struck Shami for two fours when the fast bowler pitched it even slightly short in the third over. Alzarri Joseph came on for Sangwan and got the same treatment. Shikhar ramped him for six and followed it with a tickle down the leg side for four more.

He continued to target the off-side boundary and the big over came when Sangwan returned as soon as the powerplay ended. Rajapaksa heaved him for two fours in two balls before Shikhar unleashed another upper cut to make it a 15-run over and reduce the equation to a comfortable 86 off 78.Dhawan, Livingstone give NRR boost. The situation was such that Kings could have cautiously seen through Rashid’s spell and still won. Shikhar was happy to rotate the strike until Lockie Ferguson returned for an eventful over.