IPL 2024 : The race for the orange cap.
With the first week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 done, the audiences witnessed some breath-taking batting displays. Runs literally flowed out of the bats of plenty of these batting maestros. And the race for the orange cap (leading run scorer) has well and truly begun. The big names across franchises have been piling runs on the board showing their mettle with their batting prowess. After match 10 played between RCB and KKR, here are the top run getters so far from the tournament. 1. Virat KohliVirat’s bat has always been doing the talking in the IPL and this isn’t surprising for the audiences for seeing him sit on the top of the runs charts. In the three games he played, the most sizzling property in the cricketing fraternity has already clubbed 181 runs at an average of 90.50. Virat’s best score this season, 83 off 59 came in the most recent game he played against KKR. With aiming to have the silverware this season, the King would also be having a plethora of runs in his mind. 2. Heinrich Klaasen The explosive South African batter representing SRH is standing right behind Kohli on the run charts. The batter has scored 143 runs in the two games he has played at an average of 143.00. Klaasen, with his explosiveness would be eyeing to go one above Virat Kohli as SRH soon play their third game. 3. Riyan ParagRajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag seems to have a season of redemption as his bat is doing all the talking. The young batter is firing from all the cylinders and is carrying the batting order with ease. The young batting sensation is currently on the third place on the run charts. With 127 runs under his belt and an average of 127.00 in the two games he so far has played, Parag has made his intentions very clear. 4. Sanju SamsonJust behind his fellow Rajasthan Royals teammate, it’s Sanju Samson who is listed at number four in the race to the orange cap in IPL 2024. The hard hitter has so far in his two games piled 97 runs at an average of 97.00 with his best score of 82 not out. As a captain he would be taking the responsibility to lead the Royals from the front and take them to the prestigious silverware. 5. Abhishek SharmaOnce an U-19 world cup sensation, now is dominating with the bat in the most storied franchise t20 league in the world. Abhishek Sharma has been dazzling with the bat in the two games he has played so far. The SRH batter has scored crucial 95 runs for his team with his best score this season being 63. In a franchise that already has been dominated with the likes of Travis Head, Aiden Markram and Glenn Philips, Abhishek Sharma has been averaging 47.50 and would be believing in himself to keep attacking as and when the opportunity arises. The IPL caravan continues to roll as the weekend provides two double headers. The matches come thick and fast and the batters are expected to come swinging right from the start. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : KKR extend their Chinnaswamy dominance; beat RCB by 7 wickets.
In a thrilling encounter at the Indian Premier League (IPL) today, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious over Royal Challengers Bangalore by a margin of seven wickets. The match, held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, witnessed an impressive performance by KKR’s batsmen as they chased down RCB’s target of 182 with 19 balls to spare. RCB, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 182/6, propelled by a brilliant unbeaten knock of 83 runs off 59 balls by their skipper, Virat Kohli. However, KKR’s opening pair, Philip Salt (30 off 20 balls) and Sunil Narine (47 off 22 balls), set the tone for a successful chase with a blistering partnership of 86 runs in just 6.3 overs. Subsequently, Venkatesh Iyer (50 off 30 balls) and captain Shreyas Iyer (39 off 24 balls) further strengthened KKR’s position, guiding their team to victory in the 16th over. This win marks KKR’s second triumph in three games in the ongoing IPL season. Despite Kohli’s commendable efforts, supported by Cameron Green (33 off 21 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (28 off 19 balls), who received two lifelines, RCB couldn’t defend their total against KKR’s determined batting lineup. With this result, KKR moves up the IPL points table, while RCB will be looking to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Riyan Parag Shines Bright: A Breakthrough Performance in the IPL.
How often have you seen a man who’s been unwell for three straight days hitting the field on the support of painkillers the very next day and turning out to be a match winner for his team. Well Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag did exactly the same when they faced the Delhi Capitals on Thursday. The Rajasthan Royals found themselves in some serious trouble with their top three batters collapsing like a house of cards. In walked Rajasthan’s number four, Riyan Parag, and took the situation in control. Riyan Parag had nailed it. Standing deep inside the crease, he picked the length early and walloped the pull in front of square. Parag’s eyes were on the ball, in total self-admiration of the connection he had made. Anrich Nortje looked away without looking up. Parag’s childhood was deeply influenced by his passion for cricket, which he developed at a very young age. Growing up, Parag showed exceptional talent in cricket and began training rigorously to hone his skills. He was fortunate to have the support of his family, who encouraged his sporting aspirations. His father, Parag Das, who himself played for Assam in the Ranji Trophy, played a significant role in nurturing his son’s talent and guiding him through his early cricketing journey. Despite coming from a region not traditionally associated with cricketing prowess in India, Parag’s talent stood out. He quickly made a name for himself in local and regional cricket circuits. His dedication and hard work paid off when he was selected to represent Assam in various age-group tournaments. Eventually, he made his debut in domestic cricket and later earned a spot in the IPL, playing for the Rajasthan Royals. Since his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2019 with the Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag has showcased glimpses of his talent with both bat and ball. In his initial seasons, he exhibited maturity beyond his years, displaying a calm demeanor under pressure. His ability to contribute with crucial knocks in challenging situations earned him recognition as a promising young talent. Parag’s adaptability and versatility on the field have been noteworthy, as he has showcased his skills in various roles, including batting in the middle order and bowling useful overs when required. His consistency being a challenge at times, he faced challenges in converting starts into substantial scores and failed to consistently deliver match-winning performances. Additionally, there were instances where he struggled to make significant contributions with the ball, leading to questions about his effectiveness as an all-rounder. There was a time (IPL 2023 season) where his selections were questioned by the cricketing experts and fraternity which soon made him warm the bench for the Royals. Parag knew this very clearly that he had to turn the tide and make a roaring comeback to prove his worth. The ongoing IPL has so far served as a perfect platform for Riyan Parag to showcase his skills with the Rajasthan Royals offering him a clarity to bat at number four. With 127 runs with the bat already and some acrobatic fielding efforts in his first two outings for the Rajasthan Royals, Parag has been changing the audience’s opinions about him. The prodigy is currently sitting on the 2nd position on the IPL Orange Cap (most runs scored) list. Parag’s performances have often been instrumental in changing the course of matches. His highlight moments, such as match-winning partnerships and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, have illustrated his potential to become a valuable asset for the Royals in the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Parag’s heroics guide the Rajasthan Royals home.
During an evening clash in Jaipur, the Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to field first. The Rajasthani team had a slow start, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (scoring 5 off 7) unable to make much impact as he fell early to Mukesh Kumar. Sanju Samson then took charge, aggressively attacking the Delhi bowlers and hitting three consecutive fours off Mukesh Kumar. Jos Buttler struggled initially, scoring 11 off 16 balls. However, Sanju Samson’s innings (15 off 14) came to an end against a delivery from Khaleel Ahmed. Riyan Parag then took over, launching a fierce assault on the Delhi bowlers, aiming for his fourth IPL 50. Ravichandran Ashwin (29 off 19) also contributed with some powerful strokes before being caught by Tristian Stubbs off Axar Patel’s delivery. Dhruv Jurel (20 off 12) partnered with Parag, adding 52 runs before falling to Anrich Nortje. Nortje faced the wrath of Parag in the final over, conceding 25 runs alone. The Rajasthan Royals concluded their innings with a total of 185 for 5 in 20 overs, with Riyan Parag’s unbeaten 84 off 45 proving crucial. In response, the Delhi Capitals, led by Australians Mitchell Marsh and David Warner, began aggressively. However, Nandre Burger dismissed Marsh (23 off 12) and then sent Ricky Bhui back for a duck in successive deliveries. David Warner countered the Royals’ attack with boundaries aplenty, forming a 50-run partnership with Rishabh Pant. However, Warner fell just short of his half-century, caught by Sandeep Sharma off Tristan Stubbs’ bowling at 49. Pant (28 off 26) fell victim to Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin, caught behind by Sanju Samson. Abhishek Porell (9 off 10) also fell to Chahal’s spin. Despite Stubbs’ late flurry of big hits, Avesh Khan bowled an excellent final over to secure victory for the Delhi Capitals. It was the ninth consecutive time in the IPL 2024 that the home team had the better of the visiting team. Riyan Parag was awarded with the player of the match award for his heroics with the bat. With the youngsters they are backing, there’s no doubt that RR are likely to have their hands on the silverware this season. With their momentum soaring, the Royals are set to face the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, April 1st, 2024. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals will be eager to bounce back as they take on the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : In just his second game back, Pant scores a century.
Just days after Rishabh Pant made his highly anticipated comeback to competitive cricket the past Saturday, the Delhi Capitals (DC) and their multitude of fans and supporters have another cause for celebration. Tonight signifies a noteworthy milestone in Pant’s cricketing journey as he gears up to compete in his 100th IPL match for the Delhi Capitals. This exceptional accomplishment will make him the inaugural player in the franchise’s history to achieve this milestone, underscoring his enduring talent and unwavering dedication to the team. Rishabh Pant, serving as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals, has been the backbone of the team since his debut in 2016. Following a demanding 14-month hiatus from cricket due to a car accident, Pant’s return was eagerly awaited. While expectations for him to immediately regain top form were considered unrealistic, he exhibited encouraging signs in his comeback match, contributing a swift 18 off 13 balls. This display has laid the groundwork for what fans anticipate will be a victorious 100th game. Since taking over as captain in 2021, Pant has been instrumental in shaping the team’s strategies and fortunes. As Pant prepares for his 100th match for the Delhi Capitals against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, he overtakes former DC stalwarts in terms of appearances, surpassing the likes of Amit Mishra (99 matches), Shreyas Iyer (87 matches), and David Warner (82 matches), among others. This record not only underscores Pant’s commitment to the DC but also highlights his significant contribution to the team’s achievements over the years. The Sportz Planet Desk, Atharva Shetye.
Exclusive : TSP goes overseas to find more on the traditional Sri Lankan sport, Elle.
During TSP Founder, Rishi Sutrave’s recent sports expedition to the island nation, he uncovered a hidden gem within Sri Lanka’s grassroots sports scene: Elle. Elle transcends mere sport; it embodies culture, tradition, and serves as a unifying force within communities. Let’s delve deeper into what this unique sport entails. Immersed in historical significance and deeply woven into the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka, the traditional game of Elle stands as a testament to the nation’s rich heritage and collective unity. Originating centuries ago, Elle has transcended from a simple pastime to a beloved sport that resonates with both participants and onlookers. Elle, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka during ancient times, holds a significant place in the island nation’s history. Thought to be a precursor to modern cricket, Elle is mentioned in historical texts dating back over 2,500 years, highlighting its enduring presence in Sri Lankan culture. Initially played by rural communities as a form of entertainment and physical exercise, Elle gradually gained popularity and evolved into a structured sport with organized tournaments and competitions. Elle is a traditional team sport typically played in rural areas across Sri Lanka, often during festive occasions and cultural celebrations. The game involves two teams, each consisting of 12 players, competing to score points by hitting a small wooden ball with a wooden stick. The playing field, known as the “Elle Geta” or Elle ground, is typically a level ground of compacted earth or sand, marked with boundary lines. One team takes turns batting while the other team fields. The bowler, known as the “Pitcher,” throws the ball towards the batter, who attempts to hit it with the “Wanduwa” or bat. The fielding team aims to catch the ball or retrieve it quickly to prevent the batting team from scoring runs. Points are scored by hitting specific areas on the ground designated as scoring zones. The team with the highest score at the end of the game is declared the winner. Beyond its role as a recreational sport, Elle holds deep cultural significance in Sri Lanka. It serves as a symbol of unity and camaraderie, bringing together communities to celebrate shared heritage and traditions. Often played during religious festivals, village fairs, and social gatherings, Elle fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social bonds among participants. The sport also serves as a means of preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural identity, passing down traditional values and practices from generation to generation. While Elle remains cherished by many Sri Lankans, the sport faces challenges in the modern era, including declining participation among younger generations and competition from more popular sports. Efforts to preserve and promote Elle have been undertaken by various organizations and enthusiasts, including the establishment of Elle clubs, tournaments, and outreach programs aimed at engaging youth and raising awareness about the sport’s cultural significance. Additionally, initiatives to document Elle’s history and techniques have been undertaken to ensure its legacy endures for future generations. As a cherished aspect of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Elle serves as a reminder of the country’s rich history and traditions. With its roots deeply embedded in rural life and community spirit, Elle continues to captivate enthusiasts and inspire pride in Sri Lanka’s unique cultural identity. Through ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the sport, Elle’s legacy is poised to endure, providing future generations with a glimpse into the nation’s vibrant past. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Cricket : 4 fresh faces added as Cricket Australia announces central contracts.
Cricket Australia unveiled a squad of 23 centrally contracted male players in anticipation of another thrilling year. Pace bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis have both secured Cricket Australia (CA) contracts, marking their inclusion in a 23-player squad for the 2024-25 season, which notably features a significant home Test series against India. At ages 25 and 29 respectively, Bartlett and Ellis are among the fresh faces in the squad, along with Victoria’s Matt Short (28) and Western Australia’s Aaron Hardie (25). All four players, who have previously represented their countries, have earned their spots on this year’s central contract list. The contracts will come into effect following the T20 World Cup in June. Despite not being initially offered CA contracts for the 2023-24 season, Ellis, Short, and Hardie demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the summer, leading to upgrades and securing their positions on the contract list. During last year’s T20 series in South Africa, both Short and Hardie marked their international debuts, showcasing their talents on the global stage. Meanwhile, Ellis played a significant role in Australia’s ODI and T20I tour of South Africa, as well as in T20 competitions in India and New Zealand. However, he was sidelined from the home white-ball series against the West Indies due to a rib injury. Notable omissions from the list include Western Australia all-rounders Ashton Agar and Marcus Stoinis, Victoria opener Marcus Harris, Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser, and the retiring David Warner. Among this group, Harris last played a Test over two years ago, while Neser (two ODIs) and Agar (one ODI) have had minimal opportunities in national colors in the past year, appearing in South Africa last September as part of a less experienced ODI squad before Australia’s successful World Cup campaign in India. Stoinis stands out as a significant absence. Currently representing Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, the 34-year-old missed Australia’s recent tour of New Zealand due to a back injury but remains in contention for selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Including all rounders, the national selection panel has opted for a total of 12 pace-bowling options out of the 23 selected players, with Western Australia duo Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris retaining their spots. Richardson, aged 27, has been sidelined from international cricket since June 2022 due to a string of unfortunate injuries. On the other hand, the 26-year-old fast bowler Morris made his debut in Australia colors just last month, featuring in two ODIs against the West Indies. The Australian men’s team is all set for their next assignment, the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean. It will be intriguing to see which players from this selected squad of 23 will secure their spots on the plane to the T20 World Cup. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Football : ‘I Wanted to Give Up’: Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur shares his experience battling depression.
Brazilian forward Richarlison de Andrade struggled with depression following his national team’s quarter-final defeat to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, contemplating leaving football altogether. Representing Tottenham Hotspur, he revealed in September his decision to seek psychological support after being photographed in tears on the bench during Brazil’s dominant 5-1 victory over Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. With 48 appearances for Brazil, the 26-year-old encourages fellow players to prioritize their mental well-being and seek assistance when needed. “I’d just played in a World Cup, at my peak,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. “I was reaching my limit, you know? I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up. “Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup, it seemed like it all fell apart.” Following a challenging start at Spurs, where he transferred from Everton for a reported fee of £60 million ($75.68 million) in 2022, Richarlison has managed to find his footing, netting 11 goals in 26 appearances this season. “Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because I don’t know what was going through my head,” he said. “I even went and told my dad I was going to give up. “It’s kind of sad to talk like that. What I went through after the World Cup… To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, ‘Dad, I want to give up’, is crazy.” Richarlison expressed that opting for therapy has been the most beneficial decision he has ever made. He stated “I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish … If you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person” Both Everton and Tottenham demonstrated their solidarity with Richarlison following the interview. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Home team SRH massacres MI.
On a surface which was good to bat on early in the innings, the Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field. None of us had anticipated the game to feature such numerous shifts in momentum. Travis Head, playing his 1st IPL game for SRH made his intentions clear taking on the bowlers early on. The Australian opener came out swinging right from the start. Well that’s what we do expect from the Australians. He came in and started his innings in the sixth gear, batting fearlessly. Hardik’s end switch proved effective, leading to the dismissal of Mayank Agarwal (11 off 13). Head’s contribution facilitated SRH in achieving their fastest 50 during the powerplay in IPL history, scoring 81 for the loss of only 1 wicket. Abhishek Sharma joined the momentum, partnering with Travis Head. Head made an impressive debut by scoring the fastest individual 50 for SRH but was later caught by Gerald Coetzee. Klassen and Markram further fueled SRH’s momentum. Mumbai Indians chipped in with the wickets but more than half the damage was done by that time. SRH became the first team to bring up 200 inside 15 overs. Everyone else other than Bumrah from the Mumbai bowling cartel went expensive. It was not just the explosiveness of SRH batters, but the bowling from MI wasn’t disciplined as well. SRH soon crossed the highest total of IPL making themselves sit on the first place on the list. The onslaught went on and on as they took it to the next level scoring 277 for the loss of 3. It was a mammoth task for the Mumbai Indians to chase the target. Rohit Sharma (26 off 12) and Ishan Kishan (34 off 13) came out and started slapping straight away. It seemed that batters from both the parties had come out practicing range hitting. Mumbai came out firing. Captain Cummins soon got the better of his opposite captain Rohit Sharma. Tilak Verma (64 off 34) and Naman Dhir (30 off 14) attempted to stabilize the innings but were eventually dismissed. Verma displayed a variety of shots, consistently finding the boundaries. Mumbai Indians’ response was remarkable to witness. Tim David (42 not out off 22), towards the end, injected some excitement into the match with powerful hits, revitalizing the contest. However, the SRH bowlers, especially their captain, Pat Cummins with his two wickets maintained tight control over their bowling, securing a memorable victory for the team winning by 31 runs. The Mumbai Indians must regroup before their upcoming match against the Rajasthan Royals, marking their first home game on April 1, 2024. Meanwhile, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, riding high on momentum, will face off against the Gujarat Titans on March 31, 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Rohit Sharma hits a double century for MI in IPL.
Mumbai Indians’ premier batter Rohit Sharma is all set to play his 200th game for the franchise wearing the blue and gold. The game between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Mumbai Indians would be a landmark 200th game for the experienced campaigner. Rohit started his journey with the Mumbai Indians back in 2011. Since then the prolific batter from Mumbai has dazzled in the famous blue and gold scoring 5084 runs and averaging 29.39. The hitman has been striking for Mumbai Indians at 129.86 and has gone on scoring a century and a mountain of 34 IPL half centuries with a best score of 109 not out. Taking over the captaincy reins from Ricky Ponting in 2013, Rohit Sharma has been the face of the Mumbai Indians through the years. The man created a legacy of his own and took the Mumbai Indians into the golden era by lifting the IPL 5 times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Rohit Sharma has secured two Champions League T20 titles alongside Mumbai Indians in 2011 and 2013, the latter while serving as captain. Renowned as the ‘Hitman’, he holds the record for the highest run tally for Mumbai Indians of all time, accumulating 5,357 runs across 208 matches and 204 innings. His batting average stands at 29.59, coupled with a striking rate approaching 130. Among his remarkable feats are a century and 35 half-centuries across these 204 innings. The seasoned batter ranks as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing 6,254 runs across 244 matches, maintaining an average of 29.63 and a striking rate of 130.15. Having captained Mumbai Indians for an extensive period, Rohit Sharma embodies an institution in his own right. Together with MI, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of numerous future Indian stars such as Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Ambati Rayadu, and more. All eyes would be on the Hitman – Rohit Sharma as he dons the famous Mumbai Blue & Gold for the 200th time in the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.