Vikram Rathour Shakes Hands With The Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals have appointed former Indian opener Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach. With six tests to his credit for India, Rathour walks into the Rajasthan Royals’ dressing room with rich experience having served as Indian Cricket Team’s batting coach during the recent coaching stint. His tenure with the men in blue ended on a high as India under his guidance won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024. Former Team India Coaching Reunion At The Royals Vikram Rathour was appointed after another Rajasthan Royals big-hitting move: they signed former India head coach Rahul Dravid on a multi-year deal last week. The 48-year-old Dravid, often called “The Wall” for his remarkable batting and leadership abilities, will take up the position of head coach after leading India to their first ICC title in 11 years, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Royals Eye 2025 Title After Narrow Miss in IPL 2024 On paper, the Royals have given some fantastic performances during recent seasons however they were bowed out to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 in IPL 2024. Given that Rathour and Dravid have most recently guided a team towards the trophy, that too in T20s, the Rajasthan Royals is anticipated to go all the way to the trophy in IPL 2025. Building a Winning Culture The appointment of Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour will surely serve as a buildup ahead of the new season as these massive inclusions seek to hint at Rajasthan Royals’ intentions at having a title shot. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Key Takeaways From IPL Franchises And BCCI Meeting
It was a crunch sitting at Wankhede Stadium where owners of IPL franchises sat on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024 to discuss the future of player retention and the highly debated mega auction system. It soon changed into a heated debate regarding the relevance and sustainability of the mega auction, and a huge divide among franchises became evident. Key Figures Raise Their Concerns It was inside a meeting on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters that some of the biggest names in the IPL ownership circle lambasted the mega auction. Shah Rukh Khan, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kavya Maran were the most vocal against the mega auction, asking for it to be scrapped. Both teams were finalists in the IPL 2024 and hence, the owners argued that the present structure disrupts the continuity of a team, which is a precondition for brand building and the retention of fans’ interest. Tensions Flare Between KKR and PBKS Owners When it came to the process of retention, Shah Rukh Khan, as usual, got highly involved with KKR; an eyewitness said that Shah Rukh Khan was embroiled in a hot debate with Ness Wadia, Punjab Kings co-owner. It would go on to informed discussions, but Wadia later denied any personal vendetta and said all stakeholders’ interests needed to be taken into consideration. “I have known Shah Rukh for over 25 years. There is no animosity here,” said Wadia while outlining a solution fair for all franchises. SRH Supports KKR’s Stance Supporting the stance of KKR, Kavya Maran from SRH opined that smaller auctions perhaps was the way ahead considering the stress it was to have a balanced side with the existing system in place. Using Abhishek Sharma as an example, whose journey to consistency took years, she spoke of a developing story of times and investment required in young talent. Delhi Capitals Opposes To this end, on the other side of this argument, Parth Jindal of Delhi Capitals responded to this by supporting the mega auction. He said, “having a mega auction makes it fair and keeps us competitive“. He further said he did not like the view to have the Impact Player rule continued as it hampers the development of allrounders in Indian cricket. Others on the franchisee level present for the meeting were Kiran Kumar Grandhi of Delhi Capitals, Sanjiv Goenka of Lucknow Super Giants, Rupa Gurunath of Chennai Super Kings, Manoj Badale of Rajasthan Royals and Prathmesh Mishra of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Some, such as Ambanis of Mumbai Indians, used video conferencing. BCCI Responds and the Future Steps Finally, after the deliberations, the BCCI released a statement admitting to the various views expressed by the franchise owners. The Board said that the inputs regarding player regulations and commercial matters, including central merchandising and licensing, would be taken up by the IPL Governing Council and reconsidered. Still Awaiting the Final Verdict As the cricketing world has to now wait and watch for the final decision of the BCCI, the mega auction further does go on to underline the complexities of balancing competition with the business interests for the diverse stakeholders associated with the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Sanju Samson Caught Between Opportunities and Expectations?
Another opportunity, same old result. That’s how someone can probably describe Sanju Samson’s cricketing stint so far in the Indian jersey. Sanju Samson’s journey in T20I internationals has become a tale of missed opportunities and mounting pressure. Despite the fervent support from his fans and his long-standing presence in the Indian cricket circuit, Samson’s recent performances have left much to be desired. The stark reality of his recent innings—a golden duck followed by another zero in just four balls—has only intensified the debate about his place in the squad. A Decade In Indian Cricket Having been part of the Indian Cricket Team for nearly a decade, one would expect Samson to have made a more significant impact. Unfortunately, the numbers haven’t been kind to him. His struggle to secure a consistent spot in the playing XI is evident, with limited chances to prove his mettle. While he was benched throughout the T20 World Cup, the team’s success with Rishabh Pant in the XI did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on Samson. Misfiring With The Bat In the latest T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson’s appearances have been underwhelming. He was dismissed for a duck in his second T20I and failed to make an impression in his subsequent opportunity. These setbacks have not only been disappointing for his fans but also challenging for Samson, who faces an uphill battle to secure his place in the team. Contrasting Fortunes In IPL Interestingly, Samson’s fortunes appear to be more favorable in the IPL. Leading the Rajasthan Royals, he consistently shows his skills and leadership. His performances in the IPL often shine brightly, a stark contrast to his T20I struggles. This disparity raises questions about the reasons behind his inconsistent performances when playing for the Indian Cricket Team. Despite his talent and occasional brilliance, Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL success in international matches. His one memorable knock—a century against South Africa in Paarl earlier this year—seems like a distant memory amidst his recent flops. For a player of his caliber, such inconsistencies are a cause for concern. Fierce Competition The competition for a place in the Indian Cricket Team is fierce, with players like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma all vying for the wicketkeeper position. In such a competitive environment, Samson’s challenges are not only with his performance but also with the pressure of competing against top-notch talent. Despite the challenges, Samson remains a cricketer who thrives in a supportive and relaxed environment. His ability to perform well when given a clear role and freedom to express himself has been evident in his IPL outings. However, replicating that form in international cricket remains a challenge. As Samson continues to navigate his career, the hope is that he will be granted the opportunity to showcase his true potential. With the right backing and a longer run in the team, there’s still a chance for him to rise to the occasion and solidify his place in the Indian cricketing lineup. For now, he remains a cricketer caught between the expectations of his fans and the harsh realities of international cricket. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction
In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options. One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Rahul Dravid To Potentially Join Rajasthan Royals As Head Coach
Former Indian Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid, might soon make a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 season. Sources revealed that the discussions are ongoing between Dravid and the franchise and fans could expect an official announcement soon. DRAVID’S CONNECTION WITH RR The 51-year-old, who recently led the Indian Cricket Team to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has a deep connection with Rajasthan Royals. He previously captained the Royals and played a crucial role in taking them to the final of the Champions League T20 in 2013. Even after retiring, Dravid stayed involved, mentoring the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014 and IPL 2015 before moving on to coach various levels of Indian cricket. As a coach he has been very supportive towards his players and captains bot at the Royals and at the Indian Cricket Team. “Talks are going on between Dravid and RR and an announcement in this regard is round the corner,” a source familiar with the talks revealed. JOURNEY WITH THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM Dravid’s coaching journey with the Indian Cricket Team reached its pinnacle with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in June this year. His strategic approach towards the players and guidance helped Rohit Sharma and his Indian Cricket Team to secure their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. It was a moment of immense pride for Dravid, who had faced a setback in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia. A ROYAL HOMECOMING ON THE CARDS Having also served as the head coach after succeeding Ravi Shastri in 2021 and as chairman of the National Cricket Academy, Dravid’s potential return to the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals hints at a promising new chapter. The Rajasthan Royals is renowned for nurturing young talent and Dravid’s vast experience and knowledge could be a massive boost for the Royals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2024 Playoffs: SRH or RR – Who has the ‘Chepauk’ advantage ahead of Qualifier 2?
The clock is ticking, both for the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The mood in both camps is exactly the opposite. Rajasthan defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 4 wickets in the eliminator in Ahmedabad. For Hyderabad, the Narendra Modi Stadium didn’t reap rich dividends. The Orange Army suffered a hammering from the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets. Now the IPL 2024 caravan moves to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This is where Qualifier 2 and the Final will be played. The Chepauk, as fans call it, is home to the Chennai Super Kings. However, this season, the CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. Both the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have the experience of playing at the Chepauk in the IPL. However, this would be the first time both teams would take on each other at the venue. SRH or RR – Who has the Chepauk Advantage? When it comes to the IPL, both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have a poor record at the Chepauk. Understandably so, given that the Chennai Super Kings have been so dominant at home. Rajasthan Royals’ latest win at the Chepauk came in IPL 2023 when they defeated Chennai by 3 runs. Their only other win against Chennai came way back in 2008 by 10 runs. Also Read: SRH or RR – Who Has More Wins in Qualifier 2 Matches? Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record is even worse than Rajasthan Royals. They have never managed to beat Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Their only win at the venue has come against Punjab Kings by 9 wickets in IPL 2021. IPL Record at Chepauk Team Matches Won Lost Rajasthan Royals 09 02 07 Sunrisers Hyderabad 10 01 09 Both the skippers – Sanju Samson and Pat Cummins know they have an uphill task at Chepauk on Friday. This is a must-win contest for both teams, but unfortunately, there will be only one winner. The added motivation is that the winner will better their record at Chepauk, in addition to booking their tickets for the IPL 2024 Final.
IPL 2024 Playoffs: SRH or RR – Who Has More Wins in Qualifier 2 Matches?
Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will see table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) go head-to-head against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 24th, Friday at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad head into the contest on the back of a thumping eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Qualifier 1, while Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals are fresh from a four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator. Ahead of their clash, here’s a look at the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs the Rajasthan Royals head-to-head records in Qualifier 2. SRH’S QUALIFIER 2 RECORD IN IPL Before this season, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have managed to enter the Qualifier 2 of the IPL thrice. The Orange Army played the Qualifier 2 fixture in IPL 2016, IPL 2018 and in IPL 2020. Out of which they have managed to win twice; in 2016 and in 2018 and have faced defeat once; in 2020. SRH’S QUALIFIER 2 RECORD IN IPL SEASON OPPONENT RESULT 2016 Gujarat Lions SRH won by 4 wickets 2018 Kolkata Knight Riders SRH won by 14 runs 2020 Delhi Capitals DC won by 17 runs The Sunrisers Hyderabad would be entering the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 with a 66.67% Qualifier 2 win record. On the other side is the Sanju Samson led Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have made it to the IPl Qualifier 2 twice; in 2013 against the Mumbai Indians and in 2022 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, formerly known as the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Rajasthan Royals couldn’t do much in the 2013 Qualifier 2 against MI but managed to win in the 2022 Qualifier 2 against RCB. RR’S QUALIFIER 2 RECORD IN IPL SEASON OPPONENT RESULT 2013 Mumbai Indians MI won by 4 wickets 2022 Royal Challengers Bengaluru RR won by 7 wickets The Rajasthan Royals would be taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2 with a 50% win record in IPL Qualifier 2 games so far. This gives Pat Cummins and his Orange Army an upper hand entering the much-awaited contest. Both SRH and RR will look to get one step closer to lifting their second title when the two sides cross paths in their 19th meeting in IPL and their first clash in Chennai. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024, Qualifier 2: Have SRH & RR met in a knockout game before?
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals are all set to lock horns in the IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday. The winner of the match will go on to face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chepauk on Sunday, May 26th. Rajasthan and Hyderabad would have that one last chance to keep their hopes of winning the IPL 2024 title alive. While Hyderabad suffered a defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, Rajasthan on the other hand ousted Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 4 wickets in Ahmedabad. Have SRH & RR met in an IPL knockout match before? Both Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have taken on each other only once in an IPL knockout match in history. The year was 2013, also the same season, when Hyderabad was re-introduced into the IPL. In the eliminator, played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Rajasthan Royals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 4 wickets, in a nail-biting finish in the last over. Former Australian batter Brad Hodge was named as the player of the match. IPL 2024 would be the first time in over a decade that both these sides will be locking horns against on each other in a knockout match. Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Report Card in IPL Knockouts Playoffs Record Let’s take the Rajasthan Royals first. The team from the land of Marwar are also the inaugural champions of the IPL, way back in 2008. When the playoffs were introduced in 2011, Rajasthan made it to the knockouts on four occasions. Rajasthan’s Record in Playoffs Season Opponent Stage Result 2013 Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 Lost by 4 wickets 2015 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Eliminator Lost by 71 runs 2018 Kolkata Knight Riders Eliminator Lost by 25 runs 2022 Gujarat Titans Final Lost by 7 wickets – Runners-up Rajasthan Royals has been an inconsistent side when it comes to featuring in the playoffs. In the last 11 seasons, RR has managed to book just four playoff berths. The closest they came to lifting the IPL trophy was in 2022, but they lost to a resurgent Gujarat Titans led by Hardik Pandya. Sunrisers Hyderabad, rebranded and reintroduced in 2013, the Orange Army has made it to the Playoffs on six occasions, excluding the ongoing 2024 season. SRH Record in Playoffs Season Opponent Stage Result 2013 Rajasthan Royals Eliminator Lost by 4 wickets 2016 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Final Won by 8 runs – Champions 2017 Kolkata Knight Riders Eliminator Lost by 7 wickets 2018 Chennai Super Kings Final Lost by 8 wickets – Runners up 2019 Delhi Capitals Eliminator Lost by 2 wickets 2020 Delhi Capitals Qualifier 2 Lost by 17 runs Sunrisers Hyderabad has a mixed record in the Playoffs. They have lost three Eliminators in the past, and a qualifier-2 to Delhi Capitals in the 2020 season. However, the Orange Army emerged champions in the 2016 season, and lost to Chennai Super Kings in the final, a couple of years later. H2H Record in IPL There is very little to choose from both sides regarding the overall Head-To-Head record. Both the teams have taken on each other 19 times in the IPL before the Qualifier 2 in Chennai. Hyderabad has won 10 matches, while Rajasthan has 9 victories in their pocket. SRH vs RR – The last meeting Both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals met once in IPL 2024. The match was a humdinger, with Hyderabad winning the match by just one run, on their home turf. SRH veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the hero for the local team with three wickets. There is very little to choose between these two top teams in the IPL, going into Qualifier 2. Only one team’s dream of winning the IPL title will stay alive, while for the loser, this will again be a case of so near, yet so far. Who will be the one smiling on Friday?
Cricket + Q-Collar technology & Tom-Kohler Cadmore connection
Q-collar technology – ever heard of that before? If not, you will, in the coming days. Rajasthan Royals’ Tom-Kohler Cadmore kept the fans and spectators curious with his latest act, that was more than playing cricket and scoring runs. Though the right-handed batter failed to make a massive impact with the bat, the Tom-Kohler Cadmore gadget around his neck made all the headlines. When he came out to bat, he was wearing a Q-Collar, a device often used by NFL players and soccer players to protect against concussions. WHAT IS A Q-COLLAR DEVICE?A Q-Collar is a device designed to help protect the brain from injuries during physical activities. Shaped like a C, it fits snugly around the back of the neck. The collar works by gently pressing on the jugular veins, which increases blood volume in the skull. This added blood creates a cushion that helps stabilize the brain and reduce the risk of concussions during impacts. The device is lightweight and comfortable, allowing athletes to wear it without affecting their performance. Who uses Q-COLLAR DEVICE?The Q-Collar is commonly used by athletes in high-contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey. It has gained popularity because it offers a non-invasive way to reduce the risk of brain injuries. Studies and tests have shown that the Q-Collar can be effective in protecting the brain from the forces that cause concussions. As more athletes and teams recognize the importance of brain health, the use of the Q-Collar is becoming more widespread. TOM KOHLER-CADMORE USING Q-COLLAR TECHNOLOGY https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1790753706972938672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1790753706972938672%7Ctwgr%5Ea3199af80d4425dda2cdc49e2bbd88de2770aaba%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crictracker.com%2Fcricket-news%2Fipl-2024-tom-kohler-cadmore-uses-unique-device-to-reduce-concussion-impact%2F THE FIRST CRICKETER TO USE Q-COLLAR TECHNOLOGYKohler-Cadmore went on becoming the first cricketer to wear this head protection device. Hopefully, more cricketers will start using it in the future and take their safety more seriously. SHOULD Q-COLLAR BE USED MORE OFTEN IN CRICKET?The tragic demise of late. Phil Huges in 2014 brought a massive awareness in the cricketing fraternity as players became more aware of the safety equipment they can use to prevent injuries and tragedies both on and off the field. Similar incident had concussed Huges’ fellow Australian batter, Steven Smith back in the Ashes Series 2019 where he was hit right on the medulla (the connection between the brainstem and the spinal cord) and was forced to leave the field of play. With lethal pace bowlers in the form of Jofra Archer, Jaspirt Bumrah or even Mitchell Starc who like using the bouncers as their weapon, usage of Q-Collar technology soon is expected to be implemented by batters around the world. Additionally, with the bowlers allowed to bowl two bouncers per over in the IPL, use of Q-Collar technology should be a requirement in the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
