The Dhawal Kulkarni Story
For generations in Indian cricket, it was a given that the place for batting brilliance had always been in the bastions of Mumbai. However, at one point, it was a young, anonymous fast bowler from the city of dreams who broke all that was known and went about winning everyone’s hearts. Not that this young wonder was a just any pacer, rather he was Dhawal Kulkarni, the most inspiring story of dedication and hardwork that now, is told to all the young fast bowlers in Mumbai. Dhawal Kulkarni’s Early Yet Impressive Years In Domestic Cricket The journey started in the under-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2005-06, when a tall and lean boy with a pace clocking mid-130’s emerged as a force to reckon with. While Mumbai was known for its batting masterclass, Dhawal Kulkarni brought a refreshing change by storming into the domestic circuit with his lethal pace. He was soon noticed by the selectors and had fantastic performances at the Under-19 state level, where he took 8 for 47 against Tamil Nadu, which got him into the India U-19 team for the 2007 tour to Sri Lanka. There, Kulkarni again stunned everyone and got himself a place in the Mumbai Ranji Team for the 2008 season, where his debut season was phenomenal. Dhawal Kulkarni ended the season as the Ranji Trophy’s highest wicket-taker, with 42 wickets, playing an important role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign. Dhawal Kulkarni’s Maiden India Call-Up Dhawal’s career didn’t stop there. His exceptional rise led him to the national team, with a call-up for the India Test squad in 2009 for the tour of New Zealand. However, it was in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season that he made history for himself. Dhawal has led Mumbai to their 40th Ranji Trophy win by taking the match-winning five-wicket hauls both in the semifinal and final, out of which his spell is worth mentioning of 5/32 against Saurashtra in the finals. His performances were so consistent that he was soon called into the India A team for the 2014 Quadrangular series, where he played an important role in India’s title win. Dhawal Kulkarni Shines With Both Bat And Ball At The Rajasthan Royals Dhawal Kulkarni’s IPL journey started with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008, however he truly found himself as the lead bowler of a bowling attack the year he joined the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014. His line and length immaculate, Dhawal was one of the most dependable bowlers for the Royals, often coming up when it mattered the most – delivering crucial breakthroughs. Dhawal was bowling brilliantly. What came as a shock to everyone was his batting. He struck some serious blows out of the park in one of the games against the Chennai Super Kings in Dubai. With such high-scoring nature of IPL 2014, Dhawal’s bowling economy rate of 8.18 stood out as he showed how to control the game and stop the runs from flowing. Dhawal Kulkarni’s International Debut September 02, 2014 will always have some fond memories. Dhawal Kulkarni made his international debut in September 2014 when India toured England. In the home series that was held later the same year at home against Sri Lanka, Dhawal performed even better, taking eight wickets at an average of just 18.62. His career reached a new height when he represented India at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia. Dhawal Kulkarni At IPL 2015 Dhawal Kulkarni continued to dominate in the IPL. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2015, he single-handedly dismantled the batting line-up of Sunrisers Hyderabad with figures of 2/9 in three overs, providing the critical breakthroughs when his team needed it most. Dhawal Kulkarni Blows RCB Top Order In IPL 2016 In IPL 2016, the Rajasthan Royals were suspended along with the Chennai Super Kings due to obvious reasons and Dhawal Kulkarni found himself donning the orange kit of the newly established Gujarat Lions. Speaking of Dhawal at the Gujarat Lions, how can we even forget him dismantling the ferocious Royal Challengers Bengaluru top order. Dhawal and his Gujarat Lions were up against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in front of a daunting Chinnaswamy crowd in the playoffs of IPL 2016. The dangerous looking Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle were out to bat. We all know Virat was only upto smashing every bowler for a four or a six in IPL 2016. Dhawal Kulkarni was given the charge to handle the new ball. He marked his run-up in the second over of the innings and soon dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck. Dhawal soon came in for his second over and bamboozled the dangerous looking Chris Gayle this time for a score of 9 off 11. https://www.iplt20.com/video/5031 Dhawal was breathing fire. He went on dismissing KL Rahul for a duck the very next ball. It seemed that Dhawal was bowling rockets at the RCB batters and RCB were falling like a pack of cards in front of Dhawal Kulkarni. Dhawal’s fourth wicket came in the form of Sachin Baby. Through the innings Dhawal Kulkarni made sure that RCB was completely under pressure. Dhawal Kulkarni roared at Chinnaswamy as the lead bowler for the Gujarat Lions. Dhawal Kulkarni continued with the Gujarat Lions for IPL 2017 as well. Dhawal Kulkarni Shows Athleticism In IPL 2019 Dhawal was back with the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2018-2019 season. Dhawal’s 2019 IPL season will always be remembered for his outstanding catch at long-off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH just needed 82 off 55 and were right in the hunt while chasing a target of 199. SRH’s Jonny Bairstow was set on 45 off 27 deliveries with the intention to go hard and cross the boundary rope as much as he can. However there was no escape. Dhawal Kulkarni was at the boundary and his fielding was as tight as that of a high security prison. Dhawal took a screamer just as the ball was going to cross the boundary ropes. Bairstow was
IPL 2025: 5 Players Return To Where It All Began For Them
The reunions in the IPL 2025 auction were dramatic as the big names of cricket are coming back to their franchises where they once etched their names. The fans and the faithful would just love to see some faces again in the jerseys of their former teams and these are the top five comeback players returning to where it all began for them. 1. Ravichandran Ashwin – Chennai Super Kings One of the most important moments in IPL 2025 auctions came in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin‘s return to Chennai Super Kings. The veteran Indian off-spinner was bought for Rs. 9.75 crore, which meant returning to the franchise that was his first in the IPL. Ashwin initially gained prominence with CSK in 2009. He played a vital role for CSK in their championship-winning seasons in 2010 and 2011. Ashwin has represented Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. Now he is back to his parent club, bringing with him vast experience. 2. Glenn Maxwell – Punjab Kings Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is returning to Punjab Kings, a side he last played for in IPL 2020. The explosive batsman and big hitter, Maxwell had a great time with Punjab between 2014 and 2017. His best season came in 2014 when he scored 552 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 187.75. After four seasons with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Maxwell was picked up by Punjab for Rs. 4.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and would look to rekindle his form with his old team. 3. Trent Boult – Mumbai Indians Kivi pace bowler Trent Boult returns to Mumbai Indians after having represented Rajasthan Royals for two years. Boult, who was an integral part of Mumbai’s 2020 IPL title-winning team, took 25 wickets in 15 matches that season and played a key role in the team’s success. He was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 12.50 crore at the 2025 auction and will lead their pace attack alongside Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Fans will be eager to see Boult back in his old role as Mumbai’s spearhead. 4. Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals England fast bowler Jofra Archer returns to Rajasthan Royals, the side that gave him his IPL debut in 2018. Archer was a star for the Royals, taking 46 wickets in just three seasons. His best year was in 2020 when he took 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of under 7. Injuries kept him out for most of the last few seasons, but with his fitness back on track, Archer will look to continue his excellent form for Rajasthan after being picked for Rs. 12.50 crore. 5. Devdutt Padikkal – Royal Challengers Bangalore Stylish left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal is returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore after two seasons with Rajasthan Royals and a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Padikkal started well in his IPL career with RCB in 2020, scoring 473 runs in his debut season. He then had another decent season in 2021 but was not so fortunate in 2024 for LSG, scoring only 38 runs in seven innings. Bought for Rs. 2 crore by RCB at the 2025 auction, Padikkal will be hoping his second stint with the franchise helps him rediscover his best T20 form. These comebacks have rekindled the excitement among fans and promise to make the IPL 2025 season even more thrilling with these familiar faces returning to the fold. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Likely To Retain Four Players
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are likely to retain four players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, including Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Sandeep Sharma. Surprisingly, wicketkeeper-opening batter, Jos Buttler and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are not part of the initial retention list, however the Royals have the right-to-match for both and can try bringing them back at the auctions, as per reports. Rajasthan Royals Deliberating On Jurel Another name that has been deliberated is the wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, picked up for INR 20 lakhs in an auction conducted to pick a team for the 2022 season. Recently, Jurel received his first India test cap playing a home test against England. It has been revealed that Jurel has been quite influential from the bottom end. For 22 innings, Dhruv Jurel has shown his excellence to hit at a strike rate of 151.52 for scoring 347 runs. Budget Implications For Rajasthan Royals These four retentions would take a minimum of INR 47 crore from the budget for the Royals. Including Jurel, that could take it to a higher INR 65 crore that would leave only INR 55 crore available to spend in the auction. As Sandeep is an uncapped player having not played international cricket over five years, there’s also the factor of regulations imposed by the IPL regarding a player’s status as one who has never represented any national team in any International Cricket match. Retained Player Performances This retained player group was crucial to the Royals’ making it to the IPL 2024 playoffs. Samson had his best IPL season with 531 runs, while Parag also had his most successful IPL season with 573 runs and earned a T20I debut with India. Sandeep, who was bought during the 2023 auction at INR 50 lakh, picked up 13 wickets at an economy of 8.18 and performed well in the powerplay and death overs. Although Jaiswal’s 2024 season was a bit subdued (435 runs at a 152 strike rate), he is one of India’s most promising young openers. RR Uncertain For Buttler And Chahal Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have done so well in the past, have been considered to be in the retention list after their recent form and fitness issues. Buttler scored 359 runs with a strike rate of 141 in IPL 2024 but has been out since the T20 World Cup semi-final due to injuries. Chahal, on the other hand, stands as the highest wicket-taker in IPL’s history with 18 last season with an economy of 9.41 on most occasions when he bowls as an Impact Player to the Royals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Rajasthan Royals Aims To Give Back To The Grassroots Sport
Rajasthan Royals and Red Bull have joined hands to discover and develop India’s exciting emerging fast-bowling talent by launching the 2024 edition of Red Bull Speedster, powered by Rajasthan Royals. The multi-city program will provide an opportunity for young bowlers from across the country to demonstrate their skills and gain a chance to become part of the professional cricket system. City-based qualifiers with elite coaching reflect the highest commitment to grassroots cricket development. Grassroots Cricket and Talent Discovery At Rajasthan Royals At the heart of Red Bull Speedster is the mission of empowering grassroots level cricket. Right from its inception in the year 2020, the program has been well on track in shortlisting and supporting young players Naman Tiwari and Pratik Kumar, amongst others for forays into the National Cricket arena. Young Mohammed Sharim, who is the developing bowler participating under this program, termed it to be the “game-changer”, with opportunities being thrown at him such as bowling over stars like Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. Top-Tier Coaching and Opportunities at Rajasthan Royals High-Performance Centre Selected players of the Red Bull Speedster qualifiers will get to train at the Rajasthan Royals High-Performance Centre in Talegaon, a world-class facility 150 kilometres from Nagpur. The facility has 14 cricket wickets, indoor nets, a gym and a swimming pool to provide an ideal training environment, away from the distraction of urban life. Selected talents will be guided by RR’s Bowling Coach Shane Bond and others at the state-of-the-art facility to prepare themselves. Monthly Cricket Camps for All Young Aspiring Cricketers The Rajasthan Royals High-Performance Centre conducts a 7-day camp for all young aspiring cricketers, boys and girls above seven years, apart from the Speedster program. These camps are there to foster talent from the grass root level. They will offer full training that consists of cricket coaching, strength and conditioning, mental strengthening sessions, dietary advice and shared, air-conditioned lodging. Coaches will be chosen on player skills and availability. This is an ideal camp for any category of player. A Holistic Approach to Player Development These camps involve more than just fitness training in the holistic growth of the players. Those aspiring to play cricket get all the benefits of fitness programmers, mental conditioning, as well as nutrition guidance which will allow them to best prepare themselves for the test of match cricket. It is also reinforced by four proper meals every day and warm accommodations of the Royals club. Creating a Cricketers’ Future Legend The Rajasthan Royals’ initiatives in grassroots cricket, the Red Bull Speedster and the High-Performance Centre provide new chances for the future generations to turn their dreams into a reality. It is how the Royals would build and nurture the future of Indian cricket by bringing raw talent and professional achievement. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
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.
