Cricket Opinion:5 players Rajasthan Royals (RR) should look to buy in the IPL 2024 Auction | Players Rajasthan Royals should look to target
After reaching the final in 2022, Rajasthan Royals (RR) missed out on the playoffs in 2023. A lack of consistency in the performances, as well as their questionable use of the impact player substitute, are two key areas to fix in IPL 2024.
Also, which players could RR look to target in the upcoming auction? Jason Holder and Joe Root were two of their key releases, along with Abdul Basith, Akash Vashisht, Kuldip Yadav, Obed McCoy, M Ashwin, KC Cariappa, and KM Asif. With 14.5 crores to spend, the Royals need to be smart with their purchases to elevate their squad.
Current RR squad for IPL 2024: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan.
Remaining purse: 14.5 crore.
Key needs for 2024: Finisher at number seven, death-bowling.
5 players RR should look to target in the IPL 2024 Auction
Daryl Mitchell
Part of RR’s struggles last season was not being able to find a good position for Devdutt Padikkal. They tried batting him at four, but he struggled to provide that all-important impetus in the middle order.
Daryl Mitchell is an excellent spin-hitter and can add another dimension to the RR lineup. However, whether RR will be able to afford him with their limited purse remains to be seen. But, it’s certainly worth a try.
Shubham Dubey
Finishing in the number seven role is key, and RR need a value-for-money pick. The left-hander Shubham Dubey smashed 221 runs in seven matches in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) at an average of 73.66 and strike rate of 187.28.
While Dubey doesn’t bowl, RR can use him as an impact player substitute when the situation suits.
Shardul Thakur
RR need Indian seamers and Shardul Thakur could find a new lease of life at the Royals. Thakur’s hit-the-deck style of bowling could work nicely at Jaipur and he offers extra batting depth which could enable the top order players to bat with even greater freedom.
Pat Cummins
Alternatively, the Royals could go for Pat Cummins. The Australian captain grew in confidence as the ODI World Cup rolled on, delivering a magnificent performance in the final. His improvement at the death, plus his ability to bowl excellent slower balls into the wicket, can result in a good investment from the Royals.
Also, Cummins can offer very handy lower order runs, especially when the team needs them.
Cricket Opinion: 5 players CSK should look to buy in the IPL 2024 Auction | Players Chennai Super Kings should look to target
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be out to win the title again in 2024 considering it could be legend MS Dhoni’s final season. CSK came back with a bang in 2023, defying the critics who believed their bowling attack lacked depth to then lift the trophy after Ravindra Jadeja’s magnificent finish in the final.
CSK released Ben Stokes, which spares up 16.25 crore that they can spend in the upcoming auction. Ambati Rayudu, Dwaine Pretorious, Bhagath Varma, Subhranshu Senapati, Akash Singh, Kyle Jamieson, and Sisanda Magala have also been released, so the franchise will be looking at this mini-auction as an opportunity to strengthen in key areas.
Key needs for 2024: Wristspinner, domestic finisher, more pace-bowling depth.
5 players CSK should look to target in the IPL 2024 Auction
Wanindu Hasaranga
A quality wristspinner can give CSK an added dimension away from home. Also, the combination of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana at Chepauk could be quite riveting. With RCB releasing Hasaranga ahead of the auction, CSK could be one of the teams who snap up the talented Sri Lankan, who is also capable of hitting boundaries down the order.
In 26 IPL matches, Hasaranga has taken 35 wickets at an average of 21.37 and strike rate of 15.77. He has a best of 5/18.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey has shown glimpses of his best over the years, but a move to CSK could bring the best out of him over longer periods. The franchise has a track record of elevating players to another level, with Ajinkya Rahane’s form one of the big surprises of IPL 2023.
With Ambati Rayudu retiring from the IPL, CSK may be on the lookout for another experienced domestic option to fill that middle order void. Pandey has 158 innings worth of experience in the IPL and is just 192 away from 4,000 runs in the competition. He has 22 fifties and a century, and can build on that at CSK.
Rachin Ravindra
Expect Rachin Ravindra to be one of the hottest properties in the IPL 2024 Auction. The New Zealand all-rounder had a magnificent World Cup where he struck 578 runs at an average of 64.22 and superb strike rate of 106.44. His play and timing against spin was a key feature of his game, and CSK would benefit greatly from his talent. They could look to bat him at number four to provide that all-important impetus in the middle overs.
In addition, Ravindra offers a left-arm spin option which could be quite handy at Chepauk.
Karthik Tyagi
Imagine a death-bowling combination of Matheesha Pathirana and Karthik Tyagi? Both bowlers can nail yorkers and changeups, which will give CSK an extra dimension in those crunch overs. With CSK having 31.4 crore to spend, they could overcome a number of other franchises including RCB who could be in for Tyagi.
Shahrukh Khan
A domestic finisher can give CSK the license to play overseas players as specialist batters or bowlers. Shahrukh Khan is a player who could be in quite the demand after Punjab Kings made the surprising call to release him.
Should CSK choose, they could play Khan in the number six or seven position and introduce him in the late overs. If he gets going, the Yellow Army will be even harder to beat as they have the batting and bowling smarts to restrict opponents.
HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible XI Pitch Report: BBL 2023/24 Match 1 | BH vs MS Dream11 Prediction Today | Gabba Pitch Report
Just like that, another season of the Big Bash League (BBL) is upon us. Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars do battle in what promises to be a mouthwatering season opener at the Gabba despite the absence of a few key players.
Heat will be looking to go one better after losing the final in heartbreaking fashion in Perth last season. Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will play this game, and they need to deliver with the hosts missing a few batting options due to other commitments. Also, how well the bowling attack can keep a strong-looking Stars side quiet will be interesting to see.
Stars will looking to go better full stop after finishing bottom in BBL 12. In a huge boost, they have the services of the brilliant Glenn Maxwell, who missed the previous edition due to the freak broken leg injury. New recruit Sam Harper will be seeking to hit the ground running, as will Marcus Stoinis who only showed glimpses in Australia’s recent white-ball trip to India.
Match Details
Date: Thursday December 7, 2023.
Time: 6:15pm (local), 1:45pm (IST).
Location: Gabba, Brisbane.
HEA vs STA Possible Playing XIs
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are available for this match. Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson, and Nathan McSweeney will play for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan. Michael Neser was also meant to play in the PM’s XI game, but has pulled out due to sorness.
Spencer Johnson is expected to play after spending the last 10 weeks or so recovering from a badly torn hamstring.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Usman Khawaja (c), 2. Colin Munro, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Sam Billings (wk), 5. Max Bryant, 6. Paul Walter, 7. Jack Wildermuth, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Mitchell Swepson, 10. Matthew Kuhnemann, 11. Spencer Johnson
Melbourne Stars have named their squad. Haris Rauf Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will feature in this clash. New recruit Mark Steketee will not play in this game as he is in the PM’s XI squad vs Pakistan. Same with Beau Webster. Also, Imad Wasim is currently at the Abu Dhabi T10.
Haris Rauf is not in the squad for this match. England’s Olly Stone is available and could line up.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Sam Harper (wk), 2. Tom Rogers, 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Joe Burns, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Liam Dawson, 9. Brody Couch/Joel Paris, 10. Corey Rocchiccioli/Usama Mir, 11. Olly Stone
BBL 2023/24 Match 1: HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Cricket Tips
Brisbane Heat:
Usman Khawaja is in great form and he was solid in last season’s BBL. In eight matches, the opener hit 249 runs at an average of 31.12 and strike rate of 137.56, including a top score of 137.56.
Sam Billings‘ strike rate of 138.91 in T20s this year is his highest in a calendar year since 2018. Overall in the BBL, Billings has struck 1,014 runs at an average of 30.73 and strike rate of 141.62.
Billings has a strong record at the Gabba: 5 inns, 198 runs, avg. 39.60, SR 169.23.
English all-rounder Paul Walter needs to deliver right away with key Heat players missing. In 112 T20s, Walter has hit 1,551 runs at a strike rate of 143.87 and taken 62 wickets at a strike rate of 17.2.
Mitch Swepson has the equal-most wickets in HEA-STA matches (16). Also, he concedes just 6.85 per over against them in 11 matches.
Swepson could be a key bowler against Glenn Maxwell. The legspinner has dismissed Maxwell once and conceded just 29 runs off 29 deliveries.
Melbourne Stars:
Glenn Maxwell is in rare form. He smashed 201* against Afghanistan and 104* against India in the space of a few weeks in November. So, he is well placed to overturn his shocking T20 record at the Gabba: 8 inns, 88 runs, avg. 11.00, SR 149.15.
Sam Harper is fresh off one of the most memorable Sheffield Shield centuries. He hit 151 (104) when Victoria were 67/5 against South Australia back on November 28.
Marcus Stoinis has fond memories of the Gabba. He has smashed 295 runs at an average of 59.00 and strike rate of 164.80 on this ground.
Stoinis has smashed 64 off 39 against Mitch Swepson in T20s (one dismissal).
Hilton Cartwright has excellent numbers for Stars against the Heat. He has smashed 206 runs since 2019 at an average of 51.50 and strike rate of 148.20.
Nathan Coulter-Nile has picked up eight wickets in six innings vs. Heat since the start of 2020 (avg. 19.25, econ. 7.05).
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 18, Heat 11, Stars 7.
Sam Harper vs. Xavier Bartlett: 21 balls, 31 runs, one dismissal.
Hilton Cartwright’s T20 record at the Gabba: 4 inns, 125 runs, avg. 62.50, SR 145.35.
Gabba Brisbane Pitch Report and Weather
A clear and warm evening is forecast with a top temperature of about 27 degrees. In five matches in last season’s BBL, the average first innings score at the Gabba was 179, with the team batting first winning three times. Expect a true surface with good carry that is conducive to shot-making.
BBL 2023/24 Match 1: HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction: Captain, vice-captain, team combination
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction BBL 2023/24 Match 1
Option 2:
HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction BBL 2023/24 Match 1
BBL 2023/24 Match 1: HEA vs STA Match Prediction – Who will win?
Brisbane Heat are quite depleted, so Melbourne Stars look good for a win in this match.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: CricBlog caught up with New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell. Here is the transcript
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell was kind enough to talk to Tawhid Qureshi, who is part of the CricBlog team. Below is the audio of the interview as well as the transcript, where the talented New Zealand all-rounder spoke about the first Test against Bangladesh, the recent World Cup, what’s to come, and his own personal journey.
Interview with Daryl Mitchell – the full transcript
Q: What’s the mood in the camp after defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Sylhet?
Daryl Mitchell: “Yeah look, it’s never nice to lose Test matches first and foremost. But, for us, I think we did a lot of good things for parts of the Test, and we were in the hunt right up until the end. I think the thing we realised is we need to do all three facets for longer periods. That’s probably the one thing we recognised from that first Test, especially the way the Bangladesh bowlers built pressure on those kinds of surfaces.
“For us, that’s what we’ve learnt and what we’ll be looking to do heading into the next Test in a couple days’ time [Wednesday 6 December].”
Q: Does the quick turnaround between Tests help you get over the first Test defeat, i.e. you’re not waiting too long to get back on the horse?
Daryl Mitchell: “I think that’s just the nature of international cricket, especially at the moment. Obviously the schedules are pretty busy and for us, it’s been really clear on the things that we want to do as a group moving forward into the next Test, but also not dwelling on outcomes too much as long as we’re sticking to how we want to play cricket as Black Caps then we’ll go a long way towards winning games throughout that.
“So, we won’t over-analyse it, we won’t live and die by the outcomes that are brought about; as long as we’re sticking to who we are, we’ll be pretty happy.”
Q: Looking back at that first Test in a bit more detail, it was gripping and close in the first few days. Day three looked to be the turning point, especially Najmul Hossain Shanto who took the game away. Was that your sense?
Daryl Mitchell: “I think there are a number of key moments throughout that Test you can look back and think ‘what if’, or ‘what could we have done better?’ but for us to get parity after the first innings and to have them in a position where we could have reduced them a little bit more than what we were chasing in the end.
“We always know chasing in a fourth innings, especially over here in these parts of the world, can be very challenging. Again, it comes down to a couple of moments here and there which hopefully we can get better in the second Test which will go a long way to winning the next Test match.
“But, again, we were right in the hunt, we’ve recognised what we need to do better, and we’ll do that hopefully in the next Test.”
Q: Glenn Phillips was impressive with the ball and how could we not mention Kane Williamson? His fourth consecutive century (in four straight Tests) and you shared a partnership with him. Give us a sense of what it’s like watching him at work.
Daryl Mitchell: “For us, we’re very lucky to have a player like Kane who’s been a part of this group for a long time now; he’s been a leader of this group and he continues to do that with the bat which is awesome to see.
“I know personally, I learn a lot off him watching how he goes about his business on a day-to-day basis… not only as a cricketer but as a person, he’s just a bloody good bloke and we’re very lucky to have him.”
Q: It seemed to me you still had a genuine sense that you could still get something out of that Test heading into day five; possibly the draw if not the win?
Daryl Mitchell: “Yeah, I’m a competitor at heart. That’s what drives me is trying to win games of cricket for our country and whenever I’m out there with bat or ball in hand, I just want to get stuck into the moment and try help us win those moments.
“Ish [Sodhi] is one of my best mates, we played with each other domestically since we were about 18 years old so it’s always good fun being out there in the middle with him with the silver fern on our chest.
“We were definitely pretty keen to try and stay out there as long as we could and try chase that total down. It wasn’t meant to be, that’s the nature of the game we play but we were never going to give up and we’re going to go right till the end.
“We’ve seen this game produce some pretty special things in its time, and if you don’t have that belief, that can’t happen.”
Q: Zooming out a little bit, you and several members of the team have been on the road for quite a while now, how is everyone feeling at the moment? Is there a bit of a challenge to not mentally check out, i.e. visualise yourselves on the plane back home before the second Test has started?
Daryl Mitchell: “Look, for us, we love playing Test cricket. It means a hell of a lot to this group to play Test cricket, and obviously the World Cup was an amazing experience in creating memories that we’ll never forget.
“But, at the same time, it’s the start of a new Test cycle, and we recognise as a group how special that is having won it [the World Test Championship] a couple of years ago now. Test cricket is bloody good, it’s so much fun. We’re excited to always put on those whites and get stuck in for our country and to know we’re home in a week’s time is nice as well; we’ll make the most of these next five days and get stuck in, and I’m sure we’ll enjoy a quiet one on the way home and get to spend some time with our family after that.”
Q: Is there one thing you really look forward to? What’s the one thing you do as soon as you get home?
Daryl Mitchell: “I’m a dad of two little girls, so I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time spent with them over the next few days once we do get home. Some tea parties or playing with dolls. Christmas is coming up, so we have to do some Santa shopping as well.
“It’s nice to have a balance outside of the game, and my family is a massive part of why I do what I do. It’ll be nice to see them after a Test victory, hopefully.”
Q: You’re back in New Zealand in a week’s time before you play Bangladesh again, this time in white-ball series. You two teams must be sick of the sight of each other?!
Daryl Mitchell: “Again, that’s the nature of playing international cricket is you go through phases where you play all three formats against teams. For me, it took a while to get to this stage to play international cricket, so I just love playing for New Zealand whether it means we’re playing the same team over the course of a month, that doesn’t worry me.
“Love being part of this group and love learning off a number of world class players within our side.”
Q: Looking back a bit further to the World Cup, that semi-final match in Mumbai; have you had the time to think back and reflect on it? What’s your overall experience and assessment of that game?
Daryl Mitchell: “I guess it’s the challenge of only having a couple of days off before you come straight into a Test series; your mind switches to preparing for a Test match, but obviously a very special tournament for us as a group and personally. I’m sure once I do get home and have that little time to reflect on what’s been in the last few months, it’ll probably sink in a bit more.
“But, we’re obviously gutted to have not gone the whole way and win that tournament. I thought we were in positions to try and win those games, but at the same time, when you come up against world class teams like India in Mumbai on that night; it was a pretty special night, and the crowd and the atmosphere are things that stick with you for life that’s for sure.”
Q: From a personal point of view, you played such an amazing innings in that match [semi-final vs India] and still ended up on the losing side. Does that make it feel worse or better in some ways that you have that personal satisfaction and did your utmost best to get your team over the line?
Daryl Mitchell: “It’s always bittersweet when you have your own personal success but it doesn’t eventuate in a win. It’s why we play the game, to try and win games. Again, for me, I’m a competitor; I just want to get stuck in and try help us win games for our country, so that’s always the challenge.
“But, that night was pretty special. I had my family there which was awesome that they were able to experience the Mumbai crowd and the noise that was created. It’s definitely something that we’ll talk about for a long time to come as a family, but, yeah, you’d much rather win games of cricket than not.”
Q: The atmosphere… Is it difficult to cope with the challenge of playing a Test a week later in quite a deserted place like Sylhet?
“I think that’s the cool thing about it is that it is a challenge and it is something that you tests you as a player; not just the crowds, not just the noise, but the ability to be as present as you can and get stuck into that moment whatever it might need to be.
“Again, that’s the cool thing about international cricket, it’s all different every country you play in and just accepting for what it is, and trying to be as present as a batsman to watch the ball and do the job.
Once you get into that zone, it probably doesn’t matter if there’s one person in the crowd or 100,000. You just try to be as present as you can and get the job done.”
Q: Looking at 2024 for you and the team, there’s lots of bilateral cricket, but there’s also the IPL, T20 World Cup, The Hundred… Do you draw breath at the start of each year and plan how the next 12 months might turn out as an all-format player?
Daryl Mitchell: “I struggle to look too far back or too far forward. But, at the same time, you prioritise what goals you want or what pinnacle events are coming up in the next period that you prepare for, and then you try and plan your preparation and games and what you want to do around that.
“Obviously, we have a home summer coming up with some big games with Test matches at the end against South Africa and Australia which will be really cool to have that at home.
“For the IPL, we’ll see what happens there and then the T20 World Cup which is exciting for us as a group having been in the final in Dubai and then the semis in Australia; we’re really looking forward to being part of that tournament getting stuck into trying to win some games of cricket and see what happens there.
“It’s an exciting six months coming up, and then after that it’ll keep going as well. So, I guess it’s being really clear on what you’re trying to achieve over that period and still making sure I can be a dad at the same time and get home and help out in between those things.”
Q: Just looking at that six-month period, if you had to pick one [series or tournament] that gets your juices flowing and really excites you, would you be able to pick one out?
Daryl Mitchell: “Nah, that’s the nature of being a three-format player is that they’re all pretty special in their own way. There’s some cool things coming up in the next six months, but if you look too far ahead, you can get ahead of yourself. It’s about making sure you concentrate on the next thing that’s in front of you.
“I love playing for my country, it means a hell of a lot, and to be able to do that…. it took me a long time to get here in domestic cricket, so I just want to make sure I keep getting better each day and help whichever team I’m playing for win games of cricket and hopefully have some fun along the way.”
Q: You’re a relative latecomer to international cricket. Does that influence your experience? Does that feel you’re making up for lost time at the moment as one of the premier multi-format batters in the world?
Daryl Mitchell: “I don’t think that’s the case. I think if anything I look at it as a blessing that it took me a while to get here. It allowed me to learn my game over a period of time at domestic level, and have some good years, some bad years and I think that’s helping me do well on the international stage.
“For me, I guess I’ve got a good perspective in life now with where I’m at, and I realise how grateful I am to get these opportunities to play for New Zealand and franchise stuff around the world…. it’s just making sure I don’t make it bigger than what it is. I make sure that I’m very grateful for these opportunities and just to enjoy the moment and be as present as I can, and enjoy trying to win games of cricket.
“That’s what drives me. Personal achievements and outcomes from that…. what will be will be, but just trying to really enjoy this phase of my life and allow myself to make the most of these opportunities because if you had asked me five or six years ago, I don’t think this would have happened, so that’s the perspective that I take on it.”
Q: Do you pinch yourself about where you are now?
Daryl Mitchell: “Yes, there’s definitely moments you make yourself aware of that as well. I think it’s a great way to ground yourself. We’re obviously a bunch of Kiwis down at the bottom of the earth taking on the world.
“When you’re in a semi-final like that, it’s taking in how special this opportunity really is and how cool it is… this is something that you dream of when you’re a kid to be a part of those moments.
“So, yeah, I think it’s good to be grounded and understand where you’ve come from and where you are right now. Again, it makes you grateful for these opportunities, and realise ‘yes, we take it very seriously trying to win games’, but it’s just a game, and it’s about being at peace with that… and if you’ve done the work, these rest will look after itself.”
RCB released experienced bowlers including Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, and Wayne Parnell. As a result, they need to reconstruct their bowling attack and/or look to purchase released players at a cheaper price with a limited purse remaining. So, they need to be smart at the bidding table and look to pick up a few value picks along with the big purchases to bolster their bowling lineup.
RCB’s current squad for IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Cameron Green, Mayank Dagar
Remaining purse: 23.25 crore.
Key needs for 2024: Wristspinner, death-bowling options, hitter at number seven.
5 players RCB should look to target in the IPL 2024 Auction
Adil Rashid
RCB need an experienced wristspin option after choosing to release Wanindu Hasaranga. Adil Rashid fits that build, offering control and variations that could really benefit the franchise throughout the season.
Also, he could come at a pretty decent price with other franchises already boasting wristspin options. If RCB do purchase Rashid, they will be hoping he shows the kind of form that helped lead England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title.
Chetan Sakariya
Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green are expected to take three of the four overseas spots, so the franchise needs to bolster their Indian pace stocks in the auction. Also, with 23.25 crore available, RCB needs good value-for-money purchases.
One such buy could be Chetan Sakariya, although other franchises are likely to have a go at acquiring his services. Sakariya can offer RCB value up top with his left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball. Given their batting-friendly conditions at home, good starts with the ball are vital.
Karthik Tyagi
Death-bowling has been RCB’s achilles heel for years. To pin all their hopes on Karthik Tyagi would be unfair on the youngster, but he can certainly contribute throughout the season.
Again, RCB will likely have to fight off a number of other franchises to acquire Tyagi’s services. His ability to execute yorkers was famously on show in the 2021 season where he successfully defended just four runs off the last over against Punjab Kings.
With Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mistreating Tyagi, the seamer will be out to prove his worth in the upcoming season.
Shuhrukh Khan
Punjab Kings surprisingly released Shuhrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. RCB can look to swoop given they need a finisher at number seven below Dinesh Karthik, and Shahrukh can deliver plenty especially at the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Also, the impact player rule makes this purchase a wise one. Khan can be replaced with a specialist bowler and vice versa, giving the franchise the best of both worlds.
Another option is Aman Hakim Khan who can also bowl a few overs if needed.
Mitchell Starc
This purchase would likely take a huge chunk of their 23.25 crore remaining. But, it’s an option they should still go for. Mitchell Starc has put his name forward in the IPL after a long absence, and a return to RCB is possible.
Starc’s experience in the powerplay and death overs is there for all to see. If RCB can land Starc as well as few value-for-money domestic picks, they will be well set for the IPL 2024 season given how strong their batting lineup looks.
Indeed, how RCB go in 2024 depends significantly on how they perform at the auction table. Releasing so many bowlers and then forking out 17.5 crore on Cameron Green is a risk, so it remains to be seen if this pays off by the time the year is out.
Cricket News: After his excellent century against England, Shai Hope revealed advice he received from MS Dhoni.
West Indies enjoyed an excellent victory in the first ODI against England after another terrific performance from Shai Hope. His 16th ODI century guided the Windies to a successful chase of 326, which looked in danger as the innings came to a standstill in the middle overs.
Hope (109* of 83 balls) combined with Romario Shepherd (48 off 28 balls) to score 89 runs in 8.3 overs to leave West Indies needing just 24 off the final 17 deliveries. After Atkinson kept England in the game in a 48th over which yielded just five, Hope took to Sam Curran to knock off the remaining 18 runs in three hits to seal the chase with seven balls and four wickets to spare.
Hope’s strike rate over the years has often resulted in the batsman being left out of conversations regarding the top ODI players in the world. But, he stepped up here in another show of how he has improved his striking, and he reminisced about his chat with MS Dhoni in the aftermath of the victory.
Shai Hope recalls chat with MS Dhoni to help seal run chase
A key feature of Hope’s innings was his ability to switch through the gears. He scored 26 runs off his first 35 balls as het got settled in. Then, he went on a rampage, smashing 83 off his next 48 balls to seal an excellent chase.
After the match, Hope revealed his thoughts during the innings. He recalled a chat with Dhoni where the Indian legend spoke about the importance of mindset when it comes to time.
“A very, very famous person, MS Dhoni, we had a chat a while ago and he was saying, ‘ you always have a lot more time than you think.’ That’s one thing that has stuck with me throughout the years I’ve been playing ODI cricket,” said Hope.
Hope also spoke of the importance of finishing off a run chase in the penultimate over. Things can always get tricky if it comes down to the final few balls or if a new batter is asked to hit the winning runs.
“After the second [six of the 49th over], I knew we pretty much had the game in the balance. If we had that over to finish the game, I always try to finish the game with one over to spare if I can. I don’t want to leave it to anyone else, so the aim was to finish off at the back end.”
“A very, very famous person, MS Dhoni, we had a chat a while ago and he was saying, ‘ you always have a lot more time than you think.’ That’s one thing that has stuck with me throughout the years I’ve been playing ODI cricket.”
Shai Hope in the post-match presentation
Hope not only scored his 16th century, but became the joint third-fastest to 5,000 ODI runs in history alongside Sir Vivian Richards and Virat Kohli. Only Babar Azam (97) and Hashim Amla (101) have done it in fewer innings.
For England, it was another hastening ODI defeat. The 2019 champions have now lost 14 of their past 24 completed ODIs following their T20 World Cup triumph last year, and have just come off a terrible World Cup campaign. The next ODI will also be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua where the new-look England team will be seeking to bounce back.
And he certainly didn’t hold back. Johnson believes Warner should have called time on his Test career given he mediocre returns over the past few years. He even mentioned the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 and how he believes Warner never owned it.
“Does this really warrant a swansong, a last hurrah against Pakistan that was forecast a year in advance as if he was bigger than the game and the Australian cricket team?” Johnson wrote.
“It’s been five years and Warner has still never really owned the ball-tampering scandal.
“Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country.”
Bunnings will sell out of sandpaper – Mitch Johnson lays into David Warner
“What will fans bring for Warner? Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper,” Johnson continued. The former left-arm quick also took aim at coach Andrew McDonald, whom Johnson believes has not kept his word on keeping players who are in form.
“Ultimately, an international cricket career is not just about your statistical achievements with bat or ball. How you held yourself and how you played the game will live long after you depart.
“Australia coach Andrew McDonald said recently they will be picking this summer’s Test squad based on current performances. It would be nice to know how long this strategy has been in place because it doesn’t seem to have applied to Warner for quite a while.”
“Now the way he is going out is underpinned by more of the same arrogance and disrespect to our country.”
Mitch Johnson on David Warner
Cameron Bancroft is considered the favourite to replace Warner as Test opener following the Pakistan series. The Western Australia opener has struck 1,457 runs in Sheffield Shield cricket since the start of last season at an average of 58.28. Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw are considered the other main contenders.
The first Test against Pakistan begins on December 14 at Perth Stadium.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
“We believe they have earnt the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.”
Cricket News: A look at Australia’s predicted XI for 1st Test against Pakistan at Perth| Will Cameron Green or Mitchell Marsh play?
It’s that time of year again. The Australian summer is upon us, with the first Test against Pakistan to kick off on December 14 at Optus Stadium in Perth. It will be Australia’s first Test since the Ashes, with the team embarking on a white-ball journey that culminated in a magnificent World Cup triumph.
The Test team is largely settled, with Alex Carey persisted with despite a tough second-half of 2023. But, there is a key question: will the team management go with Mitchell Marsh or Cameron Green as the all-rounder?
Australia’s predicted XI for first Test vs Pakistan: 1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Mitchell Marsh had a wonderful Ashes series which may prompt Australia to stick with him over Cameron Green. Marsh hit a memorable century at Headingley followed by an unbeaten 107-ball 31 as England pushed for victory in the rain-affected Manchester Test. He also bowled nicely.
Former captain Ricky Ponting believes that Green may have to bide his time to get back into the Test side.
“I think Cameron Green might just have to sit back and bide his time and wait for the opportunity to come back,” Ponting said to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN). “He can get a truckload of runs in Shield cricket and sort of force his way back into the side.”
That being said, Green made a strong case for a recall in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against Queensland. The all-rounder struck 96 off 151 balls when his team were 29/3. He also bowled economically, conceding just 17 off 11 overs in the first innings followed by six runs off his eight overs in the second.
Green will also play for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan starting on 6 December. A strong performance from Green in that game could give him the nod for the first Test.
Also, Nathan Lyon is set to make his return to Test cricket after tearing his calf in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. The offspinner loves bowling at Optus Stadium, with 22 wickets in three Tests at an average of 18.45. He is just four away from notching up 500 wickets in Test cricket.
Australia’s predicted XI vs Pakistan: This will be Nathan Lyon’s first Test since the Lord’s match.
Australia have a wonderful record at home against Pakistan. They have won 14 consecutive home Tests against the Pakistanis, including three of the last four by an innings. In fact, Pakistan’s last victory down under was way back in 1995.
The first Test begins on December 14. The second Test will be played in Melbourne starting on Boxing Day, followed by the New Year’s Test in Sydney.
Australia vs Pakistan Test series schedule:
1st Test: December 14-18, 2023, Optus Stadium, Perth.
2nd Test: December 26-30, 2023, Melbourne Cricket Ground.
3rd Test: January 3-7 2023, Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cricket News: Scenarios: Can Zimbabwe still qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup? | A look at whether Zimbabwe can still qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup
Zimbabwe head coach Dave Houghton labelled his team’s defeat against Namibia as “embarrassingly bad” and “one of the worst games” he’s been a part of. Things only got worse for the Zimbabweans, with a harrowing defeat by five wickets against Uganda. The loss put their T20 World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy, and it remains the case.
Zimbabwe won their next two matches against Rwanda (by 144 runs) and Nigeria (by six wickets), but they still need an unlikely result to go their way. They must beat Kenya on Thursday (30 November) and hope that Uganda loses to bottom-placed Rwanda who have lost four from five matches with a net run rate of -4.000.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier – Zimbabwe on the brink of missing out on 2024 T20 World Cup
Namibia have qualified and Kenya need a huge win against Zimbabawe – plus a Uganda loss against Rwanda – to qualify. So, realistically, the final spot is between Zimbabwe and Uganda.
A win for Zimbabwe and defeat for Uganda by any margin will see Sikandar Raza’s team qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup due to their very strong net run rate off the back of their massive wins over Rwanda and Nigeria.
The campaign as a whole has been disappointing for Zimbabwe. They showed great promise in last year’s T20 World Cup, beating Pakistan and coming close against Bangladesh as they pushed for a semi-finals berth. Also, they were playing wonderful cricket in the ODI World Cup Qualifier tournament at home earlier this year, before they fell away in the Super Sixes stage to miss out on qualification.
Soon after this tournament, Zimbabwe will play three T20Is and three ODIs at home against Ireland. They will be hoping those T20Is will be played with an eye to the 2024 T20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA.
Cricket News: 7 University students arrested by Indian police after Australia’s World Cup win | Police in Kashmir arrested 7 university students
Seven university students have been arrested by Indian police in Kashmir following Australia’s win over India in the recent World Cup Final. Police arrested the students, who celebrated Australia’s win, for allegedly intimidating Indian fans after the result under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
This Act is part of anti-terrorism law. According to the police on Tuesday, the students displayed “anti-India sloganeering and intimidation of others who did not agree with them.” One student in particular filed a complaint regarding threats that were made by the students in question.
“They started abusing me and targeting me for being supporter of my country and also threatened me to shut up otherwise I would be shooted (sic),” read the police case file.
Kashmir’s former chief minister criticises the arrest of seven university students
Mehbooba Mufti was critical of the arrests. She believes that cheering for a team of choice should not warrant such a response.
“Why is there so much fear, restlessness and paranoia only because some students celebrated Australia’s victory?” Mufti said earlier this week. “You want to destroy their lives for cheering the team of their choice and for expressing happiness when that team plays well. I condemn it.”
However, according to a statement on X (formerly Twitter) by police in Kashmir’s Ganderbal region, the arrests were not due to the support of a sporting team. The statement said it was “about terrorising others who may be nourishing pro-India feelings or anti-Pakistan feelings or disagreeing.”
Under the UAPA legislation, people can be held for six months without charge. There was a similar incident in 2021 where six residents were detained and another several hundred students came under investigation for celebrations following Pakistan’s ten-wicket win over India in the T20 World Cup in Dubai.
