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NBA star Chris Paul & NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald invest in the Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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NBA star Chris Paul & NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald invest in the Rajasthan Royals

Cricket News: NBA star Chris Paul & NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald invest in the Rajasthan Royals | Chris Paul, Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum invest in RR

NBA star Chris Paul, NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald and NFL star Kelvin Beachum have dipped their toe in the world of cricket. The trio are the newest investers in IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural winners of the showpiece tournament.

Paul, Fitzgerald and Beachum will become minority investors in the Royals franchise through Emerging Media Ventures, the vehicle 100% controlled by Manoj Badale. Rajasthan Royals, who own the Barbados Royals, spoke in a press release of their excitement about the partnership.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership with the Rajasthan Royals family. We believe this collaboration with the Rajasthan Royals will further advance cricket in Barbados and the region. This is a dream come true for all of us at CMG Companies, a team of Indian origin entrepreneurs with strong connections to India,” said the Rajasthan Royals in a press release.

“Excited to have become one of the first US athletes to see the value and scope for growth in the IPL” – NBA star and Royals investor Chris Paul

Chris Paul, one of the greatest defenders to have graced the NBA with 11 NBA All-Star team appearances, two Olympic Gold medals, and more recently taking the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Final, said he is excited to become one of the first USA athletes to invest in the IPL.

“I am excited to have become one of the first US athletes to see the value and scope for growth in the IPL,” said Paul. “With a variety of components, including stadium experience and fan engagement still left to fulfill their course, I see myself contributing world-class experience through this strategic investment.”

NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald mirrored Paul’s enthusiasm, stating his admiration for India’s sporting culture. Fitzgerald, who is known as a serious investor and philanthropist, played with the Arizona Cardinals for 17 seasons and received countless accolades including 11 Pro Bowl appearances and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2016.

“I love the idea of building a professional franchise with a clear social purpose and look forward to working with this team to challenge the realms of possibility by expanding to new horizons as a franchise. India has a passionate sports culture and I’m excited to invest in one of the most sought-after teams in the country,” said Fitzgerald.

Kelvin Beachum is a 10-year NFL veteran who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals. An active investor, especially in technology, and a board member at NFL Players Association, Beachum sees the potential of cricket on an international scale.

“I am keenly aware of the popularity of cricket internationally and am thrilled to join the Rajasthan Royals franchise as an investor. I respect the global reach of the IPL and am committed to supporting the Royals.”

The eyewatering value of the Indian Premier League continues to grow

“We are extremely pleased to have Chris, Larry and Kelvin join us as investors who have seen the vision of the Royals as a truly global brand” said Manoj Badale, the lead owner, as he welcomed the US trio as investors in the franchise.

Speaking of brands, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has continued to attract huge viewership from across the globe. The recent addition of the two new teams – Lucknow Super Kings and Gujarat Titans – that were sold for a cumulative US$1.7bn highlights this. Also, the league sold all of its sponsorship slots for the first time, including Aramco, the world’s second-most valuable company behind Apple, for the IPL Orange and Purple Caps.

Cricket News: NBA star Chris Paul & NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald invest in the Rajasthan Royals | Chris Paul, Larry Fitzgerald and Kelvin Beachum invest in RR
Cricket News: NBA star Chris Paul & NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald invest in the Rajasthan Royals

KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 47

Charbel Coorey
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0
KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 47

KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 47 | KOL vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report

After a promising start to IPL 2022, it’s almost now or never for Kolkata Knight Riders. Five consecutive losses has put their season on life support, and the Rajasthan Royals have the task of turning the machine off.

The Royals themselves will be licking their wounds a little after becoming Mumbai Indians’ first victim of the season. They have had a terrific campaign so far led by the likes of Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin, but a 10-team league means that even a 6-3 record does not mean a top two spot – or place in the playoffs for that matter – is set in stone. The positive is that they have the opportunity to bounce back quickly, and they need to do so if they have visions of finishing in the top two.

For KKR, the stakes are far more desperate than that. At time of writing (before the CSK-SRH match), they sit four points outside the top four having played an extra game than fourth-placed SRH. They are in total freefall at the moment, with too much reliance on the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell with the bat. If this continues, they will surely kiss their fading playoffs’ hopes goodbye sooner rather than later.

The previous match between the teams was one of the all-time IPL classics. Jos Buttler scored a century, Yuzvendra Chahal took a hat-trick and KKR fell just seven short of RR”s 217. If we get anything like that match, we will be in for a real treat.

Possible Playing 11

KKR to bring Varun Chakravarthy back in the XI? The mystery spinner has struggled this season, but they could bring him back given his potential.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Venkatesh Iyer, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Baba Indrajith (wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Sunil Narine, 8. Rinku Singh/Varun Chakravarthy, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Harshit Rana

Daryl Mitchell’s spot in the RR team is under the spotlight after a slow batting innings and expensive over that went for 20 against MI.

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Jos Buttler, 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Daryl Mitchell/Jimmy Neesham, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. R Ashwin, 8. Trent Boult, 9. Yuzvendra Chahal, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Kuldeep Sen

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Shreyas Iyer is KKR’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2022 with 290 runs at an average of 36.25 and strike rate of 137.44. This includes a brilliant 51-ball 85 against the Royals earlier this season. In fact, his last three scores vs RR reads: 85, 43 and 53.
  • Shreyas has struck 176 runs against pace this season at an average of 58.66 and a strike rate of 145.45. So, the Royals could look to employ spin early to keep him as quiet as possible. However, Shreyas does have good numbers vs Chahal (78 off 58), despite the leg-spinner picking up his wicket earlier in IPL 2022.
  • Aaron Finch smashed 58 off 28 balls against RR in IPL 2022. If picked, Finch will have a key role to play. Also, whether he can get past the left-arm seam of Trent Boult will make for interesting viewing given his struggles against this type of bowling.
  • Andre Russell has been superb this season. His 227 runs come at a strike rate of 175.96 and he also has 10 wickets at a strike rate of 9.4. Also, he has smashed scores of 54 (22) and 70* (31) in his last two matches at the Wankhede.
  • Umesh Yadav has taken nine wickets in three matches at the Wankhede this season at a brilliant average of 7.44 and strike rate of eight. He has never dismissed Jos Buttler in the IPL – will today be the day?
  • Sunil Narine took 2/21 in a high-scoring match vs RR in IPL 2022. He dismissed Devdutt Padikkal in the middle overs and then Riyan Parag at the death. He has taken 13 wickets in 12 matches at Wankhede (avg. 23.46, econ. 6.47) and 12 wickets in 16 matches vs Royals (avg. 38.83).
  • KKR could look to bring Shivam Mavi back in their team. He has taken 12 wickets in seven matches against the Royals at an average of 16.08 and economy rate of 7.10.

Rajasthan Royals:

  • Jos Buttler continues to produce the goods. Despite an early struggle against MI, the Orange Cap holder (566 runs, avg. 70.75, SR 155.06) finished with a 52-ball 67. Also, he hit one of his three centuries in IPL 2022 against KKR (103 off 61 balls).
  • Buttler has a magnificent record at the Wankhede. In his last 10 matches on this ground, he has struck 471 runs at an average of 58.88 and a strike rate of 162.98. 
  • Ian Bishop said that Sanju Samson is “wasting good form”. And he is right. Samson has looked good on most occasions in IPL 2022, without going on to make the big scores. The RR captain struck a 19-ball 38 vs KKR earlier this season, part of 286 runs against them at an average of just 23.83 and strike rate of 117.70.
  • Samson is striking at 205.08 against spin this season (avg. 40.33). His battle with Sunil Narine, who has figures of 3/51 in 64 deliveries against him, could be interesting.
  • KKR are conceding 11.57 runs per over at the death this season. Shimron Hetmyer is striking at 216.43 between overs 16 and 20. After struggling to a 14-ball 6* against MI, Hetmyer will be after a big performance here.
  • R Ashwin has picked up seven wickets in his last four matches. Also, he has made scores of 21 (9) and 17 (9). He has 24 wickets in 23 games at an economy of 7.92 vs KKR (joint second-most).
  • Yuzvendra Chahal took a memorable hat-trick against KKR earlier this season (5/40). He has dismissed Nitish Rana five times in 65 deliveries in the IPL, whilst conceding just 85.
  • Prasidh Krishna has the most wickets of any RR seamer this season (11). He took figures of 4-1-22-3 in his last match at the Wankhede.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 26, RR 13, KKR 12, N/R 1.
  • KKR concede 11.57 per over at the death in IPL 2022. Only RCB, MI and CSK fare worse. RR are not far behind with an economy rate of 11.28.
  • R Ashwin is in brilliant form, but in Nitish Rana, KKR have a player who likes to take him on. Rana has struck 76 runs off 38 deliveries against Ashwin without dismissal.
  • KKR could look to use Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler. The mystery spinner has figures of 2/61 in 54 deliveries vs Buttler in the IPL.

Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather

LSG smashed 195 on this ground on Sunday. The average first innings score on this ground in IPL 2022 is 171.83, with the team batting second winning six of the first 11 matches.

A warm and clear evening forecast, with dew likely.

KKR vs MI Dream11 Prediction 2 May 2022

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:

KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 47 | KOL vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 47: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 47 | KOL vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 47: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson
  • Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer
  • All-rounders: Andre Russell, R Ashwin
  • Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Umesh Yadav

Match Prediction

The team batting first needs 165 to 170 to feel safe. Rajasthan Royals certainly look more capable of achieving this.

DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 45

Charbel Coorey
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0

DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 45 | DC vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report

The heat is on. Not only from a weather perspective, but also figuratively speaking as the race for the playoffs heat up. Lucknow Super Giants solidified their spot in the top four thanks to an efficient bowling display against Punjab Kings two nights ago. They will be after another big effort against a powerful Delhi Capitals lineup that now boasts of an in-form Rovman Powell in addition to that opening combination.

So it makes for a fascinating matchup. Delhi’s left-armers were outstanding against KKR a few nights ago, and another strong display here will hold them in good stead. Their net run rate of 0.695 is the best in the league, so victory here puts pressure on those above them, including Lucknow.

Earlier in IPL 2022, LSG sealed a chase of 150 against a DC lineup that mustered just 149 despite the loss of only three wickets. Quinton de Kock was excellent that day, and there is no doubt that he and KL Rahul will be keen to win the battle of the openers today at the Wankhede.

Possible Playing 11

Delhi Capitals: 1. David Warner, 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Lalit Yadav, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Chetan Sekariya/Khaleel Ahmed

Lucknow Super Giants: 1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Deepak Hooda, 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Krunal Pandya, 6. Ayush Badoni, 7. Jason Holder, 8. Dushmantha Chameera, 9. Mohsin Khan, 10. Avesh Khan, 11. Ravi Bishnoi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • David Warner has struck five 25+ scores in a row, including three consecutive half-centuries at one stage. He has made scores of 66, 28 and 42 at the Wankhede this season, part of 256 runs in total on this ground at an average of 36.57 and strike rate of 162.03.
  • Prithvi Shaw smashed a 34-ball 61 against Lucknow earlier in IPL 2022. Also, despite his golden duck against KKR, he still has respectable numbers at the Wankhede, with four 30+ scores in eight matches at an overall strike rate of 156.85.
  • Rishabh Pant has shown glimpses of his best form without firing completely this season. Before his score of two against KKR, Pant had struck scores of 43, 39* (vs LSG), 37, 34 and 44 in his previous five knocks.
  • Pant has been dismissed six times this season, each time by pace. He does strike at 154 vs pace, though.
  • After a slow start to the season, Rovman Powell has smashed 36 (15) and 33* (16) in his past two knocks.
  • Kuldeep Yadav to be used in the powerplay? The left-armer, who has taken an impressive 17 wickets this season (including 4/14 the other night on this ground), has dismissed de Kock twice in 14 deliveries.
  • Khaleel Ahmed sat out the last match due to a hamstring niggle. If he returns, DC will have a bowler who has taken 11 wickets in six matches this season at a strike rate of 13.

Lucknow Super Giants:

  • It is quite the scene when KL Rahul picks up a low score. He is more than capable of bouncing back today at a ground he loves batting at: 12 inns, 597 runs, avg. 59.70, SR 148.51.
  • Rahul has scored 59 off 31 vs Shardul in T20s (one dismissal), 26 off 25 vs Khaleel (one dismissal) and 44 off 35 vs Mustafizur (no dismissal).
  • Quinton de Kock, who scored 80 (52) vs DC earlier in IPL 2022, has a terrific career record against some of their key bowlers. He strikes at 161, 160 and 147 against Mustafizur Rahman, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur respectively.
  • Deepak Hooda could be the player to nail down the troublesome number three spot for LSG. He has come in to bat within five overs on four occasions, where he has scored two half-centuries.
  • Krunal Pandya credited some key technical changes to his improved bowling, and he is on fire. He has taken six wickets in his last three matches, including 3/19 and 2/11 in the last two outings.
  • Also, Krunal has plenty of experience at the Wankhede. He has taken 30 wickets in 29 innings on this ground at an economy rate of 6.48 and strike rate of 18.60.
  • Jason Holder bowled just the one over a couple of nights ago vs KKR, but he can always be a factor especially at the death. He has taken six wickets at this stage in IPL 2022, with only Bhuvneshwar Kumar (9) and Dwayne Bravo (7) taking more.
  • Mohsin Khan took 3/24 in his last game. One of his wickets was in the middle overs, and the other two came at the death. He has the ability to get the ball to kick off the surface.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Ravi Bishnoi has not quite been at his best in recent games. However, he has dismissed David Warner three times in six deliveries in T20s, including earlier in IPL 2022.
  • Axar Patel has dismissed KL Rahul twice in 16 deliveries.
  • Kuldeep Yadav has won the Player of the Match in all four of DC’s wins this season.
  • Krunal Pandya has dismissed Rishabh Pant thrice. However, the DC captain has a strike rate just under 160.

Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at the Wankhede this season is 169.72. The chasing team has won six of the 11 matches, but this will be the first day game on this ground in IPL 2022. So, the team who wins the toss could look to bat on a hot, clear day.

DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction 1 May 2022

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:

DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 45 | DC vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 45: DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 45 | DC vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 45: DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
  • Batsmen: David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Deepak Hooda
  • All-rounders: Krunal Pandya
  • Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan

Match Prediction

Team batting first to win? Expect a good surface in this day game. If DC win the powerplay battle, they can go on to win this match.

RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 44

Charbel Coorey
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0
RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 44

RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 44 | RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | DY Patil Pitch Report

Rajasthan Royals are gunning for four straight wins. Mumbai Indians are staring 0-9 in the face. If matches were decided by form, we may just skip this match and award Royals the points.

However, the IPL can offer its fair share of surprises. And MI will be hoping today is one of those days. While hopes of the playoffs are long gone, there is the motivation of getting a long-awaited victory, as a defeat here will see further questions as to whether Rohit’s team could lose all 14 matches. Absolutely unthinkable.

It won’t be easy, though. The Royals are playing brilliant cricket, winning six of their eight matches to date. They have lost seven tosses along the way too, showcasing their ability to defend totals courtesy mainly of an excellent spin duo. And, when you add the promising Kuldeep Sen in the pace department, the Royals will be eyeing further momentum as the playoffs edge closer.

And this one is special for the Royals. They will honour the late, great Shane Warne, who led the franchise to the title in 2008.

Earlier this season, the Royals were too strong for Mumbai. Jos Buttler scored one of his three centuries, while Yuzvendra Chahal delivered one of his match-turning spells. Both will be aiming for more of the same, with support from other in-form players.

Possible Playing 11

Riyan Parag repaid the faith put in him by the Royals’ management with a match-winning performance vs RCB. Before the season, captain Sanju Samson said this could be Parag’s breakthrough season, and if he can finish well again, the Royals will be tough to beat.

One spot the Royals could look at is the overseas all-rounder spot.

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Jos Buttler, 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Daryl Mitchell/Jimmy Neesham, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. R Ashwin, 8. Trent Boult, 9. Prasidh Krishna, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Kuldeep Sen

Mumbai could look at bringing in some youngsters as they are out of the playoffs race.

Mumbai Indians: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Ishan Kishan (wk), 3. Dewald Brevis, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Tilak Varma, 6. Kieron Pollard, 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Jaydev Unadkat, 9. Hrithik Shokeen, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Riley Meredith

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Rajasthan Royals:

  • Jos Buttler struck a 68-ball 100 against MI on this very ground earlier in IPL 2022. He has smashed 400 runs in six innings vs MI since 2018 at an average of 80.00 and strike rate of 161.29. His last five scores against MI read: 100, 41, 70, 89 and 94*.
  • Sanju Samson has scored the most runs in RR-MI matches. The RR skipper has struck 560 runs in 17 innings at an average of 35.00 and strike rate of 146.08, including a 21-ball 30 earlier this season. However, can he carry on from a start this time? Ian Bishop, who said Samson is “wasting good form”, believes he must step up further.
  • Samson is averaging 53 and striking at 200 vs spin in the IPL this season. However, MI have a seam predominant attack, and Samson’s average drops to 24 vs pace in IPL 2022 (SR 143).
  • Shimron Hetmyer smashed a 14-ball 35 against MI earlier this season. 21 of them came off a single Pollard over. While Pollard is unlikely to bowl again at this stage, Hetmyer is capable of taking apart a struggling MI attack at the death. He is striking at 246.77 between overs 16 and 20 in IPL 2022.
  • R Ashwin is in magnificent touch. He has taken six wickets in his last three matches, with his latest effort a brilliant spell of 3/17 against RCB. He could be used early against Rohit and Kishan, who both strike at below 100 against him.
  • Also, Ashwin dismissed Tilak Varma at a crucial time in the previous meeting between these two teams. In that same game, Yuzvendra Chahal (2/26) turned the match with the crucial scalps of Tim David and Daniel Sams. Chahal, the Purple Cap holder (18 wickets) has 24 wickets vs MI at a strike rate of 15.50.
  • Kuldeep Sen was superb against RCB (4/20). Like Umran Malik, Sen can rattle teams with pace, particularly as a middle overs enforcer. In fact, Sen took two wickets in the seventh over against RCB – stage where MI can often struggle.

Mumbai Indians:

  • Rohit Sharma averages just 20.15 in 20 innings vs Royals. One feels his best chance to perform is throwing caution to the wind. Similar applies to the struggling Ishan Kishan, who did score 54 vs Royals earlier this season.
  • Tilak Varma is MI’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2022 (272 runs, avg. 45.33, SR 140.20). This includes scores of 61 off 33 (vs Royals) and 51* off 43 at the DY Patil Stadium.
  • Suryakumar Yadav has strong numbers against the Royals: 8 inns, 308 runs, avg. 44.00, SR 145.28. Also, his last match against LSG (7) was the first time he didn’t cross 30 this season.
  • Kieron Pollard, who took 2/8 last game vs LSG, has taken 16 wickets in 15 matches vs RR. With the bat, he has scored 395 runs against them at an average of 24.69 and strike rate 136.21. However, he averages just 15 and 16.6 vs Ashwin and Chahal respectively.
  • MI’s best hope of removing Jos Buttler early could be via Jasprit Bumrah. The pacer has dismissed Buttler four times in 55 deliveries in T20s, whilst only conceding 49 runs. He also has figures of 2/49 in 48 balls vs Samson.
  • Jaydev Unadkat and Daniel Sams have taken the equal-most wickets for MI this season (6). Murugan Ashwin and Tymal Mills have also taken six, but they haven’t been in the team for the past few matches.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 28, RR 13, MI 14, N/R 1.
  • Devdutt Padikkal has scored two half-centuries in four matches vs MI. Bumrah has dismissed him twice, though.
  • Jos Buttler has hit the most runs (499), the most 50+ scores (5), the most sixes (32) and the highest individual score (116) in IPL 2022.
  • Can Trent Boult rediscover his mojo? Rohit Sharma has been dismissed in the powerplay five times this season, and has got out to left-arm pace 24 times in the IPL at an overall average of 21.9.
  • Prasidh Krishna has taken six of his nine wickets in the powerplay.
  • Royals’ spinners average 15.7 per wicket this season. This is the best of any team.

DY Patil Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings total on this ground is just under 170 in the last five fixtures. The team batting first has won three of them, as the agri-spray used on the ground has negated the dew.

RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction 30 April 2022

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:

RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 44 | RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | DY Patil Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 44: RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 44 | RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | DY Patil Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 44: RR vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson
  • Batsmen: Shimron Hetmyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma
  • All-rounders: R Ashwin
  • Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult

Match Prediction

Rajasthan Royals should win this match.

GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 43

Charbel Coorey
-
0
GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 43

GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 43 | GT vs BLR Dream11 Prediction Today | Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Brabourne Pitch Report

“Call Gujarat Titans for entertainment,” tweeted Shubman Gill. And how right he is. Yet again, the IPL’s new boys pulled off an incredible heist, with Sunrisers Hyderabad on the receiving end. It is the third such instance of the Titans winning from a near improbable position, and such fighting spirit is why they sit top of the league after eight matches.

Their ninth match looks a winnable one against a side low on confidence. Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost the plot, scoring just 183 runs for the loss of 20 wickets in their past two matches. Virat Kohli’s lack of form is a big talking point, but the inconsistency of the other batsmen is also an issue RCB need to sort out. With a net run rate of -0.572 and just four games to go after this one, RCB simply cannot afford another slip up.

IPL 2022 Match 43: The table before this match.

So, can RCB’s struggling batting lineup match it with GT’s excellent bowling attack? They have the opportunity to do so in a day game on what should be a batting belter at Brabourne.

Conversely, how well can RCB’s attack keep a lid on GT’s ability to win from difficult positions? Owing to that net run rate, it’s almost now or never for RCB as they strive for that elusive IPL title.

Possible Playing 11

Gujarat Titans are likely to stick with their winning formula.

Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3. Hardik Pandya (c), 4. David Miller, 5. Rahul Tewatia, 6. Abhinav Manohar, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Alzarri Joseph, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Yash Dayal

RCB could look at bringing in Mahipal Lomror.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Faf du Plessis (c), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Rajat Patidar, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Shahbaz Ahmed, 6. Suyash Prabhudessai/Mahipal Lomror, 7. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Gujarat Titans:

  • Wriddhiman Saha is displaying the kind of form we saw at the backend of IPL 2020. He struck 68 off 38 balls last game vs SRH to give GT a fast start.
  • Saha averages just 19 in 17 innings vs RCB. However, he loves opening, and he has a good record as an opener since the start of IPL 2020: 407 runs at an average of 33.91.
  • Hardik Pandya is having a dream season. The GT skipper has scored 305 runs at an average of 61.00 and strike rate of 137.38. Also, importantly, he has what it takes to counter RCB’s pace attack as he has scored 190 runs at a strike rate of 147.28 against pace this season.
  • Can Shubman Gill rediscover his early season form? The opener has scored just 49 runs in five innings since his scores of 84 and 96. Also, he is yet to score a fifty in eight matches vs RCB (150 runs, avg. 25.00).
  • Gill prefers to chase in the IPL. He averages 26.3 batting first compared to 37.8 when chasing.
  • Mohammed Shami will be key against RCB’s struggling top order. GT’s leading wicket-taker this season (13) has dismissed Maxwell once in five deliveries and Kohli four times in 46 deliveries in T20s.
  • Rashid Khan rarely has consecutive bad games with the ball. In fact, he usually bounces back strongly. He has dismissed Virat once in 24 deliveries in the IPL, conceding just 27 in the process. Also, he has the wood over Faf du Plessis, with figures of 2/21 off 34 deliveries against the RCB captain in T20s.
  • And, of course, Rashid could be a factor again with the bat. He smashed 40 (21) and 31* (11) in GT’s last two heists vs CSK and SRH. He has struck seven sixes in 36 balls this season, which is the best rate among any batsman who has faced at least 30 balls.
  • Lockie Ferguson is struggling for his best form in recent matches. However, he does have six wickets in six powerplay overs this season, so GT could look to use him early against RCB’s struggling top order.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • GT might look to use Ferguson early, but it will be a risk. Faf du Plessis has smashed 51 off 23 against the fast bowler in T20s (no dismissal). Also, the RCB captain has scored 82 off 47 against Shami in the IPL (two dismissals).
  • Glenn Maxwell has scored 68 off 61 against Rashid in T20s, for just the one dismissal. He will be key today if RCB are to get an important win.
  • It is quite remarkable to see Virat Kohli score just 22 runs in his past five knocks. The hope for RCB and Kohli today is that it is a day game on a good batting track. Also, he has a terrific record as an opener in the IPL: 77 inns, 2,759 runs, avg. 43.11, SR 136.45.
  • Dinesh Karthik will also be key for RCB today. He has the highest strike rate (198.16) of any player with at least 200 runs this season.
  • Harshal Patel will be key against Hardik Pandya. The seamer has dismissed the GT captain twice in seven deliveries in T20s. He has also dismissed Shubman Gill once in 11 deliveries, conceding just 12.
  • Josh Hazlewood continues to dazzle. He has taken 10 wickets in five matches this season at an average of 13.60 and strike rate of 11.4.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga is RCB’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2022, with 13 scalps in nine matches at an average 18.84 and strike rate of 13.8.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Gujarat Titans have had six different Player of the Match winners in six of their seven wins this season. Shami, Ferguson, Gill, Miller, Hardik and Rashid have all won the award.
  • Hardik has scored 38 off 26 against Mohammed Siraj without dismissal.
  • Shubman Gill scored 96 on this ground (Brabourne) earlier in IPL 2022.
  • GT could keep Rashid Khan up their sleeve for when Dinesh Karthik walks to the crease. The leg-spinner has dismissed the keeper-batsman twice in 26 deliveries in the IPL, whilst conceding just 29.
  • Apart from his 88 vs Punjab and 96 vs Lucknow, Faf du Plessis has struck scores of 5, 16, 8, 8, 5 and 23.

Brabourne Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

A day game at Brabourne is usually recipe for a high-scoring match. The team batting first has won the last two day games on this ground, with an average first innings total of 207.

Brabourne has offered good batting pitches, despite Punjab (115) and RCB (68) struggling badly in the last two matches on this ground. The average first innings total overall still stands at a high 174.5 despite these low totals.

A hot and sunny day is forecast. The captain who wins the toss could look to bat with no dew factor in this day game.

GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction 30 April 2022

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:

IPL 2022 Match 43: GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2022 Match 43: GT vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha, Dinesh Karthik
  • Batsmen: Faf du Plessis, Shubman Gill
  • All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Glenn Maxwell
  • Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami

Match Prediction

Gujarat Titans are playing with a lot more confidence and look good to win this match.

PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 42

Charbel Coorey
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PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 42

PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 42 | PBKS vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Pune Pitch Report

The rollercoaster was back in action regarding the Punjab Kings. In an up-and-down first half of the season, the Kings either won well or lost heavily, with the latest effort a solid victory over Chennai Super Kings. They are yet to win two straight matches in IPL 2022, and given their net run rate is a poor -0.419, they must win this crucial match against fourth-placed Lucknow Super Giants.

LSG have had such an impact in their first season that they are already valued at over $1 billion by Forbes. Led well by the brilliant KL Rahul, the Giants have been solid, but they too have been on a win-loss pattern in their past four games. Their last game resulted in a comfortable victory over the struggling Mumbai Indians courtesy of another Rahul masterclass, and another good performance today will help cement their spot in the top four.

Punjab’s batting consultant Julian Wood spoke about being “aggressively smart” after their 187/4 against CSK. If they employ a similar approach with the excellent Shikhar Dhawan leading the way, anything is possible. And, if Rishi Dhawan can hold his own, it adds another dimension in the Kings’ much-maligned bowling attack. Crucial game.

Possible Playing 11

Punjab should persist with the same XI that beat CSK.

Punjab Kings: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Mayank Agarwal (c), 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4. Liam Livingstone, 5. Jonny Bairstow, 6. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7. Rishi Dhawan, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Rahul Chahar, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Avesh Khan missed LSG’s last match with a niggle. He could return today, but there is no official word yet.

Also, Manish Pandey’s spot in the side is under the spotlight. LSG’s number three batsmen have contributed just 87 runs this season.

Lucknow Super Giants: 1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Manish Pandey, 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Deepak Hooda, 6. Krunal Pandya, 7. Ayush Badoni, 8. Jason Holder, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Ravi Bishnoi, 11. Avesh Khan/Mohsin Khan

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Punjab Kings:

  • Shikhar Dhawan, one of the IPL greats, was superb against CSK (88*). He now has the fourth-most runs in IPL 2022, with 302 runs in eight matches at an average of 43.14 and strike rate of 132.45. He also has three 50+ scores in six matches at Pune (avg. 42.67, SR 136.17).
  • Dhawan has scored 65 off 47 vs Holder, 36 off 19 vs Bishnoi and 29 off 26 vs Krunal in T20s without dismissal.
  • Mayank Agarwal has struck two 50+ scores in four innings at Pune. PBKS will be hoping for that kind of form here as Agarwal is averaging just 19.42 this season.
  • Agarwal has good numbers against some of LSG’s bowlers. He has scored 46 off 23 vs Krunal (one dismissal) and 42 off 27 vs Avesh (no dismissal).
  • Liam Livingstone’s strike rate of 187.02 is the second-highest among players with at least 200 runs in IPL 2022. Only Dinesh Karthik (198.16) has a higher strike rate.
  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been one of the positives for Punjab this season, even though he has had limited opportunities. He has struck a 30+ score in three of his four innings in IPL 2022 at an overall strike rate of 183.82. The only time he missed out was due to a run out vs CSK.
  • Can Kagiso Rabada get the better of KL Rahul? The fast bowler has dismissed Rahul once in 21 deliveries, whilst only conceding 23. He also has figures of 2/14 off 16 balls vs Manish Pandey.
  • Rabada took 2/29 on this ground earlier this season. Also, he has taken at least one wicket in all but one match so far in IPL 2022.
  • Rahul Chahar is Punjab’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2022 (10). PBKS could look to use Chahar in the powerplay as he has respectable numbers vs KL Rahul: 35 balls, 36 runs conceded, one dismissal.

Lucknow Super Giants:

  • KL Rahul is in his element. He has struck two centuries in his past three matches (both vs MI) to sit second in the Orange Cap race (368 runs) with an impressive strike rate of 147.79. Can he dominate his former franchise?
  • Quinton de Kock is in need of runs after just 37 runs in his past three knocks. He has a brilliant record vs Rabada in T20s (89 off 61, no dismissal), but needs to watch out for Arshdeep Singh, who has dismissed him twice in 14 deliveries.
  • LSG to send Marcus Stoinis in when Rahul Chahar is bowling? The Australian has smashed 32 off 12 against the leg-spinner without getting out.
  • Krunal Pandya is in excellent touch. He has taken four wickets in his past two matches (3/19 vs MI), and also struck a 28-ball 42 vs RCB recently.
  • Jason Holder has taken at least one wicket in all but one match in IPL 2022. In fact, he has the second-most wickets at the death this season (6), only behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar (7). Also, he has dismissed Mayank Agarwal once in two deliveries in T20s, without conceding a run.
  • Dushmantha Chameera could be key against Dhawan. He has dismissed the left-hander twice in 25 deliveries, whilst conceding just 30.
  • Avesh Khan, who missed the last match a niggle, remains LSG’s leading wicket-taker this season (11). He has taken the third-most wickets at the death this season (5).

Other Stats and Facts

  • Like the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings have lost the toss seven times out of eight.
  • The underrated Arshdeep Singh is conceding just 5.66 per over in the death overs in IPL 2022. This is the most economical of all bowlers at this stage (min. five overs).
  • Ravi Bishnoi has taken just two wickets in his past four matches at an economy rate above nine. He conceded under seven an over in his first four games, and also took four wickets. Can he rediscover that early form?
  • KL Rahul is striking at 145+ against both pace and spin this season. Only Jos Buttler and David Miller are in the same boat among players who have scored 100+ runs against both bowling types.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first has won four of the past seven matches at Pune in IPL 2022. The latest was the Royals, who defended 144 against RCB. This is the lowest total defended so far in IPL 2022.

The average first innings score at Pune is 172. Last time they played here, Punjab smashed 198/5 vs MI, led by Mayank Agarwal (52 off 32) and Shikhar Dhawan (70 off 50). Jitesh Sharma also struck an unbeaten 15-ball 30.

PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction April 29 2022

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:

PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 42 | PBKS vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Pune Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 42: PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 42 | PBKS vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Key Players | Pune Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 42: PBKS vs LSG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock
  • Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan
  • All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada

Match Prediction

Team batting first to win? 170+ batting first could be a winning total. Punjab, if their top order leads the way, can win this match.

Australia name squads for Sri Lanka tour: No Marcus Harris

Charbel Coorey
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Australia name squads for Sri Lanka tour: No Marcus Harris

Cricket News: Australia name squads for Sri Lanka tour: No Marcus Harris | Australia name Test, ODI and T20I squads for Sri Lanka tour

Australia have named their squads for all three formats ahead of their tour of Sri Lanka in June and July. There is a total of 34 players who have been named for the tour, which also includes an ‘A’ squad for one-day and four-day matches.

Australia Test, ODI and T20I squads for Sri Lanka tour

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Australia will be close to full-strength across the three formats, with the tour to begin with three T20Is. Adam Zampa will sit out the whole tour as his first child is due to be born around that time. Pat Cummins will sit out the T20Is, but Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell are all available for both white-ball formats.

In addition to three T20Is and five ODIs, Australia will play two Tests. It is their second assignment in Asia this year after a successful Test series in Pakistan, where Pat Cummins aced his first major test as Test captain. Marcus Harris, despite his good form in First Class cricket, has missed selection, while Australia have picked three spin options in Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar.

Sri Lanka vs Australia 2022 tour schedule

The tour gets underway on June 7 with the first T20I at Colombo. The ODIs get underway on June 14 in Kandy, before the two-match Test series begins on June 29.

T20Is:

June 7: 1st T20, Colombo

June 8: 2nd T20, Colombo

June 11: 3rd T20, Kandy

ODIs:

June 14: 1st ODI, Kandy

June 16: 2nd ODI, Kandy

June 19: 3rd ODI, Colombo

June 21: 4th ODI, Colombo

June 24: 5th ODI, Colombo

Tests:

June 29-July 3: 1st Test, Galle

July 8-12: 2nd Test, Galle

Australia last toured Sri Lanka in 2016, where they were soundly beaten 3-0 in the Tests. However, they did win the ODI series 4-1 and won the two T20Is.

The most valuable franchise in IPL 2022 has been revealed

Yash Mittal
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The most valuable franchise in IPL 2022 has been revealed

Cricket News: Who is the most valuable franchise in IPL 2022? | Forbes declares most valuable franchise in IPL 2022

Five-time champions and the most successful team in the history of the Indian Premier League, the Mukesh Ambani-owned Mumbai Indians have been declared as the most valuable franchise.

According to Forbes, the five-time winners have a current valuable of $1.3 billion and they are followed by their arch-nemessis and four-time champions, Chennai Super Kings. The defending champions are currently valued at $1.15 billion.

Apart from their financial valuation, MI and CSK also happen to be most successful franchises in the history of the lucrative T20 league, having won 9 out of 14 titles thus far.

Joining MI and CSK at third spot are the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders. The two-time champions (2012 & 2014) have a total value of $1.1 billion and they are followed by one of the two newest franchise, the Sanjeev Goenka-owned Lucknow Supergiants.

The KL Rahul-led unit made their debut this year and are already valued at $1.075 billion. They have done brilliantly well on the field as well, having won five out of their first eight games.

The Delhi Capitals are at the 5th spot with a total valuation of $1.035 billion followed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have a total worth of $1.025 billion.

Inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals have a total value of $1 billion, and they are followed by 2016 winners, SunRisers Hyderabad ($970 million)

The Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia-owned Punjab Kings and current table-toppers Gujarat Titans occupy the last two spots with a total valuation of $925 million and $850 million respectively.

According to Forbes, the Indian Premier League has expanded beyond recognition since its inception in 2008. The total valuation of franchises is currently $1.04 billion as opposed to $67 million in 2009; an annual growth of a whopping 24%, Forbes noted.

Hailing the IPL as the most prominent cricket league in the world, Ajimon Francis, the managing director at Brand Finance India, hailed the BCCI for their good governance with regards to their vision and especially for conducting the competition at the height of the pandemic.

“The IPL is the most prominent cricket league in the world in terms of attracting sponsors and media rights. A lot of credit goes to founders of the IPL, who took ideas from the NBA and European soccer leagues, and good governance by the BCCI with regards to clear visibility of team funding and ensuring the tournament continued during Covid,”

Meanwhile, the 15th season has reached its halfway stage and perennial heavyweights, MI and CSK, are languishing at the bottom of the table while the latest additions like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Supergiants are doing really well.

The final of IPL 2022 will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 29.

Written by Yash Mittal. Follow Yash on Twitter today.

DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 41

Charbel Coorey
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0
DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 41

DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 41 | DC vs KOL Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report

It’s go time for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. With the current top four teams displaying strong form, both teams are in need of a win to keep in touch.

Such a situation is disappointing for KKR. They started the season in promising fashion, winning three of their first four matches on the back of brilliant powerplay bowling. However, they have lost four straight since – including a heavy defeat to the Capitals – to put them on very shaky waters. Captain Shreyas Iyer needs to steady the ship, and he needs the help of his players to do that.

For DC, it’s been a wild ride so far in IPL 2022. COVID-19 has played havoc in their camp, while their form has been up and down. Rishabh Pant learnt a lot last week of the need to be cool under any adversity, as DC pushed hard against an impressive Royals team. Their net run rate of 0.715 is the best in the league, so a win here puts them right back in the hunt of a playoffs spot. Crucial game.

Possible Playing 11

Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert have re-joined the Capitals squad after recovering from COVID-19. However, it is still unclear whether both are available for selection yet.

Delhi Capitals: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. David Warner, 3. Sarfaraz Khan, 4. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 5. Lalit Yadav, 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mustafizur Rahman/Anrich Nortje, 11. Khaleel Ahmed

Australians Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins missed the last match due to niggles. Tim Southee was excellent (three wickets), so he is a good chance of getting another game.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Sam Billings (wk), 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Venkatesh Iyer, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Shivam Mavi, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Varun Chakravarthy

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • David Warner (61 off 45 balls) and Prithvi Shaw (51 off 29 balls) were at their best vs KKR earlier this season. They put on 93 in 8.4 overs to set DC up for a big score.
  • Warner has an outstanding record against KKR. He has struck 976 runs in 25 matches at an average of 44.36 and strike rate of 145.02. Also, Warner has struck two half-centuries in six innings at the Wankhede: 6 inns, 214 runs, avg. 35.67, SR 162.12.
  • Shaw has similar numbers at the Wankhede: 7 inns, 229 runs, avg. 32.71, SR 157.93. He also has a brilliant record against KKR, with 392 runs in seven matches at an average of 56.00 and strike rate of 171.18. This includes five 50+ scores.
  • Rishabh Pant is key DC’s hopes. The skipper is striking at 154.09 in IPL 2022, with scores of 43, 39*, 27, 34 and 44 in his past five knocks. Can he turn this consistent run of starts into a 50+ score?
  • Axar Patel has taken just two wickets in six matches vs KKR since 2019 (avg. 73, econ. 7.68). However, he is capable of finishing well against a KKR team that has struggled at the death. He scored 21* off 14 against them earlier this season, and Shardul Thakur struck 29* off 11 in the same innings.
  • Khaleel Ahmed took 3/25 vs KKR earlier in IPL 2022, where he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer and Sam Billings. The left-arm seamer has taken at least one wicket in each match this season (total of 11 wickets in six matches, SR 13).
  • Kuldeep Yadav took 4/35 in the previous meeting vs KKR, which included the big wicket of Shreyas Iyer. Kuldeep went the distance at the Wankhede last week vs Royals (3-0-40-0), but he has the form to bounce back.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Shreyas Iyer smashed 54 off 33 balls against DC earlier in IPL 2022, which is one of his two half-centuries this season. He has made a double-figure score in every single innings so far, but KKR will be hoping he can convert to another 50+ score.
  • Shreyas has moderate numbers at the Wankhede: 18 inns, 352 runs, avg. 23.47, SR 118.52.
  • Andre Russell, who smashed 48 and took four wickets in the final over vs GT, has excellent numbers vs DC. He has struck 296 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.00 and strike rate of 180.49, along with 14 wickets at an average of 17.86. More final over wickets to come his way?
  • Sunil Narine has the most wickets in DC-KKR matches. The off-spinner has taken 24 wickets at an average of 21.00 and economy rate of 6.72, including 2/21 in a high-scoring match earlier this season. He dismissed Lalit Yadav and Rovman Powell, whom he has thrice in eight matches, with Powell averaging just 7.3 against the fellow West Indian.
  • Nitish Rana vs DC: 10 inns, 312 runs, avg. 34.67, SR 145.12.
  • Tim Southee made a successful return to the KKR team with a three-for against Gujarat. He will be key in extracting any movement in the powerplay, as will Umesh Yadav who has taken nine wickets in eight matches for KKR against DC at an average of 29.56 and economy rate of 8.87.
  • Umesh has good numbers at the Wankhede, with 11 wickets in eight matches at a strike rate of 14.18.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Delhi Capitals (215/5) beat Kolkata Knight Riders (171) comfortably earlier in IPL 2022. It was a day match at Brabourne.
  • Umesh Yadav has dismissed David Warner four times in 55 deliveries in T20s. However, Warner has scored well, picking up 84 runs.
  • David Warner vs Tim Southee in T20s: 55 balls, 103 runs, one dismissal. Warner also has a brilliant record against Sunil Narine in T20s: 140 balls, 209 runs, two dismissals.
  • Shardul Thakur has a bowling strike rate of 16 in nine matches vs KKR.
  • Rovman Powell is striking at 220 against fast bowlers in IPL 2022, compared to just 23 runs off 26 balls vs spin.
  • Thakur and Mustafizur Rahman have both dismissed Andre Russell thrice in T20s, although Russell has a healthy strike rate against both.
  • Varun Chakravarthy has dismissed Prithvi Shaw twice in 22 balls.

Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather

DC have taken just eight wickets in the powerplay this season, the lowest among all teams. They will be hoping to make inroads today, but if the Wankhede pitch is a belter like we saw in the GT-SRH match, both attacks could be in for a tough time.

Gujarat’s heist yesterday broke a streak of five straight wins for the team batting first on this ground. The average first innings score in these six matches has been a tick under 196.

DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction April 28 2022

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:

DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 41 | DC vs KOL Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 41: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 41 | DC vs KOL Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
IPL 2022 Match 41: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant
  • Batsmen: David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer
  • All-rounders: Andre Russell
  • Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav

Match Prediction

Delhi Capitals are in better form and have a good chance of winning this match. DC to win.

Sanju Samson is “wasting good form” – Ian Bishop

Yash Mittal
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Sanju Samson is “wasting good form” – Ian Bishop

Cricket News: Sanju Samson is “wasting good form” – Ian Bishop | Ian Bishop says Samson is hurting chances of national call-up

Former West Indies cricketer and veteran broadcaster Ian Bishop has opined that stylish Rajasthan Royals batsman Sanju Samson is wasting good form and opportunity to score big runs that could pave way for an international call-up.

Bishop made his assessment on Samson on ESPNCricinfo following yet another frustrating knock by Samson against RCB, where he played some delightful strokes before giving his wicket away tamely.

On what was a turgid surface, Samson three audacious sixes and a four in his 21-ball 27 before he fell to Wanindu Hasaranga following a fatal attempt to reverse-sweep the wrist spinner.

He had made the same mistake on the previous delivery as well.

“That Sanju is wasting good form and good opportunity to score runs to press for an international recall, to lead his team when Jos Buttler doesn’t score. It’s not that Sanju’s out of form. But that’s a match-up with Wanindu Hasaranga and him, and he should have known better. He got out of the blocks quite nicely,” said Bishop.

“I’m a Sanju Samson fan, been that way for years now, [but] he’s wasting good form by shot selection.”

Ian Bishop

Daniel Vettori in agreement with Ian Bishop about Sanju Samson

Former New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori agreed with Bishop’s statement.

The former left-arm spinner feels that Samson is in a way a victim of his own talent. According to Vettori, the game looks very easy whenever Samson is batting, and perhaps, a sense of complacency creeps into his game, which ultimately leads to his demise.

“It feels like the game is too easy for him, so ‘I’m going to try something different, I’m going to try and make sure I can play every shot in the book’. He is at his best when he’s striking down the ground. He’s a joy to watch when he’s playing that well. But everything looks a little bit easy and sometimes it feels like he isn’t in the moment, and then he’s out,” Vettori said. 

“We talk about this more often than not, probably, about a Sanju Samson innings, where he’s 30 off 20 or 30 off 18, and it’s been brilliant. But he doesn’t actually carry the team on to the performance that they need,” he added.

Hasaranga dismissed Samson for the fifth time in T20s

Prior to yesterday’s fixture, Hasaranga had dismissed Samson as many as four times while conceding just 18.

Vettori felt that Samson should have respected the fact Hasaranga has had a lid over him in the past and that he should have seen the threat off.

“As I’ve said before, the game just comes too easy for him. ‘I’ve missed it this time, so I’ll try it again and I’ll make sure I have it this time’. Hasaranga was a good match-up for him, so he almost needed to respect the fact that Hasaranga is such a good bowler and it’s not going to be that easy. But it looked like Sanju just thought it would be easy.” Vettori said.

Vettori, however, was full of praise for the Royals’ skipper, stating that he is a dream player to have in any team considering the fact that he can counter any sort of bowling.

“He’s the sort of player that you want in your team, because there’s the match-winner and there’s a player who can take on any type of bowling, and he’s fearless. That’s a remarkable characteristic for a player that hasn’t played a lot of international cricket,” he signed off.

Samson has thus far scored 228 runs in eight innings at 32.57 and a strike rate of 165.22.

Written by Yash Mittal. Follow Yash on Twitter today.

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