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.”
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.
Cricket News: 3 incredible feats underpinning Rajasthan Royals IPL 2022 campaign | Rajasthan Royals records so far in IPL 2022
The Rajasthan Royals juggernaut continues to roll on, as the franchise picked up their sixth victory in eight matches in IPL 2022 with a superb 29-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore. As of April 27 before the SRH-GT match, the Royals sit atop the league as they continue their push towards a first title since 2008.
After the likes of Orange and Purple Cap holders Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal led the side to victories earlier in the tournament, it was Riyan Parag who stepped up with his most influential performance of the season to date. Amid the calls to replace Parag, the Royals have held firm, with Sanju Samson stating before the season that this could be Parag’s breakthrough year.
Also, add the brilliance of R Ashwin in recent matches in conjunction with Kuldeep Sen’s rise, and life at the Royals is looking rosy indeed. It is has been a superb tournament so far for the men in pink, with no doubts whatsoever regarding their status as IPL 2022 title contenders.
Here are three incredible feats underpinning their campaign so far.
3 outstanding feats underpinning the Royals IPL 2022 campaign
1. Lost 7 of 8 tosses
The toss is often considered a crucial part of white-ball cricket, especially with the dew factor. A case in point is last year’s T20 World Cup, where Australia won the tournament in the eyes of many due to their luck with the toss.
However, the Royals in IPL 2022 are defying their lack of luck at the coin toss. Skipper Sanju Samson has lost seven of the eight tosses, but it has not been a problem as the Royals have won all six of their matches when defending a total. Unheard of in modern day white-ball cricket, with the magnificent Jos Buttler leading the way with five 50+ scores (including three centuries) in the first eight games.
lose the toss. Bat first. Defend like your life’s on the line. Win the match.
From the RR vs RCB match report on the Rajasthan Royals website
Rajasthan Royals’ 222/2 against Delhi Capitals, underpinned by Jos Buttler’s third century in the first half of IPL 2022, is the highest total of IPL 2022 as of April 27. It was a magnificent show of hitting at the Wankhede against a helpless DC attack.
However, in addition to riding the wave, the Royals also showed that they can bounce back from difficult positions. They were in trouble against RCB, but Riyan Parag’s late surge and a magnificent bowling effort resulted in 144 being more than enough against a good batting lineup. This is the lowest total defended in IPL 2022, eclipsing the 156 by Gujarat against Kolkata.
3. A steal for the spin twins
The Royals had a brilliant mega auction, highlighted most by paying just 11.5 cr for Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin. Both have been terrific so far in IPL 2022 on mostly good batting pitches, with Chahal taking most of the wickets while Ashwin has kept things tight.
Chahal remains the Purple Cap holder with 18 scalps and Ashwin has taken six wickets in his past three matches. Combined, they have taken 25 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of just 7.13.
Can you imagine the impact they could have when the pitches slow up further in the second-half of the tournament? It’s music to the Royals’ ears.
Rajasthan Royals got both Ravi Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal for 11.5cr in auction and currently they've picked 25 wickets combined at an economy rate of just 7.13.
Next up, the Royals will come up against the winless Mumbai Indians on April 30. If they continue producing what they have, they should be too good for the struggling five-time champions.
GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 40| GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
Before IPL 2022, there was a great sense of unpredictability and uncertainty around these two sides. Gujarat Titans, one of the two new teams, did seem to lack some of the batting depth that others possess. Sunrisers Hyderabad were coming off a horror 2021 season, and fielded a number of players with a lot to prove.
Fast forward to the halfway mark of the season, and it is easily a pass mark for both. SRH are the form side in the league with five straight wins; the latest being a comprehensive, calculated and clinical takedown of RCB. The bowlers, led by the impressive Marco Jansen, were on song, backed up by sublime catching. More of the same today and they will certainly be difficult to beat.
However, you still can’t count the Titans out even if SRH play well. Time and again they have been placed in pressure situations, only to come out the other side with flying colours. Their latest effort was a hard-fought victory over KKR on Saturday, led by the in-form Hardik Pandya and excellent bowling attack.
Both teams lead the way from a bowling perspective. SRH have the best bowling average of any team (20.69) followed by the Titans (25.79). SRH also have the best economy rate (7.99) and the Titans are not too far behind them either (8.22). Also, Rashid is set to play against his former franchise. What a mouthwatering contest we have in store.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness is in the spotlight after leaving the field midway through KKR’s run chase on Saturday. According to Sportskeeda, Hardik was to manage his groin niggle ahead of this clash. If he plays, he surely will bat only.
Gujarat Titans: 1. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Abhinav Manohar, 4. Hardik Pandya (c), 5. David Miller, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Alzarri Joseph, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Yash Dayal, 11. Mohammed Shami
Washington Sundar could be available for this clash after missing the previous three with a finger injury.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Kane Williamson (c), 3. Rahul Tripathi, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Shashank Singh, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. J Suchith/Washington Sundar, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. T Natarajan, 11. Umran Malik
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Gujarat Titans:
Hardik Pandya is in magnificent form. The GT captain has struck three half-centuries in a row (50* vs SRH, 87* and 67), part of 295 runs this season (fourth-most) at an average of 73.75 and strike rate of 136.57.
Pandya knows the Wankhede well. He has struck 810 runs at an average of 33.75 and strike rate of 134.33. However, SRH isn’t one his favourite teams (156 runs, avg. 17.33, SR 96.55), so how he fares today will be interesting to see.
Shubman Gill has scored just 27 runs in four innings since his 84 and 96. He has scored 234 runs in nine innings vs SRH at an average of 34.14 and strike rate of 111.16.
David Miller’s 220 runs this season come at an excellent average of 73.33 and strike rate of 157.14. He has struck 311 runs in 13 innings at the Wankhede at an average of 31.10 and strike rate of 144.65.
Miller will be seeking an improvement on his record vs SRH: 12 inns, 205 runs, avg. 25.63, SR 130.57. He has an excellent record against Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the IPL: 43 runs off 24 balls (one dismissal), but averages just 19 against high pace. Watch out for Umran Malik.
Rashid Khan is coming off a player of the match performance vs KKR (2/22) on Saturday. He has taken six wickets in seven T20s at the Wankhede at an economy rate of 5.86.
Rashid could be used as an asset to Pooran. He has dismissed him twice in 41 balls in the IPL, whilst only conceding 26.
Mohammed Shami went wicketless against SRH earlier this season (4-0-32-0), but his wicket-taking ability can never be discounted. He took 2/20 against KKR on Saturday. Also, he has dismissed Williamson three times in 32 balls in the IPL (44 runs) and Tripathi twice in 22 balls (20 runs).
Shami also has an impressive 13 wickets in seven matches at the Wankhede (SR 12.92).
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Rahul Tripathi, who has struck 212 runs at an average of 53.00 and strike rate of 175.20 this season, has a good record against Rashid Khan. He has scored 35 off 26 against the leg-spinner, for one dismissal.
Kane Williamson was player of the match in the SRH-GT match earlier this season. The SRH skipper scored 57 off 46 to help lead his team to an eight-wicket victory.
Abhishek Sharma struck 42 off 32 balls in the same match. The left-hander is having an excellent season at the top, with 220 runs at an average of 31.42 and strike rate of 125.71.
Aiden Markram has smashed 190 runs at a strike rate of 150.79 this season. He has only been dismissed once. Nicholas Pooran played beautifully against GT earlier in IPL 2022, where he scored 34* off 18 to seal victory for SRH.
We all can’t wait to watch Umran Malik in action again. 91% of his deliveries in IPL 2022 have been over 140km/h, offering SRH a significant point of difference in the attack. He has taken eight wickets in his last four matches, including 1/39 vs Titans.
Marco Jansen blew RCB away with a magnificent powerplay burst on Saturday. The left-arm quick was player of the match with 3/25, which included the wickets of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli with the ball moving away from the bat.
Shubman Gill has been dismissed twice by left-arm seam this season, so watch out for the Gill-Jansen battle.
T Natarajan has taken the most wickets in the powerplay this season (6). He has also taken six wickets at the death, only behind Dwayne Bravo (9) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (7).
Other Stats and Facts
SRH (168/2) beat GT (162/7) earlier in IPL 2022.
Shubman Gill averages around 24 against high pace in the IPL. If Umran Malik gets the chance to bowl to him, it could be an interesting battle.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be key upfront against Gill. The veteran seamer has dismissed the young batsman twice in 37 deliveries in the IPL (including on April 11), whilst only conceding 32. He has also dismissed Hardik once in 16 deliveries, conceding just 20.
Abhinav Manohar played nicely when the two teams met on April 11. He struck 35 off 21 balls to help get the Titans past 160.
Lockie Ferguson strikes every four overs (24 deliveries) against SRH. He went wicketless against them earlier in IPL 2022 (0/46).
Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather
The team batting first has won the last five matches at the Wankhede. The average first innings score in these matches is 186.2, compared to the overall first innings average of 169.5 at the Wankhede in IPL 2022.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have won just one of seven matches on this ground. However, they are confident and chasing well. GT may opt to bat first, while SRH might look to chase.
GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction April 27 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 40: GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2022 Match 40: GT vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha
Batsmen: Rahul Tripathi, Kane Williamson
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, T Natarajan
Match Prediction
Very tough match to predict. With SRH’s pace attack in such great form, they have what it takes to make inroads into GT’s batting. SRH to win.
RCB vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 39 | BLR vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Pune Pitch Report
Royal Challengers Bangalore, who were sitting near the top of the IPL 2022 table, dropped out of the top four courtesy of a nightmare batting performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their 68 all-out is not only a potential momentum stopper, but it was mighty hit to their net run rate.
So, RCB desperately need to bounce back. Their top order remains an issue, with Virat Kohli stunning the cricketing world with two straight golden ducks. Faf du Plessis has played just the two knocks of note so far, and when the middle order couldn’t bail them out as they did earlier in the season, it saw disaster unfold.
They will have to be on their game today against the Rajasthan Royals. Led by the unbelievable Jos Buttler, who is now just one behind Kohli’s record of four centuries in a single season, the Royals continue to put big totals on the board. However, one area of concern is that they continue to concede big totals, with their death-bowling economy rate the third-worst of any team so far in IPL 2022.
So, who will come out on top in this Royal clash? It has the potential to be a classic, but it will be a test of nerves and skill as playoff places are at a premium given the addition of two new, capable teams.
There are three key things Rajasthan Royals need to look at if they are to win their first IPL title since 2008. They all relate to their playing XI. Perhaps Jimmy Neesham could come in for Obed McCoy and a frontline domestic pacer option for Riyan Parag, despite how highly the Royalsrate the youngster.
It is an unprecedented run of form for the struggling Virat Kohli. He has scored just 78 runs in his last seven innings, including consecutive first-ball ducks. Also, the Royals are a team he hasn’t always enjoyed success against, with an average of 29.20 in 24 innings (SR 116.33).
The silver lining is that Kohli has never been dismissed by Boult in T20s (50 runs in 42 balls). Also, he has scored 56 off 27 vs Krishna (one dismissal) and 162 off 127 vs Ashwin (one dismissal).
Faf du Plessis also needs a bit of a turnaround as he has scored just 120 runs in seven innings on this ground at an average of 17.14 and strike rate of 96.77. He also has similar numbers to Kohli vs Royals, with an average of 29.45 in 11 innings (SR 135.00).
Like du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell does not have the best of numbers on this ground: 7 inns, 82 runs, avg. 16.40, SR 154.72. However, he does have solid stats against the Royals, with 211 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.17 and strike rate of 156.30.
Also, Maxwell usually dominates Ashwin in T20s, with 91 runs in just 41 balls (one dismissal).
Dinesh Karthik was player of the match in the RR-RCB match earlier this season. He smashed 44* off 23 balls to lead RCB to victory from a position where they needed 80 off 40 balls at one stage. Karthik has scored 94 off 63 vs Ashwin (one dismissal) and 24 off 18 vs Boult (one dismissal).
Expect RCB to bring Wanindu Hasaranga on when Sanju Samson walks out to bat. He has dismissed him four times in 15 deliveries, including a soft dismissal between the teams earlier this season.
Harshal Patel has taken 13 wickets in six matches for RCB vs RR, at an average of 13.00 and economy rate of 7.35. He took 1/18 with 11 dots earlier this season, where he dismissed Devdutt Padikkal.
Rajasthan Royals:
The law of averages say that Jos Buttler can’t keep going the way he is. But he continues to defy those laws. The brilliant opener has smashed five 50+ scores in seven matches this season (three centuries), including a 47-ball 70* against RCB earlier this season.
Since the start of 2018, Buttler has scored 201 runs in six matches vs RCB at an average of 41.20 and strike rate of 138.26.
Devdutt Padikkal put on a partnership of 70 with Buttler against RCB earlier this season. Padikkal, who is coming off an excellent half-century vs Capitals on Friday, scored 37 off 29 vs RCB. He has scored five 20+ scores in seven matches in IPL 2022.
Sanju Samson is striking at 171.29 this season, which is the sixth-highest among players with at least 200 runs. However, can he overcome a poor record vs Hasaranga and moderate numbers vs RCB (avg. 22.33)?
Shimron Hetmyer has smashed 166 runs in the death overs in IPL 2022; the most of any player. He scored 31 off 17 balls in this phase against RCB earlier this season.
Expect the Royals to employ Yuzvendra Chahal, this season’s Purple Cap holder, to Maxwell early. The leg-spinner has dismissed him three times in 25 deliveries in the IPL, whilst only conceding 22. Also, they could look to keep some Chahal overs for Karthik – Chahal has dismissed him three times in 40 deliveries, whilst conceding just 33 runs.
Against SRH, RCB lost their first four wickets to the left-arm seam of Marco Jansen and T Natarajan. So, an opportunity awaits Trent Boult to have a similar impact. In fact, he has figures of 3/50 in 50 deliveries vs du Plessis and 2/26 off 29 balls vs Maxwell in T20s.
R Ashwin is in good touch. The off-spinner has taken three wickets in his last two matches, and RR could look to use him early vs du Plessis. He has dismissed the RCB captain three times in 50 deliveries in T20s, whilst conceding just 59.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 26, RCB 13, RR 10, N/R 3.
RCB have won the past five matches between the teams, including the meeting earlier this season.
RCB could look to use Wanindu Hasaranga to keep Jos Buttler quiet early. Buttler has scored just 11 runs in 23 deliveries against the Sri Lankan.
Interestingly, while Chahal has had a good record vs Maxwell in the IPL, Maxwell has dominated Chahal in T20 Internationals, taking 98 runs off just 45 balls (two dismissals).
Josh Hazlewood has taken 50 wickets in 31 T20s since the start of 2021 at an average of 17.02 and economy rate below eight.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pune Pitch Report and Weather
This is the first match at Pune since April 17. So, we can expect a fresh surface. The average first innings score on this ground in IPL 2022 is 176.67, and the team batting first and second have won three games each.
Each time a team batting first scored 170+, they won (210 by Royals, 171 by Titans and 198 by Punjab). Every score below 170 was chased on this ground (161 by Mumbai, 151 by Mumbai and 169 by Super Kings).
A very hot day is forecast in Pune, with temperatures hovering around the early 40s. Dew could be a factor.
RCB vs RR Dream11 Prediction 26 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.
PBKS vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 38 | PBKS vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today | Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
Two teams in need of a win. Punjab Kings, after a promising start with a new-look team, have hit the kind of wall they have hit many times over the years. Chennai Super Kings, courtesy of brilliant finishing by Dwaine Pretorius and the great MS Dhoni, sit just two points behind Punjab and need to win to keep some pace with the top four.
Punjab’s horrible 115 all-out against Delhi last week has resulted in their net run rate falling to -0.562. Such a poor net run rate makes wins all the more important, but this will require a change in fortunes for a team that has struggled for consistency all season. However, one of their three wins was a comfortable win over CSK, and a repeat will be just what PBKS needs.
For CSK, there is sense of new life in recent matches. They have won two of their past three games, which easily could have been three had it not been for Gujarat’s miracle win. Another win today will increase belief further ahead of a push for an unlikely playoffs spot in the second half of the season.
CSK dropped Moeen Ali in the last match. Given that the overseas players performed pretty well, it is likely that Moeen will have to wait his time again.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Robin Uthappa, 3. Ambati Rayudu, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Ravindra Jadeja (c), 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Dwaine Pretorius, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Mukesh Choudhary
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Punjab Kings:
Liam Livingstone blew CSK away earlier this season with a 32-ball 60 and 2/25. Livingstone is particularly brilliant in the middle overs – he has struck 151 runs at a strike rate of 171.59 in this phase.
CSK is Shikhar Dhawan’s favourite opponent in terms of runs. His 941 runs is the most he has against any franchise, scored at an average of 40.91 and strike rate of 129.26.
Bravo dismissed Dhawan in the previous meeting, but the left-hander has a good record against him: 112 off 73, three dismissals (avg. 37.3, SR 153.4).
Mayank Agarwal, on the other hand, averages just 16.13 in 15 innings against CSK. He fares better at the Wankhede, with 297 runs in 10 innings on this ground at an average of 29.70 and strike rate of 144.88.
Kagiso Rabada has taken six wickets in as many matches vs CSK. He has some good head-to-head records against CSK’s key players. Rabada has dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad once in 14 balls (19 runs), Dube twice 19 balls (23 runs), Rayudu once in 23 balls (21 runs), Jadeja twice in 15 balls (27 runs) and Dhoni once in 21 balls (10 runs).
Also, Rabada has taken 11 wickets in seven matches at the Wankhede at a strike rate of 14.73.
Rahul Chahar, who is PBKS’ leading wicket-taker this season (10), took 3/25 against CSK earlier this season. Overall vs CSK, he concedes just 5.80 runs per over, with nine wickets in as many matches.
Arshdeep Singh has dismissed Gaikwad twice in 19 deliveries in the IPL. This battle will be key given Gaikwad’s struggle against left-arm seam.
Chennai Super Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad is averaging just 15 and has one 50+ score in IPL 2022. His struggle against left-arm seam will be in the spotlight today; he has been dismissed eight times in 93 balls by this bowling type in the IPL.
Shivam Dube is CSK’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2022 (239) thanks to some key adjustments in his batting. He is averaging 39.83 and is striking at 161.48, which includes a 30-ball 57 vs PBKS earlier in IPL 2022. Against spin, he strikes at 141.17 with just the one dismissal (96 runs).
Ambati Rayudu has struck two 40+ scores in his last two matches. He is one of three players to have 1,000 runs at the Wankhede, although he would want to improve on his average of 20.41 on this ground at 24.69 vs Punjab.
MS Dhoni has smashed 560 runs for CSK against PBKS at an average of 50.91 and strike rate of 146.98. However, he strikes at less than 50 vs Rabada and has scored just 17 off 30 vs Chahar (two dismissals). So, how well he can take down the other bowlers will be interesting to see should he get the chance.
Dwayne Bravo is CSK’s leading wicket-taker this season (12). Also, he enjoys bowling at the Wankhede, where he has taken 24 wickets in 17 IPL matches at a strike rate of 15.
Against PBKS, Bravo has taken 16 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 22.94 and economy rate of 8.34.
Dwaine Pretorius has been impressive this season (four wickets, 30 runs off 18 balls, one catch). Also, he has some good numbers against Livingstone, with figures of 2/13 in 15 deliveries.
Maheesh Theekshana has taken seven wickets in four matches this season at an economy of 7.68. Mukesh Choudhary was player of the match last game vs MI after ripping through their top order (3/19).
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 27, CSK 16, PBKS 11.
PBKS (180/8) beat CSK (126) easily in their previous meeting in IPL 2022. Dhawan and Livingstone smashed a 95-run partnership of 52 balls.
Shikhar Dhawan strikes at 113.1 against offspin in the IPL (avg. 38). Agarwal, on the other hand, strikes at 163.9 with an average of 25.2. So, expect Dhawan to drop anchor early while Agarwal looks to take on Maheesh Theekshana.
Jitesh Sharma has struck 10 fours and seven sixes in 74 deliveries in IPL 2022. Three of those sixes came in 17 balls vs CSK earlier in IPL 2022.
Ravindra Jadeja has struck just 92 runs this season, which includes a duck against PBKS. Also, he has just the five wickets to date, three of which came in a single game against RCB.
Punjab Kings are the highest-scoring team in the powerplay this season (9.52), but have lost the most wickets in the middle overs (29) and third-most at the death (16). Eyes will be on the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Dwaine Pretorius.
Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather
The team batting first has won the past four games at the Wankhede. The average first innings score in these four matches is 186, including Lucknow’s 168 that was way too much for the struggling Mumbai Indians.
Another clear and warm evening is forecast, with dew likely. It will be interesting to see what the toss-winning captain chooses to do.
PBKS vs CSK Dream11 Prediction 25 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 38: PBKS vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2022 Match 38: PBKS vs CSK Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Jitesh Sharma
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Shivam Dube
LSG vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 37 | LKN vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
Mumbai Indians became the first team to win five IPL titles. Less than two years later, they have become the first team in IPL history to lose their first seven matches. The general consensus was that they didn’t nail the mega auction – particularly from a bowling perspective – but seven defeats in a row is something not even the most passionate rival fan could have imagined.
After the great MS Dhoni wound back the clock to all-but-end Mumbai’s season at the halfway point, MI might look to their bench to freshen things up. Also, eyes will be on the struggling Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, whose opening partnership, which had the potential to dazzle, has barely sizzled.
Lucknow Super Giants have much more to play for. After beating MI last weekend, LSG then suffered defeat to RCB to leave them out of the top four for the time being. However, RCB’s very heavy defeat against SRH yesterday gives KL Rahul’s team the added incentive of a top four spot today on net run rate should they win this.
Wickets up top today will create doubts in the minds of MI. Also, if KL Rahul, who scored a century last week, can dominate MI again, Lucknow should be held in good stead. This is an opportunity against a struggling team to get a win on the board, and Lucknow will not want to let this opportunity slip.
KL Rahul smashed a 60-ball 103* against MI last week. He averages 76.40 in 15 innings vs MI with seven 50+ scores. He also has excellent numbers at the Wankhede: 11 inns, 494 runs, avg. 49.40, SR 145.29.
Rahul has a solid record against Bumrah in the IPL: 124 runs off 99 balls at an average of 62. He has also scored 88 off 53 vs Unadkat with one dismissal.
Quinton de Kock struck four fours and one six in 13 deliveries vs MI last week. He scored 24 and looked good for more, before he was dismissed attempting a reverse sweep.
de Kock has solid numbers at the Wankhede: 12 inns, 437 runs, avg. 39.73, SR 139.62. Also, he has scored 53 off 36 without dismissal vs Unadkat.
Manish Pandey has struck five half-centuries in 21 innings vs MI. He averages 38.17 against them, and has a terrific record against Bumrah (66 off 34 deliveries, no dismissal).
Avesh Khan takes a wicket every 7.50 deliveries against MI (eight wickets in 10 overs). He took 3/30 against them last week, including the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis.
Jason Holder also enjoys playing MI. The seamer has taken seven wickets in three matches against them at a strike rate of 10.29. He dismissed Tilak Varma last week.
Dushmantha Chameera has dismissed Rohit Sharma six times in 32 deliveries in T20s. He has conceded just 33 runs in the process.
Mumbai Indians:
Suryakumar Yadav’s class has been a shining light in a dark season for MI. He has struck 232 runs in five matches in IPL 2022 at an average of 58.00 and strike rate of 158.64, including 37 off 27 vs Lucknow. His lowest score is 32 this season.
Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma have been the other positives for MI. Brevis is striking at 161.33 in IPL 2022, including a 13-ball 31 against Lucknow last week. Varma is MI’s highest run-scorer so far in IPL 2022: 234 runs, avg. 46.80, SR 140.11.
Is this the day Rohit Sharma finally fires? He has the most runs of any player in T20s at the Wankhede (1,951) at an average of 35.47 and strike rate of 135.02. His record vs Chameera will be in focus, as well as Avesh, who has figures of 2/11 off 13 balls vs Rohit.
Daniel Sams made his mark in the IPL in the last match with four wickets vs CSK. He will be key in the powerplay and middle overs – periods where MI need wickets today.
Jaydev Unadkat had a heartbreaking night vs CSK, but he bowled nicely against LSG last week. He took 2/32, and dismissed middle order players Marcus Stoinis and Deepak Hooda.
Jasprit Bumrah has taken just four wickets in seven matches this season, as teams look to see him off (econ. 7.51). He does not have favourable matchups against most of LSG’s players, so whether he can turn it around today remains to be seen. He has the class to.
Other Stats and Facts
Lucknow (199/4) beat Mumbai (181/9) with ease eight days ago.
Ravi Bishnoi has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav three times in four innings.
Avesh Khan and Jason Holder have both taken five wickets at the death this season. Given that MI are struggling in these overs, both seamers will be in the game in the crunch stages.
Mumbai have won eight of 14 matches at the Wankhede in the IPL since 2018.
MI are conceding 13.05 runs per over in the death overs in IPL 2022. The likes of Marcus Stoinis and Deepak Hooda are players to watch in the middle order for LSG.
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report and Weather
Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals played out a high-scoring thriller a couple of nights ago at the Wankhede. Previously, the scores were relatively low on this ground compared to others in IPL 2022.
The average first innings score at the Wankhede is 167.29, which bumps up to 205.5 in the past two matches. The teams batting first have won the past three matches on this ground (Royals twice and Bangalore once).
Another clear night is forecast, with dew expected. So, expect the team who wins the toss to choose to bowl despite the recent results.
Dream11 Prediction
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.
RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 36 | BLR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Brabourne Pitch Report
Two of the form teams of IPL 2022 meet in what promises to be a cracking, intruiguing clash. Royal Challengers Bangalore, who lost their opening match, have won five of their past six to sit pretty in the top four. Sunrisers Hyderabad, after losing their opening two in disappointing fashion, have won four in a row. So, it’s all set up for a beauty.
In terms of RCB, there is a different feel this season. Their middle order used to be a point of weakness, but this season it has rescued them from troublesome situations on numerous occasions. Dinesh Karthik has been key to that, but a special mention also to Shahbaz Ahmed who has been terrific in the middle. Combine this with Faf du Plessis’ return to form last match and the form of their bowlers – particularly Hazlewood – and RCB have plenty to be optimistic about.
As do SRH. Aiden Markram is producing the kind of cricket that his talent is crying out for, while Rahul Tripathi is showcasing just how good a player he is. Also, importantly, the bowling attack is working well as a unit, and the possible return of Washington Sundar today can only strengthen the men in orange. They currently sit outside the top four on net run rate, but a win today will enable them to overtake Lucknow. Big game.
Washington Sundar missed the last two matches due to a split webbing in his hand. He is a chance of returning today.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Kane Williamson (c), 3. Rahul Tripathi, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Shashank Singh, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. J Suchith/Washington Sundar, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Umran Malik, 11. T Natarajan
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Faf du Plessis is coming off a player of the match performance against LSG (96 off 64 balls). The RCB skipper has a middling record vs SRH (13 inns, 335 runs, avg. 27.92, SR 132.41) and will be looking to build on that today.
du Plessis has scored 53 off 43 against Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the IPL (one dismissal). If Faf can get through the powerplay and middle overs, he often explodes between overs 12-16 (SR 145) and at the death (SR 200+).
Glenn Maxwell has looked good in this tournament without getting the really big score. He has struck 8* (2), 26 (11), 55 (34) and 23 (11) so far in IPL 2022. Also, he could be key with the ball as he has dismissed Kane Williamson twice in 16 deliveries in T20s (20 runs).
It is incredible to think that Virat Kohli has gone 100 innings across formats without a century. Also, he has scored just 78 runs in his last six innings. However, he has good numbers vs SRH that he will be looking to build on: 18 inns, 569 runs, avg. 35.56, SR 137.44.
Dinesh Karthik is having a dream season. He has added so much to RCB. He has scored 210 runs, has only been dismissed once, and is striking at 205.88.
Karthik only averages 18.69 in 20 career matches vs SRH, but he cannot be discounted in this sort of form. In fact, he has some good numbers against SRH’s key death bowlers: 74 off 51 vs Kumar (one dismissal) and 34 off 20 vs Natarajan (no dismissal).
Josh Hazlewood has taken 50 wickets in 30 T20s since the beginning of 2021 at an average of 16.4 and economy rate of 7.23. He took a brilliant 4/25 last match vs LSG, and he will be key again.
Wanindu Hasaranga has gone at 10 runs per over in his last two matches, but he remains key for RCB. Nine of his 11 wickets this season have been right-handers, and SRH have three right-handers in their top four.
Harshal Patel took 2/25 and 3/33 vs SRH last season. He dismissed Kane Williamson in one of the matches.
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Although Kane Williamson doesn’t have the best record against some of RCB’s current bowlers, he has an excellent record for SRH against RCB overall: 8 inns, 351 runs, avg. 58.50, SR 136.05.
Aiden Markram has smashed 190 runs at a strike rate of 150.79 this season. He has only been dismissed once, and has two unbeaten half-centuries to his name.
Rahul Tripathi has belted 161 runs at a strike rate of 189 in SRH’s four victories this season. Also, he has solid numbers vs RCB, with 244 runs in nine innings at an average of 40.67 and strike rate of 129.10.
SRH could look to use Bhuvneshwar Kumar when Glenn Maxwell walks into bat. The seamer has dismissed Maxwell twice in 25. deliveries in the IPL, whilst only conceding 24. He also has a good record vs Virat Kohli, with figures of 3/75 off 62 balls.
Overall, Bhuvneshwar has taken 16 wickets in 14 matches for SRH vs RCB at an average of 25.69 and economy rate of 7.80.
T Natarajan is SRH’s leading wicket-taker this season, with 12 scalps in six matches. His battle against RCB’s strong middle order will be fascinating to watch. He has five wickets in four matches vs RCB at an average of 22.00 and economy rate of 6.88.
Umran Malik has taken seven wickets in his last three matches, including a triple-wicket maiden in the final over against Punjab. He will also be key at the death with his pacey yorkers and slower balls.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 20, RCB 8, SRH 11, N/R 1.
Josh Hazlewood vs Kane Williamson in T20s: 12 deliveries bowled, 11 runs scored, one dismissal.
Mohammed Siraj has some good head-to-head records against SRH’s key players. He has dismissed Williamson twice in 24 deliveries in T20s for just 29 runs. Also, he has figures of 2/41 in 37 deliveries vs Rahul Tripathi.
Nicholas Pooran has been dismissed just twice so far this season (156 runs, SR 124.17). He is in some decent touch, as he scored three half-centuries in a row against India earlier this year.
Shahbaz Ahmed has struck 171 runs at a strike rate of 147 this season. He has walked out in pressure situations, including 62/4 (thrice), 42/3 and 75/4.
Tripathi and Markram combined have struck 242 runs against pace this season at an average of 121 and strike rate of 186. All other SRH players collectively average 21.5 at a strike rate of 117.
Brabourne Pitch Report and Weather
Brabourne Stadium has been a cracker for batting in this IPL. The average first innings score is 186.33, brought down due to Punjab’s horrible 115 all-out vs Delhi. The chasing team has won five of the nine matches.
Expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to chase with some dew possible. SRH have won all their matches while chasing.
Dream11 Prediction
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 36: RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2022 Match 36: RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Dinesh Karthik
Batsmen: Faf du Plessis, Rahul Tripathi
All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, T Natarajan
Match Prediction
On a good batting ground, the team batting first needs 170-180 to stand a better chance of winning. RCB start as favourites, particularly if they are batting first as they have defended well this season.
KKR vs GT Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 35 | KOL vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans Key Players | DY Patil Pitch Report
It’s time for the miracle men once again. After Rahul Tewatia produced a finish for the ages against Punjab, Gujarat Titans sealed another incredible victory six days ago thanks to Rashid Khan and David Miller. Such an ability to deliver when it all seems lost has held the Titans in good stead so far, and they will be looking to further solidify their place in the top four.
“We could have probably lost four out of six [matches], and we’ve won five out of six,” Miller said after their victory over CSK. “The dice has definitely rolled onto our side.”
And how right he is. The Titans sit near the top of the IPL 2022 table despite their top order worries. They can go back to the top today, but it won’t be easy as they meet a side desperate to get back to winning ways. After a strong start to IPL 2022, Kolkata Knight Riders have lost three straight games to now sit outside the top four. A whole second-half of the season awaits, but defeat here will make it just that little bit more difficult to qualify given that places are at a premium in a 10-team league.
GT’s top order performance is still reliant on Shubman Gill performing. He has made scores of 0, 13 and 7 since his 84 and 96. Given he was with KKR previously, he should have an understanding of their attack.
Gill averages 26.9 batting first in the IPL compared to 38.5 batting second.
Hardik Pandya is set to return, and he will be aiming to continue the kind of form he showed against RR last week. He scored a superb 52-ball 87*, part of 228 runs this season at an average of 76.00 and strike rate 136.52. Also, he loves playing KKR: 10 inns, 299 runs, avg. 59.80, SR 184.57.
Hardik has some excellent records against KKR’s bowlers. He has smashed 53 off 26 against Cummins without dismissal, 49 off 30 vs Narine without dismissal, 29 off 18 vs Russell (one dismissal) and 28 off 14 vs Umesh without dismissal.
David Miller is fresh off a match-winning 94* off 51 balls vs CSK. He will be key in taking down KKR’s spinners (he has scored 49 off 39 vs Narine without dismissal) as well as scoring big at the death.
Rashid Khan will be key, as always. Particularly against Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell. The KKR captain has been dismissed 14 times by legspin since IPL 2019 at an average of 17.35 and strike rate of 109.45. Against Russell, Rashid has taken 3/27 in 22 deliveries in T20 franchise cricket.
Rashid has taken six wickets in six matches this season (econ. 6.66) and takes a wicket every 23 deliveries on average vs KKR. Of course, there is the added threat of his batting, which was on show in the last match (40 off 21 balls).
Mohammed Shami is GT’s leading wicket-taker this season (8). He takes less than one wicket per match on average vs KKR, but has a good record vs Iyer (1/12 off 18 balls) and Finch (1/44 off 41 balls).
Kolkata Knight Riders:
If Andre Russell can get past Rashid Khan, watch out. He has belted 81 runs off 31 deliveries against Shami in the IPL (one dismissal), and is striking 177.22 in IPL 2022 (179 runs).
Shreyas Iyer has scored the fifth-most runs in IPL 2022 (7 inns, 236 runs, avg. 39.33, SR 148.42). He has scored two half-centuries and has passed double-figures in every match so far.
Nitish Rana has been dismissed just once in 66 deliveries by Rashid Khan (75 runs). Two games ago, Rana struck a 36-ball 54. KKR will be hoping for something similar today.
If GT pick Wade, expect Sunil Narine to be used early. Narine, who has taken six wickets at an economy rate of 5.03 this season, has dismissed Wade four times in ODIs (for just 21 runs in 57 deliveries) and once in 10 deliveries in T20s (14 runs).
Can Umesh Yadav find some form against GT’s shaky top order? In the first four games, Umesh took six powerplay wickets at an economy rate of 5.18. Since then, he has gone wicketless in the powerplay and is conceding 8.43 per over.
Other Stats and Facts
Rashid Khan has dismissed Shreyas Iyer twice in 55 deliveries since the beginning of IPL 2019. He has only conceded 51 runs.
Lockie Ferguson is equal with Shami for most wickets for the Titans this season (8). He comes up against his former team today.
Pat Cummins’ economy rate is 12.00 this season – the worst among all bowlers who have bowled at least 10 overs in IPL 2022.
KKR have conceded 200+ twice in their past three games.
DY Patil Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at the DY Patil is 171.25. The chasing team has won seven of the 12 matches, including a remarkable finish by MS Dhoni and Dwaine Pretorius a couple of nights ago for CSK vs MI.
However, 170 is often the magical score in this IPL. On the five occasions the team batting first scored 170+ at DY Patil, they won on four occasions.
A hot and clear day is forecast, with no issue of dew as it is a day game.
Dream11 Prediction
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 35: KKR vs GT Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha
Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill
All-rounders: Andre Russell, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Rashid Khan
Match Prediction
As the stats suggest, a score of 170+ batting first is crucial. KKR need a win on the board, so their bowlers need to keep GT’s key batsmen quiet. KKR to win.
DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Match 34 | DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Wankhede Pitch Report
COVID-hit Delhi Capitals hit the Punjab Kings for six last time out, and come into this game with confidence. Rajasthan Royals, courtesy of the brilliant Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, have the opportunity to go top of the table today. So, the stakes are high in this mid-season clash.
Both teams have things going for them. For Delhi, their net run rate is now the best in the league after demolishing the Kings, and their bowling attack and opening batting combination is looking quite handy. For the Royals, the form of Hetmyer in addition to Buttler and Chahal is cause for optimism, and the Obed McCoy-Trent Boult combination in the pace attack could give them another dimension as they try keep teams quiet.
This match was originally scheduled for Pune, but has been moved to the Wankhede due to COVID-19 in the DC camp. If both teams are at their best, we will be treated to another thriller; perhaps the kind we saw in the RR-KKR match – one of the great IPL Matches in recent times.
David Warner is back to his best. The opener has smashed three half-centuries in a row, and has a strike rate of 152.80 in IPL 2022. This includes a 38-ball 66 on this ground six nights ago vs RCB.
If Warner can get through the powerplay, he could really get going. He has an excellent record against Yuzvendra Chahal in T20s: 76 balls faced, 128 runs scored, one dismissal, SR 168.4.
Prithvi Shaw is also in terrific touch. He has smashed 217 runs in six matches this season at an average of 36.16 and strike rate of 170.86. Also, he has good numbers at the Wankhede: 6 inns, 192 runs, avg. 32.00, SR 162.71.
However, Shaw averages just 18.29 in seven matches vs Royals. Boult has dismissed him three times in 18 balls, while Chahal has dismissed him twice in 18 deliveries, although Shaw has scored an impressive 39.
Rishabh Pant has outstanding numbers against the Royals: 7 inns, 300 runs, avg. 60.00, SR 164.84. He also has 300 runs at the Wankhede at an overall average of 37.50 and strike rate of 174.42.
After four wicketless matches, Axar Patel has taken three in his last two, including a great spell of 2/10 vs Punjab. He has taken four wickets in five matches vs RR since 2019, but only concedes 6.78 per over.
Axar has a good head-to-head record vs Sanju Samson: 60 deliveries, 67 runs conceded, two dismissals.
Khaleel Ahmed has taken 10 wickets in five matches this season, with at least one scalp in every match. He will be key against Jos Buttler today, as he has dismissed the great opener once in 15 deliveries whilst only conceding 20.
Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken 13 wickets in six matches this season, has figures of 2/36 in 35 deliveries in all T20s against Jos Buttler. Also, Kuldeep could be key against Hetmyer, who has scored just 30 runs in 35 deliveries against left-arm chinaman bowling in T20s, with two dismissals.
Rajasthan Royals:
What a season Jos Buttler is having. He is playing the aggressive anchor role perfectly, with 375 runs in six innings this season (SR 156.90) with two half-centuries and two centuries. Also, Buttler has strong numbers at the Wankhede: 22 inns, 626 runs, avg. 32.95, SR 146.95. Can he improve on some of the head-to-head stats against DC’s left-arm bowlers?
Sanju Samson averages just 23.40 vs Delhi, but his six-hitting against spin (SR of over 200 this season) will be key. While he has been dismissed twice by Axar in the IPL, he has never been dismissed by Kuldeep (39 off 31 balls).
Shimron Hetmyer’s strike rate of 179.83 is the third-highest among players with at least 200 runs this season. He comes up against his former franchise today, and he will be motivated to perform.
Hetmyer could look to go after Axar Patel. The West Indian averages 76 and strikes at 139 against left-arm orthodox in T20 franchise cricket.
Trent Boult has dismissed Warner twice in 45 deliveries in T20s, whilst only conceding 38 runs. He has also dismissed Shaw three times in 18 deliveries, conceding just 19 runs. His battle with the in-form DC openers will be key.
Yuzvendra Chahal is having a dream season, where has won games for RR off his own bowling. Last match, he took a hat-trick, part of a little spell where he took a remarkable 5/2 off his last 1.1 overs.
Chahal has taken 17 wickets and is striking every 8.4 deliveries in IPL 2022.
Delhi have won six of the past seven matches between the teams.
R Ashwin has taken just the two wickets so far this season, but RR could use him to keep Warner quiet. Ashwin has dismissed Warner five times for 159 runs in 127 deliveries in T20s (econ. 7.54).
Rishabh Pant could be the crucial man to take on RR’s spin twins. He has scored 57 off 44 vs Chahal (one dismissal), but just the 18 off 18 vs Ashwin so far (no dismissal).
Shardul Thakur has dismissed Devdutt Padikkal three times in 19 deliveries in the IPL, whilst conceding only 17. However, Buttler has his measure, with 90 off 57 in all T20s (two dismissals).
Obed McCoy has figures of 2/47 in 34 deliveries against Rovman Powell in T20s. They could come up against each other in the late overs today.
Wankhede Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at the Wankhede this season is 158.17. There has been a touch of slowness about the pitches on this ground in IPL 2022, with the likes of Dinesh Karthik able to break free the most.
The Royals won batting first at the Wankhede against Lucknow last week after scoring 165. Yuzvendra Chahal took 4/41. RCB then won batting first against Delhi after scoring 189/5.
170 could be the magical total here. There have been 17 scores of 170+ batting first on all grounds in IPL 2022, and the team batting first has won 12 of them.
Another clear and warm evening is forecast, with dew expected.
Dream11 Prediction
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.
That score of 170 is going to be important batting first. The chasing team is likely to have an advantage with dew around, so any score below 170 will be a challenge to defend.
Cricket News: IPL 2022: Why Shivam Dube is firing for CSK | Key factors why Shivam Dube is firing in the 2022 Indian Premier League
Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube’s form with the bat has been a talking point in the ongoing edition of the IPL. Dube has made everyone sit up and take notice with his destructive and authoritative batting.
In the midst of a shaky start to CSK’s IPL 2022 campaign, Shivam Dube’s batting form has been the bright spot for the defending champions.
As at 21 April, Dube has scored the most runs for Chennai; 226 in six matches at an average of 45.20 and strike rate of 168.65. He has a strike rate of 199.28 against the pacers while going after the spinners at 155.93. The left-hander has hit two half-centuries and is the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament at the moment behind Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya.
Dube has been an aggressive player with the bat in the domestic circuit but has not been able to replicate the same form at the IPL and international level for India.
That’s why before the start of the IPL 2022 season many questioned his selection at the price of Rs 4.00 crore.
In the nine matches in 2021 for Rajasthan Royals, Dube scored 230 runs at an average of 28.75. In 2020, turning out for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he made 129 in 11 matches.
What went wrong for Shivam Dube in the earlier seasons?
Reputation plays a big part in sportsman’s life. When Dube burst onto the scene, he had the reputation of a power-hitter who can strike big and at a quick rate. That may have played with his mind because in the earlier seasons, his biggest problem was his tendency to try hit every ball hard and out of the ground. He used to swing his bat at everything, would often lose his balance, and cost him his wicket.
Promoted in the batting order by the CSK management this season, Dube has lived up to the expectations with his show of controlled aggression. With their top-order failing to click, the 28-year-old left-hander has held the innings together with consistent contributions. One of the hallmarks of Chennai Super Kings’ success has been the number of players who have come to the franchise and found their mojo. Dube is another.
What is Dube doing right this season?
The tall left-hander has worked a lot on the technical aspect of his game because that’s where he was lacking as a batter. One of the most crucial aspects of power-hitting is maintaining the balance and posture of the body. Earlier while attempting a big shot he used to lose his balance but now in this season he’s getting into good positions to play the big shots successfully.
The wagon wheel of Shivam Dube in this year’s IPL shows a vast improvement in his offside play and a big share of the credit should be given to CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey.
The most important feature of his batting this year is that he’s choosing the right bowlers to target in a game instead of going after all the bowlers. With Dube, the aggression was always there but this season he has chanelled that aggression, and that’s helping with consistency.
He has matured with age and is playing straight, within the ‘V’. The timing of his shots has also improved and has been particularly severe on anything bowled on the middle-leg stump. He is thriving in the middle and death overs – a period where the great Kumar Sangakkara identified as Dube’s best time to bat.
Comparisons have already begun with Yuvraj Singh because much like the stylish left-handed former Indian player, Dube uses his long reach to great effect to hit sixes against the spinners.
It’s still early days in IPL 2022 but it’s clear that Shivam has indeed taken his game to the next level. He’s looking determined to do well and prove his critics wrong. CSK fans would be hoping that he continues the same run of form in the remaining games.
