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IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

If Kolkata Knight Riders had the choice of avoiding a team when they are trying to bounce back after a loss, it would be Mumbai Indians. The MI-KKR head-to-head battle is the most one-sided out of all IPL clashes, with MI leading 20-6 against the two-time IPL champions.

So, how can KKR stop the rot at Abu Dhabi – a ground where MI have been so strong in IPL 2020? Do they bring back Sunil Narine, who helped pull of a heist vs KXIP at this ground before being reported for a suspect action? What do they do about Rahul Tripathi, who has impressed as an opener? Can Pat Cummins, who is now wicketless in four games, discover his mojo and justify the price tag? At the moment, there seems to be more questions than answers for KKR, and they must get it right today to cement their top four spot.

MI are looking good. In fact, there is an argument to say that they are looking even better than last season, where they went on to win their fourth IPL Title. In each game, they have had different batsmen step up, highlighting their remarkable depth. With the ball, each of their seamers have been in the wickets, with Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah and James Pattinson all in the top 10 wicket-takers for the tournament. They come into this game off the back of a successful chase against the Delhi Capitals’ quality attack, and start the match as favourites. However, it will be key that they avoid any complacency in their quest for a fifth straight win.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • Rohit Sharma loves playing KKR. He hit 80 (54) vs KKR earlier this season, part of 788 runs against them at an average of 52.53. In fact, the next-highest run-scorer in MI-KKR matches is Suryakumar Yadav with 357.
  • Yadav has been in superb touch. He hit 47 (28) vs KKR earlier in IPL 2020. Also, he has hit two consecutive unbeaten half-centuries, and has an excellent record for MI when playing KKR: 5 matches, 214 runs, avg. 53.50, SR 152.86.
  • Quinton de Kock has struck form after a lean start to IPL 2020 (67, 23 and 53 in his last three knocks). Is this the day where he improves on his record vs KKR? (8 inns, 92 runs, avg. 11.50, SR 110.84).
  • Shubman Gill will be key for KKR at the top of the order. He has been consistent in IPL 2020, with five 25+ scores in his last six innings, including two fifties, after his score of 7 vs MI earlier this season. Can he bounce back against them today?
  • Who opens with Gill is a key question. Rahul Tripathi scored 81 vs CSK at Abu Dhabi, and has looked in decent touch. However, his record vs MI is poor (5 inns, 58 runs, avg. 11.60).
  • But, Tripathi prefers opening. He averages 32.8 as opener, with five IPL fifties. When not opening, he averages only 18.4 with no half-centuries.
  • Dinesh Karthik struck 58 (29) in his last game at Abu Dhabi (vs KXIP). However, MI’s death bowling is stronger, which will test Karthik and the KKR middle order. So, can he deliver against a side whom he has a moderate record against? (20 inns, 326 runs, avg. 23.29, SR 130.92).
  • Hardik Pandya is still searching for his best form. He could find it today, as he meets a team he has a fine batting record against (8 inns, 263 runs, avg. 65.75, SR 196.27). Of course, many won’t ever forget his 91 (34) vs KKR last season, although KKR have a different look about them this time around.
  • Although Kieron Pollard (16 inns, 246 runs, avg. 27.33, SR 120) and Andre Russell (8 inns, 162 runs, avg. 23.14, SR 157.28) have modest records in MI-KKR matches, both are key players to watch.
  • Pollard is striking at 189.13 in IPL 2020, with just one dismissal so far (174 runs). Russell smashed 80* (40) vs MI last season, and has been good with the ball in 2020, particularly at the death (overall SR of 14).
  • Sunil Narine has the most wickets in KKR-MI matches (22 in 17 matches). However, the question is whether he will play. If he does, will he bowl with confidence?
  • Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult both have 11 wickets in IPL 2020. Bumrah has been superb at Abu Dhabi since the opening game vs CSK (2/32, 2/18, 4/20, 0/26).
  • Shivam Mavi bowled well vs MI earlier this season (2/32).
IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | Weather Report | MI vs KKR Best Dream11 Prediction | MI vs KOL Best Dream11 team | KKR vs MI Dream11 team Combination | MI vs KKR Prediction
IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11: Shubman Gill will be key for KKR.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 26, MI 20, KKR 6.
  • Mumbai Indians have won 10 of the past 11 matches against Kolkata Knight Riders.
  • Eoin Morgan has hit a wall after some good form earlier this season (7, 24 and 8 in his past three innings).
  • Rahul Chahar enjoys bowling at Abu Dhabi. His figures on this ground this season: 1/36, 2/26, 2/26, 1/24, 0/27.
  • Chahar, Bumrah, Boult and Pattinson all took two wickets vs KKR earlier this season.
  • Shubman Gill averages 61.7 in KKR wins in IPL 2020. In those wins, Pat Cummins has a powerplay economy rate of 5.2. But, Cummins’ economy rate is 9.2 in the powerplay overs of matches KKR lose. So, if MI can get on top of Cummins early, it will set the tone nicely.
  • Incredibly, MI have made just one team change all season (Ishan Kishan for Saurabh Tiwary).

Possible Playing 11

Mumbai Indians look so settled and apart from injuries, they should stick with the same XI again.

Mumbai Indians: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Ishan Kishan, 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Kieron Pollard, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Trent Boult, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Rahul Chahar, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Kolkata Knight Riders could look to bring in Lockie Ferguson to deal with MI’s superb finishing. The likes of Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya enjoy the ball pitched up, so Ferguson’s hit-the-deck style could work well.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Rahul Tripathi, 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Eoin Morgan, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Pat Cummins, 8. Lockie Ferguson/Sunil Narine, 9. Kamlesh Nagarkoti/Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Prasidh Krishna 11. Varun Chakravarthy

Abu Dhabi Pitch and Weather Report

Mumbai Indians have won four straight matches at this ground, including a 47-run vs KKR earlier this year. Most recently, they successfully chased 160+ vs the Capitals, which was an impressive effort on a pitch that is beginning to slow down. Teams batting first have enjoyed the most success in IPL 2020, so a score in the region of 170 can be a tough chase on a pitch that is expected to be a little slower.

Dream11 Prediction

IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | Weather Report | MI vs KKR Best Dream11 Prediction | MI vs KOL Best Dream11 team | KKR vs MI Dream11 team Combination | MI vs KKR Prediction
IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2 (if Tripathi opens):

IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | Weather Report | MI vs KKR Best Dream11 Prediction | MI vs KOL Best Dream11 team | KKR vs MI Dream11 team Combination | MI vs KKR Prediction
IPL 2020 Match 32: MI vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Mumbai Indians have a magnificent record vs Kolkata Knight Riders, and there is very little to suggest that this will change here. A lot will depend on how well KKR’s bowlers can limit MI’s powerful lineup, and whether KKR’s own big-hitters can outplay MI. However, MI are deservedly favourites, and look good for a win.

Thanks for reading!

Pakistani cricketer reports corrupt approach in National T20 cup

Charbel Coorey
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Pakistani cricketer reports corrupt approach in National T20 cup

Pakistani cricketer reports corrupt approach in National T20 cup | Corrupt approach in Pakistan National T20 Cup – reported by player

A Pakistani domestic cricket player has come forward and reported about being approached by suspected bookmakers during the National T20 Cup. The PCB Anti-corruption unit has started an investigation before handing over the case to the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA).

Asif Mahmood, PCB Director-Anti-corruption and Security, informed in this official statement that he has spoken to the player and complimented him for his honesty. “I have spoken with the player to compliment and thank him for following the PCB Anti-Corruption Code and reporting the approach to the anti-corruption officer. As we cannot jeopardise an ongoing investigation, it will be inappropriate for us to share any specifics of the approach. However, the PCB as a responsible member of the International Cricket Council will continue to keep the game’s administrative body abreast of the progress in investigations as part of our information-sharing approach”, he said.

ANI reports, that PCB has carried out its own probe and unearthed some sensitive information which has been forwarded to the FIA. “We are all aware that the game is at risk due to a small number of corrupters who try to entice cricketers for their personal gains and benefit,” the PCB said. “But there is also no doubt that we can collectively defeat these people if the players strictly abide by the anti-corruption protocols and continue to report approaches to the anti-corruption officers.”

This news comes as India continues its fight against corruption in cricket.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Former New Zealand captain John Reid dies due to colon cancer

Charbel Coorey
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Former New Zealand captain John Reid dies due to colon cancer

Former New Zealand cricket captain John Reid lost his battle with colon cancer. The 1959 Wisden Cricketer of the Year was considered as one of the most critically approved all-rounders. As a youth player, Reid was involved in rugby and was a strong player for the game, but after a severe bout of rheumatic fever, he had to quit that sport.

Things didn’t stop him though, as he garnered immense success in cricket. According to ICC obituary, he scored 3428 runs in 58 Test matches with an average of 33.28, hitting 22 half-centuries and six centuries in a career that spanned over 16 years. His maiden Test century, a knock of 135, came against South Africa in Cape Town in 1954.

The board tweeted out the loss, “New Zealand great John R Reid has passed away in Auckland, aged 92. Reid played 58 Tests in a 16-year long international career, scoring 3428 runs and picking up 85 wickets. He was New Zealand’s oldest surviving Test player”, ICC wrote.

Along with being a terrific batsman, Reid was also a successful captain. He was the first cricketer to lead New Zealand to a Test victory against Windies by 190 runs in Auckland in 1956. He was also the captain when New Zealand defeated South Africa in 1962 to claim their first overseas Test win.

“I was the captain who won the first three Tests for New Zealand. All records are meant to be broken, but that one you can’t break. But when we won our first Test, I had a glass of champagne for the first time. It was special, first win in 27 years. I used to tell some terrible lies – how we are going to win this one and win that one, knowing very well that we wouldn’t. I loved the game. I loved the sportsmanship”, said Reid in a conversation with Cricket Monthly back in 2009.

Richard Hadlee recalled Reid as his inspiration and called him the game-changer for the nation. Hadlee, who is another surviving all-rounder from New Zealand team told Newshub, “You talk about John Reid as the all-rounder, the game-changer, an attacking and aggressive player and they’re the type of qualities I think that inspired my type of play. You look at his first-class record particularly, he scored over 16,000 runs at a good average in the 40s… he got 466 first-class wickets with a best bowling performance of 7/20. We have lost an iconic player. A legendary player. He led by example”.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Shreyas Iyer gets injured; ‘His shoulder is moving touch wood’ informs Shikhar Dhawan

Charbel Coorey
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Shreyas Iyer gets injured; ‘His shoulder is moving touch wood’ informs Shikhar Dhawan

Though Delhi Capitals won the last match against Rajasthan Royals, the team lost their captain Shreyas Iyer after an unfortunate injury. In the process, DC reached the top of the table with 12 points in their kitty.

In the last ball of the fifth over during the second innings, Iyer dived to try to stop a boundary, and jarred his left shoulder with the ground. The DC physio Patrick Farhart ran in to check on Iyer and he looked in immense pain. The 25-year-old walked out of the Dubai International Stadium in the middle of the match. “Shreyas is in a bit of pain. We will know more tomorrow. His shoulder is moving, touch wood. I am glad that we won this game. Coming back into this was a great team effort. Quite enjoyed it. We always believed we had a chance”, said Dhawan who took over the captain’s role post this incident.

In yesterday’s match both Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer scored half centuries in the first innings. “We knew their batting is not that deep. We knew we could get into them if we got the top order. And we have got experience in the bowling. Now we have got a gun bowler in Anrich. And Tushar bowled smartly too, bowling slower balls, making them hit to the bigger boundary”, Dhawan added.

RR couldn’t chase 161 which looked like an easy target considering the batting line up of the team. Ben Stokes, who recently joined the team, scored 41 off 35 balls followed by Robin Uthappa who scored 32 in 27 balls. However, apart from these two, the batting line up collapsed. Much credit goes to Anrich Nortje too, who also became the Man of the Match for his fast and match-turning spell of 2/33.

“No idea I bowled at 156ks tonight but good to hear it. Been feeling really good so it is nice to see some results. Jis played them really well. Ja I thought I was a touch full. The first ball I didn’t expect him to go. Ja I thought it was best to stick to my strength: trying to hit the stumps and bowl fast. Maybe he was expecting something else, a short ball or something. We have got a good coach, and obviously working with KG and other fast bowlers. Tushar has been nailing the yorkers in the nets”, he said in post-match presentation.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Uncertainty roams around Under-19 Women’s World Cup

Charbel Coorey
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Uncertainty roams around Under-19 Women’s World Cup

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ICC is uncertain about the upcoming Under-19 Women’s World Cup. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, talks are underway to rescheduling the tournament. The tournament was initially dated for January 2021 in Bangladesh but looking at how things have got affected due to the pandemic, the board might postpone it to 2022.

“The ICC has been in touch with the BCB over the prevailing Covid-19 situation. However, a final decision on the Under-19 women’s World Cup will be taken only by the governing body”, Jalal Yunus, the BCB media committee chairman, told ESPNcricinfo. ICC has already postponed 2020 men’s T20 World Cup that was but to take place in Australia and 2021 women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand, both postponed until 2022.

ICC had announced Bangladesh as the host for Women’s U-19 world cup following which BCB had organized a training camp for fellow cricketers. But eventually, the pandemic took over the world and sports events too. The exact details are expected to be released by ICC in the coming months.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

September 24, 2020. KL Rahul smashes the highest score by an Indian in IPL (132), and outscores the entire opposition (109). Could such a performance be the catalyst for a better season for the underperforming franchise?

No. The fortunes of Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore have gone in completely opposite directions since that night in Dubai. KL Rahul’s KXIP have been unable to win any of their next five matches, with Rahul himself the subject of criticism regarding his strike rates, which he labelled “overrated”. On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s RCB have won four matches out of five, with their latest being one of their most impressive bowling performances in recent memory.

KXIP’s 2020 season is opposite to each of their last two campaigns, where they had a great first half only to fade away badly at the backend. So, will the second-half of the season bring greater joy for Kings XI this time? For that to happen, KXIP must handle themselves better in pressure situations, as they have thrown away three victories so far this season; their latest being an inexplicable defeat to KKR when victory looked certain. It is must-win territory for KL Rahul’s men, and the task isn’t easy as they run into the in-form genius that is Virat Kohli and “superhuman” AB de Villiers.

RCB are playing superb cricket, which has rightly given their fans belief that this could finally be their year. Washington Sundar’s economy rate is mind-blowing, and his partnership with the classy Yuzvendra Chahal provides a platform for the seamers to do their thing. And, that key seamer, Chris Morris, has had a magnificent start to life with RCB, taking 3/19 and 2/17 in his first two matches. So, can RCB do to KXIP what they did to KKR on this ground a few nights ago?

IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | Weather Report | BLR vs KXIP Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs KXIP Best Dream11 Team | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Tips | BLR vs KXIP Dream11 Team Combination | Which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11: RCB can go to 2nd place. KXIP desperately need to win.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • It looks likely that Chris Gayle will face his former franchise. Gayle has a fine record vs RCB (5 inns, 214 runs, avg. 53.50, SR 152.86), but will have to contend with what is a much-improved RCB attack this time around.
  • Eyes will be on KL Rahul. Will he drop to number three to accomodate Gayle? Will he play with greater freedom? He played with freedom against RCB earlier this season, smashing 132* off 69 balls. But, Morris and Udana have since replaced the expensive Dale Steyn and Umesh Yadav, so the challenge is there for Rahul to perform.
  • RCB captain Virat Kohli labelled AB de Villiers a “superhuman” after ABD’s 73* off 33 balls on a slow Sharjah pitch vs KKR. KXIP better watch out, as ABD has an excellent record against them (18 inns, 690 runs, avg. 57.50, SR 165.47).
  • Kohli himself has been in excellent touch, with just one dismissal in his past four games (72*, 43, 90* and 33*). He averages 28.77 in 24 innings vs KXIP, which is an area for improvement, but Kohli’s looking in good touch.
  • Mayank Agarwal has been superb in IPL 2020. Agarwal is second behind Rahul in the IPL 2020 Orange Cap race, with 337 runs at an average of 48.14. However, it is his strike rate of 158.96 that is most impressive.
  • Agarwal smashed a century in his match at Sharjah earlier in IPL 2020 (vs Royals).
  • Can Devdutt Padikkal (243 runs, avg. 34.71 in IPL 2020) and Aaron Finch (171 runs, avg. 24.42) handle Mohammed Shami’s threat in the powerplay? Shami has 10 wickets in seven games so far in IPL 2020.
  • Nicholas Pooran’s 212 runs in IPL 2020 have come at a strike rate of 176.66. Key player.
  • How good has Washington Sundar been? He has conceded runs at just 4.90 per over in a total of 22 overs so far in IPL 2020, with four wickets in his past two matches (2/16 and 2/20). He could be crucial against the left-handed Gayle up front.
  • Chris Morris has been a great addition to the RCB attack. The South African pacer has taken five wickets in his first two games, going at just 4.50 an over. Also, Morris has 13 wickets in 10 games vs KXIP.
  • The genius that is Yuzvendra Chahal has the most wickets in RCB-KXIP matches (20 in 13 games). Also, Chahal has 10 wickets in seven games in IPL 2020, and will be a threat on the slowish Sharjah track.
  • Watch out for the impressive Ravi Bishnoi. The leg-spinner has taken eight wickets in seven games in 2020, including 3/32 vs RCB earlier this season.
IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | Weather Report | BLR vs KXIP Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs KXIP Best Dream11 Team | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Tips | BLR vs KXIP Dream11 Team Combination | Which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11: Which KL Rahul will show up today?

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 25, RCB 12, KXIP 13.
    RCB’s two defeats in IPL 2020 have been heavy ones when chasing big scores (loss by 97 runs chasing 207 vs KXIP and loss by 59 runs chasing 197 vs DC). So, KXIP’s best hope looks to be batting first and getting a handy score on the board.
  • Navdeep Saini to be saved for Nicholas Pooran? Saini has dismissed Pooran three times in 23 balls, conceding just 21 runs in the process.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal needs two scalps to get to 200 wickets in T20s.
  • Washington Sundar’s economy rate of 4.90 is the best out of any bowler who has bowled a minimum of 10 overs in IPL 2020. What makes this stat all the more extraordinary is that Sundar bowls predominantly in the powerplay overs.

Possible Playing 11

RCB are looking settled, which has been a key part of their recent success. Expect them to stick with the same combination.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers (wk), 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Washington Sundar, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Mohammad Siraj, 10. Navdeep Saini, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

KXIP, on the other hand, used the joint-most number of players in the first half of the season and still don’t look settled. Chris Gayle is set to play, so it means Glenn Maxwell could miss out. KXIP could look to bring in Jimmy Neesham for Mujeeb ur Rahman for the purpose of greater batting depth. Also, Sarfaraz Khan could come in should KXIP strive for extra middle-order stability, ahead of someone like Murugan Ashwin.

Kings XI Punjab: 1. Mayank Agarwal, 2. Chris Gayle, 3. KL Rahul (c), 4. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 5. Sarfaraz Khan, 6. Mandeep Singh, 7. Chris Jordan, 8. Mujeeb ur Rahman/James Neesham, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Arshdeep Singh

Sharjah Pitch and Weather Report

The Sharjah track isn’t quite the batting belter that was the case earlier in the tournament. In fact, in the last game on this ground between RCB and KKR, players other than AB de Villiers hit 218 runs at a strike rate of 105. de Villiers himself showed his incredible talent, with 73* at a strike rate of 221. So, while the boundaries may be small, batsmen will need to find their timing as quickly as possible.

Dew may be a factor, but batting first is a big advantage in IPL 2020. So, expect the captain who wins the toss to bat first.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | Weather Report | BLR vs KXIP Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs KXIP Best Dream11 Team | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Tips | BLR vs KXIP Dream11 Team Combination | Which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | Weather Report | BLR vs KXIP Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs KXIP Best Dream11 Team | RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Tips | BLR vs KXIP Dream11 Team Combination | Which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 31: RCB vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

RCB start this match as clear favourites. The key for KXIP would be to make inroads into RCB’s top four (easier said than done), as RCB still rely quite a bit on their top order. However, RCB’s strong-performing bowling attack can hold them in good stead, and look good to get a win here.

Thanks for reading!

Justin Langer not a fan at all of split squads

Charbel Coorey
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Justin Langer not a fan at all of split squads

Justin Langer not a fan at all of split squads | Australia coach Justin Langer expresses his disapproval at two Aussie teams playing at the same time

Australian head coach Justin Langer made it quite clear that he doesn’t approve of having two sets of teams for one sport at the same time. Australia recently announced that a T20I series will take place in New Zealand from February 22 to March 7, at the same time as a Test series in South Africa, which is proposed by ICC for their Future Tour Programme.

As a result, Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings and interim CEO Nick Hockley proposed having two different sets of teams playing at the same time in different parts of the world.

“The chairman knows this, the CEO knows this really clearly – my personal opinion is I don’t like it at all,” Langer told SEN. “Not just from a coach’s point of view but also from someone who’s passionate about Australian cricket’s point of view, my personal opinion, and the chairman knows this, the CEO knows this really clearly, is I didn’t like it at all. I don’t ever want to have two Australian teams in one place, that’s my personal opinion. In this year with what’s happening with Covid, I understand there’s complexities to it. (But) we’re one country, aren’t we? We’re not two countries, and the one sport,” said Langer.

It will be the first time though that Australia would be playing with two different squads for two different formats at the same time. The coach was also concerded about the affect it will have on the Sheffield Shield season. “If you have two Australian cricket teams in this current COVID period … let’s say we’ve got to take 18 players to New Zealand, we’ve got to take 18 players to South Africa, that’s 36 players out of the backend of the Sheffield Shield competition,” he said. “So you’re taking all your best players out of the back half of the Shield competition, which we’ve always said is the best domestic competition in the world. They’re the sort of things that worry me with this. But this is a really strange season; we’re seeing it with AFL, we’re seeing it with NRL, but I certainly would never like to see it be a permanent fixture,” Langer said.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

CSA: England tour is very crucial for finances

Charbel Coorey
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CSA: England tour is very crucial for finances

CSA: England tour is very crucial for finances | Cricket South Africa make public plea to allow men’s and women’s teams to return to cricket

Post Covid-19, alot of cricket boards have expressed the uncertainty that has surrounded the game and the financial impact that it had. Recently, Cricket South Africa (CSA) made a public plea to allow national men’s and women’s team return to the pitch for the betterment fo the board. Reportedly, the board had four long meetings with parliament member on sports, art and culture where in the CSA said that the upcoming England tour is very crucial for organisation’s finances.

According to reports in ESPNCricinfo, Dheven Dharmalingam, one of CSA’s independent board members, said if the country doesn’t start playing cricket, the organisation will be in trouble. He also stressed that the income from those tours would help sustain cricket at the grassroots level as 40% of CSA’s revenue goes to development.

On the other end, AFP reported that Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa is unhappy with the way the organisation is handling the game. It has asked ICC to give ‘solid reasons’ for why he can’t intervene the management of CSA. On the other end, this puts the ODI series that was supposed to be held in November and December in doubt which eventually affects the board’s financial condition.

According to the reports in Reuters, “Efforts have been made over several months to try and assist CSA to stabilise its governance matters. This, after a huge outcry regarding the failure of its leadership to effectively manage its affairs. Minister Mthethwa strongly believes that there is great merit in creating an environment where sports problems are handled within the sports movement and accordingly wishes to offer them every possible opportunity to demonstrate their stated commitment to cooperate on a way forward for cricket”, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

CSK and its uncharacteristic problems in IPL 2020

Sarthak Karkhanis
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CSK and its uncharacteristic problems in IPL 2020

CSK and its uncharacteristic problems in IPL 2020 | Dissecting Chennai Super Kings’ problems so far in Indian Premier League 2020

We are just past halfway through the league stage of the Indian Premier League 2020 and there are few certainties as well as uncertainties that have panned out in the 29 matches so far. The Mumbai Indians lead the points table with 10 points in 7 games and are tied with the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore on points. But, the defending champions are ahead on the Net Run Rate parameter.

As unusual as the events in the year 2020 have been, another one which adds to the list is that the Chennai Super Kings, consistently languishing in the bottom half of the points table so far in the tournament. The franchise has been facing uncharacteristic issues in this edition of the IPL. Let’s have a glance through them and what could be the possible remedies.

Chasing problems

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CSK have tried hard with the ball, but their chasing has been poor.

The Chennai Super Kings chased in all their first seven games and the results were not pleasing. The middle-order, which has historically been one of CSK’s biggest strengths, has failed to take responsibility so far. The two wins so far have been possible due to the contribution of the top order. In the first game of the tournament, Ambati Rayudu and Faf Du Plessis scored 71 off 48 balls and 58 off 44 balls respectively to guide CSK to a comfortable victory over the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Against KXIP, the openers cruised to a 10 wicket win and the middle didn’t come in the picture.

In the other games, however, the approach of the team in the middle overs has been questionable. In 4 out of the 5 failed chases, CSK’ required run rate was past 12 RPO at the halfway mark and we are still to figure out the chase against KKR where Jadhav played perfect front-foot defence and denied singles to Jadeja as they failed to chase 168 after being 90-1 at the halfway mark.

Their run rate in the middle overs has been the worst in IPL 2020 with just 7.57 runs per over and that has been the prime reason why the chases have derailed so far.

In the history of the IPL, CSK has the best win percentage while chasing (among teams who have played more than two seasons). The 3-time champions have won 51 chases in 81 matches having a win percentage of 62.96.

This year though, it will be interesting to see whether CSK opt to bat first in the latter half of the tournament and are more comfortable while batting first. This was the case in their latest game against SRH, where they picked up a much-needed win.

Dhoni

One player’s form which is synonymous with CSK’s form has been MS Dhoni. There have been frequent occasions in the past, especially the last season when CSK has been rescued by an act of brilliance by the skipper. For instance in the 2019 season, Dhoni, with 416 runs at a strike rate of 134, was CSK’s best batsman and the franchise looked out of sorts when Dhoni was injured in a couple of games last season. They lost to MI at Chepauk and SRH at Hyderabad.

MSD has made 133 runs in seven innings and has not been anywhere close to his best so far. MS Dhoni’s form has never been a concern for the Super Kings and he will be crucial if they hope to turn around their fortunes in the second-half of the tournament.

Jadhav

CSK and its uncharacteristic problems in IPL 2020: Kedar Jadhav has really struggled.

Kedar Jadhav played the first six matches of the tourney for CSK and his scores were:

  • 22 off 16 balls vs RR
  • 26 off 21 balls vs DC
  • 3 off 10 balls vs SRH
  • 7 off 12 balls vs KKR

It is no coincidence that all of Jadhav’s innings have come in losses and the matches where he played but didn’t bat resulted in a victory for the Super Kings. Jadhav has been subject to a lot of criticism and was dropped for the seventh game against RCB.

But his replacement Jagadeeshan was not significantly better as he scored 33 off 38 balls. Did CSK choose the right replacement for Jadhav? They decided no, as they dropped Jagadeeshan next game, promoting Sam Curran to opener. It worked a charm, with Curran striking 31 off 21 balls vs SRH. So, as Stephen Fleming has mentioned, CSK could continue with this approach.

In the past, CSK has out of the hole and has been part of amazing turnarounds. If there is one man who can clean up the mess as soon as possible and make this side reach the latter stages, it is one and only one MS DHONI. If CSK change their approach, which they have already started to do, they still are contenders to make the playoffs.

Starts inputs from: The Cricket Panda and @_sudheesh

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

Sam Curran is a complete cricketer: MS Dhoni

Charbel Coorey
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Sam Curran is a complete cricketer: MS Dhoni

Sam Curran is a complete cricketer: MS Dhoni | MS Dhoni full of praise for all-rounder Sam Curran | CSK News | Chennai Super Kings News

Chennai Super King’s ‘Dad’s army’ has always been proud of its experienced squad. However, in IPL 2020 the team is heavily relying on one young player who has now got the Captain’s nod too. After yesterday’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, MS Dhoni called Sam Curran a complete cricketer. Whether it is with his bowling or batting, the 22-year-old all-rounder sets the tone correct for the Yellow Army. After winning the toss, Curran came out to bat with Faf du Plessis as an opening batsman and hit 31 runs off 21 balls in the powerplay overs, which set the momentum right for the team.

Sam Curran’s induction into CSK came as a pleasant surprise for the yellow army fans, though coach Stephen Fleming jokes about calling youngsters in CSK as an ‘oxymoron’. “Curran is a complete cricketer for us and you need that seaming allrounder. He strikes the ball nicely, he can bat up the order, he plays spinners well. He can give us those 15-45 runs if you need momentum. I feel as the tournament progresses, he’ll get even more comfortable with death bowling. That’s one of the reasons we kept him away at the death”, Dhoni said in the post-match chat.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat first also helped the team. CSK had pushed Watson down and brought back Curran on the top as he was not getting much balls in the previous matches. Bravo also mentioned how it was a point of discussion among the team members, “We had a different game plan, Sam Curran up the order. It worked and we’re happy. The slower pitch didn’t really mean much [to us] honestly, both teams have to play on it. Few years ago I played at Surrey and had both Curran brothers under my wings. We had a discussion – Sam’s not getting much balls, Jadeja and me, why not send one up? It worked out nicely”, he said.

Sam’s work with the bat has added much more depth in the batting order of CSK and if he keeps doing such splended cameos then it would release some pressure from the middle order which is also their weak point. Fleming also mentioned that he might open for CSK in the coming matches. “In terms of his contribution so far, he has exceeded, I think, [in delivering] what we wanted,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference. “Probably not in his eyes because he’s very competitive. And every time he has had a challenge, he has risen to it. He has been desperate to get in and make a difference with the bat. And I think we saw a glimpse today of what he can potentially do for us in the future. He’s a very good addition for us.”

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

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