(Cricket news)If MI defeated RR, PBKS defeated CSK in Chennai, the home of the latter, and gained two crucial points as the gridlock in the middle of the table persisted.
Surykumar Yadav’s return to form against Rajasthan Royals was the biggest plus for Mumbai. With his ferocious fifty against RR, the vice-captain delivered a message and warned the opponents.
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif emphasised that despite a disappointing performance in the early half of the competition, Mumbai Indians never doubted SKY’s potential and skills, and the Mumbaikar has begun making amends.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, “Mumbai Indians always had faith in Suryakumar Yadav. They have been backing him right from the start and no one had an iota of doubt over his talent and capability. With his knock against RR, he’s proven his worth. SKY has once again proved why he’s rated so highly as a batter. These are good signs for Mumbai Indians.”
The third-place Lucknow Super Giants take on the fourth-place Chennai Super Kings in a matchup that could potentially send the winner to the top of the standings. Imran Tahir, a former South African cricketer, emphasised the benefit that LSG will have by playing Dhoni and his team at home.
Speaking on Star Sports ‘Cricket Live’, Imran Tahir said “The Lucknow team is different at home and away from home. It becomes very strong in the house as the conditions suit it. Lucknow will have to take advantage of home matches as they have to play their next match at home against CSK, which is a tough team”
Imran Tahir also spoke on how MS Dhoni is nurturing the talent of the youngsters in the CSK squad and bringing out the best in the team, he said “CSK is going through a transition phase. MS Dhoni is preparing CSK for the future, he’s nurturing young talents like Shivam Dube, Akash Singh, Tushar Deshpande, etc. for Indian cricket. The best thing about Dhoni is that he’s very approachable in the dressing room and at the hotel, and that is the reason why players flourish at CSK.”
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 runs on Tuesday by preventing them from chasing down a paltry 130. The DC bowlers, in particular Ishant Sharma, deserve praise for their team’s spirit-lifting victory. In yet another TATA IPL low-scoring thriller, the veteran India pacer used his in-game expertise to stop GT from reaching the finish line.
Mohammed Kaif, a former cricketer for India, praised Ishant Sharma for his skillful use of the knuckle balls against hot GT batsmen.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, “Ishant Sharma once again proved experience can’t be bought in the market. He used the slower ones beautifully and tricked Rahul Tewatia with his knuckleball. He made full use of his experience and the knuckle balls he used in the death overs, were simply brilliant.”
Irfan Pathan, a former cricketer for India, agreed with Kaif’s view and praised Ishant for tricking GT hitters with his variation and dubbed Rahul Tewatia’s dismissal as one of the best deliveries of the competition.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “Keeping a batter like Rahul Tewatia silent, Ishant once again proved his mettle. Ishant used the knuckle balls to perfection. It was the use of deception with action, pace, and variation at its very best. It was one of the best deliveries you’ll ever see.”
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