Moments of The Day: Rayudu’s Hitting & Pollard’s Epic All-Round Show
Here are my moments of today:
Faf du Plessis-Moeen Ali’s consistency at the top drives CSK. After Ruturaj departed for 4, onus was on Faf-Moeen to repeat what they have done all-tournament, and they did not disappoint. Aggressive 108 partnership in 61 balls, with both amassing fifties set the tone for the carnage to follow.
Ambati Rayudu’s free-flowing nature gets CSK past 200. Rayudu’s career has perhaps been the greatest Broken Dream in recent Indian cricket. At an ODI overage of 47.05 with 3 centuries & 10 fifties, it is a shame he only played 55 ODIs and was dropped at the eve of the 2019 World Cup. 2004 India U-19 member, in-and-out of the international team, run-ins with the management, the Indian Cricket League stint—he has seen it all, but this innings was the most fluent I have ever seen him play. He had a really good IPL as an opener a couple of seasons back, and this 72* (27) in the middle order showed his versatility. 7 sixes, 4 fours, 102* (49) partnership where ‘finisher’ Jadeja ended with 22* (22). Brilliant.
Pollard can do no wrong. When Faf & Moeen were galloping along, Pollard was given the ball in the 11th over. He delivered right away with medium-pace dibbly-dobblies, taking back-to-back wickets of du Plessis & Suresh Raina. When Pollard came in to bat, Mumbai Indians still needed 138 in 62 balls. After getting an eye in, he was just 3 (5). In came Jadeja, Pollard smashed 3 sixes in 4 balls and never looked back.
Definitely one of the best IPL all-round shows of all-time.
Honorable Mention: Hardik Pandya’s cameo with back-to-back sixes brings MI closer; Sam Curran almost brings CSK back into the game with yorkers at the death; Quinton de Kock-Rohit Sharma set 71-run opening partnership for MI
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Du Plessis Drops Catch, What?
There are two ways at looking at this game: 1. Brilliant game between the two best sides of the IPL that added another classic to its memories; 2. Good game, but CSK’s faults gave Pollard and co enough opportunity to bounce back. Here are chances CSK gave away.
Sam Curran has just delivered a 2-run/wicket over in the 17th and Chennai are back in it. Shardul Thakur gives up a couple of boundaries but CSK hold the upper-hand with 34 needed in 14. Thakur bowls, Pollard swipes, Faf runs in and drops it. Straight through his fingers.2 runs taken. Pollard still alive. The game changing moment.
Shardul Thakur & Lungi Ngidi’s expensive figures gives MI the advantage. Thakur finished with 4-0-56-1 while Ngidi ended with 4-0-62-0, including the full-toss filled last over.
Why did the field not come in with 2 needed in 1 ball?Usually in a close game, some time is taken and field is brought it before the last ball, but completely opposite in this case. Would not have mattered given how Pollard was batting, but this was just too easy for him.
Suresh Raina’s IPL is going downhill after the 54 in the opening game. He has scored 69 runs at 17.25 in the other 5 matches he had a bat.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 380 runs (PBKS, 8 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Delhi Capitals
8
6
2
0
12
+0.547
2. Chennai Super Kings
7
5
2
0
10
+1.263
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
7
5
2
0
10
-0.171
4. Mumbai Indians
7
4
3
0
8
+ 0.062
5. Rajasthan Royals
7
3
4
0
6
-0.190
6. Punjab Kings
8
3
5
0
6
-0.368
7. Kolkata Knight Riders
7
2
5
0
4
-0.494
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
7
1
6
0
2
-0.623
IPL 2021 Points Table
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Moments of The Day: What can Harpreet Brar not do?
Here are my moments of today:
KL Rahul is the poster-child of Bangalore. At PBKS, he has Mayank Agarwal, his best friend, as his opening partner. Add coach Anil Kumble & ex-RCB Chris Gayle to that list. He debuted for RCB in 2013 before moving to Punjab in 2018. Last year, he scored 132* against RCB and 91* today. An array of shots today, with a few scoops at the end as well. He has not been dismissed by them in the last couple of years. Basically, he loves RCB & Bangalore, whether that is for them or against them.
Chris Gayle produced his second match-winning knock of the season. Five fours in an over against Kyle Jamieson raised the momentum, which put Punjab’s run-rate in second gear. Ended with 46 (24) with 2 sixes.
Harpreet Brar was the star of the show. After Gayle’s storm, a mini-collapse took place. 118-5 in 14.4 overs. Harpreet Brar rebuilt and provided KL Rahul with much-needed support on the other end. At the end, he took finishing in his own hands with a quickfire 25* (17) with 2 sixes. The last ball six sent the dugout with the momentum they needed to inflict the damage with the ball.
Harpreet Brar, the bowler—Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers. Bowled, bowled, caught. Double-wicket maiden. And a catch as well. Combined figures of Brar & Bishnoi: 8-1-36-3. Wow. Just Wow.
Honorable Mention: Ravi Bishnoi takes another blinder; Prabhsimran Singh’s shows intent; Glenn’s Maxwell stunned reaction; Meredith’s bowled
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Rajat Patidar & Virat Kohli
In a 9 an over required-rate, Kohli’s 35 (34) & Patidar’s 31 (30) was not up to par. Even AB De Villiers cannot rescue the team with a partnership worth 43 (46).
Harshal Patel is the purple cap of the season and had taken 17 wickets in 6 games. At this rate, he would be the highest wicket-taker in a season. Until this game, the 37-run Jadeja over was the only blot to his name. Today, the death bowling was not accurate and he conceded 53 runs without taking a wicket. Made it up with 31* (13). Helped RCB’s NRR by taking them from 96-7 to 145-8 with Kyle Jamieson’s help.
Cannot End this without Nicholas’ ‘Poor-Run.’ He has now bagged 0 (0), 0(1), 0(2), and 0(3). Quite a collection. Nicholas Pooran & his ducks:
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
KL Rahul – 331 runs (PBKS, 7 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings
7
5
2
0
10
+1.263
2. Delhi Capitals
7
5
2
0
10
+0.466
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
7
5
2
0
10
-0.171
4. Mumbai Indians
7
4
3
0
8
+ 0.062
5. Punjab Kings
7
3
4
0
6
-0.264
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
7
2
5
0
4
-0.494
7. Rajasthan Royals
6
2
4
0
4
-0.69
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
6
1
5
0
2
-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
KKR Vs DC– IPL 2021 Match #25 Quick Review! Prithvi Shaw’s assault sets KKR aside. Russell was the only positive, but harsh words from Brendon McCullum at the end.
Moments of The Day: SHAW, SHAW, SHAW. SHAW. SHAW. SHAW.
Here are my moments of today:
Wide, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4. Straight. Lofted. Inside-out. Over-midwicket. Backward Point. Cover. Prithvi Shaw’s consecutive fours were the highlightof the match. Unfortunate Shivam Mavi was on the receiving end, who followed his 1/13 4-over-spell against Punjab Kings with 1-0-25-0 against DC.
When Shubman Gill exited, KKR were reeling at 82-5 in 13 overs. Dinesh Karthik hit a couple of boundaries, but it was birthday boy Andre Russell’s 45* with 4 sixes that propelled KKR to a respectable total. This is his third cameo in 7 games, apart from his 5-fer. Already has had a better IPL than last year.
Pat Cummins took all the wickets of DC’s innings, but it was too little, too late. Shikhar Dhawan fell on 132 in the 14th over, by which time the game was gone. Questions on Eoin Morgan’s captaincy—why was Pat Cummins the 5th bowler? After Mavi, Varun, Prasidh Krishna, and Narine had bowled?
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Brendon McCullum’s Press Conference
Brendon McCullum had some harsh words for his squad after the match. He had high praise for Prithvi Shaw & Andre Russell and gave some signals for future KKR games. “If you can’t change a man, change the man.”
While Shaw’s form has hit the roof since the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shubman Gill’s form has nosedived. After his 91 in Australia, Gill’s scores read: (England Tests) 0 & 14, 11 & 15*, 0, (IPL) 15, 33, 21, 0, 11, 9, 43 (38). When he has scored, it is not quite fast enough. With Nitish Rana & Rahul Tripathi struggling for consistency, KKR just do not have the firepower at the top. Tim Seifert needs to inject the aggression at the top.
Sunil Narine has had a wonderful IPL career with KKR and has bowled decently this year, but his batting is just not good enough. Eoin Morgan is not doing that well either (duck today).
Time for SRH-inspired captaincy (SRH dumped Warner) and replace Narine/Morgan with Seifert & Lockie Ferguson. Last season, Karthik relinquished captaincy to Eoin Morgan after 7 games, and KKR has had a history of captaincy issues….so once more the charm.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
KL Rahul – 331 runs (PBKS, 7 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings
7
5
2
0
10
+1.263
2. Delhi Capitals
7
5
2
0
10
+0.466
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
7
5
2
0
10
-0.171
4. Mumbai Indians
7
4
3
0
8
+ 0.062
5. Punjab Kings
7
3
4
0
6
-0.264
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
7
2
5
0
4
-0.494
7. Rajasthan Royals
6
2
4
0
4
-0.69
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
6
1
5
0
2
-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Moments of The Day: Several Starts for RR but Just Not Enough
Here are my moments of today:
Buttler-Jaiswal working well for RR: Although Buttler has not quite looked his usual self, he is still providing the runs. Jaiswal’s selection has been inspiring after the Manan Vohra experiment. Today he scored 32 (20) with 2 sixes & Buttler scored 41 (32) with 3 sixes to set the platform for RR. At the halfway stage, RR were 91/2.
Lack of Conversion stalls Rajasthan’s progress: RR’s scorecard reads 41, 32, 42, 35, yet nobody converted to a big one. Wickets at regular intervals and slow finishing lead RR to a par score of 171/4. Miller & Parag played 4 & 7 balls respectively, while Tewatia & Morris just sat in the dugout. That was the game.
Faith in Quinton de Kock Pays Off: With 47 runs in 4 previous games (including 2, 2, & 3), questions were rising on his place & Chris Lynn’s exclusion. He came back with a match-winning knock of 70*(50). Krunal Pandya with a handy contribution of 39* as well.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Dube’s Strike Rate Under the Scanner
Shivam Dube has played his part in IPL 2021, providing crucial partnerships & building partnerships at #4. Yet, his 35 (31) including 2 sixes hampered RR’s momentum. With Rassie van der Dussen set to join the Royals soon, Dube should be pushed down the order.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
KL Rahul – 331 runs (PBKS, 7 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 7 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings
6
5
1
0
10
+1.475
2. Delhi Capitals
7
5
2
0
10
+0.466
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
7
5
2
0
10
-0.171
4. Mumbai Indians
6
3
3
0
6
+ 0.071
5. Punjab Kings
7
3
4
0
6
-0.264
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
7
2
5
0
4
-0.494
7. Rajasthan Royals
6
2
4
0
4
-0.69
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
6
1
5
0
2
-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Moments of The Day: Positive Faf-Gaikwad Shine Light On Warner-Pandey’s Conservative Approach
Here are my moments of today:
David Warner & Manish Pandey once SRH’s strength are now the weakness. For once we will not be talking about Manish Pandey’s slow going. After being dropped from the SRH XI, he came back with a relatively positive 35-ball 50. On the other hand, sluggish 57 (55) by David Warner was the difference between the two sides. In his own words, “I batted slow…I take full responsibility…I took too many balls.” At the end of the day, a 106 (87) partnership should not be losing you too many games.
Kane Williamson’s finishing skills comes to the forefront. After SRH’s slow approach, Williamson began his famous rescue act. With four 4s & one six, he ended up with 26*(10) and received some good support from Kedar Jadhav, who hit 12* (4) with one six. 37 runs were scored in the last 13 balls to lift SRH to 171, but unfortunately it was too little, too late.
Ruturaj Gaikwad & Faf du Plessis are key to CSK’s revival. Gaikwad now has had 6 innings of note in his short IPL career. He was going neck and neck with Faf at one point, but when the spin duo Suchith-Rashid arrived, Gaikwad went berserk, ending with a score of 75 including 12 classic fours. Faf is enjoying a second wind after retiring from Test cricket and relieving South African captaincy. Mr. Ultra Consistent, he has been diving around the field and has now become the Orange Cap holder in IPL 2021. With scores of 0, 36*, 33, 95*, 50, 56, Faf just keeps on getting better.
Highlight of the Day
The best part of their fifties was the celebration from the dugout. Everyone stood up with Robin Uthappa (who may not get a game if Gaikwad keeps on going well) clapping with a smile and the best of the lot – whistles from Deepak Chahar. CSK’s team spirit is growing game by game and are slowly approaching unstoppable status.
Honorable Mention: Rashid Khan expensive but among the wickets; Lungi Ngidi’s 2 wickets; Faf’s catch & boundary riding
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Sunrisers Hyderabad Bench
While Pandey & Warner were stitching singles in the middle overs, I could not help but wonder how Jason Roy, Mohammad Nabi, & Jason Holder would go about in the situation. In my pre-tournament previews, I had SRH in my top 4 due to their flexibility and bench strength. Yet, they have not been able to figure out their balance. It is time that Warner rests himself for a couple of games, Williamson take on the captaincy mantle, & SRH unleashes the Roy-Bairstow opening combination.
In the last game, Warner implied that he did not know why Pandey was dropped for Virat Singh, and today he questioned Williamson’s #4 position.
David Warner’s post-match conferences are suddenly being scrutinized. Cryptic for sure. Is there a power struggle in SRH’s dugout? Who is making all the decisions?
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan has been dethroned! Faf du Plessis up at the top now.
Faf du Plessis – 270 runs (CSK, 6 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 6 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Chennai Super Kings
6
5
1
0
10
+1.475
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore
6
5
1
0
10
+0.089
3. Delhi Capitals
6
4
2
0
8
+ 0.269
4. Mumbai Indians
5
2
3
0
4
-0.032
5. Kolkata Knight Riders
6
2
4
0
4
-0.305
6. Punjab Kings
6
2
4
0
4
-0.608
7. Rajasthan Royals
5
2
3
0
4
-0.681
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
6
1
5
0
2
-0.264
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
Mumbai Indians take on Rajasthan Royalsand Kolkata Knight Riders take on Delhi Capitals in double header day.
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
RCB Vs DC – IPL 2021 Match #22 Quick Review! Ishant-Avesh’s spell, AB de Villiers’ 75*, Pant’s struggle, Kohli’s captaincy, Harshal-Siraj at the day, and Hetmyer’s blitz were some of the highlights of the day.
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
AB de Villiers already has scores of 48, 76*, and 75* in the six innings in IPL 2021 and yet, he has only finished games so far. Coming in at 60-3 in 8.3 overs, he stitched a partnership with Rajat Patidar, who scored an attacking 31*(22). Final over, DC took a gamble with Marcus Stoinis, and ABD launched him to all parks for a 23-run over. That was the difference between the two sides. Imagine what if he bats at #3 instead of #5?
When Stoinis departed, DC were struggling at 92/4 in 12.4 overs. In came Shimron Hetmyer, hit 4 sixes (including 21 in an over to Kyle Jamieson) and changed the game. It is a pity that he did not face the last few deliveries. Who knows, the result may have been different had he been on strike. Helped DC’s net-run-rate though.
Mohammad Siraj & Harshal Patel gave a combined 81 runs in 8 overs, but their impact was much more valuable. Harshal has been the most impressive bowler of IPL 2021 (barring the 37-run Ravindra Jadeja over) and took Shaw’s wicket right away today. Siraj’s ball to get rid of Steven Smith was a gem as well. After Hetmyer’s 21-run assault, DC only needed 23 in 2 overs. Harshal’s slower deliveries and Siraj’s yorkers sealed the game for RCB by 1-run.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Rishabh Pant Struggles
Rishabh Pant has had a glorious few months in international cricket, solidifying his place in the Indian team and becoming DC’s captain after Shreyas Iyer’s injury. Today was the first day that everything Pant touched did not turn to gold. Although Pant held the innings together, he could not take them home. Usually if he stays till the end, you would say DC wins. He ended with 58* (48), which included 2 fours of the last over. At one point, Pant was 41 (40), while Hetmyer moved to 47 (21).
No worries though. Expect Pant to learn from this and bounce back quickly.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 265 runs (DC, 6 matches)
Harshal Patel – 17 wickets (RCB, 6 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
6
5
1
0
10
+0.089
2. Chennai Super Kings
5
4
1
0
8
+ 1.612
3. Delhi Capitals
6
4
2
0
8
+ 0.269
4. Mumbai Indians
5
2
3
0
4
-0.032
5. Kolkata Knight Riders
6
2
4
0
4
-0.305
6. Punjab Kings
6
2
4
0
4
-0.608
7. Rajasthan Royals
5
2
3
0
4
-0.681
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
5
1
4
0
2
-0.18
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
Chennai Super Kings take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, battle of two extremes (#2 Vs #8).
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
