The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has confirmed the departure plans for Indian team players not qualifying for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. These players will leave in two groups for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
Shah stated that players from teams not making the IPL playoffs will depart on May 24 along with the coaching staff. The remaining players will leave after the IPL final on May 26.
Regarding the last league games, Shah emphasized that players from non-qualifying teams will not be rested. He highlighted the importance of the IPL as an opportunity for players to refine their T20 skills. “”Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma played brilliantly the other day. If [Jasprit] Bumrah bowls to Head, it’s a perfect practice opportunity,” Shah noted at the BCCI headquarters, per ESPNcricinfo.
Shah also provided an update on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who is likely out of the ongoing IPL 2024 due to injury. Mayank, known for his impressive speed exceeding 150 kmph, suffered an abdominal strain three games into his IPL debut season against the Gujarat Titans on April 7. He will be under BCCI supervision as he recovers.
The BCCI has awarded Mayank the newly established fast bowlers’ central contract, alongside other rising pace bowlers such as Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. These bowlers will be monitored year-round by the NCA medical staff.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that the top six teams in the ongoing IPL 2024 have a chance to make it into the playoffs. Speaking to reporters, Ganguly noted that this situation is not uncommon in the IPL, where the competition remains open towards the business end of the tournament. He stressed that the next 10 days will be crucial for these teams.
Currently, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the top four teams in the IPL 2024 standings. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are in fifth and sixth place, respectively. Ganguly, who serves as the Director of Cricket for the Delhi-based franchise, emphasized India’s central role in the world of cricket, pointing out the massive interest and demand for the game.
In another development, former South African cricketer AB De Villiers commented on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy style, describing it as “ego-driven, chest out.” De Villiers suggested that this approach might not resonate with experienced players, although it has worked with younger teams like Gujarat Titans. He urged Pandya to remain calm and provide strategic input during matches.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians became the first team eliminated from the ongoing IPL, sitting in eighth place with four wins from 12 games.
After a recent 60-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli spoke about taking more risks with his batting and focusing on the quality of his game over mere run accumulation. Kohli, who scored 92 runs in the match, emphasized the importance of honest self-assessment and maintaining confidence.
PBKS chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the same match. Despite early setbacks, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar steadied the innings with significant contributions, leading RCB to a formidable total. The PBKS batting lineup, despite some notable performances, failed to chase down the target, resulting in a comprehensive win for RCB. Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
