Tag: rcb

  • Rohit Sharma Going To RCB? AB de Villiers Says THIS Ahead Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction | cricket news

    The buzz around Indian cricket is getting louder with each passing day as rumors swirl about Rohit Sharma’s potential shift from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Having led MI to a record five IPL titles, Rohit is synonymous with the team’s unprecedented success. However, a recent dip in form and his reported axing as captain have given rise to speculations that he might don the red and black of RCB next season.

    While fans remain divided, cricketing legend AB de Villiers weighed in on this hot topic, setting the cricketing world alight with his bold statements during a YouTube Q&A session.

    Also Read: Meet Jasmin Walia: Hardik Pandya’s Rumored Girlfriend & Rising British Singer – In Pics

    AB de Villiers on Rohit’s Move: “Bigger Than Hardik’s Return”

    During the session, AB de Villiers, a long-time RCB stalwart, humorously addressed the possibility of Rohit Sharma making the jump to RCB, stating that it would be one of the biggest stories in IPL history. “If Rohit moves from Mumbai to RCB, that would be huge, much bigger than Hardik Pandya’s return to MI,” said de Villiers. His comparison to Hardik Pandya’s return, which created significant headlines when he rejoined MI after a stint with Gujarat Titans, underlines just how massive this shift could be.

    De Villiers’ playful tone resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to imagine what it would be like to see two of India’s most iconic cricketers—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—batting for the same franchise. Such a move would undoubtedly create ripples in the cricketing world and give RCB fans new hope of breaking their IPL title drought.

    Rohit Sharma’s Legacy at MI: A Chapter Ending?

    Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been at the core of Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the IPL. Since taking over the captaincy in 2013, Rohit has transformed MI into a powerhouse, guiding them to five IPL championships—the most by any team in the league’s history. Yet, despite his success, MI’s poor showing in the 2024 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table, raised questions about the team’s direction. With Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit as MI captain ahead of the season, discontent brewed among the fans, many of whom have been ardent supporters of Rohit for years.

    As a seasoned sports journalist, it’s important to highlight the key reasons behind the potential move. MI’s leadership transition has been a topic of heated debate, with several former cricketers suggesting that the franchise could be moving towards a rebuild, seeking younger players and fresher strategies. Hardik Pandya’s appointment as captain and his close relationship with head coach Mark Boucher have only added to the speculation about Rohit’s future with MI.

    De Villiers Doubts the Move Will Happen

    Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of Rohit Sharma moving to RCB, AB de Villiers made it clear that he finds the scenario highly unlikely. “I don’t see a possibility of MI leaving Rohit. I will give that zero or 0.1 percent chance,” said the former South African star. His sentiment echoes the thoughts of many MI fans, who can’t fathom a future without Rohit as part of their team.

    However, de Villiers did acknowledge that IPL is unpredictable, and anything could happen ahead of the 2025 mega auction. With MI in a transitional phase and RCB always in search of a title-winning combination, the possibility of an unexpected twist cannot be entirely ruled out.

    What Would Rohit’s Move Mean for RCB?

    If Rohit were to move to RCB, it would be one of the most significant transfers in IPL history. His experience, leadership skills, and batting prowess could provide RCB with the stability they’ve long sought. Paired with Virat Kohli, the duo could form one of the most formidable batting partnerships in the league, potentially altering RCB’s fortunes in their quest for their maiden IPL title.

    For Rohit, a move to RCB would also mean entering a new chapter of his career, where he would be tasked with leading a team that has consistently struggled to live up to its potential. The opportunity to guide RCB to its first title might just be the challenge Rohit needs to reinvigorate his career.

  • IPL 2024: Ambati Rayudu’s savage reminder to RCB after playoff heartbreak | Cricket News

    As the curtains fell on Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2024 campaign, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu didn’t hold back in reminding them where true glory lies. In a savage Instagram post, Rayudu took a playful jab at RCB’s playoff exit, sharing a video of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) players celebrating their fifth IPL title triumph with a cheeky caption: “Just a gentle reminder from the 5-time champions . Sometimes a gentle reminder is required.”

    Ambati Rayudu’s Instagram post. pic.twitter.com/fsMQloTyyI — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 23, 2024

    Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Qualifier 2 IPL 2024 LIVE Streaming Details: Timings, Telecast Date, When And Where To Watch SRH vs RR Qualifier 2 In India Online And On TV Channel?

    Showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium

    The drama unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where RCB locked horns with the Rajasthan Royals in a do-or-die Eliminator clash. Despite entering the match on the back of a six-game winning streak, the Bengaluru-based franchise faltered when it mattered most.

    Batting Woes Haunt RCB

    After being put in to bat first, RCB’s batters failed to construct a commanding total. Virat Kohli (34), Rajat Patidar (33), and Mahipal Lomror (31) got starts but couldn’t convert them into substantial scores. RCB eventually mustered 172/8 from their 20 overs, a target that proved inadequate against the resilient Royals.

    Rayudu’s Cheeky Reminder

    As RCB’s dream of clinching their maiden IPL title shattered, Rayudu seized the opportunity to remind them of CSK’s sustained dominance. His Instagram post, featuring CSK’s title-winning celebrations, served as a subtle jibe, implying that true greatness lies in consistent performances and trophy-winning pedigree.

    Rayudu’s Words Cut Deep

    Rayudu’s comments during a post-match show further rubbed salt into RCB’s wounds. “If you talk about RCB today, it shows that only passion and aggressive celebrations don’t win you trophies. You need to plan. You didn’t get the IPL trophy just by reaching the playoffs. You have to play with the same hunger ,” he remarked.

    Targeting RCB’s lack of Indian talent

    Not one to mince words, Rayudu also criticized RCB’s over-reliance on foreign recruits, suggesting they lack faith in Indian talent. “They need to show more faith in Indians, especially in Indian talent. I don’t think in the past 16 years any Indian batter apart from Virat Kohli has scored more than 1000 runs, and Virat is at 8000. That shows that you don ‘t have any confidence in Indian talent,” he added.

  • As RCB crash out of IPL 2024, Virat Kohli’s tendency to fail in knockouts is huge worry for India in T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    It has happened again. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have crashed out of IPL 2024. If you are an RCB fan, you must be very upset or agitated right now. You have seen it before and you are seeing it now. You have every right to feel rejected. While the players must not get trolled and hated online, the correct questions should be asked. First and foremost to Virat Kohli, who is the oldest face in this franchise, playing for them since 2008. RCB just doesn’t seem to have the stomach for fight in the playoffs. They cannot cross the last few milestones.

    Virat had a great season for them. He was one of the main reasons why RCB bounced back after winning six games on the trot. He says he does not listen to his criticism of batting strike rate but one saw how he employed sweep shots to good use to ensure runs came at good a pace. His strike rate in most of the matches at the latter stage of the tournament was over 200 which is a good sign for India as well. Having said that, Virat’s habit of not scoring enough runs in the knockouts of the big tournaments is still a big issue, both for RCB and India.

    India have lost several semifinals and finals since 2013. RCB have made it to the playoffs and finals as well under his captaincy or when he played but Virat has been a poor performer in these crucial matches. What happens to him in playoffs is still an unsolved mystery.

    Virat scored 33 off 24 balls but was done in Yuzvendra Chahal. On a track that required him to bat longer and deep, he lost his wicket in just the 8th over of the innings. RCB have now lost 10 matches in IPL playoffs, which is most by any team. That sort of concludes RCB and also Virat’s struggles.

    RCB’s top-order required to bat well on a track that was not so poor to bat on as the Bengaluru team made it look like. Faf du Plessis, Virat, Cameron Green and Rajat Patidar, who comprise the top four, failed to get starts or convert the starts into something substantial.

    IPL is a thing of past now for Kohli. He shifts focus on the T20 World Cup 2024. The good thing is that he is looking to score with a better strike rate. He may or may not open for India at the mega event in USA and West Indies. But he is surely batting in the top 3. The Indian team would have taken a huge dose of confidence if Virat had led the team to an IPL victory with his brilliant performances in the playoffs and the final. It could have ended his series of failures in the knockouts. But sadly, that trend has not been broken.

    India will be hoping that even if Virat does not have a solid T20 World Cup, his game peaks during the knockouts if Men in Blue qualify. India need match-winners in the knockouts. Yuvrajs, Gambhirs, Dhonis, Raina have all done the same in the past and that is why we have ICC trophies to show. It is about time a huge match-winner like Kohli delivers the goods in the knockouts.

  • MS Dhoni Spotted Riding Bike On Ranchi Roads After CSK Crashed Out Of IPL 2024; Watch | cricket news

    MS Dhoni wasted no time after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) crashed out of IPL 2024, a couple of days back, and flew back to his hometown Ranchi with his family. A lot happened in CSK’s last league game which was against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. After the game ended, Dhoni was spotted waiting for the RCB players on the sidelines before he decided to leave the field after seeing that RCB players were still busy celebrating their playoffs qualification. This match was a virtual quarter-final as the winner was going to the playoffs. While CSK needed to register a win or lose by a small margin, RCB needed to beat CSK by certain margin. The hosts were able to do so.

    Many are believing it to be Dhoni’s last IPL, saying he may not return to play next season. However, nothing is confirmed yet as ‘Thala’ himself is to speak anything on his retirement.

    Meanwhile, Dhoni is back at his home and took out his old bike for a ride through the city. A video went viral on the internet, two days after the match, in which Dhoni can be seen coming from a bike ride and entering his farmhouse located on the outskirts of Ranchi.

    Watch Dhoni’s bike ride video below:

    Thala Dhoni back to his routine life! ___@MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/Yow2so0RXe

    — DHONI Era_ _ (@TheDhoniEra) May 20, 2024

    A controversy erupted after Dhoni left the field without the customary hand shake ritual after the match. Dhoni shook hands of the RCB staff and management after the game before entering the dressing room. Later, Virat Kohli was seen entering the CSK dressing room to meet Dhoni as he had sensed that something might not be right. Commentator Harsha Bhogle and former England captain Michael Vaughan spoke to Cricbuzz on the scenes and said that RCB players should have firstly shaken hands with the CSK players and then continued to celebrate their special win.

    Fans do not know whether this was Dhoni’s last match or not. Dhoni fans believe that RCB players should have given him some respect as it could turn out to the last time the world has seen Dhoni in a yellow jersey.

  • ‘Classless Players, Apni Aukaat Mat Bhulo’: CSK, RCB Fans Begin Social Media War After Faf du Plessis And Co ‘Neglect’ MS Dhoni | cricket news

    After the IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a controversy took place and interestingly it involved the former Chennai captain MS Dhoni, who has possibly played his last IPL. Dhoni has not yet announced his IPL retirement but with the way he thanked the Chennai crowd after their last match at home, it appears ‘Thala’ wants to bid goodbye to the only cricket tournament he plays after international retirement. Dhoni would have liked to end on a good note, with the record-making sixth IPL trophy. Alas, it was not to be.

    Also Read | WATCH: Ambati Rayudu In Tears As RCB Knock CSK Out Of IPL 2024

    CSK had themselves to be blamed as after starting well, their campaignd derailed and this season they lost more games at home than expected. In the end, they needed a simple win to qualify for the playoffs. But they batted poorly in the chase and could not achieve the cut-off score even to qualify.

    RCB, on the other hand, won 6 matches on the trot to qualify. They won some of these matches by good margin also which boosted their Net Run rate (NRR). They were on the cusp on being knocked out early but they picked up their game in the last 3 weeks and will now play the Eliminator vs Rajasthan Royals.

    RCB fought hard and had every right to celebrate the win over CSK in their lowest group match. The celebrations were extended on the ground. An upset MS Dhoni lined up in a queue to shake hands with the RCB players. Upon seeing their celebration, he left the ground after shaking hands with the support staff of the opposition camp.

    One cannot say whether Dhoni got angered by RCB’s extended celebrations over playoffs qualification on the field but cameras have recorded him leaving the ground.

    On social media, a sort of war has erupted since then. RCB fans are targeting Dhoni for not waiting to shake hands with opposition players. On the other hand, CSK fans are also alleging that RCB players did not show respect to a senior player like MSD by ignoring him.

    One Twitter user, who happens to be a CSK fan, wrote that RCB players are classless and the should not forget that Dhoni won 5 IPL titles for CSK and should have been respected. The RCB fans also gave fitting replies to the CSK fan, saying that all MSD had to was walk 50 meters or less to shake hands.

    Check out RCB and CSK fans at loggerheads below:

    The classless RCB players who took turns to do cartwheels on the field like they had won the IPL trophy making the 5 times champions CSK team wait forever. Cricbuzz rightly criticized the RCB players for not shaking hands with #Dhoni. No class.

    Apni Aukaat mat bhulo#RCBvsCSK pic.twitter.com/iDpiu4Xe1k — Riya Sharma (@RiyaSharma9724) May 19, 2024

    Its Matter Of just 30 Seconds

    Ms Dhoni Couldn’t Walk 50meters For 30 Seconds To Shake Hands? pic.twitter.com/PY78qEu7gA

    — kanuga (@kanuga1431) May 19, 2024

    This man could walk to the pitch when he was already out just to argue with umpires on a no-ball but can’t walk 50m to shake hands with opposition?? What happened to spirit of cricket??https://t.co/LKa7TPIOIU — Akshay (@aksh__96) May 19, 2024

    The mystery continues over Dhoni’s future at CSK. Is he going to come back to win another title for Chennai next season as a player. Experts say that if BCCI keeps the Impact Player rule, in which 12 players can take part in an IPL game across the two innings, there are more chances for aging Dhoni playing next season again. The rule gives him the cushion to play purely as a batter lower down the order.

  • ‘Definitely…’: Has MS Dhoni Played His Last IPL Game? Suresh Raina Replies After CSK Knocked Out Of IPL 2024 By RCB | cricket news

    An image of crestfallen MS Dhoni went viral online as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went closer and closer to defeat and early exit from IPL 2024. He was sitting in the dugout with no expression on his face yet it said many things. Dhoni has not said it yet but this is believed to be his last time in a yellow jersey. When CSK played their last match at Chepauk, the fans were asked to stay back and they did as Dhoni did a walk of honor and thanked them for their backing and support. The actions have said that this was Dhoni’s last IPL but the man himself has not said that himself. With CSK getting knocked out, is he going to return one more time?

    Also Read | WATCH: Faf Du Plessis Stunned As Virat Kohli Hits Six On Roof Of Chinnaswamy During RCB Vs CSK IPL 2024 Match

    Dhoni’s best friend and former India and CSK teammate Suresh Raina believes so. Speaking to the commentators after CSK were knocked out by RCB, Raina was asked if we have seen Dhoni for the last time in IPL, the former player said, “Definitely not”.

    It will be interesting to see what decision Dhoni makes now that his IPL 2024 has come to an end. He was looking to win CSK their sixth IPL trophy to make them the most successful IPL franchise of all time. But that cannot happen now until 2025.

    Coming to the match, CSK were not helped by the fact that their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad got out for a golden duck. Rachin Ravindra did hit 61 off 37 balls but others really gave up their guns.. It was a chase of 218 and even if CSK had to lose the match, they had to lose by 18 runs or less to ensure they were going to the playoffs. .

    Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 42 off 22 balls and Dhoni smashed 13-ball 25 but in the end, it was not enough. RCB, on the back of this impressive win, go into playoffs and will play the Eliminator on May 22. They must win three games on the trot to win the title. Two weeks ago, they were on the cusp going out. But they have played really well to come out of the slumber and reach the top four.

  • IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: KKR Confirmed Table-Toppers; Pressure On RR To Finish In Top-Two As CSK, RCB Fight For One Spot | cricket news

    IPL 2024 is entering the last week of the group stages but we still do not have a clear picture of who will be the top four teams this season. After Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Guwahati last night, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed their place at the top. They are set to play the Qualifier 1 on May 21. But pressure has increased on RR to finish in top-two as they have now lost four matches in a row. SRH are now in with a chance to finish in the top-two while one among RCB and CSK can make it to the top four. Let’s check at scenarios for each team to qualify for the playoffs and how some can finish in the top-two below.

    How can RR finish in the top-two?

    RR are most certainly going to make it to the playoffs but their top-two finish is still not guaranteed. They will be aiming for a top-two finish. But how can they achieve that?

    If RR defeat KKR, they are likely to secure a top-two finish. However, if SRH win their remaining matches by significant margins, they could potentially push RR out of the second position. Conversely, if RR lose to KKR and SRH also suffer losses in their upcoming games, particularly both or at least one of them, and CSK triumph over RCB, then CSK might replace RR in the second spot.

    CSK’s fight for playoffs spot

    CSK’s scenario is straightforward: Win their final league match against RCB to secure a playoff berth by reaching the IPL 2024 playoff qualification mark of 16 points. If they lose, they must ensure a narrow defeat margin (less than 18 runs if RCB scores over 200, or not lose before 18.1 overs if defending a 200 target) to maintain a better net run rate than RCB’s. If RCB wins, they’ll tie with CSK on points, bringing net run rate into consideration. However, if SRH loses both their remaining matches, there’s a chance for both CSK and RCB to advance to the playoffs if RCB defeats CSK. Net run rate would then become crucial.

    And SRH? How can they qualify?

    With two games left, SRH has a chance to secure the second spot in the points table and secure a place in Qualifier 1. To do so, they need to win both remaining matches and rely on RR losing to KKR. Even winning one of the last two games would guarantee SRH a playoff spot, leaving the final spot contested between CSK and RCB. However, if SRH loses both matches, they might face discussions on net run rate alongside CSK and RCB, contingent on the outcome of the RCB vs CSK match on Saturday.

    What RCB needs to do?

    RCB’s fifth consecutive victory has thrust them into contention for a playoff berth, with their final league match against CSK now the decider. A loss would spell the end of RCB’s campaign, while a win would secure their playoff position. However, to achieve this, RCB must defeat CSK by a margin exceeding 18 runs (if they score 200) or chase down a 200-run target within 18.1 overs to surpass CSK’s net run rate. Although SRH remains a threat, if they lose their remaining matches and stay below 14 points, and if RCB defeats CSK by the specified margin, both RCB and CSK could advance to the top 4.

  • IPL 2024 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios: How Can RCB, CSK, SRH, LSG, DC, GT Make It To The Top Four? Check Here | cricket news

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) became the first team to qualify fir the IPL 2024 playoffs when they beat Mumbai Indians on Saturday night. KKR have 9 wins from 12 matches and it should be enough to help then finish even in the top two. Rajasthan Royals (RR) look to be the second team who can make the cut but they need to win their remaining three games to ensure a top-two finish. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are already out which leaves teams like GT, RCB, LSG, DC, LSG and CSK in contention for the last two spots. Below, we look at how these six teams can qualify for playoffs and what they need to do to make it happen.

    Also Read | IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma Forgets Phone Post Team Practice, Team Bus Waits Ahead Of MI Vs KKR Clash

    Delhi Capitals playoffs qualification scenario

    DC can still make it to 16 points yet miss out if CSK manage to win their remaining matches and other teams go beyond the 16 points. If DC want to qualify, they must win their matches and hope that RCB beat LSG while Lucknow also beat MI and other teams in contention do not go touch 14 points. In this case, DC and LSG will be in a contest for the fourth spot and the team with better NRR will go in.

    LSG playoffs qualification scenario

    Their poor NRR is going to knock them out of the IPL 2024 even if they finish with 16 points as RR, KKR, CSK and SRH could finish above them.

    SRH playoffs qualification scenario

    SRH look set to qualify with 14 points after 12 games and a healthy NRR of 0.406. They need to win their remaining games to make it. But they would want other results to fall in their favor for a top-two finish.

    gt playoffs qualification scenario

    GT will have it tough. They can finish with 14 points and still go out because of their terrible NRR of -1.063. They will be fighting it out with three other teams for the last spot and they must win big so that they end up above at least two of these teams to qualify.

    CSK playoffs qualification scenario

    CSK need to win their remaining two matches to qualify as they have a decent NRR off 0.491. However, if they lost on Sunday afternoon to RR, they will be in huge trouble. They could get knocked after a loss to RR as then Rajasthan, KKR, SRH and either of DC or LSG can finish with 16 points. If CSK lose to RR, they must hope that SRH and DC lose their remaining matches and LSG lose to MI to stay on 14 points. Then, with their superior NRR, they can make it the third spot.

    rcb playoffs qualification scenario

    RCB are with 10 points with a NRR of 0.217. They have won four in a row. But even with two more wins, they might struggle. That is because, at least four teams have the chance to finish with 16 points and RCB can only make it to 14 points. The only scenario for RCB to qualify is this: SRH and CSK lose their remaining games, and LSG win just out of their remaining matches. In this case, RCB will have a good chance of surpassing SRH on NRR, and they will stay ahead of DC and LSG also.

  • Virat Kohli Executes Jaw-Dropping Run-Out, Sends Shashank Singh Packing: Watch Must-See Moment

    Kohli struck a fiery 92 and then fielded like a tiger in Dharamsala, ensuring RCB beat PBKS to stay alive in IPL 2024. He was adjudicated as the player of the match.

  • Glenn Maxwell Is Most Overrated Player Of IPL: Ex-RCB Cricketer Slams Star Following Poor Season | cricket news

    Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel slammed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and called him the “most overrated” player in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Patel’s comment on Maxwell came after the end of RCB’s match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, where the Australian scored just four runs from three balls at a strike rate of 133.33. However, the Bengaluru-based franchise clinched a four-wicket win over GT in front of their home crowd.

    Patel took to his official

    “Glenn Maxwell…HE IS THE MOST OVERRATED player in the history of ipl,” Patel wrote on X.

    In the 17th season of IPL, Maxwell scored 104 runs after appearing in eight matches. He bagged five wickets at an economy rate of 8.33 for RCB in IPL 2024.

    Recapping the match, RCB elected to field first after winning the toss. GT was 19/3 at one point. Then, a 61-run partnership between Shahrukh Khan (37) and David Miller (30) helped GT make a brief comeback.

    RCB kept taking regular wickets and once again reduced GT to 87/5. Then, a 44-run partnership between Rahul Tewatia (35) and Rashid Khan (18) took GT beyond the 100-run mark. RCB bundled out GT for 147 runs in 19.3 overs.

    Yash Dayal (2/21), Vijaykumar Vyshak (2/23) and Mohammed Siraj (2/29) were among the top bowlers for RCB. Cameron Green and Karn Sharma took a wicket each. During the run chase, RCB started off brilliantly with Faf Du Plessis (64) and Virat Kohli (42) putting up a 92-run stand.

    After that RCB lost its way due to a fantastic spell from Joshua Little (4/45) and Noor Ahmed (2/23). However, Dinesh Karthik (21*) and Swapnil Singh (15*) guided the team to a four-wicket win with 38 balls left.