Tag: kl rahul

India vs South Africa 1st ODI: Proteas win toss, opt to bat against India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the first ODI of the three-match series at Boland Park.

Bavuma said his team will look to make use of the best of the batting conditions.

“Wicket looks a bit dry. Would like to make use of the best of the batting conditions. Hopefully, it slows up and the slower bowlers can get in the game. Hard to get away from the high of the Tests. But we will have to focus on today, in a different format, and have to ensure our basics are in touch,” said Bavuma at the toss.

“Opportunity for us as a one-day team to get our game in order. Have got a standard team. Marco comes in, obviously, we don’t have KG (Rabada) available. Two spinners,” he added.

On the other hand, Indian skipper KL Rahul confirmed that Venkatesh Iyer is making his ODI debut while Shreyas Iyer will bat at four.

“Would’ve wanted to bat first. We’re always ready to do both things. (Wicket) Looks a little bit dry. Have some quality spinners in our attack. With Bumrah and Bhuvi starting, hopefully, they’ll get a couple early with the swing. Venkatesh Iyer is debuting, Shreyas Iyer is to bat at four. The last couple of days and right after Tests there was a lot going on,” said Rahul at the toss.

“Emotional for the team. (A) lot of us have debuted under Virat. Obviously, he’s still with us and an integral part of the team. Just want to try out a few things in terms of tactics and strategies. Personnel will not change much. Want to give them a good run. Experimentation doesn’t mean we’ll go in and start hitting from ball one,” he added.

Playing XI:

South Africa : Quinton de Kock(wk), Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma(c), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi.

India: KL Rahul (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Gautam Gambhir slams Virat Kohli; says it’s really immature, you can’t be a role model in this manner

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Virat Kohli’s outburst against a controversial DRS decision during the third Test against South Africa was “immature” and with such an “exaggerated” reaction, the India skipper will never be a role model for youngsters, feels former opener Gautam Gambhir. Kohli, his deputy KL Rahul and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made some unsavoury comments about umpiring and technology in stump mic after rival skipper Dean Elgar got a massive reprieve due to a contentious DRS decision in the last hour on day 3 on Thursday.

“This is really bad. What Kohli did, going near the stump mic and reacting in that manner, that is really immature. This is not what you expect from an international captain, from an Indian captain,” Gambhir told Star Sports.

Australian great Shane Warne felt the ball was hitting the stumps. “That’s going on to smash half way up middle though, there is no way that’s going over, even Erasmus shook his head,” Warne was quoted as saying by Fox Sports. Gambhir pointed out that Mayank Agarwal too had got a reprieve during the first Test in Centurion but it didn’t invite similar response from the South African skipper.

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“Then technology isn’t in your hand. Then you have reacted in the same manner when there was a caught-behind appeal on the leg-side, neither did Dean Elgar react in that manner. During that Mayank Agarwal appeal, it looked out from the naked eye, but Elgar did not react in that manner,” he said. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was critical of the Indian skipper. “I think that is disgraceful from the Indians personally,” Vaughan said on Fox Sports.

“Decisions go with you, they go against you, that didn’t go the way they think it should have gone. Virat Kohli is a legend of the game, but that’s not the way to act, that is not the way to act in a game of Test match cricket. The ICC have to stamp this down, they have to stamp down on the Indian side, you can’t get away with talking down the stump microphone like Ravi Ashwin has done and the Indian captain has done, said Vaughan.

In the 21st over, Elgar was adjudged LBW by on-field umpire Marais Erasmus when he was hit on the pads by an Ashwin delivery. However, the decision was overturned on review. Livid with the decision, a fuming Kohli went up to the stumps and said, “Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball eh, not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time.” Rahul and Ashwin also expressed similar reactions. “It’s the whole country against 11 guys,” said Rahul, while Ashwin slammed the broadcaster, “You should find better ways to win, SuperSport.” The reactions, especially Kohli’s behaviour, didn’t go down well with Gambhir.

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“No matter what you say, stuff like he plays with his heart on his sleeve, this reaction was an exaggerated one and you can’t be a role model in this manner. No budding cricketers would want to see this kind of a reaction, especially from the Indian captain,” Gambhir said. “No matter the result in this Test match, this is not what you expect from a Test captain who has led the team for so long. I hope Rahul Dravid has a word with him, because the type of captain Dravid was, he would have never reacted in this manner.”

Former South African batter Daryll Cullinan also slammed Kohli for his outburst, saying for too long he has got away with such behaviour. “This is the typical Virat’s untouchable, he behaves the way he wants to behave. The rest of the cricket world just bows down to Virat. The powerhouse is India. I hate to say this but it’s been going on for years,” he said. “It’s just the big suck up towards India and anybody who plays for India. They are untouchable, so everyone will laugh it off.” The 54-year-old, who has scored 4554 runs from 70 Tests and 3860 runs in 138 ODIs, feels Kohli should be reprimanded for his behaviour.

“I love Virat Kohli, I love his cricket, I love the way he plays. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere to say ‘hang on, you must be severely punished’. If anything, it was a mistake. I just cannot believe that they could think along those sort of lines. For too long Virat has got away with behaviour which is unacceptable on a cricket field. But he’s Kohli and I don’t like it, quite frankly.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cricket: Concerns about Indian middle-order rise as Rahane, Pujara continue to disappoint

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s disappointing collapse in the first innings of the second test against South Africa has raised questions about the future of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in team India.

On a day when India missed Virat Kohli (who is suffering from upper back spasms), stand-in skipper KL Rahul’s patient 50-run knock and Ravichandran  Ashwin’s cavalier 46 at the back end ensured India reached 202 in their first innings on a bouncy wicket.  The continuing poor form of Pujara and Rahane has prompted calls for their dismissal from the squad.

Many questioned the lack of intent on the part of Pujara while others argued that Rahane seemed completely short of confidence. Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar expressed his anguish and said, “I think the next innings will be their last chance,” he said.

The duo’s performance will also make it hard for the new coach Rahul Dravid, who would have been disappointed by the senior batters’ approach on a day they should have taken more responsibility in Kohli’s absence.

Pujara hopped and skipped to rising deliveries in a typical South African pitch which dampened not only his confidence but also those in the dressing room. Olivier’s natural back-of-length deliveries were the perfect recipe for disaster as he fended one that was wide of the short-leg fielder but the next one lobbed up to the man at the point for an easy catch.

Rahane’s dismissal was that of a player whose confidence has been torn to pieces. The ball pitched on the fourth stump channel, created indecision on whether to play or not and Rahane dangled his bat for the catch to be taken in the slips.

Both players, the backbone of the Indian middle-order in Test cricket, have been out of touch for a while now. And with neither age nor form in their favour, a comeback would be unlikely if they are sent packing.

The question now will be whether Rahul Dravid-led think tank be willing to take the tough call and give chance to youngsters with a view towards the future or will they give the duo another chance given the overall lack of form of the Indian batting line up in red-ball cricket.

-with agency inputs

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India vs South Africa 2nd Test: KL Rahul departs after scoring half century; India in trouble at 116 for 5 wickets

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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South Africa dominated the first session of the second test after pacer Duanne Olivier put India on the back-foot by dismissing Pujara and Rahane in back-to-back deliveries. The visitors who were at a pretty comfortable position of 49 for one were struggling at 53 for three at the time of the lunch break.

Earlier Mayank Agarwal (26) and skipper KL Rahul (19*) put up 36 runs for the first wicket before Jansen ended the former’s stay. However, it was Olivier who brought the Proteas back to the game after he dismissed Pujara(3) and Rahane (0) in the 24th over of the innings. India’s hopes for a decent total will rely now on the form of skipper KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari (4*).

India opts to bat 

Stand-in India skipper KL Rahul had opted to bat first against South Africa in a venue popular as India’s stronghold. The visitors, looking for a historical series win, suffered a setback after skipper Virat Kohli decided to sit out of the second test due to a back spasm.

The match is being held at ‘The Wanderers,’ India’s lucky ground in South Africa as they look to create history by winning their first-ever test series in the country. For the home side, the 113-run defeat against the visitors will be the least of their concerns given the wave of internal tensions and allegations that have hunted the side, the last of which is the sudden retirement of charismatic wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock.

Also read: India beats South Africa by 113 runs in the first test at Centurion

The visitors coming to the test after a brilliant first test victory will be encouraged by the fact that the chief architects behind the win were its pace attack rather than batting, its traditional powerhouse. While there have been rumbles about the recent change of guard in the top and rumblings about discontent in the way Virat Kohli was treated by the BCCI, they are unlikely to affect India whose only concern will be the form of Cheteshwar Pujara.

Also read: Kohli has been phenomenal despite all the noise, see him scoring big runs soon: Rahul Dravid

Another fact that will be encouraging the Indians will be the fact that ‘The Wanderers,’ has been one of the few strongholds of India outside its own boundaries. India has recorded two wins and three draws in their previous five tests at the venue. The tourists won on their last visit to The Wanderers in 2018, a gutsy performance on a difficult wicket which captain Virat Kohli believes paved the way for their recent success abroad, including in Australia and England.

If you are KL Rahul, you must think life is a roller-coaster…..

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2022

“It’s a top start for us,” Kohli said. “It’s always a difficult place to play against South Africa. We got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It’s a ground we love playing at.”

Playing XI: KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

The situation is quite different for the Proteas, who will be staring at their first-ever series defeat at home against India. While skipper Dean Elgar declared that the defeat in the first test has not affected their confidence, nobody is buying it.

South Africa will be forced into at least one change, with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock always set to miss the final two games of the series while on paternity leave. However, he then made his absence from the five-day format permanent after unexpectedly announcing his retirement following the first test loss.

Kyle Verreynne kept wicket in De Kock’s absence in the West Indies in June and is likely to get the nod again, though uncapped left-hander Ryan Rickelton has been in excellent form with the bat in domestic cricket.

The home side could select Duanne Olivier as a fifth seam option in the place of spinner Keshav Maharaj, who failed to take a wicket in the first test and did not bowl at all in India’s second innings.

However, the one silver lining for the hosts has been the form of their pacers, especially young left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, who took 5-124 on debut in the first test and grew into the game after a slow start.

Playing XI: Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi

Venue: The Wanderers,

Timing: January 3 to 7. (Play starts at 10 am local time)

Previous tests in South Africa

Matches: 21

South Africa wins: 10

India wins: 4

Draws: 7

Previous tests between the two nations at all venues

Matches: 40

South Africa wins: 15

India wins: 15

Draws: 10

-with agency inputs

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India beats South Africa by 113 runs in first test at Centurion

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India beat host South Africa 113 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the test series thanks to a brilliant performance by the bowlers. India, who had set a target of 305 for the hosts, bundled them for 197 on the fifth day thanks to some outstanding seam bowling by the pacers.

Shami and Bumrah took three wickets and were backed by Siraj who took two wickets, thus breaking the back of the Proteas top and middle order. Finger spinner Ashwin moped the tail by removing Rabada and Ngidi.

The Indian side took command of the game in the last hours of the fourth day’s play thanks to twin strikes by pacer Jasprit Bumrah and put the hosts in a precarious position of 94 for 4 at stumps while chasing a target of 305.

Earlier, pacers Bumrah, Siraj and Shami gave a perfect start to India on the last day of the first test match removing skipper Dean Elgar, Quinton de Kock, and Mulder respectively in the morning session. Needing 305 to win the first test, the hosts were languishing at 182 for 7 at lunch.

Dean Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) gave them some hope in the morning session but India’s vaunted pace attack used the conditions superbly and eventually eased their side to a comfortable win.

South Africa went along well in the first 10 overs of the day before Elgar was trapped leg before wicket by Bumrah (3-50).

Quinton de Kock took the attack to the bowlers with a breezy 21 from 28 balls, but played onto his own stumps for the second time in the test, on this occasion off Mohammed Siraj (2-47).

Earlier in the fourth day, the hosts had dampened Indian hopes of total domination when their pacers knocked out India for 174 in the second innings. The brilliant performance by the Ngidi-Rabada-Jansen trio meant that India could not set an unassailable target for the hosts despite taking a 130 run lead in the first innings.

However, the Indian pace trio of Shami, Siraj, and  Bumrah answered fire with fire and got India back to the commanding position. Shami, who took a fifer in the first innings struck early dismissing opener Aiden Markram. A Siraj outswinger ended Petersen’s stay and the Proteas slumped to 34 for two. However, captain Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen rebuilt the innings and by the late part of the day, it seemed that the host will survive the day without additional losses. However, Bumrah rose to the occasion with twin strikes. He first-ended Dussen’s resistance with a beautiful inswinger followed by a leg-stump yorker against Keshav Maharaj in the last over of the day.

India achieved their victory despite the entire second day of the test being washed out due to rain and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

-with agency inputs

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cricket: Lungi Ngidi takes six as South Africa rip through India on third morning

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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South Africa seamer Lungi Ngidi took six wickets as the home side ripped through India’s batting line-up on the third morning of the first test to have the visitors 327 all out in their first innings at Centurion Park on Tuesday.

India had resumed on 272 for three after the entire second day was washed out by rain, but with the sun shining, the wicket livened up and Ngidi (6-71) and Kagiso Rabada (3-72) took full advantage.

India opener KL Rahul could only add a single run to his score before he was the first man out for 123, and after that, it became a procession as the tourists lost their last seven wickets for the addition of just 55 runs in 15.3 overs.

Ngidi’s career-best figures in tests are 6-39 on debut against India at Centurion Park in 2018.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cricket: KL Rahul masterclass puts India in charge of first test against South Africa

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Opener KL Rahul showed superb application to score a seventh test century with an unbeaten 122 and steer India to a commanding 272 for three at the close of play on day one of the first test against South Africa on Sunday.

Vice-captain Rahul, who averaged 7.50 in four innings with a top score of 16 in South Africa three years ago, reached his ton off 218 balls as he toyed with a blunt home bowling attack on a slow wicket.

He will resume on the second morning with Ajinkya Rahane (40 not out), whose place in the side had been under scrutiny but played some wonderful shots to share an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 73.

Ragged South Africa looked like a side that has not played test cricket since June, with a number of their players having had no red-ball cricket at any level in the last six months.

They bowled too short on a wicket providing little assistance and did not attack the stumps enough after India had won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions.

The decision to select 21-year-old debutant left-arm seamer Marco Jansen (0-61) over the more experienced, and in-form, Duanne Olivier raised eyebrows too.

The home side had to wait until the second session to make a breakthrough as India opener Mayank Agarwal (60) was trapped lbw by Lungi Ngidi (3-45) after a 117-run opening partnership with Rahul.

Agarwal left the field vigorously shaking his head after a review from South Africa suggested the delivery was striking the top of leg stump.

After waiting 242 deliveries for their first wicket, the home side got with the next ball when Cheteshwar Pujara pushed forward to Ngidi and was caught off the glove and thigh-pad by Keegan Petersen at short leg.

Pujara had only been out first ball once before in his 92-test career – run out by Ngidi at Centurion Park in 2018.

Captain Virat Kohli (35) is now without a test century in 24 innings but looked in good touch before he chased a wide delivery from Ngidi and was caught by Wiaan Mulder at first slip.

The touring side are hoping to secure a first test series win in South Africa with matches to follow in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

IPL 2021 KKR vs PBKS preview: Prospective playing XI, betting odds and where to watch live

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the Indian Premier League heads to Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings, who just ended their losing streak by defeating Mumbai Indians will take on the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders today in match number 23 of the tournament.

While for PBKS, a victory means a place in the top half of the points table, for KKR another defeat could be the first nail in the coffin in the bid to reach the next stage.

For KKR, while Nitish Rana has more or less been consistent his partner Shubman Gill seems to be struggling. While Russell, Kartik and Cummins batted well against CSK, skipper Morgan is yet to come to the party.

Key player: It is important that Sunil Naraine returns to form both with bat and ball.

Probable XI: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi

Squad: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan(c), Dinesh Karthik(w), Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy, Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Pawan Negi, Harbhajan Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sheldon Jackson, Sandeep Warrier, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vaibhav Arora

For PBKS, things are slowly getting on track. The top-heavy batting that consists of KL Rahul, Mayank Aggarwal and Chris Gayle seems to be pulling the weight. However, the performance of Nicholas Pooran along with his position in the team is a concern. On the bowling front, young Arshdeep Singh has been consistent while Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammad Shami have also been among the wickets.

Key player: Captain KL Rahul has been consistent and led by example against MI with an unbeaten 60, his third fifty in five games. He is expected to lead from the front.

Probable XI: KL Rahul (c/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi.

Squad: KL Rahul(w/c), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Fabian Allen, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Murugan Ashwin, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Jalaj Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, Jhye Richardson, Ishan Porel, Riley Meredith, Utkarsh Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Brar

Match Details:

Timing: Match starts at 7.30 pm and the toss will take place at 7 pm.

Venue:  Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Where to watch LIVE: Star Sports 1/1HD/1 Hindi/1HD Hindi/1 Tamil/1 Telugu/1 Kannada/1 Bangla/Select 1/Select 1HD. Online viewers can catch the action live on Disney+ Hotstar.

Betting Odds (Oddschecker):

PBKS: 5/6

KKR: 21/20

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

IPL 2021 | PK vs RR match 4 preview: Where to watch live, predicted playing 11, betting odds and more

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As the 14th edition of IPL advances, fans will get to see Punjab Kings in action as they take on Rajasthan Royals in their opening game of the league. The match is important not just for the teams, but for their captains as well as Punjab’s KL Rahul will want to redeem himself from a forgettable last season, with a sublime batting form. Rahul, seen by many as the future Indian skipper, saw his team failing to make it to the knockout stage. He will also remember how the defeat in a super over against Delhi Capitals in the first match got them knocked out of the tournament despite needing 1 run in 3 deliveries in that game.

The biggest concern for the Mohali side has been their inability to seal matches in crunch situations. Also, the fact that the middle order failed to capitalize the start rendered by the top order that consisted of Gayle, Rahul and Aggarwal is a big concern. Adding to this is the problem with the bowlers who seem to have a knack for leaking runs. Punjab management has tried to rectify the issues. They will be hoping that Tamil Nadu’s Shah Rukh Khan will answer to their question of finding a finisher who can bat also in the middle overs. The addition of Richardson and Meredith couls change the fortunes for the bowling department.

Key player: Ultimately the fate of the side will depend on how KL Rahul performs. With the tournament back in India we can hope to see a much aggressive Rahul, which as we all know is a double edge sword.

Punjab Kings predicted playing XI: KL Rahul (C, WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Riley Meredith, Ravi Bishnoi

Complete squad: KL Rahul(w/c), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Prabhsimran Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Moises Henriques, Chris Jordan, Mandeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Jalaj Saxena, Murugan Ashwin, Sarfaraz Khan, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar, Ishan Porel, Utkarsh Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar

For Rajasthan’s Sanju Samson the performance will be crucial given the fact that he has been overtaken by Pant and Kishan when it comes to the slot of the wicket-keeper batsman in team India.  He will hope that stellar performance by the team under the guidance of Kumar Sangakkara could change the fortunes of both the Jaipur side and his own.

For the Jaipur outfit, this edition will be a new beginning. With a new captain and director, the team would be looking to resurrect themselves. The team that won the first season of the tournament and reached the finals of the Champions League has in recent times struggled to make it to the knockout. While the team continues to produce stunning new talents they are a shadow of their old self. The team, which had spent heavily in the last auction will be hurt by the fact that their pace attack—which consists of Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye and Mustafizur Rahman may not be available in its full strength in the initial part of the series.

Key player: Captain Sanju Samson has a history of lighting the tournament on fire in the initial stages, though he fails to continue this good run to the very end. His performance with the bat will be the backbone for the side without any doubt.

Rajasthan Royals predicted playing XI: Jos Buttler (WK), Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson (C), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Liam Livingstone, Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi

Complete squad: Jos Buttler (WK), Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson(c), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Liam Livingstone, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Mustafizur Rahman, Andrew Tye, Jofra Archer, Mayank Markande, Anuj Rawat, Chetan Sakariya, Kuldip Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, David Miller, Manan Vohra, KC Cariappa, Mahipal Lomror, Akash Singh

Match Details:

Timing: Match starts at 7.30 pm and the toss will take place at 7 pm.

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Where to watch LIVE: Star Sports 1/1HD/1 Hindi/1HD Hindi/1 Tamil/1 Telugu/1 Kannada/1 Bangla/Select 1/Select 1HD. Online viewers can catch the action live on Disney+ Hotstar.

Betting Odds (Betway):

PK: 13/14

RR: 17/16

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow