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Home , Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Chris Morris (cricketer), Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Manish Pandey, Shikhar Dhawan

30th March 2018

DIAMOND

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How did managed to get rid of DAREDEVILS poor form? THE BIG GUNS Australia KARTHIK AND Taste Bitter PANDEY: FINAL Dose of PIECES OF THE Cheaters Tag JIGSAW PUZZLE KOHLI HIT FOR , FLOP FOR RCB FROM THE For day-to-day updates join us on Facebook and Twitter

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he Indian Premier failures of any of these players heavi- EDITORIAL BOARD League (IPL) will ly jeopardizes the team’s chances to Editor be in its eleventh win the trophy. Great players can Manish Verma edition this year. win you matches but for winning [email protected] While teams like tournaments teamwork is required – Asistant Editor Super a lesson that RCB would have Mohd. Asim TKings (CSK), Indians (MI) learned the hard way in the 2016 Sub Editor and Knight Riders (KKR) edition. In an already adrenaline- Ajay Tiwari have won the title multiple times, fuelled, increasingly ugly contest, the Contributing Editors Royal Challengers (RCB) Australian cricketers took their Sreelata S. Yellamrazu – despite being led by the Indian actions a step too far. What made Bhavesh Bhimani captain – have failed to this particular incident of ball tam- win the tournament even once. pering even worse was the fact that Art Director What’s worse is the fact that they this was done with the full blessing Sudhir Peter of the captain who hap- have been unable to Art Department reach the knockout pens to be one of the Mandavi Yadav stages in half of the sea- world’s most esteemed sons. The below par batsmen. The pictures Production Co-ordinator performances of Kohli’s raised eyebrows from Sunil Chaudhary men begs the question - the previous evening, why has the skipper suggestive enough that Photos who has been leading everything was not AP, Fotocorp, Raj Kumar the Men in Blue so suc- quite in order on the cessfully for three playing field. Well BUSINESS OFFICE years now, has not been before the play got DIAMOND MAGAZINES PVT. LTD. able to mirror the same underway on the fourth X-30, Okhla Ind. Area, Ph-2, -20, for his franchise. We day of the third Test in Tel 011-40712100 Fax (011) 41611866 should also remember Players can win matches Cape Town, the world Director (Mktg.) Manish Verma, that when it comes to but for tournaments woke up to the news of E-mail : [email protected] the IPL, the players are teamwork is required. , the bought by the franchis- Australian captain, ADVERTISING OFFICES es with an eye on their purse. But for admitting that Bancroft had indeed Delhi- M. P. Singh, Vivek Chahal, Adesh Solanki choosing the national team the selec- tampered the ball and furthermore, Mumbai- Praveen Chandra, C. Garima 9820129206, Kolkata- Shashi tors are not bound by financial pru- that this was done as part of a delib- Nayyar 9830374259, Bangalore- Pratap Kumar 9845234036, Justine dence and therefore go for the best erate, premeditated plan that ema- Kumar, 9845013231, - Mrs. Khisti 9822202082, Chennai- talent out there. While Kohli can nated from the senior leadership Sathish C. Anand 9841023010, Hyderabad- V. Sunil Kumar advise his franchise regarding play- within the Australian dressing room. 9160834356, Ahmedabad- Madan Menon 9898002522, Punjab- ers he would like them to buy he Although the disgraced Australian Puneet Arya 9316969911, Pune- Prasad Datar 9822112674, Dehradun- Sharad Sharma 08755147616, Ranchi- Zahid Anwar can’t dictate terms the way he is captain made it a point to mention 8084655893, Patna- DPN Shahi 9431495493, Bhopal-Sweety doing at the national level. Therefore that no coach was involved, footage Bichpuria 9425006237, - Himanshu Patni 9828198296, he has to usually be satisfied with the from the match seemed to suggest - Praveen Srivastava 9935526000 pool of players at his disposal and try that the twelfth man was following to get the best out of them. What has instructions from the think tank to been noticeable with RCB is that point out to Bancroft that his actions they have more often than not were being panned around the depended on the trio of Gayle-Kohli- world. There is more to read from AB to put up runs on the board. The cricket in this issue… Total Pages 40 with Cover Copyright 2005 "Cricket Today" is a registered trademark of The Diamond Group. All rights reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior permission. Printed & Published by Manish Verma and Edited by Manish Verma on behalf of Diamond Magazines Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Best Photo Offset Printers, A-81, D.D.A. Shed, Okhla Industrial area, Phase-II, New Delhi-110020 and Published at X-30, Okhla Ind. Area, Ph-2, New Delhi-20, Tel 011-40712100 Editor Manish Verma, E-mail : [email protected]

02 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 WHAT’S HOT QUOTES WHAT’S NOT LUKE KAMRAN RONCHI AKMAL It’s very difficult sit- He not only won man Although he had a ting at a distance and of the match in the remarkable tourna- commenting on what finale of the Pakistan ment but failure to get might have happened Super League but was going in the final of the in the dressing room declared Man of the PSL blotted his overall Series as well for his proceedings. He was R ASHWIN ON BALL exceptional dis- even lambasted for his TAMPERING play in the tournament. keeping.

AJINKYA NATHAN RAHANE COULTER NILE After an unfor- He was impressive in tunate sacking of the last edition of the Steve Smith, Ajinkya IPL and that’s why RCB With so much cricket Rahane’s elevation as had invested in him. going on I have to skipper of Rajasthan However, he has been be very careful with Royals has added ruled out of the IPL my body. I have lost another feather in the after failing to recover enough in my life illustrious career of from an injury. the Indian player. AMIR ON HIS CAREER DAVID SHAHID AFRIDI Former Pakistani WARNER He was one of the skipper has once again key men in the ball advocated the need of tampering saga which calling Indian players has shocked every- in the Pakistan Super one. Warner has been League. He feels cricket sacked as vice-captain I can understand it’s can melt ice between of the Aussie Team by a really tough time for India and Pakistan. Cricket Australia. him to be in now FAF ON SMITH CHRIS STEVE SMITH GAYLE His latest con- Despite troversy is set losing the to derail Smith’s finale of career. He has been the quali- fired from captaincy fiers, he and there is more to showed his come from Cricket I don’t know him dancing moves Australia in couple personally and I have on the request of days. Steve is even never met him of Afghanistani serving one match suspension after his yet. There is no players who truth in it were jubilant involvement in ball after defeating tampering. RASHI KHANNA ON BUMRAH West Indies.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 03 THE XFACTOR

Partners in Crime Australia’s cricketing culture under the supervision of coach is facing renewed scrutiny as the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town continues. He is likely to step down while Steve Smith’s captaincy hangs in the balance after he was handed a one-Test ban and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for authorizing premeditated cheating on day three of the third Test.

04 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 05 THE XFACTOR

Playing The Waiting Game Amid doubts over ’s participation in the , have said the franchise would wait for Cricket Australia’s decision on the player, who finds himself embroiled in a ball tamper- ing controversy. Warner had stood down as vice- captain for rest of Australia’s third Test match against for his involvement in ball tampering.

06 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 07 IN THE LAST 3 YEARS,

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OF MAGAZINES HAS GROWN TO 78 MILLION FROM 40 MILLION IN IRS 2014, bang in the middle LIFESTYLE DANCING SHOES

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. There has been a lot of buzz about the tournament as (CSK) and (RR) are back in the league after completing a two- year suspension following the spot-fixing saga. With franchis- es leaving no stone unturned to promote their teams, few mem- bers of CSK were spotted dancing on the road while shooting a video. Harbhajan, who was seen wearing the yellow jersey for the first time, could be seen shaking a leg along with Dwayne Bravo, Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur. The cricketers seem to be enjoying each other’s company.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has cancelled the deal of Mumbai Apartment, which he has pur- chased for a whopping sum of Rs. 34 crores. The papers for cancelation were submitted on March 21. In June 2016, he has signed the purchased deal, agreeing to buy a flat on the 35th Floor of Tower C of the superpremium project. He is now looking to buy a penthouse between Mumbai’s western sub- urbs of Bandra and Versova.

08 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 DANCING AND RAPPING SKILLS The Euphoria of Pakistan Super League had gripped entire Pakistan. Cricketers from the Caribbean are renowned for their colorful life and their love for dancing and singing. Setting the tone, Darren Sammy along with fellow West Indies star Andre Fletcher started rapping on one of the DESI IRON MAN famous songs and even showed their danc- Pakistan Super League has witnessed ing moves before the finale of the league. some intense matches, going down to the However, Darren Sammy’s team was wire and making fans anxious. In the first defeated by their rivals, meaning heart- eliminator, Peshawar Zalmi clinched a last- break for him and his men. They tried their ball thriller to beat Quetta Gladiators. The best but were undone in the title clash. game which was played with energy and pas- sion had a moment which caught the eyes of everyone. Umaid Asif, the right-arm medium who took two in Peshawar’s win, was seen wearing Iron Man’s t-shirt. After taking all-rounder Mahmudullah’s wicket, Asif went on celebrate in style. He It seems stay in South Africa flaunted the ‘Iron Man’ t-shirt, which he was has impacted wearing inside his team’s jersey. a lot or maybe he is inspired by who is work- ing hard to keep wild life Wow Moment safe and intact in the rain- bow nation. After coming of Friends back from , where he was one of the top performers, Chahal took some time off from his busy schedule to pay a visit to the elephant rescue centre and the Langer opens up sloth bear facil- ity to promote about threats awareness Today Internet Trolls have become an about wildlife everyday phenomenon, especially on in India. He and Vinod Kambli are social media platforms. However, some learnt childhood friends. However, with Kambli’s of the celebrities turn up with befitting about the slide and his lure for lavish life, Sachin start- replies. Mayanti Langer, the spouse of numerous ed drifting away from him. The final nail was , was once pelted with stories of hammered by Kambli who once stated that criticisms following the latter’s poor the ele- he was let down by the master when he was show in a T20I. However, she replied phants who in need of help. The bitter story was ended them fittingly. “You have to take that are under when Kambli accepted his mistake and even in your stride. I responded in that way rehabilitation apologized to Sachin Tendulkar. During the because the trolls were vicious.” at the Wildlife final of the T20 Mumbai League in which SOS Elephant Sachin Tendulkar was the brand ambassa- Conservation and dor, Kambli touched Sachin’s feet to seek his FOR MORE LIFESTYLE Care Centre and blessing on the stage and the former Indian NEWS LOG ON TO: even interacted with captain was so touched by his gesture that www.crictoday.com the officials. he hugged him instantly.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 09 NEWS &EVENTS KARTHIK WINS HEARTS

Dinesh Karthik might have given Indian cricket fans their best moment in the last one year but he still feels like a “student in a University where Dhoni is a topper”, when it comes to the tag of the best finisher “When it comes to Dhoni - I am studying in a uni- versity where he is the topper. He is one of the guys I have always looked up to. It is unfair to compare me with him,” Karthik told media persons during an interaction. Tweet was from a Fake Account Indian all-rounder has clarified that Tweet NOT GOOD ENOUGH on Dr. BR Ambedkar that had Kamran Akmal created a controversy was not Indian opener played a blistering from his original account, benefitted the knock of 77 runs off 27 but from a fake one. He most with the deliveries, including issued a statement after a announcement of Pakistan Super court in Jodhpur had new national con- League’s (PSL) fastest directed the police to take tracts. Along with half- off 17 action against the Indian four other players, balls. Although prais- cricketer. The court issued direction after he has been kept in ing his performance D R Meghwal filed a petition that Pandya’s the A+ Category, with the bat, Pakistan Tweet had hurt the meaning he will earn and Karachi Kings’ sentiments of his INR 7 crores. head coach Arthur community. In his state- Massive hike of remained unsatisfied ment, Pandya has stated 1300% has estab- with his wicket keep- that he would make the lished the fact that ing skills. “Akmal necessary submissions Shikhar has grown played very well [but] to play international in the Hon’ble Court in stature. cricket, you’ve got to do well in three differ- in order to establish Acknowledging it, ent disciplines. He’s batted outstandingly that the said he believes it is and is a really good batsman. But the same tweet cannot be because of hard- thing as last time, where does he field? attributed to work that he has Sarfraz is the keeper. He was poor in the him in any been offered a field in West Indies and I’m not sure too manner. handsome deal. much has changed,” said Arthur.

10 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 BATTING POSITION FOR SUNRISERS Team India’s number one Test wicketkeeper, is ready to leave his favorite opening slot in his new IPL Franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad. The ever reliable batsman has decided that any batting posi- tion which the management at the Sunrisers Hyderabad will offer him is going to be his preferred batting slot. According to him, there is no compulsion as team already have David Warner and as openers. “I prefer batting at the top but I have kept rotating in terms of my batting posi- tion. With SRH, I will probably bat in the lower mid- Australia limited-overs star Maxwell has dle order,” Saha told reporters. given a first-hand account of the kind of threat his compatriots are again set to face in the form of Rabada. “I missed the first one and then thought, ‘I’m not getting behind the next one’, so I backed away and tried to hit him over mid-off and it went over backward point for six. The idea was right – to hit him – but he was just too quick for me. I can’t imagine facing him in a red-ball game with the ball reversing around like it was in last Test.” Vijay reveals SPECIAL PRAISE ANDERSON interesting story FOR VIRAT REPLACES NATHAN Indian opener Murali Vijay has revealed After playing just that he was approached by a number of His niggardly line one first-class match county sides after he went unsold on the first and length in the after his comeback day of the IPL auction in January this year. just concluded from injury, Corey However unlike his teammates Cheteshwar Nidahas Trophy has Anderson has Pujara and Ishant brought him few received a Sharma he won’t be accolades. Apart bonus Indian heading over to from winning Man Premier League as Chennai of the Series, Sundar call-up. The Super Kings (CSK) created several other Black Caps all-rounder will further subsequently bought records. Sundar is strengthen the Kiwi presence at him, for his base price now gearing up to coach Daniel Vettori’s Royal of INR 2 Crores in the play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next second round. “A lot Challengers under month after his signing was con- of people approached Kohli. “I’m real- firmed. In a statement, IPL organ- me especially after ly excited to play isers said Anderson had been the first day of the IPL under Kohli. selected from the registered and auctions when I He is a legend available player pool to replace went unsold,” Vijay and has been Australian fast bowler Nathan told Bangalore truly inspiring.” Coulter-Nile who was ruled out of Mirror. the tournament with injury.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 11 OPINION

While has been part of the team for quite a while now, has mostly been warming the benches despite being in the squad...

BY AJAY TIWARI Right: In his last seven benches despite being in the squad since the T20I , Pandey has Champions Trophy till he came into his own during the fter wrapping up three back-to-back scored at a strike-rate of Nidahas Trophy. limited overs trophies, the confidence of 130 while getting out only Since MS Dhoni’s heydays got over, India has felt a thrice. the Indian team is on a new high. At the lack of firepower in the middle order. This is especially moment the players are enjoying time Above: star noticeable during the end of the innings when the team away from cricket while also gearing up silenced all his critics with on several occasions in recent times has failed to put for the summer extravaganza – the his performances in the up a huge score despite getting good starts. The two last one month. Indian Premier League (IPL). This gives us time to players mentioned before have shown that they are reflect upon the strides that the one-day team has capable enough to fill this gap. made in the recent past. In his last seven T20I innings, Pandey has scored at Chief amongst these is the fact that India might have a strike-rate of 130 while getting out only thrice. He finally found two batsmen who can solve India’s mid- has also shown that he can adapt his playing style dle order problems in shorter formats. While Manish according to the situation. In the fourth match of the Pandey has been part of the team for quite a while Nidahas Trophy against Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue now, Dinesh Karthik has mostly been warming the were in a spot of bother when KL Rahul got out hit

12 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 13 Left: Pandey has been try- wicket. The pressure was on, but Pandey batted with a ing to prove himself with sense of nonchalance that rubbed off on Karthik. the limited chances that Initially playing within himself for the most part of his he has got so far. innings, the former unleashed a flurry of boundaries Above: Pandey batted towards the end to hasten India’s victory. with a sense of noncha- While Pandey has been trying to prove himself with lance that rubbed off on the limited chances that he has got so far, Dinesh Karthik. Karthik’s comeback into the team surprised everyone. Above Right: In the just The selectors were criticised for the fact that they chose concluded tri-series he a 32 year old instead of investing in someone younger. wasn’t dismissed even But the Tamil Nadu star silenced all his critics with once in five innings. his performances in the last one month. In the just Right: He has also shown concluded tri-series he wasn’t dismissed even once in that he can adapt his five innings and his 8-ball-29 in the final won India the playing style according to trophy. In his last 10 T20I matches he has scored at a the situation. of 183 boasting an astronomical average of 84.50! Owing to his more than 13 year long career Karthik has also shown that he can keep his composure under pressure and think with a clear head. His perfor- mances have been so impressive that there are now

14 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 Manish Pandey-

and Dinesh talks of pressure mounting on his senior Dhoni to per- Karthik form consistently too. Through these performances in T20Is, the two play- have now ers have now pressed their case firmly for a permanent pressed place in ODIs too. The likes of and have not proved to be very effective with their case the bat in recent times. This is not to say that the batsmen that India have firmly for a tried in the past – , KL Rahul and oth- permanent ers – are not any good. Rahane has proved himself in Tests while Rahul is on his way to becoming a complete place in player across formats. They are of contention at the shorter least not till the IPL gets over. But they have surely been overshadowed by what this duo has achieved. formats of With the fifty overs World Cup starting in an year the game. and the World T20 just two years away, it is time India gives Karthik and Pandey a more assured place in the team. But both of them would realise themselves that the upcoming IPL is going to be a litmus test for their future in the Blue jersey. n

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 15 NUMBER GAME

GAUTAM GAMBHIR He is back to where he belongs. , after serving years as the captain of the (KKR), has finally returned to his home Gambhir, after serving team. He will be leading the Delhi unit this season and would be raring to make an impression. He was a successful captain of KKR and led them to the years as the captain of title glory in 2012 and 2014. As a batsman too Gambhir has been brilliant in the IPL, accumulating over 4000 runs and is one of the tournament’s best the Kolkata Knight Rid- batsmen. Delhi, which has been struggling to find its feet for a long time, ers, has finally returned would be hoping that under Gambhir’s aggressive leadership and feisty bat to his home team. He ting, they would finally have their revival. will be leading the Delhi unit this season...

BY BHAVESH BHIMANI

The Delhi Daredevils have been one of the most underperforming teams of the IPL. In all its ten seasons, they have not once lifted the trophy and have somehow just kept messing things repeatedly. Delhi’s biggest bane has been their failure to put up a solid unit on the field consistent- ly. This year, however, they seem to have got a strong squad and under the captain- ship of Gautam Gambhir would be hoping to make a solid mark. Let us now have a look at some of the likely big guns for the Delhi Daredevils this IPL season. Delhi Daredevils: The Big Guns 16 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 back to where he belongs. Gautam Gambhir, after serving years as the All-rounders are the key to any T20 captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has finally returned to his home side and South Africa’s Chris Morris has team. He will be leading the Delhi unit this season and would be raring to been an excellent all-rounder in limited make an impression. He was a successful captain of KKR and led them to the overs cricket. He was one of the players title glory in 2012 and 2014. As a batsman too Gambhir has been brilliant in retained by the Daredevils ahead of the the IPL, accumulating over 4000 runs and is one of the tournament’s best 2018 auction and it shows how much they batsmen. Delhi, which has been struggling to find its feet for a long time, value him. Morris is a gutsy cricketer and would be hoping that under Gambhir’s aggressive leadership and feisty bat- always gives it his all. He came into the ting, they would finally have their revival. limelight with his sensational 32-ball 82 in the 2016 season for that almost won an incredible game in a chase for Delhi out of nowhere. He is a valuable batsman to variations and . He would be really have lower down the order as he can keen to repay the faith the franchise has Although he has played only six strike big blows in no time. As a bowler, shown in him and will be a vital cog of matches in the IPL thus far, there is no Morris generally bowls in the middle and Delhi this year. doubt that Kagiso Rabada would be the death overs and is excellent with his bowler to watch out for this season. The 22-year-old South African pacer has been in exceptional form across for- mats and is growing in stature with RISABH PANT every match. He is by far one of the Easily one of the most talented, young best bowlers around in the world at the cricketers to have emerged from India in moment and it will be really interesting recent times, Risabh Pant has a lot to prove to see how he fares in the IPL this year. still. The 19-year-old wicket-keeper bats- Rabada has the ability to bowl fast, vary man from Delhi is a powerhouse of talent. his pace and also bowl excellent york- Although he has failed to make an impres- ers. He reads the batsmen well and sion in international cricket as yet, he has should make a distinct impression in done pretty well for Delhi Daredevils in the the tournament this year. last two seasons and has a fantastic strike- rate of 151.20. Last season we got to wit- ness the best of Pant as he smashed a whirlwind 97 off 43 balls against the . The left-handed batsman has been in really good in domestic cricket of late and helped Delhi clinch the 2017-18 Trophy.

GLENN MAXWELL Yes, his IPL form has been patchy. He was magnificent in 2014, but then remained uneven after that. But Australia’s Maxwell has matured as a batsman this last year. He is Delhi’s new entrant and would certainly be bolstering their batting with his explosive hitting abilities. Maxwell’s strike-rate in T20 cricket is an outstanding 157.70 and in the IPL it stands at a stunning 164.39. He is a complete T20 player and onc e he gets in, he can literally destroy any opposition. He has a wide range of shots and loves smacking the balls. Gambhir will be counting on him to make an impact.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 17 OPINION

The most noticeable thing about Rohit’s daddy hundreds has been the fact that he takes a lot of time initially to settle. This is what he did and benefited immensely. ... HOW DID ROHIT SHARMA MANAGED TO GET RID OF POOR FORM? BY AJAY TIWARI

n the fifth match and the finale of the Nidahas Trophy Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring well compiled fifties to lead India to Nidahas Trophy title. In seven matches before this, he had only managed to accumulate 87 runs. Critics and fans alike had started to question his technique following Ithis rut. Thus it is imperative to point out the factors that led to the Sharma’s reversal of fortunes.

TOOK HIS TIME The most noticeable thing about Rohit’s daddy hun- dreds in shorter versions has been the fact that he takes a lot of time initially to settle. This is what he did and benefited immensely. Lately he has been seen hit- ting big shots very early in his innings and getting out. But during his latest innings, he took his time in the middle.

RESPONSIBILITY TO PERFORM With the loss of batting partners, Rohit must have felt

18 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 Rohit finally completed responsible for carrying India to a winning totals. Also his poor form of late had created a lot of pressure on the mis- him to perform. There were clamors of letting KL sion when Rahul to open the innings along with Dhawan while Sharma moves down the order. All this seems to have Men in Blue created a sense of duty to perform in the opener and he defeated seems to have responded magnificently. Bangladesh VICTORIOUS CAMPAIGN in the final. Rohit was tasked with fulfilling the dual role of opener and captain for the Nidahas Trophy. This was the first time he was leading the national side for a full series. The Men in Blue had been talked up as being the favourites to win the Trophy before it even began. After failing miserably in the first few matches, Rohit decid- ed to up the ante in the last two games, making sure he is among the run getters to get his hands on the Nidahas Trophy, and he finally completed the mission when Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh in the final. Left: Rohit was tasked with fulfilling the dual role of opener and captain for MISSING BIG NAMES the Nidahas Trophy. India had chosen to rest their big players including Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and for Above: Rohit decided to this tournament. This meant Rohit along with Dhawan up the ante in the last two games, making sure he is and Raina were going to be key if India has to win the among the run getters. competition. While Dhawan has been India’s most con- sistent batsman after Kohli in recent months, Raina Inset: There were clamors has just made a comeback into the team after a long of letting KL Rahul to open the innings along with hiatus. Thus the onus was on Sharma to perform as Dhawan while Sharma soon as possible as the other two can’t be expected to moves down the order. score in each and every game. n

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 19 OPINION

BY AJAY TIWARI

he Indian Premier League (IPL) will be in its eleventh edition this year. While teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have won the title multiple times, Royal TChallengers Bangalore (RCB) – despite being led by the Indian captain Virat Kohli – have failed to win the tournament even once. What’s worse is the fact that they have been unable to reach the knockout stages in half of the seasons. The below par performances of Kohli’s men begs the ques- tion - why has the skipper who has been leading the Men in Blue so successfully for over three years now, has not been able to mirror the same for his franchise. Here we take a look at the pos- sible factors that have contributed to his failures in leading RCB.

WHY HAS VIRAT KOHLI FAILED TO WIN AN IPL DESPITE LEADING INDIA

20 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 The skipper who has been leading the Men in Blue so suc- cessfully for over three years now, has not been able to mirror the same for his franchise...

WHY HAS VIRAT KOHLI FAILED TO WIN AN IPL DESPITE LEADING INDIA SUCCESSFULLY? MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 21 TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE RECIPE Previous Page: Great play- , AB de Villiers, , Mitchell ers can win matches but Starc - all match winners in their own right - have been for winning tournaments part of the RCB setup while Kohli has been at the helm teamwork is required. of affairs. While each of them want to win games for Above: Most of all the ab- the team, their ideas of how to do that might be differ- sence of a bunch of qual- ent. This was one of the factors behind the failures of ity bowlers has always the Jayasuriya-Sachin-Ponting combination at MI dur- hurt the Bangalore side. ing the initial years. This often means a lack of direc- Inset: While Chahal is now tion and clarity in the team resulting in failures in exe- a superstar, they haven’t cution had a great consistent backup spinner. OUTSIDE INFLUENCE We should also remember that when it comes to the IPL, the players are bought by the franchises with an eye on their purse. But for choosing the national team the selectors are not bound by financial prudence and therefore go for the best talent out there. While Kohli Leaving can advise his franchise regarding players he would aside KL like them to buy he can’t dictate terms the way he is doing at the national level. Therefore he has to usually Rahul, Virat be satisfied with the pool of players at his disposal and Kohli and try to get the best out of them. Chahal, RCB OVER RELIANCE ON A SELECT FEW have suf- What has been noticeable with RCB is that they have more often than not depended on the trio of Gayle- fered as far Kohli-AB to put up runs on the board. The failures of any of these players heavily jeopardises the team’s as the qual- chances to win the trophy. Great players can win you ity of Indian matches but for winning tournaments teamwork is required – a lesson that RCB would have learned the players hard way in the 2016 edition. in their

AN ATTACK SANS THE SHARPNESS squad is Most of all the absence of a bunch of quality bowlers considered. has always hurt the Bangalore side. While their spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is now a worldwide superstar, they haven’t had a great consistent backup spinner. The same goes for the pace department where foreign stars

22 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 We should also re- member that when it comes to the IPL, the players are bought by the fran- chises with an eye on their purse.

such as Starc and Watson haven’t found much support Above: While Kohli can siderable pool of talented domestic players. Also, logic from a weak pool of domestic bowlers. advise his franchise re- dictates that in a tournament where a maximum of 4 garding players he would overseas players are allowed to be part of the playing like them to buy he can’t LACK OF QUALITY INDIAN PLAYERS dictate terms the way he XI, the benefits of investing in Indian cricketers are Leaving aside KL Rahul, Kohli and Chahal, RCB have is doing at the national immense. suffered as far as the quality of Indian players in their level. Hopefully come April, we will be able to see the char- squad is considered. Every IPL winner – be it ismatic captain extract his side’s full potential and win Rajasthan Royals, CSK or KKR – has boasted of a con- his maiden IPL title. n

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 23 FEATURE

The pictures raised eyebrows from the previous evening, suggestive enough that every- thing was not quite in order on the playing field... Australia Taste Bitter Dose of Cheaters Tag 24 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 BY SREELATA S. YELLAMRAZU

n an already adrenaline-fuelled, increasingly ugly contest, the Australian cricketers took their actions a step too far. What made this particular incident of ball tampering even worse was the fact that this was Idone with the full blessing of the captain who happens to be one of the world’s most esteemed batsmen.

Background: The world woke up to the news of Steve Smith, the Austral- ian captain, admitting that Cameron Bancroft had indeed tampered the ball Inset: Twelfth man was following instructions from the think tank to point out to Bancroft that his actions were being panned around the world.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 25 The pictures raised eyebrows from the previous eve- Above: Ball tampering paper when mixed with dirt only made it ning, suggestive enough that everything was not quite was done as part of a worse. in order on the playing field. Well before the play got deliberate plan. Although this is not the first underway on the fourth day of the third Test in Cape Right: Cricket ball tampering incident, it is Town, the world woke up to the news of Steve Smith, Australia have certainly the one that has the Australian captain, admitting that Cameron asked Smith caught the cricket world Bancroft had indeed tampered the ball and further- and Warner to aghast and deeply angered. step down. more, that this was done as part of a deliberate, pre- For years or rather decades, meditated plan that emanated from the senior leader- Australian cricket, by their ship within the Australian dressing room. own propaganda, would tout Although the disgraced Australian captain made it a themselves as being hard but point to mention that no coach was involved, footage fair. Under the carpet went per- from the match seemed to suggest that the twelfth man sonal jibes and ugly confronta- was following instructions from the think tank to point tions on the field in the name of out to Bancroft that his actions were being when perhaps their panned around the world. The shabby own former captain, attempt to hide his weapon of choice – Steven Waugh, a supposed tape that worked as sand- described it best

26 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 Australia tactics, the reactions would not have been far more have been garish by deliberate design. That South Africa even car- ried on without protest, notwithstanding how the ugliest Australia’s tactics may have affected them, is testimony to how long Australia have been the ugliest bullies on when he promoted it under his leadership as ‘mental bullies on and off the cricket field who must now face their own disintegration’. and off the music. That ugliness was already in full display in the pre- Although the ICC has imposed a one match ban on vious two Tests that saw Australia and South Africa field who Smith and Cricket Australia have asked Smith and tied on one win each with two Tests to go. But that the must now David Warner to step down as captain and vice-captain Australians would actually stoop this low was unthink- respectively effective immediately, given that the delib- able, particularly that Steven Smith, one of the world’s face their erate attempt to influence the match through ball tam- leading batsmen and someone hailed as a skipper of a own music. pering is no less devious than fixing a match, for the higher mental make-up than the more aggressive Virat Australian team that has long rained down on other Kohli, would allow this to happen and even consent to teams, it must now face harsh scrutiny and punitive it seems more than a ‘brain fade’ or ‘mistake’ – words measures for tarnishing not only the series and their he himself has used to explain his own transgressions, own reputation – present and now questionable past - now and before. through this most treacherous, blatant and foolish For someone whose name is drawn in the same cheating episode but also, damaging the image of the breath as the late great Sir Donald Bradman in sport after being hailed as one of the most dominant Australia’s cricketing circles, it is hard to imagine that Above: Australians would teams in the past few decades despite all of their ugli- had the game been switched and it was Steven Smith actually stoop this low ness and often brash, boorish behavior unbecoming of or Australia at the receiving end of similar underhand was unthinkable. champions. n

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 27 NUMBER GAME

Warner knows how to build a T20 inning and understands his team’s weaknesses perfectly. He has been one of the best captains of the IPL...

BY BHAVESH BHIMANI

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been the underdogs of the IPL. They are not star- studded like some of the other fancied teams, but somehow make an impact every season. Under David Warner, the team bonds extremely well and with their limited resources even went on to win the crown in 2016. SRH will certainly be one of the contend- ers of the IPL title this season and have assembled a solid team for it. Let us have a look at some of the big guns for Hyderabad this year. Sunrisers Hyderabad: The Big Guns for 2018 Season 28 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 DAVID WARNER He has been captain extraordinaire for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has almost single-handedly led their resurgence these last few seasons. Ever since he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014, Australian David Warner has been abso- lutely sensational with the bat for them and is the glue that holds the team togeth- er. From 2014 onwards, Warner has scored 528, 562, 848 and 641 runs respec- tively each season for SRH. He thrives on the Indian pitches and leads from the front. Warner knows how to build a T20 inning and understands his team’s weak- nesses perfectly. He has been one of the best captains of the IPL and his recent form suggests that David Warner will once again be a force to reckon with the upcom- ing season.

BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR Bhuvaneshwar Kumar’s resurgence as an impactful limited overs bowler has been phenomenal. The Indian swing bowler, while representing the SRH side, has been the leading wicket-taker of the IPL for the 2016 and 2017 sea- sons. He has become the main- stay of Hyderabad and his four overs tend to be the most crucial ones for the team – both at the start and at the death. Over the last couple of years, Bhuvi has added several variations in his repertoire. This makes him a lethal force and with his ability to swing the ball, Bhuvneshwar should yet again be the bowler to watch out for SRH.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 29 6.62. Rashid is special because of is his This young Afghanistani leg-spinner has bag of variations and the lengths that he been unstoppable and is one of the most bowls. Batsmen find it difficult to pick talked about bowlers of recent times. He him and hit him through the line which was the leading wicket-taker in ODIs last makes him a priceless option in the mid- year and was recently named in the top of dle overs. In fact, Rashid has successfully the ICC rankings for bowlers. The strangled and outfoxed many batsmen 19-year-old has been a superb addition to and Warner has utilized him prudently. the SRH squad and was one of their He has been in exceptional of late and impactful performers last season with 17 will be raring to in the IPL this season. wickets at a terrific economy rate of

SHIKHAR DHAWAN SHAKIB-AL-HASAN Shikhar Dhawan’s recent form has He is SRH’s new entrant and the team been outstanding and he has been would be delighted to have the super talent- striking the ball beautifully, perhaps ed Bangladeshi all-rounder in their ranks. better than he ever has. The stylish Shakib-Al-Hasan has been one of the best left-handed batsman’s exploits in limit- all-rounders in world cricket for some time ed overs cricket in South Africa and in now and was an important member of the the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka have Kolkata Knight Riders these past few years. been splendid. SRH would thus be With SRH, his role will be that much more delighted with their second opener’s vital as the team has been in desperate need form and would be hoping that he car- of a good all-rounder. Shakib can bowl ries it forward for them this season. some quality overs in the middle with his Dhawan has been an able partner for impeccable lines and will also bolster Warner at the top and the two have Hyderabad’s batting. In fact, batting has given their team some great partner- often led SRH down and Shakib in the mid- ships together. He had two superb sea- dle-order would be a massive boost for the sons in 2016 and 2017 where he col- team this season. lected 501 and 479 runs respectively.

30 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 UP, CLOSE &PERSONAL I LIKE EATING KADI CHAWAL — BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR

Name: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Born: February 5, 1990, Place of Birth: , Uttar Pradesh Playing Role: Bowler, Playing Style: Right Hand Batsman Bowling Style: Right-arm medium My After adding pace in his bowl- Favorite Drink ing, he has become one of the Maaza Favourites most lethal bowlers in interna- Favorite Outfit tional cricket. Bhuvneshwar Car you own Kumar is the spearhead of Mercedes T-shirt & Jeans Team India’s bowling unit, a Favorite Movie title he dully earned because of Best friend in Cricket his performances across for- Sudeep Tyagi Waqt – The race against time mats. He was recently awarded Favorite Actor A+ contract by the BCCI, mean- Favorite Cricketer ing he will get INR 7 crores as Sachin Tendulkar Akshay Kumar his annual retainership fees. Favorite Actress The right arm fast bowler will Mantra of Life play for Sunrisers Hyderabad Whatever happens, happens for Aishwarya Rai in the Indian Premier League. good Favorite Mobile

First Love Favorite Umpire Apple iPhone Cricket Billy Bowden

Favorite sport apart from Romantic Dinner or Party cricket Romantic Dinner Football Dream Car Favorite Food Lamborghini Huracan Kadi Chawal Inspirational Person Favorite Cricket Ground My Father , Kolkata

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 31 TRAVEL &LEISURE Emirates Palace

Favorite hotel in the world Emirates Palace in is my personal favorite. It is beautiful and humongous in size. The hotel has been built on the design of palaces. It has got its own artificial sea.

USP of the hotel According to me, each and everything of the hotel comes under the USP column. The interiors are not only eye-catching but are also best in the hotels category. Food is mouthwatering especially non vegetarian.

Your last visit there and the occasion I went with Team India to play a two-match EMIRATES PALACE ODI series against Pakistan in 2005-06.

Favorite destination in the world is my favorite destination because of IN ABU DHABI IS its diversified beauty. What is that you like about this place? MY PERSONAL I like malls, restaurants, amusement parks and the expansions in new fields. FAVORITE What do you like to do on holidays? Spending time with my family and playing different sports are my preferred activities. —

Most memorable meal while travelling I once had a delicious vegetarian food at the Dubai road side restaurant while travelling from to Delhi. Mattar Paneer was mouthwatering and I am still looking for that kind of taste.

What is the one thing you always pack before leaving for any destination? I keep my prayer mat at the first instance while packing my stuff. n

32 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 TRENDING

“They’re like spoilt SMITH SACKED brats if it doesn’t go AS CAPTAIN

their way, they spit Indian the dummy, whinge Premier League about it, carry on side stupidly” Rajasthan Royals (RR) has replaced Australia’s Steve STUART BROAD Smith as captain CREATES HISTORY over his role in a England fast bowler Broad ball-tampering con- took the 400th wicket of his Test troversy. A club state- match career but the occasion will ment said India’s have been dampened by a miserable Ajinkya Rahane would England performance on day one in take over as skipper in the . Broad snared New IPL season starting April 7. Zealand opener Latham, caught at “Steve believes given the midwicket, in the first over of the current circumstances it’s in third session at . A memo- the best interest of the rable moment came in unhappy cir- Rajasthan Royals that he cumstances, however, as England steps down as captain so were already behind in the Test, hav- the team can get ready for ing been out for just 58 earli- the start of the IPL without er in the day. The Nottinghamshire the on-going distractions,” seamer reached 400 scalps in his the club said. The 115th Test match, a career stretch- International Cricket Council ing back to his debut in 2007. He banned Smith for one Test sits 15th on the all-time Test after he admitted that match wicket-takers list, just Australian players planned five shy of West Indies legend ball tampering during the Ambrose, and is the second third Test against South most prolific English bowler Africa. He is also expect- ever, behind Anderson. Broad ed to face sanctions from has claimed the wickets of Cricket Australia. some of the biggest names in world cricket. SHAMI CHEATED ON WIFE In a huge turn of events Indian cricketer Shami has accepted to womanizing during the investigation of match fixing by Board of Control of ’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). According to a report published in DNA, Shami was lying to Hasin about -based businessman Mohammad Bhai and ‘financial deals’, so that he can spend time with his “female friends” outside marriage in Dubai. In a JEFF relief to , the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pro- THOMSON ceeded with offering a Grade ‘B’ annual retainership contract to Shami on Thursday ON SMITH AND after he was cleared of fixing allegations by WARNER ACU. Shami will also be seen in action in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League.

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 33 SOCIAL BUZZ insta

SHE’S NEVER HAPPIER THAN WHEN SHE’S NEAR THE OCEAN

GREAT SESSION TODAY. GETTING I WILL STILL SEND THE PRAISES STRONGER EVERYDAY SUNDAY RUN UP FOR BLESSING MY TEAM

twitter

@cricketaakash: “Life Ban Steve Smith? Are You KIDDING Me?”

@wasimakramlive: “Really enjoyed myself spending quality time with Hasan, young sensation from When biwi ji reminds you of shopping when you Everything gets better with a cup of coffee Chichawatni” are on a flight — — Irfan Pathan

@Mozzie21: “In my uneducated opinion, I dare say there was never a senior players meeting to discuss cheating”

@SDhawan25: “I’ll Always be right behind you son”

@jpduminy21: Thank you people of Pakistan for an amazing couple of weeks You will always be my CAPTAIN Goodbye Sudan. We as humans have failed you — — Kevin Pietersen

34 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018 CONTEST CORNER Find six differences between these two pictures

Last month's winners: Jaspreet (Delhi), Rahil (Deoband), Mohit (Mumbai) In this contest you have to spot six differences between both the Last month’s answers pictures. Three lucky winners will get a Parker pen each.

Rules & Regulations for the contest n Last date for entries: 4th April 2018. n A draw will determine the winner. n Winners name will be announced in the next issue of cricket today. n The prizes may vary from the one shown. n Send in your answers along with your name, occupation, address, contact No. and Email ID at our postal address. Our postal address Cricket Today: X-30, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi-110020 Ph: 011 40712100 Fax: 011 41611866

MARCH 30, 2018 CRICKET TODAY 35 BEST OF THE WEEK

36 CRICKET TODAY MARCH 30, 2018