CHENNAI: Opener Nitish Rana (80) and Rahul Tripathi (53) hit fluent half-centuries to script Kolkata Knight Rides’ a comfortable 10-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, here on Sunday.

Hyderabad lost skipper David Warner (3) and Wriddhiman Saha (7) early and were always playing a catch-up game despite Jonny Bairstow’s fighting half-century.

They could manage 177 for five in the end.

Jonny Bairstow (55) and Manish Pandey (61 not out) formed a partnership at a steady run rate.

Australian pacer Cummins broke their 92-run stand when he had Bairstow caught at backward point by Rana.

SRH needed 70 off the last five overs.

Mohammed Nabi (14) was hit on his neck by Krishna but the Afghan responded with a cracking six.

He went after a slower one but only to be caught by Eoin Morgan.

The 19-year-old Abdul Samad, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, creamed off two sixes and a four off Cummins in the penultimate over to keep SRH in hunt.

Requiring 22 runs from the last over, KKR’s Andre Russell held his nerves to deny SRH a win.

Earlier, left-handed opener Rana struck the ball hard and clean to provide his side a confident start after they were asked to take first strike.

His strokes on the off-side — the drives and cuts – were of highest quality and a treat to the eye.

Neither Bhuvneshwar Kumar nor T Natarajan could stop Rana from hitting boundaries even as Subhman Gill was quiet initially.

Sandeep Sharma was hit for three boundaries in a row by him.

Gill opened up his arms to hit a massive straight six off Natarajan to make it even better for KKR.

However, the run-flow was affected when ever-reliable Rashid got the ball in his hands.

He also provided the breakthrough when he deceived Gill with a wrong’un to find the stumps.

Rana though kept going strong, completing his half-century with a six off Vijay Shankar after surviving an LBW appeal off Rashid.

He got the decision overturned, taking the DRS call.

Rana’s six-hitting continued after getting his fifty as he punished Natarajan and Sandeep again.

His colleague at the other end Rahul Tripathi also stroked confidently and fluently.

He smashed a massive six off Bhuvneshwar and then followed it up with a cheeky four in the third-man region.

He completed his fifty with another boundary off Bhuvneshwar but was dismissed by Natarajan soon after when he top-edged a ball.

Rashid too sent back dangerous Andre Russell (5) back.

Mohammed Nabi (2/32) got rid of Rana and Eoin Morgan (2) off successive balls in the 18th over.

Chennai: AB de Villiers rolled back the years with his beautiful yet brutal assault as Royal Challengers Bangalore pipped defending champions Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball thriller in the Indian Premier League opener here on Friday.

De Villiers smashed 48 off 27 balls after RCB were down in the dumps at 106 for 5. Harshal Patel capped off his dream day by scraping a single off the final delivery to reach the target of 160 in 20 overs.

Haryana’s Harshal, an eternal peripheral presence in the IPL, finally had his night under the lights with 5 for 27, which helped RCB restrict MI to 159 for nine.

MI again lost the first match as has been the tradition in the IPL but they lost it to de Villiers, who changed the script in a space of two overs by attacking the two MI spinners Rahul Chahar (0/43) and Krunal Pandya (1/25).

His attack prompted Rohit Sharma to finish his best bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s spell (2/26 in 4 overs) before the final over, from which seven runs were required.

RCB were in control when Glenn Maxwell (39 off 28 balls) came in and upset leg-spinner Chahar’s line with a reverse-pull boundary. He repeated the shot off the same bowler for a six and got another maximum off Krunal Pandya over long-on.

Skipper Virat Kohli (33 off 29 balls), who had launched into an experienced Marco Jansen in his first over, got a bit bogged down as the innings progressed. However, Maxwell’s attack meant that Kohli could take his time.

It was MI’s strike bowler Bumrah, who came back for his second spell at the back-10 and removed the Indian captain with an angular delivery.

If that wasn’t enough, Jansen, the 6 feet 8 inch youngster, banged one short that ended Maxwell’s potentially dangerous innings as the ‘Big Show’ once again promised a lot but delivered little.

After Jansen removed Shahbaz Ahmed, de Villiers announced his arrival with a six and a boundary off Chahar.

Earlier, Harshal produced a death over masterclass, which kept the MI total under check.

He picked up three wickets in his final over for a run and also became the first bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians.

Reserve opener Chris Lynn (49 off 35 balls) partially made amends for his part in a horrible mix-up that led to skipper Rohit Sharma’s (19 off 15 balls) run-out, by adding 70 runs in seven overs for second wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 23 balls).

That stand was the platform that MI needed to fire during the back-end.

Fresh from his exploits for India, Ishan Kishan blazed his way to 28 off 19 balls but Harshal got a few wickets in the final over to prevent MI from inflicting bigger damage.

On a Chepauk track where a good score is anything in the region of 150, the total was certainly par for the course.

Kyle Jamieson (1/27 in 4 overs) had an impressive IPL debut with his disconcerting bounce but the seasoned Yuzvendra Chahal (0/41 in 4 overs) has clearly lost his bearings for some time now.

But Harshal, Chahal’s Haryana teammate made it up with some accurate wicket-to-wicket bowling in the 18th and 20th over.

Lynn, who looked shaky during the first few overs, stepped out to loft Chahal for a six over long-on and another over wide of long-on off left arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed to get his rhythm back.

This was after he called Rohit for a non-existent single and then sent him back, only to find the skipper yards short of his ground.

Suryakumar (31 off 23 balls), at the other end, took off from where he left against England as he clipped Jamieson for a boundary, punched Chahal through covers off the back foot and then back-cut Dan Christian for another four.

The pitch that looked slow during the first four overs went out of the equation as runs came at a fair clip.

Brief scores:

Mumbai Indians: 159/9 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 49, Suryakumar Yadav 31; Harshal Patel 5/27).

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 160/8 in 20 overs (AB de Villiers 48, Virat Kohli 33, Glenn Maxwell 39; Marco Jansen 2/28, Jasprit Bumrah 2/26).

National: Cricket is among the most widely followed and most loved sports across India. It unites millions of people, sparks banter and discussion, and brings out the off field “expert” in all viewers. The joy of cricket is as much in watching the sport as it is in sharing our views with friends and predicting outcomes – about player performances, match results, and so forth. Now, with yet another exciting season of cricket to look forward to, Flipkart Video is making the cricket-watching experience more enjoyable and rewarding, with Power Play with Champions that will begin its second season

The show, hosted as before by legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag and popular TV presenter Samir Kochar, will have an interactive format, wherein viewers can put their cricketing knowledge and predictive skills to the test and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. The expert duo, meanwhile, will discuss various aspects of the upcoming matches and present their own point of views to try and help the viewers to predict the right answers.

Speaking about the show and the upcoming matches, Virender Sehwag said, “I am so thrilled to be back with Flipkart Video for the second edition of Powerplay with Champions. After the year we have all had, this cricket season is something every fan world over is looking forward to. While we can’t enjoy the real deal of watching the match live, this show gives everyone the chance to put their cricketing knowledge to test, predict different aspects of the match and win many prizes. I had a great time working with Samir last year, and I know it’s going to be double the fun this time around. I wish all the teams and players participating all the luck, it’s going to be an amazing season.”

“Cricket is something that has been a part of my life ever since I was a little boy. I couldn’t be happier to be back with Flipkart Video to host another season of Power Play with Champions with the legend and everyone’s favorite – Viru Paaji! After the kind of year we have all had, this year’s tournament is going to be a much awaited one. With new players making their debut and experienced one’s in their best form, it’s going to be a fun season. I can’t wait to take my audience through every match and help them win some amazing prizes while we’re at it. While I will miss being on ground, getting to share the spotlight with swag baba again is something I am definitely looking forward to,” said Samir Kochhar.

Power Play with Champions Season 2 will give Flipkart Video users a chance to watch a new episode on the app and participate in a six-question quiz every day with a chance to win Supercoins. Viewers will be tested on various aspects of the game, the teams, the players, the predicted number of runs and wickets, and so forth. The show will also crown one viewer with an exciting prize and the coveted spot of ‘Champion of the series’ for their winning points on the leaderboard throughout the season. Flipkart app users can access the show by clicking on the Video icon at the bottom right of the app’s homepage.

Mumbai: Former India captain and batting icon Sachin Tendulkar has been hospitalised as a precautionary measure, six days after he tested positive for COVID-19.

The 47-year-old took to twitter to announce the development on Friday.

“Thank you for your wishes and prayers. As a matter of abundant precaution under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home in a few days. Take care and stay safe everyone,” Tendulkar wrote.

Tendulkar had tested positive for the dreaded infection on March 27 and was in home isolation ever since.

The batting great, who was part of India’s historic World Cup win in 2011, also wished his teammates on the 10th anniversary of the victory.

“Wishing all Indians & my teammates on the 10th anniversary of our World Cup win,” he tweeted.

Besides Tendulkar, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, his elder brother Yusuf and S Badrinath — all of whom had recently participated at the Road Safety World Series Challenge — have so far announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19.

Tendulkar had led the Indian team to victory in the veteran’s tournament in Raipur where crowds were allowed inside the stadiums.

The Delhi Capitals will take on Chennai Super Kings in their first match of the IPL 2021 season, at the Wankhede Stadium, on April 10.

NEW DELHI: Star India batsman Rishabh Pant was on Tuesday named captain of Delhi Capitals in place of an injured Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming Indian Premier League season beginning on April 9.

“Under Shreyas’ captaincy, our team reached newer heights, and he is going to be missed immensely. In his absence, the franchise has collectively picked Rishabh to lead the team this year,” DC Chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Gandhi said in a release.

“While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow further. I wish him all the best in his new role.”

This will be 23-year-old Pant’s debut as IPL captain.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has captained Delhi’s state team in the past.

“Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I’ve always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled,” Pant said.

“I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can’t wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals.”

Pant was one of the architects of India’s historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia in January.

He then played a big role in India’s 3-1 Test series win against England, scoring 270 runs from six innings with the help of a century.

Pant also returned to India’s white-ball team against England.

After a decent outing in the T20 Internationals, he was in cracking form in the ODI series, hitting 77 and 78 in the two matches he played.

Iyer described Pant as the best player to lead the Delhi side.

“When I sustained the shoulder injury, and Delhi Capitals needed a leader for this edition of the IPL, I had no doubt that Rishabh would be the best man for the job,” he said.

“He has all my good wishes to make amazing things happen with our absolutely incredible team. I’m going to miss the team tremendously, and will be cheering for them throughout.”

Head coach Ricky Ponting said Pant’s success in the series against Australia and England will give him the confidence needed to take on the new role.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility,” the former Australian captain said.

“The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.”

Co-owner Parth Jindal said Pant embodies DC’s passionate and fearless brand of cricket.

“There is no doubt that Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting will be missed this year, and we hope to see him back on the field soon,” Jindal said.

“Delhi Capitals as a team plays a passionate and fearless brand of cricket, and Rishabh Pant embodies that best. The Delhi team has played an important role in his growth as a cricketer, just like he has played an equally important role in the growth of the Delhi team.”

The Delhi Capitals will take on Chennai Super Kings in their first match of the IPL 2021 season, at the Wankhede Stadium, on April 10.

Delhi Capitals finished as runners-up in the last edition of the IPL, losing to Mumbai Indians in the final.

New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Monday became the fourth Indian cricketer to test COVID-19 positive, having recently taken part in the veteran’s Road Safety World Series tournament in Raipur, which is fast turning out to be a super spreader.

Before Irfan, his elder brother Yusuf, legendary Sachin Tendulkar and S Badrinath have all taken to twitter to announce that they have tested positive for COVID-19.

“I have tested positive for COVID-19 with no symptoms and have isolated myself and quarantined at home. I would request those who came in contact with me in recent past to please get themselves tested,” Irfan tweeted.

“Urging all to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Wishing you all good health,” he further wrote.

Road Safety World Series is a private tournament that didn’t have BCCI approval as it was only meant for retired cricketers. The worst part was that the organisers didn’t restrict crowd movement even when BCCI made the later part of England series a closed door affair.

PUNE: Indian cricket team may like to revisit its 50-over template while picking up pieces from the Friday carnage with an aim to complete a hat-trick of series wins against England in the third and final ODI here on Sunday.

Never before has captain Virat Kohli missed Ravindra Jadeja as much as he would have on Friday when Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes took the mickey out of India’s left-arm wrist and orthodox spinners. In the bowling department, Kuldeep scripted an unwanted record when he conceded 8 sixes, most by an Indian bowler.

He leaked 84 runs in the second game after giving 64 runs in the first. And, so did Krunal Pandya, who gave 72 runs in six overs with an embarrassing average of 12 per over. So, in all probability, the duo could be replaced by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar, who can also chip in with the bat, if needed.

From team’s perspective, it would be impossible to ignore Yuzvendra Chahal’s inclusion in the playing XI even though the Haryana leg-spinners hasn’t been in the best of forms. Pandya senior would still make it to the team because of his batting skills but the apology of left-arm spin has certainly ensured that he won’t be considered as a long term option.

In terms of batting, a total of 337 is certainly not bad by any standards but perhaps India can now look to have strategic shift in terms innings building process. The Men In Blue are the only team that always believes in accelerating in the last 15 overs, a template that was set by their illustrious former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

It has worked on most occasions but of late, England with a world title has shown the world that attacking up front on batting tracks is the way forward. It might just help Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya with their brand of power-hitting change the course of the innings in the back-10.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who hit two successive 50 plus scores, would be keen to carry his form and convert the start into a really big total and end the century drought. The skipper has however made it clear that he is not looking at milestones.

“I never played for 100s in my life, that’s probably why I ended up getting so many in such little time. It’s all about contributing to the team cause. If the team doesn’t win when you get three figures it doesn’t mean anything. You’re not going to sit back at the end of your career and look at numbers, it’s more about how you played the game,” he said.

For the record, his last century came in August 2019 in this format. Hardik would continue to play his role of a finisher but question mark remains on what kind of workload management is happening considering that he has rarely bowled save a few overs in the recently concluded T20 International.

On the pace front, while India would go-ahead with spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar, they could try going in with left-arm pacer and yorker specialist T Natarajan, in case they want to rest Shardul Thakur for the game.

Also, there could be a choice between Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna although Prasidh’s pace is an advantage for the hosts. Meanwhile, England would be bolstered by their Friday’s performance and the biggest positive would be the return of form of Ben Stokes, who otherwise struggled on many occasions on the entire tour.

Come Sunday, it remains to be seen, if India win the game, it couldn’t be better gift on eve of festival of colours Holi.

Teams

India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur.

England: Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (captain), Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Livingstone, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood, David Malan.

PUNE: England captain Eoin Morgan was on Thursday ruled out of the final two One-Day Internationals of the ongoing series against India here because of an injury.

Jos Buttler will captain England in Morgan’s absence and Liam Livingstone will make his ODI debut.

Morgan will miss out after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger in Tuesday’s series opener, an injury that required four stitches.

The captain went through a fielding drill during training at the MCA Stadium on Thursday and afterwards declared himself unfit.

“I had the hand re-dressed before the start of training today but it quickly became apparent that I found myself protecting the injury and getting into the wrong positions to catch the ball,” Morgan said.

“There’s nowhere to hide on the field in international cricket these days, especially in limited-over formats so it didn’t require any great thought to make myself unavailable.

“It was a freak injury and it’s extremely frustrating but there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s now just a case of letting the cut heal. I have every confidence in Jos and the rest of the squad coping without me.”

Billings did not train on Thursday after he suffered a bruised left collar bone while fielding in the opening match, and the injury remained sore.

Dawid Malan, with the tour party as cover, has been drafted into the squad and is available for selection.