Sports

IPL 2025: RR Looks Back on Missed Chances Following Defeat to KKR

Published

12 months ago

March 28, 2025

Rajasthan Royals spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule acknowledged that his team fell short with the bat and lost key moments in their eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This marked the Royals’ second consecutive loss in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), following a 44-run setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their season opener.

After setting a modest target of 151/9, largely due to the disciplined bowling of KKR’s spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali, the Royals were comfortably outclassed as the defending champions comfortably chased down the score with 15 balls remaining, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 97.

—

“The pitch was a bit sticky initially, but honestly, we could have scored an additional 15-20 runs, which would have applied pressure on KKR,” Bahutule commented after the match.

—

“Overall, considering how we’ve been performing, we are a young team with a young captain. The focus now is on getting into performance mode, which I believe will happen soon,” he added.

While RR struggled against tight bowling in the middle overs, the introduction of Shubham Dubey as an Impact Player and the decision to move Shimron Hetmyer down the order did not yield the desired results. Dubey struggled against spin, and Hetmyer, who was intended to counter pace, was dismissed cheaply.

“Dubey is a skilled player against spin. As an Impact Player, it was crucial to leverage his batting abilities. The strategy was that if he could accelerate during that phase, Hetmyer would have matched up well later on,” Bahutule explained.

The Royals’ spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, did not perform as effectively as their KKR counterparts, combining for figures of 1 for 66 in seven overs. However, Bahutule expressed confidence in their potential to improve as the tournament progresses.

“We have world-class spinners in Hasaranga and Theekshana. At times, I felt they were slightly off their lengths; if they had been more precise, there was definitely room for the spinners to thrive,” he remarked. “They have just joined the IPL setup, but I am optimistic that they will make a bigger impact in the upcoming matches. I trust all our bowlers—it’s a promising young team, both with the bat and ball, and I believe they will shine.”

Bahutule also commented on the playing conditions, mentioning that dew could have played a role but was not a significant factor. “In Guwahati, the dew factor is something to consider, but tonight there wasn’t much dew—just a bit. Under lights, the pitch tends to bind, making it easier for the ball to come onto the bat,” he noted.

“Yet, our spinners also had opportunities. We could have executed better, and it’s about improving game by game. I’m sure we will do that in the following matches.”

He credited KKR’s bowlers for outshining their own, stating, “They bowled tighter lines and lengths, consistently applying pressure in those areas. This made a significant impact on our batting.”

“That was the key difference. Our bowlers followed similar plans, but the occasional short ball cost us four extra runs per over,” he added.

The Riyan Parag-led side will now face the formidable Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30, a crucial match for a young squad eager to find their footing as the season progresses.

—

Sports

Complaint Filed Against Hardik Pandya Over Alleged National Flag Insult

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory celebrations. The complaint was submitted to police in Pune by advocate Wajid Khan.

According to the complaint, Pandya wrapped the tricolour around his body and behaved in an inappropriate manner on the field after India’s win against New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium. The lawyer requested police to register an FIR and take legal action.

A police officer from Shivaji Nagar Police Station confirmed that the complaint application was received.

Meanwhile, Pandya celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory and said winning back-to-back titles was a personal promise fulfilled. He also said this victory is only the beginning of the team’s success.

Pandya had a strong tournament performance with the bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and took nine wickets during the competition.

Sports

Suryakumar,Gambhir and Jay Shah Visit Hanuman Temple after wining World cup

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: After India’s historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad and offered special prayers. The trio carried the World Cup trophy and sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman after India’s memorable win.

The visit came a day after India defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this victory, India lifted its record third T20 World Cup title and created history in international cricket.

After losing the toss, India was asked to bat first by New Zealand. India got off to a strong start as Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings. He scored 52 runs from just 21 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive batting gave India early momentum.

Sanju Samson then continued the strong performance and built an important partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Later, Samson also shared a century partnership with Ishan Kishan, who played a powerful knock. Ishan Kishan scored 54 runs from 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Their partnership helped India cross the 200-run mark by the 16th over.

Although India lost a few quick wickets later, Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo. He scored 26 runs from just 8 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. His quick runs helped India finish with a massive total of 255 runs for the loss of five wickets. This became the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Chasing a huge target of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled under pressure. Indian bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to restrict the opposition. Axar Patel took three wickets for 23 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the star with four wickets for just 15 runs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert fought hard and scored 52 runs from 26 balls with two boundaries and five sixes. Daryl Mitchell scored 17 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner made 43 runs from 35 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.

As a result, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs and suffered a heavy defeat. India won the match by 96 runs and celebrated one of the biggest victories in T20 World Cup history.

Following the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. They offered special prayers and thanked the deity for the team’s historic achievement. The visit reflected the team’s gratitude after winning the prestigious global tournament.

Sports

Ishan Kishan Plays World Cup Final Despite Personal Loss

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Ishan Kishan helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the death of his brother-in-law in a car accident two days before the final.

Because of the tragedy, his father Pranav Pandey could not travel to Ahmedabad for the match. Kishan also wanted to be with his family but stayed with the team due to the responsibility of the final.

In the final, Kishan played a brilliant innings and scored 54 runs off 25 balls. After reaching his half-century, he looked at the sky to pay tribute to his late brother-in-law.

He also took two important catches to dismiss Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert of New Zealand national cricket team.

Kishan finished the tournament with 317 runs in nine innings and became the fourth-highest run scorer.