Sports

WPL 2025: Aakash Chopra Emphasizes Harmanpreet’s Crucial Role in MI’s Quest to Reclaim First Season Glory

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra asserts that Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership will be crucial for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they aim to reclaim their first-season glory in the upcoming WPL 2025, which kicks off on February 14.

MI made history as the inaugural WPL champions in 2023 but faced an early exit in the following season, losing to the eventual champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the eliminators. With their first match of WPL 2025 against the Delhi Capitals on February 15 in Vadodara approaching, MI has been diligently training at a facility in Navi Mumbai, initially focusing on their Indian players before gradually integrating their overseas squad.

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Harmanpreet returns to the field after being rested from the ODIs against Ireland in January and missing two T20Is against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai due to injury concerns.

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“Their batting order is robust and remains largely unchanged from the previous seasons, featuring several match-winners. From the Indian side, they have Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia, and among their overseas players, they boast three of the best all-rounders globally,” said Chopra.

“Harmanpreet Kaur’s role is vital—she’s an excellent captain, and her form has been impressive in the first two seasons. She played a pivotal role in their first-season success. For MI to reclaim their former glory, Harmanpreet’s contribution will be essential,” he added on Disney+ Hotstar.

Despite having world-class talents like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Shabnim Ismail, Chopra believes that if all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar is fit, she can significantly enhance the lineup. Pooja has been sidelined since last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup due to injury.

“With stars like Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the team will lean heavily on them. However, Pooja Vastrakar’s return to form could be immensely beneficial, as she is an outstanding all-rounder,” he remarked.

MI has also welcomed the recent ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Amelia Kerr. Chopra predicts that she will lead the spin-bowling unit while expressing confidence that left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque will bounce back strongly in the upcoming season.

“Amelia Kerr’s four overs are like a bank—she is highly accurate and has a proven track record as a wicket-taker. Meanwhile, Saika Ishaque had a stellar first season but had a slight dip in her second. However, she is anticipated to make a strong return. MI’s spin department may not be the strongest in the league, but it is certainly capable,” he concluded.

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Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

1 week ago

May 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

IPL 2026 : In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Tim David has landed in controversy for allegedly making an obscene gesture after his team’s thrilling win against Mumbai Indians.

The incident took place during the 54th match of the Indian Premier League in Raipur. Batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 167 runs in 20 overs and set a competitive target for RCB.

While chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 15 runs in the final over. The match went down to the last ball, where RCB required two runs for victory. Rasikh Dar helped the team secure a thrilling win in the final delivery.

Soon after the victory, Tim David, who was in the dugout, was seen allegedly showing his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians camp during the celebrations. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered criticism from cricket fans.

Reports suggest that match officials could take disciplinary action against the Australian batter. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, obscene or offensive gestures are considered a serious offence.

Such behaviour usually falls under Level 1 or Level 2 breaches of the ICC rules. Players found guilty can face fines ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent of their match fees. Demerit points may also be added to their disciplinary record. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension from matches.

Similar incidents have happened in the past as well. In 2012, Virat Kohli was fined 50 percent of his match fee for showing the middle finger to spectators during a match in Sydney.

Cricket is widely known as a “gentleman’s game,” and players are expected to maintain discipline and respect on the field. Tim David’s celebration has now sparked debate among fans and experts about sportsmanship in modern cricket.

Sports

Pooran Super over Call Sparks Criticism

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after a failed Super Over decision against Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG sent Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to bat, with Pooran on strike against Sunil Narine.

Pooran was bowled on the first ball, leading to heavy criticism from fans. Many questioned the decision, especially because Narine had earlier troubled Pooran in a past Super Over.

LSG coach Justin Langer defended the move. He said the team trusted Pooran as he has faced Narine many times and has a strong record against him. He added that teams must back their best players even in difficult moments.

Langer also said Pooran is one of the best T20 players in recent years but is currently low on confidence. He assured that the team is working hard to help him regain form

Despite being at the bottom of the table, LSG remains hopeful. Langer said the team will use the break to improve and aim to win their remaining matches.

Sports

King Kohli Creates Two Records in One Match

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli made history in a match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans. He achieved two big records in a single game.

Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to hit 800 boundaries. He now has 807 fours. Shikhar Dhawan is second with 768, followed by David Warner and Rohit Sharma.

He also became the third player to hit 300 sixes in IPL. He reached this mark with his first six in the match. Chris Gayle leads with 357 sixes, while Rohit Sharma has 310.