Despite May 23 being a day with no scheduled IPL 2024 game, quite a lot of stories sparked the cricketing world. Is MS Dhoni confirmed to play IPL next season, or does Virat Kohli need to leave RCB in order to get his hands on an elusive IPL trophy? Is this all speculation or a key step in what could possibly happen?
Regardless, the focus will now shift to the penultimate match of the ongoing IPL 2024. It will be the clash between the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) to determine who would face the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Finals. While SRH lost Qualifier 1 against KKR, RR are coming on the back of a superlative win over RCB. Ahead of the much-anticipated Qualifier 2 clash, let us look back and skim through the headline-worthy stories from Thursday.
MS Dhoni.. IPL next season…confirmed?
Is this true? Is this confirmed? Well, Chennai Super Kings fans, there’s good news on the horizon! MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer, might be returning to the team next year for IPL 2025.This speculation stems from tweets by Dhoni’s CSK teammates Daryl Mitchell and Matheesha Pathirana, although neither specified his role. This has ignited excitement among CSK fans, who are eager to see Dhoni back in yellow. Whether Dhoni returns as a player or takes on a mentoring role remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, though – Dhoni’s presence would be a not just a huge boost for CSK, but for the entire tournament.
Kohli needs to leave RCB and join DC, advices KP
RCB’s IPL 2024 exit reignited discussions about Virat Kohli’s elusive IPL trophy. Former cricketer Kevin Pietersen suggested Kohli consider leaving RCB to chase his IPL dream. Pietersen believes a change of scenery might benefit Kohli, referencing footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo. Pietersen even proposed Delhi Capitals (DC) – a destination where the modern-day-master needs to go. He cited Kohli’s hometown advantage and Delhi’s own championship aspirations to back his statement.
Pay INR 8.3 Lac to watch IND vs PAK T20 WC match!
Soaring ticket prices for the USA’s first major cricket tournament, the T20 World Cup 2024, have raised eyebrows. The India vs Pakistan match, a guaranteed crowd-puller, boasts a top ticket price of a whopping $10,000 (INR 8.32 Lakh)! Critics argue the ICC, reliant on major tournaments for income, is prioritizing profit over fostering new fans. Affordable tickets could pack stadiums and ignite a passion for cricket in the USA.
Pakistan delays their announcement, will release their squad on May 24
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continued to frustrate their fans will have to wait a bit longer for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement. Initial reports suggested a May 23rd reveal, but it is now confirmed that were is a one-day delay. This means Pakistan, the only team yet to finalize their squad, will announce their 15-man roster on May 24. With the ICC deadline looming on May 25, the Babar Azam-led team is expected to use the extra day to meticulously choose the players who will journey across the Atlantic to compete in the highly anticipated tournament.
T20 WC co-host USA clinched a series win over Bangladesh
USA cricket team sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, not once, but twice! After a surprise victory over Bangladesh in the 1st T20I on May 21, the co-hosts of the upcoming T20 World Cup sealed the three-match series with another win. Ali Khan’s bowling heroics secured a narrow six-run victory in the second game. This dominant performance against a first-choice Bangladesh side is a massive confidence booster for the USA as they gear up to share the T20 WC stage with giants like India and Pakistan. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be scrambling to address their shortcomings before the tournament kicks off.
Celebrations won’t win IPL trophies – A message from Rayudu to RCB
RCB’s resurgent run in IPL 2024 ended with a heartbreaking loss in the Eliminator against RR. This sparked a playful jab from former CSK & MI star Ambati Rayudu. He pointed out on Star Sports that aggressive celebrations and defeating CSK aren’t enough for RCB to guarantee trophies. Rayudu, seemingly upset by RCB’s prior exuberant celebration against CSK, emphasized the need for a well-rounded team and consistent playoff performances to win the IPL trophy.
Editors pick
