Rajasthan Royals claimed a convincing six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru to settle at the top of the IPL 2024 points table. Virat Kohli’s century, the first of the current season, went in vain as Jos Buttler replicated the same feat to get his team across the line. RCB’s bowling remains to be in tatters, with their bowlers having no clue how to defend a sizeable target – be it at home or away.
With this commendable performance, RR not only move to the top of the points table but also capture the first place on the Purple Cap standings, with ex-RC spinner Yuzvendra Chahal coming back to haunt his previous franchise. The only silver lining in the cloud for RCB is their one and only performer Virat Kohli topping the Orange Cap standings with his record-setting hundred. On that note, let’s take a look back at the top stories of the day.
King Kohli Shines, Albeit in Losing Cause
Virat Kohli was the lone crusader for RCB yet again, reminding everyone of why he is still one of the best in the business. King Kohli’s century, the first of this IPL, couldn’t get RCB across the line, with their weak bowling line-up unable to defend the total that Kohli worked so hard to put on. En route to his unbeaten 113-run knock, Kohli became the first batter in IPL to amass 8000 runs. He also completed the most catches taken by a player in the history of the tournament in the game. But all that is just a stat, with the result of the game going in RR’s favour.
Buttler Magic in Jaipur!
If there’s one person who could challenge Virat Kohli, that too in a format that he is regarded the King of, it is none other than Jos Buttler. In a single game that saw two hundreds being scored, Buttler led his team to a comfortable six-wicket victory as he reached the triple figure mark for the sixth time in the IPL. Like Kohl, he remained unbeaten at the end of the innings as RR picked up two points. This might very well be a good sign for England, with the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching.
Hasaranga Blues for SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad have been dealt with a major blow as all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been pulled out of IPL 2024. Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), in a letter to BCCI, has explained why the star has to pull out of the tournament. SLC has written to the BCCI stating that the 26-year-old has to undergo rehabilitation and rest to heal his left ankle and will not be available for the season.
No Marsh for DC’s Clash vs MI
Already down in the dumps, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have suffered a major blow. Their star all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out of the MI vs DC match. The Australian was DC’s highest wicket-taker last season and played an important role for the franchise in Rishabh Pant’s absence.
Shivam Dube for T20 WC? Yes, Please!
Shivam Dube has become a deadly force to reckon with when it comes to smashing spinners in the middle overs of T20 cricket. He has a unique talent for smashing the most powerful spin attacks. Dube’s impressive ability to hit the ball with immense power and launch it into the air for massive sixes has garnered appreciation from fans and made him a devastating batter in the middle overs. Does this mean he deserves a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad?
Making of Mayank Yadav!
Mayank Yadav’s story is one of perseverance. He famously underperformed at a Services trial to avoid a government job, prioritizing his dream of playing for India. His dedication to speed sets him apart from other young Indian fast bowlers like Umran Malik and Umesh Yadav. His height allows him to generate uncomfortable bounce, and his controlled action promises consistency.
Super Over: 6 News Flash of April 6
Kohli Twists Leg
It is beyond doubt that even the smallest of movements Virat Kohli makes on the field is a topic of discussion. So when Kohli went off to the dugout in the 16th over of the second innings vs RR, it gave rise to a speculation, if he was injured?
Kohli Mania
Just like the PBKS vs RCB match, during the RCB vs RR match, a die-hard fan went on to run on the pitch and hug Virat Kohli. One is not sure if the fan was beaten up by the security personnel or not, like it was the case last time around.
Behave, Mr Manjrekar
Just before the toss for RR vs RCB, the former unveiled the ‘PinkPromise’ initiative for women’s empowerment. Sanjay Manjrekar invited unecessary controversy by saying, “Now back to serious business,” referring to the actual start of the match.
Coach Gary in Pakistan?
Various reports suggest that GT batting coach Gary Kirsten is in line to take over the role of coach for the Pakistani team. But one wonders if Kirsten would make the switch.
Norwegian Draws Rohit Sharma
While the reach of cricket may be limited to a few nations only, but it is beyond doubt that the Indian cricketers have fans all over the world. Recently, a Norwegian Fredrik Worren, made beautiful art of former Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma.
Street Dogs Predicting Winners
IPL is not just about cricket, but a lot of fun as well. Insidesport decided to double the excitement, with a series of their own, where street dogs in Mumbai predict the winners for the upcoming matches. Here’s the one the CSK vs KKR match.
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