Despite May 20 being the first day with no scheduled IPL 2024 game this season, quite a lot of stories sparked the cricketing world. Several IPL stars, including the likes of CSK’s heartbeat MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Mumbai Cha Raja – Rohit Sharma, were all part of an eye-catching news!
While a number of updates have come to notice for fans, the caravan now shifts to none other than IPL 2024 playoffs, where Qualifier 1 will see KKR take on SRH in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 21. Winner of this game will directly seal their ticket to Chennai for the final. Meanwhile, there still be hope for the loser as they will clash against the winner of Eliminator (RCB vs RR). Regardless, let’s take a look at the top headlines from Monday.
Dhoni eyes to play IPL 2025?
MS Dhoni, the CSK talisman, might be headed to London for surgery after the team’s heartbreaking exit form IPL 2024. Thala was evidently battling a muscle tear throughout the season and is thankfully determined to continue playing. However, a full recovery will determine his future cricketing decisions. The surgery is expected to take five to six months for complete recovery. Dhoni’s performance as a finisher remained a bright spot for CSK despite the injury, but questions regarding his retirement continue to swirl.
Rohit vs Star Sports saga continues
Tensions flared between the IPL broadcaster Star Sports and Indian captain Rohit Sharma after the latter accused the channel of airing a private conversation. Rohit took to social media, expressing his disappointment about his privacy being breached despite requesting the crew to stop recording. Star Sports responded swiftly, issuing a statement firmly denying the allegations. They clarified that while Rohit was filmed during a chat, no audio was ever recorded or broadcast. The statement emphasized their commitment to respecting player privacy.
Knowingly or Unknowingly, Jaddu?
Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja ignited controversy after liking social media posts critical of Indian teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The incident followed CSK’s loss to RCB in a virtual knockout. The posts, praising MS Dhoni’s captaincy and batting while downplaying Kohli and Rohit’s contributions, sparked debate. Jadeja’s fans defended his actions, viewing the likes as harmless support for Dhoni.
T20I cap the reward for IPL performances, says Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was recently seen on Ravichandran Ashwin’s ‘Kutti Stories’. The KKR mentor stirred the pot yet again with his recent assertion regarding team selection. According to Gambhir, India’s T20I team should be cherry-picked from the Indian Premier League (IPL), while the ODI squad ought to be gleaned from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. For the Test team, he insists on reverting to the roots, selecting players based on their performances in first-class cricket.
IPL 2024 star Abhishek to get India callup?
IPL 2024 has certainly been a breakout season for Abhishek Sharma, who has notched up 467 runs at an average of over 38 and a strike rate of 209 in 13 games. His 41 sixes is also a record-setting feat – most sixes by an Indian player in an IPL season. Due to this, former CSK and MI legend Ambati Rayudu bats for the SRH southpaw to represent soon. While on Star Sports, Rayudu stated that Abhishek will carry over his selfless attitude for Men in Blue as well.
Grab IPL 2024 Final Tickets!
The BCCI released the tickets for the IPL 2024 Final, which is slated to host in Chennai on May 26. While the tickets went live for ‘RuPay’ card holders on May 20, fans would get another chance today (May 21). The minimum price for a single ticket is INR 3,500 and could go highest till INR 7,500