Indian women's hockey, led by Harendra Singh, tackles defensive challenges against Australia. The team, integrating young talent, preps for Pro League contests, aiming to build experience and skill. Key focus: strategic enhancements and player exposure.

Indian Women's Hockey Vs Australia: Defensive Strategy

The Indian women's hockey team, led by Harendra Singh, takes on Australia aiming for defensive improvements. With a strong lineup, the team integrates young players, focusing on strategic experience ahead of the FIH Pro League matches.

Indian women's hockey team, led by coach Harendra Singh, prepares to face Australia in a Test series focusing on defensive enhancements. Despite past losses, the team aims to leverage young talent and apply best combinations.

The Indian women's hockey team will field its "best combinations" and look to fix some defensive frailties in the three-match Test series against Australia starting here on Thursday, with head coach Harendra Singh hoping to identify his core group for the FIH Pro League matches in June.
After opening the tour with back-to-back losses to the Australia A side, India will be eager to bounce back with a stronger performance.
"In the first two games, most of the players have had a chance to play, and now we will try out the best combinations among players," chief coach Harendra Singh said in a press release issued by Hockey India.
"I am looking forward to this because this is how we identify the players who can compete in the forthcoming Pro League matches in Europe.
"Before going to the World Cup next year, the new girls should play a minimum of 35 matches. That is the goal we keep in mind while preparing for such tournaments," he added.
India went down 3&ndash;5 in the opening match before narrowly losing 2&ndash;3 in the second against Australia A. Despite the results, the coach was upbeat about the team's effort.
"In both the matches, we have conceded some soft goals, which were disheartening, but apart from that, we have been very competitive. This is a test series, so it is not about winning or losing; it is about the experience," the coach said.
He stressed the importance of giving youngsters early exposure at the international level.
"There are some players who have come out of the country to play for the very first time. I am giving the youngsters a chance to play so they are prepared to be the next generation," he added.
India's 26-member squad, led by Salima Tete with Navneet Kaur as vice captain, will now face a bigger challenge against the senior team of Australia over the next three matches on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The last time both sides met, India enjoyed a 1-0 victory during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023&ndash;24 and will look to obtain a similar result.
Giving his assessment of the youngsters in the team, Harendra said, "Everyone is giving their heart, and there is healthy competition within the team. The one girl who has caught my eye is Mahima Tete. She's mobile, quick, and has great potential." "Same for Pooja, Sujata, Ajmina and all the other young players. Everyone is working hard and trying to learn. The key is to play simple hockey and gain experience against tough opponents like Australia," he concluded.

Cricket legend Madan Lal praises 14-year-old IPL star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, stressing the need for focus, discipline, and dedication alongside talent.

Madan Lal's Advice to Young Cricket Prodigy

Madan Lal lauds 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, highlighting focus, discipline, and dedication for cricket success alongside raw talent.

Madan Lal praises young IPL talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, stressing the importance of focus, discipline, and hard work in cricket, despite raw skill. Suryavanshi's recent century highlights his potential while Lal urges nurturing his talents.

Like most of the cricket world, World Cup-winning former India pacer Madan Lal is thoroughly impressed by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's breathtaking IPL performances, but he also has a word of caution for the rising star -- talent alone won't be enough going forward.
Lal said the prodigy from Bihar's Samastipur would also need to be disciplined and focussed to achieve greater success.
"He's very talented. But talent alone doesn't guarantee success. He needs to be focused, disciplined, and keep working hard. If his process is right, I believe he can achieve amazing heights," Lal told 'PTI Videos'.
Suryavanshi set the IPL ablaze with a record-breaking 35-ball century against table-toppers Gujarat Titans and praise has poured in from all corners for the young swashbuckler.
"I've never seen a kid like this. When I was captain of the Delhi team, Sachin (Tendulkar) played against us at a very young age and scored around 80 runs in the Ranji Trophy semifinal.
"Then came Virat Kohli, who is still playing. And now, everyone is talking about Suryavanshi. He has all the makings of a superstar," he said.
Lal described Suryavanshi's hitting abilities as a "God-given talent." "...but it's up to you how you work on it. Your sincerity, discipline, upbringing &mdash; these matter a lot. Family support is important too. When your parents are disciplined and supportive, that gives you added motivation," he explained.
Lal felt Suryavanshi should play as much domestic cricket as possible going forward.
"Playing in different conditions against various opponents helps you grow," he reasoned.

Kolkata Knight Riders' victory over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League has made the race for playoffs qualification even more intense. With the top 4 spots up for grabs, let’s break down the contenders team by team.

IPL Playoffs 2025: Who will secure the final four spots?

Kolkata Knight Riders' victory over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League has made the race for playoffs qualification even more intense. With the top 4 spots up for grabs, let&rsquo;s break down the contenders team by team.

With just a handful of games left, the IPL 2025 league stage is officially in crunch mode. Some teams are cruising, some are hustling hard, and a few&hellip; well, let&rsquo;s just say, they&rsquo;re basically manifesting miracles now.
Let&rsquo;s break it down, team by team, and see who&rsquo;s on track and who&rsquo;s hanging by a thread.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Playoffs Almost Locked, Top-2 is the Real Flex
Rajat Patidar &amp; Co. are at the top of the table with 14 points. Just 2 more wins out of 4 remaining games and they will definitely be in the playoffs. Their real goal however would be to get that sweet Top-2 spot, which means getting to shots at the finals.&nbsp;
Mumbai Indians: Pandya&rsquo;s Boys Peaking at the Right Time&nbsp;
5 Wins in a row for Mumbai Indians and the momentum is vibing! With 6 wins in 10 matches, MI sit second in the points table.&nbsp; 3 wins from the remaining 4 matches will guarantee them a top 4 spot but 2 wins are also likely to be enough. Mumbai Indians &nbsp;are lowkey becoming the team to beat.
Gujarat Titans: Consistent, Composed, and Chillin'!
With 6 wins from 9 matches, Gujarat Titans have emerged as one of the most consistent and in-form teams this season. With 5 league games still to play, the Shubman Gill-led side needs just 2 more victories to stay in strong contention for a Top 4 finish. Securing 3 wins from here would all but guarantee them a spot in the playoffs&nbsp;
DC: From Strong Start to Slight Panic
Axar &amp; squad started strong but now it&rsquo;s &hellip;.uh-oh! With 4 defeats in their last 6 matches, Delhi Capitals do find themselves in an itchy spot. With four league matches remaining, they need to secure at least two wins to stay in the hunt for a Top 4 finish. While they are still in contention, there's no room for error going forward.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6811dbbb0a97d_1746000827.jpeg" width="469" height="387">
Punjab Kings: Rain, Runs &amp; Rollercoaster Energy
Punjab Kings have had an up-and-down campaign so far, with 5 wins in 9 matches and one game washed out due to rain. With 5 league games remaining, they will likely need to win at least 3 to stay in strong contention for a playoff spot. Given their unpredictable form, the team continues to bring main-character energy to the tournament.&nbsp;
Lucknow Super Giants ( LSG) : In a tight spot&hellip; hopes high!
LSG have not have had a desired tournament so far. They &nbsp;are still in contention for the playoffs, but their position is far from secure. To realistically stay in the race, they must win at least 3 of their remaining 4 matches. It&rsquo;s time for the team to shift gears from potential to performance.&nbsp;
KKR: Hanging On, But Barely
Kolkata Knight Riders are currently in a tense spot, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. They need to win at least 3 of their remaining 4 matches to stay in contention, while winning all 4 would significantly boost their chances. The pressure is intense, and a single slip-up could end their campaign.
RR: Maths &gt; Momentum
Rajasthan Royals are still mathematically in the race for the playoffs, but realistically, their chances are quite grim. They need to win all of their remaining matches to get the magical 14 points and hope that the higher-ranked teams lose key games to create space in the Top 4. At this point, it's a 1% chance and 99% prayer.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: From Title Contenders to Survival Mode
Sunrisers Hyderabad began the season with high expectations, but they've now found themselves in must-win territory. With five league matches remaining, they need to win all of them to keep their playoff hopes alive&mdash;one loss would effectively end their campaign. Every game from here on is a virtual knockout, and captain Pat Cummins has a huge task ahead.
Chennai Super Kings: Is This the End of the Dhoni Era?
Chennai Super Kings are having a tough season, having just 2 wins from their 9 matches so far. To have even a slim chance of making the playoffs, they would need to win all of their remaining 5 games, which would take them to 14 points. However, their major hurdle is a severely damaged Net Run Rate of -1.302, making qualification extremely unlikely even if they do manage to win out.&nbsp;
The IPL 2025 playoff race is delivering peak drama. With every match turning into a potential game-changer, the intensity feels like a mix of a Bigg Boss finale and a Champions League showdown. Buckle up, fans&mdash;this tournament is heating up fast!

Sunil Narine’s three wickets in seven balls helped Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 14 runs in a crucial IPL 2025 clash, keeping KKR’s playoff chances alive.

IPL 2025: Narine stars as KKR keep playoff hopes alive with 14-run win over DC

Sunil Narine&rsquo;s three wickets in seven balls helped Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 14 runs in a crucial IPL 2025 clash, keeping KKR&rsquo;s playoff chances alive.

Veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine snapped up three crucial wickets in the space of seven balls to help Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by 14 runs and keep their playoff hopes alive in the IPL in Delhi on Tuesday.
Sent in to bat, KKR, who came into the game with three losses in their last five matches, managed to post 204 for nine, riding on a blazing start by their top-order batters.
Chasing the total, DC were 62 for 3 in seven overs, but Faf du Plessis (62) and Axar Patel (43) kept them in the hunt with a 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
However, Narine (3/29) picked up three key wickets at a crucial juncture to derail DC's chase, as the hosts were restricted to 190 for nine in their 20 overs to succumb to their third loss in four home games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
With this win, defending champions KKR reignited their playoff hopes, though they remained at the seventh spot with nine points. DC stayed in the top four with 12 points.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane's gamble to hand the ball to Anukul Roy paid off as the spinner dismissed Abhishek Porel (4) with his second delivery. Vaibhav Arora then trapped Karun Nair (15) lbw before a direct hit from Narine found KL Rahul (7) short of his crease, reducing DC to 62 for 3 in the seventh over.
Axar Patel, who had left the field in the 18th over due to a hand injury, returned to join opener du Plessis. The duo negotiated the spinners well, adding 76 runs off 42 balls to keep DC in the contest.
Du Plessis smashed Chakravarthy for two fours and a six in the ninth over before bringing up his fifty off 31 balls.
Axar then took charge, clobbering three sixes and four boundaries in his 23-ball 43 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
However, Narine&rsquo;s return in the 14th over changed the game as he dismissed Axar and Tristan Stubbs (1) in the same over, before removing du Plessis with the second ball of his next to derail DC's chase.
With 59 needed off 30 balls, Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma deposited Harshit Rana over long-off, but Chakravarthy returned to remove him and Mitchell Starc in successive deliveries.
Vipraj Nigam tried to mount a late charge with two sixes and three fours, but it wasn&rsquo;t enough.
Earlier, KKR got off to a flying start as Narine (27) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26) put on the team&rsquo;s highest opening stand of the season -- 48 runs off just 17 balls.
On a better batting surface compared to the previous game, Narine took the attack to Dushmantha Chameera (1/46), smashing him for 25 runs in an over, including two sixes -- one of them a one-handed slog over midwicket -- and a four.
Gurbaz then took on Mitchell Starc, hitting two boundaries and a six before edging to Abhishek Porel in the third over to end the stand.
Skipper Rahane (26) carried the momentum, hitting Starc for a six and a four, and then adding two more boundaries off Mukesh Kumar to take KKR to 79/1 at the end of the powerplay.
However, DC's spinners pulled things back. Vipraj Nigam (2/41) trapped Narine leg-before, before Axar Patel removed Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer (7) in quick succession, reducing the visitors to 117 for 4 in 10 overs.
Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi (44) steadied the innings along with Rinku Singh (36), the duo adding 61 runs off 46 balls. Raghuvanshi struck two big sixes off Vipraj, while Rinku targeted Kuldeep Yadav, smashing two boundaries and a six in a 17-run over that helped KKR cross the 150-run mark.
However, KKR lost the momentum again as both Raghuvanshi and Rinku departed in quick succession, falling to Chameera and Vipraj respectively, just when they looked set to accelerate.
Andre Russell smashed two fours and a six to push KKR past the 200-mark, but the visitors lost three wickets in as many balls in the final over, with Starc picking up two in dramatic fashion.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world with a blistering 38-ball century, helping Rajasthan Royals thrash Gujarat Titans and keep their playoff hopes alive in a historic IPL showdown.

IPL 2025: 14-year-old Suryavanshi breaks records, wins hearts to keep Royals alive

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world with a blistering 38-ball century, helping Rajasthan Royals thrash Gujarat Titans and keep their playoff hopes alive in a historic IPL showdown.

Fourteen-year-old boy wonder Vaibhav Suryavanshi walked into the collective consciousness of cricket fans by becoming the youngest ever to score a hundred in an IPL match where result became inconsequential in the wake of a batting carnage for the ages.
For the record, Royals kept their play-off qualification hopes alive with a walk-in-the-park eight-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in a chase of 210 made easy by a chubby-cheeked prodigy from Bihar's Samastipur, who was born three years after the cash-rich league started.
His 35-ball century is now the second fastest in IPL and fastest ever for any Indian after Chris Gayle's 30-ball knock for RCB.
When other 14-year-olds a cross the country are busy completing middle-school assignments and being admonished by quietly sneaking in for a PlayStation session, the left-handed Suryavanshi, simply stood and delivered against Indian bowlers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj with a collective experience of 141 Tests between them.
Ishant had made his Test debut back in 2006 when Suryavanshi wasn't even an idea but the "Gen Alpha" kid (all those born between 2010-2024) made a mockery of everything thrown at him.
There were 11 sixes and seven fours in his 38-ball-101 that even made a regal Yashasvi Jaiswal (70 not out, 40 balls, 9x4s, 2x6s) look like a mere bystander.
Even with baby fat refusing to leave the contours of his cheeks, the stable core and holding his shape are things that stand out.
The basics built through those hours of toil in Patna, playing 600 balls a day from the age of 10 did show its results. The days of facing 16-17 year old net bowlers for whom his father Sanjiv Suryavanshi, would pack 10 extra tiffin boxes haven't gone waste.
The decision of the Suryavanshi family to put all their eggs in one basket and have no Plan B by selling farm land to fuel their son's cricketing ambitions will certainly become a part of cricketing folklores that will be spoken in years to come.
The bat speed was astonishing and the manner in which he picked up Siraj over long-on and belted Ishant into the square leg stand was there to be seen.
Even Test spinner Washington Sundar scurried for cover and Karim Janat, the Afghan international was hit for 30 runs in an over including a disdainful flick. By the time he was yorked by Prasidh Krishna, none of the GT players had any energy left to celebrate.
Ravi Shastri said on air that RR assistant coach Sairaj Bahutule had told him about the little one's fondness for jalebis and possibly head coach Rahul Dravid won't mind a bit of indulgence.
When Shubman Gill scored 50-ball-84 and Jos Buttler smashed 26-ball-50 not out earlier, it seemed like a mayhem but once Suryavanshi started to send the balls into the orbit, no one knew that how he could be stopped.
"His hitting was tremendous," GT skipper Gill said.
"Incredible, one of the best innings that I have seen. I just told him to keep going," was all Jaiswal, the megastar in-waiting could say.
Indian cricket is replete with stories about how some incredible talents were lost as they couldn't handle limelight. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, Maninder Singh, Sadanand Viswanath, Vinod Kambli and Prithvi Shaw in recent times have all failed to realise their potential.
Indian cricket has got an uncut diamond and it is now establishment's duty to preserve and help him shine.
Suryavanshi's journey has just begun.&nbsp;

The Pahalgam attack impacts India-Pakistan ties and cricket diplomacy. BCCI opposes series amid tensions, aligning with government policy.

Pahalgam Attack and India-Pakistan Cricket Relations

Terror attack in Kashmir affects Indo-Pak cricket relations. BCCI denounces violence, adhering to the govt's no bilateral series policy.

The Pahalgam attack heightened Indo-Pak tensions, affecting cricket. BCCI confirms ongoing ICC participation but no bilateral series, condemning the attack.

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, the international community, including sports organizations, have voiced their condemnation.
This brutal act was executed by a faction linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeting a group of unsuspecting tourists in Baisaran's scenic meadows. It has resulted in heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with implications extending to the realm of cricket.
For the past decade, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC (International Cricket Council) and continental events, with their last bilateral cricket series taking place in the 2012-13 season. Matches between these two nations consistently attract large audiences globally, and they frequently end up in the same group at ICC and continental tournaments to maximize viewership. Following the Pahalgam attack, there were speculative reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested the ICC to avoid placing India and Pakistan in the same group for upcoming global events like the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
However, a report from Cricbuzz refuted this claim, with a senior BCCI official stating that such reports were unfounded. "BCCI authorities are sensitive to the prevailing national mood, but there is no truth to these speculations," the official remarked.
This year does not feature any major ICC events for men's cricket. The Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from September to October, with Pakistan having qualified to participate at a neutral venue, according to prior agreements. Meanwhile, India is set to host the men's Asia Cup, which will also be held at a neutral location.
The BCCI has reiterated its position regarding cricketing ties with Pakistan. "We stand with the victims and condemn the attack. We will adhere to the government's stance, which prevents bilateral series against Pakistan. In ICC events, we participate due to ongoing engagements," stated Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the BCCI, during an interview with Sports Tak. He emphasized that ICC is cognizant of the current circumstances.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also conveyed his sympathies regarding the attack. "The cricket community is deeply shocked by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. On behalf of the BCCI, we condemn this heinous act and extend our condolences to the affected families. We stand united with them during this difficult time," Saikia expressed.
The tragedy has underscored the already complex relationship between the neighboring countries, impacting both geopolitical and sporting dimensions.

MS Dhoni to play his 400th T20 match as CSK faces SRH. Both teams need a win in this high-stakes IPL 2023 clash.

400th T20 Match of MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni set to play 400th T20 match with CSK against SRH in IPL. Crucial game as both teams are near elimination.

MS Dhoni to achieve 400th T20 match milestone as CSK battles SRH. Both teams face high stakes in crucial IPL clash.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni is poised to mark a significant milestone in his illustrious career by playing his 400th T20 match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium this Friday. Both teams find themselves in challenging positions as CSK, with only two wins out of eight matches, is currently at the bottom of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, SRH is not faring much better, occupying the ninth position with six losses in eight games. The stakes are high for both teams, as the loser is likely to be at the receiving end of the wooden spoon and face an increased risk of elimination.
Remarkably, Dhoni will become the 24th player to reach the 400-match milestone in T20 cricket and only the fourth Indian to do so, joining the elite company of Virat Kohli (407 matches), Dinesh Karthik (412 matches), and Rohit Sharma.
Over his 399 T20 matches, encompassing stints with India, CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, and his domestic team of Jharkhand, Dhoni has amassed 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02. His accomplishments include 28 half-centuries, with a top score of 84*, and he has completed 318 dismissals.
Dhoni's career is decorated with significant triumphs, including leading India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, securing five IPL titles with CSK, and clinching two Champions League T20 titles with the "Men in Yellow."
Globally, West Indies' Kieron Pollard holds the record for the most T20 matches played (695), followed by Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan's Shoaib Malik (557).
In IPL history, Dhoni stands as the sixth-highest run-getter, having scored 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings, boasting an average of 38.96 with 24 half-centuries. His personal best is an unbeaten 84.
In the current IPL season, Dhoni continues to wield his bat effectively as a finisher, scoring 134 runs across eight innings. He maintains an impressive average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and a top score of 30*.
As he gears up for his 400th match, all eyes will be on Dhoni, hoping he can inspire CSK in what promises to be a crucial encounter.
Remarkably, Dhoni will become the 24th player to reach the 400-match milestone in T20 cricket and only the fourth Indian to do so, joining the elite company of Virat Kohli (407 matches), Dinesh Karthik (412 matches), and Rohit Sharma.
Over his 399 T20 matches, encompassing stints with India, CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, and his domestic team of Jharkhand, Dhoni has amassed 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02. His accomplishments include 28 half-centuries, with a top score of 84*, and he has completed 318 dismissals.
Dhoni's career is decorated with significant triumphs, including leading India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, securing five IPL titles with CSK, and clinching two Champions League T20 titles with the "Men in Yellow."
Globally, West Indies' Kieron Pollard holds the record for the most T20 matches played (695), followed by Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan's Shoaib Malik (557).
In IPL history, Dhoni stands as the sixth-highest run-getter, having scored 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings, boasting an average of 38.96 with 24 half-centuries. His personal best is an unbeaten 84.
In the current IPL season, Dhoni continues to wield his bat effectively as a finisher, scoring 134 runs across eight innings. He maintains an impressive average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and a top score of 30*.
As he gears up for his 400th match, all eyes will be on Dhoni, hoping he can inspire CSK in what promises to be a crucial encounter.

High-stakes IPL match as Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings, facing off against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to cement a playoff spot, while KKR fights for consistency.

PBKS led by Shreyas Iyer to play against KKR at Eden Gardens

In a crucial IPL encounter, Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings to face his former team KKR. Punjab is keen on securing a playoff spot under Iyer's leadership, while KKR strives for consistency in their home ground performance.

Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens leading Punjab Kings against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to secure a playoff berth, with Iyer in top form. KKR's inconsistency and home pitch challenges complicate their playoff quest.

The man who led them to glory just a season ago could now stand in the way of Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff qualification when the side hosts the Shreyas Iyer-led revamped Punjab Kings in a high-stakes IPL clash here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Twelve months ago, Iyer had led KKR to their first IPL title in a decade. On Saturday, he returns in opposition colours, at the helm of a rejuvenated Punjab side chasing a playoff spot.
Let go by KKR in one of the most surprising off-season moves, Iyer has found both comfort and purpose in Punjab Kings.
Reuniting with his old Delhi Capitals mentor Ricky Ponting, the duo has steadied PBKS into the top five of the table with five wins from eight games.
The partnership has given Iyer the space to lead confidently and he has tallied 263 runs with three half-centuries so far. However, he comes into the weekend game, carrying three single digit scores.
Saturday offers him the perfect chance to make a statement -- much like KL Rahul did the other against his former franchise Lucknow Super Giants with a composed 57 not out.
Iyer too could have a Rahul-like moment under the Eden lights.
KKR, on the other hand, are in desperate need of momentum.
With five defeats in eight matches, another stumble could tighten their already narrow path to the playoffs.
Their top-order remains unsettled, the middle-order erratic, and the spin attack ineffective on a surface they once called their fortress.
KKR's middle-order trio of Russell, Rinku and Ramandeep has failed to deliver the finishing punch this season, prompting calls for a shake-up.
The team may be forced to bring in Caribbean all-rounder Rovman Powell, whose power-hitting and handy pace can add much-needed spark and balance.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, one of the few bright spots in KKR's batting, might once again look to negotiate the tricky phase when the likes of Arshdeep Singh (Punjab's leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps) and Yuzvendra Chahal operate.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane too will be under the scanner, having anchored the innings well at times but struggled to shift gears and finish games.
He will be wary of Yuzvendra Chahal, who dismantled KKR in their demoralising 95 all-out collapse only last week by claiming the wickets of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh in a devastating spell.
With Marco Jansen providing the early menace and new find Nehal Wadhera managing tidy finishes, PBKS certainly look a more confident and well-rounded outfit.
For KKR's bowling unit, Harshit Rana's duel with PBKS opener Priyansh Arya could set the tone. Arya smashed a century against Chennai Super Kings earlier this season.
Despite their troubles, KKR are, however, still alive in the playoffs race.
Winning five of their remaining six games could be sufficient, but anything less would leave them dependent on other results.
For this to happen, KKR must fix their home record, which is just one win from four matches here.
The much-publicised friction with Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee over pitch preparations has drawn unwanted attention and debates over spin-friendly surfaces, fairness, and even calls from commentators to consider shifting base.
Despite it being slow and grippy, which is exactly what KKR wanted, Sunil Narine has taken just two wickets at the Eden. Varun Chakravarthy (4) has been marginally better, while Moeen Ali has failed to strike in two matches.
Teams (from): &nbsp;
KKR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Chetan Sakariya.
PBKS: Shreyas Iyer (c), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai.
Match starts: 7.30pm.

Neeraj Chopra faces criticism after inviting Arshad Nadeem, post-Pahalgam attack. He emphasizes India's interests.

Neeraj Chopra Faces Backlash for Nadeem Invite

Neeraj Chopra faces heavy criticism after inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. Following Pahalgam terror attack, his decision sparked backlash.

Neeraj Chopra faced criticism for inviting Arshad Nadeem to an event. He emphasized loyalty to India post-terror attack.

Indian javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra on Friday said he has been bombarded with "hate and abuse" for inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem to next month's NC Classic in Bengaluru, clarifying that the Olympic champion's presence was "completely out of question" in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Tokyo Olympics gold-medallist and Paris Games silver-winning star from Haryana said he was deeply hurt to see his and his family's integrity being questioned in abusive social media posts.
Chopra invited Nadeem, who defeated the Indian in Paris last year to win gold, for the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic to be held in Bengaluru on May 24.
"After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad's presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. My country and its interests will always come first," Chopra, who is a Subedar Major in the Indian Army, said in a lengthy post on 'X'.
"To those that are going through the loss of their people, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Along with the entire nation, I am both hurt and angry at what has taken place," said Chopra.
"I am confident that our country's response will show our strength as a nation and justice will be served," he added.
Nadeem had declined to come citing other commitments.
The 27-year-old Chopra said he is well aware of the chatter surrounding his invitation to Nadeem after the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists.
"...most of it has been hate and abuse. They haven't even left my family out of it," said Chopra.
"I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn't mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong. More so when it comes to questioning my love for our country, and the respect and honour of my family," he wrote.
Chopra said invites for NC Classic were sent out on Monday, a day before the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
"The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another -- nothing more, nothing less. The aim of NC Classic was to bring the best athletes to India and for our country to be the home of world-class sporting events.
"Invites had gone out to all athletes on Monday, two days (sic) before the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam," he added.
Chopra also highlighted the targetting of his mother, Saroj, for her statement after the Paris Games last year in which she described Nadeem as akin to her son.
"I also find it difficult to understand how people switch opinions. When my mother - in her simplicity - had made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise for her views.
"Today, the same people haven't held back from targeting her for that very same statement." "I, meanwhile, will work even harder to ensure that the world remembers India and looks at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons." One of India's most decorated athletes, Chopra said he has represented the country with pride for several years.
"...so it hurts to see my integrity being questioned. It pains me that I have to explain myself to people who are targeting me and my family, with no good reason," he wrote.
"We are simple people, please don't make us out to be anything else. There are so many false narratives that certain sections of the media have created around me, but just because I do not speak up, it doesn't make it true."

MS Dhoni will celebrate his 400th T20 match milestone in an IPL game against SRH. As both teams struggle in standings, this match could determine crucial movements for CSK and SRH.

MS Dhoni to mark 400th T20 appearance in CSK vs SRH clash at Chepauk

MS Dhoni is set to reach his 400th T20 match in the IPL against SRH. This landmark game is crucial for CSK, as both teams sit low in standings and seek a win to improve their position.

MS Dhoni all set to play 400th T20 of his career during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against SRH at Chepauk Stadium

India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni will be playing the 400th T20 of his career during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk Stadium on Friday.
&nbsp;
Dhoni's struggling CSK, sitting at the bottom with just two wins in eight matches, will be taking on SRH, placed at an equally poor position at number ninth, with six losses in their eight matches at Chepauk Stadium on Friday.
&nbsp;
The loser will have to settle for the wooden spoon and an increased risk of elimination. Dhoni will become the 24th player and the only fourth Indian after Virat Kohli (407), Dinesh Karthik (412) and Rohit Sharma to complete a quadruple century of matches in T20 cricket.
In 399 matches so far, for India, Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant and his domestic side of Jharkhand, Dhoni has made 7,566 runs at an average of 38.02, with 28 fifties and the best score of 84*.
He has also completed 318 dismissals across these matches. Dhoni has also won a T20 World Cup for India in 2007, five IPL titles with CSK and two Champions League T20 titles as well with the Men in Yellow.
The most number of matches in T20s are played by West Indies icon Kieron Pollard (695), followed by West Indies veteran Dwayne Bravo (582) and Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik (557). Dhoni is also the sixth-highest run-getter in the IPL history, with 5,377 runs in 272 matches and 237 innings at an average of 38.96, with 24 fifties.
His best score is 84*. In eight matches this season, Dhoni has functioned as a finisher, scoring 134 runs in eight innings at an average of 33.50, a strike rate of 152.27, and the best score of 30*.

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India captain Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;is International Cricket Council's choice to lead its Men's Test Team of the Decade.&nbsp;
English cricketers dominate the XI chose by ICC&nbsp;with former skipper Alastair&nbsp;Cook, Ben&nbsp;Stokes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson making it to the list. Australians David Warner and Steve Smith are also part of the team. Kiwi captain Kane Williamson, Proteas&nbsp;speedster Dale Steyn&nbsp;and Indian spiiner&nbsp;R Ashwin&nbsp;are also in the team with Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;great Kumar&nbsp;Sangakkara&nbsp;keeping the wickets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

English cricketers dominate ICC Test Team of the Decade

India captain Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;is International Cricket Council's choice to lead its Men's Test Team of the Decade.&nbsp;
English cricketers dominate the XI chose by ICC&nbsp;with former skipper Alastair&nbsp;Cook, Ben&nbsp;Stokes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson making it to the list. Australians David Warner and Steve Smith are also part of the team. Kiwi captain Kane Williamson, Proteas&nbsp;speedster Dale Steyn&nbsp;and Indian spiiner&nbsp;R Ashwin&nbsp;are also in the team with Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;great Kumar&nbsp;Sangakkara&nbsp;keeping the wickets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

English cricketers dominate Test Team of the Decade, Virat is captain

India captain Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;is International Cricket Council's choice to lead its Men's Test Team of the Decade. He is also the only cricketer to feature in ICC's&nbsp;Team of the Decade&nbsp;for all three formats.&nbsp;
English cricketers dominate the XI chose by ICC&nbsp;with former skipper Alastair&nbsp;Cook, Ben&nbsp;Stokes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson making it to the list. Australians David Warner and Steve Smith are also part of the team. Kiwi captain Kane Williamson, Proteas&nbsp;speedster Dale Steyn&nbsp;and Indian spinner&nbsp;R Ashwin&nbsp;are also in the team with Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;great Kumar&nbsp;Sangakkara&nbsp;keeping the wickets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ravi Shastri emphasizes the transformative role of media and technology in cricket, discussing AI's impact on performance and the evolution of broadcasting platforms increasing player visibility.

Ravi Shastri on Media and Tech in Cricket

Ravi Shastri underscores the critical role of media and technology in cricket's evolution, highlighting advancements like AI that enhance player performance and modern platforms that increase visibility.

Ravi Shastri highlights the essential role of media and technology in cricket's development, emphasizing AI's role in performance enhancement and the evolution from traditional media to diverse platforms for increased player visibility.

"Media and technology are like helmets in a cricket kit," former India captain and coach Ravi Shastri said on Friday, urging players to "embrace" both, as without them, the sport wouldn't have evolved the way it did in the last 40-45 years.
Shastri said while there were only two mediums -- radio and Doordarshan (TV)&mdash;during his playing days, the game has come a long way after India won the 1983 World Cup.
"India has won a lot of tournaments in the last 40 years since we first won it in 1983. We made people dream," the 62-year-old Shastri said during a panel discussion on 'Intersection of Sports, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Media' at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) here.
"But you need the support. It's like you had pads in your kit bag, you had a cricket bat in your kit bag, and media is part of the kit bag. Media and technology are like a helmet in your cricket bag; you jolly well embrace it." Shastri said technology, especially, is an essential element of sport now, and players need to know how to use it to build themselves.
"So you jolly well embrace technology. AI (artificial intelligence) is coming into play now big time. It's for your benefit. It's for the team's benefit, and it's for the growth of the game at the end of it all," he said.
Shastri said the brand association earlier was only restricted to logos and doing advertisements, but all that has changed with several broadcast platforms coming up.
"I have seen this game evolve; each one of the players here has been a part of it to see where the game has gone in the last 40-45 years... Without these platforms, the game wouldn't have evolved the way it has," he said.
"In my time it was radio and Doordarshan. The relationship with brands was only (about) ads; it was (about) logos." "There was no brand association; there was no social media. There was no podcast, but this is where it is going, and it is only getting bigger," he added.
Shastri said the varied platforms have increased the visibility of a player, which was not the case before.
"We are a country of 1.5 billion people. We are young; 70 percent of the people are below the age of 30. Sport is something that drives you, and if you think it didn't drive them, it woke them up during Covid (pandemic).
"It brought smiles to their faces when India played, wherever they played, whatever sport, whether it was cricket, football, hockey, or whatever. When you performed, you got even bigger smiles.
"Even when you were in lockdown or quarantine or whatever. But why could they see it? Because of the platforms that exist," he said.
Shastri also stressed the benefits of the technology enjoyed by modern-day players.
"What technology has done for the sport is unbelievable. Today, a player can go back and watch himself 100 times. There'll be enough replays showing what he's done right and what he's done wrong," he said.
"There's technology to go even more into detail, to tell you more about your opponent, about yourself, about your strengths, and your weaknesses to then take on opposition wherever it exists and kill them."

Jasprit Bumrah became the seventh-highest wicket-taker in IPL history after a stellar performance against Rajasthan Royals, as Mumbai Indians posted 217/2 and defeated RR by 100 runs. 

IPL 2025: Jasprit Bumrah becomes seventh-highest wicket-taker in IPL history

Jasprit Bumrah became the seventh-highest wicket-taker in IPL history after a stellar performance against Rajasthan Royals, as Mumbai Indians posted 217/2 and defeated RR by 100 runs.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians' pacer Jasprit Bumrah moved past veteran spinner Amit Mishra to become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League (IPL) history on Thursday.
Bumrah achieved this milestone following MI&rsquo;s IPL match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.&nbsp;
During the match, Bumrah delivered an exceptional spell, claiming 2 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs. His efforts were especially vital in the powerplay phase, where he provided a crucial break for fellow pacers Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar by dismissing RR skipper Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer. This over was a game-changer, and Bumrah&rsquo;s performance helped MI reduce RR to 47/5.
With 176 wickets in 140 IPL matches at an average of 22.21, Bumrah now stands in seventh place in the all-time IPL wicket-taking charts, surpassing Amit Mishra, who took 174 wickets in 162 matches at an average of 23.82. Bumrah, MI&rsquo;s leading wicket-taker, has also taken two five-wicket hauls, with his best figures standing at 5/10. Yuzvendra Chahal, the top wicket-taker in IPL history, currently holds 218 wickets in 170 matches.
Bumrah&rsquo;s return from injury has been impressive in IPL 2025, where he has claimed 11 wickets in 7 matches, averaging 17.72 with an economy rate of 6.96 and best figures of 4/22.
In the match, RR elected to bowl first, a decision they quickly regretted as MI openers Ryan Rickelton (61 from 38 balls) and Rohit Sharma (53 from 36 balls) put up a 116-run stand. Suryakumar Yadav (48* from 23 balls) and captain Hardik Pandya (48* from 23 balls) then added 94 more runs, guiding MI to a total of 217/2 in 20 overs. Maheesh Theekshana and RR captain Riyan Parag claimed one wicket each.
In response, RR's chase fell apart against MI&rsquo;s dominant bowling attack. RR was reduced to 47/5 during the powerplay and was eventually bowled out for just 117 runs in 16.1 overs, losing by 100 runs. Jofra Archer top-scored for RR with 30 runs. MI&rsquo;s standout bowlers were Karn Sharma (3/23) and Trent Boult (3/28), with Bumrah contributing a vital 2/15. Hardik Pandya also picked up a wicket.
Rickelton was named the 'Player of the Match,' as MI soared to the top of the points table with seven wins and four losses, accumulating 14 points. RR, with three wins and eight losses, is out of the playoff race, sitting at eighth place with six points.

Mumbai Indians crushed Rajasthan Royals by 100 runs in Jaipur, extending their winning streak to six matches and edging closer to the IPL 2025 playoffs with dominant performances from Rohit, Rickelton, Suryakumar and Hardik.

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians make it six wins in a row, Royals out of playoffs race

Mumbai Indians crushed Rajasthan Royals by 100 runs in Jaipur, extending their winning streak to six matches and edging closer to the IPL 2025 playoffs with dominant performances from Rohit, Rickelton, Suryakumar and Hardik.

Mumbai Indians extended their remarkable winning streak to six matches with a 100-run rout of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in Jaipur on Thursday, pushing the home team out of the race for playoffs.
Openers Rohit Sharma (53 off 36 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (61 off 38) struck sublime half-centuries before Suryakumar Yadav (48 not out off 23) and Hardik Pandya (48 not out off 23) went on the offensive to power Mumbai Indians to 217 for two.
Royals, who chased down 210 against Gujarat Titans here three nights ago with more than four overs to spare, never got going in the run chase and folded up for 117 in 16.1 overs.
It was Royals' eighth defeat in 11 games while Mumbai Indians have seven wins from 11 matches. Another victory should be enough to secure a playoffs berth for the five-time champions.
The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi (0 off 2), who took the cricketing world by storm with his 35-ball hundred on Monday night, was caught at mid-on off Deepak Chahar in the first over of the RR innings.
His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal struck two towering sixes off Trent Boult in the following over before being castled by the New Zealander. It was a procession from thereon.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was brought into the attack in the fifth over, sent back Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag with short balls to reduce Royals to 51 for five inside the powerplay.
Earlier, Rohit and Rickelton put the home team under pressure with a sizzling display of clean hitting.
In their 116-run stand, Rickelton targeted the quick bowlers while Rohit went after spinners especially Maheesh Theekshana, who was introduced as early as third over.
Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya capitalised on the openers' good work to take the team past 200.
Jofra Archer bowled a tight first over but the Mumbai openers collected 18 runs off his second. Notwithstanding the express pace of Archer, Rohit made room to cut the England pacer for a four before Rickleton pulled him for a six over mid-wicket.
The standout stroke of Rickelton's innings was the nonchalant flick off Fazalhaq Farooqi that went all the way.
Mumbai Indians cruised to 58 for no loss in the powerplay after Rohit dispatched Maheesh Theekshana for back-to-back fours over mid-off. The lofted drive over extra cover from Rohit off Akash Madhwal oozed class.
Left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya offered a half tracker to Rickelton and he duly dismissed it off his presence for a six and a well-deserved half-century.
Rohit, who did not start the tournament well, is back to his best. He hit a wide delivery from Theekshna over backward point to complete his fifty.
Both the openers were dismissed in quick succession but it was not an issue for Mumbai Indians with plenty of batting to come.
Suryakumar batted like he only can and one of his audacious hits included a scoop over fine leg off Archer that saw the batter falling on the floor. He smashed the last ball of the innings for a six down the ground off Madhwal who otherwise impressed with his yorkers.
The last five overs fetched 71 runs for Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

Kishore Jena joins Neeraj Chopra and other international stars for the prestigious Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin event. Taking place in Bengaluru, it features top throwers in a thrilling display of athleticism.

Kishore Jena Joins Neeraj Chopra Classic Event

Kishore Jena, Asian Games silver medallist, joins Neeraj Chopra and top international javelin stars for the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru. Witness a spectacular event featuring elite athletes from around the globe.

Kishore Jena joins an elite group of javelin throwers, including Neeraj Chopra, at the Neeraj Chopra Classic. The event will take place in Bengaluru, featuring international stars and top Indian talent.

Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Jena has joined the lineup for the Neeraj Chopra Classic, the organisers said on Thursday, taking the number of total participants to 12, with five of them being Indian.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic will be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24.
The 29-year-old Jena thus joins India's rising javelin stars Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal, who are bracing up for the chance to compete with double Olympic medalist Neeraj and some of the best in the world.
The new javelin competition, which has been given 'A' category status by World Athletics, will have five Indians, including Chopra who is hosting the event.
Jena finished second behind Neeraj at the Hangzhou Asian Games with a personal best of 87.54m.
The foreign competitors for the event are two-time world champion Anderson Peters (PB: 93.07m) of Grenada; 2016 Olympics gold winner Thomas Rohler (PB: 93.90m) of Germany; 2015 world champion Julius Yego (92.72m) of Kenya; American Curtis Thompson (current season leader with 87.76m); Asian Games bronze medalist Genki Dean (PB: 84.28m) of Japan; Rumesh Pathirage (PB: 85.45m) of Sri Lanka; and Luiz Mauricio da Silva (PB: 85.91m) of Brazil.
The event will be jointly organized by Chopra and JSW Sports in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and World Athletics.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s hat-trick and fifties by Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh power PBKS to a playoff-boosting win, ending CSK’s campaign.

IPL 2025: Iyer, Prabhsimran, Chahal set up Punjab Kings’ 4-wicket win as CSK crash out of playoffs race

Yuzvendra Chahal&rsquo;s hat-trick and fifties by Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh power PBKS to a playoff-boosting win, ending CSK&rsquo;s campaign.

Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh made well-measured fifties after a splendid hat-trick by Yuzvendra Chahal as Punjab Kings' four-wicket victory knocked five-time champions Chennai Super Kings out of this season's IPL play-off race in Chennai on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Riding on the late four-wicket haul from Chahal (4/32), including a hat-trick, PBKS bowled out CSK for 190, and despite a little stumbling towards the end, the visitors got over the line with two of balls to spare scoring 194/6.
Shreyas (72, 41b, 5x4, 4x6) and Prabhsimran (54, 36 balls, 5x4s, 3x6) were the architects of the victory.
PBKS have moved up to second in the table with 13 points while CSK are on 10th with just four points, and their improbable play-off hopes too were eliminated with this result. Skipper Iyer responded with a meticulous fifty &mdash; his fourth since taking charge of PBKS &mdash; while Prabhsimran brought up his third half-century of the season as the two forged a crucial 72-run stand for the second wicket, which set the platform for PBKS&rsquo; win.
Before that, PBKS openers Priyansh Arya (23) and Prabhsimran had no qualms in scoring at nine runs per over. Prabhsimran had a narrow escape while attempting a reverse sweep off Jadeja, as the ball crashed into his pads in front of the wickets.
But the on-field umpire&rsquo;s call of not out stayed even as CSK sought DRS intervention.
The PBKS opener, otherwise, displayed his array of strokes which had a mix of scoop, reverse sweeps and powerful hits down the ground for his 54. But it was Iyer who towered over the others, rotating the strike with ease while getting the big boundaries to constantly ward off the pressure which CSK tried to build towards the end with wickets and dot balls.
Taking 20 runs off Matheesha Pathirana&rsquo;s 17th over, which included two sixes and a four from Iyer&rsquo;s bat, shut the doors completely on CSK but a few late wickets only delayed the inevitable.
Earlier, Curran braved testing conditions to produce an imperious fifty but a late four-wicket burst from Chahal, including a hat-trick, kept the Super Kings to a total that was a tad below par.
Curran hit the first fifty of the season (88 off 47 balls, 9x4, 4x6) as he anchored the recovery process of his side from a precarious 48 for three in the power play.
With their backs against the wall, Curran teamed up with Dewald Brevis (32) to carefully plot CSK&rsquo;s way back into the contest with a robust 78-run fourth-wicket stand.
Until the 16th over, CSK coasted well at nearly nine runs an over when the England all-rounder picked Suryansh Shedge to attack.
The first two balls were struck for sixes over long-off and deep square leg, and on the third legitimate delivery it took a fine diving effort from Shreyas to save a certain third six in the over.
But Curran wasn&rsquo;t done yet as he pierced gaps on the next two deliveries to get as many boundaries, eventually collecting 26 off the PBKS novice.
Curran&rsquo;s onslaught forced PBKS&rsquo; strike bowler Arshdeep Singh to resort to wide full tosses, which resulted in a tidy over for four runs but for which he had to bowl eight deliveries as two were wides.
Curran eventually fell in the 18th over, getting an edge while attempting to duck under a Marco Jansen bouncer, but not before producing a knock of spunk and substance.
Chahal, who was wicketless until the penultimate over, was hit for a six by MS Dhoni (11) but the bowler had him caught at long off on the second delivery.
On the fourth, Deepak Hooda (2) played one meekly towards backward point while on the fifth, impact substitute Anshul Kamboj (0) was cleaned up.
Noor Ahmad (0) tried to put one away but ended up miscuing his shot and Jansen came in from long-on to complete the hat-trick, which was the leg-spinner's second in the IPL.
In that phase, CSK lost six wickets for a mere five runs which in the end calculations had a decisive effect.

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