Latest news with #Punjab-based
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"Whoever plays better will win the game": Anil Kumble ahead of IPL 2025 final
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), former India captain Anil Kumble shared his thoughts on the title clash, where he said that the team that plays better will win the match. Kumble met Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre at his (latter's) official residence on Tuesday. The Rajat Patidar-led side and the Punjab-based franchise will lock horns against each other in the final of the 18th edition of the cash-rich league at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to end their title drought in the competition. Speaking on the IPL 2025 final, Anil Kumble told the media, 'I have been involved in both teams. It is good that there will be a new winner. It will be a really good game. Whoever plays better will win the game.' RCB have qualified for the Indian Premier League final thrice in the past, losing all three times in 2009, 2011 and on the other hand, qualified for the final once in 2014 when they were known as Kings XI Punjab, losing the match to Kolkata Knight Riders. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the first team to qualify for the final. They finished the league stage in second spot with 19 points from 14 games before beating Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to book their berth in the final. Punjab Kings, meanwhile, topped the league stage with 19 points from 14 games and a better net run rate than RCB. However, PBKS lost their Qualifier 1 game against RCB, leading to them facing Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 2 clash, which they won by five wickets to secure their spot in the summit match. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Bhagwant Mann sends best wishes to Punjab Kings for IPL 2025 final
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 3 (ANI): As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final gears up to deliver a blockbuster showdown between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, excitement has spilled beyond the boundary ropes, drawing attention from politicians and cricket legends. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed his support for the Punjab-based franchise ahead of their most crucial season match. Extending his wishes to the team, CM Mann said, 'I would like to say good luck to the Punjab Kings team.' Adding to the star power in Ahmedabad, former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle was spotted arriving in the city to witness the much-anticipated final. Gayle, one of the most destructive T20 batters the game has seen, shares a rich connection with both franchises. He has represented Punjab Kings and was an integral part of the RCB setup during their earlier final appearances. Gayle featured in the RCB squads that reached the finals in 2011 and 2016, though both campaigns ended in heartbreak, first against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2011, and later against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016. Punjab, who finished first in the table standings against Bengaluru, who followed in at second spot, have been two of the most consistent sides in the 18th season of the cash-rich league. Till now, seven teams have etched their names in the winner list, one of them is now defunct (Deccan Chargers), and two of them weren't even a part of the tournament (Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans) when the league began in 2008. Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have never won once. RCB has stormed into the IPL final thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) and returned home without a trophy. On the other hand, Punjab earned a spot in the final for the first time in 11 years. In 2014, Punjab stormed its way into the final but fell short against the eventual winners, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Bengaluru and Punjab have played 36 IPL matches against each other so far. So far, nothing separates the two as both teams have won 18 each. En route to the final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1, with Philip Salt smashing a solid 56-run knock. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings reached the final by overcoming Mumbai Indians by five wickets, powered by Shreyas Iyer's crucial 87-run innings. However, under the dynamic duo of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab has turned into a match-winning machine. Punjab has been consistent throughout the season and finished at the top with 19 points and nine victories. With the bat, captain Shreyas Iyer has led from the front and spearheaded the attack with 603 runs in 16 innings, including six fifties, averaging 54.81. On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh led the Punjab assault with 18 wickets in 15 innings, with an average of 8.79 and an economy of 18.11. Bengaluru's batting mainstay, Virat Kohli, has scored the most runs in the current edition, with an impressive tally of 614 runs in 14 innings, eight fifties, and an average of 55.81. Josh Hazlewood has dazzled with the ball and is the leading wicket-taker for RCB in this IPL season, with 21 wickets in 11 innings, an average of 15.80, and an economy of 8.30. Punjab registered its biggest win in terms of runs against RCB in the 2011 season when Adam Gilchrist's sizzling 106 and Shaun Marsh's unbeaten 79 powered them to a daunting 232/2 at Dharamshala. In reply, RCB were bowled out for 121 in the chase as PBKS registered a 111-run win. On the other hand, Bengaluru's biggest win in terms of runs against Punjab dates back to the 2015 season. Fuelled by a 57-ball 117 courtesy of 'Universal Boss' Chris Gayle, RCB powered its way to 226/3 in Bengaluru before forcing PBKS to bundle out on a mere 88 to register a 138-run, the lowest total in the fixture. Punjab's longest winning streak against RCB is five matches, which took place between the 2012 and 2014 seasons. Meanwhile, RCB's longest stretch of victories against PBKS occurred between the 2018 and 2019 seasons when they won four matches on the trot. They also won four consecutive games between 2008 and 2009. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Mohali police arrest six drug peddlers, seize 263 gm heroin
Mohali Police arrested six drug peddlers in three different incidents from various locations across Kharar and seized a total of 263.9 gm heroin from their possession, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans said on Sunday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gagandeep Singh of Lakha Wala village (Ferozepur), Sandeep Kumar of Patel Nagar (Ferozepur), Dimple of Faridkot Road (Ferozepur), Jagjir Singh of Sena Saada village (Fazilka), Sinder Singh of Daladali village (Fazilka) and Jivan Singh. SSP Hans added that the arrests were made as part of the 'War against drugs' campaign in the Kharar sub-division. In the first case, Kharar city police station arrested accused Jagjir Singh and Sinder Singh after setting up a special blockade near Gurdwara Sahib, Sunny Enclave, close to the Green Market Chowk. The arrests were made after the police signalled a white Hyundai Xcent with a taxi number, being driven suspiciously by Jagjir Singh, to stop. The driver attempted to flee but was apprehended. The passenger was identified as Sinder Singh. A total of 100 gm heroin was recovered from their possession. In the second case, Kharar city police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a trio on a motorcycle near Mamupur bridge. Upon checking, the accused Gagandeep Singh, Sandeep Kumar and Dimple were found possessing 139 gm of heroin. In the third incident, accused Jivan Singh was arrested near Phase 8 after trying to suspiciously walk away upon seeing the police. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of 24.9 gm heroin. All six accused were produced before the respective courts and remanded to police custody for further investigation. SSP Hans said the Mohali Police are committed to taking strict action against drug peddlers and anti-social elements, adding that the drive will continue with full force in the district. Opium smuggling network uncovered, three apprehended The anti-narcotics cell arrested three key members of a vast opium smuggling operation. The investigation began when the team, acting on intelligence, apprehended Punjab-based drug supplier Sunil Kumar with opium in Chandimandir on May 29. Sunil was immediately taken into two-day police remand to identify his source. During interrogation, Sunil revealed the supplier to be Hariom, a resident of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Following this lead, Hariom was arrested from his home district on May 31. The questioning further led to the arrest of Deepak from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, who was Hariom's source for the opium, on the same day. Both Hariom and Deepak were presented in court on Sunday and remanded to four days of police custody. They face charges under Sections 18 and 29 of the NDPS Act at the Chandimandir police station. Police are intensifying interrogations to dismantle the entire drug supply chain and identify all individuals involved, including the principal drug kingpins.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
IPL 2025: MI batters' brilliance powers them to 203/6 against Punjab in Qualifier 2
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 2 (ANI): Exceptional batting performance from the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) powered them to a solid total of 203/6 in their 20 overs during Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The Punjab-based franchise needs to chase a target of 204 runs in order to reach to their second final of the competition after 2014. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first. Right-hand batters Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow came out to open the innings for the Mumbai-based franchise in the game. The side didn't have the start that they wanted, as the Hardik Pandya-led side lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma at the score of 19. The right-hand batter went back to the pavilion after scoring just eight runs. Following Rohit's dismissal, left-hand batter Tilak Varma was promoted up the order. The Mumbai side touched the 50-run mark in the fifth over of the innings. On the last ball of the seventh over, the Mumbai team lost their second wicket as Bairstow was dismissed by right-arm seamer Vijaykumar Vyshak. The right-hand batter went back to the dressing room after scoring 38 runs off 24 balls, which came with the help of three fours and two sixes in his innings. After Bairstow's departure, right-hand batter Suryakumar Yadav came out to bat. In the 10th over of the innings, the MI side completed their 100-run mark. The Mumbai Indians team lost their third and fourth wicket at the score of 142. The batters to get dismissed at 142 were Suryakumar Yadav (44 runs off 26 balls) and Tilak Varma (44 runs from 29 balls). In the end, right-hand batter Naman Dhir came out to bat and scored a crucial 37 runs in just 18 balls, which was laced by seven boundaries at a strike rate of 205.56. For the Shreyas Iyer-led side, two wickets were snapped by Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43 in 4 overs) and one wicket each was grabbed by Kyle Jamieson (1/30 in 4 overs), Marcus Stoinis (1/14 in 1 over), Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/30 in 3 overs), and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/39 in 4 overs) in their respective spells. Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 203/6 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 44, Tilak Varma 44; Azmatullah Omarzai 2/43) vs Punjab Kings. (ANI)
Mint
2 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
'KKR could have retained Shreyas Iyer' - Former cricketer pinpoints defending champions' IPL 2025 auction mistake
Captain Shreyas Iyer will spearhead Punjab Kings's second chance to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) final as they face the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (June 1). The Punjab-based franchise were bundled off for 101 in Qualifier 1 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which they chased in just 14 overs to book their spot in the IPL 2025 final. However, Punjab Kings will have to move on from that demoralising defeat, as they have another opportunity to book their final date. Speaking to NDTV, former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra lauded the 30-year-old's impact on the Punjab side, which put on an all-round performance in IPL 2025 and topped the standings during the league stage. "We are focusing on Punjab Kings because they reached the playoffs after 11 years. The kind of game they have played is that they shone through the entire season. It's not like they lost one-sided matches or they had a very poor time in the league stage," Chopra said. 'So, PBKS as a franchise have caught everyone's attention because of their all-round play. Even Shreyas or Ponting would say the same that it was not just one man's contribution, which led to the team's success. Yes, Shreyas Iyer, as a captain, as a batter, has played a massive role and is definitely worth a mention, but if you ask him, he will never say, 'It is because of me',' added the former left-hander. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders let go of Shreyas Iyer, who captained them to the title in IPL 2024, as they splashed huge cash on retaining Venkatesh Iyer. The decision backfired spectacularly, as the lanky southpaw had a miserable IPL 2025, while Shreyas, who PBKS picked in the auction and made skipper, has been brilliant with the bat and as a captain. This has seen strong reactions on social media, especially from KKR fans, as many accused the franchise of not appreciating the stylish Mumbai batter and criticised them for releasing him. Chopra felt KKR made a blunder by not continuing with their title-winning captain, saying, "It is between the franchise and the player. If they didn't retain him and he went somewhere else, then it doesn't mean that Shreyas has no right to succeed in his career. 'It is absolutely unfair. KKR had a chance to retain him, but they didn't, so he went somewhere else. But, Shreyas is still a player. Whether he plays for KKR or PBKS, his job is only to perform and score runs,' she continued. "Eventually, if his team is also doing well, then as a player and as captain, it's his job. He is just playing for his team; it doesn't matter which jersey he is wearing," she added.
