Latest news with #RCBvDC
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Shree Charani Interview: Cricket constantly on my mind... dream is to play in a World Cup
It's not easy for a young up-and-comer to make an impression in a team stacked with superstars. But N. Sree Charani did just that in the recently concluded iteration of the Women's Premier League, where she represented runner-up Delhi Capitals. The 20-year-old left-arm spinner featured in crucial games against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians (final), leaving a lasting impression on teammates, including skipper Meg Lanning, and those watching from the stands and on TV. With selectors keeping an eye on her domestic performances, where she proved handy with the bat too, Charani unsurprisingly earned a maiden India call-up for the Tri-Nation series involving India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in the island nation. In her debut game against the host, she finished with two wickets, conceding just 26 runs in eight overs. In an interview with The Hindu, the Kadapa native looked back at her maiden WPL stint, her call-up to the senior National team, how COVID-19 pandemic shaped her budding career, and more. Excerpts ALSO READ | G. Kamalini - The accidental cricketer on the fast lane to stardom What was your initial reaction to getting the India call-up? I was very proud of it. Playing with Harman di (Harmanpreet Kaur), Smriti (Mandhana) di, Jemi di (Jemimah Rodrigues), they are such legends of the game, and to be playing with them is a pleasure. I knew that they would see my performances in the WPL. I had the hope that if I performed in the Multi-day Challenger (in Dehradun), I might have a chance. When I played in that tournament, after my first match, I felt there was a chance of getting the call-up. I got a six-wicket haul, and felt like I bowled well in that match. I thought if I kept performing like this in the next few games, then I stood a chance. One Brings Two 👏 N. Charani gets her first and second #TATAWPL wickets in the same over 🙌#DC have pushed #RCB back to 131/5 after 18 overs. Updates ▶️ | @ — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 1, 2025 Was the call-up that came for the Tri-Series validating, given all your efforts to come through the ranks? When I officially got the news, there was a Challenger match going on. I was in the dressing room. Harleen (Deol) di and Yasthika (Bhatia) di entered, gave me the news, and congratulated me. Actually, we sort of knew beforehand about the news because they asked us for our jersey [name, number, and size] the previous night, and I had shared it with my parents. I told them that there was a chance [of getting a call-up]. I was actually a little nervous then, wondering what would happen, and I was a little tense till I got the confirmation. I spoke with my parents six hours after I got the official news. My mother and my uncle were very excited. Everyone was excited, honestly, but they both were a little extra happy. Were you always into cricket, or did you try your hand at other sports in your younger days? My father first enrolled me in badminton when I was in class six. I used to play, come home, and then start move to playing cricket. He then made me sign up for an academy in Proddatur and even complained to the coaches there that I would return home after coaching and start playing cricket without taking any rest. I played Kho Kho in school too. Usually, I would come home and then head to play Kho Kho by 5:30pm. I used to go early, play cricket, and then go for Kho Kho. Cricket was constantly on my mind. Even when I was going for athletics, I used to ask my father about joining a cricket academy. When I was in Class 10, he finally agreed to let me switch to cricket full time. ALSO READ | T20 leagues will dominate world cricket: W.V. Raman How did COVID-19 affect your game? COVID-19 helped me a lot, actually. There was a mud ground near my house, I used to work on both batting and bowling there, alongside my brothers and friends. I played a lot and had no fear of playing the game even before I started training professionally. I then went to an academy in Hyderabad for training. That's where my name was submitted for the state U-19 probables list. That's how everything fell into place for me. ALSO READ | No coach can change a player over 4-6 weeks in franchise cricket: Pietersen Tell us your first impressions of life with the Delhi Capitals in the WPL. When I first joined the DC camp, I did not have any idea of how things would be. The team gave me a lot of comfort; it was a fantastic group. I am normally a very calm person. Jemi di used to come and speak with me a lot, she would give me the same amount of comfort that Aru (statemate Arundhati Reddy) akka used to give. That helped me settle down quickly. Who among the squad ended up becoming your close friends during your time with the franchise? Aru akka and Jemi di took care of me very well. Whatever was there or whatever I needed, I could ask them very freely. There is no language barrier between Aru akka, so I would ask her if I had any doubts. I was very comfortable with Aru akka and Sneha (Deepthi) akka because we all speak the same language, as well as Jemi di and Lisa (Keightley) ma'am. Even after the WPL final, Jemi di came and told me, 'While your analysis may be different, please know that you bowled very well.' How did the WPL playing experience help and change you, if at all? As a person, I have not changed much, but as a professional, my routines have changed. Take food consumption, for example. I keep an eye on the amount of protein, fiber, and vitamins I consume. I have been very inspired after seeing everyone in the WPL, in the DC team, and beyond – their routines, their discipline, and more. I understood why all those players have achieved as much as they have, and the amount of work that went into achieving it. ALSO READ | A flash of Dhoni and a peep both into the past and the future Videos of your camaraderie with DC assistant coach Lisa Keightley were quite popular during the league. What has your association with her been like? Lisa ma'am (DC assistant coach) is very experienced. She was very helpful. I got feedback on what I can do, what to improve in my bowling, and a lot more. She was the reason why I got some structure and clarity in my game. We had Jess (Jonassen) at DC who is a very experienced left-arm spinner and one of the world's best. What Lisa ma'am used to do was speak with her and also with Meg (Lanning), and ask them 'What's going on with Shree? What can she do today to improve?' and get information. That used to be very helpful to me; it would give me a clear plan on what I could and should be doing. Lisa ma'am is the reason why my bowling got a lot more clarity. She used to help me a lot, not just in cricket but in all things; she would give me a lot of guidance. She is a very funny person also, and she can handle anything with a smile. She doesn't take anything to heart, she is a very genuine person. How was your relationship with your captain Lanning? My relationship with Meg was good. She also used to guide me a lot. She would tell me how and where to bowl, what kind of fields to set, how to bowl to a particular field, and more. In the match, she would talk to me before every ball and remind me of the plan we discussed. I learned how to be calm from her, irrespective of the situation. When I was getting smashed for sixes in the WPL final, if Meg wasn't around, I would have been more nervous. She and the whole team were constantly cheering me on, telling me when I was doing well. That final was disappointing for the DC faithful. How do you look back at that match? When I look back, I feel bad about it. I think I could have performed slightly better, maybe. I felt that right after the match and even now, when I think about it. How did your family and friends react to your WPL stint? All of my friends and family watched my WPL matches. I got a lot of messages after the two matches I played in WPL. It took me two days to reply to all those messages. Those messages gave me a lot of confidence in my performance during the league. ALSO READ | Metronomic Hazlewood, the go-to-man for RCB There was a lot of praise for your fielding in the WPL. How do you go about working on improving that aspect of your game? I was a much better fielder, but I am not that good right now. I need to work on that, since I am just making my way back from a few niggles. It will take about six months for me to get back to my old self. It doesn't matter if I am in the playing 11. I would go and take catches daily, work with Milap (Mewada, the fielding coach at DC). If I wasn't playing in a match, I would finish bowling and stay with him and then take catches for about 20 minutes, which eventually helped me. Are you keeping an eye on the Women's World Cup in India later this year? Every player will want to take part in the World Cup, that's obvious. If I have to go there, I need to focus on the present. My dream is to play for India, and if possible, in a World Cup. But I am not going to think about that. I will keep working hard. Whatever has to happen will happen.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
IPL 2025: Virat Kohli teases KL Rahul with his own ‘this is my ground' Kantara celebration after fiery exchange, watch
Earlier this month, Delhi Capitals' KL Rahul made quite a statement with his 'this is my ground' Kantara celebration at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading Delhi to a comfortable win over Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their own backyard. Now, Virat Kohli, the star batter of RCB, has returned the favour, mimicking Rahul's celebration after the Rajat Patidar-led side secured a victory against DC on their home turf. KL Rahul's cold Kantara celebration that had the internet spiraling KL Rahul's 'this is my ground' Kantara celebration was one of the standout moments during Delhi Capitals' clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10, 2025. After hammering an unbeaten 93 off just 53 balls and chasing down 164 in only 17.5 overs, Rahul, otherwise known for his quiet celebrations, put on a mini-show of his own. First, after dispatching a six into the stands, he theatrically drew a circle on the pitch with his bat and gave it a firm thump, like a warrior claiming his battlefield. Then, after sealing Delhi's emphatic win, he thumped his chest and pointed down at the turf, proudly saying, "This is my home ground." Later, Rahul, who hails from Bengaluru, revealed the inspiration behind his celebration came straight from his favourite movie, Kantara starring Rishab Shetty. Never Seen Him This Animated, This Celebration Seems Like A Personal Victory FOR KL RAHUL. Kudos TO KL RAHUL FOR AN AMAZING INNINGS AT CHINNASWAMY 🔥 Virat Kohli's pay back time On Sunday, Virat Kohli, born and raised in Delhi, decided it was his turn to flip the script. With a composed 51 off 45 balls, he played a crucial role in guiding RCB past Delhi Capitals' 163-run target, sealing the win with six wickets in hand and nine balls to spare at Arun Jaitley Stadium. But the real entertainment came after the game was done. While KL Rahul was deep in conversation with Karun Nair, Kohli sneaked over and cheekily pulled off his take on the iconic Kantara celebration, drawing a circle on the ground and giving it a hearty thump, just like Rahul had a few weeks earlier. However, it was all a friendly banter, as the group then burst into laughter. This is why I absolutely adore King Kohli! ❤️🔥He never forgets! 🤌🏻The way he's teasing KL Rahul about the "This is My Home Ground" celebration is priceless! Virat being his most adorable self! 🖐🏻#ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #RCBvDC #RCBvsDC Did Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have an altercation on the field? The IPL 2025 season served up another intense moment when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were seen in a heated exchange during the match. The confrontation happened while Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping wickets.. The RCB opener was seen waking up to Rahul angrily, and the moment soon went viral on social media, with fans projecting their theories behind the cause of the alleged rift. Later, former India spinner Piyush Chawla explained that Kohli was frustrated by DC taking too long to set the field, which Rahul defended to avoid slow over-rate penalties. Later, Kohli and Rahul were spotted sharing a hearty conversation, showing no hard feelings between the two. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Chokli' trends despite RCB's win? Virat Kohli criticized by trolls for 'slow' & 'selfish' knock vs DC
From critics to even players, everyone agreed that the track at Arun Jaitley Stadium for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) clash was tricky. Even DC batters struggled, managing just 162 runs—their lowest total of the season after batting the full 20 overs. So, it was no surprise that after RCB lost three quick wickets, things slowed down. Virat Kohli stayed at the crease and guided Krunal Pandya through a 119-run partnership. However, despite RCB's victory, Kohli's haters found a reason to troll him, making 'Chokli' trend. Playing 𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙙 and marching on 😎The red-hot @RCBTweets claim the top of the points table after Match 4️⃣6️⃣ ❤Will they continue to stay on the 🔝? 🤔#TATAIPL Why is 'Chokli' trending? RCB lost debutant Jacob Bethell (12 off 6), Devdutt Padikkal (0 off 2), and Rajat Patidar (6 off 6, run out) in quick succession. Kohli (51 off 47) and Krunal (73* off 47) steadied the ship, and after Kohli's dismissal, Tim David (19 off 5) came in and finished the game. However, some "cricket experts" online, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter), particularly fans of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, felt Kohli's innings was too slow, and even blamed him for Patidar's run out. This led to trolls criticizing Kohli's performance, with some even targeting his on-field exchange with KL Rahul. One troll commented, "Never seen a more selfish player than Chokli." Never seen a more Selfish player than Chokli Another wrote, "Don't know why Chokli behaves like a clown." If God is real, Dog Virat Kohli will never touch the IPL mf joker chokli know why Chokli behaves like a clown 🤡 #RCBvDC #DCvRCB A 'critic' added, "A 36-year-old uncle, Virat 'Chokli,' snatching the orange cap from the youngsters by playing a Test innings in a T20." A 36 y/o uncle Virat Chokli snatching orange cap from the youngsters by playing test innings in t20🍭🤡#ViratKohli #krunalpandya #DCvsRCB Despite the criticism, Kohli fans and RCB supporters fired back, saying, "Doesn't matter what you call him, Kohli or Chokli, but it can't change the fact... Virat Kohli >>> IPL." Doens't matter what U Call Him Kohli Or Chokli But it can't Change the Fact🐐Virat Kohli >>> IPL that's my Tweet🙃Congratulations RCB well Played Krunal Pandya 🗿🫡#DCvsRCB #ViratKohli Teams Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul(w), Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh KumarImpact Subs: Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Jake Fraser McGurk, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash DayalImpact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chants for revenge grow: After KL Rahul's Bengaluru celebration, fans urge Virat Kohli to make a statement in Delhi
In the first leg of the clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), KL Rahul made a bold statement at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. After scoring the winning runs, he pounded his chest and drove his bat into the ground like a sword — Kantara style — declaring, "This is my ground." Now, the second leg of the match is underway at the Arun Jaitley Stadium — home to RCB legend Virat Kohli. With a pavilion named after him at the venue, fans are eager to see him stay till the end, hit the winning runs, guide his team to victory, and "take revenge." Chants for revenge grow Even before the toss took place, loud cheers erupted for Kohli as he walked onto the ground, which he acknowledged by raising his hand and giving a wave. KOHLI KOHLI chants wherever he goes 🔥 As for the game, RCB asked DC to bat first and picked up four wickets in 14 overs, but the chants at the venue continue to be filled with Virat Kohli's name. Fans are hoping to see him go all guns blazing on his own home turf. Fans want to see Virat Kohli's 'revenge' Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their hopes, wishing for a Virat Kohli masterclass as he comes out to open the innings and stay till the very end. One said, "As expected, Delhi turned into a festival for Virat Kohli! The hometown hero getting a roaring welcome — chants, posters, crowds going wild — just shows how deeply loved and respected he is. The GOAT status isn't just about numbers; it's the aura, the connection." As expected, Delhi turned into a festival for Virat Kohli! The hometown hero getting a roaring welcome — chants, posters, crowds going wild — just shows how deeply loved and respected he is. The GOAT status isn't just about numbers, it's the aura, the connection. Another said, "Imagine Virat Kohli playing a match-winning knock today and doing the same celebration as KL Rahul did in Bengaluru, declaring 'This is my ground.' Absolute cinema." Imagine Virat Kohli playing a match winning knock today and doing the same celebration as KL Rahul did in Banglore and saying this (Delhi) is my ground. Absolute cinema 🙌 #RCBvDC One wrote, "We should see Virat Kohli say 'This is my land, my home, I know this place better than anyone else' at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi." "We should see Virat Kohli say 'This is my land, my home, I know this place better than anyone else' at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi."🔥 Another added, "We want a 'Mera ground hai' revenge from Virat Kohli. Because he is a Delhi boy." We want a 'Mera ground hai'🔥 Revenge from Virat he is a delhi on KING Kohli 👑 #RCBvsDC Teams Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul(w), Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh KumarImpact Subs: Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Jake Fraser McGurk, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash DayalImpact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jess Jonassen ends big week by upstaging Perry in WPL
Jess Jonassen is providing plenty of reminders to Australia's selectors that she's still a cricketing force at 32 as she delivered a third match-winning performance in five days for the rampant Delhi Capitals in India's Women's Premier League. The spinning allrounder, who's been surplus to requirements for Australia over the past year, appears to be reinventing herself, having been shoved up the batting order to No.3 in Delhi's ever-improving push for the title. On Saturday, she cracked an unbeaten 61 not out at first drop as the Capitals booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournament with a second-straight nine-wicket win in successive days, this time over champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Footwork on point 🔥Jess Jonassen displays her fine form with a lovely strike! 🚀Updates ▶️ | #RCBvDC | @DelhiCapitals — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 1, 2025 On Tuesday, the rejuvenated Jonassen had made exactly the same score in the win over Gujarat and on Friday, had taken the key wickets in her 3-25 which sank Mumbai, both displays winning her the player-of-the-match award. This time, she probably would have made it a hat-trick if not for the blistering performance by her batting partner Shafali Verma, who cracked a spectacular unbeaten 80 off 43 balls as they shared an unbeaten second-wicket stand of 146. The Ellyse Perry-inspired champions, RCB, once again left their fans feeling short-changed with a fourth successive home defeat in Bengaluru. Not that Perry let them down. As usual, the allrounder did her brilliant best to keep the faithful happy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after RCB has been inserted by Delhi skipper Meg Lanning, as she proved the mainstay of their 5-147 with an unbeaten 60 off 47 balls, featuring three sixes and three fours. Perry is now the holder of the orange cap as the season's top scorer with 295 runs. It was also her record-equalling eighth WPL half-century, as she went past Lanning in their continuing ding-dong battle to be the highest all-time run-scorer in the competition. She now has 895, 48 more than Lanning, who had a rare failure in reply when who else but Perry should leap up to dismiss her for just two with a sharp catch at mid-on off Renuka Singh. The Points Table leader add the '𝙌' against them 👀The Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals continue their winning streak 👏Predict the other 2️⃣ teams for the playoffs ✍#TATAWPL | @DelhiCapitals — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 1, 2025 But Jonassen and Shafali made light work of the chase, with the Australian left-hander, who'd been batting in the lower middle-order for most of the tournament, evidently relishing the move up the order as she bashed nine fours and a six off the 38 balls she faced. "Jess has done an excellent job, came in and played beautifully," said Lanning, whose side will definitely be in the playoffs after they moved on to 10 points, four clear of the chasing pack. As for Jonassen now nailing down her elevated place in the order, Lanning smiled: "She's certainly keeping her hand up to keep doing it."
