AFTER THE MARQUEE India-Pakistan match was shifted from Dharamsala to Kolkata, it has now been learnt that the picturesque ground has also lost out on hosting any of the IPL games this season.
MUMBAI INDIANS will start their title defence against the newly-formed Rising Pune Supergiants at the Wankhede stadium in the opening match of IPL-9 in Mumbai on April 9. The final will also take place at the same venue on May 29.
INDIA HAVE WON 10 out of their last 11 T20I games, thanks to players like Rohit Sharma who has been a consistent performer at the top. And, the opener feels that the team's success is due to the contribution in all three departments of the game.
ALTHOUGH INDIAN BATSMAN Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the most consistent scorers across all formats, his place in the playing 11 for the T20 format has always been uncertain.
VETERAN SPINNER Harbhajan Singh has been on India's bench for a long time now, but the turbanator is working hard to keep his fitness at par with the youngsters in the team.
INDIAN T20 VICE-CAPTAIN Virat Kohli has the reputation of being extremely aggressive on the field of play and has never shied away from any banter with the opponents or the crowd.
INDIAN PACER ASHISH NEHRA has been on song ever since his return to the Indian team after five long years. Currently, the left-arm pacer has become the leader of the pace attack and has certainly made life difficult for the opening batsmen.
INDIAN SPINNER PAWAN NEGI was finally given the opportunity to make his international T20 debut yesterday against UAE. Negi who was waiting in the wings got the nod after a string of good performances in the domestic circuit.
INDIAN PACER JASPRIT BUMRAH has been a revelation in the Indian team lately. And, the Gujarat bowler has wholeheartedly thanked Sri Lankan quickie Lasith Malinga for all the advice and help.
THE INDIAN TEAM has been on a roll since winning the T20I series in Australia and since then Dhoni’s men have only gone from strength to strength. Given India’s momentum and form, skipper Dhoni feels the current Indian side is a well-balanced side and can compete anywhere in the world in the shortest format.