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IPL 2024

Wasim Jaffer Set to Become Punjab Kings’ New Head Coach

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Former India opener Wasim Jaffer is set to take over as the head coach of Punjab Kings, succeeding Trevor Bayliss, whose two-year contract with the team has concluded. This appointment marks Jaffer’s return to the Mohali-based franchise ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer’s association with Punjab Kings is not new. This will be his third stint with the franchise, having previously served as the batting coach from 2019 to 2021 before stepping down ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. Prior to his new role, he was released from his position as batting consultant before the IPL 2024 season. Jaffer, who played 31 Tests for India, faces a challenging task as the head coach of Punjab Kings. The team, one of the eight founding members of the IPL, has not reached the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons since their only appearance in the IPL final in 2014. In the IPL 2024, Punjab Kings finished ninth on the points table, securing only five wins. Despite recording the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket by chasing down 262 at Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders and defeating five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, the team struggled to maintain consistent performance. The injury to captain Shikhar Dhawan significantly impacted the team’s performance. It remains to be seen if the franchise will continue with Dhawan, who will turn 39 later this year.

IPL 2024 Rule Book: Two Bouncers Per Over, Two Referrals, No Stop Clock

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The upcoming 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will see significant changes in its rule book, maintaining the allowance of two bouncers per over for bowlers, a departure from previous seasons where only one short ball was permitted. Earlier introduced in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), a national T20 championship in the BCCI domestic calendar, the second bouncer rule will now be a part of the IPL playing conditions as well. In contrast to T20 Internationals, where only one short ball is allowed, the IPL and other domestic T20 competitions will permit two bouncers per over, akin to Test and One Day International (ODI) matches. Former India pacer and Chennai Super Kings’ ex-bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji hailed this decision as a positive move, citing its potential to enhance the bowlers’ arsenal and balance the contest between bat and ball. Balaji emphasized the significance of the second bouncer, particularly in the death overs, offering bowlers an additional strategic option. With the participation of top-class fast bowlers in the IPL, he anticipates thrilling contests between bat and ball. In another notable change, the IPL will continue with the rule of checking for a catch while a referral is made for stumping, differing from ICC regulations. BCCI officials justify this decision, stating that failing to check for a catch before reviewing a stumping could unfairly disadvantage the fielding side. Teams will retain two referrals and the ability to review wides and no balls, a rule introduced last year. However, the IPL will not adopt the stop clock rule, a recent addition to ICC playing conditions for white-ball international games.  

Devdutt Padikkal Set to Debut in Dharamsala as KL Rahul Remains Unfit, Rajat Patidar to Stay in Squad

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The Indian cricket fraternity is abuzz with anticipation as Devdutt Padikkal is poised to make his Test debut in the upcoming match against England in Dharamsala. With KL Rahul’s fitness status uncertain, Padikkal is expected to replace Rajat Patidar in the playing XI, marking his entry into the prestigious format of the game. The decision to include Padikkal comes amid Rahul’s ongoing rehabilitation process, which has cast doubts over his availability for the crucial fixture. Although Rahul had been the selectors’ preferred choice for the No. 4 position, his injury woes have paved the way for Padikkal’s inclusion in the squad. Rajat Patidar, who had been filling in for Rahul in recent matches, faced a dip in form, prompting selectors to reconsider their options. With the Madhya Pradesh cricketer set to stay in the squad but likely to lose his spot in the XI, Padikkal’s impressive performance in domestic cricket and India A fixtures has earned him the nod for his maiden Test appearance. Padikkal’s stellar form in the current season, coupled with his consistent run-scoring ability, has garnered attention from selectors and coaching staff alike. The left-hander’s recent exploits, including a match-winning century in Karnataka’s fixture against Tamil Nadu, have bolstered his case for selection. A BCCI source confirmed Padikkal’s inclusion, highlighting the team management’s eagerness to assess his capabilities ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Padikkal’s journey from domestic cricket to the international arena exemplifies his talent and dedication, setting the stage for a memorable debut in Dharamsala. As the cricketing world awaits the much-anticipated clash, all eyes will be on Devdutt Padikkal as he prepares to don the Indian jersey for the first time in Test cricket.