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After the conclusion of the league stage of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the action shifted to the playoffs, where the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continued their domination, registering a comprehensive eight-wicket win over SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) to advance to the final. With this the Shreyas Iyer-led side will make their fourth appearance in the IPL final, the SRH on the other hand will take on the winner of Rajasthan Royals versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Qualifier 2 in Chennai.
In this article, we will look at the big updates around IPL 2024 and other cricket news that took place on Tuesday, May 21, but before that, let’s check the match scheduled for the day.
Today's match preview
IPL 2024 Eliminator: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Rajasthan Royals will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator of the IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Following their four losses and one no-result in the last five matches, Rajasthan Royals have found themselves out of the top two of the IPL points table at the key juncture, set to play in the Eliminator. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their last six matches on the bounce in the IPL 2024, to reach the playoffs in one of the most dramatic circumstances in the tournament’s history.
1st T20I: England vs Pakistan
The Jos Buttler-led England will host Pakistan in the first T20I of the four-match series on Wednesday, May 22 at the Headingley in Leeds. Both sides will aim to make the most of this series, in preparation to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Major events around IPL that happened on May 21
KKR demolish SRH in 13.4 overs to seal spot in IPL 2024 final; beat by 8 wickets
Shreyas Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to qualify for the IPL 2024 final. With this victory, KKR continued the trend of winning Qualifier 1 and now are one step away from winning their third title. On the other hand, the Sunrisers will have to ponder as they will now take on the winner of the Eliminator between RR and RCB.
Security on high alert ahead of IPL 2024 playoffs in Ahmedabad
Ahead of the KKR vs SRH Qualifier 1 in IPL 2024, the Ahmedabad Police have put the city on high alert. This comes after the police arrested four suspected IS terrorists and in order to curb it, the officials have taken steps to bolster security in and around the stadium to ensure safety of all attendees.
Harbhajan claims MI's decision to make Hardik captain "backfired"
The joint record five-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, had a forgettable season as they managed a wooden spoon finish. Commenting on MI's 2024 IPL season, former India and MI spinner Harbhajan Singh claimed that the decision to make Hardik Pandya captain backfired. The Mumbai Indians hit a new low as they ended the IPL 2024 with just four wins.
BCCI to approach MS Dhoni to convince Stephen Fleming: Reports
BCCI has reportedly approached former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to convince Stephen Fleming to take up India Head Coach’s role. As per Hindustan Times, despite Fleming making his decision clear, the BCCI hasn’t decided to give up on him yet. The Jay Shah-chaired body decided to seek help from former CSK captain MS Dhoni to persuade Fleming. Notably, Fleming expressed reluctance for the role until 2027.
Harbhajan Singh hints at possibility to coach Team India
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has opened up on taking up the coaching role for Team India in near future. Speaking with ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, "I do not know if I would apply. Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them."
WATCH: Fan unfurls RCB jersey during his convocation ceremony in US
Since the Royal Challengers Bengaluru made it to the IPL 2024 playoffs after thrashing the Chennai Super Kings in a do-or-die encounter, RCB fans are celebrating the qualification like anything. However, this craze isn't limited to just India as a fan was seen waving the RCB's 2023 red and black jersey during the convocation ceremony at a University in California.
PCB set to appoint Vivan Richards as mentor for T20 World Cup 2024
Pakistan Cricket Board is looking to appoint West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards as a mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. As per Geo News, the PCB has held conversations with the cricketing great. It also believed PCB hoped to appoint Richards because of the 72-year-old's involvement with the Pakistan Super League.
Gautam Gambhir opens up on KKR being at last in Fairplay Award tally
Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir opened up on the team’s position in the Fairplay Award standings. He also joked that if any team wants to win the award should stay away from him. The former KKR player said that despite his best efforts he has failed to win the award multiple times. Gambhir appeared in one of the episodes of Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show, ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’.
Shane Watson seeks apology from RCB fans for loss in IPL 2016 final
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson sought an apology from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans for their loss in the IPL 2016. Recently, the former Aussie all-rounder was at a college event and spoke about RCB's loss in the 2016 IPL final, where he delivered a below-par performance that proved to be one of the major reasons for RCB's heartbreaking loss.
Afghanistan appoint Dwayne Bravo as bowling consultant for T20 WC 2024
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announces the appointment of former West Indian great and T20 World Cup Winner Dwayne Bravo as the Bowling Consultant of the Afghanistan National Team for the T20 World Cup 2024. Bravo is set to join the team during the preparation camp ahead of the marquee event in the Caribbean.
Matheesha Pathirana becomes most expensive player in LPL history
Sri Lanka pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana grabbed the limelight after being bought for a record-breaking price of USD 120,000 in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Player Auction. The star player, who left the Chennai Super Kings’ camp midway through the IPL 2024 was sold for USD 120,000 to the Colombo Strikers on Tuesday, May 21.
