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The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is just nine days away from its playoff stage and the battle for the top four spots has grown intense. In the IPL 2024 points table, the Kolkata Knight Riders have dethroned the Rajasthan Royals from the top spot after maintaining a better net run rate as both teams managed eight wins in 11 matches.
On the other hand, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Punjab Kings to maintain their seventh spot in the points table with five wins in 12 games followed by the Mumbai Indians, PBKS, and the Gujarat Titans in the bottom four positions respectively. Here, in this article, we will look at the big updates around the IPL 2024 that took place on Thursday, May 9, but before that, let’s check the match scheduled for the day.
Today's match preview
Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings
The last year's runners-up Gujarat Titans will compete against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the 59th match of the IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After losing three matches in a row, Gujarat Titans are all but out of the reckoning for the playoff spot in the IPL 2024. Meanwhile, CSK got a much-needed win on their away trip to Dharamsala against Punjab Kings, to keep themselves firmly in the mix for the IPL playoffs.
Major events around IPL that happened on May 9
Virat Kohli's 92 propels Bengaluru to beat Punjab by 60 runs
Former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Virat Kohli (92 off 47) was sensational at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. His brilliant batting efforts were coupled with a brilliant fielding effort, helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) register their fourth win on the trot as they beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 60 runs and kept their chances alive for the IPL 2024 playoffs. For the Kings, Rilee Rossouw (61 off 27) scored the most runs as RCB's bowlers Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets while Swapnil Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Karn Sharma picked up two wickets each to bowl out PBKS at 181 runs in 17 overs.
Can RCB still qualify for IPL 2024 Playoffs after beating PBKS on May 9?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru stayed alive in the IPL 2024 playoff race by defeating the Punjab Kings by 60 runs on Tuesday at the HPCA Stadium. Bengaluru must win all their remaining games with great margins to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals must beat the Chennai Super Kings while the Mumbai Indians should defeat the Lucknow Super Giants. Further, KKR or SRH must beat GT or the Titans should win by a small margin to help RCB qualify.
There is nothing wrong: Brett Lee feels criticism around Virat Kohli’s strike rate is unwarranted
In the age of T20 cricket, where there is hardly a place for an anchor in a team, Virat Kohli has been often criticised for playing the role. The Indian batting stalwart has been drawing flak for his less-than-expected strike rate (although he is striking at 148 in IPL 2024). Many cricket experts have raised their concerns but Australian bowling legend Brett Lee seems least concerned about Kohli’s scoring rate. Lee said, "Well, there is nothing wrong with Virat Kohli’s strike rate, he is striking at 148. I never said that (he is playing the anchor role too often), he has got no issues with his strike rate."
KL Rahul to step down as captain after Sanjiv Goenka controversy; may leave LSG in Mega Auction: Reports
The Lucknow Super Giants are likely to drop captain KL Rahul following the team's 10-wicket demolition against the SunRisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Since that incident, PTI reported that Rahul, who was roped in before the auction in 2022 for a record INR 17 crore, is unlikely to be retained before the mega auctions in 2025. Further reports claimed that Rahul might step down on his own and concentrate on batting during the next two games.
PBKS coach Brad Haddin shares major health update on Shikhar Dhawan
Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin shared a major health update on team captain Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan has been out of action since he injured his shoulder while fielding for the side at the Maharaja Yadavindra Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 9, against the SunRisers Hyderabad. Ahead of the Thursday game, PBKS’s Brad Haddin revealed in the pre-match press conference that Dhawan won’t be able to make a comeback, and Curran would continue to lead the side.
Kolkata Knight Riders & Mumbai Indians practice sessions cancelled due to rain: Reports
The practice sessions of Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians were reportedly cancelled due to heavy rain. Shreyas Iyer-led side are set to host five-time IPL champions in the 60th clash of the cash-rich league at the Eden Gardens. The match is slated to take place on May 11, Saturday. KKR are just one victory away from securing their playoff-berth for the season, whereas Mumbai Indians became the first side to get eliminated from the tournament.
Mumbai Indians' senior players question management on Hardik Pandya’s leadership: Reports
Languishing side Mumbai Indians' senior players have reportedly questioned the leadership style of the current skipper Hardik Pandya following the five-time IPL winner’s woeful performance in the ongoing season. Mumbai is grueling at the last spot in the current points table with the chances of playoff qualification almost getting to nil. According to the Indian Express, among the players who have been a part of the meeting were MI’s old-horses Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
