Mumbai Indians start preparations
mumbai: Defending IPl champions Mumbai Indians on Wednesday commenced preparations for defending their crown in serious vein with almost their entire team present at the Wankhede Stadium. New Zealand's left arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan had just joined the camp and will start practising on Thursday, it was learnt. But there's no information as yet of when their key paceman lasith Malinga will be joining the team. Malinga pulled out of the lanka campaign in the ICC World T20 tournament as he was yet to recover from the knee injury he had sustained in the run-up to the mega event. MI start their campaign in the T20league with a home game against new IPl franchise Rising Pune Supergiants on April 9.
Captaincy no pressure: Miller
chandigarh: South Africa's explosive batsman David Miller, who will lead the Kings XI Punjab in this edition of the IPl, feels that captaincy has not brought any added pressure on him. "Responsibility changes a bit as captain, but I am really looking forward to it," Miller said. "No pressure, to be honest. I see it as an opportunity. We have changed the squad a little bit this year, couple of new additions, but most of the squad stays the same. The fact that we haven't won it, doesn't add any more pressure. It's a great opportunity for the guys to step up," he added.
Bravo's Dance at opening ceremony
new delhi: Dynamic West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo's smash-hit rap ‘Champion dance' during the opening ceremony and the use of lED light stumps are the two major attractions of the ninth edition of Indian Premier league, said tournament chairman Rajeev Shukla. Bravo, who will be playing for the new team Gujarat lions, is expected to perform the 'Champion Dance' that has now become a rage among the cricket fans of India and IPl is trying to cash in on its popularity.
"Dwayne Bravo is performing on Champion Dance during the opening ceremony of IPl-9 in Mumbai. His performance will be the special attraction and there might be a few more West Indies cricketers, who will perform alongside Bravo," IPl chairman Shukla said.
I'll miss Dhoni's leadership: Bravo
chennai: A vital member of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for last five years, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday called Mahendra Singh Dhoni one of the best captains in the world and said he would miss playing under the Indian skipper in IPl-9. "Yes. I will miss Dhoni's leadership and any player for that matter will miss him because he is one of the best Captains in the world," said Bravo, who launched a "Ultimate Sports Coaching Programme" at a city Mall here. "We do play under different captains. But, it is a good opportunity for Raina to show his leadership skills. We players have to give that support. 100% we are going to support Raina."
'Happily retired' viru enjoying time
chandigarh: Drawing similarities between life and cricket, retired swashbuckling India opener Virender Sehwag on Wednesday said he is enjoying wearing many hats — of being a commentator and mentor of IPl franchise Kings XI Punjab. "In life, we play different roles at different times. Sometimes, one plays the role of a son, then one becomes father, then grandfather and so on. likewise, cricket is also connected with life, where you have to fit in a different role, you are a player, then sometimes you become a captain or a coach, mentor etc," Sehwag said.
‘not vying for all-rounder's spot’
bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bangalore's Stuart Binny on Wednesday said he is not vying for the all-rounder's spot in the IPl team with Shane Watson and added that it will be the Australian veteran who will be in competition with other foreign players. "I don't think it is between me and Wato (Watson). He falls under foreign category. He will be vying with foreign players. I am not worried whether I will get into the playing XI from the very first match. My role is to get as much as practice right now," he told reporters.
Mother Dairy partners with dd
new delhi: Mother Dairy has partnered Zaheer Khan-led IPl cricket team Delhi Daredevils as its principal sponsor. With this association, the brand Mother Dairy will be seen on Delhi Daredevils team jersey, along with the visibility at key spots in the stadium on match days. "Our association with Delhi Daredevils team was a natural fit as we share the same passion for Delhi and the very reason of our existence. This association presents us with a fantastic platform to connect with our consumers and cricket fans," Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Managing Director S Nagarajan said.