IPL Diaries – Edition 2
The much-awaited Dream11 IPL fixtures announced, a few foreign players joining their respective squads, some sweating it out in the gym while the rest displaying their array of strokes at the nets. It is all happening in the Dream11 Indian Premier League 2020 as we build-up to the T20 extravaganza starting in 11 days.
Chennai Super Kings
Let the whistles begin
The Chennai Super Kings took the field on September 4 after their quarantine duration came to an end.
Another jolt hit the CSK camp when veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh announced of his unavailability in the 13th edition of the league, citing personal reasons.
The yellow brigade was seen enjoying pool sessions and nets sessions in Dubai.
MS Dhoni and Shane Watson were seen batting in the nets to the likes of Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja.
Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi too finished their quarantines and joined the camp from September 6.
Mumbai Indians
One Boom, SIX variations
We all know that Jasprit Bumrah has many tricks up his sleeve but this time he went a step further as he imitated bowling actions of six different bowlers, including a left-arm quick. Our favourite is No. 6. Which is yours?
Rahul Chahar’s innovative training drills
The lockdown forced everyone to remain indoor and it was particularly tough on the cricketers who could not train outdoors. Times of adversity call for innovation and the Mumbai Indians leg spinner did exactly that as he used all the tools available at home to continue his training. Take a look!
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Welcome Kane!
The Sunrisers Hyderabad welcomed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson into their squad.
He ‘Kane’ do it
The Kane train wasted no time and began his quarantine with some in-room exercises.
Beach volley, anyone?
While Kane was flexing his body inside the room confines, the rest of the squad decided to relax with a fun beach volleyball session.
Careless Whispers
If that was not enough for team bonding, the Orange Army decided to have some fun in their recreation room with a game called “Whisper Challenge” – this one was a laugh riot.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Taking the cool to Sharjah - #PlayBold Diaries
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been going through rigorous training sessions as the team ups the ante with their nets sessions. The men in red and gold travelled to Sharjah from Dubai for a training session which was all play for the lads.
We also got a glimpse of RCB’s swanky team room where the boys along with their families were seen unwinding as they gathered for some games and a karaoke session.
Oh! And do not miss, Navdeep Saini’s uber-cool image by the beach.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Lock(ie) & Loaded
KKR speedster Lockie Ferguson teased his fans with an in-flight picture mask-on. He asked his fans to play the guessing game whether his all-famous “stache” was on or off this season.
Well, how many of you got that right 😉
Hello DK!
KKR Captain Dinesh Karthik was back at the nets after his quarantine period got done. Among the last ones to join the lot, DK sure looked like he enjoyed his stint at the nets!
And, 4 days later the captain had his teammates Shubman Gill & Rahul Tripathi for company – tonking it at the nets and how!
Kings XI Punjab
On Murugan Ashwin’s birthday, the Kings put up a small interview of the spinner talking about his early days and how he developed himself as a leg spinner. With Anil Kumble as their head coach, Ashwin has lots to gain this IPL.
Chris Gayle’s balancing act
The Universe Boss makes everything exciting and it was interesting to see him take boundary catches. On one such instance, he stepped over the ropes but we will still give it to him for his hilarious effort.
Rajasthan Royals
Oh Miller, that was close
David Miller, the new addition to the RR unit, chilled with his teammates at the beach. But he was in no mood to take things easy during the nets and Ankit Rajpoot would know it better than anyone else.
There was a good mix of relentless practice and some good fun as Rajasthan Royals continued their preparations for the IPL 2020.
Anuj Rawat, Manan Vohra and Aniruddha Joshi let their singing do the talking and entertained their teammates.
RR to CSK: We are watching you
While RR were taking no shortcuts in their practice, they were also keeping a close eye on what their opponents were up to, especially the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.
Then, there were some words of inspiration from Robin Uthappa and some really crisp shot-making from Sanju Samson and the young batting sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The two seemed at total ease during the RR net session.
To top it all, there was also a welcome return of Dishant Yagnik. The RR fielding coach made a recovery after being tested positive of COVID-19 and joined the team in Sharjah.
Delhi Capitals
Rabada’s return and Iyer’s big hits
In Dubai, meanwhile, Delhi Capitals were chuffed as Kagiso Rabada, with coach Delhi Capitals Ricky Ponting in attendance, enjoyed his first net session in the United Arab Emirates for the IPL 2020.
There was no shortage of action in the DC nets as skipper Shreyas Iyer looked in good form and Mumbai boys – Ajinkya Rahane and Tushar Deshpande, along with ‘Gabbar’ Shikhar Dhawan enjoyed a good fielding drill.