Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, M Ashwin, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, Sanjay Yadav, Ramandeep Singh, Aryan Juyal, Arjun Tendulkar, Tilak Varma, Hrithik Shokeen, Rahul Buddhi, Arshad Khan, Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer, Fabian Allen, Daniel Sams, Anmolpreet Singh, Tim David, Riley Meredith.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Robin Uthappa, KM Asif, Tushar Deshpande, Mahesh Theekshana, N Jagadeesan, Hari Nishaanth, Subhranshu Senapati, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Bhagath Varma, Prashant Solanki, Chris Jordan, Dwaine Pretorius, Devon Conway, Adam Milne, Mitchell Santner.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Kane Williamson, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Priyam Garg, Abdul Samad, Washington Sundar, Marco Jansen, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, J Suchith, Shreyas Gopal, Kartik Tyagi, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Saurabh Dubey, Shashank Singh, Sean Abbott, R Samarth, J Suchith, Romario Shepherd, Vishnu Vinod, Glenn Phillips, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

IPL Mega Auction: Ambani, Iyer, Karim give perspective on building teams in high demand time for domestic pacers

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Suyash Prabhudesai, Luvnith Sisodia, Aneeshwar Gautam, Jason Behrendorff, Karn Sharma, David Willey, Siddarth Kaul, Chama Milind, Mahipal Lomror, Sherfane Rutherford, Finn Allen.

Delhi Capitals: David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, KS Bharat, Mandeep Singh, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Mustafizur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya, Khaleel Ahmed, Ashwin Hebbar, Ripal Patel, Yash Dhull, Vicky Ostwal, Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert, Praveen Dubey, Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill, Jason Roy, Wriddhiman Saha, Abhinav Manohar, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Tewatia, Dominic Drakes, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, David Miller, Matthew Wade, Gurkeerat Singh, B Sai Sudharshan.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Sheldon Jackson, Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Sam Billings, Anukul Roy, Rasikh Salam, Abhijeet Tomar, Pratham Singh, Aman Khan, Ramesh Kumar, Ashok Sharma, Tim Southee, Alex Hales, Mohammad Nabi, Umesh Yadav, B Indrajith, Chamika Karunaratne.

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Manish Pandey, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder, K Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Dushmantha Chameera, Ankit Rajpoot, Shahbaz Nadeem, Manan Vohra, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Kyle Mayers, K Gowtham, Evin Lewis.

Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Odean Smith, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Porel, Sandeep Sharma, Atharva Taide, Vaibhav Arora, Ansh Patel, Raj Angad Bawa, Benny Howell, Rishi Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Baltej Singh, Writtick Chatterjee, Nathan Ellis, Prerak Mankad.

Rajasthan Royals: Devdutt Padikkal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, KC Cariappa, Navdeep Saini, Tejas Baroka, Anunay Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldip Yadav, Shubham Garhwal, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Karun Nair, Obed McCoy.

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Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi has submitted another complaint with Mumbai police seeking action in his previous January plea against National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut and others, police sources said on Saturday.

Though confirming the receipt of the complaint three days ago, officials of Versova police station are tightlipped about its current status.

In his complaint, Pancholi has expressed apprehensions that he would be booked under a "fake rape case" if he failed to withdraw a defamation case filed against actress Kangana and others.

Kangana's lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee, had tweeted on May 17 that Pancholi filed the case only after his client (Kangana) spoke about him on a public platform.

"Pancholi can prove his innocence in court and not by misusing our silence or my misrepresenting facts to the media. The investigation is on by the police, he should have respected that," said Siddiquee.

Referring to a sting operation carried out by Pancholi in early January, Siddiquee warned that the "so-called sting operation will go against Pancholi", and that cases are filed and argued on merits and not on threats.

He pointed out that he was making a sincere effort to mediate in the matter, but it failed and "twisting facts for public sympathy may not help" Pancholi.

In his fresh detailed complaint, accompanied by a copy of the January sting operation, Pancholi has accused the police of not acting on his previous complaint, and the sting video shows how a conspiracy is being hatched against him and his family.

Though police investigations were launched in the matter, so far the police have reportedly not recorded the statements of Kangana and others.

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By Baidurjo Bhose

New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday thanked Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Minister of State for Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore for helping in the smooth conduct of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In the mails, accessed by IANS, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri thanked them on behalf of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) and all the functionaries of the board for helping in the smooth conduct of the T20 league in the country even though the dates clashed with the Lok Sabha elections.

"Our sincere gratitude to you (Gauba, Arora and Rathore) and the Election Commission, for the guidance and cooperation rendered by you in helping us conduct the Indian Premier League tournament in India despite the timing being more or less concurrent with the conduct of the general elections. Cricket lovers were very keen to have the games within the country so that they get an opportunity to witness them.

"The Election Commission has been very helpful in providing the guidance to ensure that the tournament is conducted in India and ensuring a source of enjoyment and employment to such a large strata of society. The credit goes to the Commission for coordinating with the BCCI for the successful conduct of the tournament. We are in particular very grateful to Umesh Sinha, Deputy Election Commissioner, who provided support and cooperation throughout the tournament. He was extremely helpful," the three separate letters read.

The Indian Premier League was held from March 23 to May 12. In fact, the IPL management team had to bring out the schedule in three halves keeping in mind the dates of the elections. While the first half consisted of matches till April 5, the next set was announced till the end of the group stages. The last announcement included the venues for the knockout matches.

Mumbai Indians beat defending champions Chennai Super Kings to win 12th edition of IPL at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 12.

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Lucknow, May 20 (IANS) Bureaucrats, they say, are the best psephologists. They do not conduct exit polls but they have their ears to the ground.

In Uttar Pradesh, since the past one week, bureaucrats - retired as well as serving - have been seeking appointments with Bahujan Samaj Party President Mayawati.

Armed with outsized bouquets, they have been 'wishing her the best' for the elections and 'praying for her bright future'.

A staff in Mayawati's house said: "These officers are coming for courtesy visits and 'Behenji' is meeting them all on days she is not campaigning. Most of them have served under Behenji when she was the Chief Minister and there are some new ones too belonging to the Bahujan Samaj. They are also giving her feedback about the prevailing situation."

Such visits before the election outcome are called 'bhool na jana' (do not forget us) visits in the local parlance.

One such retired officer, who had served in the Chief Minister's secretariat between 2007 and 20-12 when Mayawati was the Chief Minister, admitted that he had called upon Behenji.

"I went to wish her good luck in these elections. The BSP is making a comeback and there is nothing wrong in wishing luck. You do not go to wish politicians when their chips are down," he said.

A few officers, however, have deliberately kept out of these 'bhool na jana' visits.

"She has a mercurial temperament and may just misconstrue the purpose of the visit. I have decided to send her a bouquet when the results are out," the bureaucrat said.

Surprisingly, majority of the bureaucrat known to be close to Mayawati at one point of time or the other are unwilling to believe the exit polls.

"We do not know about the BJP but the BSP is definitely doing better than what has been projected. Exit polls can be managed but results cannot be manipulated," an officer said.

Another officer, who has sought an appointment with the BSP President, said that even if the exit poll results are to be believed, the BSP has made a comeback when compared to its 2014 tally in which the party had drawn a blank.

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By Yajurvindra Singh

The last ball finish to the final between the two consistent top sides in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was just what the doctor ordered. The match had the ingredients of an epic boxing match, in which both teams had the opportunity to lay the knock-out punch and Mumbai Indians finally put the nail in the coffin.

One did feel sorry for Chennai Super Kings but a few elementary mistakes at the end deprived them of what looked like a certain win.

The match was a nail-biter and when Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga ran in to bowl the last ball to CSK's Shardul Thakur, all the three results - a tie, a win and a defeat for either of the teams were possible. The winner naturally was not only the IPL as a glamorous tournament, but cricket also as a sport.

One is worried that the success which the T20 format is generating could be a detrimental factor for the conventional game of Test cricket. Interacting with youngsters, the only thought that seems to be in their minds is to learn to play T20 cricket. Their goal, more than playing for the country, is to play in the IPL. When one looks at it in a logical perspective, the adulation and superstar status associated with T20 leagues, with photographs at all hoardings around the city, does inspire a young cricketer to be a part of the IPL brigade.

In the present social digital world, being followed by millions on the internet is a dream objective for most of them. Cricket, especially in the fast exciting world of T20, is one way to achieve such success. The old popular Indian game 'Gilly Dunda', which was played with a small piece of wood, "Gilly", which needed to be hit with a stick, 'Danda', first when it was lying on the ground to get it to rise and then whacking it in any direction, is very much what the present T20 cricket is about. The helicopter shot made popular by MS Dhoni and now played exceptionally well by Hardik Pandya is a good example of it. There is no set technique to one's batting, it is an on-the-spot adjustment and implementation that makes the art of batsmanship even more interesting. Andre Russell had most people astonished when he consistently hit some breathtaking unorthodox shots to all parts of the ground.

Cricket during its inception in the late 1800's must have had the same effect on the spectators, when the famous W.G. Grace played the 'late-cut' or our own Ranjit Singhji when he invented the 'glance'. Hardcore followers of the game at the time were of the opinion that Ranji will never be able to sustain such a risky stroke. Well, he did so successfully for years and now it has become a shot all batsmen play with ease.

Cricket will need to keep changing and adapting. A few days ago, I was a part of an interesting discussion with a Test cricketer from New Zealand and Australia. The thoughts were that cricket will become a game for specialists. The interchanging of a batsman or a bowler in the midst of an innings or in an over are some of the thoughts that evoked whole-hearted support. Presently, one has to wait for a batsman to get out, whereas, calling a batsman back mid-innings, if he is playing badly or slowly and sending one to bring about a change will make the game more interesting. Similarly as regards the bowler, whose skill one could best utilize per ball depending on the batsman taking strike. These changes naturally are not for Test cricket, but more for the limited overs version to make it even more engrossing and interesting.

These ideas may be revolutionary at present but could be in vogue in the near future. Sachin Tendulkar's idea of 15 players a side in school cricket has been received well. The best 11 batsmen and bowlers get an opportunity to play. This is another great idea to extend to the T20 cricket. Rather than watching tailenders batting, one could have genuine batsmen who at present are unfortunate to be sitting on the bench. Similarly, rather than limiting bowlers, a team could have all their specialists in the side. The 11-a-side will restrict all batsmen and bowlers to be included but all the specialists will get an opportunity to play.

IPL 2019 was a huge success in every possible way. The effort and programs by the television providers, the experts and commentators , especially in the 'Dug Out' , the 6 crore Dream 11 competition participants, houseful stadiums all made it into a sporting bonanza.

The huge amount of money spent in having Bollywood dancers at the opening and closing functions was least missed by the spectators and viewers.

The parading of the winners, Mumbai Indians, on an open truck on the busy streets and roads of Mumbai was a far better way to cherish the victory for the players who gave their heart and soul during the six weeks of the tournament. Well done BCCI and the deserving winners, Team MI.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former Test cricketer)

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By Baidurjo Bhose

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) member Diana Edulji was in the headlines for wanting to give away the Indian Premier League trophy to the winner at the end of the final of the 12th edition of the cash-rich league on Sunday. Hurt by the turn of events and the one-sided reports in the media, Diana said that if the report did have to go, the full episode should have been reported.

"I have gone through the one-sided news report on the presentation of the IPL trophy to the champions. To set the facts straight, in the COA meeting dated 8th April, the topic was discussed. During the discussion, I had mentioned that as the acting president (C.K. Khanna) had abdicated his right to give away the trophy during the BCCI bilateral match in Delhi, he had shown disregard for the protocol and an office bearer of a state association was allowed to give the trophy away and hence for the IPL Final, CoA members should give the trophy. This was because the acting president had shown disregard to the office of the president of the BCCI," she explained to IANS.

Going further, she said that her initial choice was CoA chief Rai, but when the latter said that he wouldn't be attending the final, she suggested the names of Ravi Thodge and herself and she had no intention of giving the trophy herself (as was pictured in the media reports).

"I had even mentioned that if Rai would be present at the finals, then he should give the trophy to which he had said that he was not going to be present. It was then that I mentioned that as Thodge and I were attending the finals, the two of us may present the trophy. The matter rested there," she clarified.

According to the former India cricketer, Khanna forwarded a mail a couple of days before the final to question the whole change of plan while he never bothered to reply as to why the BCCI chief hadn't presented the trophy after the final ODI between India and Australia at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

"A few days before the final Khanna forwarded a mail from the acting secretary (Amitabh Choudhary), written sometime in the year 2017 in which he had said that as per protocol the BCCI president gives away the trophy. This was sheepishly done by the acting president by forwarding a mail of 2017 by acting secretary even though he had presented the IPL trophy in 2018 as well, a fact that he seemed to have forgotten. He seemed to have also glossed over the abdication of his responsibility during the India-Australia game at the Feroz Shah Kotla as he may have realised that what he did marred the dignity of the office of the president of the BCCI.

"Till date, even after numerous emails including from the acting secretary asking for reasons on what grounds the acting president allowed the DDCA representative to give away the trophy, Khanna has not bothered responding and explaining about the reasons due to which he took that decision," she said.

Diana then went on to explain how on the day of the final, Khanna once again created a ruckus and made a mountain out of a mole hill. "On the day of the final as usual his interest seemed only limited to the presentation of the trophy since he was carrying around an email of 2017 in his pocket. I was of the view that the general and I would present it as he had not upheld the tradition in Delhi and appeared to have succumbed under pressure.

"If my intention was to give the trophy alone I would have stressed upon it in the previous two editions where I was present for the finals. As a former Indian captain, I have always been motivated to receive trophies during my playing days and the presentation of trophies is not something that I have aspired to do. The view that I had held here was only because Khanna had abdicated his responsibility and had not given the bi-lateral trophy in Delhi," she pointed.

"With regard to a certain official who provided this half-baked information, making a mountain out of a mole hill looks to be the case of his insecurity and incompetence. I relented as I did not want the competent and hardworking officials of the BCCI to bear the brunt (of the situation) and also to avoid any controversy during the ceremony after the great work done by the IPL team in putting up such a good show."

(Baidurjo Bhose can be contacted at baidurjo.b@ians.in)

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New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) After struggling to find his form in the group stage of the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Shane Watson rose to the occasion when it mattered the most and played a brilliant 80-run knock in the final which his team unfortunately lost by a run to Mumbai Indians.

While trying to steal an extra run in the final over of CSK's 150-run chase, Watson fell short of the crease as his team lost by a whisker at a packed Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on May 12.

Despite suffering from a knee injury, Watson continued to single-handledly fight the battle for CSK and kept them in the hunt till the dying moments of the game.

The Australian won praise from the entire cricket fraternity and he seems to be touched by the love and support of fans. The 37-year-old on Thursday posted a video on Instagram, where he can be seen thanking his fans and assuring them that he would return to CSK with a bang in 2020.

"Hello everyone, I have just arrived home and want to thank everyone for the love, support and best wishes that you've given me over the last couple of days. We were so close to going past the finish line against Mumbai but it was an amazing final," Watson said.

"I am looking forward to come back next year to take that one step further. Thanks again, everyone for all the support. WhistlePodu!" he added.

Speaking after the final, CSK skipper M.S. Dhoni had said it was a game where both the teams made a lot of mistakes, and kept "passing the trophy to each other".

"As a team we had a good season," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation. "But I think we need to go back and reflect as to how we reached the finals, and I don't think it was one of those years where we played very good cricket and we got into the finals. I think there was plenty that could have been done from our side, especially in the middle-order batting, it never really clicked for us from the start, but somehow we were able to manage."

He said if it was funny how both the teams kept on passing the trophy from one team to the other in the summit clash.

"And looking at it as an IPL final, I think both the teams, it was quite funny: we were just passing the trophy to each other. We committed a lot of mistakes, and Mumbai Indians also did the same. At the end of the day the winning team was the one that committed one mistake less than the other team," said Dhoni.

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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) After the euphoria across the city as Mumbai Indians players toured the city in an open bus with the Indian Premier League crown, the coveted trophy found a special place in the Ambani household on Tuesday as owner Nita Ambani placed it at the feet of Lord Krishna and Radha in their temple inside the Antilia.

In the video, the owner is seen carrying the trophy into the prayer room and having placed the trophy in front of the Gods, she then chants: "Jai Shri Krishna."

Nita Ambani is known to treat her players as part of the Ambani family and after a tense battle of over 52 days, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was finally won by the Mumbai outfit at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday. And the elated owner thanked son Akash for the best mother's day gift after MI registered a one-run win over the Chennai Super Kings to lift their fourth title.

IANS learnt that during the team cheer in the dressing room after the game on Sunday night, she thanked son Akash for gifting her a win in the final of the IPL. While the team is coached by an array of stars with Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, Akash is known to ensure that the team management and players get the best possible facilities after he was handed over the managerial reins two years back by his mother.

This after Nita had taken it on herself to look after the team from 2010 and ensured that every player and support staff of the franchise was looked after like one of their own. In fact, after the loss in their opening game against Delhi Capitals, skipper Rohit Sharma and team was invited to the Ambani household to de-stress and bond.

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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) After 60 matches of riveting cricketing action, Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings in the thrilling final to win their fourth title of the Indian Premier League(IPL). As decibels hit new levels across stadiums in India, the roar of cricket fans was just as resounding on Twitter.

This year, Twitter saw a record-breaking 27 million tweets, a 44 per cent increase over 2018's IPL-related tweets.

The golden tweet for IPL 2019 was the tweet from Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya acknowledging MS Dhoni as his friend and source of inspiration. The tweet received nearly 16K retweets.

Mumbai Indians dominated the conversation on Twitter on Sunday when they won the final, owning 63 per cent of total mentions vs CSK's 37 per cent.

However, it was the Chennai Super Kings that consistently won hearts by becoming the most tweeted about team on the micro blogging website.

Dhoni was the most tweeted about player during this season of the IPL, followed by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh and Andre Russell.

This year also saw a growth in native video clips tweeted on the platform, with the IPL Twitter handle tweeting out 130 per cent more video tweets as compared to IPL 2018.

"Fans love tweeting about cricket and this year we saw a record-breaking 27 million tweets around the IPL 2019 season. Twitter is the best way to see what's happening in the world of sports and to talk about it, so we're thrilled to see this incredible growth in IPL conversations this year," said Manish Maheshwari, Managing Director, Twitter India.

"We are looking forward to enhance fan experiences on the platform as we go to the second half of the cricket season. We know conversations around the biggest global cricket tournament - the ICC Cricket World Cup - is sure to take off on Twitter too," he added.

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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by just one run in a thrilling final of the just concluded edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sunday's cliffhanger at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad was not short of controversial moments, the biggest being the run-out of M.S. Dhoni in the 13th over when CSK was trailing by 68 runs.

With CSK chasing 150 which was a below par total considering the pitch, Mumbai bowlers turned the game around by picking up the wickets of Faf du Plessis (26), Suresh Raina (8) and Ambati Rayudu (1) in quick succession. Dhoni walked in to bat with the score on 73/3 and the match hanging in balance.

Though fingers crossed, the CSK fans were confident the match will turn in their favour, given their 'Thala' was on the pitch.

However, they were left disappointed as Dhoni was run out on a Hardik Pandya delivery for 2 of 8 balls.

While one of the commentators called for Dhoni to be given out based on one angle, other commentators were not so sure and thought the benefit of the doubt and the inconclusive nature of the replays would see the third umpire rule in the batsman's favour.

Even Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians mentor, believed that Dhoni's run-out was the key moment in the game. Mumbai Indians went on to win the game becoming the first team to lift the IPL trophy for the fourth time.

Fans though have continued to be divided over the on-field umpire's decision on Dhoni. While some were not satisfied, others clearly rapped the officials for bad umpiring. Video shared on social media showed fans crying after the dismissal.

Many Twitter users are amused and continue to question the decision as they say that Dhoni and run-out are two words that should never come together.They said it was not about supporting CSK or MI but what should be a true gentlemen's game.

"Again bad decision for run out in @IPL third umpire waits for money to be credited in his account before giving @msdhoni out. This is not @IPL . This is league between money (@mipaltan) and best. And in the end money wins over best. Always a @msdhoni @ChennaiIPL fan," one Twitter user said.

"Except for @sanjaymanjrekar no one in entire commentary team and two teams that were playing were convinced of @msdhoni run out. @sanjaymanjrekar was convinced in one shot alone. May be he should be ambassador of @mipaltan #cskvsmi #IPL2019Final," said one social media user.

"So the extraordinary looking curve at the bottom of the bat of #Dhoni works against him.. #RunOut ??#IPL2019Final #MIvCSK #IPL2019," said another user.

"@msdhoni @ChennaiIPL these two are always gives us what a fan wants... Still that Run out was questionable...But we are always with them... For us @ChennaiIPL @msdhoni won the cup...More then that it's always win our heart. @msdhoni always love u @IPL @ChennaiIPL #Yellove #CSKvMI," tweeted another.

"Run out of @msdhoni was controversial. Benefits of doubt must be for batsman. Out was not clear," said another Twitterrati.

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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Shane Watson, who scored a valiant 80 for the Chennai Super Kings in the finals of the just concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) which CSK lost to Mumbai Indians, batted all the way battling an injury, reveals his teammate Harbhajan Singh.

Watson almost proved the saviour in the cliffhanger chase, playing a sensational 59-ball knock in an almost one-man show as CSK tried to chase down Mumbai's 8/149 on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The Australian almost pulled off the miracle to win the fourth IPL trophy for the Yellow Brigade who fell short by just one run.

Singh on Monday posted a photo on his Instagram showing the Australian on bended knee, flaying a ball through the off-side.

In the image, one can see a large patch of blood on Watson's left upper thigh and Singh revealed how the opening batsman wasn't going to be stopped by the wound.

"Can you guys see the blood on his knee," Singh wrote. "He got 6 stitches after the game... got injured while diving but continue (sic) to bat without telling anyone.

"That's our @srwatson33, almost pulled it (off) for us last night," he added.

Watson fought valiantly for Chennai but couldn't take his team over the line as CSK was bowled out for 148 with Lasith Malinga brilliantly bowling the final over defending 8 runs off it to see his side clinch the IPL title for a record fourth time.

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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Australian opener David Warner, who won the Orange Cap in the just concluded edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), became the first batsman to achieve the feat thrice in the tournament's history.

Warner, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, amassed a total of 692 runs in the 12 matches he played this season, which included eight 50s and a century. He had a tremendous average of 69.20 and strike rate of 143.86.

Before this edition, the left-handed batsman had won the Orange Cap in 2015 and 2017 when he scored 562 and 641 runs respectively.

Apart from Warner, Chris Gayle has won the Orange Cap twice - in 2011 and 2012 when he scored 608 and 733 runs respectively.

When it comes to the highest run getters in IPL history, Warner is at the fourth spot. The 32-year-old has scored 4,706 runs in 126 matches he has played so far in the cash-rich league. The list is topped by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli, who has scored a total of 5,412 runs in 177 matches, followed by Suresh Raina (5,368 runs in 193 matches) and Rohit Sharma 4,898 (runs in 188 matches).

Among the top four, Warner has the highest batting average in IPL history - 43.17. He has scored four centuries, 44 fifties, besides hitting a total of 181 sixes and 458 boundaries.

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New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Having lifted the Indian Premier League title for a record fourth time, Mumbai Indians will be celebrating with their fans in the city when they travel in an open bus from Antilia to the Hotel Trident (the team hotel) in Nariman Point via Peddar Road and Marine Drive at 6:30 pm on Monday.

The victory parade of close to six kilometers will see the Mumbai Indians players sharing their joy with the fans who are an integral part of the MI family.

MI registered a scintillating one-run win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday when Lasith Malinga delivered the killer blow in a rip-roaring final. With two runs needed off the final ball, Malinga executed a slower yorker to perfection, trapping Shardul Thakur (2) right in front to send his teammates including skipper Rohit into delirium as Shane Watson, whose breathtaking 80 went in vain, sunk in his seat in the Chennai dugout.

Chasing a modest 150 for victory, Watson, who was dropped on 56 by Rahul Chahar, carried Chennai's hopes with a belligerent 80 off 59 balls, his innings laced with eight fours and four sixes.

But once he was run out off the fourth ball of the final over, it was Sri Lankan Malinga who showed his class to snatch the crown from the defending champions.

In the last five overs, Chennai needed 62 off 30. Watson then hit Malinga for a hattrick of fours to trim the equation to 42 off 24 balls.

There was no stopping the veteran Australian, who scored a hundred to help Chennai win the IPL last time, as he clobbered Krunal Pandya for three back-to-back sixes in the 18th over which costed Mumbai 20 runs. But it wasn't to be Chennai's night this time round.

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By Baidurjo Bhose

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Behind every successful journey, there is a lot of struggle and heartbreak that goes unnoticed. Done with the celebration and the post-match presentation at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma took a trip down the memory lane as he walked back into the dressing room after lifting the IPL trophy for a record fourth time.

With the noise settling down and the feeling of being the champions sinking in, Rohit took the boys down to May 20, 2018. A loss to Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) at the Feroz Shah Kotla saw the Mumbai Indians' journey end as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. This very team, which on Sunday was the cynosure of all eyes, had people questioning their ability and prowess. But the skipper had the back of the boys when things went downhill and the boys repaid the faith with the title this season.

IANS has learnt that Rohit, after Sunday's summit clash, in his speech inside the dressing room mentioned how he believed in the boys even when the chips were down and he was extremely proud of how they came back with a bang this season.

"Last year after we couldn't qualify for the playoffs in Delhi, I told you all that this is a damn good team we have. Our run (2018 season) didn't go as expected, but I believed that this team can do wonders. Today we have shown our character. This is the hallmark of our team. We believed in each other till the last minute. Each one of you was exceptional this season and I am just the lucky guy who gets to lift the trophy. So, thank you to all the boys, support staff, management and everyone for being a part of this wonderful and historic journey," Rohit said in his victory speech to the boys.

In fact, sources in the know of developments said that this year too, Nita Ambani and Akash had a word with the boys after their loss to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on April 28. Speaking to the team in a huddle after the game, both the owners had told the boys to believe in themselves and their abilities. In fact, Akash had told the boys to avenge the defeat when the two teams would meet again at the Wankhede Stadium in a week.

Not only did the boys avenge the loss with a resounding nine-wicket win, but they also went on to win the remaining two games of the season to be crowned champions.

(Baidurjo Bhose can be contacted at baidurjo.b@ians.in)

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By Baidurjo Bhose

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) The old adage goes "winners don't do different things, they do things differently". Clearly, this was the mantra behind Mumbai Indians becoming the most successful team in the history of the Indian Premier League on Sunday night after they beat Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal to lift the trophy a record fourth time.

IANS has now learnt that the MI management had boosted the confidence of the players going into the clash against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings by penning down motivational speeches and quotes inside the dressing room. Not just that, even friends and families of the players sent in messages to wish them luck and pep them up ahead of the big battle.

"There were 'I Believe' messages all over the dressing room. It was all about motivating the boys on the night of the final. Playing day in and day out in a format like the IPL can sometimes drain you mentally and that is when these messages and quotes pump you up. It was all about the adrenaline rush.

"Messages had also come in from family members and loved ones of the players in video format and they were shown that. These things help motivate you further and the result was there for all to see. It is all about bonding and camaraderie as that is what counts when you go out for a big battle," a source in the know of developments said.

Interestingly, injured paceman Alzarri Joseph flew in especially for the final because the team wanted the youngster to be a part of the moment and senior player Yuvraj Singh personally thanked him for joining the team even though he had just undergone surgery on his shoulder. "Yuvi paaji (brother) made it a point to walk up to Alzarri and thank him for travelling to Hyderabad. After all, this was also the ground where he announced his arrival with figures of 6/12 in his maiden IPL game," the source added.

But the best was saved for post victory by head coach Mahela Jayawardene. Speaking in the dressing room after the win, he asked the boys to not give the coaching staff a heart-attack by taking the match till the final ball. "We don't wish to die young. Please don't do this again as it gets difficult to take these close finishes. Better finish it nice and early next time," he joked.

(Baidurjo Bhose can be contacted at baidurjo.b@ians.in)

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It was during RCB's game against Sunrisers Hyderabad that Deepika was spotted by one of the host broadcaster's cameramen at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The video went viral the next day and she even got a verified status on the photo-blogging website Instagram.

Now, she has made an Instagram post, wherein she has spoken about the moment when she was spotted in the IPL and what it has led to ever since.

"My name is Deepika Ghose & that is probably the only thing that is being said about me which is 100% TRUE," she said.

Deepika, who has been going to watch RCB matches for years now with her family, had no idea this match would be any different.

"I did not want any recognition or realise the number of times that I was on camera. I am no celebrity, just an ordinary girl who was enjoying the match. I did nothing to warrant the kind of attention that ensued after the TV images appeared and I certainly did not seek it," said Deepika.

She added that while she was grateful for all the love she has been receiving, she is also disturbed by the unnecessary negativity. "It has been an extreme case of abuse, trauma and mental torture. I am confused as to how people found my name/profile.

"My identity, privacy and life have been hacked in an instant. A lot of the overnight followers are men who have used this platform to be crude, vulgar, vicious & entirely disrespectful.

"Even more shocking is the hate I have received from women. How quick & cruel you have been to say mean things to & about me without even knowing me. I AM ONE OF YOU!" she added.

Deepika maintained that the world desperately needs more women supporting and uplifting each other.

"I am appalled by how I have been judged & condemned instead of being given a compassionate hearing. Stop & think about how it is as a girl to have been subjected to this unwanted attention," she said.

She further said she will turn herself into something genuine, meaningful and fabulous.

"Yes, I am #theRCBgirl but I am SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT," Deepika ended the post.

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled brilliantly in the finals of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which Mumbai Indians won by one run against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Chasing 150 here in a thrilling summit clash on Sunday, Shane Watson's brilliant 80 went in vain as CSK fell agonisingly short of winning their fourth IPL title.

Bumrah bowled a clinical four-over giving away just 14 runs and picked up two crucial wickets as Mumbai clinched their fourth IPL trophy.

In a candid interview with Mumbai Indians batsman Yuvraj Singh after the summit clash, Tendulkar said that Bumrah was 'fantastic'. "Let me go on record and say that he (Jasprit Bumrah) is the best bowler in the world at this stage and the best is yet to come hopefully," he added.

The 25-year-old Bumrah, who was also adjudged the Player of the Match, said he kept his calm during the course of the game. "In the finals we know that it can get close and winning the title with MI is a special feeling. Today, surprisingly, I was very calm, I wasn't panicking at all and very happy to contribute to the team's success," he said.

"I only take one ball and one day at a time and if you think like that you don't feel pressure at all," he added.

Bumrah finished the IPL 2019 campaign with 16 wickets in 16 matches he played at a fantastic economy rate of 6.63.

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By Aakash Kumar

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) One of the raging debates of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the deteriorating standard of umpiring. Throughout the 12th edition of the IPL, fans witnessed many incidents where questions were raised about the umpires' efficiency.

IANS takes a look at the glaring umpiring mistakes that had people saying pull up the umpires in the cash-rich league:

'Wide-ball' not called (MI vs CSK final):

Kieron Pollard was fined 25 per cent of his match fee after he showed dissent at the umpire's decision in the final of the IPL 2019 between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Pollard was visibly unhappy with a decision made by umpire Nitin Menon in the final over of Mumbai's innings at the summit clash on Sunday which MI won by one run to clinch their fourth IPL trophy.

Pollard was irked with the umpire's decision to not adjudge a delivery by Dwayne Bravo as wide. Mocking the decision, the West Indian all-rounder went on to take strike well away from the stumps and near the 'wide-line' before pulling away as Bravo ran in.

Malinga escapes after delivering no-ball (RCB vs MI group game):

One of the most glaring mistakes by an umpire was made in RCB's clash against MI at home. RCB needed seven runs off the last ball but Lasith Malinga conceded just one to win the contest for his side. However, after the match was over, cameras revealed Malinga had overstepped, which was not spotted by umpire Sundaram Ravi.

"We are playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have their eyes open. That is a ridiculous call at the last ball," Virat Kohli had said after the match. "If it is a game of margins, I don't know what is happening. They should have been more sharp and careful out there."

Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma had also said such mistakes were "not good for the game".

Umesh called despite not crossing bowling crease (RCB vs SRH group game):

RCB was at the receiving end of yet another umpiring mistake in their final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Umesh Yadav was bowling the final over when the fifth delivery was adjudged to be a front-foot no ball by Nigel Llong.

However, the replays showed his foot was inches behind the crease.

Rohit adjudged LBW (MI vs KKR group game):

Another umpiring mistake came during a match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians when Rohit Sharma was adjudged LBW while his side was chasing a massive 233.

The incident happened in the fourth over of the second innings when Rohit was given out to an attempted hoick that he missed off Harry Gurney. Replays showed that the ball was just clipping leg stump as the Mumbai Indians skipper reviewed the decision. The decision could have gone either way but since the umpire's original decision was that of 'out', the third umpire stayed with the on-field umpire's call.

Rohit was displeased with the decision and after having a couple of words with the umpire, he broke the stumps with his bat. Following the incident, the MI skipper was also fined 15 per cent of his match fee.

Dhoni losses calm over 'no-ball' u-turn (CSK vs RR group game):

CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who is known as 'Captain Cool', too suffered a meltdown and stormed from his dugout to confront the umpires after a no-ball call for a high full toss was reversed against Rajasthan Royals in an IPL 2019 game.

The incident happened when CSK needed 18 runs from the final over.

The fourth delivery of the over bowled by Ben Stokes to Mitchell Santner was first called a no-ball by umpire Ulhas Gandhe but the decision was changed after he consulted with square-leg umpire Bruce Oxenford.

At this point Dhoni - who was in the dugout - stormed into the field and confronted both the umpires, asking them of the reason for reversing the decision. Quite a few Rajasthan players also got involved in what seemed to be a heated discussion.

Ultimately, the delivery was deemed legal but replays suggested it was a waist high no-ball.

Dhoni was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for his behaviour, which many former cricketers termed as a "light punishment" for the wicketkeeper-batsman.

(Aakash Kumar can be contacted at aakash.k@ians.in)

-IANS
aak/bc

( 744 Words)

2019-05-13-11:34:04

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New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Mumbai Indians (MI) owner Nita Ambani is known to treat her players as part of the Ambani family and after a tense battle of over 52 days, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was finally won by the Mumbai outfit at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here. And the elated owner thanked son Akash Ambani for the best mother's day gift after MI registered a one-run win over the Chennai Super Kings to lift their fourth title.

IANS learnt that during the team cheer in the dressing room after the game on Sunday night, Nita Ambani thanked son Akash for gifting her a win in the final of the IPL. While the team is coached by an array of stars with Mahela Jayawardene as head coach, Akash is known to ensure that the team management and players get the best possible facilities after he was handed over the managerial reins two years back by his mother.

This after Nita had taken it on herself to look after the team from 2010 and ensured that every player and support staff of the franchise was looked after like one of their own. In fact, after the loss in their opening game against Delhi Capitals, skipper Rohit Sharma and team was invited to the Ambani household to de-stress and bond.

Earlier in the night, Lasith Malinga delivered the killer blow as MI defeated bitter rivals CSK in a rip-roaring final. With two runs needed off the final ball, Malinga executed a slower yorker to perfection, trapping Shardul Thakur (2) right in front to send his teammates including skipper Rohit into delirium as Shane Watson, whose breathtaking 80 went in vain, sunk in his seat in the Chennai dugout.

Chasing a modest 150 for victory, Watson, who was dropped on 56 by Rahul Chahar, carried Chennai's hopes with a belligerent 80 off 59 balls, his innings laced with eight fours and four sixes.

But once he was run out off the fourth ball of the final over, it was Sri Lankan Malinga who showed his class to snatch the crown from the defending champions.

In the last five overs, Chennai needed 62 off 30. Watson then hit Malinga for a hattrick of fours to trim the equation to 42 off 24 balls.

There was no stopping the veteran Australian, who scored a hundred to help Chennai win the IPL last time, as he clobbered Krunal Pandya for three back-to-back sixes in the 18th over which costed Mumbai 20 runs. But it wasn't to be Chennai's night this time round.

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) The Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in one of the most dramatic finals one could have seen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history.

After posting 149/8, Mumbai successfully defended the target to clinch their fourth IPL title, here on Sunday. It was lanky Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga who kept nerves of steel and bowled a brilliant final over as CSK fell short by just one run.

However, the turning point of the match came when CSK skipper MS Dhoni was involved in a controversial run-out.

With CSK chasing 150 which was a below par total considering the pitch, Mumbai bowlers turned the game around by picking up the wickets of Faf du Plessis (26), Suresh Raina (8) and Ambati Rayudu (1) in quick succession. Dhoni walked in to bat with the score on 73/3 and the match hanging in balance.

In the 13th over of the CSK inning bowled by Hardik Pandya, Dhoni was adjudged run out by third umpire Nigel Llong.

Pandya bowled a short one to Shane Watson, who pulled it away towards the leg side for a single. Malinga collected the ball and threw it on the bowler's end but Hardik failed to stop it. Sensing an opportunity to sneak another run, Dhoni asked Watson for a double. However, Ishan Kishan was quick to collect the ball after the overthrow and aimed a direct hit at the stumps which saw Dhoni's bat to be judged to be on the line.

The third umpire took his time to make the decision as to whether a small part of Dhoni's bat was over the crease or not. Eventually he decided not to give the benefit of doubt to the batsman and deemed the video footage conclusive enough to give Dhoni out.

After Dhoni's dismissal, the Yellow Brigade went into deep waters. Though, Watson played a brilliant 59-ball 80-run knock, he could need help his side cross the line as CSK managed 148/7 in their stipulated quota of 20 overs and handed the IPL 2019 trophy to Mumbai Indians.

After the match, even MI mentor Sachin Tendulkar said Dhoni's run-out was a key moment in the game.

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) After losing the seesawing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 final in dramatic circumstances against the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni said it was a game where both the teams made a lot of mistakes, and kept "passing the trophy to each other".

Chasing 150, CSK fell agonisingly short of clinching their fourth IPL title after they lost by just one run against Mumbai Indians in the finals, here at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.

"As a team we had a good season," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

"But I think we need to go back and reflect as to how we reached the finals, and I don't think it was one of those years where we played very good cricket and we got into the finals. I think there was plenty that could have been done from our side, especially in the middle-order batting, it never really clicked for us from the start, but somehow we were able to manage."

He said if it was funny how both the teams kept on passing the trophy from one team to the other in the summit clash.

"And looking at it as an IPL final, I think both the teams, it was quite funny: we were just passing the trophy to each other. We committed a lot of mistakes, and Mumbai Indians also did the same. At the end of the day the winning team was the one that committed one mistake less than the other team," said Dhoni.

The wicketkeeper-batsman further said there was no hurry to go the drawing boards but expected the batsmen to step up in the next edition.

"I think it was a very good final, it went close, last ball, so couldn't have gone better, but overall I think we need to go back to the drawing board and see the areas where we need to improve for next season."

When asked if he would be back next year, Dhoni kept it enigmatic. Sanjay Manjrekar, the commentator on presentation duty, concluded his interview by telling Dhoni, "well done, and we'll see you again next season".

To this, Dhoni responded briefly: "Hopefully, yes."

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma praised veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga who bowled a spectacular final over in the summit clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), chasing 150, needed nine runs of the 20th over. However, Malinga used his experience to his advantage and bowled a brilliant over to help his team register a narrow one-run win in a thrilling final played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Sunday.

"Malinga is a champion, he has been doing it for many years for us," said Rohit after the match.

The lanky Sri Lankan pacer had conceded 20 runs in his previous over. However, Rohit took the gamble and trusted the experienced Malinga to defend only nine runs with a well-settled Shane Watson at the crease. And Malinga responded to his captain's call. He got Watson was run out and then trapped Shardul Thakur lbw on the final ball of the match to seal the deal for Mumbai Indians.

"I was thinking of Hardik (Pandya) for the final over, but I wanted to back someone who has been in that situation for us before, and Malinga has been there many times," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

MI coach Mahela Jayawardene also praised Rohit for his tactical brilliance on the field.

Mumbai almost had the game in the kitty when CSK skipper MS Dhoni was run out before Watson brought CSK back with a few lusty blows.

In the last five overs, Chennai needed 62 off 30 balls. Watson then hit Malinga for a hat-trick of fours to trim the equation to 42 off 24 balls.

There was no stopping the veteran Australian as he clobbered Krunal Pandya for three back-to-back sixes in the 18th over which costed Mumbai 20 runs.

However, Rohit kept his calm and handed the ball to his best bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah bowled a brilliant penultimate over, sending Bravo (15) back in the hut after the latter gave Quinton de a simple catch behind the stumps. However, de Kock missed an easy gathering to gift Chennai four byes in the last ball of the over.

"I thought we had the game when MS got out, but then Watto started hitting. Some great decisions by Rohit, going back to experienced bowlers at the death. This is why we wanted to defend," Jayawardene said.

Meanwhile, reflecting on the IPL 2019 campaign, Rohit said: "Throughout the tournament we played some good cricket which was the reason we qualified at the top."

"We planned to split the tournament into two parts, every thing we did as a team, we got the rewards for them. We have a squad of 25 players, everyone came in at some stage and did the job; the support-staff as well. Our bowling in particular was excellent. At different stages in the game, the bowlers put their hands up and brought us back. Every bowler who got an opportunity put their hands up, took the responsibility and that's why we got the rewards for it," he added.

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Mumbai Indians (MI) batsman Kieron Pollard has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent at an umpire's decision in the finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) which MI won by one run.

Pollard, who scored an unbeaten 41, was visibly unhappy with a decision made by umpire Nitin Menon in the final over of Mumbai's innings at the summit clash, here on Sunday night.

The batsman was irked with the umpire's decision to not adjudge a delivery by Dwayne Bravo as wide. Mocking the decision, the West Indian all-rounder went on to take strike well away from the stumps and near the 'wide-line' before pulling away as Bravo ran in.

Both the on-field umpires, Menon and Ian Gould, then had a chat with Pollard who went on to his normal stance and completed the innings, taking Mumbai to 148/7 which they successfully defended to lift their fourth IPL trophy.

After the match, IPL released a statement specifying the fine. Though, the statement did not have any mention of the offence made by the all-rounder.

"Mr Pollard admitted to the Level 1 offence 2.8 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials and accepted the sanction," read the statement.

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Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Lasith Malinga delivered the killer blow as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated bitter rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by one run to lift a record fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title in a rip-roaring final at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Sunday.

With two runs needed off the final delivery, Malinga executed a slower yorker to perfection, trapping Shardul Thakur (2) right in front to send his teammates, including skipper Rohit Sharma, into delirium as Shane Watson, whose breathtaking 80 went in vain, sunk in his seat in the Chennai dugout.

Chasing a modest 150 for victory, Watson, who was dropped on 56 by Rahul Chahar, carried Chennai's hopes with a belligerent 80 off 59 balls, his innings laced with eight fours and four sixes.

But once he was run out in the fourth ball of the final over, it was Sri Lankan Malinga who showed his class to snatch the crown from the defending champions.

In the last five overs, Chennai needed 62 off 30 balls. Watson then hit Malinga for a hat-trick of fours to trim the equation to 42 off 24 balls.

There was no stopping the veteran Australian, who scored a hundred in the final to help Chennai win the IPL last year, as he clobbered Krunal Pandya for three back-to-back sixes in the 18th over which costed Mumbai 20 runs.

Mumbai's best bowler Jasprit Bumrah (2/14) then bowled a brilliant penultimate over, sending Bravo (15) back in the hut after the latter gave Quinton de a simple catch behind the stumps. However, de Kock missed an easy gathering to gift Chennai four byes in the last ball of the over.

Earlier, Faf du Plessis (26) and Watson gave Chennai a steady start before Krunal got the former stumped by de Kock by luring him to come down the wicket.

With du Plessis gone for 26 off 13, Watson and Suresh Raina (8) shared a 37-run stand for the second wicket as Chennai looked to be cruising.

Rohit then gave the ball to Rahul Chahar (1/14) who started Chennai's downfall by trapping Raina (8) in front. Ambati Rayudu (1) could not add much to the tally, getting caught behind off Bumrah.

The game-changing moment came in the 13th over when M.S. Dhoni (2) was caught short of the crease by Ishan Kishan, with replays showing it to be a close call.

Watson and Bravo then joined hands for a 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket which was finally broken by Bumrah. From there on, it was a see-saw battle which eventually saw Mumbai continue their dominance over Chennai in what was their fourth final meeting.

Earlier, Deepak Chahar (3/26) and Imran Tahir (2/23) starred with the ball as CSK restricted MI to 149/8, even as Kieron Pollard hit an unbeaten cameo (41* off 25) down the order.

Pollard, who was dropped on 25 by Suresh Raina, was the top-scorer for Mumbai as he hammered three fours and three sixes. For Chennai, Shardul Thakur also picked up two wickets for 23 runs.

But Pollard hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons in the last over when as a mark of protest against the umpire not calling a wide in the previous delivery, he walked across -- even leaving the pitch -- to face the fourth ball before Dwayne Bravo pulled out.

Opting to bat, Mumbai were off to a flying start riding on de Kock's power hitting. The South African stumper-batsman took on in-form Deepak Chahar in the third over, smashing three sixes to take 20 runs off it.

de Kock looked to be in the mood as he slapped Shardul for a six in the fifth over. But the pacer had his revenge in the next ball when he cramped de Kock for room with a quick delivery that the batsman lobbed to Dhoni who took an easy catch. de Kock clobbered four sixes en route his 17-ball 29.

In the next over, Dhoni became the wicket-keeper with most dismissals in IPL history when he dived forward to take Rohit's catch off Deepak Chahar who outfoxed the Mumbai captain with a knuckleball. Rohit's patchy form in the IPL continued as he could only manage 15 off 14 balls, hitting one four and a six.

Mumbai, who suddenly seemed to be in some sort of trouble at 45/2 after the Powerplay, were dented further by Imran Tahir who accounted for Suryakumar Yadav (15), the star of Mumbai's last game, and Ishan Kishan (23) as Krunal Pandya (7) was sent back in between by Shardul who took a brilliant catch off his own bowling.

With five overs remaining, Mumbai were 102/5 but Deepak Chahar's brilliance restricted them to a score of below 150 despite Pollard smashing two fours off the last two deliveries.

Brief scores: Mumbai Indians: 149/8 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 41 not out, Quinton de Kock 29; Deepak Chahar 3/26, Imran Tahir 2/23); Chennai Super Kings: 148/7 in 20 overs (Shane Watson 80, Jasprit Bumrah 2/14)

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Mumbai Indians became the first team to win four Indian Premier League (IPL) titles after they beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by one run in a rip-roaring final at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Sunday.

Chasing 150 for victory, Chennai managed 149/8 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Mumbai Indians: 149/8 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 41 not out, Quinton de Kock 29; Deepak Chahar 3/26, Imran Tahir 2/23) vs Chennai Super Kings: 148/7 in 20 overs (Shane Watson 80, Jasprit Bumrah 2/14)

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma was upset with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seamer Shardul Thakur's behaviour in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Sunday.

Thakur gave Quinton de Kock quite a send-off after removing him for a 17-ball 29, which did not go down well with Sharma. The MI skipper could be seen walking over to the umpire to have a word.

Umpire Ian Gould then came up to Shardul and had a word with him.

After Rohit opted to bat first, de Kock gave MI a brisk start as he hit Thakur for a six in the second over before smashing Deepak Chahar for three sixes in the third over.

When Thakur returned in the fifth over, de Kock again hit him for a six in the fourth delivery. However, Thakur had his revenge in the very next ball, forcing an edge off de Kock's bat that was easily taken by skipper M.S. Dhoni behind the stumps. Thakur then gave de Kock a send-off, as the crowd roared in the stands.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Deepak Chahar (3/26) and Imran Tahir (2/23) starred with the ball as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) restricted Mumbai Indians (MI) to 149/8 in 20 overs in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Sunday, even as Kieron Pollard hit an unbeaten cameo (41* off 25) down the order.

Pollard, who was dropped on 25 by Suresh Raina, was the top-scorer for Mumbai as he hammered three fours and three sixes. For Chennai, Sahardul Thakur also picked up two wickets for 23 runs.

But Pollard hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons in the last over when as a mark of protest against the umpire not calling a wide in the previous delivery, he walked across -- even leaving the pitch -- to face the fourth ball before Dwayne Bravo pulled out.

Opting to bat, Mumbai openers Quinton de Kock (29 off 17) and Rohit Sharma (15 off 14) started cautiously, scoring just two runs in the first over. The duo, however, swiftly changed gears as de Kock clobbered Deepak Chahar for 20 runs in the third over and kept playing aggressively as Mumbai raced to 45 for no loss in 4.4 overs.

Shardul finally drew the first blood as he packed back a dangerous looking de KOck in the very next ball. Three balls later, Deepak Chahar struck to send back Rohit. A slower delivery from the pacer did the trick as a thick edge off Rohit's bat was taken easily by M.S. Dhoni behind the stumps.

Suryakumar Yadav (15 off 17) and Ishan Kishan (23 off 26) then tried to repair the damage, adding 37 runs for the third wicket in the next six overs. But leg-spinner Imran Tahir struck to dismiss Suryakumar in the 12th over before Shardul also joined the party, dismissing new batsman Krunal Pandya (7 off 7) cheaply, which saw Mumbai reeling at 89/4.

Just when Mumbai touched the three-digit mark, Tahir struck again as he accounted for the wicket of Kishan in the 15th over. Pollard and Hardik Pandya then shared a 39-run partnership in quick time as the former's lusty blows propelled his side towards a modest total. However, while trying to accelerate the run-rate, Pandya became a victim of Deepak Chahar in the second last over.

Just a ball later, Deepak Chahar dismissed his brother Rahul Chahar, who didn't bother the scorers. From there Pollard could manage to add just nine runs to Mumbai's total, as his side somehow managed to post a fighting total.

Brief scores: Mumbai Indians: 149/8 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 41 not out, Quinton de Kock 29; Deepak Chahar 3/26, Imran Tahir 2/23) vs Chennai Super Kings.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Imran Tahir became the highest wicket-taker in this season's Indian Premier League during the final between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, here on Sunday.

South African leg-spinner Tahir surpassed compatriot Kagiso Rabada with 26 wickets to his name. The 40-year-old removed Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan to dent Mumbai's charge after the CSK was asked to bowl first by MI skipper Rohit Sharma.

Tahir has been in superb form this season and along with captain MS Dhoni, is one of the main reasons for the team's success.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday became the wicket-keeper with most dismissals to his credit in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He now has 132 dismissals (94 catches and 38 stumping) to his name.

Chennai Super Kings skipper Dhoni surpassed Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Dinesh Karthik (131 dismissals) when he caught Mumbai Indians openers Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma here on Sunday.

Karthik had held the IPL record before Sunday. Robin Uthappa of KKR is the third best with 90 dismissals.

Dhoni first took an easy catch to dismiss South Africa stumper bastman de Kock who was looking good on 29 off 17. Shardul Thakur was the bowler.

In the very next over, the former India captain dived forward to take a low catch that saw the back of his counterpart Rohit Sharma for 15. Deepak Chahar was the bowler this time.

Chennai are taking on Mumbai for the coveted IPL title. It is their fourth final meeting. Both teams have won the IPL trophy three times each.

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Mumbai, May 12 (IANS) After his stint with Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin presented his pre-match analysis of the final match as a special guest at Maruti Suzuki Cricket Live on the STAR SPORTS Network. He spoke about the season, team performance and the moments that led the cricket fans talking about the toughest T20 tournament.

On Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ashwin said: "Both Chennai and Mumbai have always been fierce on the field. It has always been an extremely special game for us, sitting on the yellow side of things, and I think today will be another special occasion, especially with people seeing what Chennai and Mumbai have done in the past."

"I think today will be one of those games where it is about emotions, for the entire CSK battalion. One of their major strengths at this point in time is the fan army backing them, and the emotional support that CSK have been receiving. Today will be no different," he said.

On the CSK skipper MS Dhoni, Ashwin said: "The ritual is pretty simple. Like he repeatedly says there's no rocket science to what he does every time. He keeps it pretty stable. He's very balanced. He likes to go through the routine in a similar fashion, doesn't like to break & chop and change too much."

"The one advantage CSK really has is that they come with so much of success. They're always balanced in terms of knowing or having more people in the dugout, realising that they can get past any situation," Ashwin said.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner and out of favour India international Harbhajan Singh on Sunday slammed the team hotel staff for negligence ahead of their final against Mumbai Indians (MI) here.

Harbhajan wrote on his Twitter handle that the food was undercooked and no one took his calls at the reception.

"As much as I love staying with you @ITCHotels in all the other cities... I hate staying at #ITCKAKATIYA Hyderabad... No one cares about food being cooked properly or not... No one responds to the calls from duty manager to room service... They seem to be too busy for guests," the 38-year-old World Cup winning off-spinner wrote.

Harbhajan has time and again turned the clock this season, snaring crucial wickets and helping CSK reach their record eighth final in 10 years (they were suspended for two years).

The World Cup winning India off-spinner has so far taken 16 wickets from 10 matches.

Fondly known as the 'Turbanator', Harbajan returned figures of 2/31 in Qualifier 2 on Friday night against Delhi Capitals as they were restricted to 147/9. Chennai then gunned down the target with six wickets in the bag.

Sunday's match will be the fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) final between MI and CSK and both of them have a chance of winning the IPL for a record fourth time.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here on Sunday.

Mumbai made one change in the team since their last match against Chennai in the first qualifier with Mitchell McClenaghan replacing Jayant Yadav. Chennai, on the other hand, kept the team unchanged.

Playing XI:

Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(Captain/wicket-keeper), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur & Imran Tahir.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Rahul Chahar, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah & Lasith Malinga.

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) While Mumbai Indians (MI) might start as favourites against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final owing to their better record, a fan has drafted a plan for Rohit Sharma and Co. on how to crack the code of defeating the eight-time finalists.

Mumbai are the only side to have a better head-to-head record -- 16 wins and 11 losses -- against MS Dhoni's Chennai who beat Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 2 to qualify for the summit clash.

Mumbai had beaten Chennai in the first qualifier to reach their fourth final.

In a letter shared on social media, the MI fan listed out eight points to get the better of CSK.

Among those, the fan wants Sharma to field six bowlers, one of them being South Africa's Beuran Hendricks.

The fan also suggests that in-form allrounder Hardik Pandya should be given the ball between overs 8-16.

The tweet went viral on social media, further fanning in what is a clash of titans.

Tongue in cheek, CSK Twitter handle alerted head coach Stephen Fleming about the plan.

"Fan made plan to tackle the #Yellove Brigade tomorrow! Bringing the infor-MI-tion to your notice, Super Coach @SPFleming7!" tweeted CSK.

This will be the fourth IPL between MI and CSK and both of them have a chance of winning the IPL for a record fourth time.

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New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) The only time MS Dhoni did not play in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) colours in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the two years they were banned. While Dhoni helped in building one of the most consistent and successful T20 franchises in the world, he has admitted on numerous occasions that the move to Chennai was an important pit-stop in his career too.

CSK are chasing a record fourth title and face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final on Sunday.

Hours before the big match, Richard Madley, who was auctioneer for the first 10 IPL seasons, tweeted an image of the auction sheet for IPL 2008 when Dhoni was sold to CSK for $1.5 million.

"Just found my one and only auction sheet for the historic first ever #VIVOIPL auction in 2008. @msdhoni sold to @ChennaiIPL. A rare piece of cricket memorabilia (sic.)," Madley wrote in his tweet.

Also on the sheet were details of Adam Gilchrist's sale to the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, Shoaib Akhtar to Kolkata Knight Riders, Mahela Jayawardene to Kings XI Punjab and Muttiah Muralitharan to CSK.

He went on to say in the replies section that the first IPL auction was a ground breaker and that selling Dhoni was a "career highlight."

CSK are facing MI for the fourth time in the IPL final that will be played in Hyderabad. The latter have the better record in previous encounters between the two sides in a title clash with MI winning two of these contests.

With three titles each, both sides are the most succesfull teams in the history of the tournament. MI are the only team CSK haven't been able to beat this season.

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