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‘Challenge and area I’ve always worked on’: Boult on evolving demands of death bowling in IPL

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) Mumbai Indians’ star seamer Trent Boult gave his take on evolving demands for death overs bowling in the IPL 2025 and said it is a challenge he has always worked on.

Boult is the all-time leading wicket-taker in the first over in IPL history with 30 scalps in 96 matches. Also, he is only 11 behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 77 wickets in IPL powerplays. The 35-year-old fast bowler has never taken more than nine wickets at the death in a single IPL season, but in IPL 2025 he already has six scalps to his name.

“It’s a challenge and an area I’ve always worked on. My mantra has been to keep getting better and never plateau with my skills or performance. I’m constantly pushing myself to come up with new options and plans. These days, there are so many batters – some we’ve never even heard of or played against – so you’ve got to be on your game. Clarity is key, and executing under pressure makes the difference. It’s all about training well and being ready for those moments,” Boult said on JioHotstar’s series ‘Gen Gold’.

The Kiwi pacer further reminisced about his journey with the championship-winning 2020 Mumbai Indians squad, where he picked 25 wickets, including a Player of the Match performance in the final, and said, “What I remember most is being in the bubble during COVID – bunkered down in Abu Dhabi with a great setup and the familiarity of playing at the same ground. It was a bizarre time, but that 2020 Mumbai Indians team was one of the best T20 sides I’ve ever been part of.

“The tournament flew by – we made it to the play-offs, won the final, and it was a great feeling. Many of those faces are still around, so there’s no reason we can’t create more magical memories.

Over the years, Boult has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Rajathan Royals, winning two titles, first with SRH in 2016 and then with MI in 2020.

Speaking about his early days in the IPL and MI, Boult added, “One of my fondest IPL memories is from 2015, when I was picked to play in Hyderabad. I’d idolised Dale Steyn growing up – and suddenly, I was sharing a dressing room with him. That’s the beauty of IPL. getting to play alongside guys you never imagined you’d meet.

“When I moved from Delhi to Mumbai in 2020, I truly experienced what the MI ‘One Family’ culture is about. I’ve always felt welcomed, backed, and supported. They gave me the freedom to go out, express myself, and just do my thing. I feel very fortunate to be in this position.”

He signed off by giving his take on batters adapting to an aggressive style of play. “No doubt, a 300+ score will be reached this tournament. The ball seems to be travelling further, though I’d like to believe it’s still swinging in some parts of the country. From a bowling perspective, the only positive is that batsmen are coming hard, which creates opportunities.

“If we focus on being accurate, stay aggressive, and give it a real crack, bowlers will have their day at some point. That’s what fans want to see, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty watching,” said Boult.

–IANS

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The atmosphere, stadium and their ability to develop players make Liverpool special: Hugo Ekitike

New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) Hugo Ekitike, while expressing his excitement about joining Liverpool, explained why the club was his top choice, saying the Reds are already Premier League champions and among the best in the world.

Ekitike joined Liverpool after a season-and-a-half in Germany, having initially moved to Eintracht on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The attacker netted 26 goals in 64 appearances for Frankfurt and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25.

“I feel very proud. It is a big club, and I am excited. I feel like a kid, as I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and for Liverpool. It is a great feeling for me. I cannot wait to start playing, win trophies, and achieve success here,” Ekitike said on JioHotstar.

“The way the club operates and what I have heard about the people here, all of it stood out to me. The atmosphere, fans, stadium, and their ability to develop players make Liverpool special.

“They are already Premier League champions, the best team in England, and among the best in the world. It was always Liverpool for me. From the moment I spoke to the coach, I was certain about my decision,” he added.

Ekitike became the fifth big signing to Arne Slot’s squad this summer, following the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz.

Sharing his thoughts on playing at Anfield, the 23-year-old forward said, “Anfield is incredible, and I can’t wait to play there. I haven’t started to think about what it will be like to score a goal at the Kop end yet, I think that will come when we actually play there. It’s a huge stadium with amazing fans, and from what I’ve seen on TV, it’s a crazy atmosphere. I believe it will be an incredible experience.”

–IANS

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Iqbal stars once again with the bat for India Seniors in physical disability T20 series

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) For the second successive time in the Physical Disability T20 Series at the Wankhede Stadium, opener Wasim Iqbal stood out with the bat – this time slamming an unbeaten 85 off just 45 balls to help India Seniors chase down India A’s target of 143 on Wednesday.

After opting to bat, India A posted a modest 143/6 in their 20 overs. Jitendra VN (35 not out) and Akash Patil (37 not out) were the stars with the bat as they added 57 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket stand. Both came together with their side in a spot of bother at 86/6. From there on, the pair of Jitendra and Patil helped end the innings on a high.

In their response, India Seniors chased down the target with absolute ease thanks to Iqbal’s effort, laced with eight boundaries and five sixes. Iqbal shared a fine 50-run opening stand with Vrushant Gunjal (32). From there on, it was a one-way street, as India Seniors completed the chase in 14.5 overs.

India A skipper Majid Margray said he was absolutely thrilled to be able to get a chance to play at an iconic venue like the Wankhede Stadium. “It has been an excellent experience. It was always a dream to play at the Wankhede Stadium. From the time I entered, it has been a surreal feeling for my team and me.

“This is the Lord’s of India and a matter of pride for all of us. To be in the same dressing room where some of our icons and legends of the game have been is a big thing in our lives. All thanks to DCCI and MCA for this initiative. As a group, we have been very excited about the whole experience.

“We may have lost both our games, but in terms of preparation for the upcoming series, this is the perfect stage for our young talent. Imagine being at the venue to experience the dressing room, outfield, and the general atmosphere. This has been a life-changing experience,” said Margray, who is an all-rounder from Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir.

These sentiments were echoed by the rival captain Sante, who is based in Mumbai. “Being from Mumbai, I have played a few times at Wankhede. I have played the President’s Cup final with Vikrant Keni. Both of us were the only differently-abled players then. I have also had other experiences here. But this is a different feeling altogether.

“All thanks to the efforts of DCCI and MCA for giving us this opportunity. I have played in Ahmedabad, Lord’s, and Wankhede. This must be the best feeling for one as a cricketer. To be at the same venue where India won the 2011 World Cup is a big step up for all of us.

“We have had a few youngsters ask a lot of questions about the venue. So, I have been advising them about picking the ball up from the background because sometimes, when the ball comes parallel to the ground, you can lose it. I have advised my boys to be very careful in sighting the ball. We have a series against England next, so this is the perfect build-up,” said Sante, a left-arm spinning all-rounder. The third and final game of the series will be played on Thursday.

Brief scores:

India A 143/6 in 20 overs (Akash Patil 37 not out, Jitendra VN 35 not out; Vipin 1-15, Vikrant Keni 1-10) lost to India Seniors 144/3 in 14.5 overs (Wasim Iqbal 85 not out, Vrushant Gunjal 32; Santosh Choube 3-24) by seven wickets

–IANS

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