Top News
CSK, RCB in battle for IPL final berth
Ranchi: The Qualifier 2 clash here on Friday between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royals Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will not only be a battle between two heavyweight Indian Premier League (IPL) teams but also of high-profile skipper duo of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Kohli succeeded Dhoni as the Indian Test captain after the latter’s exit following the third Test match of the Australia series last year. India lost the four-match series 0-2.
The two skippers employ a vastly different mode of leadership which adds an intriguing sub-plot to the contest.
While Kohli’s brash, aggressive, meeting fire-with-fire persona — and flaunting his high-profile relationship with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma — often lands him in trouble on-and-off the field, Dhoni is the embodiment of calmness, earning global praise for captaining in a composed manner. Their each move will be as keenly followed as the outcome of the match.
CSK will approach the match at the JSCA International Stadium, the first one at the ground this season, psychologically in a better position after beating RCB in both the group stage matches. The winner of the match will meet Mumbai Indians in the final in Kolkata on May 24. Mumbai beat Chennai in Qualifier 1 by 25 runs on Tuesday.
Two-time champions CSK’s proven record of winning crunch matches also holds them in good stead. But Friday’s match is a one-off game with the current form of the vast array of star players of both teams crucial in determining the end result.
The loss against Mumbai was demoralising but Chennai must shake off the disappointment as they are getting another chance at biting the cherry.
Meanwhile, RCB are in hot form, beating Rajasthan Royals comprehensively by 71 runs in the Eliminator in Pune on Wednesday night.
Their ‘holy trinity’ of blasters Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have given a good account of themselves in the competition. Besides, Punjab batter Mandeep Singh has provided good support, chipping in with crucial runs at important junctures.
They will again look to posting a strong total and then successfully defending it through a combined bowling effort of pacers, led by Aussie Mitchell Starc and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
CSK need to find a solution to the departure of their batting mainstay, Kiwi Brendon McCullum, who has left the team after the group phase to fulfil his national commitments.
His departure, was amply evident in the Eliminator where they failed to chase down a 188-run target. They are, though, not short of batting firepower with Faf du Plesis, Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo all having the skill and experience to come good in a knockout match.
But it’s their tendency to give away runs when under pressure that Dhoni will be more concerned about. Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra has been steady, but he has been a lone fighter without the necessary backing from the rest of the bowlers.
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.