IPL 2024 Highlights: Must-Watch Videos of the Week

In the last 16 years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has built its image of delivering blockbuster cricketing action with its intriguing games. Before the start of the competition, cricket fans were expecting the league to be exciting and entertaining and as per their expectations, the 2024 competition’s opening week didn’t disappoint its supporters and delivered some incredible games.

The first week witnessed boundaries raining from bats, aggressive banter from emotional spectators, and extraordinary competition. The opening week closed with Rajasthan Royals (RR) handing a 12-run defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and following the superb cricketing show in the last seven days let’s have a look at some videos that grabbed a lot of attention.

Here are the IPL 2024 highlights: must-watch videos of the week:

7. Harshit Rana’s send-offs to Mayank Agarwal and Heinrich Klaasen 

Harshit Rana was seen in excellent form with the ball in Kolkata Knight Riders’s opening fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Eden Gardens. Defending 209 runs, when the hosts needed the first breakthrough after SRH’s fierce start, Rana stepped up and got rid of Mayank Agarwal, who was looking in great touch with his bat. 

When Mayank was seen walking back to the pavilion, Rana gave him a flying kiss send-off. In the final over, Rana struck the visitors again with the scalps of Shahbaz Ahmed and Heinrich Klassen. After getting the South Africa stalwart caught, the pacer again displayed his aggression, showing the Protea way to the pavilion with a finger.

6. Rohit Sharma sent to the field at the long-on

When Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) clashed at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a lot of drama unfolded. Hardik Pandya, who was playing his debut game as MI skipper, had a tough day on the field as MI fell six runs short while chasing 168 runs. During the game, Hardik was seen deploying Rohit Sharma at the long-on.

Usually, Rohit is known for fielding under the 30-yard circle and Hardik placing the veteran in the deep area didn’t go well with the latter’s fans. Following the incident, Rohit’s supporters expressed their ire against the Mumbai skipper on social media sites. 

5. Kuldeep Yadav forces Rishabh Pant to take DRS against Jos Buttler

In the contest between RR and DC at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, an interesting incident grabbed a lot of eyeballs. Following the scalps of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson, captain Rishabh Pant brought Kuldeep Yadav into the attack in the eighth over of the game. 

Kuldeep’s second delivery turned a bit and hit straight to Jos Buttler’s left pad. The left-arm bowler failed to convince the umpire with his appeal, and eyes were set on DC skipper Rishabh Pant, who had to decide whether to opt for the Decision Review System (DRS) or not. Rishabh looked confused despite Kuldeep’s assurance but the latter took the former’s hands and forced him to create the DRS sign. 

Eventually, Rishabh nodded for the review which overturned the on-field umpire’s decision of not out and Buttler went back to the pavilion after scoring 11 off 16. As the decision went in DC’s favour, Kuldeep received appreciation for his alertness and confidence.

4. Ishan Kishan plays with Piyush Chawla’s son

Before MI vs SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was seen having a good time with his teammate Piyush Chawla’s son, during the practice session. The left-handed batter played cricket with the leg-break bowler’s son. In the video, Chawla’s son was also seen grabbing a catch and jumping in joy. The clip became viral on social media sites and fans were seen showing their love to the veteran’s son. 

3. Harpreet Brar does Shikhar Dhawan’s thigh-five celebration

Shikhar Dhawan is famous for his batting excellence and his presence at the crease is enough to give a headache to bowlers. On one side, the veteran delivers tough times to his opponents while on the other side, he also provides cheerful moments to his fans with his witty behaviour. His thigh-five celebration after clinching catches is one of the famous ways of celebration in the sport.

Also Check: RCB vs PBKS: IPL 2024, Match 6 - Reactions and Quotes

Against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Harpreet Brar attracted attention with a thigh-five celebration. In the post-match presentation, when Dhawan was asked about Brar’s celebration, the former expressed happiness over it.

2. Ahmedabad crowd booes Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is going through a tough phase of his IPL career. In Mumbai’s opening contest against GT, when Hardik was in the middle of the ground for the toss, the crowd booed at him. During the game, several instances occurred when the 30-year-old faced voices against him. Amidst the first innings, a dog broke into the ground and fans booed ‘Hardik Hardik’ to show their anger towards the all-rounder.

1. Hardik draws ire for refusing to hug Lasith Malinga

Following Mumbai’s 31-run defeat at the hands of SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hardik was seen refusing to hug MI’s bowling coach Lasith Malinga and going forward to shake hands with SRH players. The video of the incident went viral on social media and Hardik faced criticism for his behaviour towards the Sri Lanka legend.