Alagappan Muthu

Sub-Editor at ESPN Cricinfo

I like to hide and pretend life is seeking. Invictus Maneo

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Articles

Chahal returns as PBKS bowl; MI bring in Topley

2 weeks ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

Toss Punjab Kings chose to bowl vs Mumbai IndiansPunjab Kings (PBKS) chose to field in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Ahmedabad on the basis of "overcast" weather. Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS captain, also spoke of how the pitch had been under the covers leading into match day, which suggests there might be some help early on for the fast bowlers. PBKS are "recovered and rejuvenated" after they were knocked out for 101 in Qualifier 1 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
RR's campaign a story of so near yet so far

4 weeks ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

There is a feeling that Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been terrible chasers in IPL 2025. Until the very last game of their season, they were able to run down a target once in eight attempts. And that needed a 14-year-old to perform a miracle. On that basis, there is a temptation to say that RR kept betting against themselves this season. They won the toss seven times and chose to bat second each time. There are much more private ways to explore masochism.
Shepherd, the most dangerous class of T20 finisher

1 month ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

He doesn't need time to change a game. He doesn't need tricks to hit sixes. All he needs is to put bat to ballRomario Shepherd said the f-word that was heard around the world. Cricketers these days - along with the hours they spend practicing their chosen craft - also go through rigorous media training. So when we see them on TV, they are still in performance mode. The mic subs in for bat and ball.
Greatest Tests: India's one-wicket epic vs NZ's four-run heist

1 month ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

In the lead-up to the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's on June 11, ESPNcricinfo, Star Sports and JioHotstar are inviting you to help us pick the greatest Test of the 21st century. There are 32 contenders, with two Tests pitted against each other until we identify the winner. Get voting now. India's one-wicket epic vs Australia - Mohali, 2010Test cricket moves men.
Superman Kamindu takes flight to save the day for SRH

1 month ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

These days, people are taking to the sky more and more. Some believe there is a home up there. Maybe even life. Others have found ways to turn it into a tourist attraction. All of them are huge leaps of science. A triumph of the modern age. They could do worse than look at Kamindu Mendis and see how to celebrate. He couldn't stop talking about his little trip off the earth.
Fleming on CSK's auction: 'We just haven't been able to get it right'

1 month ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

Following a seventh defeat in nine games in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming traced their struggles back to the auction. "It is hard to say we got it completely right with the performances that we have had," he said after CSK's batting struggled once again to put up a decent total against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They were bowled out for 154 and lost by five wickets. "So we have been looking over that in detail just around our style of play. Also looking at how the game is evolving.
Jadeja's spin troubles add to CSK's growing list of batting problems

1 month ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

Ravindra Jadeja was following the plan. He was 31 off 23 at the start of the 18th over. Now was the time to go. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) do not have the confidence in their batting line-up to hit hard from the first ball. They fear that will lead them to below-par totals and kick them out of the match before their bowlers can get a say. So many of the statistics that have them at the bottom - run-rate in the powerplay, or even overall, for that matter - is by design.
Boss Buttler and the art of ball hitting bat

2 months ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

A very important thing happened in the third over of Gujarat Titans innings in IPL 2025. Jos Buttler missed the scoop. There is inherent risk in this shot. Its success depends on taking the number one rule of bating and throwing it out the window, because to pull it off, you need to give up the stumps and use less than the full face of the blade. Yet the scoop is Buttler's go-to.
Stats - CSK's firsts of the worst in the IPL

2 months ago | espn.in | Sampath Bandarupalli |Alagappan Muthu |Omkar Mankame

103 for 9 Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) total against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday is their lowest in the IPL at Chepauk. Their previous lowest was 109 all-out against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2019. The 103 for 9 is also CSK's third-lowest total in the IPL, behind 79 all-out in 2013 and 97 all-out in 2022, both against MI. 5 Consecutive defeats for CSK in the IPL 2025 since defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match.
Kolkata Knight Riders opt to bowl against Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings

2 months ago | espn.in | Alagappan Muthu

The toss didn't go his way but still MS Dhoni got what he wanted on his return as Chennai Super Kings captain. His team was asked to bat first. CSK, who have yet to win a game since their first one of the season, will be playing on the same pitch that match took place. They made two changes, along expected lines. Rahul Tripathi came in for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is out of the season due to an elbow injury and Anshul Kamboj came in for Mukesh Choudhary (6-0-71-1).