Cricket news round-up – 26 April: Kolkata lose six in a row, injury cloud hangs over Steyn

Kolkata Knight Riders’ poor form in IPL 2019 continued as they were beaten by Rajasthan Royals – it was their sixth straight loss in the tournament, and their playoff hopes now hang by a thread.

Elsewhere, the resurgent Royal Challengers Bangalore were dealt a blow with the news that Dale Steyn – their replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile – will have to return to South Africa with a shoulder injury. Shane Watson announced his BBL retirement as well, while Ajinkya Rahane signed up for a county stint.

Kolkata lose six in a row

Kolkata Knight Riders miserable streak in IPL 2019 continued. They lost their sixth straight match, against Rajasthan Royals, and are now level on points with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan at the bottom of the table.

Kolkata had captain Dinesh Karthik scoring a 50-ball 97*, but even then, they set a target of just 176. Rajasthan toppled that with four balls to spare, with Riyan Parag scoring a 31-ball 47 and Jofra Archer smashing a 12-ball 27* in his final outing this IPL season.

One more loss, and Kolkata, along with Rajasthan and Bangalore, will officially have no chance to qualify for the playoffs.

Steyn’s RCB stint cut short with injury

Dale Steyn, the South African paceman, has had to cut short his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore after just two games with a shoulder injury.

He has been prescribed ample rest, and the problem has made doubtful his participation in the World Cup. He will return to South Africa for treatment, and will be assessed by a shoulder specialist appointed by Cricket South Africa.

“Dale felt discomfort after playing his second match at the tournament,” South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said. “Upon assessment and subsequent investigations, a flare-up of his right shoulder was confirmed.

“With the World Cup around the corner, it is our priority to get him back to full fitness before the squad departs on May 19. He will consult with a shoulder specialist upon his return and a recovery plan will be put in place.”

Watson calls time on BBL career

Shane Watson, the former Australia all-rounder, has called time on his BBL career, to spend more time with his family during the summer vacation.

Watson retired from international cricket in 2016, but continued playing in franchise leagues, and excelled the world over. He captained Sydney Thunder, and is the only player to score over 1000 runs for them. Watson ends his BBL career with 1058 runs and 20 wickets in 42 games. He is expected to continue playing for other T20 franchises the world over.

“Shane Watson was one of the most exciting short-form players ever to grace a cricket field,” Kevin Roberts, CA CEO, said. “Talented, skillful and powerful, Shane was a devastating batsman at his best. He is Australia’s most successful Test and One-Day batting all-rounder after Steve Waugh. No other Australians combined as many runs and wickets in either format.”

Hales returns to England camp

Alex Hales, the England opener, has returned to their training camp ahead of the limited-overs series against Ireland and Pakistan.

The 30-year-old had missed Nottinghamshire’s first three games in the One-Day Cup due to “personal reasons”.

Hales had made himself unavailable for Nottinghamshire, the county said in a statement, but it remains to be seen whether his joining of the England camp means he will return to Nottinghamshire as well.

Rahane signs up with Hampshire

Ajinkya Rahane will have a stint with Hampshire in the County Championship after BCCI cleared his participation in the tournament. He will replace Aiden Markram in the county.

Rahane is set to play eight matches for the side through May, June and early July. “I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation,” Rahane said. “I hope to score runs and win as a team and would like to thank BCCI for allowing me to play.”