News / Author / Somshuvra Laha

Somshuvra Laha

Somshuvra Laha is a sports journalist with over 11 years' experience writing on cricket, football and other sports. He has covered the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, cricket tours of South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh and the 2010 Commonwealth Games for Hindustan Times.

Articles by Somshuvra Laha

What’s holding back Indian finishers this season?

While the India top-order is brimming with talent and options, the finishers’ role is throwing up more questions than answers

Kolkata Knight Riders's batter Rinku Singh. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on May 06, 2025 09:48 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Russell hits crucial fifty as KKR snatch one run win over RR

Royals skipper Riyan Parag’s 95 off 45 balls goes in vain as KKR, defending 206 after Russell’s 27-ball 55, win at Eden Gardens to stay alive in playoffs race

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell on way to a 27-ball 55 against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL game against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. (Samir Jana/HT Photo)

Cricket

Published on May 04, 2025 09:09 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL: Powerplay bowling bleeding out Sunrisers

While Mohammed Shami is enduring probably his worst IPL season, others too haven’t quite hit the mark for the 2016 champions

Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Mohammed Shami’s (R) poor IPL season continued as Titans' Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan (23) cashed in on Friday in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

Cricket

Published on May 03, 2025 06:31 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Gill, GT knock SRH over in some style

Kolkata: Shubman Gill's 76 off 38 helped Gujarat Titans post 224/6. Sunrisers Hyderabad faltered, losing by 38 runs, showcasing poor form and fielding.

Gujarat Titans' Shubman Gill celebrates his half century. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on May 02, 2025 11:58 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Suryavanshi has begun with a bang, now it’s about sustaining it

The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi is astonishingly talented, but staying relevant after this break out hundred will be the real deal

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi on way to hitting the second fastest IPL century against Gujarat Titans at Jaipur on Monday. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 29, 2025 08:41 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

The new boy wonder: Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, is the real deal

A high backlift, nimble footwork and riotous hand-eye coordination make Vaibhav a feast for the senses, and already a name to remember

At 14 years, Suryavanshi has become the youngest ever to score a T20 century, that too the second fastest ever. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 29, 2025 02:54 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Suryavanshi the youngest IPL centurion, RR win to stay in the mix

The 14-year-old hits second fastest T20 ton as Royals chase down 209 with 25 balls to spare, beat Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets

Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a 35-ball 100 -- the second fastest century in the IPL-- against Gujarat Titans on Monday. (REUTERS)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 28, 2025 11:55 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Arya, Prabhsimran sparkle before rain intervenes

Punjab Kings, who scored 201, and Kolkata Knight Riders take a point each after weather hits the Eden Gardens IPL tie

Prabhsimran Singh in actionn against KKR. (Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

Cricket

Published on Apr 27, 2025 06:52 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Hazlewood thrives on monotony to deliver the goods

Change of pace and yorkers have been wonderful additions to the ploy of length bowling that snatched victory from Royals in the death overs

Josh Hazlewood (L) celebrates with Jitesh Sharma after taking the wicket of Rajasthan Royals' Shimron Hetmyer. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 25, 2025 07:05 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Hazlewood, Kohli guide RCB to 11-run win over RR

Kolkata: RCB beat Royals by 11 runs despite Jaiswal's explosive 49. Hazlewood's late wickets sealed the win, highlighting Royals' missed opportunities.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs to register their first win at home in this season. (REUTERS)

Cricket

Published on Apr 24, 2025 11:58 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Russell is the face of KKR’s selection dilemma

Kolkata Knight Riders face challenges as Andre Russell struggles with poor form, raising questions about his future and the team's batting strategy.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell has had his lowest-ever IPL returns with an average of 9.17 and a strike rate of 119.57 (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 23, 2025 09:21 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Shubman Gill: Titans’ pride, India’s future?

At a time when T20 batting is becoming all too buccaneering, he is the secret ingredient to a failsafe consistency.

Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill has 13 fifties, four hundreds and a strike rate of 148.48 in the IPL. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 22, 2025 07:25 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

GT crush KKR to consolidate top spot

Kolkata Knight Riders falter in a 39-run loss to Titans, struggling with boundaries and partnerships, as Titans maintain their strong form.

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill scored 90 off 55 against Kolkata Knight Riders in their 39-ball win on Monday. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 22, 2025 05:20 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Home truth hurts RCB, again

RCB is yet to win at home this IPL, struggling with tactics and shot selection, while Punjab Kings adapt better to the pitch and secure victories.

RCB's Josh Hazelwood celebrates the wicket of PBKS' Shreyas Iyer in Bengaluru on Friday. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 19, 2025 06:53 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: From Kuldeep to Rathi, spinners defying matchups in the league

Kolkata: Bowlers adapt to T20's aggressive batting, with spinners like Kuldeep Yadav excelling in wicket-taking and economy through discipline and length.

Delhi Capitals' Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after taking the wicket of Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav. (REUTERS)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 19, 2025 04:59 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

On a tough wicket, David cameo not enough for RCB

RCB struggled on a rain-soaked pitch, scoring 95/9 as Punjab Kings chased down the target easily. Tim David's 50 was a lone highlight.

RCB's Tim David plays a shot against PBKS. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 19, 2025 08:37 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Kohli, Salt combine to give RCB the right flavour

The openers have complemented each other well to give the team from Bengaluru a bright start more often than not

Phil Salt has effectively allowed Virat Kohli to return to the anchor mode of batting that has now helped RCB win their fourth match away from home. (PTI)

Cricket

Published on Apr 14, 2025 07:13 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL: Salt sets up the chase, Kohli finishes it against Royals

Kolkata: Phil Salt's explosive 65 helped RCB chase 173 against Rajasthan Royals, while Kohli scored his 100th T20 fifty in a dominant win.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Phil Salt plays a shot during the IPL match against Rajasthan Royals. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 13, 2025 08:42 PM IST

BySomshuvra LahaSomshuvra Laha

CSK’s timid loss to KKR: Wake-up call for 5-time IPL champions?

The Super Kings are unwilling to move with the times, reset and get aggressive with the bat, and it is hurting on a regular basis

Cricket

Updated on Apr 12, 2025 04:11 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Dhoni takes over and CSK sink even lower

MS Dhoni's CSK suffers an unprecedented defeat, losing to KKR by eight wickets, marking their third consecutive home loss and a record five overall.

Chennai Supers Kings skipper MS Dhoni during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Friday. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 11, 2025 11:20 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Tracking T20 batting’s shift into the express lane

Strike rates of 200 are becoming more frequent, prompting more teams to either realign their batting or reading the riot act

Lucknow Super Giants' Nicholas Pooran is topping the batting charts with 288 runs in five IPL games at a staggering strike rate of 225. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 10, 2025 07:45 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Jofra Archer is back on target

Kolkata: Jofra Archer shines in IPL with five wickets, showcasing impressive pace and skill, signaling a strong comeback after a challenging period.

Rajasthan Royals' Jofra Archer has picked up five wickets in five matches including a 3/25 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 so far. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 10, 2025 07:24 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans gallop to fourth straight win

Sai Sudharsan’s 53-ball 82 helped GT score 217/6, which their bowlers defended without much resistance from RR

Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudharsan in action against Rajasthan Royals. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 10, 2025 01:11 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Pooran blitz helps LSG pip KKR by four runs

LSG conceded 90 in the Powerplay but KKR lost 5/33 in the middle overs after staying ahead of the asking rate

Lucknow Super Giants' batter Nicholas Pooran in action against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday. (PTI)

Cricket

Published on Apr 08, 2025 09:27 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

The many facets of batting aggression

Kolkata: SRH struggles with aggression while KKR adapts smartly to pitch conditions, showcasing the importance of reading the game in cricket.

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Venkatesh Iyer. (ANI)

Cricket

Published on Apr 05, 2025 05:04 AM IST

BySomshuvra LahaSomshuvra Laha

KKR thrash SRH on two-paced Eden pitch

Kolkata Knight Riders secured an 80-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, capitalizing on a tricky Eden Gardens pitch that stifled the opposition's batting.

Cricket

Published on Apr 03, 2025 11:39 PM IST

BySomshuvra LahaSomshuvra Laha

So long then Gabba, thanks for the thrillers

The Gabba, one of Australia’s most iconic cricket stadiums, will get demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games.

Cricket

Published on Mar 26, 2025 08:40 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Vyshak’s full-length zone stumps Titans

The combination of wide yorkers and a wider version in the final phase limited Titans’ boundary hits

Vyshak Vijaykumar of Punjab Kings bowls against Gujarat Titans. (Sportzpics/BCCI)

Cricket

Published on Mar 26, 2025 06:04 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025: Shreyas misses ton, sets up PBKS’ 11-run win over Gujarat Titans

Punjab Kings skipper was 97* but at the non-striker’s end as 23 runs were plundered in the final over

Punjab Kings' skipper Shreyas Iyer in action. (PTI)

Cricket

Published on Mar 26, 2025 06:56 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Street smart Krunal Pandya delivers to raise RCB’s bowling profile

The RCB allrounder went for 15 runs in the Powerplay but bounced back in the middle overs to help beat defending champions KKR at the Eden Gardens

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Krunal Pandya celebrates a wicket during the IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders. (ANI)

Cricket

Published on Mar 23, 2025 03:01 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

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Somshuvra Laha

While the India top-order is brimming with talent and options, the finishers’ role is throwing up more questions than answers

Royals skipper Riyan Parag’s 95 off 45 balls goes in vain as KKR, defending 206 after Russell’s 27-ball 55, win at Eden Gardens to stay alive in playoffs race

While Mohammed Shami is enduring probably his worst IPL season, others too haven’t quite hit the mark for the 2016 champions

Kolkata: Shubman Gill's 76 off 38 helped Gujarat Titans post 224/6. Sunrisers Hyderabad faltered, losing by 38 runs, showcasing poor form and fielding.

The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi is astonishingly talented, but staying relevant after this break out hundred will be the real deal

A high backlift, nimble footwork and riotous hand-eye coordination make Vaibhav a feast for the senses, and already a name to remember

The 14-year-old hits second fastest T20 ton as Royals chase down 209 with 25 balls to spare, beat Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets

Punjab Kings, who scored 201, and Kolkata Knight Riders take a point each after weather hits the Eden Gardens IPL tie

Change of pace and yorkers have been wonderful additions to the ploy of length bowling that snatched victory from Royals in the death overs

Kolkata: RCB beat Royals by 11 runs despite Jaiswal's explosive 49. Hazlewood's late wickets sealed the win, highlighting Royals' missed opportunities.

Kolkata Knight Riders face challenges as Andre Russell struggles with poor form, raising questions about his future and the team's batting strategy.

At a time when T20 batting is becoming all too buccaneering, he is the secret ingredient to a failsafe consistency.

Kolkata Knight Riders falter in a 39-run loss to Titans, struggling with boundaries and partnerships, as Titans maintain their strong form.

RCB is yet to win at home this IPL, struggling with tactics and shot selection, while Punjab Kings adapt better to the pitch and secure victories.

Kolkata: Bowlers adapt to T20's aggressive batting, with spinners like Kuldeep Yadav excelling in wicket-taking and economy through discipline and length.

RCB struggled on a rain-soaked pitch, scoring 95/9 as Punjab Kings chased down the target easily. Tim David's 50 was a lone highlight.

The openers have complemented each other well to give the team from Bengaluru a bright start more often than not

Kolkata: Phil Salt's explosive 65 helped RCB chase 173 against Rajasthan Royals, while Kohli scored his 100th T20 fifty in a dominant win.

The Super Kings are unwilling to move with the times, reset and get aggressive with the bat, and it is hurting on a regular basis

MS Dhoni's CSK suffers an unprecedented defeat, losing to KKR by eight wickets, marking their third consecutive home loss and a record five overall.

Strike rates of 200 are becoming more frequent, prompting more teams to either realign their batting or reading the riot act

Kolkata: Jofra Archer shines in IPL with five wickets, showcasing impressive pace and skill, signaling a strong comeback after a challenging period.

Sai Sudharsan’s 53-ball 82 helped GT score 217/6, which their bowlers defended without much resistance from RR

LSG conceded 90 in the Powerplay but KKR lost 5/33 in the middle overs after staying ahead of the asking rate

Kolkata: SRH struggles with aggression while KKR adapts smartly to pitch conditions, showcasing the importance of reading the game in cricket.

Kolkata Knight Riders secured an 80-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, capitalizing on a tricky Eden Gardens pitch that stifled the opposition's batting.

The Gabba, one of Australia’s most iconic cricket stadiums, will get demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games.

The combination of wide yorkers and a wider version in the final phase limited Titans’ boundary hits

Punjab Kings skipper was 97* but at the non-striker’s end as 23 runs were plundered in the final over

The RCB allrounder went for 15 runs in the Powerplay but bounced back in the middle overs to help beat defending champions KKR at the Eden Gardens

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