Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has been a force to reckon with in the longest format of the game. However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that the nation has missed out on witnessing Ashwin's true potential with the bat in white-ball cricket.In the domestic circuit, Ashwin has established himself as a genuine all-rounder, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball. However, for India, he has primarily been utilized as a bowler, leaving his batting abilities largely untapped.Gambhir expressed his disappointment over this missed opportunity, stating that Ashwin's batting potential has not been fully realized at the international level. "A bit disappointed, this country hasn't seen the potential which you had with the bat, especially in white-ball cricket," Gambhir said in an episode of Ashwin's Kutti Stories.Ashwin's first-class record is a testament to his batting prowess. In 156 matches, he has accumulated 5,221 runs at an average of 28.06. In List A cricket, he has amassed 1,346 runs at a strike rate of 77.35.At the international level, Ashwin has shown glimpses of his batting ability. In 19 T20I innings, he has scored 184 runs, while in 63 ODI innings, he has amassed 707 runs.One of Ashwin's most memorable batting performances came in 2011 against the West Indies in Mumbai. Chasing a mammoth total of 590, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's fightback, scoring a brilliant 103.While Ashwin's bowling prowess has earned him widespread recognition, Gambhir believes that India has missed out on a valuable opportunity to utilize his batting skills in white-ball cricket.

Nitish Reddy, a 20-year-old seam bowling all-rounder, has emerged as a promising talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite being a raw talent, Reddy has showcased exceptional skills with both bat and ball.In his first season with regular game time, Reddy has impressed with his batting prowess, scoring 276 runs in 10 games with an average of 46 and a strike rate of 151.64. His two half-centuries, including a match-winning 64 against Punjab Kings, have highlighted his ability to handle pressure situations.Reddy's batting range is evident in his ability to pull pacers and reverse-sweep spinners for boundaries. His captain at Andhra, Ricky Bhui, has praised his adaptability and fearless approach at the crease.While Reddy's batting has garnered attention, he has also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets in 12.1 overs. Bhui believes that Reddy has the potential to become a genuine all-rounder, citing his work ethic and continuous improvement.Reddy's breakthrough IPL campaign has raised expectations for his future. Bhui anticipates a larger role for him in the upcoming domestic season for Andhra, where he will aim to build on his recent performances.With his unique skillset and promising start, Nitish Reddy is a player to watch in the Indian cricket landscape. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for any team, and his potential for growth is immense.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a pivotal figure in the ongoing IPL 2024. His exceptional batting and bowling skills have propelled KKR to the top of the standings, making him an indispensable asset to the team.Narine's batting prowess has been on full display this season. As an opening batsman, he has consistently provided KKR with explosive starts, setting the tone for their innings. His aggressive approach and ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. With 461 runs in 12 matches, Narine is the highest run-getter for KKR, averaging an impressive 38.42. His century against the Mumbai Indians stands as a testament to his batting prowess.Despite his on-field brilliance, Narine maintains a stoic demeanor, rarely cracking a smile. However, in a recent video shared by KKR, he showcased his linguistic skills by attempting to speak in Bengali. His efforts were met with amusement and admiration from his teammates and fans alike.As a spinner, Narine has also been instrumental in KKR's success. His mystery deliveries and ability to deceive batsmen have made him a formidable force in the middle overs. His variations, including the carrom ball and the knuckleball, have kept opposition batsmen guessing, leading to crucial wickets.KKR's dominance in IPL 2024 is largely attributed to Narine's all-round contributions. His ability to impact the game with both bat and ball has made him an invaluable asset to the team. As KKR gears up for the playoffs, Narine's performances will be crucial in their quest for the championship title.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder, has been the cornerstone of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for over a decade. His explosive batting, economical bowling, and exceptional fielding have made him an indispensable asset to the franchise.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has heaped praise on Narine, calling him the "Superman" and the driving force behind the team's success. Narine's contributions have been instrumental in KKR's two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.This season, Narine has been in scintillating form, scoring a century, two half-centuries, and taking nearly a dozen wickets. His all-round brilliance has propelled KKR to the second position in the standings.Shah Rukh Khan believes that Narine's versatility makes him an invaluable player. "He's a boss on the field, a player, a bowler, a batsman, a wicketkeeper, a fielder. He's an 'anything' player," said Khan.Narine's impact extends beyond his on-field performances. His infectious spirit and deep affection for KKR have made him a fan favorite. "We're very fortunate to have players, Indian or foreign, who have deep feelings for the team... Sunil, like I said, he's an 'anything' player," added Khan.KKR's success is also attributed to the dynamic duo of Narine and Andre Russell. Shah Rukh Khan emphasized the importance of these two players, stating that their absence would be a significant blow to the team.Russell, known for his flamboyant hairstyle, has become a fashion icon in the IPL. Shah Rukh Khan praised Russell's style and his close friendship with Rinku Singh, comparing them to the iconic Jai-Veeru duo from the classic film "Sholay."Gautam Gambhir, KKR's former captain and current mentor, has also played a pivotal role in the team's success. Shah Rukh Khan expressed his admiration for Gambhir, saying that his return to the franchise has been seamless.As KKR continues its quest for a third IPL title, Sunil Narine remains the heart and soul of the team. His all-round abilities, infectious spirit, and deep connection with the franchise make him an indispensable asset to the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the rising star of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 20-year-old all-rounder has showcased his exceptional batting prowess, guiding his team to victory against formidable opponents like Rajasthan Royals.Reddy's stellar performance against the Royals drew praise from cricketing experts. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif lauded his classy shot-making ability, particularly against experienced bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal. "Reaching there by using the shoulders and then smacking it straight for a six is not an easy task," Kaif remarked. "Inka naam sunenge aap, bhavishya mai bahut sunenge [You will hear his name; you will hear it a lot in the future]."Irfan Pathan, another former India all-rounder, echoed Kaif's sentiments, highlighting Reddy's potential as a future star in Indian cricket. "Indian selectors will keep an eye on him completely... He could be used in India A matches... He doesn't care what your reputation is," Pathan emphasized, praising Reddy's fearless approach to batting.Pathan further commended Reddy's composure under pressure, noting his ability to dominate top-quality bowlers like Chahal, Ravi Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, and Avesh Khan. "Everyone will notice," Pathan predicted, as Reddy notched up his second fifty of the season with a blistering 76 not out off 42 balls.Travis Head, SRH opener and witness to Reddy's onslaught, hailed his teammate's effortless knock. "Nitish played out of his skin... It made it look really easy," Head remarked, acknowledging Reddy's pivotal role in the partnership that yielded 96 runs off just 47 balls.Reddy's performance against the Royals was a testament to his growing maturity and confidence. Despite Head's dismissal, he remained unbeaten, guiding SRH past the 200-run mark for the fifth time in the season.With crucial partnerships and consistent performances, Nitish Kumar Reddy's star continues to rise in the cricketing world. His all-round abilities and fearless approach make him a valuable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad and a promising prospect for Indian cricket at large.

The tragic loss of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire left-arm spinner, has sent shockwaves through the English cricket community. At the tender age of 20, Baker's life was cut short, leaving an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and teammates.Baker's cricketing journey began at New Road, where he rose through the age-group ranks before signing his first professional contract with Worcestershire in 2021. In his brief but impactful career, he showcased his exceptional talent, claiming 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances.Beyond his bowling prowess, Baker was also a burgeoning allrounder. He demonstrated his batting abilities with two half-centuries, including a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in 2023. His most memorable moment came in Worcestershire's final match of the 2023 season against Yorkshire. With the club on the brink of promotion, Baker scored the crucial run that secured the second batting point and sent the visitors into raptures.Baker's popularity extended beyond his on-field performances. He was known for his infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and professionalism. His teammates and coaches alike praised his unwavering spirit and dedication to the game.In a poignant tribute, Worcestershire's chief executive, Ashley Giles, said, "Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family. We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh's family and friends."Ben Stokes, England's Test captain, also expressed his condolences, recalling a memorable encounter with Baker in 2022. Despite being hit for 34 runs in an over by Stokes, Baker received a message from the England skipper on WhatsApp, encouraging him to not let the experience define his season.The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) echoed the sentiments of the cricket community, expressing their heartbreak and offering support to Baker's family and teammates.As the Worcestershire cricket family mourns this immense loss, plans to pay tribute to Baker will be made in consultation with his family. The club has requested privacy during this sensitive time.Josh Baker's legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him. His talent, spirit, and unwavering determination will forever be etched in the annals of English cricket.

Marcus Stoinis, the all-rounder for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has revealed his favorite Indian dish, dal khichdi, which he has been enjoying during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stoinis's all-around performance helped LSG secure a four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling run-chase at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.In a video shared by the official IPL Twitter handle, Stoinis disclosed his go-to Indian dish, stating, "I have had six eggs, four hash browns, and three coffees. My current favorite Indian dish is dal khichdi. I've been feeling a bit under the weather, and I've been told it's a comforting and homely dish."Stoinis also discussed his bowling strategy during the powerplay, where he claimed the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. He explained that he enjoys bowling with the new ball and relies on his swing to generate wickets, despite not being the fastest bowler."I'm happy to bowl or bat anywhere. I love competing and the challenge, so give me the ball or the bat, and I'll give it my all," added Stoinis.In the ongoing IPL season, Stoinis has amassed 316 runs at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 151.92, including a century and two fifties. He has also taken four wickets.Stoinis admitted that negative press, pressure, and doubts about his abilities motivate him as a player. "I draw on that energy to give me a competitive mindset and focus on every contest," he said.Regarding the dismissal of Suryakumar, Stoinis acknowledged that it wasn't an exceptional delivery. "But you take those because there are times when you bowl good balls that go for boundaries. It was a bit of luck and fortune, but it was crucial for us to make early inroads," he added.Stoinis jokingly compared himself to the "Hulk" and his fellow Australian teammate Tim David, MI's finisher, to "Bigfoot." "We're close, and we play golf together. We talk about golf, but no Hulk or Bigfoot stuff. Although, he has a hairy back, so maybe I'm the Hulk, and he's Bigfoot," said Stoinis.In the match, LSG won the toss and elected to field. MI struggled from the outset, losing four wickets for 27 runs in the powerplay. Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David attempted to salvage the innings, but MI could only manage 144/7 in their 20 overs.Mohsin Khan was the standout bowler for LSG, claiming 2/36, while Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Naveen ul Haq, and Stoinis each took a wicket.In the run-chase, LSG also faced challenges from MI bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals. Stoinis' knock of 62 in 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, proved crucial in securing a four-wicket victory with four balls and four wickets remaining.Stoinis was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his all-around performance. LSG currently sits third in the IPL standings with six wins and four losses, while MI is ninth with three wins and seven losses.

Former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan has urged Indian cricket to reassess the importance placed on Hardik Pandya's role as an all-rounder, emphasizing the need for impactful performances in ICC tournaments. Pathan's remarks come amidst Pandya's struggles in the ongoing IPL season, sparking debates over his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Pathan highlighted the necessity for Pandya to deliver substantial contributions at the international level, particularly in ICC events. He emphasized that Pandya's potential alone is not sufficient and that he needs to make a tangible impact on the field.Expressing concern over the disparity between IPL performances and international cricket, Pathan advised Pandya to commit to consistent participation throughout the year, rather than selective appearances. He stressed the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach, drawing parallels with Australia's strategy of nurturing collective excellence over individual brilliance.Beyond Pandya's role, Pathan raised concerns about India's finishers and the effectiveness of the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. He noted that while India's top-order batting and middle-overs bowling are relatively settled, the team needs to address concerns in the finishing and fast bowling departments.Pathan emphasized the need for improvement in key areas, underscoring the significance of addressing these challenges to bolster India's prospects in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the importance of finding a reliable finisher with a high strike rate and improving the performance of the pace bowlers, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his belief that all-rounder Axar Patel will secure a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly highlighted Patel's versatility as a key factor in his selection, emphasizing his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball.Patel has impressed throughout the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, showcasing his bowling prowess with an impressive economy rate of 7.06. However, it is his batting that has caught Ganguly's attention. When promoted up the order against the Gujarat Titans, Patel displayed his power-hitting abilities, demonstrating his potential to provide valuable runs in the middle order."Axar is a certainty for the T20 World Cup," Ganguly stated. "He can bat at No. 8 and contribute 15-20 runs, which is crucial in T20 cricket. He can also smack spinners, making him a valuable asset."Ganguly, who serves as the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, praised Patel's all-around abilities, comparing him to fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Jadeja and Axar are incredibly talented and gifted," Ganguly said. "They can bat, bowl, and field, making them invaluable to any team."Ganguly also acknowledged Patel's batting prowess in Test cricket, highlighting his ability to score runs under pressure on turning pitches. "He has the ability to strike the ball and doesn't need time for technique in T20 cricket," Ganguly explained. "He's a tremendous cricketer who can contribute in all aspects of the game."In addition to Patel, Ganguly expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Pant has recovered well from his recent injuries and has been in impressive form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries."Rishabh will go to the T20 World Cup," Ganguly asserted. "He's a surety in the Indian team. He's a world-class player who can keep, bat, and captain."Ganguly acknowledged the competition for the wicketkeeper's spot, with players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention. However, he believes Pant's all-around abilities make him the standout choice.