Cricket

Liam Livingstone's stellar performances against Australia have propelled him to the pinnacle of the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. The English star has dethroned Marcus Stoinis, ascending seven places to claim the No. 1 spot.Livingstone's rise is attributed to his impressive all-round display in the two-match T20I series against Australia. He amassed 124 runs, including a match-winning 87 off 47 balls in Cardiff, and claimed five wickets.The series witnessed Livingstone's elevation to the No. 4 batting position, a role he relished. "I want that responsibility. I want to try to win games of cricket for England, and the higher up the order, the more chance you have of doing that," he stated.Livingstone's bowling also proved crucial, forming a formidable spin partnership with Adil Rashid. Their combined efforts helped England restrict Australia's explosive starts.In addition to his T20I success, Livingstone has earned a recall to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia, replacing the injured Jos Buttler.Meanwhile, Travis Head has solidified his position as the No. 1 T20I batsman, scoring 90 runs off 37 balls in the series. Adam Zampa's rise in the bowling rankings has resulted in the top six spots being occupied by spinners.Livingstone's ascent to the top of the all-rounder rankings is a testament to his versatility and match-winning abilities. His performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also contributed to England's success in the shortest format of the game.

Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian cricketer, earned the moniker "Haryana Hurricane" for his explosive all-around abilities and his origins from the state of Haryana. Born in Chandigarh on January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj quickly rose through the ranks of Indian cricket with his exceptional talent.The term "Hurricane" aptly describes Kapil's dynamic and whirlwind approach to the game. His bowling was fast, ferocious, and accurate, making him one of the most feared pacers of his time. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds left batsmen bewildered, much like the sudden onslaught of a hurricane. He could devastate batting line-ups with his sharp in-swingers and out-swingers. His bowling action, smooth yet aggressive, added to the impression of an unstoppable force of nature on the pitch.With the bat, Kapil was equally tempestuous. He was an aggressive lower-middle-order batsman capable of turning the game on its head in a matter of overs. His fearless batting, particularly during the 1983 World Cup, where he played a match-winning inning of 175 not out against Zimbabwe, became the stuff of legends. It was a performance that showcased his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, much like a hurricane altering landscapes.Kapil's leadership was another aspect that contributed to his nickname. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he led by example, inspiring his team to believe in themselves and fight against the odds. His captaincy during the 1983 World Cup, where he led India to its first-ever World Cup victory, was a perfect storm of strategy, aggression, and self-belief.The "Haryana Hurricane" was not just a nickname but a symbol of Kapil's approach to life and cricket. It embodied his roots in Haryana and his game-changing influence on the sport, forever etching his legacy in cricket history books.

Hardik Pandya's recent social media post showcasing his bowling skills with the red ball has sparked speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. The 30-year-old all-rounder has been absent from the format since 2018 due to injuries and has not played a first-class match since December 2018.Despite being approached for the World Test Championship final against Australia, Pandya declined, citing his reluctance to replace a regular red-ball player. However, his recent videos suggest he is preparing for a potential return to the longer format.Pandya remains India's premier pace-bowling all-rounder, but his absence from Test cricket has left a void in the team. His closest competitors, Shivam Dube and Nitish Reddy, have not yet matched his all-round abilities.However, Pandya's intentions regarding his Test future remain unclear. He has not communicated his plans to the team management, and without playing any domestic red-ball cricket, he cannot be directly selected for Test matches."It's heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he really spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?," a senior BCCI source questioned.It is understood that Pandya's participation in red-ball cricket for Baroda will be crucial in determining his Test prospects. If he performs well in domestic matches, he could earn a recall to the national team for the upcoming tour of Australia.Pandya's return to Test cricket would provide India with much-needed balance. He can contribute as a fourth pacer and a lower-order batsman, giving the team greater depth and flexibility. However, his availability and fitness will be key factors in his selection.

Liam Livingstone, the dynamic English all-rounder, is determined to use his promotion in the T20I team as a springboard to reclaim his spot in the ODI setup. Despite being a key figure in England's T20 World Cup campaigns, Livingstone was surprisingly omitted from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia.In the recent T20I against Australia, Livingstone showcased his versatility by top-scoring with 37 from No. 4 and claiming 3 for 22 with his legbreaks. He believes that his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset in both formats.Livingstone acknowledges that his recent struggles with injuries have hindered his progress. However, he is now fully fit and eager to prove his worth. He has been given the opportunity to bat at No. 4 in the T20I series, a role he prefers to the finisher position he has often occupied."I want that responsibility," Livingstone said. "I want to try to win games of cricket for England, and the higher up the order, the more chance you have of doing that."Despite being the second-oldest player in the T20I squad, Livingstone embraces the role of mentor to the younger players. He believes that the fresh environment and new coaching staff have brought a sense of renewal to the team."Things are going to change," Livingstone said. "That naturally happens when you bring in new players, but especially when you bring in new coaches as well. Things have felt different: it's like a new beginning."Livingstone's determination to regain his place in the ODI team is evident. He recognizes that his chances may be limited in the upcoming series due to the absence of Test players, but he is confident that his performances in the T20Is will put him in contention for the Champions Trophy in February."I'm not going to sit here and cry about not being picked," Livingstone said. "There's plenty of cricket to be played around the world, and if I'm not involved in the ODI stuff then there's plenty more opportunities."

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has expressed frustration over his fluctuating batting position in the team, referring to himself as a "tailender" in a recent media interaction. The 34-year-old has been frequently shuffled around the batting order in both T20Is and ODIs, a situation that seems to have left him dissatisfied.Iftikhar, who has primarily batted between No. 5 and No. 7 in his 66 T20Is, stated, "I am not a middle-order batter, I am a lower-order batter. I am not an all-rounder, I am a tailender. If you see, I bat at No. 7 or 8. And if you look at the all-rounders and middle-order batters around the world, you'd see they bat at No. 4 or 5. But I play at No. 7 and 8 and I think of myself as a tailender."His comments suggest a growing discontent with his role in Pakistan's lineup. Iftikhar has faced challenges with his form in recent months, with his last half-century for Pakistan coming in August 2023 against Nepal during the Asia Cup. Despite his experience, he has struggled to find consistency at the international level, particularly with the bat.In his T20I career, Iftikhar has scored 998 runs at an average of 24.34 and a strike rate of 129.10, including four half-centuries. In ODIs, he has amassed 614 runs across 28 matches, averaging 38.37 with a strike rate of 106.59, with one century and one fifty to his name.Primarily known for his power-hitting and off-spin, Iftikhar's statement suggests that his current role does not align with his self-perception of his batting and playing potential. His candid comments highlight his dissatisfaction with his batting order, indicating that he may feel underutilized or misplaced in the team's strategy.The Pakistan team management's decision to frequently move Iftikhar around the order might be an attempt to leverage his skills in different match situations. However, it appears that Iftikhar himself is not content with this approach, as seen from his latest statements.

Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, has bid farewell to international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 37-year-old announced his retirement from all formats of the game.Ali's decision stems from his omission from England's squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia. "I'm 37 years old and didn't get picked for this month's Australia series," he explained. "I've played a lot of cricket for England. It's time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt the time was right. I've done my part."Since his international debut in 2014, Ali has amassed an impressive record across all formats. In 68 Tests, he scored 2,914 runs, including eight centuries and 28 half-centuries, while claiming 195 wickets. In 138 ODIs, he contributed 2,417 runs and 87 wickets, and in 92 T20Is, he scored 1,347 runs and 84 wickets.Ali's last international appearance came in England's semi-final defeat to India at the T20 World Cup in Guyana. Reflecting on his career, he expressed immense pride in his achievements. "When you first play for England, you don't know how many games you're going to play. So to play nearly 300…My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs [Eoin Morgan] took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun. But Test cricket was the proper cricket."Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ali remains passionate about the game and plans to continue playing franchise cricket. He has already signed up as a replacement player for defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In the past year, he has also represented Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, and Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Beyond playing, Ali aspires to pursue a career in coaching. "Coaching is something I want to do -- I want to be one of the best," he said. "I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]. I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me."Moeen Ali's retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. His all-round abilities and infectious personality will be sorely missed by fans and teammates alike. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration.

Delhi Capitals' Lalit Yadav, a promising all-rounder, has expressed his confidence in filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20I cricket. Yadav, who has been in impressive form for his IPL franchise, believes he has the skills and determination to step into the role."I definitely see myself in the race for the all-rounder slot," Yadav told PTI Videos. "Playing for India and wearing the jersey is my biggest motivation."Yadav, 27, has been playing for Purani Dilli 6 in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). While his batting performance has been underwhelming so far, he remains optimistic about his abilities."I'm not satisfied with my performance in the DPL, but I'm hungry for the next few games," he said. "I consider this an average performance."Despite his recent struggles, Yadav is confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. He believes the IPL is a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills."There are many talented players in our state," Yadav said. "If I perform better, people will notice. I focus on what I can control."As captain of Purani Dilli 6, Yadav feels no pressure in leading the side. He believes the team has the potential to qualify for the playoffs."We have a positive gut feeling that we will qualify," he said. "We're looking to carry the momentum from our last win."Yadav also praised the DPL for providing a platform for young players to develop their skills. He believes the tournament will continue to improve in the future."The players are starting to become professionals gradually," Yadav said. "They're getting used to playing at a high level."

Venkatesh Iyer, the Indian all-rounder, is set to return home after completing his stint with Lancashire in England. Iyer has played five List A matches and one first-class game for the County side, but his performances have been underwhelming.In the One-Day Cup, Iyer scored 15, 4, 9, 15, and 25, while taking three wickets. In the County Championship match against Surrey, he registered scores of 4 and 15.Despite his lackluster performances, Iyer remained in good spirits during a fun video session with Lancashire. When asked to choose between two players, Iyer consistently picked his Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Phil Salt.However, when faced with the choice between Brendon McCullum and MS Dhoni, Iyer毫不犹豫地选择了Dhoni。Dhoni的名字随后与Virat Kohli相提并论，但Iyer仍然选择了Dhoni。当Dhoni的名字与Sachin Tendulkar一起出现时，Iyer犹豫了几秒钟，然后微笑着说：“MS Dhoni。”Iyer在2021年印度超级联赛赛季中确立了自己作为一名强大的顶级击球手的身份。他在那届比赛中的出色表现帮助他获得了印度白球国际赛的征召。除了击球能力外，Iyer还作为一名缝合球手带来了宝贵的技能。

Ben Stokes, England's talismanic all-rounder, is on the mend and on track to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury in time for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in October. Stokes sustained the injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred two-and-a-half weeks ago, ruling him out for the remainder of the English summer.Despite his absence, Stokes has remained with the England squad during their ongoing series against Sri Lanka, batting in the nets at Lord's ahead of Thursday's second Test. England are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 2, with the first Test set to commence five days later in Multan.A return to full fitness for Stokes would be a significant boost to England's chances in Pakistan, where they triumphed 3-0 in their most recent tour in 2022. During that series, Stokes bowled only 35 overs due to a chronic knee injury.Stokes expressed his eagerness to return to action, describing it as "scratching an itch." He emphasized his gradual progress in rehab and his belief that being surrounded by the medical team would expedite his recovery.England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, praised Stokes's dedication and believes he will be "as fresh as anyone" heading into the winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. Pope highlighted Stokes's ability to improve his game during injury setbacks and his positive impact on the squad.Zak Crawley, who is also missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, visited Lord's on Tuesday and is targeting a return for the Pakistan tour in October. Mark Wood, another injured player, has been replaced by Olly Stone in England's XI for the second Test at Lord's.Pope expressed his excitement for Stone to showcase his abilities as a high-pace bowler, despite acknowledging that he may not reach Wood's top speeds. Stokes commended Pope's seamless transition into his interim role and enjoyed observing the team's performance from the dressing room in Manchester.