Cricket

Hardik Pandya's resurgence as an all-rounder for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 has silenced critics who questioned his place in the team. After a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign and fitness struggles, Pandya has rediscovered his form, delivering crucial performances for India.Ahead of India's match against Australia, Pandya hit back at critics who doubted his all-round abilities. "I've bowled for every team. It's become a topic of discussion," he said. "I need to work hard to fire on all cylinders. It gives me extra opportunity to contribute and lifts my confidence."In India's victory over Bangladesh, Pandya was named Player of the Match for his half-century and wicket. He acknowledged the team's unity and execution of plans. "We have played really good cricket," he said. "We can get better in some areas, but we are looking good."Pandya's return to form is a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite a serious injury, he remained focused on his recovery. "I wanted to come back, but God had other plans," he said. "Luck comes to people who work hard."India's final Super 8 match against Australia will be a crucial test for Pandya and the team. If they can maintain their momentum, they have a strong chance of reaching the semifinals. Pandya's all-round contributions will be vital to India's success.

Tom Curran, the dynamic English all-rounder, has inked a two-year deal with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). This commitment ensures his presence for the entire duration of the tournament, marking a significant acquisition for the Stars.Curran's previous BBL experience includes four seasons with the Sydney Sixers. However, his 2023-24 campaign was marred by controversy when he received a four-match suspension for intimidating an umpire. A subsequent knee injury prematurely ended his tournament.Despite these setbacks, Curran's impressive BBL record remains intact. In 36 matches, he has claimed 51 wickets at an exceptional average of 19.76 and an economical rate of 8.25. His batting prowess is equally noteworthy, with 359 runs scored at a blistering strike rate of 143.60.Curran's signing falls under the BBL's new multi-year contract option, which allows clubs to secure one overseas player before the draft. Players joining under this agreement are obligated to remain for the entire tournament, including finals, from the 2025-26 season onwards. Curran, however, will adhere to this requirement for both years of his contract.Sam Billings holds the distinction of being the first player to sign a multi-year deal in the BBL, having joined the Sydney Thunder. Curran expressed his excitement about joining the Stars, particularly the prospect of playing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He emphasized his desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the team's success.In an interview with the Stars, Curran revealed that Glenn Maxwell played a pivotal role in his decision to join the club. The pair had previously shared a dressing room at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Curran also praised the coaching expertise of Peter Moores, who will lead the Stars in the upcoming season.With Maxwell stepping down as captain, the Stars are in search of a new leader. Marcus Stoinis has expressed his interest in the role. The Stars hold the first pick in the overseas draft, scheduled for early September, which will further bolster their squad.

Hardik Pandya's stellar all-round performance against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup has propelled India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Batting at No. 6, Pandya smashed a crucial half-century and claimed a wicket, guiding India to a commanding 50-run victory.Pandya's batting prowess has been a consistent strength for India throughout the tournament. He became the first Indian No. 6 to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup match, amassing 89 runs with a strike rate of 141. His ability to accelerate the innings and provide late-order impetus has been invaluable.Indian skipper Rohit Sharma hailed Pandya's contributions, emphasizing his batting's impact on the team's success. "His batting puts us in a good stead. We want to finish well, and Hardik being Hardik, we know what he is capable of," Sharma said.Other Indian batters also played significant roles in the victory. Virat Kohli contributed 37 runs, while Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube added 36 and 34, respectively. Rohit Sharma himself set an aggressive tone with 23 runs off 11 balls.Sharma praised the team's execution of the game plan, highlighting the importance of all batters contributing. "All eight batters need to play their role. We saw one guy get 50 and we got 197. In T20, we don't need to get fifties and hundreds; what matters is the pressure you put on the bowlers," he said.Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged that his team allowed India to score at least 30 runs more than the par score. He also pointed out the lack of intent in Bangladesh's batting, particularly in the first six overs.The victory against Bangladesh has boosted India's chances of reaching the semi-finals. With two wins from three matches, India is well-positioned to qualify for the knockout stage. Pandya's all-round brilliance has been a key factor in India's success, and his continued contributions will be crucial as the tournament progresses.

Marcus Stoinis Ascends to Top of ICC T20I All-Rounder RankingsMarcus Stoinis of Australia has emerged as the world's leading all-rounder in the latest ICC T20I rankings, dethroning Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi. Stoinis's exceptional performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where he has claimed six wickets and made significant contributions with the bat, have propelled him to the summit of the standings.Nabi, the former top-ranked all-rounder, has slipped three places to fourth position, behind Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, who have ascended to second and third positions, respectively.The rankings also reflect the impressive displays of West Indies' bowlers in the tournament. Akeal Hosein has soared six positions to become the second-ranked bowler, trailing only England's Adil Rashid. Alzarri Joseph has climbed six spots to 11th place, while Gudakesh Motie has surged 16 places to 13th.West Indies' wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has also made significant strides, jumping eight places to 11th. Additionally, Sherfane Rutherford has climbed 43 places to 42nd.India's Suryakumar Yadav remains unchallenged as the top-ranked batter in the T20 format. Phil Salt, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan maintain their positions as the second, third, and fourth-ranked batters, respectively.

Essex County Cricket Club has bolstered its bowling attack with the acquisition of South African all-rounder Eathan Bosch on a short-term deal. The 26-year-old will feature in four Vitality County Championship matches as Essex aims to maintain its title challenge.Bosch, a right-arm fast bowler, has impressed in South Africa's domestic circuit, claiming 92 wickets in 38 first-class appearances. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a valuable addition to Essex's seam attack."I'm thrilled to be here," said Bosch. "It was an easy decision to make, and I'm eager to contribute to the Eagles' success. I'm excited to showcase my skills and learn from the experienced players in the team."Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath welcomed Bosch's arrival, highlighting his experience and versatility. "Eathan is a fantastic addition to our squad," said McGrath. "His ability to bowl in different conditions will enhance our attack. He will also push our other bowlers to perform at their best."Bosch's batting prowess is another asset for Essex. He has scored a century and seven fifties in first-class cricket, averaging 22.89. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset in the lower order.Bosch's signing comes as Essex loaned seamer Ben Allison to Worcestershire for two Championship fixtures. McGrath explained that this move will provide Allison with valuable game time. "This is an excellent opportunity for Ben to gain experience," said McGrath. "He is a talented cricketer, and we believe this loan will benefit his development."Essex currently sits two points behind leaders Surrey in the County Championship standings. Bosch's arrival is expected to strengthen their title bid as they face Durham at Chelmsford in their next fixture.

Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, is renowned for his exceptional talent and unwavering focus. A recent anecdote shared by former Pakistan spinner Imran Tahir sheds light on Kallis's remarkable abilities and the unique approach he adopted before batting.During an online chat with former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, Tahir recounted an incident from his early Test career. Playing against Sri Lanka in Cape Town, Tahir witnessed Kallis fast asleep in the dressing room just before he was due to bat at number three.Tahir's initial concern turned into astonishment as he observed Kallis's nonchalant demeanor. Despite the gravity of the situation, Kallis remained unperturbed. As soon as Alviro Petersen was dismissed, Kallis opened his eyes, grabbed his bat, and casually walked out to the crease.To Tahir's disbelief, Kallis proceeded to score an unbeaten 237, leaving him in a state of shock. Latif remarked that such behavior would have resulted in a hefty fine in the Pakistan dressing room, while Tahir quipped that the player would have been banned from playing altogether.Kallis's ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a testament to his exceptional mental strength. His unique approach to batting, which involved sleeping before an innings, allowed him to clear his mind and enter the crease with a clear and composed mindset.This anecdote highlights the extraordinary talent and dedication that made Jacques Kallis one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. His ability to perform at the highest level, even in the most challenging situations, is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Namibia's David Wiese, a seasoned all-rounder, has announced his retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of their T20 World Cup 2024 group stage match against England. The decision marks the end of a remarkable career for the 39-year-old, who has played a pivotal role in Namibia's rise in international cricket.Wiese's retirement announcement came after he was dismissed by Jofra Archer in the final over of Namibia's chase in a rain-curtailed match in North Sound. As he walked off the field, he received a warm ovation from the crowd and handshakes from the England players."I'm 39 years old now, so in terms of international cricket, I don't know if there's much left in me," Wiese said in the post-match press conference. "I've had a lot of good times with Namibia, and to play my last game for them possibly at a World Cup against a world-class team like England, it just seemed like the right time."Wiese, who typically bats in the middle order, was promoted to No. 3 for Namibia's chase of 126 in 10 overs. He smashed 27 off 12 with two fours and two sixes before holing out at long-on.Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus praised Wiese's impact on the team. "He's a great guy on the field in terms of performance, but off the field, he is someone we have really learned a lot from and he's inspired us to new heights and greater heights," Erasmus said.England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow also commended Wiese's career. "I think it's a huge credit to him the career that he's had in international cricket and he's going to be a big miss for those guys," Bairstow said.Originally from South Africa, Wiese became eligible to play for Namibia five years after his decision to go Kolpak in 2016. He made his debut for Namibia in the first round of the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in getting them to the Super 12 stage.He has played in three consecutive T20 World Cups for Namibia now. Wiese was the standout performer in Namibia's only win in the 2024 campaign, returning figures of 3 for 28 against Oman before starring with both bat and ball in the Super Over.In total, Wiese has played 34 T20Is for Namibia, scoring 532 runs and returning 35 wickets. He has also played nine ODIs for them, scoring 228 runs and taking six wickets. In all, he has played 54 T20Is and 15 ODIs.While Wiese is retiring from international cricket, he could continue playing franchise cricket. In the last 12 months, he has played in various leagues around the world, including the CSA T20 Challenge, the PSL, SA20, Hundred, and the Blast.

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth has heaped praise on Team India's T20 World Cup vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has been in scintillating form with the ball in the ongoing tournament. Pandya has impressed with his blistering pace and wicket-taking ability, drawing comparisons to Australia's Marcus Stoinis.Sreesanth believes that Pandya's bowling has been exceptional, despite being considered a part-time bowler. "He doesn't look like a part-time bowler. He can pick the new ball, and he can bowl those cutters. I think he is doing what Stoinis is doing for the Australia team, getting those crucial wickets and bowling those crucial overs," Sreesanth told ANI.Pandya's performances have been a welcome sight for India, especially after facing criticism for his captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, on the international stage, he has regained his form and showcased his prowess as a genuine all-rounder.Sreesanth also praised Pandya's ability to perform under pressure. "His performance gets better when the match is good. He keeps the players together. So that is a great quality," he said.Despite India's strong playing XI, there are still some top stars waiting for their chance, including Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav. Sreesanth is optimistic about India's chances of lifting the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007, citing the team's depth and experience."Absolutely, if we talk about Virat and Rohit, what a great brotherhood, and one can learn a lot of things from them. They have a lot of experience, they can win matches from any position. We have Rishabh Pant. What a story, not just for cricket but even for life. He is such an inspirational guy," Sreesanth said."We have so much talent if you look at Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah with the way he is bowling, Hardik Pandya, and even Chahal, one of the best bowlers, sitting out. Sanju and even Kuldeep are missing out on games. We have such great bench strength," he concluded.