Cricket

India's T20 World Cup squad boasts an impressive quartet of all-rounders, and captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized their crucial role in the team's success. The squad includes pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, as well as left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who can all contribute significantly with the bat.Rohit acknowledged the versatility and balance that these all-rounders bring to the team. He stated, "In fast-bowling all-rounders we have Hardik and Dube while Jadeja and Axar give us options in the spin department." The captain emphasized the need to utilize these players effectively throughout the tournament, depending on the conditions and the team's needs.The spin attack also features wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, adding to the team's potency. Rohit acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conditions and emphasized the importance of finding the best combination that suits the team's needs, whether it involves playing all three spinners or relying on the seamers.India had the benefit of playing a warm-up match against Bangladesh before facing Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA in the tournament proper. Rohit cautioned against expecting high scores similar to those witnessed in the recent IPL, given the behavior of the pitch at Nassau County ground on Monday.The team carries the weight of immense expectations, having not won an ICC title since 2013. Rohit shared his thoughts on the team's mindset entering the tournament, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and playing as a cohesive unit. He said, "I am just going to go and play the way I can and get everyone together to play as a team."Rohit is also excited about playing in New York for the first time. He expressed, "From the time you arrived in New York, pending only 10 minutes at immigration, which is very rare, doesn't happen. So you can make out that the buzz is there, even the locals here are quite intrigued by a cricket tournament happening, a world cup happening here."

Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan, two cricketing legends, are set to make history by becoming the only players to have participated in every edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. Their remarkable journey in the tournament is a testament to their enduring talent and resilience.Rohit Sharma, the elegant batsman and strategic captain, has been a cornerstone of India's T20 World Cup campaigns. In 39 matches across eight editions, he has amassed 963 runs at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, with nine half-centuries to his name. His leadership qualities and experience will be invaluable for India in the upcoming tournament.Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder extraordinaire, has been equally influential for Bangladesh. He has scored 742 runs in 36 matches at an average of 23.93 and a strike rate of 122.44, including three half-centuries. With 47 wickets, he is also the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. His versatility and match-winning abilities make him a crucial asset for Bangladesh.Both players are making significant comebacks for this edition of the T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma returns to the Indian T20I squad after a two-year hiatus, while Shakib Al Hasan has successfully recovered from an eye injury. Their presence will provide stability and guidance to their respective teams.India are in Group A for the 2024 T20 World Cup, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Canada, and Ireland. Bangladesh are in Group D, facing South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal. Both teams will rely heavily on their seasoned veterans, Rohit and Shakib, to navigate the group stages and advance to the knockout rounds.As they prepare for another campaign, Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan will look to add another chapter to their storied careers. Their performances will be crucial for their teams and will undoubtedly captivate fans around the world.

Rashid Khan will lead an experienced Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. The 15-man squad boasts eight players currently involved in the IPL, showcasing their international experience and talent.Despite having only four designated batters in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and Mohammad Ishaq, the squad's strength lies in its six allrounders. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, and Nangeyalia Kharote provide a versatile blend of batting, bowling, and fielding abilities.Afghanistan's spin attack is formidable, with Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Kharote forming the core. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad add depth to the spin department, giving the team multiple options to control the opposition's scoring rate.Naveen-ul-Haq is the lone right-arm fast bowler in the squad, while left-arm pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad complete the bowling attack. Their pace and variation will be crucial in containing the opposition's batters.Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Mohammad Ishaq, who have all impressed in recent U-19 World Cups, will make their T20 World Cup debuts. Their inclusion signals Afghanistan's commitment to developing young talent and building a strong future for the team.Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not selected for the T20 World Cup squad. Left-hand opener Hazratullah Zazai was also omitted from the main squad but will travel as one of three reserves alongside Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Saleem.Afghanistan will face a tough challenge in Group C of the 20-team tournament. They will encounter Test teams New Zealand and co-hosts West Indies, as well as Uganda and Papua New Guinea. The team's experience and versatility will be tested as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.

Axar Patel, the versatile left-arm spinner and batsman for Delhi Capitals, has expressed concerns over the potential impact of the 'Impact Player' rule on the role of all-rounders in cricket. The rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, allows teams to substitute players during innings, raising questions about the value of players who excel in both batting and bowling.Patel, who played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals' victory over Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, believes that the rule could marginalize all-rounders. "As an all-rounder, I feel that an all-rounder's role is in danger with the Impact Player rule," he said. "Every team is looking to play either a pure batter or a pure bowler as the Impact Player, and the all-rounders are not being used."Patel's concerns echo those of other prominent cricketers, including Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former players. The rule has sparked debate and scrutiny, with some arguing that it undermines the importance of all-rounders and creates confusion in team selection.Despite his reservations about the Impact Player rule, Patel delivered a standout performance against Gujarat Titans. Promoted to number three in the batting order, he counterattacked with a blistering 43-ball 66, helping Delhi Capitals recover from a precarious 44/3 to post a formidable total of 224/4.Patel's innings was a testament to his all-round abilities. He not only provided a much-needed boost to the team's batting but also claimed a wicket in the defense of their total. His performance highlights the value of players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.However, Patel believes that the Impact Player rule could diminish the significance of all-rounders. With teams opting for specialized batters or bowlers as substitutes, all-rounders may find themselves relegated to a secondary role. This could have implications for the development of young players who aspire to excel in both batting and bowling.As the IPL season progresses, the Impact Player rule will continue to be a topic of discussion. Patel's concerns raise important questions about the future of all-rounders in cricket and the impact of rule changes on the game's dynamics.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a hotbed of debate regarding the Impact Player substitution rule, introduced last season. Lucknow Super Giants consultant Adam Voges has weighed in on the matter, expressing his preference for a rule similar to the 'Power Surge' in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL).The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, with the replaced player being ineligible to return. Voges believes this rule detracts from the value of all-rounders, as teams can now bring in a specialist batter or bowler at a crucial stage of the game."The scores have been going up, and the teams have got genuine batters coming in at number seven or eight, while the batters have gone hard right from the start," Voges said. "Certainly makes for entertaining cricket, but it takes the all-rounders out of the game for a little bit and their effectiveness."Voges suggests that the Power Surge rule, which allows the batting team to designate a two-over phase with only two fielders outside the circle, would be a more balanced alternative. "I like the Power Surge back at home. It just adds another element to the game," he said. "While chasing, you never feel like you are out of the game."Voges' comments come after Lucknow Super Giants' six-wicket victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Marcus Stoinis, promoted to number three in the batting order, played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 124. Voges praised Stoinis' performance, attributing it to his success as a top-order batter in the BBL.The dew factor also played a significant role in the match, with Voges acknowledging that it was a good toss to win. "At the halfway stage, we could feel the dew on the outfield, and it played a part in the back end of the game. In the end, it was a good toss to win," he said.Despite the challenges posed by the dew, Lucknow Super Giants executed their plans effectively, with Stoinis' innings proving to be the match-winner. "It was a tremendous game of cricket. The batting from both sides was outstanding," Voges said. "CSK did put us under pressure with the ball, but it was our best night execution-wise. We needed someone to stand up, and Stoinis played an outstanding innings."

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), has sparked controversy among Indian cricketers. Delhi Capitals allrounder Axar Patel and teammate Mukesh Kumar have joined India captain Rohit Sharma in expressing concerns about the rule's impact on allrounders and bowlers.Axar believes that the rule has affected his batting position, as teams prioritize using a specialist batsman as the Impact Player. "As an allrounder, I know that they will either take a proper batsman or a bowler, not an allrounder," he said.Mukesh, a fast bowler, argues that the rule is unfair to bowlers, as it provides no respite even if they dismiss four batters quickly. "With 12 players, even if four wickets are down, the next player is not scared of getting out or making the team stable, they come and play their shots," he said.David Warner, Axar's teammate, acknowledges that the rule has diminished the role of allrounders but sees it as an opportunity for captains to adapt tactically. "We are adapting as cricketers, so we're enjoying that and and it's also tactically when you're sitting on the bench, you know, if you're not scoring runs, then you can put that batsman in," he said.Michael Hussey, Chennai Super Kings' batting coach, believes the rule has made IPL games more entertaining but admits it can be challenging for bowlers. "It's hard for bowlers, especially if the conditions are good for batting because the batting orders are lengthened and batsmen have more freedom to come out and continue to go hard," he said.The Impact Player rule has sparked a debate about the balance between entertainment and fairness in cricket. While it has added an element of unpredictability and excitement to the IPL, it remains to be seen whether it will have a long-term impact on the development of allrounders and the role of bowlers in T20 cricket.

The "impact player" rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023, has sparked a debate among cricket experts. While some believe it adds excitement to the game, others argue that it undermines the role of all-rounders.IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has acknowledged the mixed reactions to the rule, stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is open to reviewing it after the current season. "We will definitely look into it and discuss with all parties involved," Dhumal said.The rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench with an "impact player" at any point during the match. This player can be used as a batter, bowler, or fielder, providing teams with tactical flexibility.However, critics argue that the rule marginalizes all-rounders, who are now less likely to get a chance to bowl or bat. India captain Rohit Sharma, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has expressed his concerns about the impact on all-rounders."I am not a big fan of the impact sub rule," Sharma said. "It is going to hold all-rounders back. Cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. You are taking so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around."Sharma believes that the rule gives teams an unfair advantage if they bat well and don't lose wickets, as they can add another bowler to their lineup. He also argues that it reduces the importance of the No. 7 and No. 8 batters.Despite the concerns raised by Sharma and others, Dhumal emphasized that the BCCI is open to feedback and will consider all perspectives before making a decision on the future of the rule.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has revealed that he has opted to stay at home during Mumbai Indians' home matches in the ongoing IPL 2024. This decision marks a departure from his previous practice of staying with his teammates at the team hotel.In a recent interview, Rohit explained that he prefers to stay at home when matches are held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He arrives at the stadium an hour before team meetings and spends the rest of his time with his family."I am staying at home actually. The last four matches Mumbai Indians played here (Wankhede), I was staying at home. Just going an hour before when we have the team meeting. It's been good, a little different but good," Rohit said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.Rohit also shared his views on the Impact Player Rule introduced in the IPL this season. He expressed concerns that it could hinder the development of young all-rounders."I genuinely feel it is going to hold back the development of all-rounders because eventually cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. So I am not a big fan of the Impact Player Rule because you are taking so much from the game just to make it a little more entertaining for the people around you. But just in the cricketing aspect of it, I feel guys like Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube are not getting to bowl, which is not a good thing for us (India)," Rohit said.While acknowledging the entertainment value of the rule, Rohit emphasized that it could compromise the integrity of the game."It is entertaining though, as there are 12 players to select from and whoever that Impact player is, can see how the game is going and change it based on what you need, and how the pitch is behaving. If you bat well and don't lose too many wickets, you can add a bowler, which gives you the option of having 6-7 bowlers. You don't need that extra batter because a lot of the teams upfront are batting well and you hardly see No. 7 or 8 coming to bat," he added.

Rohit Sharma Expresses Concerns Over 'Impact Player' Rule Ahead of T20 World CupMumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has voiced his reservations about the 'impact player' rule introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that it could have detrimental effects on Team India's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.The 'impact player' rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench after the first innings, providing them with an additional tactical option. However, Rohit believes that this rule could hinder the development of all-rounders, who are crucial for India's success in the shortest format."I am not a big fan of the Impact sub rule," Rohit said in a recent podcast. "It is going to hold all-rounders back. Eventually, cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. You are taking so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around."Rohit pointed out that all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are not getting enough bowling opportunities due to the 'impact player' rule. This, he believes, could be a major concern for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, where all-rounders play a pivotal role."If you look just from the cricketing aspect of it, I feel guys like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar aren't getting to bowl, which for us is not a good thing," Rohit said. "I don't know what you can do about it. There are 12 players for you, it is entertaining, you can bring on the impact player after watching how the game is going, how the pitch is behaving."Rohit's concerns were echoed by former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who co-hosted the podcast. Gilchrist expressed concerns that the 'impact player' rule could compromise the integrity of cricket for the sake of entertainment."I think it has added something special," Gilchrist said. "It's all built for spectators and for their entertainment. But you are compromising the fundamental of cricket. Why T20 was so entertaining, because you were not compromising with the integrity of cricket."Gilchrist pointed out that the number of high-scoring matches in the IPL has increased significantly since the introduction of the 'impact player' rule, suggesting that it may be encouraging teams to take more risks and play more aggressively."It is 11 vs 11, same size field, the field restrictions are also the same," Gilchrist said. "There was no gimmick needed. I think it is a bit concerning."Rohit and Gilchrist's concerns highlight the potential impact of the 'impact player' rule on the development of all-rounders and the overall balance of the game. As Team India prepares for the T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the rule will have a positive or negative effect on their chances of success.