Cricket

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the rising star of Indian cricket, acknowledges the daunting task of filling the void left by Virat Kohli's retirement from the number three position in T20Is. Recognizing the immense legacy of the legendary batsman, Gaikwad emphasizes the importance of focusing on his own contributions rather than attempting to replicate Kohli's achievements.Despite the departure of experienced players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 format, Gaikwad remains unfazed. He believes that this transition presents opportunities for emerging talents like himself to step up and make a mark. With his impressive batting skills, Gaikwad has the potential to secure the number three spot in the batting order.However, Gaikwad is not fixated on a specific batting position. He is willing to adapt to any role that the team management assigns him. His primary focus is on making significant contributions to the team's success, regardless of where he bats.In the initial two T20Is against Zimbabwe, Gaikwad has been entrusted with the crucial number three spot. However, he clarifies that he has no specific preference regarding his batting position. He believes that there is not much difference between opening and batting at number three, as both roles require facing the new ball.Gaikwad's experience as captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has enhanced his involvement in the game. He feels more responsible and engaged, but emphasizes that this added responsibility has not impacted his batting performance.Abhishek Sharma, a young opening batsman, recently praised Gaikwad's guidance and support during his explosive century in the second T20I match against Zimbabwe. Gaikwad highlights the importance of communication and sharing insights with batting partners to maintain a balanced outlook and make informed decisions during matches.

Virat Kohli's recent struggles as an opening batter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 have sparked a heated debate about his form and role within the Indian team. Traditionally a No. 3 batter, Kohli has faced calls to move down the batting order and allow someone like Rishabh Pant to take his place alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.However, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that such a move would not damage Kohli's confidence. Ashwin, who is not part of India's squad for the T20 World Cup, feels that if Kohli is moved down to the No. 3 spot, he might get pumped up and prove his doubters wrong."There is no chance for a player like Virat Kohli to damage his confidence. He will say, 'you brought me down to number 3, I will show you who I am.' That's how he will bat, first of all. I am saying this because I know him," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.Despite Kohli's poor performances in the three matches he has played at the T20 World Cup, the question of him being dropped from the playing XI does not arise. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who has had the chance to observe Kohli's physiology, feels that the man is still oozing with confidence."Virat Kohli's physiology, after the previous match, I saw a glimpse of it. Maybe five seconds. Him interacting with some of the players and talking to the support staff. When you see his physiology, you can tell that man is exuding supreme confidence. And that comes from a place of knowing about his own game and the confidence in his own ability. So, he knows that this is just a blip in the radar," Uthappa said during the chat with Ashwin.Kohli's struggles have coincided with India's poor start to the T20 World Cup. The team has lost two of its three matches and is in danger of being eliminated from the tournament. However, Ashwin believes that Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial for India's chances of turning things around."Virat Kohli is a big player. He has been a big player for India for a long time. He has won many matches for India. He is a match-winner. So, I don't think we should be worried about him. He will come good," Ashwin said.

Virat Kohli's recent string of underwhelming performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a debate among cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has proposed a bold solution: shifting Kohli down to the number three batting position.Kaif believes that Kohli's struggles in the opening slot stem from the challenging seaming conditions in the tournament. He argues that Kohli's aggressive style of play is better suited to the middle order, where he can take his time to settle in and analyze the game."At number three, Virat Kohli will play his natural game," Kaif explained. "He will have time to settle and analyze the game. Scoring 50-60 runs would be great for him. His stats at this position in previous World Cups are impressive."Kaif also suggests that Rishabh Pant, who has been batting at number five, could move up to open alongside Rohit Sharma. This would create a left-right combination at the top of the order, with Kohli following at number three and Suryakumar Yadav at number four.Kohli's difficulties were evident in India's Group A match against the United States, where he was dismissed for a golden duck. This was his first golden duck in T20 World Cups and his second in the shortest format.Despite Kohli's struggles, India advanced to the Super Eight stage of the tournament with a seven-wicket victory over the United States. Suryakumar Yadav's half-century and Arshdeep Singh's four-wicket haul were crucial in India securing their third straight win.Whether Kaif's suggestion to change Kohli's batting order will be implemented remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Kohli's form is a concern for India as they look to defend their T20 World Cup title.

Ian Bishop, a renowned cricket commentator, has strongly advocated for Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the batting for India in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about Jaiswal's recent form in the IPL, Bishop believes his left-handedness and quality make him an ideal choice for the top order.Bishop's endorsement comes amidst speculation that Jaiswal may be overlooked in favor of experienced veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Bishop argues that Jaiswal's left-handedness would provide diversity to the batting lineup and pose different challenges for opposing bowlers."If Jaiswal is in that XI, he brings quality when he is in form, and also the left-handedness. So you're asking different questions of the bowling opposition," Bishop explained.Bishop's opinion differs from that of Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, who has suggested Jaiswal bat at number three. However, Bishop maintains his preference for Kohli as an opener."I like Virat Kohli at the top, I have said that for the last couple of years, not just for this tournament," Bishop said.Bishop also emphasized the importance of diversity in the batting order, selecting Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batsman due to Pant's left-handedness. Despite Samson's impressive IPL performance in 2024, Bishop believes Pant's recent form and higher strike rate make him a more suitable choice.India's quest for a second T20 World Cup title begins on June 5 against Ireland in New York. Bishop's insights and analysis provide valuable perspectives on the team's potential lineup and strategies for success in the tournament.

Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I has sparked criticism from former all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who has played over 400 international matches for Pakistan, believes the team management needs to make significant changes to its batting order and strategy.Malik's primary concern is the team's batting order. He suggests that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, followed by Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan. This order, he believes, would provide a more balanced and experienced lineup.Malik also emphasizes the importance of giving finishers like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed adequate time in the middle. He argues that expecting them to start scoring at a high rate immediately is unrealistic and unfair. Instead, the captain should allow them to settle in and gradually increase their scoring rate.In addition to the batting order, Malik also believes the team needs to utilize its options on the bench more wisely. He suggests that players like Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali could provide valuable contributions if given the opportunity.Malik's comments highlight the need for strategic adjustments within the Pakistan team. As they prepare for the remaining matches in the series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, the team management must carefully consider his suggestions and make the necessary changes to improve their performance on the international stage.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans were left bewildered on Sunday as MS Dhoni, the team's iconic captain, batted at an unprecedented No. 9 position against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The decision raised eyebrows, as Dhoni has traditionally been a middle-order mainstay throughout his illustrious career.The bizarre move came after CSK suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse, losing four wickets in quick succession. Shardul Thakur was sent in ahead of Dhoni, remaining at the crease for 11 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over.Dhoni's eventual appearance at No. 9 marked the first time he had batted so low in his T20 career. However, his stay was brief, lasting just one ball. PBKS pacer Harshal Patel deceived Dhoni with a slow yorker, clean bowling the veteran batter for a golden duck.It was the first time Dhoni had been dismissed by a bowler in this IPL season, his only previous dismissal coming via a run-out. The bizarre batting order decision sparked a flurry of memes on social media, with fans expressing their amusement and bewilderment.Dhoni's struggles against Harshal Patel continued, with the pacer dismissing him three times in 33 deliveries. Patel's off-cutter on the final ball of the penultimate over proved too much for Dhoni, who failed to connect with the ball and saw his off-stump shattered.Despite Dhoni's early dismissal, CSK managed to post a competitive total of 167/9, thanks to a 43-run knock from Ravindra Jadeja. The visitors ultimately clinched a 28-run victory, moving up to third place in the points table.The decision to bat Dhoni at No. 9 remains a mystery, with many fans questioning the CSK management's strategy. However, the team's victory suggests that the move may have been a calculated risk that ultimately paid off.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his disapproval of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni's decision to bat at number 9 during their match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Dhoni's unusual batting position, the lowest in his T20 career, resulted in a golden duck as PBKS pacer Harshal Patel dismissed him. Pathan believes that Dhoni, despite being 42 years old, should assume more responsibility and bat higher up the order."MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn't work for CSK, it doesn't help the team's cause," Pathan stated. "He is in solid form, so he should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs."Pathan emphasized that Dhoni's current batting position, often in the last over or two, does not serve CSK's long-term interests. He pointed out that Dhoni has been in excellent form this season, scoring 110 runs in 7 innings with an average of 55 and a strike rate of 224.49."It might happen that we will see CSK qualify for the playoffs from here on and they need to win 90 percent of their games," Pathan said. "As a proper senior guy, who's in form, he needs to bat up the order. He can't be doing the same thing that he has done on quite a few occasions."Pathan acknowledged Dhoni's impact in CSK's victory against Mumbai Indians, but he stressed that the team needed him more in the match against PBKS. He suggested that Dhoni should bat higher up the order, even ahead of Shardul Thakur, and that someone should advise him to bat for at least 4 overs.