Cricket

Fazalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan's bowling sensation, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with at the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite not playing a single match for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Farooqi has made a remarkable impact, leading the bowling charts with 12 wickets in just 11.2 overs.Farooqi's left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball both ways have proved lethal, particularly in the powerplay. Seven of his wickets have come in the first six overs, the most by any bowler in the tournament. His skill was evident in his two-wicket burst against PNG, where he dismissed both Lega Siaka and Sese Bau with deliveries that moved away and into the batsmen respectively.Farooqi credits his success to his relentless pursuit of skill development. "I'm not someone big and tall and bowling very fast," he said. "I was going to learn to bowl swing and that now for me is simple."Despite not playing in the IPL, Farooqi remained focused on improving his skills. He worked closely with Afghanistan's bowling coach, Hamid Hassan, and also sought guidance from Dwayne Bravo, who is serving as a bowling consultant for the team.Farooqi's relationship with Bravo has been particularly influential. "DJ Bravo, I am with him from last four years," he said. "He just wants to give to us some tips for how we bowl in the death, how we bowl in the crucial situations. He is everyone's mentor."Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised Farooqi's impact, comparing him to the team's batting star, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. "Someone like Fazal, who is coming in and attacking each and every ball, that allows us to have a strong base as a bowling unit," Rashid said.Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan's head coach, believes Farooqi has even more potential. "I still think with the amount of talent, I still think he can even bowl better," Trott said.As Afghanistan prepares to face West Indies and enter the Super Eight, Farooqi is confident in his team's ability. "We now have found some confidence," he said. "Now everyone has belief in our skills… This is the first time we just qualify for the Super Eight and we are so happy."

India's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has emphasized the team's unwavering focus and intensity as they prepare to face the United States in the T20 World Cup. The team's remarkable victory over Pakistan, achieved through an exceptional bowling display, has set the tone for their upcoming matches.Despite posting a modest total of 119 runs in the first innings, India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, orchestrated a dramatic turnaround in the low-scoring thriller against Pakistan. The six-run victory showcased the team's resilience and ability to defend even the most challenging totals.Mhambrey believes that India's bowling performance against Pakistan ranks among their finest to date. "In a game like this, especially when you have so much pressure in terms of the high intensity game, obviously a game against Pakistan is always going to be high intensity whatever you say," he said.While acknowledging that India could have accumulated a higher score, Mhambrey emphasized that the team's focus was on extracting the maximum performance from each bowler. "It's never going to be a normal game to be able to defend obviously when you're batting you expect in a situation that we were placed nicely to get more runs," he said. "But especially, when that doesn't happen, you're defending low scores and there's only way out there that you bowl at your best."Mhambrey cautioned against underestimating any team in the tournament, especially after the United States' thrilling Super-Over victory against Pakistan. "You can't take any game lightly. This is the World Cup," he said. "Every game matters. Your rhythm is important. Winning is a habit that you need to get into early. You need to get it early to form the context of the game. Every game is important."The Indian bowling coach acknowledged that the USA team might have an advantage due to their familiarity with the local playing conditions, but he emphasized that this factor would not create any significant disparity between the two sides. "We are used to the conditions like them. We have played enough out here. We know what kind of wicket it is," he said.Mhambrey expressed confidence in Ravindra Jadeja's batting abilities, stating that the team is not overly worried about his current form with the bat. "It's a team game, right? It's going to be eleven guys, you really don't expect all of them coming into form," he said. "It's a long tournament. Someone like Jadeja, who is so vastly experienced, he just needs a game of them to just kick his foot around and feel along and we know that the skills that he has and the the experience he's going to go ahead."Mhambrey remains unfazed by the differing characteristics of pitches and playing conditions between the Caribbean and the United States. "The good thing is that we have already been to the West Indies. We already had a couple of series out there prior to this," he said. "We know what kind of conditions you're going to encounter. As the team has so much experience, we will adapt, we know that. We have the skills, we have the temperament and the talent to adapt so I'm really not worried."Mhambrey conveyed his delight regarding the outstanding performance of Saurabh Netravalkar, who previously played for India U-19 and Mumbai, while representing the United States. "(I am) extremely happy. I've watched him play a couple Ranji Trophy games that he played. (It's) great for someone to leave out there, it must be a tough decision," he added.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has expressed his long-held admiration for bowling and his disinterest in high-scoring run-fests following India's nail-biting six-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup clash. Bumrah's stellar performance, featuring a miserly three-wicket haul, played a crucial role in India's defense of their modest total, keeping their World Cup hopes alive with two group stage games remaining.In a packed Nassau County Stadium, Bumrah's precise bowling applied relentless pressure on the Pakistani batters, while Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock bolstered India's position. The match, witnessed by a record crowd, highlighted Bumrah's skill and strategic approach to bowling.During the post-match press conference, Bumrah expressed his satisfaction with the recognition the bowlers received for their efforts. He highlighted India's preference for batting and how the recent Indian Premier League season was heavily tilted towards the batters."We are very happy that we did not come here with that baggage (of IPL being batter friendly) and when we are getting help here, we were trying to use it. I have played a lot of cricket in my young years—when the bat and ball challenge is good it is more interesting to watch the match. When it is bat vs bat, I switch off the TV. I have been a fan of bowling since childhood. When there is a challenge between bat and ball, that is the game I like. No complaints. I am very happy," Bumrah said.Reflecting on the victory, Bumrah emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach between controlling the run flow and taking wickets, especially in conditions where seam and swing had diminished. He discussed the need to avoid desperation for a "magic ball" and instead focus on accuracy and utilizing the large boundaries to their advantage."Even when there is help, you can be desperate, and you can try to go fuller and try to pull that magic delivery. I tried not to do that but when we came, the swing and seam had reduced. So, we had to be accurate because if we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy and they know the target. So, we had to be very mindful of not overdoing it and yes add up the pressure, use the big boundaries, try to use things to our advantage. That is what we were doing. So, in that we created pressure and everybody got wickets," he explained.Bumrah also opened up about his recovery from injuries last year and his journey back to top form, delivering remarkable performances in the 50-over World Cup, IPL, and now the T20 World Cup. He emphasized his focus on controlling the controllable and staying present, despite external pressures and noise."I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do. Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion take over, then things do not really work for me. So, I was trying to do that, trying to create my own bubble, and trying to focus on that and try to put my best foot forward," Bumrah added.He appreciated the support from the largely Indian and Asian crowd at the Nassau County Stadium, which made the team feel at home and boosted their energy levels."A lot of emotion does come in and it does not feel like we are not playing in India because the support that we get, wherever we go, we get a lot of support and fans come in large numbers. So that does help with the energy part of the setup that we have. So yeah, very happy with the support and we were happy that we were able to give them a win as well," he said.

Defending champions England will face a stern test against arch-rivals Australia in a crucial Group B match of the T20 World Cup on June 8 in Bridgetown. England's opening game against Scotland was washed out, leaving them with a point. However, their bowling performance against the Scots raised concerns, as Scottish openers George Munsey and Michael Jones scored freely against all England bowlers.Australia, on the other hand, showcased their firepower in their tournament opener against Oman, with David Warner and Marcus Stoinis leading the charge. England's bowling attack will need to be at their best to contain the Australian batting lineup. Jofra Archer, who gave away 12 runs in two overs against Scotland, will be under the spotlight as he continues his comeback trail.England's batters, led by skipper Jos Buttler, will also need to fire against the Aussie attack. Buttler had a successful run in the IPL 2024, and his form will be crucial for England's chances. The Australian bowlers, even without Pat Cummins, were potent against Oman. Nathan Ellis played ahead of Cummins in that game, but Australia might bring back the premier pacer against a more formidable opponent.While Australia's batting looks settled, the misfiring Glenn Maxwell remains a concern. After a disappointing IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Maxwell got out for a first-ball duck against Oman. The 2021 champions will be eager to see Maxwell return to his best, and a match against England offers him a perfect opportunity.In the other Group D match, South Africa will face a tricky opponent in Netherlands in New York on June 8. South Africa might have defeated Sri Lanka in their first match, but they have a fresh memory of their 38-run loss against the Dutch in last year's 50-over World Cup. The Aiden Markram-led side will be determined to avoid a repeat of that result.Anrich Nortje, who was a shadow of his intimidating self in the IPL, regained his rhythm against Sri Lanka, grabbing four wickets. Along with Kagiso Rabada, Nortje forms a strong combination upfront, and SA will require them in full flight against Netherlands, who started with a six-wicket win over Nepal.The Dutch side will be hoping for another clinical outing from their top players to bruise their fancied opponent once more. Max O'Dowd made a fifty in their win over Nepal, while leading pacers Tim Pringle and Logan van Beek took three wickets apiece. The Dutch side will be hoping for another clinical outing from their top players to bruise their fancied opponent once more.

Arshdeep Singh's performance in India's opening match of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Ireland was a tale of two halves. The left-arm pacer started brilliantly, dismissing Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie with his first two deliveries. However, his subsequent overs were less impressive, as he conceded 13 runs in his second over and a costly 16 runs in his final over.Arshdeep's wayward bowling allowed Ireland to post a respectable total of 97, despite being reduced to 50-8 at one stage. The Punjab Kings pacer's figures of 4-0-35-2 drew mixed reactions from fans on social media, with many questioning his ability to maintain his early momentum.Despite his inconsistent performance, Arshdeep remains India's highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket over the last 12 months. He also picked up 19 wickets for Punjab Kings in the recently-concluded IPL 2024, albeit with an economy rate of over 10.Experts have emphasized the importance of Arshdeep's variety in India's bowling attack, particularly given the slow nature of the pitches in the T20 World Cup so far. However, his ability to control his pace and accuracy will be crucial in India's upcoming matches, especially against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9.Arshdeep will face a formidable challenge in Pakistan's own left-arm pacemen, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir. If he can replicate his early brilliance and minimize his waywardness, he could play a pivotal role in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory.

Hardik Pandya's resurgence in the Indian blue jersey was a sight to behold as he played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup victory over Ireland. After enduring a tumultuous IPL 2024 season as Mumbai Indians skipper, Pandya showcased his versatility and effectiveness with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets.Pandya's fast-medium bowling proved to be a game-changer, with his precision and adaptability on a helpful track. He delivered 72 percent of his balls either on length or just short of good length, with 44 percent pitched on a good length to extract movement off the surface.The first wicket of Lorcan Tucker was a testament to Pandya's accuracy, as the ball tailed in and dislodged the middle stump. Curtis Campher fell victim to a delivery that pitched on length and seamed away, showcasing Pandya's ability to swing the ball.Pandya's return to form was a much-needed boost for skipper Rohit Sharma, who will rely on his versatility to balance the team combination in upcoming matches. The resounding cheer of approval from the crowd was a welcome change for Pandya, who had faced relentless trolling and booing during the IPL."It's always special to play for the country, WC is something I've been able to contribute," Pandya said during the innings break. "I really liked the first wicket. Generally, don't hit the stumps often, I have a tendency to bowl back of a length. But on this wicket, I needed to be a lot fuller to be in the game."Pandya's performance against Ireland underlined his importance to the Indian team, providing valuable support with the ball and offering a much-needed boost to his skipper. As India progresses through the T20 World Cup, Pandya's versatility and effectiveness will be crucial to their success.

Abhishek Sharma, the young all-rounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has emerged as a crucial player for his team in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite primarily being known for his explosive batting, Sharma's bowling skills have proven to be equally valuable, as evidenced by his match-winning spell in the Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.Throughout the season, Sharma had only bowled three overs in 14 matches. However, in the crucial Qualifier 2, he was called upon to deliver and he did not disappoint. His left-arm spin proved to be a potent weapon, as he dismissed Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer, two of their key batsmen.Sharma's bowling spell of 2 for 24 played a pivotal role in restricting Rajasthan Royals to 139 for 7, well below SRH's total of 175 for 9. His performance earned him praise from former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody, who described him as a "serious package" for the future of Indian cricket.Moody highlighted Sharma's unique combination of batting and bowling abilities, comparing him to Australia's off-spin legend Nathan Lyon. He noted that Sharma's ability to toss the ball up and generate overspin gives his deliveries a dipping trajectory, making them difficult to read for batsmen.Sharma's bowling performance in Qualifier 2 was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Despite not being a regular bowler in domestic cricket, he has been diligently working on his bowling skills with his father.With his impressive all-round performance, Sharma has established himself as a valuable asset for SRH and a potential star for the Indian cricket team in the future. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a versatile player who can adapt to different situations and play a key role in his team's success.

Avesh Khan's mantra of "eat, sleep, bowl, and repeat" has propelled him to success in this year's IPL. With 16 wickets in 15 matches, an economy rate of 9.81, and exceptional control at the death, Khan has emerged as a formidable bowler.Khan attributes his success to simplifying his approach to cricket. "I have to sleep well, eat well, and bowl well. There's nothing else to it," he said. By focusing on the basics and minimizing distractions, Khan has found a winning formula.After a demanding domestic season and IPL last year, Khan realized the importance of analyzing his strengths and weaknesses. He worked with his coach, Anand Rajan, to refine his bowling action and establish effective training and recovery routines.Khan's move from Lucknow Super Giants to Rajasthan Royals has also benefited him. The larger ground and supportive team environment have provided him with the margins he needs as a bowler.While acknowledging the value of mental toughness, Khan believes that nothing beats the experience of facing challenges repeatedly. "You can do whatever you can to build mental toughness, but until you're in a position to have faced the challenges repeatedly, you cannot overcome them," he said.In the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Khan witnessed the tense atmosphere in the Rajasthan Royals dugout. However, he recalled head coach Kumar Sangakkara's message before the game: "Either we win or go back home. We had to give it our all."Khan's performance in key games for Rajasthan Royals has earned him a spot among India's reserve players for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His simplified approach, technical improvements, and unwavering determination have made him a valuable asset to both his team and the national squad.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has categorically ruled out the possibility of bowling in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During a recent chat on JioCinema, Kohli recalled an incident where spectators at an RCB match demanded he bowl, prompting him to decline with a humorous gesture."I won't bowl in the IPL," Kohli declared with a laugh, leaving his former teammate Suresh Raina in stitches. "They asked me to bowl two or three times. I said, 'Please forgive me. Are you guys crazy? I'll lose my batting confidence too,'" Kohli added, chuckling.Kohli's reluctance to bowl stems from the explosive batting performances witnessed in this IPL season. The league has set new records for 200-plus totals, sixes, and successful chases. Kohli himself has been in exceptional form, leading the batting charts with 661 runs in 13 innings, including a century and five half-centuries.RCB's fate in the tournament hangs in the balance as they face a must-win match against Chennai Super Kings on Monday. Not only must they defeat MS Dhoni's team, but they must also ensure their net run rate surpasses that of Chennai.Kohli's decision not to bowl highlights the evolving nature of the IPL, where batsmen have taken center stage. The league has become a showcase for aggressive batting, with teams regularly posting massive totals. Kohli's focus on his batting prowess reflects this shift in the game's dynamics.