Cricket

Mayank Yadav, the 21-year-old Delhi speedster, made an eagerly-anticipated international debut for India in the opening T20 International against Bangladesh. Despite his raw pace, Yadav understands that consistency is crucial for success at the international level.Yadav's journey to the Indian team has been marked by "ups and downs." After an impressive IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, where he bowled the 10 fastest deliveries, he suffered an abdominal strain that sidelined him for several months.During his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Yadav focused on improving his line and length. "My pace is always at the back of my mind, but throughout my IPL journey, I've learned that consistency is key in this format, especially at the international level," he said.In his debut match, Yadav showcased his ability to adapt to different conditions. While he relied on extreme pace during the IPL, he used slower deliveries effectively on a slow and low wicket in Dhaka.Yadav credited Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for their support. "His (Gambhir's) advice was just to focus on my strengths and abilities, and to do what I do best," Yadav said. "He (Suryakumar) gives you freedom. When I was taking the run-up, he was telling me 'do what you feel is best'."Yadav's impressive debut has raised expectations for his future in Indian cricket. With his raw pace and newfound consistency, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the team.

Shafali Verma, the prodigious Indian batter, is determined to lead her team to glory at the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a combination of consistency, power-hitting, and unwavering confidence, she aims to make a significant impact on the tournament.Verma's journey has been marked by a natural ability for power-hitting. However, she has recently developed a newfound consistency, exemplified by her maiden international century in June. This improvement stems from a shift in mindset, allowing her to block deliveries and play along the ground.The confidence gained from leading India to victory in the Under-19 T20 World Cup last year serves as a source of inspiration for Verma. She believes that the experience of lifting the trophy will fuel her team's determination to achieve similar success at the senior level.In preparation for the T20 World Cup, Verma has been working diligently on her fitness and mental strength. She has opted out of the Hundred and WBBL to focus on these aspects, recognizing their importance for playing long innings.Verma's power-hitting remains a key asset, something she has honed since her early days in the Women's T20 Challenge. She emphasizes the importance of working on both strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that her natural ability is complemented by consistent execution.As the T20 World Cup approaches, Verma is eager to combine her newfound consistency with her power-hitting and confidence. She believes that this combination will be instrumental in India's quest for glory.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, possesses exceptional abilities that rival those of England's Ben Stokes, according to former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris. However, Styris emphasizes the need for Pandya to demonstrate greater consistency in his performances.Despite his immense talent, Pandya has not consistently delivered on the field. Styris believes that Pandya must improve his fitness and availability to become a dominant all-rounder. He urges Pandya to showcase his skills with both bat and ball, rather than relying solely on occasional cameos.Styris also highlights the importance of left-arm all-rounder Axar Patel in India's upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Patel's fighting spirit and reliability make him a valuable asset for the team. Styris suggests that Patel could be a floater in the batting order, providing flexibility and depth.While acknowledging the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 International cricket, Styris views it as an opportunity for the next generation of Indian players to gain experience. He praises the young Indian cricketers for their talent, as evidenced in the IPL, and believes they can step up and fill the void left by the veterans.Styris expresses his desire to see Rinku Singh given more opportunities in the Indian team. Singh's impressive performances have earned him a place in the squad, and Styris believes he should be given a chance to continue his role.

Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler, has taken charge as Pakistan's red-ball coach with a hectic six-month schedule ahead. Gillespie's two-year tenure begins with a two-match series against Bangladesh in August, followed by three Tests against England in October, both at home. Pakistan will then tour South Africa for two Tests in December before hosting the West Indies for two Tests in January 2024.Gillespie, who arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, acknowledged the team's talent but emphasized the need for consistency. "How can they be more consistent is one thing that I am hoping I can find some solutions for," he said. Pakistan currently ranks fifth in the World Test Championship cycle, and Gillespie aims to improve their position."Ultimately we want to win games of Test cricket," Gillespie stated. "There are skillful cricketers here, how can we play as a team and perform well against good quality international oppositions and that's going to be the key for us."Gillespie, who played 71 Tests for Australia, has a successful coaching record, having led Yorkshire to two English County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015. He was hired to improve Pakistan's Test side, which suffered a 1-0 loss to Australia in 2022 and a 3-0 home whitewash against England the same year.Gillespie believes Pakistan's recent struggles were not due to a lack of skill. "As an observer from outside, I think there were some moments in games where Pakistan were on top but could not finish well," he said. He highlighted the need for smart tactics to counter England's aggressive style of play, known as "Bazball."Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh begins in Rawalpindi on August 21-25, followed by a second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. They will face England in three Tests starting in Multan (October 7-11), Karachi (Oct 15-19), and Rawalpindi (October 24-28).

Pakistan's newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team's success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team's strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.Gillespie's role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team's future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.Gillespie's ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

Virat Kohli's unwavering consistency and infectious aggression have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, according to former India captain Anil Kumble. Kohli's relentless pursuit of excellence has not only elevated his own game but also the intensity of every T20 team he represents.Kumble, who witnessed Kohli's rise from a U-19 World Cup winner to a global superstar, believes that consistency is Kohli's most significant legacy. As the only player to have played 16 seasons for a single IPL franchise, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore."His aggression and attitude on the field help the team gain intensity," Kumble said. "The kind of inspiration and intensity that he brings lifts everybody within the group."England's World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan echoed Kumble's sentiments, describing Kohli as one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era. "When you have a player of that calibre in your side, it's crucial that you're constantly asking him to get the best out of himself," Morgan said.Mike Hesson, who coached Kohli at RCB, provided a different perspective, highlighting Kohli's calm demeanor off the field. "He's very calm off the field," Hesson said. "When youngsters come into the team or overseas players, he'd spend time getting to know them."Robin Uthappa, who has played alongside and against Kohli, described the experience of facing him as "annoying." "As an opposition, he could be grating, in your face," Uthappa said. "You'd always feel like there's a battle happening with a bowler."Kohli's combative instincts extend beyond his batting, according to Uthappa. "There's an extra battle happening with an extra-cover fielder because he's coming at you all the time," he added.As Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare for the upcoming IPL season, Kohli's leadership and unwavering determination will once again be crucial to their success. His ability to inspire and elevate his teammates makes him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.