Cricket

M. Shahrukh Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a sought-after talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite being an uncapped player. Over the past four years, he has secured lucrative deals with various franchises, showcasing his exceptional batting abilities.In the recently concluded IPL season, Shahrukh played for Gujarat Titans, where he made significant contributions to the team's success. He scored 127 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 169.33, including a maiden IPL half-century. This performance highlighted his growth as a batter and his ability to adapt to different roles.Previously, Shahrukh played as a finisher for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, where he was tasked with scoring quick runs in the final overs. While his IPL numbers may not reflect his true potential, a closer examination reveals his consistent performance in the last two seasons. He has maintained a brisk strike rate, indicating his ability to clear the ropes effortlessly, especially against pacers in the death overs.However, Shahrukh has acknowledged his shortcomings against spinners. In the past, he relied heavily on timing and power, which made it difficult for him to counter the slower deliveries. This season, he worked diligently to improve his technique against spin, seeking guidance from Vikram Solanki and Mithun Manhas.The result of his efforts is evident in his improved strike rate against spinners, which has converged to similar levels as his strike rate against pace. He has also increased his boundary percentage, scoring one boundary for every four balls.Shahrukh's all-around abilities extend beyond batting. He is a tidy off-spinner who has consistently impressed with his bowling. In the 2023 TNPL, he topped the wicket charts and has continued to perform well this year, taking 11 scalps so far.Shahrukh's impressive performances have caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2022, he was called up as a back-up during a home series against West Indies. He believes that he is now a more well-rounded cricketer and is ready to take the next step in his career."I think I had a good IPL and made an impact in whatever chances I got. The numbers I have must also be seen in the context of where I bat, and (Ashish) Nehra was happy with what I have done. I am 100% certain I can get back in the reckoning in the next three years," Shahrukh said.

Following India's triumphant victory at the T20 World Cup, captain Rohit Sharma returned to a hero's welcome in New Delhi on Thursday. Upon his arrival at the airport, he was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of their cricketing hero.The crowd was so overwhelming that one fan even requested Rohit for a photograph, addressing him as "Rohit sir" and pleading, "Rohit sir ek photo dedo na" (Rohit sir, please have a selfie with me).Accompanying Rohit were his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, and their daughter, Samaira, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the superstar cricketer's homecoming. The craze and adulation from fans were palpable, reflecting the immense pride and joy that Rohit's leadership and the team's triumph had brought to the nation.Rohit's recent vacation in the United States, followed by a visit to London for Wimbledon, was well-documented across social media platforms, showcasing his activities after the World Cup victory.However, the captain's decision to retire from T20 Internationals following India's win against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final marked the end of an illustrious chapter in his T20I career.Looking ahead, Rohit Sharma's focus shifts to the 50-over format, with a series of One Day International (ODI) matches scheduled against Sri Lanka. These matches are of particular importance as they serve as preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.India's cricket itinerary includes three T20 Internationals and three ODIs against Sri Lanka, spanning from July 27 to August 7. Apart from being newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir's first assignment in Indian colours, this series is crucial for Team India to fine-tune their strategies and for players like Rohit Sharma to prove their mettle in the shorter formats of the game.

West Indies' resilience faces a stern test as they head to Edgbaston for the third Test against England. Despite a valiant effort at Trent Bridge, the visitors collapsed dramatically, losing ten wickets in 23.1 overs to hand England a resounding victory.The series has been marked by goodwill and a desire for a competitive contest, but the structural issues facing West Indies have become increasingly apparent. Their batting has struggled to produce substantial scores, with no player managing a half-century in their last three innings.England's aggressive approach to Test cricket has been met with mixed reactions. While it has brought excitement and unpredictability, it has also raised questions about the future of the traditional format. The scheduling of the Hundred during the Test season has further fueled concerns about the game's pre-eminence.Ollie Pope, despite scoring 229 runs in three innings, is still seeking to regain his composure after a recent form slump. Mikyle Louis, West Indies' first Test cricketer from St Kitts, has shown promise but is yet to make a significant contribution.England have named an unchanged squad and XI for the Edgbaston Test. Mark Wood, despite his impressive performance at Trent Bridge, will continue to lead the bowling attack. West Indies are expected to recall Gudakesh Motie to their spin attack.The pitch at Edgbaston is expected to be flat, with a par score of around 400. West Indies have a decent record at the venue, winning four of their ten previous Tests. However, they have lost their last two visits, in 2004 and 2017.Jayden Seales needs three more wickets to reach 50 in Tests, while Joe Root is 14 runs away from overtaking Brian Lara at No.7 in the all-time Test run-scorers list.

South Africa's Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone a change, with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee ruled out due to a side strain. Coetzee sustained the injury while playing for Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket (MLC) T20 franchise league in the USA.Following assessments by South Africa's medical team, Coetzee was deemed unfit to participate in the Test series, which commences on August 7. In his place, uncapped Test player Migael Pretorius has been called up.Pretorius, 29, has a wealth of experience in first-class cricket, having played 64 matches and claimed 188 wickets at an average of 27.50. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for Somerset in the ongoing English County Championship, with 23 wickets.Pretorius has previously been named in South Africa squads but has yet to make his international debut. He was part of the T20I squad for the series against Pakistan in March 2021 but did not play. He was also called up for the Test series in Sri Lanka in December 2020 but withdrew due to a shoulder injury.South Africa's Test squad for the West Indies series now includes:* Temba Bavuma (capt)* David Bedingham* Matthew Breetzke* Nandre Burger* Tony de Zorzi* Keshav Maharaj* Aiden Markram* Wiaan Mulder* Lungi Ngidi* Dane Paterson* Dane Piedt* Kagiso Rabada* Tristan Stubbs* Ryan Rickelton* Kyle Verreynne* Migael PretoriusThe Test series will begin in Port-of-Spain, followed by the second Test in Providence. Three T20Is will conclude the tour from August 24 to 28.

Amidst the intense battle between England and West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge, an unexpected and hilarious incident occurred that brought a moment of levity to the proceedings. As England resumed their second innings on the fourth day, a peculiar sight appeared on the outfield: a unicorn-shaped balloon.The crowd erupted in laughter as the balloon bobbed and weaved across the field, momentarily halting the match. A ground staff member swiftly rushed onto the pitch to remove the inflatable intruder, while the English crowd cheered and chanted "ole" in unison.The incident provided a brief respite from the serious competition, but it also highlighted the growing confidence and camaraderie within the England team. Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Joe Root all notched up centuries for the hosts, leading England to a resounding 241-run victory.Pope, who has emerged as a key figure in England's batting lineup, believes that the team has the potential to achieve even greater heights. He pointed to their record-breaking performance against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, where they scored 506-4 on the first day."I think when Baz (England coach Brendon McCullum) and Stokesy took over, we were a batting unit with, not a lack of experience, but a lack of confidence at the time," said Pope. "Now, we have the capacity to surpass that feat and adapt to more bowler-friendly conditions."England's recent success has been built on an aggressive approach known as "Bazball," which emphasizes attacking batting and positive intent. The team has undergone a significant revamp, with several experienced players making way for fresh talent.The newcomers have made an immediate impact, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson taking 12 wickets at Lord's, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir grabbing a five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge, and Jamie Smith shining as wicketkeeper-batsman.As England prepare for the final Test of the series against West Indies at Edgbaston, they will be looking to continue their winning ways and further cement their position as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in world cricket.

Australia's multi-format stars will have their most extensive red-ball preparation for a summer in five years, with up to four Sheffield Shield matches to hone their skills before the Test series against India.Cricket Australia's domestic summer schedule, announced on Thursday, includes a new women's T20 competition before the WBBL. The Sheffield Shield and men's one-day cup will each feature seven matches, as in recent seasons.However, for the first time in a while, multi-format players will have a prolonged stretch of Shield games to prepare for the Test team's bid to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Australia's last overseas white-ball commitment this year is on September 29 in England, giving players a week before the Shield season begins on October 8. Even if fast bowlers are rested from the first round, each state will play three more fixtures before players enter camp for the first Test against India starting November 22.Pat Cummins is skipping the entire limited-overs tour of the UK in September, while Mitchell Starc will only play in the ODI series against England. Josh Hazlewood is included in both formats.While Starc played for NSW during the 2020-21 bubble, Cummins and Hazlewood have not played Shield before the first Test since November 2019. Mitchell Marsh has only played two Shield matches since 2019.The availability of multi-format players for the Shield may be affected by Pakistan's limited-overs tour, with the ODI series starting on November 4. The proximity of the T20Is (November 14-18) to the start of the India series means only players not featuring in the Test will likely be selected.The glut of Shield matches will also provide opportunities for Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft to push their selection claims.While Australia's Test team is largely settled, they may consider taking a reserve batsman into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chief selector George Bailey said in March that there was no longer a clear frontrunner to replace Steven Smith or Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, after Renshaw, Harris, and Bancroft missed out on national contracts.Bailey has indicated that a specialist opener will eventually replace Smith or Khawaja in the long term, after Smith moved into the role to replace David Warner last summer.Six Shield rounds will be played before the BBL break, followed by four more matches for each state in February and March. Shield fixtures will again be interwoven with the one-day cup, which starts on September 22, with Western Australia aiming for a fourth consecutive title in both competitions.The Shield final will take place between March 26-30, while the 50-over finals will be held on consecutive days - the Marsh Cup on March 1 and WNCL on March 2.The 50-over WNCL tournament, where Tasmania is bidding for a hat-trick of titles, again has 12 matches per team, while the newly introduced T20 series for women includes four games each due to the shortened WBBL.Each of the eight WBBL teams will participate, as well as the ACT Meteors, with the tournament running while Australia's big-name players and overseas stars are in Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup.

The Major League Cricket (MLC) Eliminator match between Texas Super Kings and defending champions MI New York promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have a lot to prove, with Texas Super Kings seeking revenge for their defeat in the Challenger game of the inaugural season in 2023.Form-wise, the Super Kings have been more impressive than MI New York, boasting three wins, two losses, and two no results. One of their victories came against MI New York, where Rashid Khan's exceptional performance gave them hope, but they ultimately fell short by 15 runs.MI New York, on the other hand, managed to sneak into the final four stage just before the door shut on them. They will be looking to approach the business end of MLC 2024 with renewed confidence as they head into the Eliminator.The Texas Super Kings will be determined to make amends for their previous defeat against MI New York. They have a strong team led by experienced players like David Warner and Dwayne Bravo. Warner has been in excellent form this season, scoring 250 runs in six matches, while Bravo has taken 10 wickets.MI New York will rely on their star-studded lineup, which includes Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Suryakumar Yadav. Pollard has been a key player for MI New York, scoring 200 runs and taking 12 wickets in the tournament. Russell and Yadav have also made significant contributions with the bat.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Texas Super Kings will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and home advantage, while MI New York will be hoping to prove that they are still the team to beat.

Gray-Nicolls' Disrespectful Remark Sparks Outrage Among MS Dhoni FansEnglish cricket equipment brand Gray-Nicolls has come under fire for a dismissive comment about former Indian captain MS Dhoni. The controversy erupted when the brand posted a Facebook comment during the Test series between England and West Indies, highlighting the use of Gray-Nicolls gloves by wicketkeepers Jamie Smith and Josh Da Silva. The post read, "Are you even a wicketkeeper if you don't use Gray-Nicolls? Great to see Jamie Smith and Josh Da Silva keeping wickets in the ongoing Test series. Nature is healing."However, one fan questioned the brand's oversight, asking, "Do you know a cricketer named M S DHONI?" Gray-Nicolls responded cheekily, "not heard of them." This response ignited a storm of backlash from Dhoni's loyal fans.MS Dhoni, fondly known as "Captain Cool," is not only a legendary captain and batsman but also one of the most exceptional wicketkeepers in cricket history. His lightning-fast stumpings and incredible reflexes behind the stumps have left fans and players alike in awe.One of Dhoni's most remarkable skills is his ability to execute stumpings in the blink of an eye. Batsmen barely have time to react before Dhoni has whipped off the bails. His quick thinking and agility are second to none, making stumpings look ridiculously easy.Dhoni's calm attitude behind the stumps helps his bowlers stay focused and confident. He's always got a smile on his face, no matter how tense the situation, and his teammates draw from his calmness. Dhoni's wicketkeeping skills are a perfect blend of speed, precision, and cricketing intelligence, solidifying his place as one of the greatest keepers in the history of the game.Gray-Nicolls' dismissive remark has highlighted the deep admiration and respect fans have for Dhoni's illustrious career and impeccable wicketkeeping skills. The brand's attempt at humor has backfired, leaving them facing the wrath of Dhoni's loyal supporters.

The Indian cricket team's recent triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup has overshadowed the controversy surrounding the pitch used in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, former India star Mohammad Kaif's allegations that the pitch was deliberately made slow have reignited the debate.Kaif claimed that Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid inspected the pitch for three days before the final and requested a slow track to counter Australia's pace attack. Former batting coach Viram Rathour, who was present for both the T20 and ODI World Cups, has now refuted these allegations.Rathour insists that the pitch was similar to those used in previous matches and that it eased out as the day progressed. He also dismissed the notion that curators operate independently of team influence."When you are moving around the pitch, you have to say just two lines - please don't put water, just reduce the grass. This happens. That is truth. And it should be done. You are playing at home," Kaif had said.Rathour's comments contradict Kaif's claims and suggest that the pitch was not deliberately altered to favor India. However, the controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the role of pitch preparation in international cricket.