Cricket

Hardik Pandya's stellar performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup has propelled him to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's T20I All-Rounder Rankings. The Indian star has ascended two places to join Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga at the top of the standings, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to achieve this prestigious distinction.Pandya's rise to the summit is a testament to his exceptional contributions throughout the tournament. With both bat and ball, he played a pivotal role in India's triumph. In the batting department, he amassed 144 runs at a blistering strike rate of over 150, while with the ball, he claimed 11 wickets.His defining moment came in the final against South Africa. With the Proteas needing 16 runs to win in the final over, Pandya stepped up to the challenge and successfully defended the score, securing India's victory. His crucial wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller swung the momentum in India's favor.Pandya's ascent to the top of the rankings is a reflection of his all-round abilities. He is a dynamic batsman who can accelerate the scoring rate at will, and a skillful bowler who can trouble batters with his pace and variations. His versatility makes him an invaluable asset to any team.The T20I All-Rounder Rankings have also witnessed other notable movements. Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan, and Liam Livingstone have all moved up one position, while Mohammad Nabi has dropped four places to fall out of the top five.Pandya's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed at the highest level and has now established himself as one of the most formidable all-rounders in the world. His rise to the top is an inspiration to young cricketers everywhere.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was compelled to make three alterations to the Indian squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe due to several members being stranded in Barbados. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, and Sanju Samson, who were all part of India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, were unable to depart the island nation sooner due to a hurricane threat that prompted the government to suspend all flights.For the first two matches, the selectors named Harshit Rana, Jitesh Singh, and Sai Sudharsan as replacements. Harshit and Sudharsan were rewarded for their outstanding performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, while Jitesh has been in contention for a few years.However, their inclusion raised questions about the omission of other Team India stars. Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Umran Malik, and Yash Dayal were among those who were overlooked.Ishan Kishan's case is particularly intriguing. He was a regular member of the Indian team across all formats until the tour of South Africa, where he requested a break from the BCCI. Between that series and the T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection, several events occurred, leading the selectors to sideline the Mumbai Indians wicket-keeper batter.Kishan was reportedly asked to play Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand and other domestic tournaments to be considered for selection, but he opted to train with Hardik Pandya for the IPL 2024 campaign. This decision appears to have displeased the BCCI and selectors, who did not select him for the Zimbabwe series despite Sanju Samson's absence for the first two matches. The current pecking order suggests that Kishan is not even the fourth-choice option in the shortest format, with Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Jitesh Sharma ahead of him.Kishan's case is not isolated, as similar questions can be raised about seven other players, including KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, two experienced Indian players who were also not selected for the Zimbabwe tour.In the bowling department, the absence of Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Umran Malik, and Yash Dayal also raises questions, while many believe that an all-rounder like Venkatesh Iyer could have been considered.

India's T20 World Cup Champions to Return Home on Air India FlightAfter their historic victory in the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team is set to return home on an Air India aircraft with call sign AIC24WC. The flight, which originated in New Jersey, will make a stopover in Bridgetown, Barbados, where the team will board.The aircraft is expected to touch down in Barbados at approximately 2 am local time. The team will then depart at 4:30 am, with an estimated flight duration of 16 hours. If all goes according to plan, the team is expected to arrive in Delhi on Thursday at 6 am Indian Standard Time (IST).The original departure time was scheduled for 6 pm local time on July 2, but was delayed due to Hurricane 'Beryl', which caused the cancellation of flights and the closure of the Grantley Adams International Airport.In addition to the team, the Indian media contingent that covered the tournament will also be on the same flight, as part of a special arrangement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The T20 World Cup final, held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, saw India defeat South Africa by seven runs. The victory marked India's second T20 World Cup title, after their triumph in 2007.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable journey from a life-threatening accident to T20 World Cup glory has been an inspiration to many. After being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's career was in jeopardy. However, through sheer determination and resilience, he has made a triumphant return to the cricket field.Pant's selection as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman for the T20 World Cup raised eyebrows, but he proved his worth with consistent performances throughout the tournament. Despite facing stiff competition from KL Rahul, Pant justified his place in the team with his aggressive batting and reliable glovework.In the end, Pant emerged as a T20 World Cup winner, a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his teammates and fans. His journey from adversity to triumph is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach prospect, has revealed a poignant childhood memory that ignited his passion for winning the World Cup for his country. Recalling the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 1992 World Cup, Gambhir shared that the defeat left an indelible mark on him, inspiring him to pursue his dream of lifting the coveted trophy.At the tender age of 11, Gambhir witnessed the agonizing one-run defeat at the Gabba in Brisbane. The match, which was reduced to 47 overs due to rain, saw India chasing a revised target of 235. With the equation down to five runs off four balls, Venkatapathy Raju's run-out in the final over shattered India's hopes.The defeat left a profound impact on Gambhir, who was deeply moved by the team's failure. "I remember the 1992 India-Australia World Cup game in Brisbane, which India lost by one run, and I actually remember that I cried the entire night," Gambhir recalled in an interview with Sportskeeda. "I have never cried like that before or after that, and I don't know why."Despite being only 11 years old at the time, Gambhir's determination was unwavering. "I was an 11-year-old at that time. I cried the entire night and said that I wanted to win the World Cup for India," he said. "I said that in 1992 and I was able to fulfill that dream in 2011."Gambhir's dream came to fruition in 2011 when he played a pivotal role in India's World Cup triumph. He was the team's leading run-scorer in the tournament, including a match-winning 97 against Sri Lanka in the final.Four years earlier, Gambhir had also played a key role in India's victory in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007. He was the team's top-scorer in the final against Pakistan.Gambhir's journey from a heartbroken 11-year-old to a World Cup winner is a testament to his resilience and unwavering belief. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and fans alike, reminding them that even the most challenging setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and triumph.

Cricket's Insecurity Complex: The BCCI's Artificial AidIndia, one of the world's top cricket teams, has a history of receiving artificial aid from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This practice has raised concerns about the BCCI's insecurity and its impact on the integrity of the sport.In the recent T20 World Cup, the BCCI altered the pitch ahead of the semifinal without the knowledge of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This move was seen as an attempt to provide an advantage to the Indian team. Similarly, in the 50-over World Cup, the BCCI ensured that India's final league game was against a weaker opponent, bolstering their Net Run Rate.The BCCI's mollycoddling of the Indian team extends beyond pitch manipulation. The board has also been accused of scheduling matches at times and venues that favor India. For instance, the T20 World Cup semifinal was scheduled to start at 10.30 a.m. (for television back home) and there was no reserve day, despite the high probability of rain in Guyana.These actions suggest that the BCCI lacks confidence in the Indian team's ability to win on its own merits. It is as if the board believes that India needs artificial assistance to overcome its perceived inferiority complex.However, this insecurity is unfounded. India has a talented and experienced team, led by the exceptional Rohit Sharma. They have proven their mettle in numerous tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.The BCCI's artificial aid not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also sends a negative message to the Indian team. It implies that they are not good enough to win without external help. This can erode their confidence and hinder their development.It is time for the BCCI to shed its insecurity and embrace a more confident approach. They should trust in the abilities of their team and allow them to compete on a level playing field. By doing so, they will not only enhance the credibility of Indian cricket but also foster a culture of fair play and sportsmanship.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as the most dominant bowler of his generation, showcasing an unparalleled combination of skill, precision, and versatility. His exceptional performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup cemented his status as a true maestro of the game.Bumrah's bowling technique is a marvel to behold. With a hyperextended right elbow and a braced left knee, he generates immense pace and momentum. His ability to shape the ball in the air, break away on pitching, and tail in late makes him a nightmare for batters. He can also grip and turn the ball, delivering it with a slight tweak of the fingers, making him equally effective against both right-handers and left-handers.In the T20 World Cup, Bumrah was the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17. His impact on India's campaign was immeasurable, as he consistently provided crucial breakthroughs and controlled the flow of runs.One of Bumrah's most memorable performances came in the final against South Africa. With India needing to defend 30 runs off 30 balls, Rohit Sharma turned to his ace bowler. Bumrah delivered a gun 16th over, conceding just four singles and putting immense pressure on the Proteas.In the 18th over, Bumrah produced another masterpiece, dismissing Marco Jansen with a pearler. This wicket tilted the balance in India's favor and paved the way for their eventual victory.Beyond his bowling prowess, Bumrah has also emerged as a leader and mentor within the Indian team. He was seen offering encouragement and guidance to his fellow bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, who was the joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament alongside Bumrah.Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathi Balaji has hailed Bumrah as the second best Asian fast bowler ever after Wasim Akram, citing his ability to generate pace and power from the upper body rather than the lower body. Balaji also praised Bumrah's remarkable recovery from a career-threatening back injury last year.As Bumrah continues to dominate the world of cricket, his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time is being cemented. His unique combination of skill, versatility, and leadership makes him a true force to be reckoned with.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, made a resounding return to the County Championship, claiming a remarkable seven-wicket haul in his first appearance of the summer. Lancashire seized control against Nottinghamshire at Southport, enforcing the follow-on after dismissing their opponents for a paltry 126 in reply to their first innings total of 353 for nine declared.Anderson's devastating spell of 7 for 35 included an opening burst of 6 for 19 in ten overs, dismantling Nottinghamshire's top and middle order. His pinpoint accuracy and relentless line and length proved too much for the Notts batters, who were skittled out in just 36.3 overs.Nottinghamshire's second innings fared little better, with Nathan Lyon claiming his 800th first-class wicket to dismiss Ben Slater for 17. Lyon also broke a determined partnership between Haseeb Hameed and Will Young, having the Notts captain caught behind for 41.Lancashire's dominance was further underlined by Tom Bailey's two wickets in two balls, removing Calvin Harrison and Olly Stone. Despite a spirited 42-run partnership between Slater and Dane Paterson, the last pair was separated by a direct hit from Lyon, leaving Slater stranded on 64 not out.With Lancashire enforcing the follow-on, Nottinghamshire faced an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat. Young and Joe Clarke showed resilience, negotiating their way through to the close with 11 runs each. However, the visitors will need to display similar determination on the final day to prevent a comprehensive loss.Anderson's performance was a timely reminder of his enduring class ahead of his farewell Test at Lord's next week. His ability to consistently hit the perfect line and length, even after a prolonged absence from competitive cricket, is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and his wife Sanjana Ganesan celebrated Team India's T20 World Cup triumph with a sweet "ice cream" date in Barbados. Sanjana, who was part of the broadcasting team in the West Indies, shared a heartwarming video on her Instagram story, revealing their post-victory indulgence.In the video, Bumrah beamed with joy, flaunting victory signs while Sanjana captured his playful antics. "Took this World Champion for ice-cream in the morning," she captioned the video.The couple's celebration came after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final. Bumrah played a crucial role in the team's success, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/13 in the crucial encounter.After the final, Sanjana interviewed Bumrah, who expressed his overwhelming emotions. "I don't usually cry after a game, but this feels really special," he said. "We've been working really hard towards this, and we've come close and fell short last time, but we were able to go through this time."Bumrah's wife and son were present at the match, making the victory even more special for the family. "My son is here, my family is here, and I could do something special for India," he said. "There's no better feeling than that."The T20 World Cup triumph marked a significant milestone for Team India, healing the wounds of their ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team displayed resilience and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory.