Cricket

Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has hailed Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as the most mentally resilient players he has encountered. Watson, who has had a distinguished career himself, highlighted Kohli's unwavering intensity and Dhoni's ability to simplify complex situations.Kohli, a right-handed batsman, recently topped the scoring charts in the IPL 2024, amassing 741 runs for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Watson praised Kohli's mental toughness and unparalleled intensity on the field. "There's only really a couple of other people that I've played with or played against who had that consistent intensity every moment of every game," said Watson. "That's why he's been able to sustain such high performances for such a long period of time."On the other hand, former Indian captain MS Dhoni is lauded for his contrasting approach to the game. Despite a lower intensity level compared to Kohli, Dhoni's ability to trust his intuition and simplify complex situations into manageable concepts stands out. Even at 42, Dhoni's strategic acumen and leadership qualities continue to shine. "He doesn't need to be like nine out of 10 with his intensity level; he needs to be at around six," said Watson. "Even at the ripe age of 42, he still knows how to be able to let his mind be free to be able to access his skills that are so deeply ingrained."Watson also discussed the mental preparation necessary for players transitioning from IPL conditions to international tournaments, such as the Men's T20 World Cup. He commented, "These are world-class cricketers who are going from an IPL, for example, and they're gonna have to make little adjustments to the conditions and pitches that they're gonna be facing. Also, whether it's temperature, and a new team environment as well. That's where by understanding these mental skills deeply and applying those into just who you are, you build a really strong, like a bulletproof cocoon around you."Furthermore, Watson commended Australian captain Pat Cummins for his leadership qualities, particularly his ability to foster an environment where players can express themselves freely and perform without fear of failure. "He gives you the right information to be able to clear your mind so you can, and are getting the best chance of executing your skills," said Cummins's compatriot. "The reason why in my mind, he's had so much success is that it's just natural, which is who he is, how he is and he's not trying to be someone else."

AB de Villiers, the legendary South African cricketer, has expressed his disappointment over the ongoing racial quota controversy surrounding the national team's selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, believes that the focus should be on the team's performance rather than racial representation."It's a shame going into a tournament to have the focus on that. I mean it's nothing new, it's just a shame," lamented de Villiers. "Luckily this time around, I've had nothing to do with anything over there. I'm just a spectator."The controversy stems from the presence of only one black player, Kagiso Rabada, in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. This has sparked outrage among some South Africans, who believe that the team does not adequately represent the country's racial diversity.De Villiers, however, believes that the selection panel has made the best decision based on the available players. "I think it's a good team. It's a shame about Lungi... (he) lost a bit of form, had a couple of injuries. Otherwise, he most probably would have been in the squad and there wouldn't have been any controversial stuff back home," he said.The former South African captain also criticized the Impact Player rule in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), which allows teams to substitute a player who has already taken part in the game. "What I really didn't enjoy about the rule is actually subbing players who have already taken part in the game. That part of the rule doesn't make sense. I feel it needs to be a fair swap," he said.De Villiers also suggested that the number of fielders outside the ring in the powerplay should be increased to four or five. "I still feel T20 cricket needs to be a batters game, that's why the fans come to the parks. They want to see the ball flying all over the park and into the night sky," he said.Despite the controversies, de Villiers believes that South Africa has a strong team that can challenge for the T20 World Cup title. "They've got a lot of experience, they've got a lot of match-winners, and they've got a lot of depth," he said. "So I think they've got a really good chance."

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has been bestowed with the honor of being named in the ICC Test Team of the Year 2023. This prestigious recognition was announced earlier this year during the ICC awards ceremony. Jadeja, along with fellow Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, earned their spots in the elite team due to their exceptional performances in red-ball cricket throughout the year.Jadeja took to his official Instagram handle to share photos of the special moment when he received the ICC Test Team of the Year cap from Team India's head coach, Rahul Dravid. The images capture Dravid presenting the cap to Jadeja, who expressed his gratitude in the post's caption: "Special cap from special person."The ICC Test Team of the Year 2023, led by Australia's Pat Cummins, features prominent cricketers from around the world. The team includes Usman Khawaja, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Travis Head, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, and Stuart Broad.Jadeja and Ashwin's inclusion in this prestigious lineup highlights their significant contributions to Test cricket. Both players have been instrumental in their performances, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency. Jadeja's all-round abilities, including his left-arm spin bowling and aggressive batting, have made him a formidable force in the longest format of the game. Ashwin, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the world's leading off-spinners, with his variations and control proving to be a nightmare for batsmen.Jadeja is set to return to action in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be held in the USA and the West Indies. As he prepares for this major tournament, his recent recognition serves as a testament to his enduring excellence and impact on the sport.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has revealed that he had a conversation with Suresh Raina regarding Raina's social media post that took a dig at Afridi. The post was made after Afridi was announced as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.In the post, a Twitter user wrote, "ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina." Raina responded by saying, "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you."Afridi addressed the post on his YouTube channel, stating that he had spoken to Raina about it and that everything was fine between them. "Suresh Raina and I have shared many cricketing moments, and he's a good person," Afridi said. "Sometimes, lighthearted banter happens. After seeing his post on social media, I spoke with him, and he understood the situation like a younger brother. He agreed to delete the tweet. It's all good; these things happen. Great individuals acknowledge and rectify their mistakes."Earlier, Raina had taken a humorous dig at Afridi during the IPL 2024 while answering a question from commentator Aakash Chopra. When asked if he had any plans to reverse his retirement decision, Raina joked, "I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi."Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024 places him alongside other notable ambassadors such as Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan's T20 World Cup history, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition.

Rohit Sharma's Witty Banter with Kuldeep Yadav Highlights Team India's CamaraderieAhead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Team India captain Rohit Sharma showcased his comedic flair during a promotional shoot. In a lighthearted moment, Rohit presented the ICC ODI Team of the Year cap to teammate Kuldeep Yadav, turning the ceremony into a hilarious exchange.Rohit began by acknowledging Kuldeep's contributions to the team, saying, "It's my great pleasure to present this wonderful cap to a wonderful athlete who has been a real asset for Team India."Kuldeep responded with a simple, "Thank you, Rohit bhai."Not letting him off the hook, Rohit encouraged Kuldeep to say more. "You want to say something?" he asked."No, no, all good," the spinner replied."You should say something," Rohit insisted.Feeling the pressure from his captain, Kuldeep hesitantly added, "I mean, nothing much to say. I had a great season last year, both with the bat and ball."Feigning shock, Rohit responded, "Bat? When?"A confused Kuldeep stuttered, "I mean. I mean.""I mean uh, when?" Rohit pressed further, much to the amusement of everyone present."Test series," Kuldeep sheepishly admitted."This is ODI," Rohit clarified, with a smile.Attempting to explain, Kuldeep said, "But I performed with the bat as well, so last year I was really good with the ball during the World Cup as well."Rohit then said mockingly, "I am captain of this team. I have never seen him bat. So, I don't know what he is talking about," leaving Kuldeep grinning and the audience in stitches."Thank you, Rohit bhai," Kuldeep concluded.The promotional shoot perfectly captured the camaraderie and humor within the Indian cricket team. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 2 in the USA and West Indies. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5.

KKR's Mission: To Become the Most Successful IPL FranchiseKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has set an ambitious goal for the franchise: to become the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on Sportskeeda, Gambhir expressed his satisfaction with KKR's recent victory but emphasized that the journey towards greater success has just begun."We are still two trophies away from MI and CSK," Gambhir said. "I am content today, but we are still not the most successful IPL franchise. To do that, we need to win the tournament three more times, and that will require a lot of effort. Our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There will be no better feeling than that. But, the journey towards that has only begun."Reflecting on the emotions of winning the IPL for the third time, the former KKR skipper described the experience as indescribable. "When you head into the IPL, your first thought is to reach the playoffs. When you are close to the playoffs, you think about the top two. When you reach the top two, you want to get to the final, and then you want to win it. At every step, there has been excitement, challenges, and nervousness," he said."Today, sitting at home, I am a very happy man. IPL is such a league where you cannot take any team lightly. It’s such a high-intensity tournament that when you win it, you start feeling really good about yourself," he added.Having guided KKR to their third IPL title, Gambhir is now looking forward to spending quality time with his family, describing it as the best way to rejuvenate and relax. "For me, what’s next is the vacation with my girls and my wife. I am looking forward to it. You get rejuvenated with such breaks, as you don’t have to think about cricket at all. There is nothing better than spending time with family. After playing such a high-intensity tournament and winning it, there can be no better feeling," Gambhir concluded.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing mental fatigue as the primary reason. Despite being in peak physical condition, Karthik believes that the mental demands of the game have taken their toll.Karthik, 38, has been a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, playing 257 matches and becoming the joint second-most capped player in IPL history alongside Rohit Sharma. However, despite his physical fitness, Karthik admits that the mental aspect of the game has become increasingly challenging."I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years," Karthik said. "But it was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it."Karthik's decision to retire comes after a challenging IPL season last year. However, he remained motivated by his intrinsic drive and the belief that if he got one chance, he would make the most of it."I am internally very, very motivated," Karthik said. "I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going."As he navigates retirement, Karthik is keeping himself occupied with family functions and reflecting on his illustrious career. He admits that the emotions leading up to his final match were a mix of relief and sadness."I don't think it's sunk in yet," Karthik said. "It's a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May."

Group C Preview: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New GuineaThe 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to commence in the West Indies and USA on June 2, and Group C promises to be a thrilling contest. Let's take a closer look at the teams involved:West Indies:The co-host enters the tournament in excellent form, having won four of its last five T20I series. With a star-studded lineup featuring Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies are a formidable force. However, they will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder due to injury.New Zealand:The Kiwis rely on their experienced core in their quest for a maiden T20 World Cup title. Kane Williamson leads the side for the fourth time, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Boult are in top form after the IPL 2024 campaign.Afghanistan:Afghanistan's rise from minnow to contender was evident in the 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup. Their T20 style suits them well, with Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi providing explosive batting and a well-rounded spin attack. Several Afghan players gained valuable experience in the IPL 2024.Uganda:Uganda makes its World Cup debut, having overcome Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. An upset win over one of the favorites would be a major boost for cricket in Uganda. Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the oldest player in the tournament.Papua New Guinea:PNG had a relatively easy path to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines. Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Tony Ura is their most successful batter with 1618 runs in 56 T20Is.Key Players:* Andre Russell (West Indies): The all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurgence and is a crucial part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning team.* Trent Boult (New Zealand): The left-arm pacer's dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand.* Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): The pacer finished as LSG's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 wickets.* Frank Nsubuga (Uganda): The veteran all-rounder brings experience and leadership to the Ugandan team.* Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea): The nation's most successful batter will be crucial for PNG's hopes of making an impact.

Security Heightened for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match in New YorkIn response to reported threats, security measures will be significantly enhanced at the Eisenhower Park stadium in New York for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The governor's office has issued a statement assuring that the situation is being closely monitored and that there is currently no credible public safety threat.The Eisenhower Park stadium, located approximately 25 miles east of Manhattan, will host eight matches from June 3 to June 12, including the high-profile India-Pakistan contest. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized that her administration has been collaborating with law enforcement agencies for months to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of these games."I have directed the New York State Police to implement elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes," Governor Hochul stated. "Public safety is my top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that the Cricket World Cup is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."While the authorities have not yet found any corroborative evidence to support the reported threat, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured that security will be "robust" throughout the tournament, including at the New York venue. An ICC spokesperson emphasized, "The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority. We have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event."India will play four matches in New York, including their first against Canada (June 5), the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan, and a meeting with the USA on June 12. They are also scheduled to play a warm-up game against Bangladesh there. The Indian team arrived in the US on Tuesday and has begun training, although Virat Kohli is yet to join the squad after being granted some time off.Earlier this month, the ICC and Cricket West Indies, who will co-host the World Cup along with the US, expressed confidence that they are taking every possible measure to ensure the safety of fans and players.