Cricket

The upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked intense speculation regarding Virat Kohli's batting position for India. While the team's decision-makers have likely made their choice, the cricket community eagerly awaits Rohit Sharma's announcement in the pre-match press conference.Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and Australian legend Tim Paine advocate for Kohli opening the innings. Paine believes Kohli's exceptional form and experience warrant him facing as many deliveries as possible. Suresh Raina, on the other hand, supports Kohli remaining at No. 3, where he has traditionally excelled.Aaron Finch, another former Australian captain, also favors Kohli at No. 3. He highlights Kohli's impressive strike rate of 155 in the recent IPL season, suggesting that his stability at No. 3 provides a solid foundation for the team. Finch proposes Yashasvi Jaiswal as a suitable opening partner for Rohit Sharma, given his aggressive style.The debate centers around maximizing Kohli's impact on the game. Opening the innings would allow him to face more deliveries, while batting at No. 3 would provide stability and allow other players to play their natural game.As the T20 World Cup draws near, the decision over Kohli's batting position remains a crucial one. Fans and experts alike await the final verdict, hoping it will optimize India's chances of success on the global stage.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) welcomed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni to their dressing room on Thursday, ahead of their crucial encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.Despite the looming threat of inclement weather in the city, Dhoni took a moment to savor a steaming cup of tea, courtesy of the RCB support staff, during a break in their practice session. The 42-year-old, clad in CSK training attire, exchanged pleasantries with the RCB contingent and shared a friendly 'cheers' gesture before departing.The visit marked a rare moment of unity between two of the most storied franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB and CSK are set to face off in a pivotal match that could determine their fate in the play-offs.Dhoni's presence in the RCB dressing room was a testament to the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists within the IPL fraternity. Despite the intense rivalry on the field, the players and staff maintain a strong bond off it.The encounter between RCB and CSK promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams vying for a place in the top four. RCB, led by Virat Kohli, will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders, while CSK, captained by Ravindra Jadeja, will be aiming to continue their winning streak.The match will be played under the lights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as the two teams battle it out for a crucial victory.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoff race is reaching its climax, with the upcoming clash between SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Hyderabad on Thursday holding immense significance. The result of this match will have a major impact on the qualification scenarios for the remaining teams.Currently, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already secured their spots in the playoffs. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have slim chances of qualifying, but their poor Net Run Rate (NRR) is a significant obstacle.The real battle for the remaining two playoff spots is between Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and SRH. SRH has two matches remaining (vs GT on Thursday, vs Punjab Kings on Sunday), and a win in either match will guarantee their place in the playoffs.However, the weather in Hyderabad is a major concern. According to accuweather.com, there is a 50% chance of rain throughout the evening. If the SRH vs GT match is washed out, both teams will receive one point each, which would take SRH to 15 points and secure their playoff berth.In such a scenario, the RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru on Saturday becomes a virtual knockout, with only one team advancing. RCB needs to defeat CSK to reach 14 points, but their NRR must also remain higher than CSK's.CSK, on the other hand, will hope for a win. However, even a loss may not eliminate them. If they lose, they should aim to keep the margin of defeat as low as possible to maintain a higher NRR than RCB and secure the fourth playoff spot.The IPL 2024 playoff race is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with the SRH vs GT match and the potential rain playing a crucial role in determining the final two qualifiers.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seeking a new head coach for the men's cricket team as Rahul Dravid's tenure concludes after the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid has reportedly declined to re-apply for the position, citing a desire to spend more time with family.The BCCI requires a multi-format coach who can commit to approximately ten months with the team due to the busy schedule. Despite other countries adopting separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI prefers a single coach for both formats.Former Indian players have been approached for the role, but they must submit applications to be considered. VVS Laxman was initially speculated as Dravid's successor, but he has reportedly declined the offer and will continue with the India 'A' team.Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Ashish Nehra are among the other candidates in contention. Langer has expressed interest, while Ponting has reportedly met with BCCI officials regarding the position.Gambhir and Nehra have also shown interest in the role. Gambhir has guided Kolkata Knight Riders to back-to-back playoff finishes, while Nehra led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season.With Dravid and Laxman unavailable, Ponting emerges as the frontrunner. However, the extensive workload and his commitment to Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket could pose challenges.The BCCI has also considered Stephen Fleming, who has been the longest-serving coach in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Dravid's contract expires after the T20 World Cup, and he has the option to re-apply.The BCCI has invited applications for the role with a deadline of May 27. The new head coach will be responsible for guiding the Indian team through a busy schedule, including a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe starting July 15.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has not only dominated the sport but has also left an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have inspired countless athletes and fans alike.Kohli's influence extends beyond the cricket field. His passion for the game and his ability to connect with audiences have played a pivotal role in cricket's inclusion in the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This historic achievement is a testament to Kohli's impact on the sport and its growing popularity worldwide.As Kohli continues to shatter records and redefine batting standards, the question arises: what drives his insatiable hunger for success? At a recent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) event, Kohli revealed his secret: a relentless desire to avoid regrets."I don't want to finish my career thinking 'oh, what if I have done this on that particular day,'" Kohli said. "I am just working backwards. It's about not leaving any undone business behind."Kohli's approach is rooted in the understanding that every athlete's career has a finite end. By working backward, he ensures that he gives his all while he still has the opportunity. This mindset has fueled his remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level.Once he retires from cricket, Kohli plans to take an extended break before considering his next steps. "I will be gone, you won't see me for a while," he said. "I want to give it everything I have till the time I play."Kohli's current form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his unwavering commitment. He leads the tournament in runs scored, with 661 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 155.16. His tally includes five fifties and one century.RCB, currently ranked fifth in the IPL standings, faces a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday. A victory with a significant margin is essential for RCB to stay in contention for the playoffs and improve their net run rate.Kohli's leadership and determination will be crucial as RCB aims to overcome CSK and secure a spot in the postseason. His unwavering hunger for success and his ability to inspire his teammates make him a formidable force on and off the field.

Cricket is poised for a significant expansion with the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and its re-entry into the Olympics in 2028. The success of cricket in the US market hinges on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan group league match on June 9 at the Nassau County Stadium.To cater to this pivotal event, the ICC and United States Cricket have meticulously constructed a state-of-the-art stadium in just six months. The Nassau County Ground, with a capacity of 34,000, was inaugurated by legendary sprinter Usain Bolt.Chris Tetley, head of events at the ICC, emphasized that the stadium meets international standards. Its dimensions are comparable to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and it boasts world-class drainage facilities.The stadium's four center wickets and six practice pitches were meticulously prepared in Florida under the supervision of Damian Hough, head curator of Adelaide Oval. The pitches were transported to New York in trucks and are designed to provide pace, bounce, and optimal batting conditions.The stadium's galleries are temporary structures brought in from the Las Vegas Formula One track. They will be removed after the tournament concludes.The India-Pakistan match is expected to be a major draw, with both teams boasting passionate fan bases. The success of this match and the overall tournament will be crucial in determining the future of cricket in the United States.

At 32, Shashank Singh has spent nearly a decade in domestic cricket, earning his first IPL contract over six years ago. Yet, it is only now that he's being hailed as the big discovery of IPL 2024.Shashank's journey began in senior domestic limited-overs cricket during the 2014-15 season. Five years later, he made his Ranji Trophy debut. In this IPL, he has been one of the standout performers, consistently delivering impressive performances as a middle-order batter."It feels good when someone refers to me as a find. Ultimately, that's because I have been able to back myself, showcase my potential, and deliver frequently this IPL season," Shashank tells The Hindu. "People like you follow domestic cricket so closely that you know that I have been around the circuit for a decade now. I am not sure how I have fared, but I have survived. I have always been confident about my abilities, and I am glad I have been able to execute them better."Shashank doesn't shy away from hitting good balls out of the park, but one cannot ignore his tendency to downplay himself. The fact that it took him a lot of time to cement a place in a side — domestic or IPL — seems to have made him more practical in his approach.Growing up in Bhilai and representing Madhya Pradesh in Under-15 and Under-17 cricket, Shashank, the son of a police officer and telecommunications officer, moved to Mumbai with his family to pursue his cricketing dreams. Although he made it to the Mumbai Under-19 team, his senior debut was delayed. He finally made the cut as an all-rounder in 2014-15 season, but despite his effective medium-pace bowling, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the team.In 2018-19, he tried his luck in Pondicherry but eventually returned to Chhattisgarh, which was a recognized member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by now. During his first season with Chhattisgarh, Shashank played a crucial role in securing its first-ever victory over Mumbai in all formats at the senior level.While competing in Mumbai's maidans, Shashank had caught the eye of IPL scouts, earning stints with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals between 2017 and 2021. His IPL debut was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, but he was released and went unsold in the 2023 auction.Fast forward to 2024, and Shashank's fortunes have turned. His heroics for Punjab Kings, including a stunning unbeaten 68 off 28 balls, helped his team chase down the highest-ever IPL target of 262 with eight balls to spare. Shashank, unaffected by his past setbacks, embraces his success this time."This is a by-product of all the struggles I have had at various levels. I have learned from every failure and little success I have had over all these years." He chuckles at being called "old," just as he does when dubbed "the find of the season."Thanks to his morning yoga routine and countless hours on the cricket grounds across India, Shashank seems to be in his prime. His knack for breaking down challenging targets, like turning 127 off 54 balls into "six sixes and six fours," shows his confidence. Age doesn't bother him; he's focused on emulating his Mumbai teammates to reach his dream of playing for India."I have been playing with Pravin Tambe at D.Y. Patil (in Mumbai's corporate leagues) and have seen him debut in the IPL and in Ranji in his 40s," Shashank says. "And I have a friend in Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) with whom I have been playing for Parsee Gymkhana for the last 15 years."Shashank emphasizes the Suryakumar example, noting how both he and Suryakumar excel at turning high-risk shots into calculated risks with precision, especially under pressure. "The world sat up and took notice when Surya hit Jofra Archer for a six off his first ball in international cricket, but I had been watching him do the same for well over a decade, so I knew he would do it. Similarly, I know what I am capable of, and I support my abilities."Being the mature individual he is, on and off the field, Shashank doesn't require pep talks from mentors. He gleans pointers from short conversations as adeptly as he reads a bowler's wrist — it could be with former India cricketer Abey Kuruvilla or his head coach at one of his earlier teams, SRH's Brian Lara."We miss him (Kuruvilla) at D.Y. Patil since he is with BCCI now, but he calls and shares his observations regularly," said Shashank. "And he (Brian) texted me the other day to compliment me, and we had a short chat."Even Punjab Kings head coach Trevor Bayliss and director Sanjay Bangar are no exceptions. Just before the KKR game, Bangar and Shashank bumped into each other over breakfast. "All he told me was to be careful about a specific ball that Sunil Narine bowls, and I kept it in mind. Even Trevor — we had this meet and greet event with the fans, and someone was late by a couple of minutes — so in those two minutes, Trevor had a suggestion about a drive I played, and that's about it," Shashank says.Throughout the conversation, there is a wide grin on Shashank's face. Perhaps Jonny Bairstow should take credit for it. "I got a duck in our season opener (against Delhi Capitals on March 23), was sitting dejected in the dug-out, and suddenly Jonny tapped me from behind and said, ‘If I don’t see you smiling, I will stop speaking with you’. I have kept it in mind ever since."Despite his accomplishments, no conversation with Shashank is complete without mentioning the IPL Auction in Dubai on December 19. After the franchise raised the paddle for him, there was confusion as another player with the same name, a younger hard-hitting batter from Punjab, seemed to be preferred. The franchise issued a clarification the next day, but Shashank wasn't fazed. Bangar called him ‘around 6 a.m.’ and assured him of the franchise's trust."Hitesh Goswami sir, our Chhattisgarh head coach and talent scout for the franchise, indicated that Punjab Kings was interested in me," he recalls. "It's been reduced to nothing but a joke in our camp ever since."Shashank even appeared in a social media video for the franchise, humorously addressing the identity confusion with a famous dialogue from the Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna.With his confidence being sky-high and form at its peak, call him old or call him a find. Shashank Singh, at 32, does not mind!

Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and world's fastest man, has expressed his preference for T20 cricket, citing its fast-paced nature and global appeal. As a Jamaican who once aspired to be a fast bowler, Bolt believes that T20s will continue to attract more fans from the Caribbean and around the world, potentially surpassing the popularity of Test matches.Bolt's passion for cricket stems from his childhood, where he grew up watching the sport with his father. He admires the skills of legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram and Courtney Walsh, and has always been a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. Among the current crop of cricketers, Bolt singles out Virat Kohli as the standout performer.As the ambassador for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Bolt is thrilled to be involved in the sport he loves. He believes that T20s combine the best elements of Test matches and one-day internationals, creating the perfect game for modern audiences.Bolt's enthusiasm for T20 cricket is shared by many in the Caribbean, where the format has become increasingly popular. He acknowledges that Test cricket faces a threat in the region, but believes that the excitement and speed of T20s will continue to attract more fans.Bolt also believes that cricket has the potential to grow in the United States, where it is currently played primarily by South Asian and Caribbean expats. He hopes that the presence of a global cricket event in the country will help to introduce the sport to a wider American audience.Despite his busy schedule, Bolt remains a keen observer of cricket and enjoys watching T20 matches whenever he gets the chance. He is particularly impressed by the power-hitting of players like Andre Russell, who embody the fast-paced nature of the format.Bolt's love for cricket and his belief in the future of T20s make him an ideal ambassador for the sport. His magnetic personality and global recognition will undoubtedly help to promote cricket and attract new fans to the game.

Punjab Kings Triumph Over Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati ThrillerIn a captivating encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by five wickets, snapping RR's four-match winning streak.RR, batting first, struggled to gain momentum, posting a modest total of 144 for 9. Riyan Parag top-scored with a valiant 48, while Ravichandran Ashwin contributed 28. Sam Curran led the PBKS bowling attack with an impressive 2 for 24, supported by Deepak Chahar and Harshal Patel, who claimed two wickets each.PBKS's chase got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets for just 48 runs in the first eight overs. However, Curran stepped up to the plate, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 63. His knock, laced with six fours and two sixes, guided PBKS to victory with seven balls to spare.Curran's heroics overshadowed Parag's efforts, who had earlier played a crucial role in RR's innings. The local boy from Guwahati struck five fours and two sixes in his 48-run knock, but it proved insufficient to prevent RR's downfall.The victory propelled PBKS to the fifth spot in the IPL standings, while RR slipped to seventh. The result highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where fortunes can change rapidly.