Cricket

David Warner, the renowned Australian opener, has expressed his deep affection for India, a country that has showered him with immense love and admiration. Warner, who won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, has always been a fan favorite in India.In a recent interview with Ashwin, Warner revealed that he has been overwhelmed by the love he has received in India. He said, "I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time."Warner's popularity in India is such that he is often joked about owning a place in the country. However, he clarified that he does not currently have a house in India but has considered it in the past.Warner also spoke about his controversial exit from Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team he led to the IPL title in 2016. He said that he was hurt by the way he was treated by the franchise, especially the fact that he was blocked on social media."It did (hurt) because it was a sense of hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have," Warner said. "Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH."Despite the acrimonious end to his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Warner remains grateful for the love and support he has received from Indian fans. He said, "I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it's great."Warner's love for India is evident in his frequent interactions with fans on social media and his willingness to embrace the country's culture. He said, "I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything."Warner's popularity in India is a testament to his charisma and his genuine love for the country. He is a true ambassador for the sport of cricket and a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.

India's first-ever 'hybrid pitch' was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in a grand ceremony on May 6. The event was attended by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and cricket dignitaries including Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS's international cricket director.The hybrid pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability, reducing the strain on ground staff and maintaining quality playing conditions. With only 5% synthetic fibres, the pitch ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved.The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord's and The Oval in England. "The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord's and The Oval in England," said Dhumal, who hails from Himachal Pradesh.The 'Universal Machine', a critical component in installing the hybrid surface, was developed by SISGrass in 2017 and has been instrumental in the rollout of similar pitches across England's county cricket grounds. This innovation aligns with the ICC's recent sanctioning of hybrid pitches for T20 and one-day international matches, with plans to expand their use in four-day county championships starting this year.The integration of technologies like SISAir, a root aeration system, further underscores the commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in India. This system improves the pitch's health and resilience, benefiting players with better and safer playing conditions.The unveiling of the hybrid pitch at the HPCA stadium marks a significant milestone in the development of cricket in India. It is expected to enhance the quality of matches, reduce injuries, and provide a more consistent playing surface for both domestic and international cricket.

Pakistan's limited-overs skipper, Babar Azam, expressed optimism about the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the white-ball side, believing it will significantly enhance the team's performance. Kirsten, a seasoned coach with experience guiding India and South Africa, has been contracted for two years.Azam highlighted Kirsten's extensive experience and his proactive approach in planning for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed that Kirsten is actively involved in strategy discussions with the team management and is providing valuable insights. The skipper emphasized that Kirsten's daily communication with the team ensures constant feedback and support.Addressing concerns over team selection, Azam dismissed any internal rifts and stated that the squad for the Ireland tour will be finalized based on form and fitness. He clarified that the top-order batting positions are not set in stone and decisions will be made in the best interests of the team.Azam also acknowledged the need to provide opportunities for young players like Ayub, Azam, Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. He emphasized that these players require time to settle into international cricket and the management will fully support them in the lead-up to the World Cup.Regarding Pakistan's strategy against India's star batter, Virat Kohli, Azam emphasized that the team plans against all eleven players and does not focus solely on one individual. He acknowledged Kohli's exceptional abilities but stressed that Pakistan will devise a comprehensive plan to counter his threat.Azam expressed confidence in the team's unity and his own leadership abilities. He attributed his previous success as captain to the support of his teammates and expressed gratitude for the board's backing.

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized Virat Kohli's recent outburst against critics who have questioned his strike rate and struggles against spin bowling. Kohli had lashed out at "pundits" after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) match against Gujarat Titans (GT) last weekend.Gavaskar questioned why Kohli, who has repeatedly stated that he ignores social media criticism, would react to "outside noise." He also slammed broadcasters for repeatedly airing Kohli's rant on television."That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, right now, on this particular program it has probably been shown half a dozen times. I hope that Star Sports recognizes that when that is being shown, asking where are the critics, the critics are the commentators. Your Star Sports commentators are the ones from whom the questions are being asked," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.Gavaskar's comments come amid a resurgence of an old video in which he praised former Indian captain MS Dhoni. In the video, an emotional Gavaskar recalled the moment when Dhoni signed his shirt during IPL 2023."It was a very emotional moment for me (getting the shirt signed by MS Dhoni). MS Dhoni has done a lot for Indian cricket. If I have 2 minutes to live, I would like to witness Kapil Dev lift the 1983 World Cup trophy and MS Dhoni hit the World Cup winning six and the way he rolled over his bat after hitting the six," Gavaskar had said.Gavaskar's contrasting reactions to Kohli and Dhoni have sparked discussions about the different standards applied to players. Some have argued that Gavaskar's criticism of Kohli is unfair, given that he has been a vocal supporter of Dhoni in the past. Others have defended Gavaskar's comments, arguing that Kohli's outburst was unprofessional and disrespectful to the commentators who have criticized him.

Australia's veteran paceman Josh Hazlewood has expressed his belief that rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk will eventually don the Australian colors, despite his omission from the 15-man World Cup squad. However, Hazlewood lamented the absence of both Fraser-McGurk and former captain Steven Smith, acknowledging that Smith's leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the Caribbean.The Australian selectors' decision to exclude Fraser-McGurk and Smith from the World Cup squad sparked controversy, with many fans expressing frustration over the snubbing of the 22-year-old T20 sensation. Hazlewood, who was among the non-IPL squad members attending a training camp in Brisbane, acknowledged Fraser-McGurk's exceptional talent but sympathized with the selectors' dilemma."He's a special talent, there's no doubt about that," Hazlewood said of Fraser-McGurk. "But it's tough to fit him into that top order with the experience we have there. Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and David Warner are all established players, and the middle order is also very strong."Hazlewood expressed confidence that Fraser-McGurk's time will come, emphasizing his youth and potential. "He'll definitely get his chance," Hazlewood said. "He's only young, and I think he'll be in the team sooner rather than later."Hazlewood also expressed disappointment over Smith's omission, citing his batting prowess in spinning conditions and his leadership qualities. "Marshy will miss having him as captain," Hazlewood said. "Smudge is someone you can always turn to for advice on the field. And his batting and fielding are also top-notch."Hazlewood, who missed the IPL this year due to the birth of his son, expressed mixed feelings about the tournament's recent developments. While acknowledging the entertainment value of high-scoring matches, he questioned the impact of the impact sub rule."Batting line-ups seem to be never-ending now," Hazlewood said. "You have guys like Tim David coming in at number eight or nine, and it makes it difficult to attack and take wickets in the powerplay. It's an interesting rule, but it might need some tweaking."

The Mumbai Indians' hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs are hanging by a thread after a string of disappointing performances. With just three matches remaining in the league stage, the five-time champions face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds.Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians have struggled to find consistency. Established stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kieron Pollard have failed to live up to expectations, while the team's overall strategy has been questioned.To qualify for the playoffs, the Mumbai Indians must win all three of their remaining matches and hope that other teams falter. They face a tough task against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants.Even if the Mumbai Indians win all their remaining matches, they may still miss out on the playoffs due to their poor net run rate (-0.356). To improve their chances, they need to win by large margins and hope that other teams with 12 points (SRH, LSG, CSK) lose their remaining matches.The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who currently occupy the top two spots with 16 points each, are virtually assured of playoff berths. The Mumbai Indians' hopes rest on the unlikely scenario of these teams losing their remaining matches and the Mumbai Indians winning all of theirs by significant margins.Despite the long odds, the Mumbai Indians will be desperate to salvage their season and make a late push for the playoffs. However, their chances appear slim, and they may be forced to accept an early exit from the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star batter Virat Kohli has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite RCB's struggles with only three wins in 10 matches, Kohli has been a beacon of consistency, amassing 500 runs in 10 innings.Kohli's dedication to fitness and cricket is well-known, but he also possesses a fun-loving personality. Recently, at an event, Kohli was asked about his potential career path if he hadn't pursued cricket."Honestly, I never thought about it," Kohli admitted. "I didn't know how to run a business, but now I'm learning. If I had started a business without cricket, I would have been taken advantage of."Kohli has indeed ventured into business, investing in brands such as Rage Coffee, Chisel fitness center, WROGN menswear, and Blue Tribe alongside his wife, Anushka Sharma.Despite his impressive IPL season, Kohli has faced criticism for his strike rate. However, he remains unfazed."Those who talk about my strike rate and my spin-bowling skills are the ones who love to talk," Kohli said. "For me, it's all about winning the game. I've been doing this for 15 years for a reason.""I'm not sure if those who haven't been in my position can truly understand the game," he added. "I'm just doing my job. People can have their own opinions, but I'm focused on my team's success."Kohli's resilience and determination have made him one of the most respected and successful cricketers in the world. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering commitment to his craft continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.

Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has reignited the debate over Virat Kohli's batting position, particularly in the context of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Hayden's comments came in the wake of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar's criticism of Kohli's explosive response to critics questioning his scoring rate in IPL 2024.Kohli played a scintillating performance against Gujarat Titans, where he scored an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls, including a blistering display against spinners. Kohli's response to criticism regarding his scoring intent in the middle overs has sparked intense debate within the cricketing fraternity.In evaluating Kohli's potential role as an opener for India in the T20 World Cup, Hayden emphasized the significant improvement in Kohli's strike rate over the past four IPL seasons. "That strike rate is trending in the right direction, it's trending up," Hayden commented on Star Sports. "So 150 for me is kind of that sweet spot that starts in and everyone having conversation well where you bat? Is it three, is it open? You know those first six overs, it doesn't matter if Kohli is in those first six overs. You know that there's going to be fireworks."Hayden highlighted Kohli's adaptability and aggressive approach regardless of his batting position, particularly in the context of the explosive nature of the first six overs in T20 cricket. He expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to deliver fireworks irrespective of where he bats in the lineup.Reflecting on the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies, Hayden emphasized the favorable batting conditions and Kohli's proficiency in capitalizing on such surfaces. He cited Kohli's outstanding record as an opener in T20Is, including his sensational century in the Asia Cup last year, as evidence of his capability to excel in the role.However, Hayden also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conditions in New York, one of the venues for the T20 World Cup, while expressing confidence in Kohli's adaptability and the firepower of India's batting lineup. "They're not so sure about those conditions in New York. I've seen that overlaid venue and it looks magnificent. But certainly through the West Indies, they're going to be benign conditions and Kohli is going to come in and look to strike away knowing that he has a superb batting side that also has a great strike rate," Hayden added.

Mumbai Indians' (MI) dismal performance in IPL 2024 has left them on the brink of elimination from the playoffs race. Despite mathematical possibilities, the five-time champions' chances are virtually non-existent.Ahead of their crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, MI captain Hardik Pandya acknowledged the team's struggles. He emphasized the importance of learning from failures, stating that it provides invaluable experience."Responsibility-wise, I've always embraced it because it makes things more personal. I believe in owning my mistakes and taking chances, even if it means failing and learning. That's something no one can teach you," Pandya said.Pandya's rise to prominence as India's fast-bowling allrounder was largely due to the support of MS Dhoni during his tenure as captain. After recovering from an ankle injury, Pandya was traded to MI and appointed as skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma.However, under Pandya's leadership, MI has endured one of their worst IPL seasons, losing eight of their 11 matches. They currently languish at the bottom of the 10-team table."Some failures you experience and then learn. It helps you understand your roles and strengths, and how to improve," Pandya added.Despite the team's struggles, Pandya remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the experience gained from this season will be invaluable for the team's growth."We're not going to give up. We're going to keep fighting and learning. We have a lot of young players who are eager to prove themselves. I'm confident that we'll come back stronger next season," Pandya said.