Cricket

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as India's new T20I captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma who retired from the format after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yadav's first assignment will be the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on June 27, 28, and 30, which will also mark the debut of India's new coach, Gautam Gambhir.The decision to appoint Yadav as captain was made by the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar, who considered several factors, including fitness concerns and workload management. Hardik Pandya, who was Rohit Sharma's deputy at the T20 World Cup and has captained India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, was initially considered for the role. However, his recent ankle injury and limited playing time in T20Is since 2022 may have influenced the decision.Yadav, on the other hand, has captained the Mumbai state team in domestic cricket and has led India to a 4-1 series win over Australia and a 1-1 draw against South Africa in recent T20I series. His experience and leadership qualities were key factors in his appointment as captain.The appointment of Yadav as captain is seen as the first step towards building for the next T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. The team will look to Yadav to provide stability and guidance as they prepare for the tournament.

The Indian cricket team is on the lookout for a new T20I captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format. Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have emerged as the frontrunners for the role, with the latter gaining momentum in recent days.Hardik, the current vice-captain, was initially seen as the favorite to succeed Rohit. However, concerns over his injury record have raised questions about his suitability for the captaincy. Suryakumar, on the other hand, has impressed with his consistent performances and leadership qualities.According to media reports, Suryakumar is likely to be named captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. The team management is reportedly concerned about Hardik's injury history and believes Suryakumar would be a more reliable option.Head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly expressed his preference for a captain who is not injury-prone and whose workload can be managed effectively. Gambhir's comments have further strengthened Suryakumar's case for the captaincy.Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has climbed to the second spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has moved up to sixth. Ruturaj Gaikwad has dropped to eighth, while Shubman Gill has made a significant jump to 37th.No Indian features in the top 10 of the T20I bowlers rankings. Axar Patel has dropped to 13th spot after being rested for the Zimbabwe series.The Indian cricket team is expected to announce its squad for the Sri Lanka series on Thursday. The captaincy decision will be closely watched, with Suryakumar Yadav emerging as a strong contender to lead the team.

Hardik Pandya's remarkable journey from injury and controversy to triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. After suffering an injury during the 50-over World Cup, Pandya underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process, showcasing his unwavering determination on social media.His transformation was evident in his performance during the T20 World Cup, where he excelled as an all-rounder. With 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57, Pandya proved his batting prowess. His bowling was equally impressive, taking 11 wickets over eight games with an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's contributions were crucial in India's victory over South Africa in the final. His bowling figures of 3/20 and key wickets helped secure a seven-run win, ending India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.Pandya's journey was not without its challenges. After taking over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, he faced criticism and online trolling. However, his performance in the T20 World Cup served as redemption, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his resilience.The warm welcome Pandya received in Vadodara, along with a roadshow celebrating the T20 World Cup win, is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has had on Indian cricket. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

After India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, the team's future is in the spotlight. With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the focus turns to the appointment of a new T20I captain.Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain, was initially seen as the frontrunner. However, Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a surprise contender. Yadav's exceptional performance in the World Cup final, including a crucial catch of David Miller, has bolstered his case.Yadav boasts an impressive record in T20Is, with 2340 runs in 68 matches at an average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 167.74. He has led India in 7 T20Is, securing five victories.On the other hand, Pandya has accumulated 1492 runs in 100 T20Is, averaging 26.64, with four fifties. He has also claimed 84 wickets in T20Is. He has captained India in 16 T20Is, winning 10 matches.Gautam Gambhir, India's new head coach, is reportedly in favor of Yadav as the preferred candidate for the captaincy. Gambhir, along with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, has discussed the leadership transition with Pandya.Pandya, who served as Rohit's deputy at the T20 World Cup, has been informed about India's long-term captaincy plans. Despite being fully fit and available for the upcoming T20I series, there is strong speculation that Yadav could lead the team not only in the Sri Lanka series but also potentially until the 2026 World Cup.The decision on the captaincy will be crucial for India's future in T20 cricket. Both Yadav and Pandya have their strengths and weaknesses, and the team management will need to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.

Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. However, Pandya will not participate in the subsequent ODI series in August due to personal reasons.According to sources, Pandya has already informed regular skipper Rohit Sharma of his decision. Sharma is also taking a break from the series. An official confirmed Pandya's decision, emphasizing that his absence from the ODIs is solely due to personal reasons and not related to any fitness issues.With Pandya unavailable for the ODIs, the leadership role could be assigned to either KL Rahul or Shubman Gill. Rahul previously led India in the ODI series in South Africa, while Gill recently captained the team to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe.A senior BCCI source stated, "Hardik Pandya was India's T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side."Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup. The T20Is against Sri Lanka will be played from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, while the ODIs are scheduled from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.The squad for the series is expected to be announced shortly. This series marks the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era in Indian cricket, with the new head coach's input expected to influence the team's leadership and composition.

Hardik Pandya's triumphant return to Vadodara after India's T20 World Cup victory was met with an outpouring of love and admiration from his hometown fans. The all-rounder, who played a pivotal role in India's title triumph, was greeted with a grand roadshow and a warm reception from the people of Vadodara.Pandya's journey to this moment has been marked by both adversity and triumph. After suffering a serious ankle injury during the 2023 50-over World Cup, he faced criticism and online trolling during his stint as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL. However, he silenced his detractors with a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup, proving his resilience and determination.In the tournament, Pandya showcased his all-round abilities, scoring 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and taking 11 wickets at an average of 17.36. His crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen in the final and his economical final over, in which he dismissed David Miller, played a decisive role in India's victory.Pandya's redemption story is a testament to his character and unwavering belief in himself. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained focused on his goals and worked tirelessly to regain his form. His success in the T20 World Cup has not only brought joy to his hometown but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country.The roadshow in Vadodara was a fitting tribute to Pandya's achievements. Fans lined the streets, cheering and waving flags as the all-rounder made his way through the city. His brother, Krunal Pandya, also joined him in the celebration, sharing in the moment of pride and joy.Hardik Pandya's triumphant return to Vadodara is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of one's hometown. His journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.

With Team India embarking on a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka later this month, the debate over the team's new T20I captain has intensified. Former selector Saba Karim has weighed in on the discussion, suggesting Hardik Pandya as the natural replacement for Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format after the T20 World Cup triumph.Karim believes Pandya's experience as vice-captain during India's World Cup victory and his previous stints as captain make him the ideal candidate. "The first thing that needs to be decided is who will captain in T20Is. Rohit Sharma has retired, he won't play T20Is. So you will have a new captain. I feel there are two contenders. If we see logically, Hardik Pandya should become the captain because he was the vice-captain in the winning World Cup campaign. He also captained India in the past. I feel the preparation now should be for the next T20 World Cup which is going to happen after two years," Karim told Sony Sports.Karim also threw a surprise recommendation into the mix, suggesting Suryakumar Yadav as a potential captain. Yadav led India in a home T20I series against Australia last year, where India emerged victorious. "I feel the discussion should be about SKY because Suryakumar Yadav captained India in the home series against Australia. India defeated Australia there and he also batted well. So he can definitely come forward as an option. If the selectors feel Hardik Pandya has played a fantastic role and can do the same as a captain as well, he can definitely be the ideal candidate. So I feel these are the two contenders," he added.Meanwhile, Shubman Gill recently led a young Indian team in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which India won 4-1. Gill's performance as captain has also sparked discussions about his potential to lead the team in the future.As the BCCI prepares to announce the squad and captain(s) for the Sri Lanka tour, the debate over India's next T20I captain is likely to continue. Pandya, Yadav, and Gill are all strong contenders, and the selectors will have a tough decision to make.

Hardik Pandya and Ananya Panday Electrify Anant Ambani's Wedding with Dazzling Dance PerformanceIndia's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Bollywood actress Ananya Panday set the dance floor ablaze at the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai on Friday. Their electrifying performance added to the joyous atmosphere of the star-studded event.The wedding was graced by a galaxy of renowned cricketers, including Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shreyas Iyer. Legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the newly-appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid, also attended the grand celebration.Pandya's performance at the wedding was a testament to his remarkable resurgence in recent months. After a disappointing IPL season as captain of the Mumbai Indians, Pandya played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the Americas.In the pulsating final against South Africa in Barbados, Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller with his 3/20 effort, turning the match in India's favor. Not just with the ball, Pandya made impactful cameos down the order with the bat when the team needed him. He finished with 144 runs at a batting strike-rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets in the tournament.Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup earned him the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings, making him the first Indian to occupy the top position. This recognition is a testament to his all-round abilities and his growing stature in the game.The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was a grand affair that brought together the worlds of cricket and Bollywood. Pandya and Ananya Panday's dance performance was a highlight of the evening, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

Following India's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game. As a result, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to take over the captaincy of the Men in Blue in T20Is. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is expected to lead the team in ODIs, according to sources.Pandya's appointment as T20I captain is a testament to his impressive performance at the World Cup. He amassed 144 runs in six innings, averaging 48.00 and striking at 151.57, including a half-century. With the ball, he claimed 11 wickets in eight games, averaging 17.36 and boasting an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the criticism he faced during the IPL 2024 season as captain of the Mumbai Indians. However, he has silenced his detractors with his exceptional performances at the World Cup.On the other hand, KL Rahul's omission from the T20 World Cup squad despite his strong showing in the ODI World Cup 2023 has raised eyebrows. However, he is now set to lead the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Rahul has a proven track record in ODIs, having scored 386 runs in nine innings at an average of 77.20 and a strike rate of 98.72.In a separate development, Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Gambhir, a former left-handed opener for India, has served as the team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Under his guidance, KKR won their third IPL trophy in 2024.Gambhir's appointment is seen as a positive step by the BCCI, which believes he has the experience and vision to lead Indian cricket forward. He takes over from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after the T20 World Cup.