Cricket

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most prolific batters, are on the cusp of a significant milestone as the T20 World Cup enters the 'Super 8s' stage. Both players are just 104 runs away from surpassing Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.Kohli, who has played 120 T20Is, has amassed 4042 runs in 112 innings. Sharma, on the other hand, has scored the same number of runs in 146 innings across 154 matches.India will resume their campaign with their opening 'Super 8s' game against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday. This will be their first match in the Caribbean after playing three group-stage matches in New York.The 'Men in Blue' qualified for the 'Super 8s' as Group A toppers, defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and USA. They will face Afghanistan on June 20, Bangladesh on June 22, and Australia on June 24 in the 'Super 8s'.Kohli and Sharma's pursuit of the T20I run-scoring record adds an extra layer of intrigue to India's quest for their second T20 World Cup title. The team last lifted an ICC trophy in 2013 when MS Dhoni's side won the Champions Trophy.India came close to ending their ICC trophy drought last year, reaching the final of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. However, they fell short on both occasions.With Kohli and Sharma in prime form, India will be hoping to break their 11-year wait for another ICC trophy. The 'Super 8s' stage provides them with a perfect opportunity to showcase their skills and make a statement on the global stage.

India's bowling attack has been a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, but former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes the addition of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could provide an extra edge. With the Caribbean pitches expected to offer turn in the Super 8 stage, Yadav's wicket-taking prowess could prove invaluable.India has currently opted for a combination of three fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh) and two spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel). However, Fleming suggests that Kuldeep's inclusion could provide a different dimension to the attack."I would think maybe Kuldeep would come in to provide that extra bit of wicket-taking flair if the wickets do provide the turn as they get a little bit more used and you get closer to the end of the tournament," Fleming said.Fleming also emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that India has the flexibility to adjust its bowling strategy based on the conditions. "But they've still got that opportunity now to do both which is good and horses for courses, you can't be so set in one way of playing that you miss the opportunities to take advantage of conditions."India's selection of two left-arm spin all-rounders, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, has also been a topic of discussion. While Axar has been among the wickets, Jadeja has yet to make a significant impact, bowling only three overs in three matches. Fleming, however, sees no issue with playing two players with similar skill sets."So, there are subtleties around them both but again, and I hate that notion of left-handers can't bowl to left-hand batters so we can dispel that myth and both of those players can hopefully play along."India has made some tough decisions in its team selection, with talented players like Yashasvi Jaiswal missing out due to the presence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant in the top order. Fleming believes that India has made smart choices in its team composition, considering the potential for spin-friendly conditions in the West Indies."This is a team that in some ways is picked for the finals in my view, it's a team that has spinners that can dominate, it has players that can dominate spin and we've seen spin in the West Indies play quite a big part, not so much in New York.""So, I think they've got job done and they've got quite smartly a view of mind, this is how we want to play the key games now going into hopefully the semi-finals and final."

Afghanistan's Spin Prowess Poses Threat to India in T20 World Cup Super 8sAs the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 enters its crucial Super 8s stage, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued a stern warning to Rohit Sharma-led Team India about the formidable challenge posed by Afghanistan.Afghanistan has defied expectations, securing a spot in the Super 8s by defeating Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea in succession. Despite a heavy 104-run loss to West Indies, the Rashid Khan-led side remains confident as they prepare to face India, Australia, and Bangladesh in the next phase of the tournament.Harbhajan Singh, speaking to Star Sports, lauded Afghanistan's spin attack, describing it as "the best in this tournament" and highlighting the potential threat it poses to India. "They (Afghanistan) are a very good team. From the graph we've seen, they've risen significantly in a short period of time. They have Rashid Khan and Nabi. Their spinners are probably the best in this tournament. Their batting is strong; they don't just play fluke shots or get out playing reckless shots. They now have experience after playing in the ODI World Cup. They almost defeated Australia," Harbhajan remarked.Harbhajan emphasized that Afghanistan should not be underestimated, particularly in crucial moments. "This team has strength and can defeat any big team. And when they play against India, they shouldn't be underestimated because if they win the toss and a few things go in their favour, (toh lene ke dene pad sakte hain) it could be challenging," he added, underscoring Afghanistan's potential to cause upsets.India, led by Rohit Sharma, are set to face Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, followed by matches against Bangladesh on June 22 in Antigua and Australia on June 24 in St. Lucia.Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been remarkable. They have consistently punched above their weight, challenging established teams and proving their mettle on the global stage. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, is a formidable force, capable of bamboozling even the most experienced batsmen.India, on the other hand, will be keen to prove their dominance in the Super 8s. They have a well-balanced team with a potent batting lineup and a solid bowling attack. However, they cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly, especially considering their recent performances.The clash between India and Afghanistan on June 20 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Afghanistan will be determined to prove their worth against one of the tournament favorites, while India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings and the eventual outcome of the tournament.

Virat Kohli, India's star batter, is determined to improve his performance after a disappointing US leg of the T20 World Cup. During a practice session at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Kohli faced off against Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world's best bowlers. Despite not scoring runs in the US, Kohli displayed a hunger to turn things around and make this World Cup his own.Kohli's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, expressed confidence in his ability, stating that he has been batting beautifully in the nets. Kohli's practice session included facing short balls aimed at his rib-cage, which he pulled ferociously, and driving pitched-up deliveries with precision.Another key player for India, Ravindra Jadeja, is also seeking batting form. He was one of the first to join Kohli in the batting nets and showed signs of improvement. The team management is confident in Jadeja's ability as a big-game player and wants him to be ready for the final leg of the tournament.In addition to batting practice, the Indian fielders also engaged in drills at the Kensington Oval. The green expanse provided an opportunity for them to hone their skills, which they missed out on due to damp conditions in the US.As India prepares for their first Super 8 game against Afghanistan on Thursday, Kohli and Jadeja are determined to make a significant impact. The team is confident in their abilities and is eager to prove themselves on the field.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has hinted at the potential use of spinners in the death overs during India's ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights campaign. India will face Afghanistan in their opening Super Eight match on June 20 in Barbados.Jadeja believes that the slow and dry wickets in the West Indies will provide assistance to spinners, particularly in the middle overs. "Spinners will have help here in the middle overs. You could see spinners being used in the death overs as well," he said.Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav echoed Jadeja's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of bowlers' lengths in T20I cricket. "The spinners do get help in the West Indies... In this format, the bowlers' length becomes crucial," he said.India's squad includes four spinners: Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. This selection suggests that the team is prepared to utilize spin bowling throughout the tournament.India will be aiming for big wins against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super Eights to qualify for the semifinals. The team is eager to end its drought for an ICC trophy since 2013's Champions Trophy and win its first T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition in 2007.

India holds a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of Test cricket, particularly in regions like the West Indies, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave. Despite a demanding schedule, Grave commends the BCCI's unwavering commitment to the format. However, he emphasizes the need for the ICC to take proactive measures to protect Test cricket beyond the traditional strongholds of India, England, and Australia.In the current World Test Championship cycle, only three of the nine ICC Full Members (India, England, and Australia) will engage in five-match series. Three teams (Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe) have yet to participate in the championship since its inception in 2019.Grave believes India's influence and resources position them as a leader in promoting Test cricket. He highlights their support for the reintroduction of cricket into the Olympics, a move that has significantly benefited Associate nations.Regarding the financial challenges faced by the CWI, Grave advocates for centralized travel costs within the World Test Championship. He argues that the burden of travel expenses should be shared among participating teams, fostering a sense of unity and reducing the financial strain on individual boards.The upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and USA, is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region. Grave estimates a potential revenue of US$300 million, which will contribute to the CWI's financial stability.Grave also emphasizes the importance of equitable revenue sharing within the ICC, particularly regarding the distribution of hosting rights for major events. He believes that spreading these events across multiple nations will not only provide financial benefits but also create a more level playing field.

Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh, two contrasting players, have emerged as unsung heroes for India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.Pant, a prodigious talent who miraculously survived a life-threatening accident, has played crucial knocks in India's three victories. Batting at No. 3, he has provided stability and momentum to the team. His 31-ball 42 against Pakistan was a masterclass on a challenging pitch.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to promote Pant to No. 3 was a strategic move. It allows India to have a left-right combination in the middle order and utilize Pant's counter-attacking abilities. Rohit believes Pant's all-round game will be invaluable in the West Indies leg, where spin is expected to play a significant role.Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, has impressed with his ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers at the death. His left-arm angle provides variety to India's pace attack. After a strong performance against Ireland, Arshdeep was entrusted with the last over against Pakistan, where he successfully defended a low total.In the match against USA, Arshdeep claimed four wickets for just nine runs, earning him the Man of the Match award. His ability to bowl consistently at a good pace and execute variations makes him a valuable asset for India.Both Pant and Arshdeep have shown resilience and determination in their performances. Pant has overcome his physical and mental challenges to deliver for his team, while Arshdeep has worked tirelessly to improve his skills.As India enters the Super-8s, the contributions of Pant and Arshdeep will be crucial. Their ability to perform under pressure and provide match-winning moments will be key to India's success in the tournament.

India's journey through the Group A stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States was a tale of resilience and tactical brilliance. The team's opening match against Ireland was a straightforward affair, but the subsequent clash against arch-rivals Pakistan tested their mettle.Recognizing the challenging conditions on the New York pitch, India employed clever tactics. They promoted Axar Patel up the batting order to provide stability, while Jasprit Bumrah was brought back into the attack at a crucial juncture to neutralize Pakistan's momentum. These strategic moves proved effective, as India secured a hard-fought victory.The match against the United States was a gritty affair, with India digging deep to overcome a determined opposition. However, a washout in the final group match against Canada left the team disappointed. The Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium was expected to host a shortened game, but the outfield remained unfit for play due to inadequate ground coverage.India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, expressed his frustration at the lack of match practice. He emphasized the importance of getting a game ahead of the Super 8 stage in the West Indies, especially considering Virat Kohli's poor form. Kohli, who has managed only five runs in three outings, was expected to find his rhythm in the West Indies, where pitches are more conducive to batting.Rathour, however, expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to bounce back. He stated that Kohli is "hungrier than ever" to prove his worth and is eager to make a significant contribution to the team's success.

Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century (117 off 127 balls, 12 fours, 1 six) propelled India to a resounding 143-run victory over South Africa in the first of three One-Day Internationals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.Opting to bat first, India recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive total of 265. The hosts were reeling at 99 for five before Mandhana's heroics rescued them. The left-handed opener played a patient and composed innings, anchoring India's recovery and setting the platform for a big score.Mandhana received valuable support from Jemimah Rodrigues (17), Deepti Sharma (37), and Pooja Vastrakar (31 not out). The Indian batters took advantage of some sloppy fielding from South Africa, with Nonkululeko Mlaba's dropped catch of Vastrakar proving particularly costly.In reply, South Africa never looked like chasing down the target. Debutant leg-spinner Asha Sobhana wreaked havoc with her accurate bowling, claiming four wickets for just 21 runs in 8.4 overs. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed in the very first over, while Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp all fell cheaply.Annerie Dercksen and Sune Luus offered some resistance, but their efforts were in vain as South Africa were bundled out for a mere 122. Sobhana's impressive performance earned her the Player of the Match award.The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played in Lucknow on June 19, followed by the third and final match in Visakhapatnam on June 22.