Cricket

India vs Afghanistan: Kohli's Form and Kuldeep's Inclusion in Focus as Super 8 BeginsAs the T20 World Cup enters its Super 8 stage, all eyes will be on India's opening clash against Afghanistan in Barbados. The match will be a crucial test for the Indian team, particularly for star batsman Virat Kohli, who is yet to score a double-digit total in the tournament.Kohli's struggles in New York have raised concerns, but he is expected to bounce back on the more favorable wickets in the Caribbean. The 35-year-old is known for his unwavering intensity, and his performance in training sessions suggests that he is determined to make a statement.Another key factor to watch will be the inclusion of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With the pitch at Kensington Oval expected to offer assistance to spinners, Kuldeep's case for a place in the starting lineup has strengthened. The gentle breeze blowing across the ground could also provide swing for the pacers in the powerplay.The Indian team combination is a major talking point ahead of the game. Skipper Rohit Sharma has previously expressed his desire to field all four all-rounders - Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja - in the playing eleven. However, the inclusion of Kuldeep may force a rethink of that strategy.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset against the tournament favorites. The team has shown impressive form in recent matches, and they will be confident of their chances against India.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams. Kohli's return to form and the potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav will be key factors to watch as India aims to start their Super 8 campaign with a victory.

South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has stirred up the T20 World Cup 2024 conversation by naming his four semi-finalists, surprisingly excluding the reigning champions England. In a video shared on Instagram, Steyn revealed his picks for the last four: India, South Africa, West Indies, and Australia.Steyn's omission of England raised eyebrows, considering their recent dominance in the format. The English team won the 2022 T20 World Cup and defeated the West Indies in their Super 8 clash. However, Steyn's reasoning may lie in England's inconsistent performances in the Super 8s so far.Steyn's inclusion of India and South Africa is unsurprising, given their strong recent form. India has been in impressive form, winning all their Super 8 matches so far. South Africa, on the other hand, has shown resilience and determination, overcoming a slow start to their campaign.The West Indies' inclusion is also understandable, considering their home advantage and the support of their passionate fans. The Caribbean side has a formidable batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, making them a dangerous opponent for any team.Australia's presence in Steyn's semi-final predictions is based on their consistent performances in the format. The Aussies have a balanced team with experienced players and rising stars, making them a formidable force in any tournament.While Steyn's predictions have sparked debate, it's important to note that the T20 World Cup is still in its early stages. The Super 8s are set to provide more clarity on the teams' strengths and weaknesses, and the semi-finalists will ultimately be determined by their performances in the knockout rounds.

India's batting woes in the USA leg of the ICC T20 World Cup have raised concerns, but former all-rounder Robin Singh believes a change in conditions in the Super Eights in the West Indies could provide a boost.Captain Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli have struggled to find form, with Sharma scoring just one significant innings of 52 against Ireland and Kohli managing only 1, 4, and 0 in the three matches.However, Singh is optimistic that the duo will come together for a strong opening partnership in Barbados, where Australia previously recorded a score above 200."I don't think that's really an issue, and it's not only Virat and Rohit. I think everyone who has opened innings in every team really struggled in the conditions provided during the World Cup so far," Singh said."But I think this is a different format. I mean, they have three games to play. They know exactly where they stand. These guys are seasoned and top of the line players. So, I'm pretty sure one of them is going to deliver. If not both, to be honest. It'd be nice to see both of them actually putting a really good partnership together."Singh also highlighted the importance of having a left-hander in the top three, which India has in Rishabh Pant."I've always advocated that you have a left-hander in the top three, even if he's not an opener. So, that makes a huge difference. If you see most of the bowlers, they're right-arm bowlers. They're not left-arm bowlers, so it changes the line totally. In T20, most people struggle a little bit with the lines if you have left and right combinations."Singh also cautioned against underestimating Afghanistan, who have a strong bowling attack led by left-arm fast-bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, the tournament's leading wicket-taker."No, I don't think you can underestimate the Afghanistan team. Their bowlers have done very well. Farooqi has been bowling really well and they have a couple of seasoned fast bowlers as well. But I think in general, they have been a pretty confident team.""So, they are probably the dark horses of the tournament. So, it's really important to be at the top of the game against them, and you have to expect everyone to deliver. So, you can't take anyone for granted."

South Africa's narrow defeat in the second ODI against India has instilled immense confidence in the team, according to Marizanne Kapp. Despite falling short by just four runs, the Proteas displayed a fighting spirit that bodes well for their future prospects, particularly with the 50-over World Cup in India next year.After a shaky start, losing three wickets for 67 runs, South Africa rallied behind Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 134 and Kapp's crucial contribution. The duo forged a 184-run partnership, bringing the Proteas within striking distance of the 325-run target."To get that close is obviously a massive confidence booster," said Kapp. "We know we can reach that total."Kapp highlighted the team's intent to play an aggressive brand of cricket, a departure from their previous performance in the series opener. "We had a meeting with the batting coach after our first ODI," she explained. "He said that if we had scored 100 in 20 overs in that ODI, he would have been happy even if we got bowled out."During the chase, Wolvaardt surpassed 4000 ODI runs, becoming South Africa's highest run-getter in the format. Kapp also reached the 3000-run mark, solidifying her status as one of the team's most prolific batters.Kapp's batting has flourished in recent months, with two centuries and four half-centuries in her last 15 innings. She attributes her success to a positive mindset and a natural partnership with Wolvaardt."The way my batting has gone in the last couple of years, I have been striking at close to 100," said Kapp. "I have found that if I am being positive, I usually score runs more often than not."Despite the narrow defeat, Kapp believes that games like these bring out the best in her and Wolvaardt. "I pride myself in performing in those situations," she said. "Wolfie and I, we enjoy that."

As India gears up to face Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s, the threat of rain looms over the highly anticipated clash. The ongoing tournament has witnessed several rain-affected matches, including India's final group game against Canada.According to Accuweather, there is a 25% probability of rain in Barbados on Wednesday. While the morning is expected to be clear, precipitation is forecast around 1:00 PM local time. With the match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM local time, rain interruptions are likely in the second half.India's practice session on Tuesday was also affected by rain, highlighting the potential impact on the match. The team's four spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal, spent considerable time practicing against Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.Despite the weather concerns, India remains focused on their goal of achieving success in the tournament. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed the team's determination to make a mark. "There is real keenness in the group to go and do something special," Sharma said. "We take our skill sessions quite seriously. There is something to achieve in every skill session that you do."India's spinners will be crucial in countering Afghanistan's spin threat. The Afghan team boasts a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. India's batsmen will need to adapt quickly to the conditions and find ways to score against the spinners.The weather forecast remains uncertain, but India will be hoping for a clear day to showcase their skills against Afghanistan. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings.

India's journey in the Super 8 stage of the tournament, where they aim to secure a semifinal berth, is fraught with challenges. Afghanistan, a formidable T20 side, has demonstrated their prowess in recent matches. Despite their defeat against the hosts, West Indies, they possess the ability to regroup swiftly and pose a significant threat in the qualifiers. Bangladesh, too, has given India a run for their money, particularly in the white-ball format, and will be eager to prove their mettle once again.India recognizes the arduous task ahead of them in securing a top-two finish in their group. Australia, a formidable opponent in all formats of the game, raises their level of play when facing India. They are aware of India's lingering disappointment after their defeat in last year's World Cup final and will be determined to exact revenge.India's batting lineup has yet to fully ignite, with only Rishabh Pant delivering consistent performances. The team has played three of their four matches on a challenging pitch in New York and faced a washout in Florida. Barbados, renowned for producing legendary cricketers, will provide a different playing surface and serve as an inspiration for India to showcase their top-quality cricket. Earning the appreciation of the Barbados crowd is akin to winning a rare prize. Playing here will also offer India valuable insights into the pitch conditions should they reach the final.The match will be a battle of wits between the spin magicians of Afghanistan and India's formidable batting lineup. Afghanistan will miss the services of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a rare spinner who excels in the PowerPlay. However, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad in their ranks, they remain confident in their ability to restrict India to a manageable score. India may consider introducing the left-arm wrist spin of Kuldeep Yadav, although they are likely to field an unchanged playing eleven.The bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and ably supported by Arshdeep Singh, can extract bounce from the pitch if it is firm and hard. Hardik Pandya has bowled exceptionally well, effectively utilizing the bouncer. With Suryakumar Yadav finding form in the match against USA, the middle order concerns have been largely alleviated. Shivam Dube has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the game situation and the ability to bide his time on the unpredictable New York pitch.Predicting the outcome of a T20 match is never easy, especially against Afghanistan, whose players have extensive experience in T20 leagues worldwide. The team that maintains composure and executes their plans effectively will emerge victorious.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid faced a barrage of questions about his past performances in Barbados during a press conference ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan. Dravid, who had a forgettable outing in Barbados as a player in 1997, was visibly irked by the reporter's query."Geez, thanks a lot buddy! I have had some other decent memories here as well," Dravid retorted sarcastically.The reporter persisted, asking if it was an opportunity for Dravid to create new and better memories. Dravid's patience snapped."God man! I am not trying to make new anything man!" he exclaimed.Dravid emphasized that he had moved on from his past performances and was solely focused on his current role as coach."I move on from things very quickly. That's one of my things. I don't look back on things. I try and look at what I am doing now, at the moment. I am not concerned about what happened in 97 or some other year," he said.Dravid acknowledged that his past performances would remain on the scorecard, but he refused to dwell on them."Even if we win this match tomorrow, unfortunately, that is still going to remain 80 on the scorecard, however much I try and will it. No I don't think about any retribution. I move on from things. What's in front of me, good or bad?"Dravid reiterated that he no longer identified with his past as a player."I don't think of myself much as a player anymore. Yeah, just move on. Focus on tomorrow, and try and get a good result tomorrow," he concluded.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted at the possibility of including wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the team for the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup. Dravid acknowledged the impact of wrist spinners in the Caribbean conditions, citing Adam Zampa's success as an example."It might be slightly different here. You might need an extra spinner, and then someone like Kuldeep or Yuzi can come into play," Dravid said ahead of India's Super 8 opener against Afghanistan.Dravid also expressed satisfaction with India's batting approach, noting that the team has become more aggressive in recent times. "We have actually been able to push the needle forward in terms of our batting," he said.However, Dravid cautioned against being overly aggressive in all conditions. "Cricket is a very condition-specific game," he said. "Sometimes we just get carried away with pushing the needle forward in T20 cricket."Dravid expects the wind to be a factor at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, which could favor Afghanistan's fast bowlers, including tournament leading wicket-taker Fazalhaq Farooqi."Afghanistan is a very dangerous team in this format of the game," Dravid said. "They play a lot of T20 cricket, and their cricketers are very prominent members of their IPL teams."Dravid also praised the cricket culture in the Caribbean and expressed his excitement for the business end of the tournament.

As the current Indian leadership group approaches the end of its tenure, it's time to reflect on their legacy. Their most significant contribution has been the transformation of India's limited-overs batting approach. Virat Kohli, for instance, has evolved into a formidable T20 batter while maintaining his ODI prowess.However, in India, legacy is often measured by ICC trophies. Unfortunately, this remains the yardstick for a team that has consistently ranked among the best. Ironically, while Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma's tenure has been marked by an aggressive batting philosophy, their legacy of pushing the boundaries has taken a back seat.Two of India's most explosive hitters, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, have been forced to adopt a more conservative approach, akin to the middle overs of an ODI. "We've pushed the needle forward in terms of our batting," Dravid acknowledged. "But we also need to be mindful of conditions."In T20 cricket, the batters' approach plays a crucial role, and it varies depending on the conditions. The unpredictability of new conditions in the West Indies will pose a challenge for India in the Super Eight."We feel we've got the experience and knowledge to counteract different situations," Dravid said. "We're looking at past games, scores, swing, turn, and bounce."However, Dravid emphasized the importance of adaptability. "Conditions can be very different to what you think it is," he said. "We will have to be quick and smart in assessing the conditions."One subtle but noticeable change in India's approach has been their willingness to adjust down rather than up. The top order, particularly Kohli, has shown faith in the batters to follow. This approach, combined with courage and indifference towards the end result, could prove beneficial for India in the T20 knockouts.