Cricket

Hardik Pandya's Stellar Performance Leads India to Victory in T20 World Cup OpenerIn a crucial T20 World Cup Group A match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerged as a savior, claiming three crucial wickets to restrict Ireland to a meager 96 runs.Pandya's impressive bowling display, along with the exceptional performances of Arshdeep Singh (2/35), Mohammed Siraj (1/13), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/6), left the Irish batters struggling to find their footing. The Indian bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, leaving no room for the opposition to score freely.Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, Pandya expressed his delight with his performance, emphasizing his consistent contributions in World Cups. "It's always special to play for the country and for pride," he said. "I've been able to contribute in the World Cups, and I'm grateful for that."Pandya also praised the outstanding catch taken by Axar Patel, highlighting the importance of hand-eye coordination in such crucial moments.The Indian all-rounder further acknowledged the unwavering support of the Indian crowd in the USA, stating, "We Indians are everywhere, we rule the world."With this victory, India has made a strong start to their T20 World Cup campaign, showcasing their bowling prowess and the ability to perform under pressure.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise over the omission of Kuldeep Yadav from India's playing XI in their opening match of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Ireland. Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports' pre-match coverage, said, "I'm surprised. Kuldeep bowled really well in the IPL. His exclusion came as a little surprise."Kuldeep, a left-arm wrist spinner, had been widely expected to start for India in the tournament. However, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid opted for Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as their two regular spinners.Kuldeep has impressive T20I statistics, with 59 wickets in 35 matches at an average of 14.1 and an economy rate of 6.75. He has also taken two five-wicket hauls, one against England in England and the other against South Africa in South Africa.In the recently concluded IPL 2024, Kuldeep picked up 16 wickets in 11 games for Delhi Capitals. His exclusion from the Indian team raised eyebrows on social media, with many fans and experts questioning the decision.Former India opener Wasim Jaffer tweeted, "No Kuldeep? #INDvIRE #T20WorldCup." Another fan account, @Delphy06, wrote, "Kuldeep Yadav dropped today by Team India. Axar Patel given chance to prolong batting line up vs Ireland."India's decision to leave out Kuldeep may have been influenced by the warm-up game against Bangladesh, where he failed to pick up a wicket in two overs. However, his IPL form and overall record suggest that he is a valuable asset to the team.Despite Kuldeep's absence, India fielded a strong team against Ireland. All three frontline seamers - Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammad Siraj - were included, while Rishabh Pant edged out Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batsman. Virat Kohli returned to the opening slot alongside Rohit Sharma, while Yashasvi Jaiswal missed out.India began their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with a match against Ireland on June 5, aiming to win their second World T20 title.

Mohammed Shami Unveils India's Playing XI for T20 World Cup Opener Against IrelandIndian pacer Mohammed Shami, currently sidelined with a knee injury, has shared his preferred playing XI for India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on Friday. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Shami outlined his choices, providing insights into India's potential strategy for the tournament.Shami's XI features a formidable batting lineup, with captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli opening the innings. The middle order boasts the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya, who will also serve as the team's sixth bowling option.In the bowling department, Shami opted for a balanced attack with two pacers and two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will provide spin support. Ravindra Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, will be the fifth bowling option.Shami emphasized the importance of a left-arm, right-arm combination in the pace department, with Arshdeep Singh partnering Bumrah. He also highlighted the crucial role of spinners in the conditions expected in the USA."I would personally go for the left arm-right arm combination in the pace department with Arshdeep Singh partnering Jasprit Bumrah. Kuldeep, Chahal, and Jadeja will be the spinners, while Hardik will be the sixth bowler," Shami explained.Meanwhile, concerns linger over the weather conditions in Nassau County, where the match will be played. With the England-Scotland game washed out due to rain in Barbados, fans are hoping for clear skies for India's tournament opener.Despite the unfamiliar conditions, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "The conditions are quite unknown for a lot of teams. That is the same for all. You just have to play good cricket," Sharma said.

India Faces Pitch Challenge in T20 World Cup Opener Against IrelandThe Indian cricket team will face a stern test in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on Wednesday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The pitch at the makeshift New York stadium has raised concerns due to its low bounce and slow nature, posing a significant challenge for the Indian batters.The warm-up match against Bangladesh on Saturday provided a glimpse of the drop-in pitches, but the real test awaits India in their first competitive match. In the opening match of the venue between South Africa and Sri Lanka, the latter were bowled out for a mere 77, highlighting the potential difficulties of batting on this surface.The Indian team, fresh from the grueling Indian Premier League (IPL) season, will be eager to get off to a winning start in their World Cup campaign. However, they will need to adapt quickly to the conditions and find ways to score runs on a pitch that is expected to favor the bowlers.The match against Ireland will also give India a clearer picture of their preparations ahead of their highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue. The two teams have a long history of intense rivalry, and the match is sure to generate immense excitement and attention.India will be relying on their experienced batting lineup, led by captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, to overcome the challenges posed by the pitch. The bowling attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yuzvendra Chahal, will also need to be at their best to restrict Ireland's scoring.Ireland, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset and make a statement in their World Cup opener. They have a talented squad led by captain Andrew Balbirnie and will be determined to prove their worth on the big stage.The match between India and Ireland promises to be a fascinating contest, with both teams eager to start their World Cup campaigns on a positive note. The pitch conditions will undoubtedly play a crucial role, and it will be interesting to see how the teams adapt and overcome the challenges it presents.

Rahul Dravid's Linguistic Skills and Humor Shine at T20 World Cup Press ConferenceAhead of India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, head coach Rahul Dravid showcased his linguistic prowess and sense of humor during a press conference. Responding to a question in Hindi about the potential for complacency against Ireland, Dravid used an Urdu word that delighted both himself and the audience."Iss format mein, ye format hi yehi hai ki aap kisi ko nazarandaaz ya lightly nahi le sakte (This format itself is such that you just cannot overlook anyone or take anyone lightly)," Dravid said.Pleased with his use of the word 'nazarandaaz,' Dravid added humorously, "Waah! Not bad. Well done, Rahul! (Laughs)."Dravid's linguistic skills and humor have become a hallmark of his tenure as India's head coach. He has often used Urdu and Hindi words in his press conferences, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the proceedings.During the same press conference, Dravid confirmed that the T20 World Cup 2024 would be his final assignment as India's head coach. He announced that he would not be re-applying for the position, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with top-tier Indian players over his nearly three-year tenure.Dravid's departure marks the end of an era for Team India, with his tenure being noted for fostering a strong team culture and developing young talent. As Team India gears up for its opening match against Ireland, the team will be keen to send off their coach with a memorable performance in the tournament.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked speculation about a potential change in India's opening combination for the T20 World Cup 2024. Doull, who is currently working as a commentator for the tournament, revealed that he has heard rumors suggesting that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be set to open alongside Rohit Sharma in India's opening match against Ireland.This would be a significant departure from the expected opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Doull believes that Jaiswal's recent form and his ability to provide a left-handed option at the top of the order could make him a valuable asset to the team."I've heard rumors today that Jaiswal was the first into the nets," Doull said on Cricbuzz. "They've given him plenty of opportunity. That would surprise me if they bring him in. Who do they leave out? Shivam Dube? That would surprise me a touch."Doull also expressed his preference for Rishabh Pant to continue batting at No. 3, a role he filled in India's warm-up game against Bangladesh."It was just a way of getting him into that side and splitting up that middle-order combination of left-left-left," Doull said. "I didn't know about Hardik Pandya at the start, so for me, it was where do I fit Rishabh Pant? Take away, let's say, him, Dube and Jadeja... all batting at 5, 6 and 7. And just giving the top order a little point of difference. I'm pleased they gave it a chance against Bangladesh. It worked well. Will they go with it again? I think they should."If Jaiswal does indeed open with Rohit Sharma, it would be a bold move by India. However, it could also pay off, as Jaiswal is a talented young batsman who has shown great promise in recent months.

Travis Head, the Australian batsman who played a pivotal role in his team's victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, is eagerly anticipating the possibility of another showdown with India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Head's aggressive batting in last year's ODI World Cup final and the ICC World Test Championship final dashed India's hopes of an ICC title on home soil.India, led by Rohit Sharma, will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday. The team boasts a star-studded lineup, including Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, making them one of the favorites for the tournament.Head, who has expressed his excitement about watching "The Test," the Amazon sports documentary on the Australian men's cricket team's dominance, believes that Rohit Sharma will face pressure to lead India to an elusive ICC title. However, he also acknowledges that India has a strong team with a balanced batting and bowling lineup.If both India and Australia reach the final, they will face off again on June 29 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Head, who has been in impressive form in all formats of the game, is confident in his team's ability to perform well in the T20 World Cup.He credits the continuity and confidence within the Australian team for their aggressive brand of cricket. Head also praises Pat Cummins' leadership, describing him as a relaxed and approachable captain who fosters a positive dressing room environment.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Bury Differences Ahead of T20 World CupRumors of a rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been circulating since the latter replaced the former as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Both players endured a disappointing IPL campaign, with MI finishing at the bottom of the standings.However, as India prepares for the T20 World Cup, it appears that Sharma and Pandya have put their differences aside. In a photo shared by journalist Vimal Kumar, Sharma, the captain, was seen batting in the nets while Pandya, his deputy, bowled to him.The image suggests that the two players are committed to uniting for the common goal of winning the World Cup. India will begin their campaign on Wednesday against Ireland in New York.The equation between Sharma and Pandya has been a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the tournament. Sharma traveled with the first group of players to New York, while Pandya joined the team a few days later.Despite the rumors, it seems that the two players have resolved their issues and are focused on leading India to success. India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya has silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup warm-up fixture. Pandya's unbeaten 40 off just 23 balls helped India post a total of 182/5, striking two fours and four sixes.There had been a lot of talk surrounding Pandya's form in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, as the star all-rounder had a below-par season in the IPL. His selection became a major talking point when India announced its squad for the T20 World Cup during the league stage of the cash-rich league.However, Pandya's knock against Bangladesh has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "There were many question marks over Hardik Pandya and they have been erased. The more you try to put Hardik Pandya down, the more he emerges and shines, just like a diamond shines after being continuously rubbed. Hardik Pandya is a great takeaway."Pandya has endured a tough couple of months in the IPL after returning to Mumbai Indians before the start of the season. He replaced Rohit Sharma as captain of the franchise, a decision which wasn't taken well by the fans. He was attacked by fans across the IPL venues with constant booing, including by the MI supporters.Since coming into the Indian team in 2016, Pandya excelled in his all-round roles in all formats, till a back injury in the 2018 Asia Cup and surgery post the 2019 World Cup stopped him from being back at his absolute best, resulting in him playing only as a batter in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India didn't even enter the semifinals.In 92 T2OIs that he has played, Pandya has picked 73 wickets and has scored 1348 runs. India will lock horns against Ireland in their opening match in New York on Wednesday before playing arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on June 9.