Cricket

Hardik Pandya's sudden removal as India's T20I captain and exclusion from the ODI squad has raised eyebrows. The decision, made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, has been attributed to Pandya's fitness concerns and limited availability.Pandya, who led India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, has been plagued by injuries, including an ankle issue during the 50-over World Cup last year. Despite his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets, Pandya's fitness has become a concern.Former India pacer Ashish Nehra expressed surprise at the decision, stating that Pandya's fitness and limited match play could be factors. However, Nehra emphasized Pandya's importance in India's white-ball setup when fit.Suryakumar Yadav, who has been appointed as India's new T20I captain, shares a close bond with former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, who showed faith in Suryakumar during their time together at KKR, may view him as a long-term captaincy prospect.Nehra believes that Suryakumar's captaincy will depend on his form, equation with the coach and selection committee, and the team's performance. He also highlighted the transition in the Indian team after the World Cup win, with Rohit Sharma remaining as the main captain and Shubman Gill as his deputy.Nehra expressed confidence in Suryakumar's abilities under Gambhir's guidance, citing their familiarity from their time at KKR. He also noted that other countries have successfully implemented multiple captains in different formats.

Since his abrupt departure from the Indian Test team in South Africa last year, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has struggled to regain his place in the national setup. Despite being part of the ODI World Cup team in India last year, Kishan failed to feature in any matches. His subsequent absence from domestic cricket and a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign have further diminished his chances of a recall.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has attributed Kishan's downfall to a loss of focus, suggesting that he became preoccupied with fashion. Ali believes that Kishan's chances of returning to the Indian team are slim, given the strong competition from Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and other emerging keeper-batters.Kishan's decision to leave the South Africa tour midway has also raised questions about his commitment. He cited fatigue as the reason for his departure, but his subsequent absence from domestic cricket raised eyebrows. In an interview with Indian Express, Kishan explained that he was experiencing travel fatigue and needed a break. However, his explanation has not been widely accepted.Kishan's poor form in the IPL 2024, where he managed only 324 runs in 14 games, further damaged his chances of a recall. He was subsequently ignored for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, which India won.With the likes of Pant, Samson, and other talented keeper-batters vying for a place in the Indian team, Kishan's chances of a comeback appear to be dwindling. He will need to rediscover his form and prove his commitment to the team if he wants to regain his place in the national setup.

Rishabh Pant, the enigmatic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has emerged from a harrowing accident with renewed determination and a profound appreciation for life. After a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's career and even his life hung in the balance. However, with unwavering resilience and a remarkable recovery, he has returned to the cricket field, proving that he is not just a talented player but also a true warrior.In the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Pant's performance was a testament to his indomitable spirit. Despite a sluggish start, he exploded into action, smashing a six and a four off consecutive deliveries. His innings of 49 off 33 balls showcased his trademark aggression and the ability to turn a match on its head.Pant's journey has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. In his six-year Test career, he has produced some of the most unforgettable knocks on foreign soil. His centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa have cemented his status as a world-class batter. However, his limited-overs career has been less consistent.But now, it seems that Pant has found his calling as a top-four batter in T20s. His ability to dominate the powerplay and anchor the innings makes him a valuable asset in any team. In November, he will return to Australia, where he has already established himself as a cult hero.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Pant is known for his infectious personality and quick wit. His banter with opponents and his ability to laugh at himself have endeared him to fans around the world. Despite the challenges he has faced, Pant remains the cuddly boy next door, with a maturity and cricketing acumen that belie his age.Rishabh Pant is a true inspiration, a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. His return to cricket is not just a victory for him but also a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and determination can prevail.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy prospects appear uncertain as former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes the added responsibilities could hinder his performance and fitness. Styris supports the Indian team management's decision to refrain from appointing Pandya as captain, citing concerns about his injury history and the physical demands of bowling.Styris emphasizes that Pandya's all-rounder abilities make him India's best in that role. However, he believes that the pressures of captaincy could compromise his fitness and consistency. "I wouldn't have personally made Hardik Pandya my captain either," Styris told News18. "I think that's a smart choice solely for one reason, and that is as an all-rounder. Skills-wise, he is India's best all-rounder. He is phenomenal. But you want him to be consistently fit."Pandya's recurrent injuries and the physical toll of bowling are key factors in Styris' assessment. "At the moment, how he's in and out with his injuries, you know, bowling is really hard. It takes a lot out of you and your body. So sometimes, adding all the responsibility of captaincy is not necessarily a good thing because there's just too much to do," Styris explained.Styris also highlights Pandya's crucial role as a bowler, especially given the fitness concerns surrounding key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Pandya's presence as a sixth bowler can be invaluable for the team. "These fast bowling stocks are the one area where India probably needs a little bit more help, which is why I like the selection of these youngsters. Anytime Bumrah is not here, your team is going to be weaker. He's as good as anyone who's ever played the game, especially the white ball. So the decision to give him a rest, you totally understand. You've got to make sure that he's fresh and ready for some of the other challenges that India have in front of them," Styris added."You want more out of Hardik Pandya. That's why I like the decision not to make him captain because I really want to see him stand up with a dominant role with the ball more than anything," he concluded.The consensus among experts like Styris is that Hardik Pandya should focus on his all-rounder capabilities and maintaining fitness. This would allow him to contribute effectively without the added burden of captaincy.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, possesses exceptional skills comparable to England's premier all-rounder and captain, Ben Stokes. However, former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris believes that Pandya needs to demonstrate greater consistency in his performances.Styris acknowledges Pandya's immense talent, stating that he is "in a similar ability-zone as someone like Ben Stokes." However, he emphasizes the need for Pandya to translate his abilities into consistent performances. "He's got much more talent than that (his recent performances)," Styris said.Styris highlights the importance of Pandya's availability and fitness in delivering consistent performances. "He is a phenomenally skilled cricketer. But he hasn't quite shown it yet as consistently enough for my liking," Styris said. "I want to see him get his body right and be that dominant all-rounder that we know."Styris also praises left-arm all-rounder Axar Patel, who he believes will play a crucial role in India's upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. "I'm a huge fan of Axar Patel," Styris said. "He's one of those players who always gets in the fight, always gets in the contest."Styris also expresses his desire to see a larger role for Rinku Singh, who missed out on India's T20 World Cup squad. "I would still like to see Rinku come in first," Styris said. "The way he's performed for India, he hasn't done anything wrong."Styris commends the timing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja's retirements from T20Is. "I think it was the perfect time for those three to step away," Styris said. "It's a real opportunity for India to give some experience to the next generation of players."Styris believes that the young Indian cricketers have immense talent, as evidenced by their performances in the IPL. "They won't have those senior guys around to lean on," Styris said. "But the one thing that we can take away from the IPL is the next wave of Indian batsmen are talented."

The evolution of coaching in Indian cricket has been a remarkable journey, from the days of amateur managers to the current era of professional coaches with lucrative contracts. In the past, the team manager, like P.R. Man Singh during India's 1983 World Cup triumph, handled multiple responsibilities. However, with the advent of commercialization and the recognition of mentorship's importance, the dressing room has undergone a significant transformation.The appointment of former stars like Kapil Dev and overseas experts like John Wright brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. However, not all coaching stints were smooth sailing. The infamous spat between coach Greg Chappell and captain Sourav Ganguly highlighted the challenges of managing strong personalities.In recent years, India has found success by sourcing coaches from within its own ranks. Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid have all served as head coaches, bringing their intimate knowledge of the Indian cricket system to the role. Gautam Gambhir is the latest addition to this illustrious list.Gambhir, a gritty former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for intensity to the coaching position. His 4,154 Test runs and crucial performances in limited-overs cricket, including top-scoring in India's inaugural ICC Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup victories, attest to his exceptional talent.Known for his unwavering determination and competitive spirit, Gambhir is expected to instill a similar mindset in the Indian team. However, he will also need to navigate the challenges of managing a diverse group of individuals and preparing India for the post-retirement era of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other senior players.Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter in Indian cricket coaching. His experience, intensity, and understanding of the game make him a formidable candidate to guide the team to future success.

Suryakumar Yadav, the enigmatic Indian batter, has etched his name alongside Virat Kohli in the annals of T20 International cricket by equaling the record for the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards. Yadav's 16th POTM accolade, achieved in just 69 matches, matches Kohli's tally, which took the former Indian captain 125 matches to accumulate.Yadav's latest POTM award came in India's emphatic 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their 2024 tour at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Batting first, India posted an imposing 213/7, with Yadav leading the charge with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. His innings, studded with eight fours and two sixes, showcased his aggressive intent and ability to turn the tide of the game in his team's favor.Despite the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Yadav's innings provided the stability and momentum that India needed. Rishabh Pant also contributed significantly with a brisk 49 off 33 balls, while Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag added quick runs in the middle overs. Axar Patel's unbeaten 10 off 5 balls helped India cross the 200-run mark.In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170 in 19.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka's 79 off 48 balls and Kusal Mendis's 45 off 27 were the only notable performances in an otherwise disappointing chase. Arshdeep Singh and Riyan Parag were the pick of the bowlers for India, with Singh taking 2 for 24 and Parag claiming 3 for 5 in a stellar bowling display.Yadav's rapid accumulation of 16 POTM awards is a testament to his impactful performances and his pivotal role in India's T20I squad. With the series just beginning, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if he can surpass Kohli's record and continue to be a game-changer for his team.

Rohit Sharma's Forgetful Nature: A Quirky Trait of the Indian CaptainRohit Sharma, India's Test and ODI captain, has gained notoriety for his peculiar tendency to forget things. This endearing quirk has been observed by fellow cricketers, including Virat Kohli, who has often commented on Rohit's absent-mindedness and propensity to misplace items.A recent video circulating on social media further illustrates this characteristic. Upon arriving at the airport, Rohit appears perplexed about the number of bags he is carrying. Initially, he states, "There should be 7 bags." However, moments later, while traveling with his wife and daughter, he corrects himself, saying, "There should be 8 bags."This amusing incident highlights that despite his superstar status, Rohit remains grounded and retains his endearing quirks. Kohli has humorously remarked about Rohit's forgetfulness on a television show, stating, "The number of things Rohit Sharma forgets, I have never seen anyone else being this forgetful. iPad, wallet, phone—he forgets not just small things but essentials for daily use. He has even forgotten his passport two or three times, which was very hard to retrieve."Despite his forgetfulness, Rohit has had a remarkable career. He became the second Indian captain after Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead India to a T20 World Cup title in 2007. Under Rohit's leadership, India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final.Having retired from T20 Internationals following India's T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit is now preparing to lead the Indian team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. His forgetful nature may provide some lighthearted moments, but it does not diminish his exceptional abilities as a cricketer and leader.

India's newly appointed T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has expressed his excitement about working with head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he shares a special bond dating back to their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Yadav, who has previously led India in seven T20Is, emphasized the importance of leadership and the lessons he has learned from various captains. He believes that being a leader on the field, even without the official title, has helped him grow as a player.Speaking about his relationship with Gambhir, Yadav recalled their time together at KKR, where Gambhir's guidance played a pivotal role in his development. He expressed his belief that Gambhir's understanding of his work ethic and mindset will be invaluable in their new roles with the Indian team.Yadav also highlighted the importance of humility and balance in life, lessons he has learned from his experiences in cricket. He believes that it is crucial to separate on-field performance from personal life and to maintain a sense of perspective.India's tour of Sri Lanka marks the beginning of a new era for both teams, with Gambhir and Sanath Jayasuriya taking over as head coaches for India and Sri Lanka, respectively. The series will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I scheduled for Saturday in Pallekele.India's T20I squad for the series includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with Yadav leading the charge as captain. The team will be looking to build on their recent successes and continue their dominance in the shortest format of the game.