Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership, Reflects on Growth as a BowlerIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's leadership skills, highlighting the strong bond and understanding they have developed over the years.Bumrah, who has played under Rohit's captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian national team, recalled his early days with the Mumbai Indians, where he relied heavily on Rohit to set the field placements for him. However, over time, he realized the importance of becoming more self-reliant and started learning the craft himself."When I came into cricket, I didn't know a lot - when I started playing IPL - I used to go and tell Rohit Sharma you set the field, I don't know. I am going to bowl this ball, you set the field & I trust you, whatever the field right you set the field' - then slowly I realised I can't be overly dependent on others then I started learning the craft," Bumrah told Indian Express.Bumrah's growth as a bowler has been remarkable, and he is now considered one of the best in all three formats of the game. His stellar performance at the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament, further cemented his status.Bumrah's ability to adapt and learn has been a key factor in his success. He has worked tirelessly to improve his skills and has become a more complete bowler. His ability to bowl with pace, accuracy, and control makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman.Bumrah's admiration for Rohit's leadership is a testament to the strong relationship they have built over the years. Rohit's ability to inspire and motivate his players has been a key factor in India's success under his captaincy.

Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, has expressed his admiration for the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and his clear and concise approach to the game. Gill, who has been named the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, believes that Gambhir's guidance will be invaluable as the team prepares for the upcoming challenges.Gill has also set his sights on becoming a versatile batsman, capable of performing consistently across all formats and in various playing conditions. His ultimate aim is to contribute to the team's success, but he also recognizes the importance of solidifying his position as a reliable player in any situation.Despite being part of the Indian squad during the T20 World Cup as a travelling reserve, Gill was unable to secure a spot in the final 15-man roster. The young right-hander has identified this as an area that requires improvement and is determined to work on his skills to ensure he becomes an indispensable member of the team in the future.However, the 24-year-old is now focused on the upcoming five-match Test tour to Australia later this year, as well as the subsequent Champions Trophy. He believes that these matches will provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and cement his place in the team.Gill also mentioned that Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, the current T20I captain, have quite similar thinking processes regarding their vision for the team. He expressed confidence that their partnership will be successful and that he will have a good understanding with his new opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal.Gill also praised Abhishek Nayar, the newly-appointed assistant coach of India, with whom he had previously worked at the Kolkata Knight Riders. He highlighted Nayar's dedication and commitment to helping players improve their skills.

Shafali Verma Emphasizes All-Round Improvement for India Ahead of Asia Cup SemifinalIndian opener Shafali Verma has highlighted the need for her team to enhance their performance in all aspects of the game as they prepare for the women's Asia Cup semifinal clash against Bangladesh on Friday.Despite India's impressive run in the tournament so far, Verma believes there is room for improvement. "We are winning the matches and gelling well as a team, but the semifinal is very important for us," she said. "We are practicing very hard, and hopefully we will execute (plans) tomorrow."Verma, who has been the second-highest run-scorer in the competition with 158 runs from three appearances, emphasized the importance of the batting unit continuing to perform. "As a batting unit, we are backing our strength," she said. "Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves."The 20-year-old also mentioned that the lower-order batters have been working hard in practice, despite not having had the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the tournament. "They haven't had much of a chance (to bat), but Deepti (Sharma), Pooja (Vastrakar), and all other lower batters are practicing well, and I am sure they are ready to hit a few sixes whenever their opportunity comes," she said.Verma stressed that the current title holders are particularly focused on improving their fielding. "We are working hard on our fielding," she said. "Hopefully, we will be able to tick the boxes in all three departments - batting, bowling, fielding - tomorrow against Bangladesh."

With India embarking on a new era in T20 cricket, the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as captain for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has generated immense anticipation. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar, who witnessed Suryakumar's T20I debut in 2021, believes the batsman possesses the qualities to lead by example.Sridhar highlights Suryakumar's maturity and composure, noting that he has evolved from the aggressive and upbeat player he was in his early days. He believes that Suryakumar's ability to remain calm under pressure and think strategically will serve him well as captain.Sridhar emphasizes that captaincy extends beyond on-field leadership, requiring the ability to maintain a positive team environment off the field. He commends Suryakumar's communication skills and his focus on ensuring the well-being of all squad members.Sridhar also acknowledges Suryakumar's previous experience as captain of Mumbai in domestic cricket. While his initial stint was marked by challenges, he has since matured and led Mumbai to success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Sridhar believes Suryakumar has the potential to lead India effectively, but stresses the importance of selecting the right playing eleven and communicating clearly. He notes that Suryakumar's experience playing under Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as his vice-captaincy under Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders, will be invaluable.The India vs. Sri Lanka series marks a new chapter in Indian cricket, with both teams featuring new captains and coaches. Sridhar believes this series will lay the foundation for the team's future in the T20 format, providing a platform for young players to establish themselves and develop a distinct playing style.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has sparked speculation about the future of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup, leaving their availability for future tournaments uncertain.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit will lead India in the ICC Champions Trophy and World Test Championship in 2025. However, it remains unclear whether he and Kohli will be available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Gambhir has stated that both players are in his plans, emphasizing their experience and ability. However, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has pointed out Gambhir's previous comments suggesting that senior players would be dropped if they underperformed in the T20 World Cup.Srikkanth believes that Kohli's fitness levels could allow him to play in the 2027 World Cup, but he doubts Rohit's ability to perform at a high level at the age of 40. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, which could pose physical challenges for older players.The BCCI has not yet made a decision on the future of Rohit and Kohli. The selectors will likely assess their performances in the upcoming series and make a determination based on their form and fitness.

Sanju Samson's international career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both brilliance and frustration. Despite his exceptional talent, the wicket-keeper batter has repeatedly faced snubs from the white-ball teams, leaving many scratching their heads.Samson's latest setback came when he was overlooked for India's ODI series against Sri Lanka, despite scoring a century in his last one-day international match. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, known for his blunt assessments, expressed his disappointment over Samson's omission."This is not the first time Sanju has gone through this," Uthappa said. "I don't think it will be the last time either. But his one-day numbers have been incredible."Uthappa attributed Samson's struggles to the constant changes within the Indian leadership group. "Things have to settle down a bit," he said. "We as fans and supporters need to give them space."However, Uthappa believes that Samson is not out of contention for the ODI team. "He will get his opportunity," Uthappa said. "But when it comes, he needs to grab it with solid performances."Samson's future in the ODI team may hinge on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. An exemplary show in the shortest format could force the selectors to give him a longer run in the 50-over format as well.Samson's case highlights the complexities of team selection in modern cricket. With a plethora of talented players vying for limited spots, even the most deserving individuals can find themselves on the sidelines. However, Samson's talent and determination suggest that he will continue to fight for his place in the Indian team.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy woes have continued since his appointment as Mumbai Indians skipper in 2024. Despite being touted as a potential T20 captain for India, Pandya has faced setbacks and criticism.After a disappointing IPL season, where he was booed by fans, Pandya was overlooked for the T20 captaincy in favor of Rohit Sharma. Post the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he served as vice-captain, Pandya was again expected to take over the reins. However, Suryakumar Yadav was surprisingly named T20I skipper for the Sri Lanka Tour.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to Pandya's injury concerns. However, former Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold believes there may be more to the story."Hardik couldn't really gain the respect of everyone around him," Arnold told Sports Tak. "It's about getting everyone to gel and keeping everyone calm and happy so that you can pull in the one direction."Arnold suggests that Pandya's inability to command respect within the team may have influenced the BCCI's decision. He also highlights the impressive form of Suryakumar Yadav, who is considered one of the best T20 batters in the world."It's a great opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase what he can do and make it his own," Arnold added.Pandya's captaincy struggles have raised questions about his leadership abilities. While he is an exceptional player, his inability to inspire and unite his team has been a concern. The BCCI's decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I skipper is a clear indication that they are looking for a different direction.It remains to be seen whether Pandya can regain the trust of the BCCI and the Indian cricket team. His injury concerns and leadership challenges will need to be addressed if he wants to fulfill his potential as a captain.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's Social Media Banter Reminds Fans of Viral IPL MomentIndian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and batter Rinku Singh have engaged in a humorous exchange on social media, reminiscent of a viral video from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.In the IPL video, Rinku was seen requesting a bat from then-Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli. The incident became a viral sensation, with fans amused by Rinku's bold request.Now, on the eve of India's tour of Sri Lanka, Suryakumar has reignited the banter by posting an image of himself talking to Rinku on Instagram. Below the image, he wrote: "Theek hai bat le lena" (Okay, take the bat).Rinku promptly reposted the story and added: "De do bhaiya bat" (Give me the bat, brother).The exchange has delighted fans, who have flooded the comments section with laughing emojis and references to the original IPL video.Suryakumar's appointment as T20I captain comes after he pipped Hardik Pandya for the role. He will lead India in a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, followed by an ODI series captained by Rohit Sharma.The tour marks the first assignment for Gautam Gambhir as India's new chief coach after taking over from Rahul Dravid following the T20 World Cup.

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after a brief injury layoff. The veteran fast bowler has been diligently training in the nets, showcasing his unwavering determination to regain his place in the Indian team.Shami's last competitive appearance was in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he played through pain but still managed to impress with his pace and swing. He finished the tournament with an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls.Despite his exceptional performance, Shami was forced to miss the South Africa tour and the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an Achilles tendon injury. He underwent successful recovery surgery in February, which ruled him out of the IPL and the ICC T20 World Cup.With 448 wickets in 188 international matches, Shami is one of the most successful fast bowlers of the modern era. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable threat to any batting lineup.Shami's return to the Indian team will be a major boost for the side, especially with the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027. His experience and skill will be invaluable as India looks to reclaim the coveted trophy.