Cricket

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old rising star of Indian cricket, has expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to represent the national team in the future. Coming off a stellar season with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, where he amassed 573 runs at an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21, Parag believes his time to don the Indian jersey is approaching."At some point, you'll have to take me, right? So that is my belief, I'm going to play for India," Parag asserted. "I don't really care when. [Even] when I was not scoring runs - I said this in an [earlier] interview as well that I am going to play for India."Parag's unwavering belief in his abilities stems from his childhood aspirations and the unwavering support of his father, Parag Das, a former Railways and Assam player. "That is me believing in myself. That is not me being arrogant. That is what my plan was with my dad, when I started playing cricket when I was like 10-years old. We were going to play for India regardless of anything."With India set to tour Zimbabwe for five T20Is after their T20 World Cup campaign, Parag could be among the players to earn a call-up. However, his focus remains on performing consistently and earning his place on merit. "Whether it's the next tour, whether it's a tour in six months, whether it's a tour in one year... I don't really put my thought behind when I should play," Parag said. "That is the selector's job, that is other people's job."Parag's breakthrough season in the IPL came after a string of disappointing campaigns. However, a promotion to the No.4 batting position, where he excels for his state team Assam, provided the familiarity and confidence he needed to flourish. "What you saw this year in the IPL is how I play domestic cricket," Parag explained. "I take the onus up to myself, I take the expectations, I take the burden upon myself to deliver and that is why I play the best."Despite Rajasthan Royals' disappointing finish in the IPL, Parag remains optimistic about the future. "I'm still dealing with it. I got back home and I was super sad," he admitted. "But then the day after the match and before the final, it was tough. It's tough, but then that's how cricket goes. There are world-class sides that are playing the tournament, world-class players that are playing the tournament [and you can't always win]."

Ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has shed light on his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the significance of clarity, communication, and team unity. Known for his composed demeanor and strategic prowess, Rohit believes in establishing clear communication channels with every team member, ensuring that roles and expectations are well-defined. He maintains that open dialogue fosters a positive environment where players feel valued and motivated to excel.Rohit acknowledges the challenge of managing a diverse group of players, each with unique perspectives and demands. He emphasizes the importance of absorbing these inputs and responding accordingly. "The biggest thing I have learned since becoming captain is that every player should be given equal importance so that everyone feels they are part of this team and they are important," Rohit said.He further elaborates on his data-driven approach to captaincy, spending considerable time analyzing trends and preparing for potential match scenarios. "I spend a lot of time in meeting rooms to prepare myself for certain situations that might arise during the match," Rohit explained. "This is the way I prepare as I go through everything, and if I feel that some important things need to be shared with the players, then I do it with them."Rohit's focus on strategic planning and adaptability is evident in his preparation for the T20 World Cup. He recognizes the dynamic nature of T20 cricket and the need to understand the opposition's strengths and weaknesses. "The T20 format is always changing, and each player is playing differently," Rohit said. "You need to understand their style of play, and as per that, we tell our bowlers and batters to plan accordingly."With a well-prepared and confident team, Rohit is optimistic about India's chances at the T20 World Cup. His leadership approach, characterized by clarity, communication, and team unity, aims to create a cohesive and high-performing unit capable of overcoming the challenges of the tournament.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have learned from their mistakes in the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against England and will not repeat them in the upcoming edition of the tournament.In his column for Hindustan Times, Manjrekar pointed out that India's slow batting in the top order, particularly by Kohli and Sharma, contributed to their defeat in the semifinal. However, he believes that both players have evolved as T20 batters since then and will be more aggressive in the 2024 World Cup."In the last T20 World Cup two years ago, in the semis against England in Adelaide, India batted first and got only 168 runs in 20 overs, and a shocking 62 in the first 10. The bulk of deliveries in this crucial period were faced by the seniors, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli," Manjrekar wrote."Rohit got 27 off 28 balls at a strike rate of 96, while Virat secured 50 off 40 balls at a strike rate of 125, eventually getting out in the 18th over. India had lost the tournament right there."Manjrekar praised Hardik Pandya for his aggressive batting in that match, but noted that England chased down the target with ease. He believes that Kohli and Sharma will not make the same mistake of batting too slowly in the upcoming World Cup."Having said this, we can be sure of one thing. Rohit and Virat will not commit the same mistakes made in that semis," Manjrekar wrote. "It's worth acknowledging that Virat is not the same T20 player he was two years ago. He must know deep down, surely, that the 'outside noise' has actually made him a better T20 batter today than he was two years ago."Manjrekar also expressed hope that Kohli will not be preoccupied with batting longer rather than batting quicker in the knockout stages of the World Cup."For Indian cricket's sake, let's hope this preoccupation is buried deep," he concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has been a loyal member of the franchise for seven seasons. In recent years, he has emerged as a key player, winning matches for KKR and earning a call-up to the Indian T20 World Cup squad as a reserve.Despite his impressive performances, Rinku's salary at KKR stands at a mere Rs 55 lakh, a stark contrast to his teammate Mitchell Starc's whopping Rs 24.75 crore. This disparity has raised questions about the value placed on Indian talent in the IPL.In an interview with Dainik Jagaran, Rinku displayed a remarkable level of humility and contentment. He expressed gratitude for his current salary, stating that it is a significant amount for him."Even 50-55 lakhs is a lot. When I started, I never thought I would earn so much. I was a kid then, and if I got even 10-5 rupees, I thought I would somehow manage. Now I am getting 55 lakh rupees, so this is a lot. I should be happy with whatever God gives me," Rinku said.Rinku's philosophy extends beyond financial matters. He believes in the transience of material possessions and the importance of staying grounded."If I tell you the truth today, then all this is an illusion. You did not bring anything with you, nor will you take anything with you. You never know when time will change. I would like to say that you have to go back the same way you came. Stay grounded, what else," Rinku said.Rinku's perspective serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in contentment and gratitude. His story highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of resources in the IPL and a greater appreciation for the contributions of Indian players.

Rishabh Pant Recalls Mother's Anger Over Expensive Bat, Reflects on Cricket JourneyIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared a heartwarming anecdote about his early days as a cricketer, revealing how his mother's initial disapproval of an expensive bat gifted by his father ultimately fueled his passion for the sport.Speaking on Jio Cinema's recently premiered series "Dhawan Karenge," Pant recounted how his father, a cricket enthusiast, had always dreamed of becoming a cricketer himself. When Pant expressed his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, his father gifted him a bat worth Rs 14,000."My mom got super angry," Pant recalled with a chuckle. "She said, 'Why are you spending so much money on a bat? He's just a kid.'"Undeterred, Pant's father encouraged him to pursue his passion. "He told me, 'If you want to be a cricketer, you need to have the right equipment,'" Pant said.Pant's determination paid off. He made his international debut in 2017 and has since become one of India's most promising young players. He was the Delhi Capitals' top run scorer in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2024, amassing 446 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 155.40.Reflecting on his journey, Pant expressed gratitude for his father's support. "It was my father's dream to become a cricketer, and I am glad I could fulfill it," he said. "I decided I wanted to be a cricketer when I was in the 5th grade. My dad gifted me a bat worth Rs 14,000, and my mom got super angry."Despite his success, Pant remains humble and acknowledges the importance of staying grounded. "I know I have a long way to go," he said. "I want to keep improving and make my country proud."

Rohit Sharma's Heartwarming Gesture for Young Fan Ahead of T20 World CupIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma displayed his compassionate side as he prepared to depart for the T20 World Cup in the United States. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport security check, Rohit noticed a young fan eagerly seeking his autograph.Initially, Rohit politely declined, citing time constraints. However, the fan's persistent request and evident enthusiasm touched Rohit's heart. He approached the security personnel and requested them to grant the young fan access.With a smile, Rohit signed the poster for the overjoyed fan, leaving an unforgettable memory for the young cricket enthusiast. The incident highlights Rohit's humility and his genuine care for his fans.The first batch of Indian cricketers, including Rohit, departed for the United States on Saturday for the T20 World Cup, which commences on June 2. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies.Along with Rohit, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, top-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Rahul Dravid, and several other players left from Mumbai airport.The Indian team will begin its campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9, followed by matches against co-hosts USA and Canada in their Group A fixtures.Rohit's heartwarming gesture towards the young fan serves as a reminder of the special bond between cricketers and their supporters. It also underscores the importance of kindness and compassion in the world of sports.

Indian cricket is set to witness a significant change as head coach Rahul Dravid prepares to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach, with several prominent names being linked to the role.Initially, Australian legend Ricky Ponting and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming were considered frontrunners. However, Ponting declined the offer, while Langer and Flower also withdrew their names from consideration.Amidst the ongoing speculation, South African batting icon AB de Villiers has expressed his thoughts on the possibility of coaching the Indian team. While he acknowledged that coaching is something he might enjoy in the future, he ruled out taking up the role immediately."I absolutely have no idea. I do think I'll enjoy coaching. I think there's certain elements I won't enjoy as much, which I will have to learn. With time, anything is possible, and I can think on my feet and learn as I move on," De Villiers said.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's desire to appoint a long-term head coach who understands the Indian cricket structure. He also clarified that the BCCI has not approached any former Australian cricketer for the role."Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks," Shah stated.As the search for Dravid's successor continues, the BCCI will be evaluating candidates who can guide the Indian team to continued success across all formats.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has sparked speculation about the future of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, suggesting that the 35-year-old batsman may consider retiring earlier than expected. While Indian cricketers typically retire around the age of 39-40, Vaughan believes Kohli's evolving family dynamics could influence his career decisions.Kohli, a father of two young children, recently missed the five-Test series between India and England for the birth of his son, Akaay. This, according to Vaughan, signals a shift in Kohli's priorities."In two-three years' time, everything changes, and he just wants to spend quiet time; I completely get that," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.Vaughan also highlighted Kohli's enjoyment of a normal life away from cricket during his break from the India-England series."I believe he went to London and led a normal life. I've read a few of his comments and quotes and he just absolutely adored that normal life. I think that may take Virat away from cricket, like he just wants to go and have a quiet time for a while," he added.Despite these speculations, Kohli's on-field performance continues to be exceptional. In the recent season, he amassed 741 runs at a strike rate exceeding 155, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience, especially against spin bowling.Vaughan praised Kohli's dedication to evolving his game, akin to his idol Sachin Tendulkar."He is a class act. His game is obviously up there with the greats of the game, but the way that he has gone up a gear to stay afloat in this modern era of T20 cricket is exactly what you need. He's got the game, the mindset, the work ethic that he would have had to put in the nets to work on that sweep shot," Vaughan said.Vaughan also acknowledged Kohli's charismatic presence on the field, recognizing his energy and ability to engage with fans and media alike."I love his energy. He causes a bit of chaos in the game; he gives it to the camera and keeps fingers on his mouth to shut them up now and again, but sports need such characters. Those who can keep you going, keep you on the edge of your seat, cause a little controversy," he said.

Rinku Singh's omission from India's T20 World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, given his impressive T20I record. In 15 matches, he has amassed 356 runs at an astonishing average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.24. However, his recent form in the IPL 2024 has been a cause for concern.In 13 games, Singh has managed only 168 runs at an average of 18.67 and a strike rate of 148.67. This dip in form has led to questions about his ability to perform at the highest level.Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Singh has not made the most of his opportunities in the IPL. "He's had opportunities and he came quite early on some occasions, but couldn't maximize that chance," Vaughan said.Vaughan, however, remains optimistic about Singh's long-term prospects. "He's a terrific player who can strike the ball. His level is so high now, because we expect. In T20s, you got to take so many risks, that every now and then, you have a run of games where it doesn't quite go your way.""You are talking about trying to hit it out of the ground on a regular basis, and every now and then you can get caught. As long as his mindset is purely to be aggressive - he's a better player that way - he will be absolutely fine."Vaughan believes that Singh's lean phase is temporary. "I have seen him in the last few years, where he will just explode. He averages 80 for India because he stays not out at the end, he's a quality player. He's not a flash in the pan, I don't think in two years, we are gonna be like 'Where's Rinku Singh gone! He's disappeared. He's not the player we thought he was'," Vaughan said."He just having one of those periods. The top order works, whereas in the previous year, it wasn't working and he was getting to bat earlier on a regular basis. He could knock around for a while and then explode. He's had some opportunities but primarily came further down at the backend. In t20 cricket, you may get out while trying to be aggressive."Despite his recent struggles, Singh remains a highly talented batsman with the potential to be a match-winner for India. His omission from the T20 World Cup squad is a setback, but it should not be seen as a reflection of his overall ability.