Cricket

B Sai Sudharsan's remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by consistency and a quiet brilliance. Despite being ranked fifth among the tournament's highest run-getters, he has flown under the radar, showcasing his exceptional talent as a top-order batter.Sudharsan's breakthrough IPL season came in 2023, where he ended with a stunning 47-ball 96 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. His impressive performances earned him an ODI debut against South Africa, where he notched up two fifties in three games.However, a back injury forced him to withdraw from India A's tour of England Lions and potentially miss the final Test against England. Despite this setback, Sudharsan has bounced back with a vengeance in the 2023 IPL, amassing 527 runs in 12 games for Gujarat Titans (GT).His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability has been crucial for GT, even though the team finished eighth in the points table. Sudharsan acknowledges the team's shortcomings but emphasizes the importance of individual contributions.In the final game of the season against CSK, Sudharsan reached a significant milestone, becoming the fastest Indian to 1000 IPL runs. He achieved this feat in just 25 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad.While Sudharsan's game is more suited to longer formats, he recognizes the need to improve his power-hitting skills. He believes that the modern T20 game demands batters to strike at a higher rate, and he is working on developing this aspect of his game.Sudharsan's consistency and ability to adapt to different situations make him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to refine his skills, he is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and international cricket.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has expressed his bewilderment at the Indian selectors' apparent reluctance to select Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ponting believes that Kohli, with his exceptional class and experience, should be an automatic pick for the tournament.Kohli's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL, where he leads the run table with 708 runs from 14 innings, has further strengthened Ponting's belief in his abilities. Despite concerns about his strike rate at the top of the order, Ponting argues that Kohli's overall value to the Indian team cannot be underestimated."He (Kohli) is the first pick for me for India. So, class and experience like that, you can't replace," Ponting told ICC. "It's funny with Virat. I think people in India just always try to find a reason not to pick him or a reason why he's maybe not as good as some of these other guys in the T20 game."Ponting suggests that Kohli should open the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma, allowing players like Suryakumar Yadav to accelerate the run rate later in the innings. He also highlights the importance of having left-handed batters in the team, which could influence the selectors' decision regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting position.Kohli's adaptability and willingness to improve are evident in his improved strike rate this season, which is the highest in his 17 years with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ponting acknowledges that while strike rates have gained prominence in recent years, Kohli's ability to anchor the innings and play according to the situation remains invaluable."The mantra I think for the teams three or four years ago, was making sure that someone at the top of the order made 80 or 100, even if it took them 60 balls, it didn't really matter," Ponting said. "I think it's sort of shifting now to be more of a strike rate based game where you can have a massive impact on a game with a 40 off 15 balls rather than getting an 80 off 55 balls sort of thing."Kohli's crucial contributions in high-pressure matches, such as his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan and half-century against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup, further demonstrate his reliability in crunch situations. Ponting believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable asset for the Indian team.

The evolution of Indian cricket is evident in the contrasting styles of Sunil Gavaskar and Abhishek Sharma. Gavaskar, a stalwart of the 1970s and 1980s, epitomized the cautious approach of a bygone era. His focus on survival and accumulation of runs in a risk-averse batting order defined the game for a generation.In contrast, Abhishek Sharma, a rising star of the Indian Premier League (IPL), represents a new breed of batter. His aggressive style, characterized by a high strike rate and a willingness to take risks, reflects the changing landscape of cricket.The shift from Gavaskar's defensive approach to Sharma's attacking mindset highlights the evolution of the game. The advent of T20 cricket, with its emphasis on quick scoring and entertainment, has transformed the way batters approach the game.Gavaskar's era was marked by a focus on saving the game and avoiding defeat. His batting style was tailored to this defensive mindset, with a high emphasis on technique and patience. In contrast, Sharma's approach is geared towards maximizing runs and putting pressure on the opposition.The difference in batting styles also reflects the changing expectations of fans. In Gavaskar's time, fans were content with a drawn game or a narrow defeat if the team had played with honor. Today, fans demand excitement and entertainment, and batters like Sharma cater to this demand.The success of Sharma and other young Indian batters in the IPL has raised questions about the selection criteria for the national team. While Gavaskar was selected for the national team at a young age, Sharma and his contemporaries have yet to break into the side.This discrepancy highlights the changing nature of cricket selection. In the past, selectors favored experienced players with a proven track record. Today, they are more willing to take risks on young players who have shown promise in the IPL.The evolution of Indian cricket from Gavaskar to Sharma is a testament to the changing nature of the game. The shift from a defensive to an attacking mindset, the rise of T20 cricket, and the changing expectations of fans have all contributed to this transformation.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has set his sights on lifting a major trophy for his team at the senior level. Despite a modest performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Rinku remains optimistic and driven.Since his T20I debut in 2023, Rinku has amassed 356 runs in 15 matches for India, averaging an impressive 89.00 with a strike rate of 176.24. However, he has yet to secure a spot in the main squad for the T20 World Cup. Undeterred, Rinku is determined to achieve his goals."I have won trophies at the junior level, but not at the senior level," said Rinku. "I want to hold the World Cup trophy and lift it in my hands."Rinku's journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. He fondly recalls his five successive sixes against Gujarat Titans in the final over, which propelled KKR to a thrilling victory. This feat transformed his life, bringing him recognition and opportunities.As a middle-order finisher, Rinku emphasizes the importance of composure and reacting to the ball. "I have played at this number for a long time," he said. "The more you keep yourself calm, the easier it will be."KKR will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, with a direct spot in the final at stake. Rinku is eager to contribute to his team's success and ultimately fulfill his dream of lifting a major trophy.

Mumbai Indians Boast Four Indian T20 World Cup Players, While Top IPL Teams Lack RepresentationAs the T20 World Cup approaches next month, the performance of Indian cricketers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a topic of interest. Surprisingly, the top two teams in the IPL standings, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), do not have any players in India's T20 World Cup squad.In contrast, the bottom-ranked Mumbai Indians (MI) have four Indian T20 World Cup players in their ranks: captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, batter Suryakumar Yadav, and bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Delhi Capitals (DC), currently ranked sixth, also have three players in the World Cup squad: wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, allrounder Axar Patel, and bowler Kuldeep Yadav.KKR, despite their impressive performance in the IPL, have only one player named in India's reserves: batter Rinku Singh. Other teams with no representation in the World Cup squad include Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).The absence of Indian T20 World Cup players in the top IPL teams raises questions about whether their performance in the league will have any bearing on their performance in the international tournament. Historically, players who have performed well in the IPL have often been rewarded with national team call-ups.However, the current situation suggests that the IPL may not be the sole determinant of selection for the Indian T20 World Cup team. Other factors, such as recent form, fitness, and team balance, may also play a role in the final selection.It remains to be seen whether the presence of four Indian T20 World Cup players in the Mumbai Indians squad will give them an advantage in the upcoming tournament. However, it is clear that the IPL is not the only factor that will determine the success of the Indian team in Australia.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has recently shared his struggles and triumphs during his playing days. In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on a YouTube show, Gambhir revealed the challenges he faced in his early cricket career.Growing up, Gambhir was not selected for his first under-14 tournament due to his refusal to touch the selector's feet. This incident left a lasting impact on him, and he vowed never to engage in such practices.Despite his affluent family background, Gambhir faced criticism and skepticism throughout his career. People often questioned his motivation, suggesting that he did not need to play cricket due to his family's wealth. However, Gambhir was determined to prove his worth and overcome these perceptions."I wanted to beat that perception," Gambhir said. "So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them."Gambhir's determination and hard work paid off. He played a pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. He also led KKR to its first IPL title in 2012.In the same interview, Gambhir also spoke about his relationship with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He praised Khan for his trust and support, noting that they had never discussed cricket strategy in their seven years of working together."He had never asked me a single question on cricket in those seven years. Can you imagine?" Gambhir said.Gambhir's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful cricketer. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and anyone who faces challenges in their pursuit of their goals.

Gautam Gambhir: IPL Should Not Be the Primary Route to the Indian TeamFormer Indian opener and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has expressed his concerns about the Indian Premier League (IPL) becoming the primary route for young players to secure a spot in the national team. While acknowledging the high standard of cricket in the IPL, Gambhir emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the tournament and other domestic cricket competitions.Gambhir believes that the IPL provides valuable exposure and experience for young players, but it should not overshadow the significance of traditional formats and tournaments in their development. He stressed that the focus should be on nurturing players through a comprehensive system that includes first-class cricket, List A cricket, and other domestic competitions."The bigger concern that arises is about how many youngsters want to play Test cricket for India," Gambhir said. "I hope the IPL is not a shortcut to play for India."Gambhir also pointed out that the IPL has significantly improved the quality of domestic cricket in India. He believes that the tournament has made domestic players more competitive and has raised the overall standard of T20 cricket in the country."Today, when I look at international T20 sides, apart from 2-3 teams, I don't see enough competition when it comes to playing for India," he said. "Not many teams can match the quality that India has. So, I feel that in today's day and age, IPL has become far more competitive than international T20 cricket."Gambhir's comments come amidst concerns that the IPL is overshadowing other forms of cricket in India. Some critics argue that the tournament's lucrative contracts and high-profile nature are attracting young players away from traditional formats.Gambhir, however, believes that it is possible to strike a balance between the IPL and other domestic competitions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive system that provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and experience different formats of the game.

IPL Scheduling and T20 World Cup Preparation: Harbhajan and Kumble Offer Contrasting ViewsFormer India spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns over the scheduling of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in relation to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Singh believes that the BCCI's scheduling is flawed, as the IPL final concludes just a week before the start of the World Cup. He emphasizes the need for Indian players to have at least 4-5 practice games before their opening match against Ireland on June 5.However, former India captain Anil Kumble holds a different perspective. While acknowledging that more practice games would be beneficial, Kumble believes that the two warm-up matches scheduled for the Indian team are sufficient. He points out that playing 16-17 IPL games provides ample preparation for the World Cup.Singh argues that the IPL is the ideal platform for Indian players to prepare for the World Cup. He believes that players who are not involved in the IPL playoffs will have ample time to prepare, while those who reach the playoffs will leave immediately after the tournament.Kumble, on the other hand, suggests that some Indian players may leave the IPL before the final if their teams are eliminated from the playoffs. He emphasizes that the IPL provides a high-pressure environment that simulates the intensity of the World Cup.Both Singh and Kumble agree that the IPL is a valuable preparation tool for the T20 World Cup. However, they differ on the optimal number of practice games required before the tournament. Singh advocates for a longer preparation period, while Kumble believes that the current schedule is adequate.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, recently shared his journey to international stardom, highlighting the pivotal roles played by Dilip Vengsarkar and Suresh Raina.During the 2008 Emerging Players tournament in Australia, Kohli's career took a significant turn. Despite initial struggles, Raina's intervention as captain led to Kohli's promotion to the opening spot. This decision proved transformative, as Kohli scored a century and caught the attention of then-chief selector Vengsarkar.Vengsarkar's belief in Kohli's potential paved the way for his international debut in 2008. However, it was the 2009 Emerging Players tournament that solidified Kohli's place in the Indian team. He emerged as the tournament's top scorer, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.Kohli also reflected on two major setbacks in his career: the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup and the IPL final. The loss in the World Cup left him emotionally drained, while the IPL final defeat was particularly agonizing given their dominant position in the chase.Despite these setbacks, 2016 marked Kohli's peak as a batsman. He amassed over 2,500 runs in international matches, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. In the T20 World Cup, he was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance.Kohli's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and seizing opportunities. His unwavering determination and the support of key figures have shaped his remarkable career.