Cricket

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul expressed his disappointment with the team's performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 despite their victory against Mumbai Indians in their final fixture. LSG ended the season with 14 points from 14 games, failing to qualify for the playoffs.Rahul acknowledged the team's strong start but attributed their struggles to injuries and a lack of collective performance. He praised the development of LSG's Indian pacers, highlighting the franchise's investment in their training.Reflecting on his own performance, Rahul admitted to learning valuable lessons about his batting and expressed a willingness to adjust his role in the team. He also discussed the team's batting order strategy, explaining the decision to have senior international players bat in positions where they could absorb pressure.Despite the disappointing season, Rahul remained optimistic about the future. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and looked forward to future opportunities in his cricketing career.

Mayank Yadav, a 21-year-old pacer from Delhi, has emerged as a promising talent in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite bowling just 73 deliveries in his maiden IPL campaign, Yadav has showcased exceptional pace and skill, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.Yadav's journey began at the renowned Sonnet Club nets, where his raw talent was evident from a young age. His ability to generate skidding pace off the wicket, even as a scrawny 14-year-old, caught the attention of coach Devender Sharma.In his IPL debut against Punjab Kings, Yadav announced his arrival with a match-winning performance. He dismissed Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, finishing with figures of 3/27. His pace and accuracy continued to impress in the following game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he claimed another three wickets, including those of Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green.Yadav's pace has been a standout feature, with his fastest delivery of the season reaching 156.7kph against RCB. His consistency with line and length has also been commendable, as evidenced by his ability to bowl fuller deliveries and deceive batters.However, Yadav's progress has been hampered by injuries. He suffered an abdominal strain in his third game against Gujarat Titans and missed the next five matches. Upon his return against Mumbai Indians, he experienced discomfort in his fourth over and was forced to leave the field.Despite these setbacks, Yadav remains a highly promising prospect. His potential has been recognized by the BCCI, which has awarded him a fast-bowling contract. However, it is crucial that Yadav receives proper injury management to ensure his long-term success.If Indian cricket can nurture Yadav's talent and keep him fit, he has the potential to become a formidable force in the international arena. His raw pace, coupled with his developing skills, could make him a valuable asset for the Indian team in the years to come.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has expressed optimism about the Indian men's cricket team's chances of winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. In an exclusive interview, Shah discussed his achievements at the BCCI, the challenges facing Indian cricket, and his vision for the future.Shah highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and talent development. He credited the BCCI's decision to strengthen the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and introduce a sports psychologist for the women's team as key achievements. He also emphasized the need for a balance between form and experience in team selection, while acknowledging the importance of overseas experience.Regarding the criticism of the IPL's impact player rule, Shah stated that it is a test case and the BCCI is consulting with stakeholders. He defended the batting-friendly pitches in the IPL, citing the recent match between Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad as evidence of their fairness.Shah also discussed the BCCI's financial success, attributing it to the separation of TV and digital broadcasting rights and the increase in revenue from the ICC. He emphasized that a large portion of the revenue is invested in state associations for grassroots development and infrastructure improvement.When asked about his favorite cricket icons, Shah named Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. He also expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal in tennis and his preference for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as his favorite cricket stadium.Shah's management mantra is to appoint the right people and maintain transparency in financial matters. He is inspired by Swami Vivekanand's quote, "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved."

Sanju Samson's exceptional performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have propelled him into the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old has secured the position of the second wicketkeeper-batter, behind Rishabh Pant, surpassing formidable contenders like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that this is the opportune moment for Samson to make a significant impact on the international stage. He expects the wicketkeeper-batter to not only participate but also lead India to victories.Gambhir emphasizes that Samson has accumulated ample experience and should now harness his full potential to deliver memorable performances. "Now that you've gotten picked in the World Cup team, you have that opportunity-the kind that you need to make sure you start winning games for India if you get the chance," Gambhir told SportsKeeda.He adds, "You have that experience of playing international cricket. You are not a newbie that you will wait any longer. You have tasted international cricket and you've done well in the IPL, and now you have the chance to play the World Cup. So, hopefully, Sanju shows the world what he is capable of at this stage."Gambhir also believes that Samson's captaincy experience with the Rajasthan Royals will positively influence his batting at the T20 World Cup. "Just the quality of a player. I don't need to see much. Five minutes are enough to figure out what kind of a player he is," Gambhir said."Mentally, you always grow, and skill-wise as well. Otherwise, if you get stagnant, you won't be able to survive for too long. The good thing is be it fitness, power-hitting, keeping or captaincy... he has not put a foot wrong. Through captaincy, you start accessing, judging better, reading better. That is when you also become a better batter. I hope Samson's captaincy reflects on his batting at the T20 World Cup if he gets a chance."Samson's inclusion in the Indian squad is a testament to his consistent performances in the IPL. He has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals, leading them to the finals in the 2022 season. His ability to score runs quickly and his impressive wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has captivated fans with his exceptional batting skills and infectious personality. From his humble beginnings to his current status as a reserve player for Team India, Rinku's journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.Rinku's love for cricket began at a young age, and his talent was evident from the start. He honed his skills on the streets of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and eventually caught the attention of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).In the IPL, Rinku quickly made a name for himself as a fearless batsman with a penchant for hitting sixes. His memorable request for a bat from Virat Kohli during a match showcased his confidence and determination. However, despite his impressive strike rate, Rinku has struggled to consistently meet expectations in the IPL.Off the field, Rinku is known for his jovial nature and infectious smile. A recent video shared by KKR on social media captured a lighthearted moment during a photo and video shoot. In the video, Rinku playfully expressed his inability to dance, despite the director's attempts to convince him.Despite his struggles in the IPL, Rinku's talent has not gone unnoticed. He has been selected as one of the reserve players for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This selection is a testament to his potential and the belief that he can make a significant contribution to the team.As Rinku prepares for the World Cup, he will be determined to prove his worth and cement his place in the Indian cricket team. His journey has been an inspiration to many, and his infectious personality and unwavering determination are sure to continue to win him fans both on and off the field.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has shared his insights on his journey as an international cricketer and captain, offering a glimpse into his future with the national team.During an interview on Dubai Eye 103.8 Radio Station while participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) for Mumbai Indians (MI), Rohit reflected on his career trajectory. Expressing his aspirations, he mentioned his intent to continue playing for several more years, aspiring to leave a lasting impact on the global cricketing stage."The journey has been wonderful; to make it to the highest level is not easy, especially in the country from where I come from; it has been 17 years; I still hope to play a few more years as well and make an impact in world cricket," Rohit said.The Indian skipper also reflected on the trials and tribulations he has faced throughout his cricketing journey, noting that he has experienced more setbacks than triumphs, particularly during the early stages of his career. These challenges took a toll on him, leading him to question his place within the national team."I have seen more downs than ups in my life, the human and person I am today is because of what I have seen in the past, and in the downs. When I started my career, I did not have a lot of positives. I did not have a lot of positive impact on the team. I was questioning whether I belonged here or not. It was about what I could do as a person or want in this life as a person and player," said Rohit.Discussing his role as the captain of the Indian team, Rohit emphasised that leading one's country is the ultimate honour for any cricketer. He further delved into his leadership philosophy, highlighting his vision as a skipper, which revolves around prioritising the team's success over individual milestones."Captaining your country is the biggest honour that you can have, and for me, I have never thought that this would arrive where I will be captaining one day. But yeah, people say good things happen to good people," said Rohit."I was very fortunate to get that opportunity (to be a captain), and I knew the past captains who have had an impact in Indian cricket and the kind of legacy they have left as well. We have had so many great captains, so yeah, just taking from where these guys left, making sure that the team heads in the right direction.""When I took over as India captain, I just wanted everyone to drive in one direction, that is how the team sport should be played, it is not about personal milestones, stats and goals, it is about what all 11 of us can bring to the table and win the trophy," Rohit concluded his point.Addressing the pressure inherent in being a cricketer and a role model in India, Rohit acknowledged its significant influence on his life. He emphasised his approach to handling pressure, viewing it as a constructive force that drives him to excel."I believe unless you are put under pressure, the real you does not come out so much. Sometimes you do not realise what kind of strengths you have as an individual, so when you are under pressure you try and bring out that strength," he added.Rohit will be in action for India in the ICC T20 World Cup from June 1 onwards in the West Indies and USA.

Sourav Ganguly, the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, has expressed his confidence in Rishabh Pant's leadership abilities, stating that the young captain will continue to refine his skills with time and experience.Pant, who recently returned to competitive cricket after a severe car accident in December 2022, has resumed his duties as the Delhi Capitals captain. Ganguly believes that Pant's instinctive decision-making and ability to adapt on the field are valuable assets."Pant is a young captain, he'll learn with time," Ganguly said. "The way he returned from injury to play a full season; we had our doubts during the off season."Ganguly also highlighted the importance of Indian players in the TATA IPL, especially with the expansion to 10 teams. He expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience and determination to return to form after his injury."Indian players are crucial, especially since the TATA IPL shifted to 10 teams. I am very happy for him that he returned to play so well over a full season. He has all my well wishes for whatever is next," Ganguly added.While acknowledging that Pant has made some mistakes as a captain, Ganguly believes that he will continue to improve with experience. "With time, he'll become a better captain. Nobody is a great captain from day one, but he is an instinctual captain, he makes decisions on the ground. With more time, he'll get better."Ganguly also praised the performances of young pacers Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Dar Salam, who have impressed for Delhi Capitals this season."You've seen Rasikh's development over time. The more matches he played, the better he got. It's not easy to bowl on the Delhi wicket. This wicket is great, and the ground isn't that big, so I think for any bowler, it isn't easy to bowl here. Rasikh has improved a lot."Mukesh has been our best bowler this season. He bowls all the difficult overs, whether at the start or at the death. There has been no match this season where we didn't need his bowling in the death," he said."We knew that conceding sixes would lead to more losses, so he has consistently delivered there. Our Indian bowlers have been great this season."

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has hinted at a potential role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his tenure from 2017 to 2021, Shastri led the Indian team to significant achievements, including consecutive Test series victories against Australia.One of the most memorable moments under Shastri's guidance was India's historic win at The Gabba in 2021, which inspired the famous phrase "Toota hai Gabba ka ghamand." Fans have always been eager to see Shastri take on a head coach position in the IPL.When asked about the possibility of coaching in the IPL during an appearance on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Shastri responded, "Not really. Not after doing India for 7 years. You never know what can come up in the future and how involved you might want to get."Following his stint with the Indian team, Shastri returned to broadcasting and is currently part of the commentary panel for the ongoing IPL 2024 season. His dynamic voice and unique style of introducing teams during the toss have left a lasting impression on viewers."You know, there is no doubting the experience you have and what you can bring to the table, but after 7 years with the Indian team, especially those times when you were there, the toughest time that game has seen since the World War II, during Covid, quarantine and the bubbles, you just wanted ta break from the dugout, the dressing room and everything. The broadcasting and the mic gave me the freedom to express myself again. And have some fun," Shastri added.While not completely ruling out a return to a managerial role (perhaps for an IPL team this time), Shastri emphasized his desire to contribute to the sport by identifying and nurturing young talent."If I ever go there, it will be precisely for that reason. Not to see the superstars carrying on the way they are, but to cultivate, identify and groom talent, and take them through the roof. I will enjoy it because the spread is so much these days, they have complexes, they have language barriers and challenges culturally. And then get them together to play fearless cricket and ruthless cricket is my cup of tea. So never discount that, it would always be the case when you are handling youngsters," he added.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the spotlight has fallen on India captain Rohit Sharma's form and future in the team. Despite his recent struggles in the IPL, Rohit will lead India in the tournament, but questions linger about his longevity in international cricket.Age has become a significant factor in retirement decisions, with Rohit now 37 years old. However, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, believes that age should not be a determining factor.In an interview with Sports 18, Yograj emphasized that fitness and form should be the primary criteria for player selection, regardless of age. "This talk about age, that someone is these many years old... I have never understood it. What is wrong if you are fit at 40, 42 or even 45, and if you are performing?" he said.Yograj pointed out that players like Mohinder Amarnath and Virender Sehwag have excelled despite not prioritizing fitness. He believes that if Rohit Sharma were to focus on his fitness, he could potentially extend his career until he is 50 years old."Rohit Sharma and Viru [Virender Sehwag] are two such great players who have never thought about fitness and training. If he does, he can play till he is 50," Yograj explained.Yograj's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of age in sports. While some argue that older players may lack the physical capabilities of their younger counterparts, others maintain that experience and maturity can compensate for any decline in athleticism.As the T20 World Cup draws near, the Indian team management will have to carefully consider Rohit Sharma's form and fitness. If he is able to regain his peak performance, he could lead India to another World Cup triumph. However, if his struggles continue, the team may need to explore alternative leadership options.