Cricket

Rohit Sharma's dismal batting performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has raised concerns among Indian cricket fans and former players alike. The Mumbai Indians captain's poor form has cast a shadow over India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, with many questioning his place in the national team.Rohit's struggles with the bat have been evident throughout the IPL season. In 14 matches, he has managed only 218 runs at an average of 15.57 and a strike rate of 122.89. His highest score of 48 came against the Chennai Super Kings, but he has failed to convert any of his starts into substantial innings.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his concern over Rohit's form, stating that it is a "big worry" for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. "Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's form is a big worry for Mumbai and Indians. You hope that they come back to form quickly," Pathan wrote on Twitter.However, former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that Rohit will not face the same difficulties with the Indian team as he has with Mumbai Indians. "I don't think it's a big worry. Rohit can flip the switch at national duty, he holds it in very high regard," Aaron told ESPNCricinfo. "A player of his class, you can easily use the phrase form is temporary, class is permanent. He will find form, he doesn't have to worry."Despite Aaron's optimism, Rohit's poor IPL form has put pressure on the Mumbai Indians management to rest him and other marquee players like Jasprit Bumrah. With only one league campaign left in the season, the team's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs are all but over.Rohit's struggles have also raised questions about his leadership abilities. As captain of the Indian team, he has been criticized for his conservative approach and lack of tactical acumen. Some experts believe that his poor form with the bat has affected his decision-making on the field.With the T20 World Cup 2024 just over a year away, Rohit's form and leadership will be under intense scrutiny. The Indian team will need him to rediscover his batting prowess and provide the necessary guidance to the team if they are to challenge for the title.

S Sreesanth, the former Indian pacer, has revisited the infamous "slapgate" incident that occurred during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. The incident, which involved Sreesanth and then-Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh, has been a subject of much discussion over the years.Speaking on "The Ranveer Show," Sreesanth revealed that he did not cry due to physical pain but rather because of the emotional bond he shared with Harbhajan. He stated that Harbhajan had always been a source of support and guidance for him, and the incident came as a shock."I didn't cry because of pain but because of heart. I could not take the fact that he would do it," Sreesanth said. "I was not worried about who was watching. So maybe the kid in me as a younger brother, if an elder brother was shouting, and he had all the right because before the game he had actually told me that don't go overboard with your aggression against us."Sreesanth also made a significant revelation about his time with the Indian national team. He claimed that he had faced discrimination based on his regional background, with players from the southern part of India being referred to as "Madrasi.""All my life I have been.... I can say it. See anything below Bombay was more like Madrasi. I have been hearing it from the time I was playing Under-13 to Under-14 to Under-16 to Under-19," Sreesanth said. "Then we had the Kochi (Tuskers Kerala) team and it was like playing for the country again."Sreesanth's comments have sparked a debate about regionalism and discrimination in Indian cricket. He has called for greater inclusivity and respect for players from all backgrounds.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a rising star in Indian cricket, has found himself under fire for his inconsistent performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite high expectations, the young opener has failed to deliver consistently for the Delhi Capitals, raising concerns about his form and focus.In eight matches so far, Shaw has managed only 198 runs at a strike rate of 163.63. His scores have fluctuated wildly, with a few cameos interspersed with low scores. This inconsistency has led to criticism from fans and experts alike.Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on Shaw's struggles, advising the Indian youngster to return to basics and play first-class cricket. "He has to go back to basics, play first-class cricket and score big," Akram said. "Focus on cricket, not parties."Akram emphasized the importance of Shaw playing regularly and taking care of himself off the field. "He has to play regularly, and look at himself off the field," he said. "Do as many parties as you want after you retire, who cares. But now, focus on cricket."Shaw's last appearance for Team India was in 2021 during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. His inconsistent performances in the IPL have raised questions about his future with the national team.If Shaw is to regain his place in the Indian team, he will need to rediscover his form and prove that he can be a consistent performer at the highest level. This will require him to work hard on his game and make some sacrifices off the field.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering the future of the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after mixed reactions from players and coaches. The rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to field two additional Indian players in their XI, replacing one overseas player.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the rule's importance in providing opportunities for Indian players. However, he acknowledged that it is not "permanent" and a decision on its continuation will be made after consulting with stakeholders following the 2024 T20 World Cup.The Impact Player rule has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it has led to inflated scores and hindered the development of all-rounders. Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, has been a vocal critic of the rule.Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey believes the rule has made IPL games more entertaining but admits it can be challenging for bowlers. Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Mitchell Starc also expressed concerns about the rule's impact on bowlers.Despite the mixed reactions, Shah emphasized that the BCCI will prioritize the opinions of players and coaches in making a decision on the rule's future. He stated that the board will consult with franchises, broadcasters, and other stakeholders before reaching a conclusion.The Impact Player rule has undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the IPL. It has provided opportunities for Indian players, but it has also raised questions about its impact on the game's balance. The BCCI's decision on the rule's future will be closely watched by players, coaches, and fans alike.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Virat Kohli as an opener in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly believes that Kohli's exceptional form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) warrants his promotion to the top of the order."Virat is playing exceptionally well. The way Kohli batted last night – 90 in quick time, you need to use him as an opener in the T20 World Cup," Ganguly told PTI.Ganguly expressed confidence in India's T20 World Cup squad, commending its balanced composition and expressing optimism about their trophy prospects after a 17-year gap."This is an excellent squad. I think they have picked the best possible squad. Apart from batting depth, bowling looks excellent," Ganguly remarked.Reflecting on the high-scoring nature of T20 cricket, Ganguly acknowledged the trend of power-hitting and its impact on the game's dynamics."This is going to be the trend in the years to come. T20 cricket has become a power-oriented game and that's what it is going to be," Ganguly observed.Ganguly identified the Impact Player rule and the aggressive mindset of modern-day batsmen as factors contributing to the surge in mammoth totals in the IPL."Now, in IPL we are seeing scores like 240, 250 regularly... That's how this game has gone and that's how the players have started approaching the game," Ganguly explained.Ganguly stressed the need for bowlers to upskill themselves to counter the dominance of batsmen in T20s, citing examples of skillful bowlers thriving across formats."I don't believe in formats. I believe in skills. These are exemplary players who will thrive in all formats," Ganguly noted.Referring to the selection of wicketkeeper-batsmen for the T20 World Cup, Ganguly backed the decision to prioritize Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson over Dinesh Karthik."Dinesh played well but there are better players than Dinesh. I don't think you can leave Sanju or Rishabh out," Ganguly remarked.Ganguly refrained from commenting on the public reprimand of Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul, citing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the situation."It is not fair for me to make a comment based on a TV grab... So, I leave it at that," Ganguly concluded.

The Indian Premier League's (IPL) "Impact Player" rule, introduced in 2023, has sparked debate. However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah maintains that the board has received no feedback on the rule and will review it after the T20 World Cup.Shah emphasized the rule's benefits, stating that it provides opportunities for two additional Indian players. He highlighted the increased competitiveness it brings to the game. However, he acknowledged that if players express concerns, the board will address them."After the IPL and the World Cup, we will have a meeting and decide," Shah said. "It's not a permanent rule, nor am I saying we will move past it."Shah also clarified that the revival of the Champions League T20 tournament has not been discussed with the ICC, despite claims by Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins.Regarding speculation about his potential candidacy for ICC chair, Shah remained evasive. "Let me be here in BCCI," he said. "Let there be speculation. But let me be here (in the BCCI). Am I not doing a good job?"

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has expressed her desire to maintain the composure displayed by her team during their recent 5-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in Sylhet when they return for the T20 World Cup in October.Unlike their previous encounter in Bangladesh in July 2023, which was marred by controversy, India's recent performance was marked by several positives. "The calmness all the players showed in the series is something I would like to take to the World Cup," Harmanpreet said after their 21-run victory in the fifth T20I.Harmanpreet's return to form was a significant highlight of the series. After struggling with low scores in the white-ball series against Australia, she scored 30 or more in three out of four innings against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana also contributed with multiple 30-plus scores.D Hemalatha, who returned to the team after 15 months, showcased her power-hitting abilities at No. 3, a position previously occupied by Jemimah Rodrigues. With the ball, Radha Yadav emerged as a standout performer, claiming ten wickets in five matches and earning the Player of the Series award.Deepti Sharma's experience proved valuable in containing the opposition, while Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana also made significant contributions. Harmanpreet attributed their success to the confidence and momentum gained during the Women's Premier League (WPL)."The WPL gave our players a lot of confidence," she said. "We improved our game during that time, and those results are showing here."India's next assignment will be a multi-format series against South Africa at home in June-July, followed by the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup in October. Harmanpreet expressed her hope that India will be able to play their best cricket when they return to Sylhet for the World Cup opener against New Zealand."This tournament will give us a lot of confidence," she said. "Whatever we learnt here, we can take that to the World Cup. We are really working hard on that. Hopefully, in the World Cup, we will be able to do whatever we can do. I know our team has that much potential and hopefully, we play our best cricket."

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, has been hailed as the "best batter of this generation" across all formats by former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj believes that Kohli's exceptional understanding of his game and ability to perform under pressure set him apart.Kohli's dominance in the recent ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, where he topped the run charts, further cemented his status as a batting legend. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kohli is determined to add another coveted trophy to his illustrious career.Yuvraj, who played a pivotal role in India's 2011 World Cup triumph, believes that Kohli deserves to win another World Cup medal. "He has broken all the records in this era. He is the best batter of this generation in all formats," Yuvraj said. "I think he surely deserves that medal as well."Kohli's T20 World Cup performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2022 edition, he played a match-winning knock against Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. His ability to chase down targets relentlessly has been a key factor in India's success.Yuvraj attributes Kohli's success to his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. "He knows if he's there till the end, he is going to win the game for India," Yuvraj said. "He knows which bowlers to attack, which bowlers to take singles off, when to attack again, handle the pressure and when to change his game."Kohli's form in 2024 has been reminiscent of his peak years. He is the leading scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, with 542 runs at an average of 67.75 and a strike rate of 148.08. His ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket has been remarkable.As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, Kohli will once again be the cornerstone of the batting lineup. His experience, skill, and determination will be crucial if India is to lift the trophy.

Travis Head, the destructive Australian batter, has hailed his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner Abhishek Sharma as an exceptional talent for Indian cricket. The duo's explosive partnership propelled SRH to a record-breaking chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Head (89 not out off 30) and Sharma (75 not out off 28) annihilated the Lucknow Super Giants' 166-run target in just 9.4 overs, setting a new record for the highest 10-over score in men's T20 cricket. The southpaws unleashed a barrage of fours and sixes, showcasing their immense power-hitting abilities."The partnership with Abhi has been fantastic, he's such an exciting talent for Indian cricket," Head said in the post-match press conference. "We complement each other so well and he's very very enjoyable to be around, he's so excited and thinks about the game and yeah he's got a lot of energy so it's a great partnership to be involved in."Head is in top form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month, having amassed 533 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 201.89. Sharma too has been striking at over 200."Whenever you're playing you want to be be as consistent as you can, you want to be getting runs. It's nice to be among the runs been nice to be playing well. That's not going to guarantee anything in the West Indies but it gives me the best chance to be in a very good mindset," said Head."Working hard on training and I think we face a fair bit of spin in the Caribbean and wickets might become tougher as the tournament goes. So very pleased with how I played spin tonight, things that I'm working on in training are somewhat working in the moment," he added.Sharma has also earned high praise from West Indies legend Brian Lara, who is a former coach of SRH. "Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander.""Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. they want to learn," Lara had said.