Cricket

Shubman Gill Recalls Virat Kohli's Inspiring Advice: 'You Can Score a 100 in Your First Innings'Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rising star Shubman Gill has shared a memorable encounter with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.Gill, who is often hailed as the 'Prince' of Indian cricket, has long admired Kohli's batting prowess and leadership qualities. In a recent video shared by the host broadcaster, Gill revealed his first conversation with Kohli during a tour of New Zealand."When I spoke to him for the first time, he told me that every time a new kid comes, people say he needs a couple of chances, he needs some innings to get through," Gill recalled. "But he said, 'I think if you are good and capable, then you can start from your first innings, you can score a 100 in your first innings.'"Kohli's words left a lasting impression on Gill, who realized the importance of self-belief and seizing opportunities. "I came to know what kind of a person he is and I really liked it," Gill said. "He saw that capability in me and said I had to give it my 100%."Gill's admiration for Kohli extends beyond his batting skills. He also values Kohli's unwavering determination and competitive spirit. "He's a very competitive person, and he wants to win every game," Gill said. "He's a great leader, and he always puts the team first."As Gujarat Titans prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill is eager to put Kohli's advice into practice. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the IPL, the match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's scintillating knock against Lucknow Super Giants has reignited the debate surrounding his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Samson's match-winning 71 off just 33 balls, including seven boundaries and four maximums, has garnered support from veteran cricketers, who believe he deserves a place in the national team.Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was quick to advocate for Samson's inclusion, stating that he "has to go" to the World Cup. Pietersen praised Samson's talent and ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing that he should be one of the first picks for the selectors.Samson's consistent batting performances throughout the IPL season have strengthened his case for World Cup selection. With 385 runs in 10 matches, including four fifty-plus scores, Samson is currently leading the run-scoring charts among all Indian wicket-keeping options in IPL 2024. He is also second in the race for the Orange Cap, further solidifying his credentials.Samson's ability to deliver under pressure was evident in his match-winning knock against Lucknow. With Rajasthan Royals needing 16 runs off the final over, Samson smashed Avesh Khan for a six and a four to secure a crucial victory.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad would provide India with a versatile and explosive option in the middle order. His ability to play both spin and pace bowling effectively, as well as his experience as a captain, make him a valuable asset to any team.With the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away, the selectors will have a tough decision to make regarding Samson's inclusion. However, his recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive form in the remaining IPL matches.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is serving as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The selectors are closely monitoring the performances of potential candidates, and a meeting is scheduled this weekend in New Delhi to finalize the team.One of the key areas of focus is the selection of frontline pacers. While Jasprit Bumrah's place is secure, the identity of his partner remains uncertain. Mohammed Shami's injury has opened up opportunities for other contenders.Among capped pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan are strong candidates. However, uncapped pacers Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and T Natarajan have also impressed with their performances in the IPL.A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans favor Siraj and Mayank to join Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad. Mayank, despite playing only two matches, has made a strong impact with his raw pace. Siraj, despite a disappointing IPL season, has a proven track record, having played a key role in India's Asia Cup triumph last year.Experts have also weighed in on the selection debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Mayank's inclusion, while others have expressed support for Siraj based on his past performances.The selectors face a tough decision in choosing the right combination of pacers. They must balance experience with form and potential. The T20 World Cup is a high-stakes tournament, and India will need a strong bowling attack to succeed.

Former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan has urged Indian cricket to reassess the importance placed on Hardik Pandya's role as an all-rounder, emphasizing the need for impactful performances in ICC tournaments. Pathan's remarks come amidst Pandya's struggles in the ongoing IPL season, sparking debates over his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Pathan highlighted the necessity for Pandya to deliver substantial contributions at the international level, particularly in ICC events. He emphasized that Pandya's potential alone is not sufficient and that he needs to make a tangible impact on the field.Expressing concern over the disparity between IPL performances and international cricket, Pathan advised Pandya to commit to consistent participation throughout the year, rather than selective appearances. He stressed the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach, drawing parallels with Australia's strategy of nurturing collective excellence over individual brilliance.Beyond Pandya's role, Pathan raised concerns about India's finishers and the effectiveness of the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. He noted that while India's top-order batting and middle-overs bowling are relatively settled, the team needs to address concerns in the finishing and fast bowling departments.Pathan emphasized the need for improvement in key areas, underscoring the significance of addressing these challenges to bolster India's prospects in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the importance of finding a reliable finisher with a high strike rate and improving the performance of the pace bowlers, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two of the most celebrated batsmen in contemporary cricket, have often been compared for their exceptional skills and achievements. While both players have their own unique strengths and contributions, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes that comparing them is unfair.Hafeez, in a recent video, emphasized that both Kohli and Azam are exceptional players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. He acknowledged Kohli's remarkable consistency and achievements for India, while praising Azam's efforts for Pakistan.However, Hafeez cautioned against direct comparisons, stating that each player has their own style and has excelled in different situations. He believes that Azam, while a fantastic player, should not be expected to carry the entire burden of Pakistan's batting. Instead, he should focus on adapting and enhancing his skills to meet the demands of modern cricket.Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, Azam has shown immense potential and has consistently performed well for Pakistan, particularly in limited-overs cricket.Ultimately, comparing Kohli and Azam is a matter of personal preference and the format of the game. While Kohli has proven his mettle across all formats over a longer period, Azam has demonstrated his exceptional batting abilities and continues to impress with his performances.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his belief that all-rounder Axar Patel will secure a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly highlighted Patel's versatility as a key factor in his selection, emphasizing his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball.Patel has impressed throughout the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, showcasing his bowling prowess with an impressive economy rate of 7.06. However, it is his batting that has caught Ganguly's attention. When promoted up the order against the Gujarat Titans, Patel displayed his power-hitting abilities, demonstrating his potential to provide valuable runs in the middle order."Axar is a certainty for the T20 World Cup," Ganguly stated. "He can bat at No. 8 and contribute 15-20 runs, which is crucial in T20 cricket. He can also smack spinners, making him a valuable asset."Ganguly, who serves as the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, praised Patel's all-around abilities, comparing him to fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Jadeja and Axar are incredibly talented and gifted," Ganguly said. "They can bat, bowl, and field, making them invaluable to any team."Ganguly also acknowledged Patel's batting prowess in Test cricket, highlighting his ability to score runs under pressure on turning pitches. "He has the ability to strike the ball and doesn't need time for technique in T20 cricket," Ganguly explained. "He's a tremendous cricketer who can contribute in all aspects of the game."In addition to Patel, Ganguly expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Pant has recovered well from his recent injuries and has been in impressive form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries."Rishabh will go to the T20 World Cup," Ganguly asserted. "He's a surety in the Indian team. He's a world-class player who can keep, bat, and captain."Ganguly acknowledged the competition for the wicketkeeper's spot, with players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention. However, he believes Pant's all-around abilities make him the standout choice.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his disappointment over being dropped from the national team after an injury, criticizing the selection process of the time. Pathan, who played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India between 2003 and 2012, saw his career plagued by recurring knee injuries.Despite his last international appearance in 2012, Pathan continued to play domestic cricket until 2019, hoping for a recall. However, in January 2020, he announced his retirement from all formats of the game.In a recent interview, Pathan criticized former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the chairman of selectors when he was dropped. "I was part of the Indian team when Srikanth sir was the selector. I got injured and got kicked out and never played for India. No, that's the truth. And I have no qualms about it. I have huge respect for you. That time, the mindset was different," Pathan said on Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to World Cup.Pathan believes that selectors back then often overlooked a player's past performances after a single bad tour or injury. He also criticized the tendency to judge players solely based on their performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."But come to 2020s, Wriddhiman Saha was literally out of the team for more than a year due to injury. What happened when he got fit? He got picked and was part of the XI. And one year is a long time. But because the Indian team thought of what the Indian team has done for him in the past before getting injured, we don't want to undervalue that. We want to value that. So when someone is sitting in the selection committee, you should not forget what the guy has done for the Indian team before the IPL. And it's not too far away I am talking about. Just because some guys are playing well in IPL, you think we should pick them. But don't forget the guys (who have done well in the past)," he added.Pathan's comments highlight the importance of considering a player's overall contribution and not just their recent form when making selection decisions. It also emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach that values both past achievements and present performances.

With the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 approaching, Indian batter Shubman Gill has expressed his aspirations and concerns regarding his potential selection for the prestigious tournament.Gill, a rising star in the Indian cricket team, has not yet made a significant impact in the T20 format. His performance for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been underwhelming, with only 304 runs scored in 9 matches at an average of 38 and a strike rate of 146.15.Despite his recent struggles, Gill remains hopeful about his chances of making the 15-man T20 World Cup squad. "If I am able to make it to this year's T20 World Cup, it would be nothing short of a dream coming true," he said in an interview with Hindustan Times.However, Gill acknowledges that missing out on selection would be a disappointment. "After scoring almost 900 runs (in IPL) last season, I would obviously be disappointed as a player," he admitted.Gill faces stiff competition for the opening spot in India's T20I team. Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, is a guaranteed starter, while Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also vying for the role.Kohli is currently the top-scoring batter in IPL 2024, while Jaiswal has impressed as an opener for India across formats, including T20Is. Jaiswal's left-handedness provides balance at the top, and his strike rate has been superior to Gill's in the shortest format.Gill remains optimistic about his chances, but he understands the challenges he faces. "I will keep working hard and try to improve my game. If I am not selected, I will still be cheering for the players and wish them the best," he said.The T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the United States from June 14 to July 14. India will be aiming to win their second T20 World Cup title, having previously triumphed in 2007.

With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the inclusion of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's squad has sparked a debate. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of their experience while also acknowledging the need for a generational shift.Yuvraj believes that Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to retire on their own terms, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket. However, he personally feels that the T20 World Cup could be an opportune moment for them to step away from the shortest format."As you get older, people start talking about your age and forget about your form," Yuvraj said. "These guys have been great players for India and they deserve to go (retire) when they want."Yuvraj suggests that Rohit and Kohli could focus on other formats of the game, such as ODIs and Test matches, while allowing younger players to take the reins in T20 cricket. This would not only reduce the workload on the experienced players but also provide opportunities for the next generation to showcase their talent."I would like to see more younger players in the T20 format because it gets the load off them (experienced players) playing 50-over (ODIs) and Test matches," Yuvraj explained. "After this (T20) World Cup, I would like to see a lot of younger guys come into the team and make the T20 side for the next World Cup."The presence of Kohli and Sharma in the T20 team has drawn mixed reactions. Some believe that their experience and leadership are invaluable, while others argue that it's time for a fresh start. Yuvraj acknowledges the need to balance the experience of veterans with the enthusiasm of youth."India should focus on building a team for the future," Yuvraj said. "That doesn't mean that Rohit and Kohli should be dropped immediately, but it does mean that we need to start thinking about the next generation."As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the debate over the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli will likely continue. Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and the team management, who must weigh the pros and cons of each option.