Cricket

India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya may not be in top form, but his unique skillset and the lack of a suitable replacement make him a likely candidate for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.Despite his recent struggles, Pandya remains a valuable asset to the team. His ability to bat aggressively, field exceptionally well, and contribute with his medium-pace bowling makes him a versatile player.While Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube has impressed with his batting in the IPL, his limited bowling options may hinder his chances of selection. According to reports, the team's reluctance to use Dube as a bowler could work in Pandya's favor.Pandya's batting prowess, with a strike rate of 132, and his fielding skills are expected to outweigh his current form slump. He has also bowled 17 overs in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.However, Pandya's batting has been below par, with only seven sixes in eight games. His free-flowing style has been missing, and his strike rate of 142 is below his usual standards.Despite Pandya's struggles, Dube's emergence as a finisher has made him a strong contender for a spot in the 15-member squad. While Dube may not be a direct replacement for Pandya as an all-rounder, his batting form cannot be ignored.In terms of bowling options, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are considered certainties for the squad. The remaining spot is likely to be contested between Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi.Avesh has improved his death bowling and has eight wickets in eight matches, while Bishnoi has been economical on flat tracks. Axar, with seven wickets in nine games, is also a strong candidate.Ultimately, the selection committee will have to weigh the pros and cons of each player and make a decision based on their current form and the team's needs.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

The upcoming T20 World Cup has ignited intense competition within the Indian squad, with numerous players vying for limited spots. However, the national selection committee has reportedly decided against selecting any rookie IPL performers for the prestigious event.Despite impressive performances from players like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma in the ongoing IPL season, the selectors are hesitant to test their mettle in a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup. Instead, they plan to gradually integrate these players into the national team through bilateral series."The likes of Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have all performed well, but the selection committee prefers to ease them into international cricket via bilateral matches rather than putting them to the test in a high-stakes World T20 game," a report from news agency PTI revealed.Parag, the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL behind Virat Kohli, has impressed with his all-round abilities. Abhishek has also made a strong start, boasting an impressive strike rate in the powerplay. Mayank, despite playing only two games, has generated buzz with his raw pace.The report also highlighted SRH's seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as another player under the BCCI's radar. Reddy was part of the India Emerging side that toured Sri Lanka last year.While the rookie IPL performers may not make the T20 World Cup squad, they could be considered for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of including some of these players as net bowlers for the World Cup, providing them with valuable exposure.

India's Pace Bowling Conundrum Ahead of T20 World CupAs India's selectors prepare to assemble the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, a glaring concern has emerged: the lack of reliable pace bowling options beyond Jasprit Bumrah. While the veteran pacer continues to excel, the rest of the bowling unit has struggled to make an impact.Mohammed Siraj, once considered a potential new-ball partner for Bumrah, has endured a disappointing IPL season, claiming only five wickets in seven matches. Mukesh Kumar has shown promise for the Delhi Capitals, but his high economy rate raises questions about his consistency. Arshdeep Singh, usually a dependable left-arm seamer, has also struggled with his economy rate. Avesh Khan has been slightly more effective, but his economy rate remains a concern.The poor form of these regular pacers has prompted calls for the selectors to consider alternative options. Left-arm pacer T Natarajan, who has impressed with his yorkers, and Sandeep Sharma, who has been in good form for the Rajasthan Royals, are among the potential candidates.Selectors may also be tempted to experiment with rookies like Mohsin Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Yash Thakur, or Harshit Rana. However, these players lack international experience and may not be ready for the rigors of a major tournament.The lack of pace bowling depth is a significant concern for India, especially considering the importance of fast bowlers in T20 cricket. The selectors will need to make bold decisions and find reliable options to support Bumrah if India is to have a successful World Cup campaign.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again voiced his support for Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian squad. Tharoor has consistently advocated for Samson's selection, highlighting his exceptional performances and the lack of opportunities he has received from the selectors.Samson's impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024 has further strengthened his case for a place in the national team. In just eight matches, he has amassed 314 runs at an average of 62.80, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 82. His consistent contributions have played a crucial role in RR's success, as they currently top the standings with 12 points from eight games.Tharoor's support for Samson is echoed by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who also believes that the wicketkeeper-batsman deserves a chance to prove his worth at the international level. The debate over India's wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup has intensified, with Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention.However, Samson's recent form suggests that he is the ideal candidate for the role. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently, combined with his excellent wicketkeeping skills, makes him a valuable asset to any team. With six games remaining in the IPL group stage, Samson has the opportunity to further enhance his credentials and cement his place in the Indian squad.India's probable squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced later this week, and Tharoor's vocal support for Samson is likely to put pressure on the selectors to consider his inclusion. The wicketkeeper-batsman has consistently performed at the highest level, and it remains to be seen whether the selectors will finally give him the recognition he deserves.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad before the end of this month.Former Indian players have been weighing in on the potential squad, with some surprising omissions and inclusions. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has included Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in his squad, but only if he is bowling regularly. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's batting prowess is undeniable, but his bowling effectiveness is equally important.Pathan's squad also features under-fire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, but on one condition. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's inclusion depends on his bowling fitness, given his undeniable batting prowess. However, the effectiveness of his bowling holds equal significance; if he isn't consistently and effectively bowling, the team's composition warrants a reassessment."My squad for the World Cup. 1) Rohit Sharma (C)2) Yashasvi Jaiswal 3) Virat Kohli4) Surya Kumar Yadav 5) Rishabh pant (wk)6) Shivam Dube7) Hardik Pandya provided he is bowling regularly8)Rinku singh 9)Ravindra jadeja10) Kuldeep Yadav 11)Jasprit Bumrah 12)Arshdeep singh 13)Mohammed Siraj 14)Ravi Bishnoi/Yuzi chahal 15) shubhman gill/ sanju Samson Travelling reserves. 2 Fast bowlers, wicket keeper, batsman." Pathan posted his squad on X.— IrfanPathan (@IrfanPathan)Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is among the Star Sports experts panel, also picked his Team India squad for the T20 World Cup. Surprisingly, Rayudu's squad includes only one allrounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, while also featuring young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who is nursing an injury.For the middle-order batting slots up for grabs, Rayudu went ahead with the in-form players Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube, while preferring veteran Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in the wicketkeeper-batsman's role. He also ignored KL Rahul, who has been doing well for Lucknow Super Giants in the role of 'keeper-batsman.Ambati Rayudu's India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron have sparked speculation about the potential inclusion of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni in India's T20 World Cup squad. Despite Dhoni's international retirement nearly five years ago, his impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate.Aaron, speaking to Star Sports, suggested that Dhoni could be a "wildcard entry" in the squad, labeling it as "the wildest card." Pathan echoed the sentiment, stating that if Dhoni expressed a desire to play in the T20 World Cup, "no one will deny him that chance."Former India opener Virender Sehwag has also highlighted Dhoni's exceptional form in the IPL. "MS Dhoni has a strike-rate of over 250 and doesn't have an average because he hasn't been dismissed yet," Sehwag remarked on Cricbuzz.However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has acknowledged the challenges of persuading Dhoni to return to competitive cricket. "It will be hard to convince MS, although he is coming to the US, to do something else. He is into golf now," Sharma said.In IPL 2024, Dhoni has scored 91 runs off just 35 balls in six unbeaten innings, scoring at a strike rate of 260. His impressive performances have raised questions about whether he could still contribute to the Indian team at the highest level.While Dhoni's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad remains a hypothetical possibility, his form and the support of former players have fueled speculation. The final decision will ultimately rest with the selectors and the team management.

Sachin Tendulkar: The God of Cricket Celebrates 51st BirthdayOn April 24, 2023, India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar turns 51. His journey from a 16-year-old prodigy to the most celebrated cricketer of all time is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Tendulkar's international debut against Pakistan in 1989 marked the beginning of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. He quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer, amassing an unprecedented 100 international centuries. His batting prowess was such that even the legendary Sir Don Bradman acknowledged his uncanny resemblance to the Australian maestro.Tendulkar's crowning achievement came in 2011 when he led India to victory in the Cricket World Cup under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. This triumph fulfilled a lifelong dream for the batting icon.Throughout his career, Tendulkar shattered numerous batting records. He holds the distinction of being the highest run-scorer in both Tests (15,921 runs) and ODIs (18,426 runs). His 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI centuries remain unmatched.In 2012, Tendulkar retired from ODI cricket, and a year later, he bid farewell to all forms of the game after playing his 200th Test. His 664 international appearances yielded a staggering 34,357 runs, a testament to his longevity and consistency.Tendulkar's retirement left a void in the cricketing world, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of players. His unwavering determination, exceptional skills, and humble demeanor have made him an icon not only in India but globally.

Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence as a formidable spinner has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the guidance he has received along the way. After a challenging period with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep found a new lease of life at the Delhi Capitals, where he has honed his skills under the watchful eye of coach Kapil Pandey.Since joining DC, Kuldeep has emerged as the team's first-choice spinner, claiming 41 wickets in 33 matches. His transformation has been attributed to the hard work he has put in, developing new skills and refining his technique.Kuldeep credits his success to the support he has received from his coaches and mentors, including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. He acknowledges that his experience with failure has been a valuable lesson, teaching him the importance of adaptability and respect for the opposition.The left-arm wrist spinner has also undergone a physical transformation, changing his run-up and increasing the pace on his delivery. This has resulted in more drift and prodigious turn in his break-backs.Kuldeep's maturity has also played a significant role in his resurgence. He has learned to understand his strengths and weaknesses, and to bowl to the batter's strengths.Despite his success, Kuldeep remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has been given. He is determined to continue improving his game and contribute to the success of his team and the Indian national side.