Cricket

Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, two legendary cricketers, have expressed their belief that Rishabh Pant should be included in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their assessment is based on Pant's impressive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL)."Yes, I think so, Pant should be part of the World Cup squad," Ganguly stated at a media roundtable. "He should bat in the middle-order. Where exactly is difficult to say because of match-ups, right-left combinations depending on who bowls. It also depends on the situation."Ponting echoed Ganguly's sentiments, noting that Pant has shown significant improvement throughout the IPL season. "He's starting to get a bit more trust and belief in his body as well," Ponting said. "I think early on he had been a little bit apprehensive as to what he could do, especially with the wicketkeeping side of it. With his batting, coming into the tournament, he had pretty good trust in his abilities."Pant, who returned to competitive cricket after a 15-month layoff due to a car crash, has amassed 254 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 150.29. He has predominantly batted in the middle order and has kept wickets in every game.However, Pant faces competition for a spot in the squad from Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Jitesh Sharma. Additionally, Dinesh Karthik has also staked his claim with some exceptional performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore.Another key question for the Indian selectors is the opening combination. Rohit Sharma is expected to open, but the identity of his partner remains uncertain. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the incumbent, but his recent form has been underwhelming.Ganguly believes that India should adopt an aggressive approach at the T20 World Cup, similar to the one employed by Rohit Sharma in the 50-over World Cup. "They have the talent to do that," Ganguly said. "We saw how Rohit batted at the 50-overs World Cup. He just came and hit from ball one and we were able to put so much pressure on the opposition in the first seven-eight overs. It gave breathing space for the lower order."Ganguly also commented on KL Rahul's struggles in T20 cricket, suggesting that he needs to find a method that suits his abilities. "I think it depends on what the captain and the coach instruct him to do in the middle," Ganguly said. "The other day I saw him play an innings against Chennai [Super Kings], which Lucknow [Super Giants] won. I thought he was exceptional. He played well at the top of the order and did exactly that was required to do."

As the T20I World Cup 2024 approaches, India's pace bowling contingent faces intense competition for spots in the squad. With Mohammed Shami sidelined due to injury, Jasprit Bumrah remains a certainty, leaving several contenders vying for the remaining positions.Arshdeep Singh:Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a star in IPL 2024, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and maintain impeccable lines and length. With 9 wickets in the tournament, he has proven his wicket-taking prowess. However, his tendency to concede runs in the death overs remains a concern.Mohammed Siraj:Mohammed Siraj's poor form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 has diminished his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad. His 4 wickets and high economy rate of 10.41 are not encouraging signs. Despite his decent T20I record, his current form and propensity to leak runs at the death hinder his selection prospects.Avesh Khan:Avesh Khan has impressed for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, demonstrating his pace and ability to generate steep bounce. His aggressive bowling style and early wicket-taking prowess make him a formidable force in the powerplay overs. With 7 wickets in 7 matches, he has a strong T20I record and could earn a spot in the squad if he continues to perform well.Mukesh Kumar:Mukesh Kumar has emerged as an outside contender for the T20 World Cup squad. His 8 wickets in 4 IPL matches this season have put him on the radar. The right-arm medium pacer has also taken 12 wickets in 14 T20I appearances for India. If he continues to perform strongly for Delhi Capitals, he could force his way into the squad.Deepak Chahar:Deepak Chahar is another pace option for India. With 31 T20I wickets at an average of 24.09 and an economy of 8.30, he has a proven track record. However, his inconsistency and the presence of Arshdeep, a more experienced death-over specialist, make his selection unlikely.Conclusion:India's pace bowling contingent for the T20I World Cup 2024 is still in flux. Arshdeep Singh remains a strong contender, while Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar have emerged as potential options. Mohammed Siraj's poor form and Deepak Chahar's inconsistency make their selection less likely. As the IPL 2024 season progresses, the competition for spots in the squad will intensify, with the best performers earning their place in the Indian team.

Rinku Singh's limited opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 have raised concerns among cricket experts, who believe he deserves a place in India's T20 World Cup squad despite his lack of game time.Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his support for Rinku, stating that his exceptional finishing skills and consistency make him a valuable asset to the team. Despite playing only five innings this season, Rinku has scored 83 runs at a strike rate of 162.75, showcasing his ability to accelerate the innings in the latter stages.Manjrekar emphasized that Rinku's limited opportunities should not overshadow his talent. "He's a straight walk-in into the Indian team," Manjrekar said. "Every time he has got the opportunity, you've seen how good he can be, in the sense of his consistency and the range that he has."Rinku's impressive performances in the IPL earned him an India call-up for the white-ball series in Ireland last year, where he made his international debut in a T20. Since then, he has featured in 15 T20Is and scored 356 runs, including two fifties, at a strike rate of 176.25. He has also played two ODIs.Despite his limited opportunities in the IPL this season, Rinku's ability to finish innings and his impressive international record make him a strong contender for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad. With his exceptional skills and experience, Rinku could prove to be a valuable asset to the team in the upcoming global tournament.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and the excitement is building for another thrilling tournament. The upcoming edition will be hosted by the West Indies and the United States, with the pitches in the Caribbean expected to favor slower bowlers and spinners.India, one of the favorites for the title, will be looking to select a strong spin attack to complement their formidable batting lineup. Here's a closer look at five spinners who are vying for spots in the Indian team:Kuldeep Yadav:Kuldeep Yadav has been in excellent form for India across formats and is a likely inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. The left-arm wrist spinner has an impressive T20I record, with 59 wickets in 35 games at an average of 14.10 and an economy of 6.74. He has also performed well in IPL 2024, taking six wickets in four games.Yuzvendra Chahal:Yuzvendra Chahal was not initially considered a strong contender for the T20 World Cup squad, but his exceptional performances in IPL 2024 have put him in the reckoning. The right-arm leg break bowler is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps in seven games. He is one shy of claiming 200 IPL wickets and has a strong T20I record with 96 wickets in 80 games.Ravi Bishnoi:Ravi Bishnoi has represented India in 24 T20Is, claiming 36 wickets. However, he faces stiff competition for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. He has not had the best of IPL seasons, taking only four wickets in six games. A strong finish to the IPL season could improve his chances, but his inclusion in the squad seems unlikely at the moment.Ravindra Jadeja:All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain to be included in the T20 World Cup squad. A highly skilled left-arm orthodox spinner, Jadeja has taken 53 T20I wickets at an economy of 7.10. His batting prowess and exceptional fielding ability make him a valuable asset to the team.Axar Patel:All-rounder Axar Patel is another spin option for India. He has claimed 49 wickets in T20Is at an economy of 7.26. However, his similarities with Ravindra Jadeja, who is a better batter and fielder, make his inclusion in the squad less likely. Axar could force his way into contention with a strong IPL 2024 season, but his current form (five wickets in seven games) is not encouraging.

The introduction of the Impact Player rule in IPL 2024 has significantly altered the dynamics of the tournament, effectively transforming it into a 12-a-side contest. While the rule has led to higher scores, it raises concerns about its impact on the development of all-rounders in Indian cricket.Jos Buttler's recent match-winning performance as an Impact Player for Rajasthan Royals highlights the rule's potential. However, it also underscores the fact that teams are prioritizing batting over all-round ability. Players like Rahul Tewatia and Shivam Dube, who possess bowling skills, have been relegated to specialist batting roles.This trend is particularly concerning given India's historical struggles in producing all-rounders. The IPL was once seen as a platform to nurture such players, but the Impact Player rule has removed the incentive for teams to invest in their development.Ravindra Jadeja remains the only genuine all-rounder in Indian cricket who is consistently utilized in both batting and bowling roles in the IPL. Hardik Pandya's reluctance to bowl and Krunal Pandya's limited batting opportunities further highlight the dearth of all-rounders.The absence of all-rounders in the IPL has implications for the Indian team's performance in international tournaments like the T20 World Cup. The lack of players who can contribute with both bat and ball limits the team's tactical flexibility and adaptability.The Impact Player rule has undoubtedly made the IPL more entertaining, but it has also raised questions about its long-term impact on Indian cricket. The tournament must strike a balance between providing entertainment and fostering the development of all-rounders, who are crucial for the success of the national team.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his unwavering support for Rishabh Pant's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, despite the emergence of other talented wicketkeeper-batters in the ongoing IPL.Ponting, who has witnessed Pant's remarkable recovery from a horrific car accident in December 2022, believes the young star has earned his place on the plane to Australia."Do I believe whether Rishabh should be there in the World Cup squad? Absolutely I do. He deserves to be in that WT20 squad by the end of the IPL," Ponting told PTI.Ponting acknowledged the depth of talent available to Indian selectors, but emphasized that Pant remains his top choice."There are a lot of options, but if I was picking a team, I would have Rishabh Pant in it every day of the week," he said.Ponting's bond with Pant has grown since he became DC coach, and he is thrilled to see the wicketkeeper-batter rediscovering his form."Rishabh's comeback to international cricket is nothing short of remarkable. I spent a lot of time with him during last IPL and a lot of us were actually skeptical that whether he will actually play the game again," Ponting said."But like with all champions, Pant refused to throw in the towel. There was never any doubt in his mind that he will be back playing again."Ponting believes Pant's impact on the team has grown with each game, and he is confident that the wicketkeeper-batter will continue to play a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian skipper, has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by becoming the first Indian batter to smash 500 sixes in the format. This remarkable feat was achieved during the IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.Rohit's six-hitting prowess is unmatched in the modern game. His ability to clear the boundary with ease has earned him the reputation as one of the most prolific hitters in the world. The Mumbai Indians' batter reached the milestone with a thunderous slog sweep off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling.The list of batters with 500 or more sixes in Men's T20 cricket is dominated by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who holds the record with an astonishing 1056 maximums. Rohit's former MI teammate and current batting coach, Kieron Pollard, is second with 860 sixes, followed by Andre Russell (678), Colin Munro (548), and now Rohit Sharma (500).In addition to his six-hitting exploits, Rohit also faced an embarrassing moment during the match when his trousers slipped off while attempting to take a diving catch. The incident drew laughter from the crowd, but Rohit remained unfazed and continued to lead his team with aplomb.Beyond his on-field achievements, Rohit has also expressed his desire to continue playing for a few more years. His ultimate goal is to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, a trophy that has eluded him despite being part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup victory.Rohit's determination and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a formidable force in world cricket. As he continues to rewrite records and inspire his team, Rohit Sharma remains one of the most captivating and successful cricketers of our time.

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya's Inclusion in T20 World Cup Squad Amid Fitness ConcernsRenowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has ignited a debate over the inclusion of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Bhogle's comments stem from Pandya's recent fitness struggles and limited bowling contribution in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, made a comeback to cricket after a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. While Pandya initially bowled a few overs in his return matches, his bowling workload has been sporadic, raising doubts over his ability to contribute as an all-rounder.Bhogle pointed out Pandya's waning power-hitting skills and questioned whether he still merits a place in the T20 World Cup squad solely as a batsman if he is unable to bowl consistently. "If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?" Bhogle questioned, while speaking on Cricbuzz. "Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is."Bhogle emphasized the importance of Pandya's all-round abilities in balancing India's playing XI, particularly in the absence of regular bowling options among the top-order batsmen. Pandya's ability to bowl four overs provides a crucial additional bowling option for the team and ensures the presence of at least two all-rounders, with Ravindra Jadeja also in contention.However, with Pandya's fitness and bowling form under scrutiny, his selection for the T20 World Cup could hinge on his ability to regain full fitness and contribute effectively with both bat and ball.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has once again expressed his desire to represent India in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite being overlooked for major tournaments in the past, Chahal has consistently proven his worth with exceptional performances on the field.With 197 wickets to his name, Chahal is the most successful bowler in IPL history and is on the cusp of reaching the coveted 200-wicket mark. His impressive record has earned him the title of the leading wicket-taker this season, a feat that fills him with pride."Obviously, it's a very big achievement for me," Chahal said in a recent interview. "When I started the IPL, I never thought of being at the top, especially in terms of wickets. It's the world's best league."Chahal's success mantra lies in his unwavering commitment to giving his all for his team. "I always give my 100-200 percent for the team," he emphasized. "When wickets come, they come; when they don't, they don't. I don't want to jinx it."This season, Chahal has been in top form, sharing the lead in wicket-taking with Jasprit Bumrah. His contributions have played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals' current position at the top of the points table.Despite his impressive performances, Chahal has been repeatedly overlooked for the Indian national team. However, he remains determined to prove his worth and earn a place in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup."I'm not thinking about the World Cup right now," Chahal said. "I'm just focusing on the IPL and trying to perform well for my team. If I keep performing well, I'm sure I'll get my chance."Chahal's unwavering determination and exceptional skills make him a strong contender for a place in the Indian team. As the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, the selectors will have a tough decision to make, but Chahal's performances will undoubtedly be a major factor in their considerations.