Cricket

The T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA has witnessed unprecedented challenges for the Indian cricket team. Despite the ICC's efforts to promote the sport in the region, the team has faced unexpected obstacles, including inadequate training facilities.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to purchase gym memberships for its players outside their hotel in New York, where the team is playing its Group A matches. The team expressed dissatisfaction with the gym facilities provided within the hotel.According to sources, the players have been using a popular gym chain in the city due to the insufficient arrangements at their team hotel in Long Island. "The team doesn't use the hotel gym and they have a membership of a gym nearby and everyone uses that," a source revealed.The Indian team had previously voiced concerns about the "average facilities" at Cantiague Park, the ICC-designated net area with drop-in pitches. The source described the situation as "chaos," citing rushed arrangements and inadequate facilities.Despite these challenges, India remains in a strong position to qualify for the Super 8s of the tournament. The team has won both of its Group A matches so far, defeating Ireland and Pakistan. They are scheduled to face co-hosts USA and Canada in their upcoming matches.The T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA has highlighted the challenges of hosting a major sporting event in a non-traditional cricketing nation. The ICC's efforts to popularize the sport in the region have faced obstacles, but the Indian team's determination and resilience have shone through amidst the adversity.

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has expressed immense confidence in the team's bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pandya believes that the bowlers' experience, intensity, and integrity will be crucial to their success in the tournament.India kicked off their campaign with an eight-wicket victory over Ireland on a challenging pitch that provided variable bounce and extra seam movement. Pandya highlighted the team's collective experience of 892 T20 games, particularly in the bowling department."We have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who is the number one bowler by far. We have (Mohammed) Siraj, who has been tremendous in recent years," Pandya said. "We have Arshdeep, who has played the last two World Cups and has been quite fantastic."Pandya also praised the team's honesty and integrity within the bowling core group, which he believes will be a key factor in their success. The seam-bowling all-rounder expressed his delight at starting the tournament with a victory, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and momentum.Batting coach Vikram Rathour revealed that Hardik is prepared to bowl four overs in a single match, despite his recent injury concerns. Pandya, however, remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to contribute to the team's success."Everything falls into place for people who work hard," Pandya said. "I just went, bowled a lot of overs, batted a lot of balls, so in that scenario you realize your potential slowly."Pandya is eagerly anticipating India's high-profile clash against Pakistan on Sunday. He believes that the team will approach the match with discipline and a collective goal of "hunting."

Rahul Dravid, the esteemed coach of the Indian cricket team, has officially announced that the 2024 T20 World Cup will mark his final assignment with the national side. The former Indian captain, who has helmed the team since 2021, has decided not to re-apply for the post.Dravid's decision comes as the BCCI has already advertised for the top coaching position, with the new coach set to take over from July 1. The 2024 T20 World Cup concludes on June 29, aligning with Dravid's departure.Speaking ahead of India's opening match against Ireland at the T20 World Cup 2024, Dravid expressed his gratitude for his time as coach. "Every tournament is important. Every game that I've coached for India has been very important for me. So for me this is no different just because it is going to be the last one that I'm in charge of," he said.Dravid also addressed India's opening combination, stating that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the current choices, with Virat Kohli also a potential option.Reflecting on his coaching tenure, Dravid expressed his enjoyment and fulfillment. "I love doing the job. I've really enjoyed coaching India and I think it's a truly special job to do. I enjoyed working with this team and it's a great bunch of boys to work with," he said.However, Dravid acknowledged the demanding schedule and his personal circumstances as factors in his decision not to re-apply. "I don't think I'll be able to reapply," he said.Despite his departure, Dravid emphasized that his commitment to the team remains unwavering. "From the first day I took the job, I always felt that every game was important and every game mattered and that will not change," he asserted.India will be aiming to secure an elusive ICC trophy at the 2024 T20 World Cup, providing a fitting farewell for their departing coach.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, joined the team a day before their warm-up clash against Bangladesh but missed all three practice sessions. He was also not selected for the warm-up game, with skipper Rohit Sharma citing his late arrival as the reason.However, a recent report claims that Kohli, along with other Indian team members, missed a practice session on Sunday due to rest following their match against Bangladesh. The report also states that Kohli will participate in India's training session on Monday.Kohli's late arrival for the warm-up game has raised questions about his fitness and preparation for the T20 World Cup. However, the report suggests that he is expected to be fully fit and available for India's first match of the tournament against Pakistan on October 23.Kohli finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with 741 runs in 15 innings, winning the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. Despite concerns about his potential non-selection for the T20 World Cup, he enters the tournament as the top run-getter in history, having amassed 1141 runs in 27 appearances since 2012.The 35-year-old was also named the ODI Player of the Year by ICC ahead of the T20 World Cup. He had a remarkable 2023 season, scoring 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13, with six centuries and eight fifties. His best score was an unbeaten 166.Kohli played a crucial role in India's Asia Cup 2023 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 122* in 94 balls against Pakistan in a crucial Super Four stage game. He continued his impressive form in the ODI World Cup held last year at home, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries, six half-centuries, and a best score of 117.Kohli ended the tournament as the top-scorer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of 673 runs in a single World Cup edition. He also surpassed Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI tons, scoring his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the semifinals.With his impressive recent form, Kohli will be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup. His experience, leadership, and ability to score runs in pressure situations will be invaluable to the team as they aim to win their second T20 World Cup title.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, has expressed his desire to coach the Indian national cricket team. In a recent event in Abu Dhabi, Gambhir stated that there is "no bigger honour" than coaching the national team.Gambhir's emergence as a potential candidate for the head coach role comes after his successful stint with KKR in IPL 2024. Under his guidance, the team made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his leadership and tactical acumen.Gambhir's credentials as a player are equally impressive. He was an integral part of India's World Cup victories in 2007 and 2011. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach made him a fan favorite.When asked about his aspirations to coach India, Gambhir emphasized the collective effort required for success. He believes that the prayers and support of 140 crore Indians will be crucial in guiding the team to another major title."It is not just me who can guide India to another major title, but the united prayers of 140 crore Indians," said Gambhir. "When you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?"Gambhir's comments have been met with support from former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who has endorsed him as a "good candidate" for the head coach role.During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Gambhir shared his insights on his journey and recent achievements with young cricket enthusiasts. He stressed the importance of creating a positive and supportive dressing room environment, which he believes is essential for success."A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and a happy dressing room ends up in a winning dressing room," said Gambhir. "The only thing I did in the KKR was following this mantra. With God's grace it actually worked."Gambhir's passion for cricket and his proven track record as a player and mentor make him a strong contender for the India head coach role. His appointment would be a significant step in the team's quest for continued success on the international stage.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opening batsman, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Dravid's tenure is set to expire after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a suitable replacement.Gambhir has expressed his desire to take on the coaching role, stating that it would be an honor to guide the national team. He believes that the support of the entire nation can help India win the World Cup."I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that? It is not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless," Gambhir said during an interaction with young sports enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi.Gambhir's credentials as a coach are impressive. He has led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles and has also been successful with the Delhi Capitals. He is known for his aggressive and fearless approach to the game, which could be a valuable asset to the Indian team.However, Gambhir's appointment is not without its challenges. He has been criticized for his outspoken nature and his lack of experience at the international level. Additionally, the BCCI may prefer a more experienced coach with a proven track record at the highest level.Despite these challenges, Gambhir remains a strong candidate for the coaching role. His passion for the game, his leadership skills, and his desire to succeed could make him the ideal person to lead India to future glory.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching and current head coach Rahul Dravid set to step down after the tournament, the search for his successor has begun. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a potential candidate, garnering support from former Indian women's team head coach WV Raman.Raman, who has witnessed Gambhir's leadership qualities firsthand, believes he possesses the necessary acumen and strategic thinking to excel as head coach. "Gautam Gambhir will definitely be somebody who knows what to do," Raman said. "He has been a good captain in the IPL and is a good strategist."Raman emphasized that a coach's success hinges on their ability to integrate with the team and adapt their strategies. "It's all about things coming together when you are coaching a side," he explained. "How quickly everybody settles down with the boys and the boys with his ways of doing things is key."In addition to Gambhir's potential appointment, Raman also praised wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Raman lauded Karthik's dedication and resilience throughout his career."Fantastic career. He must be proud of it," Raman said. "He's been extraordinarily entertaining and also someone who is highly dedicated to cricket and has overcome so many challenges in his life."Karthik's dynamic presence on and off the field has left a lasting impression, and Raman acknowledged his transition to a new career. "He's got another career straight away to get into. I wish him all the very best," Raman concluded.As the Indian cricket team prepares for the future, the appointment of a new head coach and the retirement of a veteran player mark significant milestones. Gautam Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach has sparked excitement, while Dinesh Karthik's retirement has brought a chapter to a close.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, experts and former cricketers have been speculating about the Indian team's strongest XI. Sanjay Manjrekar, a renowned cricket analyst, recently shared his thoughts on the matter, expressing his belief that Yashasvi Jaiswal would not make the cut if both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are available.Manjrekar explained that the batting order would likely feature Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the opening pair, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He then opted for Rishabh Pant at number four, ahead of Sanju Samson, despite Samson's recent impressive form."I want Pant to get into those India colors very early in the tournament because he is a big-match player," Manjrekar said. "India's problem in ICC events has been winning the semis or finals, and they need their big-match players to be feeling good."Manjrekar's decision to exclude Jaiswal from his XI stems from the presence of Kohli and Sharma. "When you look at the batting order, you can see how it pans out. Opening pair: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli. Unfortunately, there's no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal because Virat will not bat at number three; that's a reality we have embraced," he said.With only one spot available for either Jaiswal or Shivam Dube, Manjrekar believes Dube is more likely to get the nod. This decision highlights the intense competition within the Indian team, with several talented players vying for a place in the starting lineup.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricket captain, has been endorsed by Sourav Ganguly as a potential candidate for the role of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Ganguly, who led India to numerous victories during his tenure as captain, believes that Gambhir possesses the necessary qualities to guide the team to success.Gambhir, who retired from international cricket in 2018, has a proven track record as a successful coach. After a decade-long hiatus, he returned to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022 and led his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders, to their third IPL championship. His ability to motivate and inspire players, coupled with his tactical acumen, has made him a sought-after coach.Ganguly's support for an Indian coach aligns with the recent statement made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Shah emphasized the importance of appointing a coach who has a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and has risen through the ranks. This understanding, he believes, is crucial for elevating Team India to the next level.India's chances of winning the upcoming T20 World Cup have also been discussed by Ganguly. He believes that India has a strong team with immense talent and is a serious contender for the title. The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, begins on Saturday.The appointment of a new head coach for the Indian cricket team is a significant decision that will shape the future of the team. Gautam Gambhir, with his experience as a player and coach, emerges as a strong candidate for the role. His ability to inspire players, coupled with his understanding of the Indian cricket system, makes him a suitable choice to lead the team to success.