Cricket

Virat Kohli, India's talismanic batsman, has joined his team in New York for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His arrival comes five days after the rest of the Indian squad landed in the city.Kohli's participation in the warm-up match against Bangladesh on Saturday remains uncertain. The BCCI has confirmed his arrival, but he is expected to rest after a long flight. His involvement in the practice match will depend on his personal inclination and readiness.Despite missing three training sessions, the team management is not concerned about Kohli's preparation. They trust his experience and ability to prepare himself adequately for the tournament. Kohli has an impressive tally of 741 runs in 15 IPL matches, indicating that he needs minimal additional match practice.Kohli's arrival completes the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. The team has been arriving in batches, with the first group landing on May 25 and the second contingent reaching on May 28.The Indian team management has a history of granting special considerations to Kohli. He was allowed a break before the South Africa Test series and opted out of the entire Test series against England at home to be present for the birth of his second child.Kohli's presence in the Indian team is crucial for their success in the T20 World Cup. He is one of the most experienced and successful batsmen in the world, and his leadership and batting prowess will be vital for India's chances of winning the tournament.

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 is set to commence on Sunday, with India facing Ireland in their opening match on June 5. Former Indian cricketer Rahul Sharma has expressed his views on the team's bowling attack and spin department for the tournament.Sharma believes that Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh should lead the Indian bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja providing support in the spin department. He emphasizes the importance of fielding a balanced squad, with four bowling options and two all-rounders.Sharma highlights the slow and turning drop-in pitches in the USA, which favor spinners. He believes that Jadeja and Kuldeep would be more effective than Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal, who are also part of the Indian squad.Regarding the finisher role, Sharma suggests Shivam Dube, who has impressed with his batting against spinners in the IPL 2024. He also acknowledges Rishabh Pant's ability to change the game's momentum.Sharma expresses confidence in the Indian bowling department, stating that they have the potential to dominate. He believes that the team's balanced squad will allow skipper Rohit Sharma to effectively utilize the bowlers.India will face Bangladesh in a warm-up match on Saturday before their opening match against Ireland. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in the USA.

Indian Cricket Team Disgruntled with Subpar Training Facilities in New YorkAhead of the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team has expressed dissatisfaction with the training facilities provided to them at Cantiague Park in New York. According to a News18 report, the team, including head coach Rahul Dravid, is unhappy with the practice facilities and other arrangements.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which will host India's warm-up game and three group matches, reportedly lacks practice facilities. As a result, Cantiague Park has been designated as a makeshift training venue for the Indian team. However, the team has raised concerns about the quality of the pitches and other facilities at the park."Everything is makeshift – from pitches to other facilities. Safe to say everything is very average in nature. The team has raised their concerns," a source close to the team told News18.The report also claims that the team is not satisfied with the food arrangements at the venue. The International Cricket Council (ICC), when contacted for comment, stated that no such concerns or complaints had been raised with them by the Indian team."There has been no complaint or concern expressed regarding the practice facilities at Cantiague Park by any team,” the ICC said.The ICC had earlier designated Cantiague Park as the official training facility for teams. However, the facility is located a fair distance from the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the matches will be played.India is scheduled to play its only warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1. Their Group A games against Ireland, Pakistan, and USA will be hosted at the Nassau Stadium before they move to Florida for their final group game against Canada.

With the Indian men's cricket team's head coach position up for grabs, speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has hinted at the possibility of an Indian coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a frontrunner. However, Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has thrown a curveball by suggesting MS Dhoni as a potential candidate.Sharma believes Dhoni's experience and respect within the team make him an ideal choice. "He has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments," Sharma said. "He will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time."Dhoni's potential impact as a coach was evident during his stint as mentor for the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup. His ability to guide and motivate players was highly praised.While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, Sharma believes he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team as head coach. "Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team," Sharma said. "Dhoni handled the team brilliantly when he was captain, despite having big players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag."Gambhir, on the other hand, is seen as a strong candidate due to his success with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His experience as a former India player and his ability to develop young talent make him a compelling choice.As Dravid's contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated. The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach in the coming weeks.

Gautam Gambhir's Midas Touch Extends to Kolkata Knight Riders, Reigniting Head Coach SpeculationGautam Gambhir's remarkable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to soar, with the former Indian opener now guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title. After leading Lucknow Super Giants to two consecutive playoffs, Gambhir's mentorship has transformed KKR into a formidable force, showcasing their confidence and class throughout the tournament.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has flourished, leading the team with poise and determination. The team's success has reignited speculation that Gambhir could be in line to take over as head coach of the Indian cricket team after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends with the 2024 T20 World Cup.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has been vocal in his praise for Gambhir's influence on the team. In a heartfelt post, Khan revealed how Gambhir's philosophy has instilled a sense of unity and respect within the squad."GG said if u can't support a single vision as a team....u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old," Khan wrote. "The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team....but a proof of each player being the best for the team."Gambhir's success with KKR has further cemented his reputation as a shrewd tactician and motivator. His ability to inspire players and create a winning environment has made him a highly sought-after coach.While the Indian cricket board has yet to make an official announcement, Gambhir's name remains at the forefront of discussions for the head coach role. His proven track record and his ability to connect with players make him a strong contender to lead the Indian team to future glory.

The search for India's next head coach is underway as Rahul Dravid's tenure nears its end after the T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position, with Ashish Nehra and VVS Laxman also in contention.The BCCI has reportedly received few applications from foreign coaches, preferring candidates with experience in the domestic circuit. Despite the May 27 application deadline, the BCCI may delay the decision as players focus on the T20 World Cup.After the World Cup, the Indian team will tour Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The BCCI may send National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches for these tours. "The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision," a BCCI source told PTI.Cricbuzz reports that a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" close to the BCCI top brass has indicated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal." However, negotiations are ongoing, and no official announcement has been made.Gambhir faces challenges if he accepts the role. As a successful IPL mentor and TV expert, he would have to give up these roles. The demanding schedule of the Indian cricket team coach, requiring extensive travel, may also be a factor for Gambhir, who has a young family.

India's Ideal T20 World Cup Batting Order: Wasim Jaffer's Expert OpinionFormer Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has proposed an intriguing batting order for the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Jaffer believes that Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the innings, followed by Rohit Sharma at number three and Suryakumar Yadav at number four.Jaffer's reasoning for this order is based on the strengths of each player. Kohli, a seasoned campaigner, is known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings. Jaiswal, a rising star, has impressed with his aggressive batting style and could provide a solid start.Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, is a versatile batsman who can adapt to any position. Jaffer believes that Rohit's ability to play spin well makes him an ideal candidate for the number four spot. Suryakumar Yadav, the current ICC T20I Player of the Year, is a dynamic batsman who can accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs.Jaffer's proposed batting order aims to balance experience and aggression. Kohli and Rohit provide stability, while Jaiswal and Yadav bring the X-factor. This combination could give India a formidable batting lineup capable of challenging any opposition.India's T20 World Cup campaign will begin on June 5 against Ireland. They will face their arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9 and will be determined to end their ICC trophy drought. With a strong batting lineup and a talented squad, India will be among the favorites to lift the trophy in the West Indies and the USA.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a strong contender for the position of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. Prior to that, he was the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, who reached the IPL playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.According to reports, Gambhir's name is being seriously considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the head coach role. The official deadline for application submission has passed, and a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" has reportedly stated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal."However, the BCCI has not made any official announcement, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that the next head coach should have a "deep understanding" of the Indian cricket structure, suggesting that an Indian candidate is likely to be appointed.Gambhir's credentials as a player and mentor make him a strong candidate for the role. As a player, he was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He is known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. As a mentor, he has guided two IPL teams to success, demonstrating his ability to develop and motivate players.If appointed, Gambhir would succeed Rahul Dravid, who stepped down as head coach after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Dravid's tenure was marked by a focus on youth development and a resurgence in India's Test cricket performance.The appointment of Gambhir as head coach would be a significant development for Indian cricket. He is a respected figure in the game and his appointment would likely be welcomed by fans and players alike.

The Indian cricket team's coaching position has attracted significant attention, with the application deadline recently passing. Several prominent names, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, were initially linked to the role. However, most foreign candidates have publicly declined to apply.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of appointing a coach familiar with the domestic structure. This has led to speculation that an Indian coach will be selected. VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir have emerged as the frontrunners.According to Cricbuzz, Jay Shah and Gautam Gambhir have had discussions centered around the idea of "doing it for the country." Gambhir is known for his patriotic sentiments and is reportedly considering the BCCI's approach.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan is aware of the development. Earlier, it was reported that Khan desired Gambhir's long-term association with the IPL franchise. According to Dainik Jagran, Khan offered Gambhir a blank cheque last year to remain with KKR for 10 years.While there is no official confirmation of Gambhir's application, the buzz within the coach selection circle suggests that he is a strong candidate. The BCCI is expected to make an announcement soon.