Cricket

The Indian cricket team's selection committee is set to meet in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to finalize the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The meeting will be attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and will focus on two key issues: Hardik Pandya's inclusion and the backup wicketkeeper's role.Pandya's form as a fast-bowling all-rounder has been a concern, but the lack of suitable replacements makes him a likely pick. However, the backup wicketkeeper's position is up for grabs.Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have been the frontrunners for the role, but recent developments have thrown a spanner in the works. Samson has been in excellent form for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, but his batting position at No. 3 may not guarantee him a place in the Indian team.Rahul, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is, but his approach in the format has been criticized as archaic. Additionally, the team management is reportedly seeking a wicketkeeper who can fit into the lower order.This has brought Rajasthan Royals' Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma back into contention. Jurel has not had much opportunity to keep wickets, but he scored a fifty in the last game in Lucknow. Sharma, on the other hand, is in poor form.The Indian Express reports that Samson is no longer a sure-shot pick for the backup wicketkeeper's role, with Jurel and Sharma now in the mix. The selection committee will have a tough decision to make, as all three players have their strengths and weaknesses.

The Indian cricket team's selection for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a complex task for the BCCI and team management. While most players are likely to be retained, several backup roles remain fiercely contested.Captain Rohit Sharma faces two crucial decisions: whether to include a fourth specialist pacer alongside Hardik Pandya and whether to consider Shubman Gill. Hardik Pandya's vice-captaincy is also under scrutiny, with Rishabh Pant emerging as a potential contender.Yuzvendra Chahal, despite being the IPL's leading wicket-taker, may be overlooked in favor of Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner. Axar Patel is expected to edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the second spinner's spot.The top order is likely to feature Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will comprise Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh could be included as an all-rounder, while Sanju Samson or KL Rahul will compete for the second wicketkeeper's role.Hardik Pandya's recent performances for Mumbai Indians have raised concerns, with the all-rounder scoring only 197 runs and taking four wickets at a high economy rate.A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans believe Hardik Pandya should not be included in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.

Rishabh Pant's impressive return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has put him in contention to become India's vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, ahead of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Pant, who has been out of action since a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, has shown remarkable resilience and skill in his comeback. In contrast, Pandya has struggled both as a batter and bowler in the ongoing IPL, raising questions about his leadership abilities.According to a report by Cricbuzz, Pant's current form gives him an edge over Pandya in the race to become Rohit Sharma's deputy. The national selectors are expected to meet on May 1 to consider re-appointing Pant as vice-captain, a position he held before his injury hiatus.Pant has previously captained India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022. He is also expected to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in June.Other positions in the Indian squad for the World Cup are also up for grabs. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are vying for the second wicket-keeper spot, while Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are in contention for all-rounder roles.The top order is likely to consist of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will feature Pant, Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja.Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the specialist spinner, while Axar Patel may edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the other spinner's position. Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, despite his impressive performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may once again miss out on selection.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set May 1 as the deadline for teams to announce their squads for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is still deliberating over several key decisions, including the backup wicket-keeper, third opener, pace bowling unit, and power hitters.Backup Wicket-keeper:Rishabh Pant is expected to be the first-choice wicket-keeper, but the selectors are undecided between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson as his backup. Rahul has more experience, while Samson has been in excellent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Third Opener:Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to open the batting for India, but the third opener's spot is up for grabs. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have not been in good form, while Rahul and Samson could also be considered.Pace Bowling Unit:Jasprit Bumrah is the automatic choice as the lead pacer, with Mohammed Siraj likely to be his partner. However, Siraj's recent performances have been inconsistent, and Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh are also in contention.Power Hitters:Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have struggled in the IPL this season, raising concerns about their form in the middle order. The selectors are considering Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma as potential replacements.The BCCI is facing a tough task in finalizing the squad, as there are several talented players vying for a limited number of spots. The team management is prioritizing players who have performed well in the IPL and have the potential to make an impact in the World Cup.

The Indian cricket team's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a daunting task as the deadline for announcing the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup approaches. With the tournament just over a month away, the committee must strike the right balance in selecting a team capable of challenging for the title.One of the key decisions involves the choice of the second wicketkeeper-batsman. Rishabh Pant's impressive form and fitness make him the clear first choice, but the selection committee is torn between Sanju Samson and KL Rahul for the backup role. Rahul's experience at the top of the order and his willingness to bat in the middle order give him an edge, despite his inconsistent performances in recent times. Samson, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL.Another contentious issue is the composition of the seam attack. With Mohammed Shami injured, the Indian bowling unit appears vulnerable. The IPL has exposed the struggles of Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, who have conceded runs at an alarming rate. Despite these concerns, the team management is keen on sticking with the bowlers who have been part of the setup for the past few years.However, the selectors must also consider the impressive performances of Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar, who have shown promise in bowling the tough overs. The decision between an extra spinner (Ravi Bishnoi) or an extra pacer will depend on the team's assessment of Hardik Pandya's seam bowling capabilities.Finally, the selection committee must address the need for power hitters in the middle order. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been consistent run-getters, but the onus will fall on the likes of Hardik and Ravindra Jadeja to provide the explosive scoring needed to post big totals. The team management had identified Rinku Singh for this role, but his lack of IPL experience may count against him. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma are also in contention, but their performances in the IPL have been mixed.The selection committee has a difficult task ahead of them, but they must make the right decisions to give India the best chance of success at the T20 World Cup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has emerged as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Based solely on their performances in the IPL, NDTV has compiled a 15-member squad that represents the best of Indian talent.Openers:* Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Chennai Super Kings skipper has been in scintillating form, amassing 349 runs in 8 matches with a strike rate of 142.44. His century and consistent performances make him an automatic choice.* Abhishek Sharma: The left-handed batter from Sunrisers Hyderabad has set the IPL alight with his explosive batting. With 288 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 218, he is a perfect fit alongside Gaikwad.* Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper has shown glimpses of his class, scoring 311 runs in 9 matches. His aggressive approach and experience make him a valuable asset.Batters:* Virat Kohli: Despite the ongoing debate over his strike rate, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are crucial.* Riyan Parag: The Rajasthan Royals batter has impressed with his explosive middle-order batting. With 250 runs in 9 matches, he provides a dynamic option.* Shivam Dube: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a consistent performer, scoring 220 runs and picking up 7 wickets. His versatility makes him a valuable addition.Wicket-keepers:* KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Giants skipper has scored 378 runs in 9 matches. His flexibility as an opener, wicket-keeper batter, or middle-order batter makes him a versatile asset.* Sanju Samson: The Rajasthan Royals skipper has been in sublime form, scoring 385 runs with four half-centuries in 9 matches. His wicket-keeping skills and aggressive batting make him a top choice.All-rounders:* Ravindra Jadeja: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a key performer, batting at No. 4 and providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball.* Axar Patel: The Delhi Capitals all-rounder has been effective with both bat and ball, scoring 134 runs and picking up 7 wickets.Bowlers:* Kuldeep Yadav: The Delhi Capitals spinner has been in excellent form, picking up 13 wickets in 9 matches.* Yuzvendra Chahal: The Rajasthan Royals spinner has also been impressive, taking 12 wickets in 9 matches. The 'Kul-Cha' partnership is a formidable spin duo.* Jasprit Bumrah: The Mumbai Indians pacer is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps. His pace and accuracy make him a vital cog in the bowling attack.* Sandeep Sharma: The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has been a revelation, taking 8 wickets with an impressive economy rate.* T Natarajan: The Sunrisers Hyderabad left-arm pacer has impressed with his performances, taking 12 wickets in 6 matches with an economy rate of 8.70.This squad represents a blend of experience, talent, and versatility. If these players can maintain their form and replicate their IPL performances in the T20 World Cup, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and the Indian cricket team is still grappling with the question of who will open the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma. While Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the frontrunners, Virat Kohli has emerged as a surprise contender.Gill has been in impressive form for Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2024, scoring 304 runs in 9 matches. Jaiswal, on the other hand, has had a slower start for Rajasthan Royals but has recently hit a sensational century against Mumbai Indians.According to a poll conducted by NDTV Sports, fans have picked Jaiswal as Rohit's ideal opening partner for the T20 World Cup, with Kohli coming in at No. 3. This suggests that fans believe Jaiswal's left-handedness and aggressive style would complement Rohit's right-handedness and experience.However, Kohli's inclusion as an opener is an intriguing prospect. The star batter has been criticized for his strike rate in recent times, but some experts believe that opening the batting would allow him to play his natural game and maximize his impact.Gill, for his part, is eager to make the 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. "Last year's World Cup experience would help me as we try to win the World Cup."The Indian team management has a tough decision to make, but they will be buoyed by the fact that they have several talented options to choose from. The T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket, and India will be determined to lift the trophy for the second time.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the national selection committee is set to finalize a potential 15-member squad. Chairman Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma recently held an informal meeting in Delhi to discuss the team's composition.The official announcement of the squad is expected on May 1, the cut-off date set by the ICC. Agarkar specifically traveled to Delhi for an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to meet with Rohit and gain further clarity on the team's needs.Most of the team is expected to be selected based on current form and performance. However, there are a few slots that remain up for discussion. One key decision is whether Hardik Pandya will be included in the squad based on his bowling fitness. If Pandya is selected, only one of Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh will be accommodated.KL Rahul, a favorite of the current coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid, is likely to be included in the squad, leaving Sanju Samson as his nearest competitor. There is little possibility of a left-field selection, but Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma could be an option as a flamboyant southpaw who can also bowl off-spin.The third spinner's slot is also up for grabs, with Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi competing for the position. Yuzvendra Chahal, India's most skilled white-ball wrist spinner, is reportedly not a priority choice for an influential member of the coaching staff.The selection committee will meet soon to finalize the squad, which will be tasked with representing India at the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the Americas later this year.

The Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced soon, with captain Rohit Sharma set to meet BCCI selectors in Delhi this weekend. The deadline for announcing the provisional squad is May 1, indicating an imminent announcement.Several experts have weighed in with their picks for the 15-member squad, with some common names emerging. NDTV has conducted a mini poll to determine the most likely candidates for selection.Openers/Top 3:Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are virtual certainties for the squad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as potential openers. Jaiswal's left-handedness gives him an edge over Gill, who may have to settle for a backup role.Middle-Order:Suryakumar Yadav is a lock for the middle order, while Shivam Dube's big-hitting abilities make him a strong contender. Rinku Singh is another option, but his limited game time may hinder his chances.Allrounders:Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are the undisputed allrounders in the squad. Pandya's all-around abilities make him indispensable, while Jadeja's left-arm spin and batting prowess are invaluable.Wicketkeeper:Rishabh Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson as the backup option.Spinners:Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the overwhelming favorites for the spin bowling roles. Ravi Bishnoi has also received some support, but Kuldeep's recent form gives him the edge.Pacers:Jasprit Bumrah is the only Indian pacer who has consistently impressed in the IPL. Arshdeep Singh and T Natarajan have emerged as strong contenders for the remaining two spots, with Mohammed Siraj also in the mix.Conclusion:With a 15-member squad limit, one big star may have to miss out. NDTV's poll suggests that Shubman Gill may be the unfortunate omission, given India's abundance of right-handed top-order options.