Cricket

Tom Moody, the former Australian cricketer and coach, has unveiled his squad for India's upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with some surprising inclusions and omissions.Batting:Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the designated openers, with Virat Kohli providing an additional option. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are the wicket-keeping choices, while Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh add depth to the middle order. Shivam Dube, known for his power-hitting, is also included.Bowling:Ravindra Jadeja is the all-rounder option, providing balance to the team. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the specialist spinners, with Chahal's recent IPL success earning him a spot. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj form the pace attack.Surprises and Omissions:The most notable omission is Shubman Gill, who has been in excellent form for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Moody's decision to overlook Gill has raised eyebrows, especially considering his recent performances. Sanju Samson, another talented batsman, also missed out.Chahal's Inclusion:Yuzvendra Chahal's inclusion is a testament to his impressive IPL form. He recently became the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in the competition, showcasing his consistency and effectiveness.Gill's Optimism:Despite his omission, Gill remains optimistic about his chances of making the World Cup squad. He believes that his strong IPL season should be considered, and he is determined to prove his worth if given the opportunity.Moody's Rationale:Moody explained his squad selection, stating that he prioritized players who have performed well in recent times and who fit his tactical approach. He believes that this squad has the potential to challenge for the World Cup title.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked a debate with his proposed India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, excluding Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.Doull's selection dilemma mirrors the challenge facing the Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has become a contentious issue, with Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik all vying for the spot.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, with Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, he made a surprising move by assigning Pant the No. 3 batting position, aiming to accommodate other players in the lineup."I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can't see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties," Doull explained.Despite Pant's struggles in T20Is, Doull expressed confidence in his evolution and highlighted his improved fitness during IPL 2024.Another intriguing decision by Doull was his preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube's impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings.Doull's starting XI for India features Virat Kohli as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills. Arshdeep Singh is the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the senior men's selection committee, made a significant appearance at the Delhi Capitals-Mumbai Indians clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. His presence during the match sparked speculation that a meeting to finalize India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup could be imminent.Sources close to the matter revealed that Agarkar was spotted in the commentary box of the media center at the stadium. This suggests that he may have been in discussions with key stakeholders regarding the team selection.Earlier reports had indicated that Agarkar was scheduled to meet captain Rohit Sharma in New Delhi after returning from a holiday in Spain. The purpose of this meeting was to finalize India's squad for the T20 World Cup, which is set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and USA.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a cut-off date of May 1 for all teams to announce their 15-member squads for the Men's T20 World Cup. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.As the 2007 Men's T20 World Cup winners, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Canada, and tournament co-hosts USA. The team will be eager to make a strong showing in the tournament and reclaim the title.Agarkar's presence at the Delhi-Mumbai match suggests that the selection committee is actively working to finalize the squad. With the cut-off date approaching, it is likely that an announcement will be made soon.

As the May 1 deadline for squad submission for the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, former Indian batter Virender Sehwag has unveiled his strongest XI for the marquee event. Sehwag's team features a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on current form and versatility.Sehwag's XI is led by captain Rohit Sharma, who will open the batting alongside rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal. The middle order boasts the formidable trio of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant, who returns to the team after recovering from injuries.For the all-rounder role, Sehwag has opted for either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, both of whom have impressed in the ongoing IPL season. The spin department is anchored by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Sandeep Sharma.Sehwag's decision to exclude Hardik Pandya from his XI has raised eyebrows, given the all-rounder's status as a key player for India. However, Sehwag believes that Pandya's recent poor form warrants his omission from the starting lineup."Hardik is a great player, but he's not in the best of form right now," Sehwag said. "I think he should be in the 15-man squad, but he may not be in the starting XI."Sehwag's XI reflects his belief in the importance of adaptability and versatility in T20 cricket. The team features several players who can bat and bowl, providing the captain with multiple options to adjust to different match situations.With the World Cup just months away, Sehwag's XI serves as a valuable blueprint for the Indian selectors as they finalize their squad. The team's balance, experience, and current form make it a formidable contender for the coveted trophy.

With the deadline for announcing India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad approaching on May 1, the BCCI selectors face a daunting task of selecting the best possible team. While some players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli are likely to be automatic selections, there are several other contenders vying for the limited spots.One player who has emerged as a strong candidate is Shivam Dube. The left-handed batter has been in exceptional form for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2024. In eight matches, he has amassed 311 runs at a strike rate of 169.95, including three half-centuries.Dube's impressive performances have caught the attention of former India stars Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif, who have publicly advocated for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Raina tweeted, "World Cup loading for Shivam Dube! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please," while Kaif wrote, "Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India's No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20."However, some experts have raised concerns about the impact of the new "Impact Player" rule on the role of all-rounders. Under this rule, teams can substitute a player during the match, which could potentially negate the need for a traditional all-rounder like Dube."I completely agree it's debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not not a complete one," said former India pacer Zaheer Khan.Despite these concerns, Dube remains a strong contender for a place in the Indian team. His ability to bat in the middle order and provide power-hitting options makes him a valuable asset. Additionally, he can also contribute with his medium-pace bowling, although he has not had many opportunities to showcase his skills in this department.As the deadline for squad announcement draws near, the BCCI selectors will have to carefully consider all their options and make tough decisions. Shivam Dube's impressive form and versatility make him a strong candidate for a place in the Indian team, but the selectors will need to weigh his strengths and weaknesses against those of other contenders.

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense speculation regarding India's squad composition. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 serving as a crucial platform for player evaluation, the selectors are closely monitoring the performances of potential candidates.One of the most debated topics is the opening partnership for India. While Rohit Sharma's position is considered secure, the second opening slot remains up for grabs. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have emerged as the leading contenders, but former England captain Eoin Morgan believes Gill has a clear edge."Shubman Gill is a magnificent player and highly regarded worldwide," Morgan said on Jio Cinema. "For me, he has to be a contender to be on the plane, let alone get in that strongest XI."Morgan emphasized that Gill's current form sets him apart from Jaiswal. "Gill has enjoyed a solid run of form in IPL 2024 with 263 runs from 7 matches," he noted. "On the other hand, Jaiswal has found it extremely tough and has managed to score just 121 runs in 7 matches."Morgan also dismissed the notion that Gill's selection would come at the expense of Virat Kohli. "Virat Kohli is there already," he said. "He's doing everything he can and managing his own game. I think he's in contention with Yashasvi."Gill's impressive performances in the IPL have bolstered his case for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. His ability to score consistently and play attacking shots makes him an ideal opening partner for Rohit Sharma.While Jaiswal has shown glimpses of his potential, his inconsistent form in the IPL may count against him. The selectors will need to carefully consider his recent performances and weigh them against Gill's impressive run.The decision on India's opening partnership will be crucial to the team's success in the T20 World Cup 2024. With Gill and Jaiswal both vying for the second slot, the selectors have a tough choice to make.

India's T20 World Cup Squad Selection: Hardik Pandya's Bowling Form Under ScrutinyIn a crucial meeting held in Mumbai, India captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar discussed the composition of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The primary focus was on the selection of fast bowling all-rounders, a position that has posed a challenge for the selectors.Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the team was a key topic of discussion. The trio decided that Pandya's regular bowling performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season will be a determining factor in his selection. Pandya, who is leading the Mumbai Indians this season, has struggled with his bowling form, taking only three wickets in 11 overs and conceding runs at an alarming economy rate of 12 per over.The Indian team management hopes that Pandya can regain his bowling rhythm, as his seam bowling provides balance to the playing XI and his powerful hitting adds depth to the batting lineup.Another player under consideration is Shivam Dube, who has impressed with the bat but has been limited to the role of an Impact Player by his franchise, Chennai Super Kings. The selectors are closely monitoring his performances, as he could be a potential option as a fast bowling all-rounder.The Indian selection committee is expected to meet later this month to finalize the squad for the T20 World Cup. The performance of the hopefuls in the ongoing IPL will play a significant role in their decision-making process.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the debate over India's squad selection has intensified. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has weighed in with his picks, opting for a lineup that includes some surprising omissions.Kaif's XI features Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma, replacing the in-form Ishan Kishan. The middle order remains largely unchanged, with Virat Kohli at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, and Hardik Pandya at No. 5. Rishabh Pant retains his spot at No. 6.To bolster the team's batting depth, Kaif has opted for a plethora of all-rounders. Axar Patel slots in at No. 7, followed by Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. Kuldeep Yadav, known for his deceptive bowling, takes the No. 9 spot.The pace attack features the experienced Jasprit Bumrah and the rising star Arshdeep Singh. Kaif's XI prioritizes versatility and batting depth, aiming to provide India with a well-rounded squad capable of adapting to different match situations.The T20 World Cup 2024 will commence on June 1, with the high-profile clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for June 9 in New York. A total of 20 teams will compete in the tournament, divided into four groups of five teams each. The semi-finals will be held on June 25 and 27, leading up to the grand finale on June 29.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, speculations about India's squad have intensified. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has shared his predictions for the 15-member team that will represent India in the tournament.Kaif's squad includes several established players, such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, he also made some surprising choices, including Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper and Yuzvendra Chahal as the fourth specialist spinner.Kaif explained his decision to include Pant as the wicketkeeper, saying, "He is a match-winner and can change the game with his batting." He also preferred Chahal over Ravichandran Ashwin, stating, "Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn."Kaif's squad also includes all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, as well as fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. He believes that the team needs batting depth and all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.For the remaining spots in the squad, Kaif selected Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, and Mohammed Siraj. He praised Dube's form and spin-hitting ability, while Parag's exceptional performances earned him a place in Kaif's squad. Siraj, despite his recent lack of form, was included due to his experience and overall record.Kaif's T20 World Cup squad for India:1. Yashasvi Jaiswal2. Rohit Sharma3. Virat Kohli4. Suryakumar Yadav5. Hardik Pandya6. Rishabh Pant (wk)7. Axar Patel8. Ravindra Jadeja9. Kuldeep Yadav10. Jasprit Bumrah11. Arshdeep Singh12. Yuzvendra Chahal13. Shivam Dube14. Riyan Parag15. Mohammed Siraj