Cricket

Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, had an unforgettable experience during his first season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The opportunity to bat alongside the legendary Virat Kohli and share the dressing room with him was a highlight for Green.Green was initially acquired by the Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 17.5 crore during the IPL 2023 Auction. However, following the conclusion of the player retention deadline for the upcoming IPL 2024 season in November 2023, Green was traded to RCB after spending one season with Mumbai Indians.During his stint with Mumbai Indians in 2023, Green featured in 16 matches, scoring 220 runs at an average of 27.50 and taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.50. Subsequently, he represented RCB in 13 games, accumulating 255 runs at an impressive average of 31.88 and claiming 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.25.Speaking about Virat Kohli, Green said: "It's always pretty special when you look back at these times playing with Virat. He gave 110% every single time he plays, which is the beauty of him.""It's never towards a batter or anything, it's just pumping himself up, pumping the team up," he added.Green is currently part of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup. The 25-year-old was part of the victorious Australia team that won the ODI World Cup title in 2023, beating India in the summit clash.Green's experience in the IPL has been invaluable for his development as a cricketer. He has learned from some of the best players in the world and has gained valuable experience in different conditions. He will be hoping to continue his good form in the T20 World Cup and help Australia defend their title.

Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins is brimming with confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, believing his game is in its best shape in a decade. Fresh from a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Cummins has joined the Australian squad in Barbados, ready to make his mark.Cummins' confidence stems from his impressive performances in the IPL, where he led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the playoffs. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets in 17 matches, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket."Probably as well as I have for the last 10 years really," Cummins told cricket.com.au of his T20 bowling. "We played 17 games straight (at the IPL). For the most part, international T20s are after the Test series, and you've got to try and hit a yorker or a slower ball, and then go back to a Test series.""So just getting the pace of the game and executing some of those balls that you need more in T20 cricket than in other formats, I feel really well placed," he added.Cummins emphasized the importance of playing consistently in the same format, which he believes makes a "huge difference" to the tactical side of bowling."A lot of T20 bowling in particular is about thinking through your sequencing of which ball to bowl or when, and I think over the course of the season you get to learn pretty quickly what's working and what isn't.""Even if it doesn't work first game, and you feel like it's never going to work every game, but you know that if you zoom out over the course of the tournament it's going to work for you. So it's nice coming in here with that confidence."Cummins' tenure as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad not only polished his bowling skills but also enhanced his leadership credentials. However, he is content to take a backseat in leadership with Mitchell Marsh stepping up as captain for the T20 World Cup."I'm obviously there to help him if he needs me but it's Mitch's show. I'm certainly there to help ... as are a lot of the senior guys, so he won't be short of help if he needs it," Cummins said.

Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, has expressed his eagerness to play in the T20 World Cup despite a staggered arrival in the Caribbean after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Green, who has endured extensive travel in 2023, said he is accustomed to the long journeys, having experienced a 38-hour flight to join the Australian squad.Green's journey to Barbados was relatively smooth compared to some of his teammates, with only one lost bag. He was given a few days at home in Perth after RCB's elimination from the IPL a week ago."Just one bag lost - my cricket bag but it came the next day. My trip was about 38 hours while Starcy's (Mitchell Starc) was about 60 hours. So overall happy," Green told reporters after Australia's training session on Monday.Green's comfort in living out of a suitcase helped him find his rhythm late in the IPL campaign. After early struggles, he played an important role with bat and ball for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).Green was dropped by RCB five games into the competition but regained his footing during the team's late charge into the playoffs. He increased his strike rate from 107.93 in his first five games to 170.21 in his last seven.While Green may not be in Australia's XI for the match against Oman on Thursday, he could potentially bat anywhere in the top eight if needed."That's the beauty of what I've been exposed to in the last few years. It's not always been a consistent spot that I've locked into. But at the same time, I'm also thankful for that. I feel like I can jump in at many different roles. I think that's where I see myself this tournament, maybe plugging holes in the team," he added.Green admitted to feeling a touch sore after spending more time on the net than any of his colleagues since joining the group. However, he believes his preparation couldn't have been better.Balancing Green's workloads across different formats has been a concern for Australian management, given his rapid rise as a sought-after player."Talking to the other guys, it's been quite ridiculous the amount of travel and the lack of days at home, compared to normal years. I think you weirdly get used to it, been doing it for two years now. This is the most prepared I've been for some sort of tour. I think you (often) go from a Test tour into a T20 or straight into a Test tour - it's pretty extreme. But that's the beauty of the IPL this year. You actually got some unbelievable practice leading into this. So a lot of the guys in our team are pretty confident and hopefully, we can start the tournament off well," Green said.The World Test Champion and ODI World Cup winner will kickstart its tournament against Oman on Wednesday.

Heinrich Klaasen, the South African wicket-keeper batsman, has emerged as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in recent years. His success can be attributed to his aggressive approach and ability to hit sixes at crucial moments.Klaasen's transformation began after he received advice from Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis emphasized that IPL owners prioritize players who can win matches and hit sixes. This advice resonated with Klaasen, who has since developed a powerful game.In the last two IPL seasons, Klaasen has amassed over 400 runs each time, with a strike rate of over 170. He narrowly missed out on the title with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024.Klaasen's success is not solely due to natural talent. He has put in the hard work, including extensive bat swing drills to improve his power. He also believes that the smaller boundaries in India have contributed to his success.Klaasen's aggressive approach has paid off, as he averages a six every 6.73 balls over the last 12 months. He is now a key member of the South Africa side aiming for their first ICC T20 World Cup trophy in 2024.Klaasen's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. It demonstrates the importance of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset in achieving success.

Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson exudes confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his belief in his preparation for the tournament. Samson, who has endured a decade of ups and downs in his career, feels that he is now at his most experienced and prepared for the global event.Samson's impressive performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain of the Rajasthan Royals has bolstered his confidence. He amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47, finishing fifth in the Orange Cap standings.Despite the intense pressure of the IPL, Samson admits that he couldn't help but think about his chances of being selected for the World Cup. He acknowledges that his aggressive batting style, which aims to make every ball count, may have played a role in earning him a spot in the squad.However, Samson remains cautious and aware of potential selection issues. He understands that the team's needs and the combination sought by the selectors and management will ultimately determine his playing time.With in-form Rishabh Pant also in the side, it remains uncertain whether Samson will get the opportunity to play in any of the games during the T20 World Cup. Nonetheless, Samson remains optimistic and believes that his preparation and experience will serve him well if given the chance.

The Fragility of Success: Lessons from India and Mumbai IndiansIn the realm of sports, success is often fleeting, and even the most dominant teams can experience a sudden decline. Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has highlighted this fragility by examining the recent fortunes of the Indian cricket team and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India's World Cup HeartbreakAt the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Team India embarked on an impressive winning streak, claiming 10 consecutive victories. However, their momentum was shattered in the final against Australia, leaving them with a bitter taste of defeat. Hayden believes that the team's downfall was partly due to a lack of emotional support from the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Mumbai Indians' IPL StrugglesThe Mumbai Indians, once a dominant force in the IPL, have faced a sharp decline in recent seasons. After winning the tournament back-to-back in 2019 and 2020, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Hayden attributes this decline to the team's handling of the captaincy change from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya. The decision sparked widespread criticism from fans, which Hayden believes affected the players' morale and the team's overall performance.The Power of Celebrity CultureHayden also emphasizes the double-edged sword of celebrity culture in sports. While it can generate immense support and enthusiasm, it can also create a sense of entitlement and complacency. In the case of Rohit Sharma, Hayden believes that the Mumbai Indians fans' unwavering loyalty to the star batsman may have contributed to the team's struggles.Lessons for the FutureAs India prepares for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Hayden urges the team to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. He also advises the Mumbai Indians to address the underlying issues that have led to their recent decline.

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Spinners Take Center StageFormer Indian opener WV Raman has endorsed the selection of four spinners in India's T20 World Cup squad, citing the nature of pitches in the West Indies and the recent performances in the IPL as key factors.India's squad for the ICC marquee event includes Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Raman believes that the inclusion of these spinners is a well-thought-out decision based on the conditions in the West Indies."The pitches in the West Indies are more conducive to spinners these days," Raman said. "The spinners have also done well in the IPL on good hard-flat tracks in India. This has prompted the selectors to think that you are better off with spinners rather than fast bowlers."In the IPL, Chahal took 18 wickets from 15 matches with an economy of 9.41, Kuldeep claimed 16 wickets with an economy of 8.65, Axar took 11 wickets at 7.65, and Jadeja secured 8 wickets at 7.85.Raman is optimistic about India's chances in the T20 World Cup. "We have a lot of brilliant cricketers who can be match-winners on their days," he said. "T20 is such a format where you need a bit of luck as well, especially in the knockouts, and that's where experience also counts, which we have aplenty in the side."Despite concerns over the narrow gap between the IPL and the T20 World Cup, Raman believes it will not affect the players. "Today's cricketers are fit enough and more or less used to playing non-stop. So, they will manage," he noted.India's campaign begins on Wednesday against Ireland in New York at the Nassau County Stadium. Raman supports the idea of expanding cricket to new destinations. "I think that is something that the ICC will consider. They will look at as many cost-effective measures and innovations to get more teams into the fold and venues under their bracket."

The recent IPL season witnessed a tumultuous change in leadership at Mumbai Indians, with Rohit Sharma stepping down as captain and Hardik Pandya taking over. This decision sparked widespread controversy, with fans expressing their disapproval of Pandya's captaincy style.Despite Mumbai Indians' disappointing 10th place finish, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that the internal issues within the franchise should not be discussed in the national dressing room. He emphasizes that the focus should be on Rahul Dravid's expectations for each player and ensuring their alignment with the team's goals.Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden echoes Pathan's sentiments, stating that the issue should not be addressed at all during the World Cup. He highlights the importance of a strong and unified dressing room where leadership is evident without explicit communication.Pathan also draws attention to the celebrity culture in Indian cricket, which he believes can sometimes hinder the team's performance. He compares it to the Australian cricketing culture, which lacks such a celebrity element. Pathan suggests that finding a balance between the two cultures would benefit Indian cricket.As India prepares for their first T20 World Cup game against Ireland on June 5, Pathan emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities within the team. He believes that the players should focus on executing Dravid's plans and maintaining a positive and supportive environment.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has bid farewell to his illustrious playing career. The 39-year-old, who last represented India in the 2022 T20 World Cup, announced his retirement on his birthday, bringing an end to a journey that began in 2002-03.Karthik's career has been marked by both highs and lows. He made his international debut in 2004 and went on to play 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 32 T20Is for India. While he was never a regular in the Test team, he made significant contributions in the shorter formats, particularly in T20 cricket.In the IPL, Karthik has been a mainstay since its inception in 2008. He has represented six different franchises, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. With 4816 runs in 256 matches, he is one of the most successful batters in IPL history.Karthik's wicketkeeping skills have also been highly regarded. He is second only to MS Dhoni in overall dismissals (172) and stumpings (36) in the IPL. He has also captained Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and led Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for three seasons.Despite his success, Karthik's international career was often overshadowed by the presence of other talented wicketkeeper-batters. However, he remained a valuable member of the Indian team, providing experience and leadership.In recent years, Karthik has focused primarily on domestic cricket and the IPL. He played a key role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's run to the playoffs in IPL 2023, scoring 326 runs in 13 innings.Karthik's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was one of the last remaining players from the generation that won the 2011 World Cup. His contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.