Cricket

The Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign kicks off on June 05 against Ireland, but the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 09 is already dominating the headlines. The two arch-rivals do not engage in bilateral series, making ICC and ACC events the only platforms where fans can witness their electrifying encounters.Former India pacer S Sreesanth has expressed his views on India's pace-bowling attack, emphasizing the importance of Jasprit Bumrah's role in the upcoming match against Pakistan. Sreesanth believes that Bumrah should open the bowling for India, particularly against Pakistan."It will be crucial to see who bowls the first over. If Arshdeep bowls the first over, who made him struggle, we have seen their weakness before. When they start attacking, if they don't stop the runs, they will knock out a lot of bowlers. I think if we don't get the wickets in the powerplay, the match between Pakistan and India will be very tough. I think on 9th June, India needs to pick a wicket in the first over," said Sreesanth.Sreesanth further added, "I want Bumrah to come first and bowl the first over. We have heard who will take the new ball, but I think if you are watching Bumrah, please finish Rizwan and Babar first."India's pace bowling attack has not been as impressive as expected. Apart from Bumrah, neither Mohammed Siraj nor Arshdeep Singh have been in top form heading into the T20 World Cup. Siraj and Arshdeep had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, raising concerns about their ability to support Bumrah effectively.The first few matches of the T20 World Cup will provide valuable insights into India's bowling capabilities. The team's performance in the powerplay will be crucial, as Sreesanth highlighted. If India can pick up early wickets, it will significantly increase their chances of success against Pakistan.

Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, has identified Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah as the two pacers he believes will dominate the docile pitches in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the West Indies.McGrath, who was speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation ground in Chennai, said that Starc's recent performances in the IPL have been impressive, and he expects him to continue his good form in the World Cup. "We saw Starc at the end of the IPL. He came into his own, which was good to see," McGrath said.The former Australian pacer also praised Bumrah, calling him "the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of." McGrath believes that Bumrah's ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls at will makes him a formidable opponent.McGrath also spoke about the importance of other pacers bowling well in support of Bumrah. "It is who's going to take wickets around Bumrah and who's going to bowl well around him," he said.McGrath expressed his support for the expanded T20 World Cup, which features 20 teams. He believes that it gives more countries the opportunity to participate and experience the tournament. "I like the concept as long as it's not just easy games. It's good experience for these other countries that don't play a huge amount," he said.McGrath also commented on Starc's recent statement that he might consider leaving one format of international cricket to play more franchise cricket worldwide. McGrath expressed his concern about the potential impact this could have on Test cricket. "I guess, personally, my fear is where international cricket will be in 10 years. Hopefully, Test cricket is still held in high regard," he said.However, McGrath also acknowledged the appeal of franchise cricket. "It's quick. It's exciting. I think it's up to the senior players and the administrators, to hold Test cricket in high regard. And international cricket in high regard. But T20 cricket is here to stay," he said.

Jasprit Bumrah's Family Provides Emotional Support Ahead of T20 World CupAs Team India prepares for their opening match in the 2024 T20 World Cup, pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is receiving unwavering support from his family. His wife, sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan, and their son Angad have joined him in New York, providing a touch of home comfort ahead of the high-stakes tournament.Bumrah shared a heartwarming moment on Instagram on Monday, posting a picture of his son Angad wearing India's 2024 T20 World Cup cap. The image quickly garnered attention and affection from fans, adding to the excitement and emotional support surrounding Bumrah as he prepares to lead India's bowling attack.Bumrah and Sanjana tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed their son, Angad, on September 4, 2023, bringing joy to their family and fans alike.In a recent interview with the ICC, Bumrah reminisced about his early days playing cricket, which significantly influenced his bowling style. He shared how playing with tennis and rubber balls during his youth helped him develop his skills, particularly his lethal yorker delivery."I played a lot of tennis-ball, rubber-ball cricket when I was growing up. I used to play a lot with my friends in summer camps and during summer vacations. Whenever we had a lot of time, we'd play. As a kid, I thought this was the only way to get wickets because I was a fan of fast bowling. I was really fascinated by what I saw on television, so I tried to replicate that," Bumrah told ICC.He further explained the importance of repetition in mastering his craft, especially the yorker. "Is it (tennis-ball cricket) a secret (to bowling yorkers) or not? I don’t know. But repetition surely is. I still practice it. Every skill that you develop, you have to practice and make it stronger. So, I think a combination of both would be the answer," he added.Bumrah's family's presence in New York is a testament to the importance of support and emotional well-being for athletes competing at the highest level. As Team India gears up for their opening match against Ireland, Bumrah can draw strength from the love and encouragement of his family, knowing that they are there to support him every step of the way.

Australia's legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting has predicted India's fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Bumrah missed the 2022 edition of the tournament due to a back injury that required surgery. However, he returns to the showpiece event in impressive form, having taken 20 wickets in 13 games for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with an astonishing economy rate of 6.48.Ponting believes Bumrah's exceptional skills with the new ball, his ability to swing and seam the ball, and his impressive economy rate make him a prime candidate for the top wicket-taker award. "He's just come off an outstanding IPL. What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up," Ponting said. "His economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over. He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way."In addition to Bumrah, Ponting also predicts Australia's left-handed opener Travis Head to be a contender for the top run-scorer in the tournament. Head, who was named Player of the Match in last year's ODI World Cup final, scored 567 runs in 15 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 191.55."My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head," Ponting said. "I just think everything he's done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he's playing fearless cricket at the moment."Ponting acknowledges that Head's IPL form had its ups and downs, but he believes that when Head is in form, he can win games for his team. "His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it's been good, it's been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team. And it'll be exactly the same for Australia - so, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament," Ponting said. "But he'll be right up there, I'm sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I've said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he'll win more games than ever."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will commence on June 1, with the opening match between co-hosts USA and Canada at Dallas. Australia will begin their campaign against Group B opponents Oman at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 5. India will also play their first game of the competition on the same day, against Ireland at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming T20 World Cup after successfully recovering from a major back injury. In an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bumrah shared insights into his injury comeback, his approach to mentoring younger teammates, and the secret behind his lethal yorker.Bumrah's return to form has been crucial for India's hopes of winning their second T20 World Cup title. After missing the previous edition due to injury, he has been in impressive form since his comeback in August 2022. During India's run to the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, he was among the top performers, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 18.65 and an economy of just four.Bumrah's success in the T20 format is largely attributed to his precision yorker, which can bamboozle batters with its accuracy and pace. He revealed that he developed this skill while playing tennis-ball cricket as a child. By constantly practicing this delivery, he has honed it to near perfection.Beyond his bowling prowess, Bumrah is also a valuable mentor for India's younger players. He believes in giving them space to develop their own skills and only offering guidance when needed. This approach allows them to learn from their own experiences and find their own solutions.As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, Bumrah is confident in the team's abilities. He is part of a formidable bowling attack that includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya. India will face Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the United States in Group A of 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.

Former Indian pacer Rudra Pratap Singh believes that Punjab Kings underutilized young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Singh believes that Arshdeep can be a valuable asset for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, especially alongside Jasprit Bumrah.Arshdeep finished the IPL with 19 wickets in 14 matches, but his economy rate of 10.03 raised concerns. Singh believes that Arshdeep's usage was not optimal and that he should have been given more opportunities to bowl in the death overs."If we assess Arshdeep on the basis of his IPL performance, I think he hasn't been utilized well," Singh said. "The utilization of the bowlers also depends on their captain, in which conditions he uses them, in which situation he makes them bowl and how best that he thinks his bowler is."Singh believes that Arshdeep's left-arm action and variations make him a potent threat in the death overs. He suggests that Arshdeep should focus on using cutters effectively on the slower wickets in the United States, where the T20 World Cup will be played."Talking about the length on the tracks in the USA during an early morning start, as per my understanding, there should be a bit of slowness in the wicket," Singh said. "So, the ideal length will be somewhere around just short of good length."Singh also believes that Bumrah should bowl three overs in the death overs, with Arshdeep as his preferred partner. He feels that Arshdeep's variations give him an edge over Mohammed Siraj in this role."Death bowling is really important in T20 cricket," Singh said. "Bumrah may bowl three overs in the death overs. He is our mainstay there. My preference alongside Bumrah in the death is Arshdeep over Siraj because of the variations he has."Singh also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya bowling his full quota of overs, which would allow India to field three specialist spinners. He believes that Shivam Dube can also be a valuable addition to the team as a batting all-rounder."Hardik bowled in the IPL and bowled four overs so there's no injury scare," Singh said. "Hardik's bowling will be important and he will have to bowl all his quota of 4-overs."

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has predicted that India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Aussie batting sensation Travis Head will emerge as the leading wicket-taker and run-getter, respectively, in the upcoming T20 World Cup.Ponting, renowned for his cricketing acumen, believes Bumrah's exceptional pace and skill in delivering crucial breakthroughs will make him the tournament's top wicket-taker. On the batting front, he expects Head's aggressive and consistent performances to earn him the most runs.Both players have shown remarkable prowess in T20 cricket, and Ponting's prediction underscores their potential to shine on the world stage, setting high expectations for their contributions in the tournament.Bumrah is coming off a sensational IPL season, where he took 20 wickets in 13 games and maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.48, despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament."My leading wicket-taker for the tournament will be Jasprit Bumrah," Ponting told The ICC Review. "I just think an outstanding performer, contributor for a number of years now. He's just come off an outstanding IPL.""What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up. But at the end, his economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over.""He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way. So, I'm going with him," added Ponting.Ponting selected fellow Australian Head as his pick for the top run-scorer in the upcoming tournament."My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head," Ponting said. "I just think everything he's done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he's playing fearless cricket at the moment."Head suffered an injury at the beginning of the ICC World Cup last year. However, Australia's belief in his abilities was so strong that they kept him with the squad until he recovered.In his return match against New Zealand during the tournament, Head repaid the team's trust with a blistering century. He concluded the World Cup with an impressive record, scoring two hundreds and a fifty, maintaining an average above 50, and striking at a remarkable rate of 127.52.Head's exceptional form persisted in the current IPL 2024 season, where he played a crucial role as an opener in Sunrisers Hyderabad's journey to the final. Throughout the tournament, he amassed 567 runs in 15 matches, maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 191.55.Despite Head's underwhelming conclusion to the IPL season, Ponting anticipates that he will continue to display his explosive batting prowess during the upcoming matches in the Caribbean and the United States."His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it's been good, it's been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team," Ponting noted."And it'll be exactly the same for Australia. So, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament, but he'll be right up there, I'm sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I've said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he'll win more games than ever," Ponting concluded.The T20 World Cup 2024 will begin on June 1 in the West Indies and USA.

Brett Lee: Fast Bowlers Struggling to Master Yorkers, Except for BumrahLegendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has expressed concern over the lack of proficiency in executing yorkers among fast bowlers, with the exception of India's Jasprit Bumrah. Lee believes that mastering this crucial delivery is essential in the modern cricketing landscape, where high scores are becoming increasingly common."On a general rule, other than Bumrah, we haven't seen enough fast bowlers nailing their yorkers recently," Lee said at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league. "I want to see fast bowlers bowl more yorkers. I still don't reckon they execute enough yorkers at the death."Lee emphasized the effectiveness of yorkers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where they have consistently proven to be economical, with an average strike rate of less than 100. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by innovative batsmen who can scoop the ball over the head."I'm all for batters smoking the ball all over, but there has got to be something for the bowlers too," Lee added. "I'm not asking for a green top, where teams bowled out for 110, because that's not good for cricket either."Lee believes that a good total in T20 cricket is around 185 to 230 runs, but recent scores have reached as high as 277. This makes it difficult for bowlers to contain the opposition, as they often concede 45 to 50 runs in their four overs.Regarding Australia's T20 World Cup squad, Lee believes that David Warner has earned the right to retire on his own terms. Despite the impressive performance of young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL, the selectors have opted for the experienced Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh in the top order. McGurk has been named as a traveling reserve.Lee advised McGurk to be patient and not rush his career. "I think if you go over there as a reserve batsman, you definitely have a chance to get an opportunity," Lee said. "But the advice to him, and he articulated it beautifully to say that he's only 22 years of age (araam se araam se). He's got time. There's no point rushing it."