Cricket

Rinku Singh's omission from India's T20 World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, given his impressive T20I record. In 15 matches, he has amassed 356 runs at an astonishing average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.24. However, his recent form in the IPL 2024 has been a cause for concern.In 13 games, Singh has managed only 168 runs at an average of 18.67 and a strike rate of 148.67. This dip in form has led to questions about his ability to perform at the highest level.Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Singh has not made the most of his opportunities in the IPL. "He's had opportunities and he came quite early on some occasions, but couldn't maximize that chance," Vaughan said.Vaughan, however, remains optimistic about Singh's long-term prospects. "He's a terrific player who can strike the ball. His level is so high now, because we expect. In T20s, you got to take so many risks, that every now and then, you have a run of games where it doesn't quite go your way.""You are talking about trying to hit it out of the ground on a regular basis, and every now and then you can get caught. As long as his mindset is purely to be aggressive - he's a better player that way - he will be absolutely fine."Vaughan believes that Singh's lean phase is temporary. "I have seen him in the last few years, where he will just explode. He averages 80 for India because he stays not out at the end, he's a quality player. He's not a flash in the pan, I don't think in two years, we are gonna be like 'Where's Rinku Singh gone! He's disappeared. He's not the player we thought he was'," Vaughan said."He just having one of those periods. The top order works, whereas in the previous year, it wasn't working and he was getting to bat earlier on a regular basis. He could knock around for a while and then explode. He's had some opportunities but primarily came further down at the backend. In t20 cricket, you may get out while trying to be aggressive."Despite his recent struggles, Singh remains a highly talented batsman with the potential to be a match-winner for India. His omission from the T20 World Cup squad is a setback, but it should not be seen as a reflection of his overall ability.

India's elusive quest for ICC glory has been a topic of much debate, with former England captain Michael Vaughan expressing his surprise at the team's inability to convert their talent into trophies. Since their last ICC triumph in 2013, India has come close but ultimately fallen short in several major tournaments.Vaughan, speaking on The Ranveer Show, questioned the significance of the ICC Champions Trophy, which India won in 2013. "That's not a trophy really," he said. "There is the World Cup and the World Test Championship now, India lost both the finals there."Despite the presence of exceptional captains and players, India has struggled to replicate their domestic dominance on the international stage. Vaughan praised the efforts of Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, but emphasized that India should be winning more trophies."I feel India should be winning every 2-3 trophies that are available," Vaughan said. "They have so much talent in this country."India's recent performances have been a source of frustration for fans and pundits alike. They reached the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, 2019 ODI World Cup, and 2023 ODI World Cup, but failed to secure victory. They also lost in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.Vaughan believes that India's inability to win ICC titles is a combination of factors, including pressure, big-match temperament, and a lack of consistency. He urged the team to learn from their mistakes and strive for greater success in the future.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) endured a dismal outing on Monday, conceding a record-breaking 287 runs to SunRisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite valiant efforts from Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis, RCB fell short by 25 runs, marking their fifth consecutive loss in IPL 2024.The defeat further jeopardizes RCB's playoff hopes, as they languish at the bottom of the 10-team standings. RCB is one of three teams, along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, to have played in the IPL since its inception in 2008 without ever winning the tournament.In the wake of RCB's latest setback, Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi expressed his frustration on social media, calling for the BCCI to enforce the sale of the franchise to a new owner. "For the sake of the Sport, the IPL, the fans, and even the players, I think BCCI needs to enforce the Sale of RCB to a New owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so," Bhupathi tweeted.Bhupathi's comments echo those of former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, who recently questioned RCB's inability to perform despite boasting a star-studded lineup. "What I like about the fact the RCB have never won is it proves to me that team sport is not just about individuals," Vaughan said. "You can go and buy all the biggest individual names and put them into a team but it doesn't mean you're going to win."Vaughan believes that RCB's struggles stem from a lack of team cohesion and a failure to identify specific roles for each player. "They've signed some incredible players - AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Faf - unbelievable players," he said. "But it tells you unless you get the whole team operating and every single play knowing the roles and identifying different roles for different people, I don't see the RCBs doing that."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan found himself the subject of hilarious trolling during a live podcast featuring Australian cricket legends Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, occurred when Vaughan's wife, Nichola, inadvertently turned on a printer near the recording area."Mrs. Vaughan has clearly decided to start to print something," Vaughan remarked during the podcast. The comment sparked a flurry of speculation among listeners, with one user quipping, "Divorce papers." The remark sent the chatroom into a frenzy of laughter.The incident has become a viral sensation, with many sharing the clip on Twitter. One user commented, "This has to go down as an ALL TIME moment on the show."Beyond the lighthearted banter, Vaughan also shared his thoughts on the recent captaincy change at Mumbai Indians. Five-time IPL champion Rohit Sharma was replaced by Hardik Pandya, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from fans."Hardik's going through a difficult time, and it's not his fault," Vaughan said on the BeerBiceps podcast. "He has been asked to captain Mumbai Indians; who is going to say no to that? He has been given a job that every single Indian cricketer would like to do."However, Vaughan believes the communication surrounding the captaincy change could have been handled better. "I personally would've captained Rohit," he said. "Hardik coming back to MI is big enough pressure in itself, and Rohit is obviously going to be the Indian T20 captain. The sensible move would've been for Rohit to carry as MI captain with Hardik in mind for next year or 2."Hardik's start as MI captain has been challenging, with the team losing their first three games. However, they have since rebounded with two consecutive victories.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), despite boasting a star-studded lineup, has endured a dismal start to the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After losing five of their first six matches, RCB languishes at the bottom of the points table, leaving fans deeply disappointed.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has weighed in on RCB's trophyless run and poor performance this season. Appearing on "The Ranveer Show" on YouTube, Vaughan emphasized the importance of team unity and defined roles for success."RCB's failure to win proves that team sport is not just about individuals," Vaughan said. "You can assemble the biggest names, but it doesn't guarantee victory."Vaughan pointed to RCB's acquisition of renowned players like AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis. However, he believes that unless each player understands their specific role and the team operates as a cohesive unit, RCB will continue to struggle."They need to rejig their team slightly to allow different players to flourish in different positions," Vaughan suggested. "I don't see RCB doing that."Vaughan further asserted that RCB cannot win the IPL without clearly defining each player's role. "They seem to think that because they have great players, they will win," he said. "But it's not enough. You need a strong team ethic, culture, and a clear understanding of everyone's roles."After their defeat to Mumbai Indians, RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The team desperately needs a turnaround to salvage their season and avoid another disappointing campaign.

Mumbai Indians Fans Urged to Support Hardik Pandya Amidst Booing ControversyAs Mumbai Indians prepare for their third consecutive home match in IPL 2024, the spotlight has shifted to the behavior of spectators at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has sparked a debate by criticizing the treatment of MI skipper Hardik Pandya by the home crowd.Vaughan expressed bewilderment at the booing of Pandya during an appearance on The Ranveer Show on YouTube. Despite a brief respite in a previous match against Delhi Capitals, where Pandya was spared due to the presence of children from NGOs, Vaughan highlighted the hostility he faced in other games, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium."I don't understand booing. I kind of got it in the first game in Gujarat, because he played for them for two years and did not do well as a captain. But then when he went to Hyderabad, I was like, 'What's going on.' Then when he came back to Wankhede, his own home support was booing him. I did not understand that," Vaughan remarked.Vaughan acknowledged the initial booing in Gujarat attributed to Pandya's stint with the Gujarat Titans, but expressed shock at the treatment he received in subsequent matches, especially at his home ground.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Vaughan emphasized the crucial role Pandya plays in India's quest for success. "What Indian cricket fans need to understand is that Mumbai Indians are Indian fans and for India to win the T20 World Cup, they need Hardik Pandya. They need him to play well. So somehow, over the next few weeks, they need him to get that confidence level right up to the top level, because with India having Hardik flying, they have a great chance in lifting that trophy,” Vaughan asserted.Vaughan's statement serves as a call to action for Indian cricket fans, urging them to support and uplift Pandya's spirit and confidence in the coming weeks of the competition. Recognizing Pandya's potential impact, Vaughan emphasized the need for Indian fans to rally behind him, as his form could significantly bolster India's chances of clinching the T20 World Cup trophy.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted that Virat Kohli will emerge as the leading run-scorer in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. Vaughan's prediction stems from Kohli's exceptional track record in the tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the all-time leading run-getter.Kohli's return to the cricket field after a brief hiatus has generated immense excitement among fans. The star batter opted to skip the England Test series to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, during the birth of their second child.Vaughan believes that Kohli's absence from competitive cricket will not hinder his performance in the IPL. "Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer," Vaughan asserted on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. "Rohit Sharma will have the best strike rate in IPL 2024, but Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer."However, former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist expressed a different opinion, backing Rajasthan Royals' Yashasvi Jaiswal to claim the top honors among batters.Kohli's last competitive outing was in January during the two T20I matches of the three-match series against Afghanistan. Since then, he has been eagerly awaiting his return to the field, where he will don the red and gold colors of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).Kohli's IPL statistics are nothing short of remarkable. In 237 matches and 229 innings, he has amassed 7,263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. His highest score is 113, and he has scored seven centuries and 50 fifties in his IPL career.Last season, Kohli was the fourth-highest run-getter, piling up 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. His best score was 101*. The 35-year-old scored two centuries and six fifties but could not guide his side to the playoffs.RCB will kick off their IPL campaign on Friday against the Chennai Super Kings in an away match. Kohli's presence in the lineup is expected to boost RCB's chances of success in the tournament.

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has hailed Pep Guardiola as the most exceptional sporting leader of the past 15 years. Vaughan believes that England's Ben Stokes should adopt Guardiola's approach of never allowing players to become complacent about their place in the side.Vaughan's comments come in the context of England's Bazball approach, under coach Brendon McCullum, which has backfired during the ongoing tour of India. England have already conceded the series 3-1 after initially winning the first Test in Hyderabad.Vaughan questioned the approach of England batters and demanded greater accountability from them. He cited Guardiola's approach at Manchester City as an example of how to keep players on their toes."In my eyes he's the best sporting leader of this generation, say the last 15 years. He never allows his players to get comfortable. He always keeps them guessing, and they all know they are guaranteed nothing," Vaughan wrote in a column for Daily Telegraph.Vaughan questioned England's selection policy and said despite losing the series the visitors have a lot at stake to play for in the final Test in Dharamsla beginning March 7."Consistency of selection is such a fine balance in team sports. Making people comfortable is right, and England have generally batted well over the last two years," he wrote."There comes a point, though, where when it's your batting that is costing you the biggest series you can't keep sending the same guys out there every week."Vaughan said a loss in Dharamsala would be a demoralising result for England. He once again criticised England's batters approach."India haven't lost two matches in a series at home since 2012, on their run of 17 series wins in a row. 4-1 would be a very disappointing end to a disappointing winter, with the World Cup debacle, both white-ball series lost in the Caribbean and even a poor World Cup for the Under 19s," he wrote."It's a huge week for a number of England's batsmen. When we think of this England team, we think of their wonderfully dynamic batting. But when you look at why they haven't won any of their last three series, it's down to the batting."Vaughan feels when it comes to team selection there should be consistency in the batting order."Complacency can be damaging. As a management team, how you approach selection of batsmen and bowlers is obviously different. Fast bowlers, especially, sit out games and are rightly rotated to preserve their bodies," he wrote."With batsmen you want consistency. When you play like England do, backing is important. Aggressive, expansive cricket means mistakes will be made. Players need to have the confidence to take on risky shots without fear that they will be dropped immediately. That is good, and as captain I always preferred to give a player one game too many than one too few."In hindsight he also took a took a dig at McCullum and Stokes for their approach."I do wonder, though, if this England setup takes backing a bit too far. Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over, only one batsman has been dropped, and even that was the tamest dropping you will ever see. "England inherited Alex Lees from the previous regime and gave him a crack, but always had their eye on Ben Duckett to open with Zak Crawley so simply moved Lees on at the end of their first summer," he wrote."Ultimately, on any sporting team's road to greatness, you need a moment, a rod, where every player realises 'wow, maybe I'm not part of the furniture'. As soon as people think they are part of the furniture it creates a bit of comfortable complacency, which can be damaging."

Joe Root's controversial LBW dismissal in the fourth India-England Test in Ranchi has sparked a heated debate over the use of DRS (decision review system). The England camp has vehemently criticized the technology, demanding its abolition, while former skipper Michael Vaughan has labeled Root's dismissal a "shocker."Paul Hawkins, founder of Hawk-Eye, the technology provider for DRS, has hit back at Vaughan's comments, dismissing them as "uneducated." He maintains that the correct decision was made by third umpire Joel Wilson in overturning on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena's call.Hawkins has accused Vaughan of lacking understanding of the technology and its operation. He has urged journalists to be more responsible in their reporting and to ensure factual accuracy.Vaughan, in response, has demanded full transparency from Hawk-Eye, requesting them to demonstrate the exact workings of the system. He believes that this will help dispel any misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of how DRS operates.The DRS controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing Test series, which India has already clinched with an unassailable 3-1 lead. The fifth and final game will commence in Dharamsala on March 7.