Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his support for Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain, following the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper for the Sri Lanka tour. Kaif believes that Pandya's experience as a leader should have been considered by the selection panel.Kaif highlighted Pandya's successful tenure as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where he led the team to the title in their inaugural season. He also pointed out Pandya's experience as T20I vice-captain during India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup."Hardik has captained the Gujarat Titans for two years and in their first year itself, they made it to the final," Kaif said. "He has experience captaining the T20I side. He was also the vice-captain at the T20 World Cup."Kaif expressed his belief that the selection panel should have backed Pandya, given his proven leadership abilities. He also praised Suryakumar Yadav's qualities as a player but emphasized that Pandya's experience should have been given priority."I feel they should have backed Hardik," Kaif said. "He has not done anything wrong that he should not get the captaincy."Kaif acknowledged that fitness concerns may have influenced the selection panel's decision. However, he believes that Pandya's leadership skills and experience should have outweighed any fitness issues."He has experience, has captained in the IPL and leading a new team (Gujarat Titans) to a trophy, with fresh and young faces, is a huge thing," Kaif said. "He has made the Titans win by working from Ground Zero in the IPL...I think he was entitled to the captaincy."

India's T20 World Cup campaign has been a resounding success, with the team remaining undefeated heading into the final against South Africa. Captain Rohit Sharma has been a key contributor with 248 runs, while pacers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah have been equally impressive with 15 and 13 wickets respectively.However, one area of concern for India has been the form of Virat Kohli, who has managed just 75 runs in seven matches. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Kohli has the potential to turn his fortunes around in the final.Kaif drew parallels between Kohli's current situation and that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Dhoni had also struggled for form during the tournament but played a match-winning knock in the final."Virat Kohli needs to remember that even Dhoni didn't have a great World Cup in 2011 but he found form in the final," Kaif said. "He is too good a player to slog, he can play ball on merit and dominate any bowling attack."Kaif suggested that Kohli should focus on playing the ball on merit and avoid slogging. He also emphasized the importance of Kohli playing until the end of the innings."He should play the ball on merit with proper cricket shots, he should not slog by exposing his wickets," Kaif said. "He's a great player. Players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav should play fast and Virat Kohli should play till the end the full 20 overs and play the ball on merit."Kohli has been dismissed without scoring twice in this tournament, his worst-ever performance in six T20 World Cups. India will be hoping that he can rediscover his form in the final and help them end their 11-year trophy drought in global cricket competitions.

Virat Kohli's recent string of underwhelming performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a debate among cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has proposed a bold solution: shifting Kohli down to the number three batting position.Kaif believes that Kohli's struggles in the opening slot stem from the challenging seaming conditions in the tournament. He argues that Kohli's aggressive style of play is better suited to the middle order, where he can take his time to settle in and analyze the game."At number three, Virat Kohli will play his natural game," Kaif explained. "He will have time to settle and analyze the game. Scoring 50-60 runs would be great for him. His stats at this position in previous World Cups are impressive."Kaif also suggests that Rishabh Pant, who has been batting at number five, could move up to open alongside Rohit Sharma. This would create a left-right combination at the top of the order, with Kohli following at number three and Suryakumar Yadav at number four.Kohli's difficulties were evident in India's Group A match against the United States, where he was dismissed for a golden duck. This was his first golden duck in T20 World Cups and his second in the shortest format.Despite Kohli's struggles, India advanced to the Super Eight stage of the tournament with a seven-wicket victory over the United States. Suryakumar Yadav's half-century and Arshdeep Singh's four-wicket haul were crucial in India securing their third straight win.Whether Kaif's suggestion to change Kohli's batting order will be implemented remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Kohli's form is a concern for India as they look to defend their T20 World Cup title.

Virat Kohli's Strike Rate Adjustment Crucial for India's T20 World Cup SuccessFormer Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has emphasized the need for star batter Virat Kohli to adjust his strike rate during India's highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan on Sunday.After a comprehensive victory over Ireland, India is brimming with confidence and momentum. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to rebound from their defeat to co-hosts and World Cup debutants USA by triumphing over their biggest rival in the sport.Kaif believes that while Kohli is a threat to every team, he will need to moderate his aggression against Pakistan. In the last match against Ireland, Kohli stepped out of his crease to play a big shot but was dismissed for just one run off five balls."Forget Pakistan, Virat Kohli is a danger for every team. Any team that plays against him would not find it that easy to get him out. However, I feel he will have to tone down his aggression a little. He could score only one run off five balls in the last match, stepped down the wicket, got a top edge, and got out," Kaif said.Kaif noted that Kohli is in excellent form, entering the tournament after a remarkable IPL season with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, including a century and five fifties. Kohli registered his highest-ever strike rate in his IPL career and was exceptional against spinners, adopting a more aggressive approach against them.Kaif urged Kohli to aim for a strike rate of around 130, instead of 140-150, and to be patient, waiting for bad balls to capitalize on."Virat Kohli has form and is coming after playing exceptionally well in the IPL. He scored close to 700 runs. We saw the domination where he was attacking in the powerplay and hitting boundaries, playing slog sweeps, and hitting sixes against spin," Kaif said."He is able to play every shot but I feel he needs to tone down his strike rate slightly. Go at a strike rate of around 130 and do not run close to 140-150. His role will be to bat 15 to 20 overs and score 60-70 runs. 70 runs from Virat Kohli's bat will be a very good knock. Take a little time at the start, wait for the bad balls, and then play your shots," he added.Kaif also suggested that Virat Kohli could bat at number three, as it is his ideal position on a tricky surface."I feel he can probably play at No. 3 as well. He opened and I can understand that he will open tomorrow as well, but I feel No. 3 is Virat Kohli's right position on such a pitch where the ball is moving. He can play till the end, run in the middle overs, and punish the bad balls," he said.At number three in T20Is, Virat has scored 3,076 runs at an average of 53.96 and a strike rate of 135.26, with 32 half-centuries. His best score is 94*.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should continue playing in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kaif's opinion is based on Dhoni's current form, physical fitness, and his remarkable ability to effortlessly hit big shots.Despite the widespread speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL, Kaif sees no reason for him to hang up his boots just yet. Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery last year, showcased an impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 161 runs in just 73 balls at an outstanding strike rate of 220.55. Additionally, his wicket-keeping skills remained sharp throughout the tournament.As the captain, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to an impressive five IPL titles. His leadership, combined with his on-field prowess, has been instrumental in the team's success over the years. Kaif thinks Dhoni has enough left in the tank to keep playing."Personally, I don't think he's done, he could not win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out seeing his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK," Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos."Why should he not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs and hitting sixes, and there's no reason to stop playing... it's up to him, we can't say with Dhoni what's his plan," added Kaif, regarded as one of India's greatest fielders.Kaif also remarked that Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer had been a revelation with his calm demeanour, attributing the team's success this year to his leadership qualities. Two-time IPL champions KKR entered their fourth final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. They had also topped the league stage with 20 points."He (Iyer) missed the whole IPL last year and KKR probably missed his captaincy in 2023. The way he is changing the bowlers, and picking his playing XI, he looks very calm under pressure.""In a tournament like the IPL, you have to be very composed, you have to know what's happening in the game and Iyer has come a long way. He has become a much better captain now," opined Kaif.Gambhir's return to KKR as the team mentor has been cited by experts as a key factor in the team's success this season. However, Kaif believes that the team's impressive performance is largely due to Iyer's leadership skills on the field."We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can't enter the field... in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player.""He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month), but certainly it's great learning for him, captaining the team, leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead," said Kaif.Kaif expressed his belief that KKR had the highest chances of securing the IPL championship this year. He attributed this to the team's possession of two crucial elements: a group of exceptional bowlers and a well-rounded lineup. According to him, these factors are essential for achieving success in the tournament."I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. Tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it's a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in the IPL, they are way ahead."

Chennai Super Kings Poised for Victory in Crucial IPL 2024 Clash Against Royal Challengers BengaluruFormer Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his confidence in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerging victorious in their pivotal IPL 2024 encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday. The match holds immense significance, as the winner will secure a berth in the playoffs.Kaif believes that CSK possesses the experience and composure to triumph in high-stakes matches. He cited the team's remarkable victory in the IPL 2023 final, where Ravindra Jadeja's last-ball heroics secured the title."CSK is a team that thrives in big matches. They know how to win knockout matches," Kaif said. "In the last IPL final, they were on the verge of defeat, but Jadeja's boundaries on the final two balls turned the tide."Kaif emphasized the presence of former captain MS Dhoni as a major advantage for CSK. Dhoni's leadership and ability to read the game will be invaluable in the crunch clash against RCB."Dhoni is in good form with the bat this season, and whoever bats with him usually plays a match-winning knock, especially in do-or-die games," Kaif noted. "Dhoni's formula in crunch games is to stay calm and make quick decisions. He makes very few mistakes, which is why CSK is a champion team."Historically, CSK has enjoyed a favorable record against RCB, winning 22 of their 33 encounters. The defending champions also emerged victorious in the reverse fixture on the opening day of IPL 2024 in Chennai.With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, CSK will look to draw upon their experience and the guidance of Dhoni to secure a crucial victory and advance to the playoffs.

Virat Kohli's exceptional form in IPL 2024 has drawn high praise from former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who believes the RCB opener has achieved a state of focus where no bowling match-up can disrupt him.Kohli has been in scintillating form this season, amassing 661 runs at a strike rate of 155.16 in 13 games, making him the highest run-getter in the tournament. Kaif attributes Kohli's success to his unwavering determination and ability to block out distractions."When a hermit goes to the Himalayas, he is in a different zone when he is meditating. Nothing distracts him. Whether there is a loud noise, someone shouts or cries, it doesn't make a difference. Virat Kohli has reached that zone," Kaif said on Star Sports."He is not seeing the scorecard and is just in his zone and concentrating. He knows the intent with which he needs to play no matter which bowler, whether it's a fast bowler or a spinner, is in front of him. No matter which bowler comes, he has reached a zone where there is no match-up," the former India batter added.Kaif believes Kohli's primary motivation is to lead RCB to victory. "He has come just to dominate. He has come with the passion that he will only be satisfied once he makes his team win, and that has been seen from the second match," he observed."From the second match against Punjab, he came determined. He was jumping down the track and hitting (Kagiso) Rabada and playing slog sweeps against spinners. You talk about the fourth or fifth gear but he has reached the 15th gear. No one will reach that level," the cricketer-turned-commentator added.As RCB prepare for their crucial match against CSK, Kohli's form and focus will be pivotal in determining the team's chances of making it to the playoffs.

CSK Favored in IPL Clash Against RCB, Dhoni's Presence Looms LargeFormer cricketers have unanimously tipped Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the favorites in their highly anticipated clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The formidable presence of MS Dhoni and CSK's proven track record in pressure situations have been cited as key factors behind their advantage.Speaking on Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif highlighted Dhoni's exceptional ability to perform under pressure, recalling his pivotal role in India's 2011 World Cup triumph. Kaif emphasized that Dhoni's tendency to step up when it matters most, coupled with CSK's history of success in knockout games, makes them the frontrunners against RCB."CSK are a team for big matches and they know how to win knock-out matches," Kaif said. "Dhoni himself is in form this time with the bat, and whoever bats with him usually plays a match-winning knock, especially in a do-or-die game."Kaif further praised Dhoni's composure and decision-making in crucial moments, attributing CSK's success to his leadership qualities. "Dhoni's formula in crunch games is - don't panic, take a breath and only he has this art in crunch matches," Kaif added. "He makes very few mistakes, that's why they are a champion team."Echoing Kaif's sentiments, Irfan Pathan highlighted Dhoni's exceptional form in the current season and his ability to surprise opponents. Pathan pointed out Dhoni's impressive statistics, including an average of 68 and a strike rate exceeding 200, along with his penchant for hitting sixes."This season he is on a roll, scoring 136 runs at 68 average and a strike rate of over 200," Pathan said. "Has already hit 12 sixes. Every time he came to bat he has hit sixes. The special thing about CSK is that at the crucial time they played at a different level."With both RCB and CSK needing a win to secure a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome, with all eyes on Dhoni and CSK to see if they can once again weave their magic in the IPL arena.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has launched a scathing attack on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul following their defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2024 match. Kaif criticized Rahul's decision to bowl first on a pitch where teams batting second have yet to win this season."Take the video analyst's computer and put it away. They didn't go with any numbers. 200 has not been chased here at all. I am telling you this year's numbers. In all four matches, the team batting first has won. You won the toss and said you would field first," Kaif said on Star Sports.Kaif also questioned the role of LSG's video analysts, suggesting that they failed to provide accurate information about the pitch conditions."You checked the pitch and felt that it had moisture. There was no moisture - 200 is scored here. The biggest mistake was the decision at the toss," he added.Kaif praised all-rounder Arshad Khan for his valiant effort, but lamented the overall performance of the LSG team."If you leave aside Arshad Khan's knock, it was a very bad defeat. Arshad saved your pride a little. I believe it was a horrible decision not to bat first here. KL Rahul disappointed a lot as a captain. You said you would play positive but you need to make positive decisions as well," he said.Kaif also pointed out that LSG missed a golden opportunity to boost their playoff hopes."You had everything to gain from this match. They had to lose or gain. If they had won, they could have reached 16 points. I believe it was an absolute flop show from Lucknow," he added.LSG's playoff hopes are now hanging by a thread. They need to win their last match by a significant margin and hope that two of CSK, SRH, and RCB lose their games by large margins.