Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has offered valuable advice to Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, following the team's disappointing performance in IPL 2024.Gambhir, who has won the IPL twice as captain of KKR, emphasized the importance of treating all team members equally, regardless of their experience or stature. "First and foremost, treat Rohit Sharma and the youngest member of the team in exactly the same way," he said. "It is a tough job, but leaders are bound to take tough decisions. Otherwise, you will become a follower."Gambhir believes that a true leader must have courage and self-belief. "If you're a leader, you're a leader for everyone in that dressing room," he said. "To do that, you need to have a lot of courage and self-belief."The removal of Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians was met with criticism from many quarters. However, Gambhir believes that it is essential for a leader to treat all players equally. "You cannot have different things for different individuals looking at their profile," he said. "If you want to become a leader, profiles do not matter."Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have put their Mumbai Indians struggles behind them and are now focused on helping India win the T20 World Cup. Under Rohit's leadership, Pandya has made significant contributions with both bat and ball.India will face Bangladesh on June 22 and Australia on June 24 in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's recent struggles with Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 have raised concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite his appointment as captain, Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the points table, leading to criticism and booing from fans.However, West Indies legend Ian Bishop believes that Pandya's strong personality will help him overcome these challenges. "He is a pretty strong personality," Bishop said. "I would like to think that the other members of the team would have rallied around him."Pandya's recent performance in India's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh, where he scored an explosive 23-ball 40, has also boosted confidence. Speaking after the match, Pandya acknowledged the difficult times he has faced but emphasized his commitment to staying in the battle."Eventually, I believe, you have to stay in the battle," Pandya said. "Sometimes life puts you in situations where things are tough, but I believe that if you leave the game or the field, the battle that is, you won't get what you want from your sport, or the results you are looking for."Pandya's resilience and determination have been tested in recent months, but he remains confident in his ability to overcome adversity. "I have gone through these phases many times and I will come out of it as well," he said.As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, Pandya's form and leadership will be crucial. His ability to handle pressure and inspire his team will be key to India's success in the tournament.

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.

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.

Hardik Pandya, the enigmatic Indian all-rounder, has endured a tumultuous few months. Since his transfer to the Mumbai Indians as captain, he has faced intense scrutiny, particularly after the team's dismal performance in the Indian Premier League 2024. However, Pandya's recent resurgence in form, including a blistering 23-ball 40 in India's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh, has reignited hopes of a return to his former glory.In the aftermath of India's 50-run victory, Pandya candidly reflected on the "difficult" times he has navigated. "You have to stay in the battle," he emphasized. "If you leave the field, you won't get what you want."Despite the challenges, Pandya has remained steadfast in his approach. "I have tried to follow the same routines I used to follow earlier," he said. "These are phases that come and go. I have gone through these phases many times and I will come out of it as well."Pandya's resilience stems from his refusal to dwell on either success or failure. "I don't take my successes too seriously," he admitted. "I have forgotten about them immediately and moved forward. Same with difficult times."Instead, he focuses on embracing the challenges and working tirelessly to improve. "I don't run away from it," he said. "I face everything with [my] chin up."Pandya's message is one of perseverance and optimism. "Coming out [of these phases] is simple: just play the sport, accept that [you need to] maybe get better at your skillset, keep working hard - hard work never goes to waste - and keep smiling."As India embarks on its T20 World Cup campaign, Pandya's return to form is a welcome boost. His experience, versatility, and unwavering determination will be crucial if India is to lift the coveted trophy.

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.

Hardik Pandya, the enigmatic all-rounder, faces a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares for the T20 World Cup. After a tumultuous IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya must overcome recent challenges and rise to the occasion on the global stage.Pandya's situation is being carefully managed by Team India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. They recognize his importance as a seam-bowling all-rounder and vice-captain. Despite recurring injuries, Pandya has been retained in Grade A of the BCCI's central contracts list.However, Pandya's personal life and public persona have come under intense scrutiny. His flamboyant lifestyle and controversial comments have drawn criticism. The hostility he has faced from spectators during the IPL has been particularly unsettling.Some believe that Pandya's public persona has contributed to the backlash. Others point to the management's decision to overlook the optics of his appointment as MI captain. The transition from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians and the dethroning of Rohit Sharma have angered fans.Pandya's leadership style has also been questioned. Former cricketers have accused him of faking his way through the IPL campaign and lacking clarity. The public criticism of Tilak Varma and alleged dressing room showdowns have further clouded his tenure.Despite the challenges, Pandya remains a key player for Team India. His resilience and determination have been tested, but he has always bounced back. The calming presence of Rohit and Dravid may help to ease any lingering bitterness.Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup will be crucial for India's chances of victory. He was their best performer with the bat in the semifinal defeat to England in 2022. If he can overcome the recent adversity and find his form, he could be a game-changer for Team India.

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has speculated that star batter Rohit Sharma and young wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan may not feature for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Rohit's future with MI has been uncertain since he was relieved of his captaincy duties by the franchise. MI appointed Hardik Pandya as captain for IPL 2024, but the five-time champions endured a disastrous season, finishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table.Chopra believes that Rohit may have played his last game for MI. He also suggests that Kishan, who was acquired by MI for a hefty price tag of 15.5 crores, may be released by the team. However, Chopra notes that MI could use the 'Right to Match' card to retain Kishan if necessary."I think they will let Ishan Kishan go. They might use the 'Right to Match' card because 15.5 crores is just too much money. I don't think Ishan will be retained," Chopra said on his YouTube channel."I think Rohit Sharma has played his last match for the Mumbai Indians, whether he doesn't want to be retained or the franchise lets him go," he added. "Either way, I see them parting ways. I don't think you will be seeing Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians jersey again. That's just my understanding. I might be wrong, but I feel, either which way, Rohit Sharma will not be playing for the Mumbai Indians when you start the next season."Rohit's next assignment will be to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. India will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that Rohit Sharma has played his last match for the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra believes that either Rohit himself will not want to be retained or the franchise will decide to let him go.Rohit was removed as MI captain at the start of IPL 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the leadership. Chopra also predicts that MI will let Ishan Kishan go, despite using the 'Right to Match' card, as his price tag of 15.5 crores is too high.Chopra acknowledges that he might be wrong in his prediction, but he foresees a scenario where Rohit doesn't want to be retained or the franchise decides to let him go. He believes that Rohit's patchy performance in IPL 2024, where he finished with 417 runs including a century, may have influenced the decision.Rohit, nicknamed "Hitman" for his attacking play and big-scoring, signed off in his last league match of the year with a 28-ball fifty. However, his previous seven innings had produced just 88 runs.If Chopra's prediction is correct, it will mark the end of an era for MI. Rohit has been a key player for the franchise since its inception in 2008, leading them to five IPL titles. He is also the all-time leading run-scorer for MI in the IPL.