Cricket

Mohammed Shami, the Indian pace spearhead, celebrated his 34th birthday on Tuesday. Known for his match-winning performances across formats, Shami has established himself as a crucial cog in the Indian team, particularly in ODI World Cups.Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Shami has amassed an impressive tally of 448 international wickets in 188 matches. His raw pace, precise yorkers, and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket.Shami's international debut in 2013 was a memorable one, as he claimed nine wickets in a single match at Eden Gardens. Since then, he has consistently showcased his skills, forming a potent pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah that has challenged batsmen worldwide.In Test cricket, Shami has taken 229 wickets, including a five-wicket haul on his debut. He is only the third Indian pacer to achieve this feat. In ODIs, he has claimed 195 wickets, making him India's leading wicket-taker in the format.Shami's contributions to India's World Cup campaigns have been remarkable. Despite not always being the first-choice bowler, he has taken 55 wickets in 18 matches, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history.In the 2019 World Cup, Shami became only the second Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick. In the 2023 World Cup, he set a new record by reaching 50 wickets in just 17 innings. His 7/57 spell against New Zealand in the semifinals remains the best by an Indian bowler in both World Cup history and ODIs.Shami also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in World Cups, with four to his name. He finished the 2023 World Cup as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches.In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shami has played for several teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans. He has taken 127 wickets in 110 matches, showcasing his prowess in the T20 format.In the 2023 IPL season, Shami won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets—28 in 17 matches. He was also instrumental in Gujarat Titans' IPL title win in 2022.As Shami turns 34, his achievements and records continue to inspire both fans and aspiring cricketers. He remains one of India's greatest pace bowlers, whose contributions to the team have been invaluable.

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, emerged as a standout performer in the T20 World Cup 2024, sharing the title of joint highest wicket-taker with Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi. With 17 wickets to his name, Arshdeep's impressive performance has garnered praise from cricket experts and former players.Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Arshdeep's ability to learn and maintain composure under pressure has been particularly noteworthy. In the thrilling final against South Africa, Arshdeep delivered a crucial penultimate over, conceding only four runs and helping India secure a narrow seven-run victory.Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has lauded Arshdeep's willingness to learn from the world's best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, without being overshadowed by his presence. Raja believes that Arshdeep's ability to challenge himself against Bumrah will significantly enhance his growth as a bowler.Arshdeep's versatility and adaptability have also impressed Raja. He highlighted Arshdeep's ability to bowl length balls, slower balls, and slower bouncers, providing his team with a wide range of options.The development of India's pace-bowling unit has been a remarkable story in recent years, and Arshdeep is a testament to the growing talent in the Indian domestic circuit. Raja emphasized the continuous improvement in skill level and the willingness to learn that characterize Indian bowlers.Arshdeep's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has solidified his position as a rising star in international cricket. His ability to learn, adapt, and perform under pressure bodes well for his future and the continued success of the Indian pace-bowling unit.

Jasprit Bumrah: A Legend in All Three Formats, Hails Ramiz RajaFormer Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "legend in all three formats" of cricket. Raja's comments come in the wake of Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he emerged as the Man of the Tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches.Raja acknowledged Bumrah's remarkable journey, from a young player with an awkward bowling action and low confidence to a world-class bowler who has led India to victory in the World Cup. He highlighted Bumrah's ability to deliver match-winning spells under immense pressure, making him an indispensable member of the Indian team across all formats.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a significant boost for the Indian team, which has recently witnessed the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shortest format. Bumrah's presence ensures that India retains one of its most valuable assets in T20 cricket.Raja's praise for Bumrah is a testament to the Indian pacer's exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Bumrah's ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned him the respect and admiration of cricket fans and experts alike.

Dwayne Bravo, the bowling consultant for the Afghanistan cricket team, has played a pivotal role in the team's recent success at the T20 World Cup. Despite Afghanistan's rollercoaster ride in the tournament, Bravo's quiet presence has been a constant, guiding the team's pace-bowling unit to new heights.Captain Rashid Khan, a white-ball legend, may not require much coaching, but Bravo's expertise has been invaluable to the team's bowlers. Left-arm pacer Fazhalhaq Farooqi remains the tournament's leading wicket-taker, but it was medium pacer Gulbadin Naib's 4-20 against Australia that sealed Afghanistan's victory. Naveen-ul-Haq's 4-26 against Bangladesh, including the crucial wickets of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, also bore Bravo's signature.Bravo's influence is evident in the subtle changes of pace, the deceptive short-ball bluff followed by a full delivery, and the ability to bowl the wide yorker. These are techniques that Bravo mastered throughout his illustrious career with the West Indies and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.Now retired from the IPL, Bravo continues to impart his knowledge to the Afghan bowlers, drawing on his deep understanding of West Indian conditions. Head coach Jonathan Trott provides the team with passion and insider knowledge, while Bravo's input complements their efforts.Afghanistan's bowling unit, once lacking the experience to close out games, has benefited immensely from Bravo's guidance. In the past, their inexperience led to their downfall, as evidenced by Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out against them in the ODI World Cup."You need to have those people who remind you of the things you need to do," said Rashid Khan. "In the heat of the game, they forget the things that were planned for a specific batsman and DJ is always there to remind them what we had planned and what we are doing."As Afghanistan prepares to face South Africa in the semifinal in Bravo's home ground of Trinidad and Tobago, his knowledge of the conditions will be invaluable. The team's success in the tournament is a testament to Bravo's coaching prowess and the impact he has had on the Afghan bowlers.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as a pivotal force in Team India's recent successes, particularly in the ongoing T20 World Cup. His exceptional performances have earned him high praise from former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has likened him to the "Reserve Bank of India" for his reliability and consistency.Bumrah's three-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan in a low-scoring encounter was a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure. His deadly spell helped India secure a crucial victory in the tournament opener. Against Afghanistan, he registered impressive figures of 4/7, further showcasing his dominance.Pathan lauded Bumrah's ability to set the tone for the bowling attack, particularly in the early overs. "He is like the Reserve Bank of India. He is absolutely safe. You expect him to perform when he bowls four overs in any situation. He sets up the game," Pathan said.Bumrah's effectiveness stems from his unwavering line and length, coupled with his judicious use of slower balls. "He bowls good lengths. If you see his pitch map, you will get to see a cluster, the slower ones, and you will see him using the bouncer only when it's required," Pathan observed.In the ongoing World Cup, Bumrah's ability to generate reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings has been a significant advantage for India. "When Jasprit Bumrah will come to bowl in the end, you will get to see a little reverse as well. It's a very big factor if India have to win this World Cup," Pathan emphasized.Bumrah's exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made him an indispensable asset for Team India. His ability to control the flow of runs and take crucial wickets has been instrumental in India's victories. As the tournament progresses, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial if India is to lift the coveted trophy.

India's Pace Spearhead Dilemma: Who Will Partner Jasprit Bumrah?As India prepares for their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland, the team management faces a crucial decision: who will partner pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah? While the debate surrounding India's opener combination has dominated headlines, the choice of Bumrah's bowling partner is equally important.Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath believes that Mitchell Starc and Bumrah will be the players to watch out for in the tournament. Australia boasts an experienced pace attack with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood alongside Starc, while Mitchell Marsh provides additional bowling depth.India, on the other hand, has Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as the other two frontline pacers in their squad. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offer pace-bowling all-round options. McGrath suggests that while Bumrah will be instrumental to India's chances, someone must contribute with the ball to ease the load on him."Bumrah just seems to be the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of," McGrath said. "So, I think if Australia is to win this World Cup, Starc has to bowl well. A lot of it relies on him. And Bumrah for India, but then it is who's going to take wickets around Bumrah and who's going to bowl well around him."McGrath believes that Arshdeep is a better partner for Bumrah than Siraj. "You got Jasprit Bumrah. He showed just how good he is throughout the IPL. But it is like having a left-right opening combination for batters. It also depends on how they are bowling. In T20s, you do not have much time to be ready. If you take an over or two to warm up, the game is already over. If you have got a good opening-bowling combination, that is where you are going to win matches."Bumrah was the standout performer for Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2024 campaign, despite the franchise's poor performance. India will need Bumrah to continue his impressive form and for someone to step up as his reliable partner in the T20 World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah's Maiden Masterclass Sets New T20I RecordIndia's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made a resounding start to his T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, etching his name in the record books with a remarkable feat against Ireland.In the Group A encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess was on full display. Introduced into the attack in the fifth over, he delivered a maiden, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's world record for the most maidens bowled by a player from a Test-playing nation in T20 Internationals.With this achievement, Bumrah's tally of maidens in T20Is has reached 11, setting a new benchmark for bowlers from full member nations in the shortest format of international cricket. Only two bowlers have bowled more maidens than Bumrah in T20Is: Frank Nsubuga from Uganda with 15 and Shem Ngoche from Kenya with 14.Bumrah's maiden was a testament to his exceptional control and accuracy. He consistently hit the right areas, troubling the Irish batsmen with his pace, swing, and seam movement. His performance was a key factor in India's comprehensive victory, as Ireland were restricted to a meager 96 runs.The Indian quartet of fast bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya, were simply menacing on a pitch offering variable bounce and seam movement. They dismantled the Irish batting lineup, giving them no breathing space and exposing their technical deficiencies.Bumrah's record-breaking maiden is a testament to his status as one of the world's premier fast bowlers. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances makes him a vital asset for India in their quest for T20 World Cup glory.

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.