Cricket

India's disappointing exit from the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has raised concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level in the shortest format. Despite boasting a talented squad, India failed to live up to expectations, losing their opening match to New Zealand and ultimately failing to qualify for the knockout stages.Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes that the team's struggles stem from a lack of understanding of how to play T20 cricket effectively. "They still haven't been able to crack that code individually and collectively," she said. "Certain players, starting with Harmanpreet Kaur, know how to pace the innings, but I can't say the same for everyone else."Chopra also criticized the team's preparation for the tournament, suggesting that they were underprepared for the intensity of the competition. "When they played their first match against New Zealand, I thought they were a little underprepared and possibly they didn't expect New Zealand to come hard at them," she said.India's lack of a winning mentality was also a factor in their downfall, according to Chopra. "They never had the feel of a team who were there in the UAE to win the tournament," she said. "You can expect that also to happen because you've just lost the first game."Despite playing a series of T20 matches in the lead-up to the World Cup, India failed to address the mistakes that have plagued them in previous tournaments. "The same mistakes cannot happen again and again," said Chopra. "If the same mistake is happening, then definitely there is a miss in either the skill level or preparation or adaptation."Chopra believes that the team needs to identify and address these issues if they want to be successful in future T20 events. "Changing people and setups is not going to just solve it," she said. "We have everything in our country. BCCI provides us with everything in our country from preparation to games to whatever a player requires to become a world champion."

Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has opened up about his remarkable career longevity, revealing the secrets behind his success and the challenges he has faced along the way. As he approaches the milestone of 500 international matches for India, Rohit has become a role model for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the dedication and discipline required to sustain a top-level career for nearly two decades.In a recent podcast interview, Rohit shared his insights on the journey that has brought him to the cusp of joining an elite club of cricketers. Only 10 players have surpassed the 500-match mark across formats, and Rohit is set to become the eleventh. He will be the fifth Indian to join this exclusive list, which includes legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.Rohit attributes his longevity to a strict routine focused on fitness, mental well-being, and preparation. "To have that longevity, there has to be something about your routine. How you manage your fitness, how you manage your mind and how you train yourself. And how do you get ready for the game, most importantly," he said.Rohit's journey began in 2007, and he has since evolved into one of India's finest openers and a consistent performer across formats. He has played a pivotal role in India's success in recent years, leading the team to victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.As Team India's ODI and Tests skipper, Rohit acknowledges the high expectations that come with his leadership and on-field performance. "At the end of the day, our job is to be 100 percent ready for the game and perform to win games. And then, if you go backwards then, in that preparation comes fitness," he added.Rohit's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. He understands the importance of staying fit and mentally sharp, and he has made significant sacrifices to maintain his peak performance. His longevity is a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.