Cricket

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 draws to a close, the focus shifts to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has set their sights on breaking their decade-long ICC trophy drought.The team has already arrived in the United States for preparations, but their training has been disrupted by inclement weather. A viral video on social media captured Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid patiently waiting for a taxi amidst a heavy downpour in New York City.Despite the weather challenges, India's preparations continue. They will play a warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 before their tournament opener against Ireland on June 5. The much-awaited clash against Pakistan is scheduled for June 9.India's Group A campaign will also include matches against co-hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. The team will be aiming to replicate their success in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where they emerged as champions.India's batting lineup boasts a formidable combination of experience and youth. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul form the core, while Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan provide explosive power. The bowling attack is equally impressive, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Yuzvendra Chahal leading the charge.The team's preparations have been meticulous, with a focus on fitness, strategy, and team bonding. They will be determined to overcome the weather challenges and emerge victorious in the T20 World Cup.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has been bestowed with the honor of being named in the ICC Test Team of the Year 2023. This prestigious recognition was announced earlier this year during the ICC awards ceremony. Jadeja, along with fellow Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, earned their spots in the elite team due to their exceptional performances in red-ball cricket throughout the year.Jadeja took to his official Instagram handle to share photos of the special moment when he received the ICC Test Team of the Year cap from Team India's head coach, Rahul Dravid. The images capture Dravid presenting the cap to Jadeja, who expressed his gratitude in the post's caption: "Special cap from special person."The ICC Test Team of the Year 2023, led by Australia's Pat Cummins, features prominent cricketers from around the world. The team includes Usman Khawaja, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Travis Head, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, and Stuart Broad.Jadeja and Ashwin's inclusion in this prestigious lineup highlights their significant contributions to Test cricket. Both players have been instrumental in their performances, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency. Jadeja's all-round abilities, including his left-arm spin bowling and aggressive batting, have made him a formidable force in the longest format of the game. Ashwin, on the other hand, has established himself as one of the world's leading off-spinners, with his variations and control proving to be a nightmare for batsmen.Jadeja is set to return to action in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be held in the USA and the West Indies. As he prepares for this major tournament, his recent recognition serves as a testament to his enduring excellence and impact on the sport.

Abhishek Sharma, the rising star of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as a force to reckon with in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The young batsman has showcased exceptional batting skills, amassing an impressive 484 runs in 16 innings with a remarkable strike rate of 204.02. His ability to hit the ball to all corners of the ground has been a sight to behold.Sharma's success can be attributed to the significant influence of renowned players like Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid. His father and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, shared insights into the impact these legends have had on his career.Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting style, has dedicated his time and effort to train young talents like Abhishek. "I feel very good when world-class players like Yuvraj Singh train young kids then there could not be anything better than that," said Rajkumar. "Yuvi has had a huge impact on his career, he worked really hard and used to make him train all day and night."Abhishek's admiration for Yuvraj Singh was evident from a young age. Rajkumar recalled, "He used to consider Yuvraj as his idol and used to say 'Mai Yuvi paaji ke tarah batting karunga' (I want to bat like Yuvraj Singh). He used to watch his videos and once they started training together even Yuvi himself said ki 'mujhe aise lag raha hai mai khud batting karraha hun' (It seems like I am batting) and then he and his entire team used to train him, Yuvi used to himself stand and watch him bat."Throughout the 2024 IPL season, Abhishek Sharma proved his mettle as a formidable opening batsman. His explosive batting style and impressive strike rate of 204.22 led to some memorable partnerships with his teammate Travis Head.Rajkumar further emphasized Abhishek's innate talent and the opportunities he received to interact with cricketing legends. From a young age, Abhishek's ability to hit long sixes and clear the stadium boundaries left everyone in awe. As he grew older, he had the privilege of meeting and learning from esteemed players like Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid, and Brian Lara."I used to get good bowlers and he used to hit sixes and even clear the ball out of the stadium. Everyone used to be shocked that a kid hits long sixes. And I used to tell everyone he was gifted. When he got older he went to professional coaches and top players and I thanked them for this result. He met Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara and started travelling the country and playing well," stated the youngster.Abhishek Sharma's exceptional performance in the 2024 IPL season is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the guidance he has received from cricketing legends. As he continues to grow and develop, he is poised to become one of the most exciting batsmen in the world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received an overwhelming response to its search for the next head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, with over 3,000 applications pouring in. The BCCI invited interested candidates to apply through a Google form earlier this month, and the deadline for submissions closed on May 27.However, the BCCI now faces the challenge of sifting through numerous fake applications, with imposters using the names of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, as well as prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."Last year too, the BCCI received such a response where imposters applied, and the story is similar this time," an unnamed BCCI official told the Indian Express. "The reason the BCCI had to invite applications on Google forms is it's easy to scrutinize the names of applicants in one sheet."Despite the influx of fake applications, the BCCI has confirmed that Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, has opted not to reapply for the role. Dravid's tenure will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has expressed a desire to prioritize spending time with his family.While the BCCI has not yet disclosed the names of genuine applicants, speculation abounds regarding potential candidates. Former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Stephen Fleming are reportedly under consideration.The new head coach will have a three-and-a-half-year term, starting from July 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2027. The job description outlines the need for a willingness to meet the work expectations and pressures associated with handling marquee athletes, underscoring the magnitude of the position.

Indian cricket is set to witness a significant change as head coach Rahul Dravid prepares to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach, with several prominent names being linked to the role.Initially, Australian legend Ricky Ponting and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming were considered frontrunners. However, Ponting declined the offer, while Langer and Flower also withdrew their names from consideration.Amidst the ongoing speculation, South African batting icon AB de Villiers has expressed his thoughts on the possibility of coaching the Indian team. While he acknowledged that coaching is something he might enjoy in the future, he ruled out taking up the role immediately."I absolutely have no idea. I do think I'll enjoy coaching. I think there's certain elements I won't enjoy as much, which I will have to learn. With time, anything is possible, and I can think on my feet and learn as I move on," De Villiers said.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's desire to appoint a long-term head coach who understands the Indian cricket structure. He also clarified that the BCCI has not approached any former Australian cricketer for the role."Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks," Shah stated.As the search for Dravid's successor continues, the BCCI will be evaluating candidates who can guide the Indian team to continued success across all formats.

The Indian cricket team's head coach position is set to become vacant after the 2024 T20 World Cup, and speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. The BCCI has already released an advertisement for the post, with the deadline for applications set for May 27.Among the names being touted as potential candidates are Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, in particular, has been approached by the BCCI, according to ESPN Cricinfo. However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Gambhir's suitability for the role, given his strict coaching style.Chopra believes that Gambhir's approach may not be well-received by senior players in the team. "Gautam Gambhir - the coach, very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father," Chopra said."When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and doesn't try to impose himself. With Gautam that's not going to happen. It's very simple with him. My way or the high way. When it's 'my way' then every time, especially when seniors are there, things may not always fall your way. You can do that with young players. That is what I feel."Gambhir has never coached at the domestic level, but he has been the mentor for IPL sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. He has guided both teams to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to build and manage a team.As a player, Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He played pivotal roles in both tournament finals, showcasing his leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure.Whether Gambhir's coaching style is suitable for the Indian team remains to be seen. However, his experience as a player and his success as a mentor suggest that he has the potential to be a successful head coach.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian cricket team, with the tenure of current coach Rahul Dravid set to expire after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The deadline for applications is May 27, and the successful candidate will hold the position until December 31, 2027, effectively covering the 2027 ODI World Cup.Several prominent names have emerged as potential candidates, including Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. According to reports, the BCCI has informally approached Fleming, who has extensive experience as the coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it remains uncertain whether Fleming will apply for the role, given the requirement for the coach to spend 10 months of the year with the Indian team.CSK has denied any rumors of Fleming's departure, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan stating that there has been no communication between Fleming and the franchise regarding the Indian coaching position. Despite CSK's denial, the team recently posted a tribute to Fleming on social media, acknowledging his guidance and support.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications and experience requirements for the head coach position. Candidates must have played a minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or have served as the head coach of a full member Test-playing nation for at least two years. Alternatively, they must have been the head coach of an associate member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class teams/national A teams for a minimum of three years. Additionally, candidates must possess a BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent and be below 60 years of age.The BCCI has stated that the remuneration for the head coach is negotiable and will be commensurate with experience. The operating environment for the coach is described as demanding, requiring the ability to handle the expectations and pressures associated with managing elite athletes.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached Gambhir to gauge his interest in the position.Gambhir, 42, has no prior experience as a coach at the international or domestic level. However, he has been involved in coaching roles at two IPL franchises. He served as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023, guiding them to the playoffs in both seasons. He then joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their mentor for the 2024 season, where they finished the league stage at the top of the points table.Gambhir's move to KKR was unexpected, but it is believed that he was persuaded by the franchise's principal owner, Shah Rukh Khan. Gambhir was a key member of India's T20 World Cup-winning team in 2007 and the ODI World Cup-winning team in 2011. He also captained KKR for seven IPL seasons from 2011 to 2017, leading them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.Dravid, who has been India's head coach since 2021, has informed the BCCI that he will not seek another term. The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position, a day after the IPL final.If appointed, Gambhir will be tasked with leading India to success in all three formats of the game. India will be aiming to win the T20 World Cup in 2024, the ODI World Cup in 2027, and the Test Championship in 2025.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seeking a new head coach for the men's cricket team as Rahul Dravid's tenure concludes after the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid has reportedly declined to re-apply for the position, citing a desire to spend more time with family.The BCCI requires a multi-format coach who can commit to approximately ten months with the team due to the busy schedule. Despite other countries adopting separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI prefers a single coach for both formats.Former Indian players have been approached for the role, but they must submit applications to be considered. VVS Laxman was initially speculated as Dravid's successor, but he has reportedly declined the offer and will continue with the India 'A' team.Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Ashish Nehra are among the other candidates in contention. Langer has expressed interest, while Ponting has reportedly met with BCCI officials regarding the position.Gambhir and Nehra have also shown interest in the role. Gambhir has guided Kolkata Knight Riders to back-to-back playoff finishes, while Nehra led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season.With Dravid and Laxman unavailable, Ponting emerges as the frontrunner. However, the extensive workload and his commitment to Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket could pose challenges.The BCCI has also considered Stephen Fleming, who has been the longest-serving coach in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Dravid's contract expires after the T20 World Cup, and he has the option to re-apply.The BCCI has invited applications for the role with a deadline of May 27. The new head coach will be responsible for guiding the Indian team through a busy schedule, including a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe starting July 15.