Cricket

India Unveils Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup: Pant, Dube, and Samson Make the CutThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States and West Indies from June 1st. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions.Leading the charge as captain is Rohit Sharma, who will be aiming to guide India to their second T20 World Cup title. He is joined by veteran batsman Virat Kohli, who remains a key figure in the team's batting lineup. Suryakumar Yadav, the current ICC T20I Player of the Year, is also included, along with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.One of the most significant additions to the squad is wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant has been in impressive form in recent months, and his inclusion adds depth and explosiveness to the batting order. Another notable inclusion is all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has shown promise with both bat and ball.Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the Indian team in recent years, has also earned a recall. Samson's versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset to the squad.The bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been India's most consistent performers in recent times. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal form a formidable spin duo, while Arshdeep Singh provides a left-arm option.The squad also includes experienced all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who offer balance and depth to the team. Axar Patel, another left-arm spinner, provides additional options for the bowling attack.The reserve players for the tournament include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. These players will be on standby in case of any injuries or unforeseen circumstances.India will be hoping to make a strong impact at the 2024 T20 World Cup and add to their tally of two titles. With a talented and experienced squad, they will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Aakash Chopra Slams Rishabh Pant's Reckless Batting Approach in Delhi Capitals' LossFormer India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his disappointment with Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant's batting approach during the team's encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra criticized Pant's reckless shot selection, which ultimately led to his dismissal and contributed to Delhi's defeat."Four wickets fell quickly, and then you hoped captain Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel would take their team out of troubled waters. However, I was very surprised. Rishabh - you cannot bat like that. It seemed like he was trying to do something different off every ball. He tried to play the same shot multiple times," Chopra remarked, highlighting Pant's erratic approach at the crease.Pant's innings was marred by a significant missed opportunity when he was dropped by Harshit Rana at short third man after attempting a risky shot off Varun Chakaravarthy's bowling. Despite the reprieve, Pant persisted with the same high-risk strategy, leading to his eventual dismissal when he was caught by Shreyas Iyer at extra cover off Chakaravarthy's bowling."A catch was dropped, it didn't hit his bat once, but he said that he wouldn't even listen to himself once he had committed, and he got out. He has gotten out to Varun Chakaravarthy twice in two games. Very, very surprising, the way he was batting. We have seen Pant playing much better than that," Chopra added, expressing his disappointment with Pant's failure to capitalize on the opportunity to stabilize the innings.Delhi Capitals' below-par total of 153/9, compounded by Pant's dismissal, proved to be insufficient as Kolkata Knight Riders comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 21 deliveries to spare. The defeat dented DC's hopes of further consolidating their position in the IPL points table, prompting scrutiny of Pant's decision-making and batting approach by pundits and fans alike.

The Indian cricket team's selection for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a complex task for the BCCI and team management. While most players are likely to be retained, several backup roles remain fiercely contested.Captain Rohit Sharma faces two crucial decisions: whether to include a fourth specialist pacer alongside Hardik Pandya and whether to consider Shubman Gill. Hardik Pandya's vice-captaincy is also under scrutiny, with Rishabh Pant emerging as a potential contender.Yuzvendra Chahal, despite being the IPL's leading wicket-taker, may be overlooked in favor of Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner. Axar Patel is expected to edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the second spinner's spot.The top order is likely to feature Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will comprise Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh could be included as an all-rounder, while Sanju Samson or KL Rahul will compete for the second wicketkeeper's role.Hardik Pandya's recent performances for Mumbai Indians have raised concerns, with the all-rounder scoring only 197 runs and taking four wickets at a high economy rate.A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans believe Hardik Pandya should not be included in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.

Shah Rukh Khan Expresses Horror Over Rishabh Pant's Accident, Lauds His ComebackBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has shared his heartfelt reaction to the horrific car accident that sidelined Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant for over 15 months. In December 2022, Pant was involved in a near-fatal crash that sent shockwaves through the nation."That was horrifying. I saw that video (of his car). It was horrifying!" Khan exclaimed. "Because we didn't know then, what was the result of that accident. So, you get the worst feelings."Khan, who is known for his close ties to the Indian cricket team, expressed his deep concern for Pant's well-being. "To me, these boys are like my own sons," he said. "I have youngsters in my team as well. I hoped he wasn't injured badly."The actor acknowledged the devastating impact injuries can have on athletes. "A sportsman getting injured, it's a double jeopardy. Worse than that, us getting injured," he said. "I wish him all the best. I hope his knee gets fully recovered soon."Khan recently met Pant at an Indian Premier League (IPL) match and was impressed by his recovery. "In the last game, when I met him, I was telling him don't get up, it must be hurting," he recalled. "I was hugging him and asking are you well? I had not seen him before that, post the accident. I am really happy that he's back, playing well and I hope he keeps on playing well."Pant's return to form has been remarkable. He has scored 385 runs in 10 IPL matches, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. His sharp work behind the stumps has also earned him praise from Delhi Capitals' director of cricket Sourav Ganguly and coach Ricky Ponting, who believe he should be considered for the T20 World Cup in June.Khan's heartfelt words highlight the deep bond between Bollywood and Indian cricket. The actor's support for Pant is a testament to the resilience and determination of the young cricketer, who has overcome adversity to return to the field stronger than ever.

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant opted to bat first in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 29. DC made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Prithvi Shaw for Kumar Kushagra and right-arm pacer Rasikh Salam Dar. KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also made two alterations, introducing Australian quick Mitchell Starc and right-arm pacer Vaibhav Arora.DC's innings got off to a shaky start as they lost opener Prithvi Shaw for a duck in the first over. However, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel steadied the ship with a 42-run partnership. Porel was dismissed for 22, but Fraser-McGurk continued to anchor the innings, scoring a valuable 46 off 34 deliveries.Shai Hope and Rishabh Pant then combined for a crucial 53-run stand for the fourth wicket. Pant played a captain's knock, scoring 43 off 29 balls before being dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy. Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel made brief contributions, but it was Kuldeep Yadav's late cameo that propelled DC to a competitive total. Yadav smashed an unbeaten 24 off 12 balls, including two sixes, to take DC to 173/7 in their allotted 20 overs.KKR's chase began disastrously as they lost their top three batsmen - Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, and Venkatesh Iyer - for just 13 runs. Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh attempted to rebuild the innings, but their partnership was broken by Khaleel Ahmed. Andre Russell provided some late fireworks with a 25-ball 45, but it was not enough to prevent KKR from falling short by 44 runs.Kuldeep Yadav was the star performer for DC with the ball, claiming 4/33 in his four overs. Khaleel Ahmed and Rasikh Salam Dar also chipped in with two wickets each.

Rishabh Pant's impressive return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has put him in contention to become India's vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, ahead of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Pant, who has been out of action since a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, has shown remarkable resilience and skill in his comeback. In contrast, Pandya has struggled both as a batter and bowler in the ongoing IPL, raising questions about his leadership abilities.According to a report by Cricbuzz, Pant's current form gives him an edge over Pandya in the race to become Rohit Sharma's deputy. The national selectors are expected to meet on May 1 to consider re-appointing Pant as vice-captain, a position he held before his injury hiatus.Pant has previously captained India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022. He is also expected to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in June.Other positions in the Indian squad for the World Cup are also up for grabs. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are vying for the second wicket-keeper spot, while Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are in contention for all-rounder roles.The top order is likely to consist of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will feature Pant, Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja.Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the specialist spinner, while Axar Patel may edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the other spinner's position. Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, despite his impressive performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may once again miss out on selection.

Rishabh Pant's Unorthodox Shots: A Calculated Approach to SuccessDelhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has become renowned for his unconventional shot-making abilities, which have consistently yielded positive results in matches. From one-handed flicks to helicopter shots, Pant's unorthodox style has left opponents bewildered and fans enthralled.In a recent interview, Pant shed light on the thought process behind his unconventional shots. He emphasized that while some shots are instinctive, others are meticulously planned. By anticipating the bowler's intentions, Pant can execute pre-determined shots that exploit the bowler's weaknesses."The shots come on instinct, but I also practice them diligently," Pant explained. "Some shots are pre-planned, based on my expectations of the bowler's delivery. It's a combination of instinct and calculation."Pant stressed the importance of muscle memory in executing these shots effectively. Through extensive practice, he has developed an automatic response to certain deliveries, allowing him to react instinctively without conscious thought."Practice is crucial for building muscle memory," Pant said. "We practice so much that we don't have to think when we see the ball. We just hit it. That's why practice is so important in helping us execute shots in matches."Despite his unorthodox style, Pant's approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the game. He carefully analyzes the bowler's strengths and weaknesses, and uses his unconventional shots to exploit them."There's a build-up when the bowler bowls," Pant explained. "I try to manipulate the bowler into pitching the ball up more, so I can execute my shots. It's a calculated approach that involves anticipation and planning."Pant's unorthodox shots have become a defining characteristic of his batting style. They not only entertain fans but also give Delhi Capitals a significant advantage in matches. By embracing his unconventional approach, Pant has established himself as one of the most exciting and unpredictable batsmen in the IPL.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked a debate with his proposed India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, excluding Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.Doull's selection dilemma mirrors the challenge facing the Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has become a contentious issue, with Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik all vying for the spot.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, with Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, he made a surprising move by assigning Pant the No. 3 batting position, aiming to accommodate other players in the lineup."I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can't see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties," Doull explained.Despite Pant's struggles in T20Is, Doull expressed confidence in his evolution and highlighted his improved fitness during IPL 2024.Another intriguing decision by Doull was his preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube's impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings.Doull's starting XI for India features Virat Kohli as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills. Arshdeep Singh is the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.

Sanju Samson Emerges as Frontrunner for Wicketkeeper Role in T20 World Cup Squad, Says Navjot Singh SidhuFormer Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has thrown his support behind Sanju Samson as the preferred choice for the wicketkeeper role in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. Sidhu's endorsement comes after Samson's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he led the Rajasthan Royals to victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.In a conversation with Star Sports, Sidhu praised Samson's exceptional form, stating, "No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson." He highlighted Samson's unbeaten 71 off 33 balls, which overshadowed KL Rahul's impressive 76 off 48 balls.Sidhu acknowledged Rahul's versatility as a batsman, but emphasized that Samson's current form should be the deciding factor. "If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, then you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant," he said.Sidhu also mentioned Ishan Kishan as a potential contender for the wicketkeeper role, but noted that his absence from domestic games during his international duty had cost him a chance to impress the selectors.With the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaching, Sidhu's insights underscore the importance of form and performance in shaping the final lineup. Sanju Samson's scintillating performance in the IPL has made him the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper position, while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant remain in contention.