Cricket

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has raised concerns about the impact player rule, expressing that it is making it increasingly difficult for teams to defend high totals. This comes after Delhi Capitals' back-to-back high-scoring victories in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where chasing teams Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians came close to pulling off improbable wins.In their match against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals posted a mammoth 257 for 4, their highest ever IPL total. However, despite some explosive hitting from Tilak Varma (63 off 32), Mumbai Indians managed to reach 247 for 9, falling just 10 runs short."We were pretty happy with 250 on the board, but with the impact sub, it is getting difficult each and every day," Pant said after the match.To counter the threat of Mumbai Indians' batters, Pant resorted to standing up to the stumps against medium pacers Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Dar. "Definitely, I can keep up to the stumps, but the bowler also should be confident... with batters like Tim David walking down, and today it worked," he explained.Pant also praised Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has impressed with his aggressive batting in the IPL. "He has been amazing since the first day, and this is what you want from a younger player. He's getting better and better with each game," Pant said.Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya acknowledged his team's lack of game awareness, particularly in not attacking left-arm spinner Axar Patel more aggressively. "We could have taken a couple of more chances in the middle overs. The left-handers could have probably gone after Axar a little bit. It's something we missed out in terms of game awareness," Pandya said.He also expressed admiration for Fraser-McGurk's batting, saying, "It was quite amazing the way Fraser-McGurk batted. He took calculated risks, he played the field really well. It shows the fearlessness of youth."

Former Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has unveiled his squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring some surprising selections and omissions.Wicketkeeper:Zaheer has opted for Rishabh Pant as the sole wicketkeeper in his team, overlooking other contenders like Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. He believes Pant's all-around abilities and experience make him the best choice.Pace Bowlers:Zaheer has included four pace bowlers in his squad, with the notable addition of left-arm seamer Yash Dayal. Dayal has impressed in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, and Zaheer sees him as a valuable option to add variety to the attack. Mohammed Shami's injury layoff has also influenced this selection.All-Rounders:Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya are the two all-rounders in Zaheer's squad. Dube provides a power-hitting option in the middle order, while Pandya offers a versatile skillset with his batting, bowling, and fielding.Spinners:Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner in the squad. His all-around abilities, including his exceptional fielding and batting, make him an indispensable asset.Batters:Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli form the core of Zaheer's batting lineup. Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are competing for the opening slot, while Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh provide depth in the middle order.Key Omissions:Zaheer's squad notably omits KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, who are all considered strong contenders for the wicketkeeper role. He also overlooks Dinesh Karthik, who has been in impressive form in recent times.Zaheer's Rationale:Zaheer believes that his squad provides the best balance and flexibility for the T20 World Cup. He emphasizes the importance of having four pace bowlers to exploit the conditions in Australia. He also values the all-around abilities of his players, who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Rishabh Pant Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership and InnovationDelhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has heaped praise on Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, crediting him for his innovative ideas, proactive approach, and trust in his players.In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Pant said, "I believe Rohit bhai has some very innovative ideas. He has a strong instinct and is always looking for ways to improve. He's very proactive and open to different ideas."Pant emphasized the importance of understanding players' thought processes and coping with their strengths and weaknesses. "He tries to understand a player's mindset and then decides whether or not to implement their ideas. The trust factor he brings is crucial; he trusts people, and they trust him back," Pant added.Pant's admiration for Sharma's leadership style is evident in his own captaincy. Under his guidance, Delhi Capitals have turned their fortunes around in the IPL, winning three of their last four matches. Their recent victory against Gujarat Titans was a testament to Pant's explosive batting and strategic decision-making.The Capitals now sit sixth in the standings, with a chance to push for a top-four finish. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign, winning three out of eight matches. Their last outing was a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals.As the two teams prepare to face off in a crucial return match, Pant's insights into Sharma's leadership provide valuable lessons for aspiring captains. His emphasis on innovation, trust, and understanding players' perspectives highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for success.

Bolstered by Rishabh Pant's exceptional batting form and inspiring leadership, the resurgent Delhi Capitals aim to maintain their upward trajectory in the IPL standings when they face an inconsistent Mumbai Indians in New Delhi on April 27.The Capitals have endured a rollercoaster season, showcasing moments of brilliance while also suffering embarrassing defeats. However, three victories in their last four matches have propelled them to sixth place, and a win against MI would strengthen their claim for a playoff spot.On the other hand, after a familiar poor start, MI bounced back with three wins in their next four matches. However, a comprehensive nine-wicket thrashing by Rajasthan Royals halted their resurgence. They currently languish in eighth place and cannot afford to lose.DC's biggest positive has undoubtedly been skipper Rishabh Pant's form, which appears to be improving with each game. He has been sharp behind the stumps and seems to be batting with freedom. His match-winning unbeaten knock against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday was a testament to his belligerent style. Pant is well-positioned to make India's squad for the T20 World Cup despite stiff competition from the likes of Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik, and Ishan Kishan.In Jack Fraser-McGurk, DC have found an able top-order batter who can exploit the powerplay. However, more is expected of opener Prithvi Shaw, given that his sole responsibility is to bat. David Warner missed the previous game, making way for Shai Hope, who failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The veteran Australian might be recalled to the playing XI. Tristan Stubbs has repeatedly demonstrated his brutal batting prowess, while Axar Patel also showcased his batting skills when he was elevated up the order in the four-run win against GT.While the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar have bowled economically, DC's fast bowling unit needs to step up. Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje is having a forgettable season, leaking runs at 13.36, which has been a major problem for Delhi. The likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishant Sharma have been plagued by injuries, leading to inconsistent performances. They were taken to the cleaners by MI batters, who piled on 234/5 earlier in the season. DC would be wary of a similar performance.MI's resurgence this season began with a win against DC, and the five-time champions would hope for an encore in the crucial clash. For Mumbai, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma have got runs, but all of them have found form in patches. It's time for the likes of Tim David, Ishan Kishan, and skipper Hardik Pandya to contribute significantly and take some pressure off the top trio.While the batting department has occasionally looked good, the bowling remains a massive cause of concern. Jasprit Bumrah has expectedly been MI's standout bowler, leading the attack with 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.37. However, new addition Gerald Coetzee has been inconsistent in his maiden IPL. Though he has an economy of 10.10, the South African pacer has accounted for 12 wickets in eight games. But barring the two seamers, Mumbai's bowling has disappointed.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad for the tournament by the end of April.The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a challenging task in picking a balanced squad. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed some impressive performances from young players, making the selection process even more competitive.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the selectors will meet on April 27 or 28 to finalize the squad. The deadline set by the ICC for participating boards to announce their provisional squads is May 1.One of the key players in contention for a spot in the squad is Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals skipper has been in excellent form in the IPL, scoring an unbeaten 88 off just 43 deliveries in a thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans. Pant's performance has reignited the debate about his possible inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.However, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Pant may not fit into the middle order of the Indian team. Doull suggests that Pant would be a better fit at number 3, behind the rumored opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli."He's getting closer. Can he bat at 3? Because I go back to the team I'm looking at (for T20 World Cup), and he doesn't fit in the middle-order. If he can, he's getting a step closer to the boarding pass," Doull said on Cricbuzz."He's a better player than a slogger or hitter. He comes, and he eases his way into his innings. That's why I say he's a terrific Test player. He's a fine batter. But I don't think he's a player who comes out and starts slogging, not in modern-day T20 cricket. That's why his numbers aren't nowhere near as good as they possibly should. So, my question is, could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)?" he added.The Indian selectors will have to carefully consider all these factors when making their final decision. The T20 World Cup is a major tournament, and India will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second time.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating knock against Gujarat Titans has reignited hopes of his return to form ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Delhi Capitals' batting coach, Pravin Amre, believes Pant's performance is a testament to his hard work and determination.After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant returned to competitive cricket a month ago. His unbeaten 88 off 43 balls against Gujarat Titans has virtually sealed his spot as India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup.Amre praised Pant's dedication and preparation, highlighting his two-week camp in Vizag where he arrived straight from the airport. "He was hungry and made sure everyday he is going to utilise," Amre said.Pant's partnership with Axar Patel (66 off 43) was crucial in Delhi Capitals' victory. Amre believes Axar's promotion to the No.3 spot was a strategic move that paid off. "Axar played very well, but the partnership he had with Rishabh was striking," Amre said.Amre emphasized the importance of Pant's power-hitting in the last five overs, which made the difference in the match. "Rishabh was confident and he single-handedly batted very well in the last 5 overs," Amre said.Gujarat Titans spinner Sai Kishore acknowledged the impact of Pant and Axar's partnership. "Axar and Pant batted really well. Rishabh scored a lot of boundaries off good balls," Kishore said.Pant's performance has not only boosted his confidence but also raised expectations for his performance in the T20 World Cup. Amre believes Pant is ready to roar and make a significant contribution to India's campaign.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating unbeaten half-century propelled Delhi Capitals to a narrow four-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, solidifying his position as India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pant's blistering 88 off 43 deliveries, adorned with five fours and eight sixes, was a timely reminder of his destructive capabilities. He forged a formidable partnership with Axar Patel, who contributed a rapid 66 off 43 balls, propelling DC to a formidable 224 for 4.In response, Gujarat Titans mounted a valiant chase, led by Sai Sudarshan's 65 off 29 and David Miller's 55 off 23. Rashid Khan's late cameo of 21 not off 11 balls kept GT's hopes alive, but they ultimately fell short by four runs.Pant's innings showcased his maturity and adaptability. He paced his knock brilliantly, initially playing cautiously before unleashing his trademark power-hitting. His ability to score boundaries at will, particularly on the leg side, proved invaluable for DC.Axar Patel played a crucial supporting role, providing stability and acceleration to the innings. His four sixes and five fours kept the scoreboard ticking over, allowing Pant to play with freedom.Gujarat Titans' chase began promisingly, with Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudarshan sharing an 82-run partnership. However, once Saha departed, DC's bowlers tightened their grip. Sudarshan's dismissal, caught by Axar off Salam, proved a turning point.Miller's late onslaught kept GT in contention, but Rashid Khan's inability to clear the boundary in the final over sealed their fate. Mukesh Kumar held his nerve, conceding only five runs off the last ball to secure the victory for DC.Pant's performance was the highlight of the match, silencing any doubts about his World T20 Cup credentials. His exceptional batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills make him an indispensable asset for the Indian team.

In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out Gujarat Titans (GT) by a narrow four-run margin, defending a challenging total of 224 for 4.DC's innings got off to a shaky start as Sandeep Warrier's incisive bowling reduced them to 44 for 3 in the powerplay. However, Rishabh Pant (88* off 43) and Axar Patel (66 off 35) staged a remarkable recovery, guiding DC to a formidable total.GT's chase began promisingly with B Sai Sudharsan (65) and David Miller (55) striking quick fifties. Their partnership kept GT within striking distance, but the loss of wickets in the middle overs slowed their progress.With 73 runs required off 24 balls, Miller launched a late assault on Anrich Nortje, smashing three sixes and a four in the 17th over. However, Mukesh Kumar dismissed Miller in the 18th over, giving DC a glimmer of hope.In a tense final over, Rashid Khan nearly pulled off an improbable victory for GT. He smashed two fours off the first two balls and a six off the penultimate delivery. But Mukesh held his nerve, delivering a full ball that Rashid could not clear the boundary.Axar Patel played a crucial role for DC, not only with his batting but also with his fielding and bowling. He took three catches and a wicket, while Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 29) also impressed with his spin bowling.