Cricket

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant's Animated Chat Sparks ConcernIndian cricket icons Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant have sparked a heated debate on social media after an animated conversation on the bench during India's match against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup.A video surfaced online showing Kohli and Sharma discussing Pant's dismissal, which came after he attempted a risky reverse sweep. Kohli appeared visibly displeased, and the conversation continued as Pant joined them in the dugout.Kohli, who has been a mentor to Pant, expressed his frustration over the young wicket-keeper batter's repeated mistakes. Pant has been a revelation for India at the No. 3 spot in this tournament, but his tendency to play reckless shots has raised concerns."If he commits the same mistake twice - right now it's fine - but in big matches he can face problems because big teams don't let these opportunities slip," said former India spinner Piyush Chawla.Commentators also weighed in on the conversation, suggesting that Kohli and Sharma were discussing Pant's dismissal. "Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in agreement there. Because they know what Pant is capable of," said Chawla."You could see Kohli talking to him now. He was playing really well, Rishabh. Was there a need to play such a shot in that situation?" said Deep Dasgupta.Sanjay Manjrekar added: "If you noticed Virat Kohli's reaction... when Rishabh Pant got out, Kohli didn't know that the camera was on him. He immediately reacted and then hid his face with a towel. The way fans would have reacted to his dismissal, Kohli did the same way."With India set to face Australia in their next match and potentially the semi-finals, the team will be hoping to address these concerns and improve their overall performance.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has predicted that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will retire from T20Is after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. This speculation stems from the struggles both star batters have faced in the tournament, with Rohit scoring 99 runs in 5 matches and Virat managing just 66 runs.Jaffer believes that this could be the last T20I competition for both Rohit and Virat, but he insists that they will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he emphasizes that the final decision lies with the players and the selectors."I think they both (Virat and Rohit) will retire from T20Is after the T20 World Cup. It is their call eventually and also the call of the selectors. While they will continue to play in the IPL, I believe we are seeing them for the last time in T20Is at the T20 World Cup," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.Despite their recent struggles, Jaffer remains confident in Kohli's ability to score 100 international centuries. Currently, Kohli has 29 Test centuries, 50 ODI centuries, and one century in T20 Internationals."Yes, I think Virat Kohli will score hundred international hundreds. He has a lot of time left and the way his fitness is and the way he scores his runs with consistency, I hundred percent expect him to cross hundred hundreds," Jaffer added.Meanwhile, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Reddy have received maiden India call-ups for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. This opportunity is a reward for their impressive performances in the last IPL.Senior players competing in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the Americas, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, have been rested ahead of a grueling season.The Zimbabwe tour comprises five T20 Internationals, beginning July 6.

Team India's quest for an elusive ICC trophy continues as they enter the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team has maintained an unbeaten streak, including a resounding victory over Australia.India's last ICC triumph came in 2013 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who guided the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy. Since then, India has come close but failed to secure a major title, including a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 ODI World Cup final.Rohit Sharma, now 36, is determined to break this drought and lead India to glory. He has the experience and leadership qualities necessary to guide the team to success.Former India pacer S Sreesanth, who was part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, believes Rohit has the capabilities to achieve this goal. He praised Rohit's ability to unite the team and his understanding of each player's strengths.Sreesanth also highlighted the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been in exceptional form in the tournament. Despite a disappointing season with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Pandya has emerged as a key player for India, contributing with both bat and ball.India's semifinal clash against England will be a crucial test. In their previous encounter at this stage in the 2022 edition, England dominated an outdated Indian team. However, with Rohit Sharma at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, India has a real chance of reaching the final and potentially lifting the trophy on June 29th.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has expressed his displeasure with broadcaster Star Sports for displaying a graphic highlighting Rohit Sharma's weakness against left-arm seamers during India's Super 8 match against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup.Despite Rohit's well-known vulnerability against left-arm pacers, he showcased his prowess by smashing 29 runs off Mitchell Starc's over, contributing to his impressive 41-ball 92. However, after Starc dismissed Rohit, Star Sports displayed a graphic showcasing Rohit's dismissals against left-arm pacers, which irked Gavaskar."Thinking about Rohit Sharma once again, he got out to a left-hander (left-arm seamer). So before the next match, are we going to do another segment about his weakness to left-handers?" questioned a perplexed Gavaskar.Aaron Finch, who shared the commentary box with Gavaskar, attempted to justify the graphic by pointing out the increasing number of left-arm pacers in the game, including Starc, Trent Boult (New Zealand), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)."There are more left-armers playing now, and they are genuine swing bowlers. So that poses a challenge to the opening batter," said Finch.Gavaskar countered Finch's argument, stating that it was not a significant issue to highlight. "I don't think you should be looking much into that. If you're playing attacking shots when the ball is swinging in, you will be out LBW, you will be out bowled," said Gavaskar.While Rohit Sharma played one of the most remarkable innings of the 2024 T20 World Cup, his opening partner Virat Kohli suffered his second duck of the tournament. Gavaskar has recently faced criticism on social media for his perceived biased analysis towards the dismissals of the two batters."Commentators create divide between players and the fans," one user tweeted, after Gavaskar criticized Kohli's shot selection against Bangladesh while praising Rohit's approach as selfless.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has hailed India's skipper Rohit Sharma as the most deserving candidate to lift the World Cup trophy, citing his exceptional leadership and selfless approach to batting.Hafeez lauded Rohit's match-winning 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight, which propelled India to a 24-run victory and eliminated the defending champions. He emphasized Rohit's transformation from a talented player to a true great, attributing it to his unwavering selflessness."It was a Rohit show. We witnessed one of the best innings from a captain," Hafeez remarked. "Leading from the front, there was one thing that no one could overlook, and that was Rohit's quality of selflessness."Hafeez believes that Rohit's selfless approach has been a key factor in his success over the past year, including his standout performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. "He has been planning this innings for over a year now, and he has executed it perfectly," Hafeez said. "In the last 50-over World Cup, he was the standout performer for India. He always played selflessly, regardless of the situation."Hafeez highlighted Rohit's clarity of goals, which extend beyond personal milestones to winning ICC trophies for India. "When you set your goals high, your pedigree increases," he stated. "In Rohit's case, India's leadership deserves to win this World Cup. The way he plays unconditionally, like a champion, is remarkable."Hafeez expressed his belief that Rohit's leadership and dedication make him the ideal candidate to bring World Cup glory to India. "Rohit is the only person at the moment who deserves to win this World Cup for India," he asserted. "His selfless dedication and leadership make him the perfect choice."

In the lead-up to India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, captain Rohit Sharma displayed an uncharacteristic candor, shedding the burden of past defeats. He boldly declared that the opening partnership would remain unchanged throughout the tournament, signaling a shift in his approach.Rohit's newfound freedom was evident in his blistering 92 off 41 balls against Australia in St. Lucia. His onslaught, particularly the 28 runs he plundered off Mitchell Starc in the third over, set the tone for India's victory."He's a world-class player," said Josh Hazlewood, Starc's pace-bowling partner. "He targeted the boundary with the wind and then hit a few on the other side as well. He's a class act."Rohit's uninhibited style of play, a hallmark of his early career, has resurfaced in his twilight years. "The idea is to be not just one-dimensional," he explained. "I was thinking to hit the ball everywhere possible."Despite the challenging conditions in St. Lucia, Rohit's effortless batting kept the Indian dugout relaxed. "When he hits those long sixes, it doesn't feel like he is hitting the ball," said pacer Arshdeep Singh. "He handles the ball with love, yet it goes far."Rohit's relaxed demeanor and positive attitude have permeated the Indian team. "We just enjoyed it a lot," said Singh. "The pressure-cooker situation of opening and leading India in an ICC tournament hasn't bothered him."As India prepares for its final two matches, Rohit's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial. The team will look to him to continue his inspired form and guide them to a perfect ending to this World Cup drama.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has received widespread acclaim for his exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match against Australia. His blistering 92 off 41 balls, featuring eight towering sixes and seven boundaries, propelled India to a commanding total of 205 for 5. The Indian bowlers then restricted Australia to 181 for 7, securing a 24-run victory that played a pivotal role in eliminating the reigning ODI World Cup champions from the tournament.Rohit's innings was marked by an explosive over against Mitchell Starc, where he amassed 29 runs. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif highlighted the significance of this over in shifting the momentum in India's favor. He emphasized Rohit's ability to perform on the big stage and his strategic batting against Starc."Rohit Sharma knows how to play an attacking game," Kaif said. "He played shots with a straight bat in the crucial match. The two cover drives for sixes off Starc were beautiful shots. There was precise timing, and they were played with a high elbow behind the ball. He didn't hit it hard; he played with the full face of the bat."India legend Sunil Gavaskar also praised Rohit's performance and leadership during the crucial juncture of the game. "Rohit Sharma, leading from the front, hitting those big sixes. Despite losing Kohli in the previous over, it just tells you the intent the captain of the Indian team has," Gavaskar noted.Rohit's influence and leadership have been instrumental in India's progression to the semi-finals, where they will face defending champions England. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as Team India continues its pursuit of the title.

India's revenge against Australia in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup was a resounding victory, marking a significant moment in the tournament. After a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's triumph in St Lucia was a sweet redemption.Rohit Sharma led the charge for India, scoring a blistering 92 off just 41 balls. His innings set the tone for India's formidable total of 206 runs. Travis Head and other Australian batters made a strong start, but they failed to maintain the momentum and were restricted to 181/7 in 20 overs.The match was not without its tense moments. Hardik Pandya survived an injury scare when a throw from Rishabh Pant hit his hand. Pandya's reaction and the frustration of Rohit Sharma highlighted the intensity of the contest.India's victory was a testament to their strategic brilliance and adaptability to challenging conditions. Arshdeep Singh, who dismissed David Warner in the first over, played a crucial role in India's bowling attack. His wickets of Tim David and Matthew Wade in the death overs were pivotal in stalling Australia's chase.Arshdeep credited Jasprit Bumrah for his success, acknowledging the pressure Bumrah's bowling put on the Australian batters. Rohit Sharma's electrifying innings and contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya helped India post a formidable total.India's victory not only avenged their loss in the ODI World Cup but also dealt a major blow to Australia's hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Afghanistan's victory over Bangladesh ultimately knocked Australia out of the tournament on points.

England will face their toughest challenge yet in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against India, according to all-rounder Moeen Ali. The two teams will meet in Guyana on Thursday, with England hoping to repeat their 10-wicket thrashing of India at the same stage in the 2022 tournament.England have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, but they have yet to face a team of India's caliber. India, on the other hand, have been in dominant form, winning all of their completed matches in the last three weeks.Moeen believes that England will need to be at their best to beat India, but he is confident that they can draw on their previous success against the same opponents."They're just a brilliant side," Moeen said. "They've got everything covered, so we're going to have to be at our best to beat them. I'm looking forward to it, actually: it's a great challenge, similar to the last time we played them in the semi-final in Australia."That Adelaide semi-final is best remembered for Jos Buttler and Alex Hales' unbroken 170-run partnership which led England to victory with four overs to spare, but was set up by their bowlers. India managed only 62 for 2 off their first 10 overs after being asked to bat first, and Hardik Pandya's late hitting was not enough to get them to a winning total.Moeen said his main memories of the game were "just how clinical" England were in their preparation. "But [also] the way we took them on, and we were unbelievable with the bat. We set the game up on that wicket with the ball. Even when they got away from us a little bit at the end, it was a bit late. That was a great day, and a great performance."India will be looking to avenge that defeat and reach the final for the second time in a row. They will be led by Rohit Sharma, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament.The match is sure to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams having a chance to reach the final.