Cricket

India's quest for an elusive ICC title continues as they embark on the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue are determined to break their title drought that has persisted since 2013.After a disappointing loss in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, India is eager to make amends in the T20 format. They kicked off their campaign with a convincing victory over Ireland, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that team unity is paramount for India's success. "It's about 'we'," he emphasized. "If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win."Rohit Sharma, at 36, is determined to secure an ICC trophy for India. The team's last T20 World Cup victory came in the inaugural edition in 2007, under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Since then, India has reached the final only once, finishing as runners-up in 2014.Harbhajan recalled the team's success in the 2007 tournament, highlighting the importance of collective decision-making. "Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team," he said. "It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'."India's path to the title will not be easy, but they have the experience and talent to challenge for the trophy. With Rohit Sharma at the helm and a united team behind him, India will be hoping to end their ICC title drought and bring home the coveted T20 World Cup.

The 2011 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali was a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on the players and fans alike. The then India coach, Gary Kirsten, and his staff recognized the significance of the match and gave the players space to reflect on its magnitude."After the show [a presentation by the team analyst] is over, Gary says the support staff is mostly non-Indian," writes R Ashwin in his book "I Have The Streets." "They value this team, and it's a big game for them too, but they can't even begin to imagine how big playing Pakistan in a World Cup is for us players. He says they're all leaving now, so we can be alone and conduct the rest of the meeting ourselves."The meeting, held two hours before the match, was charged with emotion. Sachin Tendulkar delivered a rousing speech, expressing his anticipation for the past two-three years of facing Pakistan in the semi-final or final and lifting the trophy. The players left the meeting with goosebumps, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.In 2011, such matches were rare and highly anticipated. However, the advent of frequent World Cups and the strategic planning of groups to ensure India and Pakistan play in the league stage has somewhat diminished the edge of these encounters.Despite the increased frequency, the results in 'big matches' have become a burden for the current Indian team. However, Rohit Sharma, the current captain, believes that the team's approach has not changed significantly."Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup," said Rohit. "Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it's a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now."Rohit emphasizes the importance of staying present and focusing on the immediate task at hand, rather than dwelling on the larger implications of the match. "I think what's more important for me is to just think about what I need to do right now, or this particular over - not to even think of how much do we need to get after 20 overs, or how much we need to bowl them out for. I think it's about that one over, how we want to finish that over, staying in the present, and literally just nailing down maybe over by over, and think about what you need to do in that particular over, and that is where the skill of captain comes into play."Gary Kirsten, who coached India in 2011 and is now Pakistan's coach in 2024, believes that the players have a deep understanding of each other's game and that the focus should be on executing their own plans effectively. "I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play," he said. "In the end we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that's going to be a big day tomorrow."Kirsten also noted the different atmosphere of the match being played outside of India or Pakistan. "I think it is a little bit different because it's not in India or Pakistan," he said. "I went for a ride early this morning, which I like doing most mornings, and I certainly rode around the stadium a little bit and I kind of felt that there's going to be a good vibe there tomorrow. So that's going to be exciting for us all to have that many people that have come out to support the two teams."As the two teams prepare to face off once again, the legacy of the 2011 semi-final will undoubtedly be on their minds. While the stakes may have changed, the passion and intensity of the rivalry remains as strong as ever.

India's Rohit Sharma Emphasizes Importance of Good Cricket Ahead of Pakistan ClashAs India gears up for its highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, captain Rohit Sharma has stressed the paramount importance of playing good cricket. Speaking ahead of the clash, Rohit emphasized that the team's focus should be on their own performance rather than being overly concerned about the opposition or the pitch conditions."We believe that playing good cricket holds the key, not opposition, not pitch," Rohit stated confidently. He highlighted the team's recent encounters with Pakistan in the Asia Cup and World Cup, noting that the familiarity between the two sides would make for a competitive match."Nothing changes, we played against them seven months back in Asia Cup and World Cup," he said.Rohit also addressed concerns about facing tough moments during the match, emphasizing the team's resilience and commitment to the collective cause. "We thrive in difficult moments. Blows are secondary, team cause is first," he said, referring to being hit during India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland.Considering the influence of playing conditions, especially in New York where the match is scheduled, Rohit expressed his intention to adapt his game accordingly while maintaining a balanced approach. "I want to play my game in a balanced way, depending on conditions. Conditions do matter, especially in New York," he said.Rohit's emphasis on good cricket and the team's resilience bodes well for India as they prepare to face Pakistan in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. The match promises to be a test of both teams' skills and mental fortitude, and Rohit's leadership will be crucial in guiding India to victory.

India's Stalwarts Gear Up for T20 World Cup Showdown Against PakistanAs the ICC T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes are on Team India's key players who have consistently delivered against arch-rivals Pakistan across all formats. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav have been instrumental in India's past victories over Pakistan.Virat Kohli:Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has an impressive record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, averaging 308.00 with four half-centuries. In T20Is, he averages 81.33 with five half-centuries. Across all formats, Kohli has amassed 1,166 runs against Pakistan, including three centuries and seven half-centuries.Rohit Sharma:Sharma, India's captain, has a modest record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, averaging 17.00. However, in T20Is, he averages 14.25 with a high score of 30*. Across all formats, Sharma has scored 987 runs against Pakistan, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.Hardik Pandya:Pandya, India's all-rounder, has made significant contributions against Pakistan in both T20 World Cups and T20Is. In T20 World Cups, he averages 25.50 with a top score of 40 and has taken four wickets. In T20Is, he averages 21.00 with a high score of 40 and has taken 11 wickets.Jasprit Bumrah:Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has limited experience against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, with just one wicket in two matches. However, in T20Is, he has taken two wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 6.20. Across all formats, Bumrah has taken nine wickets against Pakistan, including best figures of 2/19.Kuldeep Yadav:Yadav, India's left-arm spinner, has been particularly effective against Pakistan in ODIs, taking 12 wickets in six matches at an average of 14.16. His standout performance came in the Asia Cup finals last year, where he took 5/25 to restrict Pakistan to 128 runs.With these key players in their ranks, India will be confident of extending their dominance over Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup clash.

Rohit Sharma Reassures Fans, Praises Pacers After India's T20 World Cup WinIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma allayed concerns about his fitness after India's eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Sharma, who retired hurt on 52 during the run-chase, said his arm was only slightly sore."It's a little sore, but nothing too serious," Sharma said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "I'll be fine for the next game."Sharma's injury scare had raised concerns among Indian fans, but his reassurance will come as a relief. The Indian skipper also praised his team's bowlers for their performance on a challenging pitch."The bowlers did a great job," Sharma said. "They bowled to their plans and made it difficult for the Irish batsmen to score."India's pacers shared nine of the 10 Irish wickets, with Hardik Pandya taking three, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh claiming two each, and Mohammad Siraj chipping in with one."We knew the pitch was going to be difficult to bat on," Sharma said. "But our bowlers adapted well and executed their plans perfectly."Sharma also defended his decision to field four spinners in the squad, despite the pitch not being conducive to spin bowling."We wanted to have the balance in the team," Sharma said. "Spin will play a part later on in the tournament."India will face Pakistan in their next match on Sunday, June 9, on the same pitch. Pakistan will be coming from a game against USA in Dallas.Despite the challenging pitch, India's convincing performance with both bat and ball will give them a lot of confidence as they prepare to take on their arch-rivals.

India's Captain Rohit Sharma Suffers Thumb Injury Ahead of Pakistan ClashIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left thumb injury during a practice session on Saturday, casting a shadow over his participation in the highly anticipated match against Pakistan on Sunday.The incident occurred when Sharma, 37, was struck on the thumb during a net session. The team's medical staff immediately attended to him, and after an assessment, Sharma resumed batting practice.The injury is a concern for India, as Sharma is a key player in the team's batting lineup. He scored 52 runs off 37 balls in India's opening match against Ireland, but was forced to retire hurt after the 10th over due to the injury.The condition of the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the India-Pakistan match will be played, has been a topic of discussion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged that the pitches at the venue have not performed as consistently as anticipated."T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the ICC said in a statement.The grounds team at the stadium is reportedly working diligently to address these concerns and enhance the quality of the pitches for the remainder of the tournament.Despite the injury, Sharma is expected to play in the match against Pakistan. However, his fitness will be closely monitored, and if necessary, he could be replaced by vice-captain KL Rahul.The India-Pakistan match is one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the T20 World Cup. The two teams have a long history of rivalry, and the match is always a high-stakes affair.

Losing a World Cup Final is an excruciating experience, and for Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the heartbreak of the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final still lingers. In a recent interview with Adidas India, Rohit candidly shared his emotions and the aftermath of that fateful day."I was devastated," Rohit recalled. "I couldn't bear to stay there." After a remarkable run to the Final, where India had triumphed in every match, they succumbed to Australia in a crushing defeat.Rohit, who had been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, was particularly distraught. "I wanted it so badly," he said. "The frustration, disappointment, and anger consumed me."Before the Final, Rohit and his team were brimming with confidence. "We believed we were invincible," he said. "We had played so well, we thought we could steamroll through."The loss hit Rohit hard. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "It took days for it to sink in that we had lost the World Cup."Now, as captain of Team India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit is determined to make amends. "This might be my last chance to lift a major ICC trophy," he said. "We're going all out for it."In their opening match against Ireland, Rohit once again led from the front, scoring a crucial 52 despite an injury scare. India now faces Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on Sunday, June 9.Rohit's journey from the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup Final to the pursuit of redemption in the 2024 T20 World Cup is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination.

During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Ireland on June 5, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 600 sixes in international cricket. Sharma's impressive knock of 52 runs from 37 deliveries, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, helped India secure an eight-wicket victory.With these three sixes, Sharma became the second player after Virat Kohli to score 4000+ runs across all three formats. He also completed 4000 runs in T20Is, becoming the third-highest run-getter in the marquee event with 1015 runs in 40 matches.Sharma's innings was cut short due to an injury, but he had already made a significant contribution to India's victory. The Indian bowlers had earlier put pressure on the Irish batters, restricting them to a modest total of 96 in 16 overs. Hardik Pandya (3/27), Arshdeep Singh (2/35), Jasprit Bumrah (2/6), Mohammed Siraj (1/13), and Axar Patel (1/3) all played key roles in the bowling performance.In the run-chase, Sharma's half-century and a supportive knock from Rishabh Pant (36* in 26 balls) helped India reach the target with ease. Sharma's achievement of 600 sixes in international cricket is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities. He has consistently been one of the most destructive batsmen in the world, and his six-hitting prowess has played a crucial role in India's success in recent years.

Australia, the undisputed champions of ICC tournaments, have set their sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Top-order batter Travis Head has expressed his eagerness to face India in the final, acknowledging the potential for a thrilling rematch.In an interview with the Times of India, Head emphasized his desire for Australia to reach the final and the possibility of facing India once again. "It would be nice to be in the final," he said. "I think everyone in India would love that, especially considering what's happened in the last two finals."Head acknowledged India's desire for revenge after Australia's victories in the 2015 ODI World Cup and 2023 T20 World Cup. "I'm sure India wants some revenge at some point," he said. "There would be good theater around it if that were the case."Head also commented on the pressure facing India captain Rohit Sharma to deliver an ICC title. "I don't think Rohit has too much to worry about," he said. "He's been an exceptional leader and player."Head believes India has a strong chance of success in the T20 World Cup, citing their attacking brand of cricket and exceptional players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. "Their chances are probably similar to the three or four other teams that are in contention," he said.Australia, with their own formidable squad, will be determined to defend their T20 World Cup title. The prospect of a rematch between Australia and India in the final promises an electrifying encounter that would captivate cricket fans worldwide.