Cricket

With the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded, several players have emerged as strong contenders for India's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. While IPL performances alone will not guarantee selection, they provide valuable insights into players' current form and potential.Probable 15-Member Squad:1. Rohit Sharma (C): Confirmed as captain, Rohit Sharma has been Mumbai Indians' leading scorer in IPL 2024.2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener has found form with an unbeaten century against Mumbai Indians.3. Shubman Gill: Gujarat Titans' skipper has impressed with his consistent batting in IPL 2024.4. Virat Kohli: The leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, Kohli is a certainty for India's squad.5. Sanju Samson (WK): Rajasthan Royals' skipper has been the most impressive wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024.6. Suryakumar Yadav: The world's No.1 T20I batter has made a strong impact despite missing the first few games of IPL 2024.7. Hardik Pandya: Despite a disappointing IPL 2024, Pandya's experience in T20Is makes him a likely inclusion.8. Rishabh Pant (WK): The wicketkeeper-batter has made a strong comeback after a year-long absence due to injury.9. Rinku Singh: A belligerent finisher, Singh has impressed with his strike rate in IPL 2024.10. Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder has not had the best of IPL seasons but his T20I experience could earn him a spot.11. Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist spinner has been in-form for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.12. Yuzvendra Chahal: Rajasthan Royals' top wicket-taker, Chahal is a frontrunner for India's squad as a spinner.13. Jasprit Bumrah: A nailed-on certainty, Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the format.14. Arshdeep Singh: The young pacer has taken 10 wickets for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.15. Shivam Dube: The explosive finisher has been in fine form for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024.Other Probables:* Avesh Khan* Harshal Patel* Riyan Parag* Ruturaj Gaikwad

Mumbai Indians' head coach Mark Boucher has shed light on some amusing and endearing quirks of the team's star players. In a video shared on MI's social media platforms, Boucher, along with batting coach Kieron Pollard and bowling coach James Pannent, revealed some behind-the-scenes insights into the dynamics of the franchise.Boucher disclosed that Rohit Sharma, the former captain and current batter, has a peculiar habit of giving awkward hugs and handshakes. "Rohit does not usually hug people a lot," Boucher said. "But when he does, it's a bit of an awkward hug."When asked about a player with an unexpectedly loud laugh, Boucher promptly named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. "Ishan has a very loud laugh," Boucher said. "It's very infectious. It's one of those laughs that makes you laugh even if you don't know what he's laughing about."Pollard revealed that Suryakumar Yadav is prone to making autocorrect mistakes while texting. "Suryakumar is a very good texter," Pollard said. "But he makes a lot of autocorrect mistakes. It's quite funny."Pollard also described explosive batter Tim David as "absent-minded." "Tim is a very good cricketer," Pollard said. "But he's a bit absent-minded. He's always forgetting things."Despite these amusing quirks, the MI players are a close-knit group with a strong bond. They have won five IPL titles, making them one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history.Currently, MI is placed sixth in the 10-team points table with three wins and four losses. They will face table-toppers Rajasthan Royals on Monday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has shared his top three picks for the Indian squad. Pathan believes these players will have a significant impact on India's campaign.1. Rohit SharmaRohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, is in excellent form and has been leading the team effectively. His experience and ability to score runs consistently make him a crucial asset for India.2. Yashasvi JaiswalDespite his young age, Yashasvi Jaiswal has impressed Pathan with his performances for Team India and in the IPL. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a valuable addition to the squad.3. Virat KohliVirat Kohli, despite recent criticism, remains a world-class batsman. His strike rate in T20Is is 138+, better than Chris Gayle, and his IPL strike rate this season is 150. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him indispensable for India.Pathan's selections have sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some agree with his choices, while others believe there are other players who deserve to be included. However, Pathan's insights provide valuable perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian team.The T20 World Cup will be held from June 2 to 29 in the USA and West Indies. India will be looking to defend their title and will face stiff competition from other top teams. Pathan's top three picks will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Despite a string of defeats in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign, Mumbai Indians players found solace in the unwavering support of their fans in Jaipur. As their team bus navigated through traffic, fans gathered around, chanting "Rohit Sharma" and "Hamara captain kaisa ho."Rohit Sharma, the beloved captain of Mumbai Indians, has consistently drawn massive crowds wherever he plays. In Jaipur, despite the team's struggles, fans turned out in droves to show their appreciation. The chants and cheers echoed through the streets, bringing smiles to the faces of the players.Earlier, Mumbai Indians shared a heartwarming video on social media, showcasing a fan named Sunny who helped clear traffic for the team bus. Sunny, wearing a shirt with his name emblazoned on the back, played a crucial role in ensuring the team's timely arrival at the stadium.Despite the team's disappointing performance in the match against Rajasthan Royals, which resulted in a 9-wicket defeat, captain Hardik Pandya acknowledged the need for introspection. "We have to admit our flaws and rectify them," he said. "Progression is very important. We will have to accept our flaws and work on those."Pandya also highlighted the team's subpar fielding performance. "I don't think it was our best day in the field as well," he admitted. "Overall, we did not put the right foot on the park and eventually, they outplayed us."Despite the setbacks, Mumbai Indians remain determined to turn their fortunes around. The team's unwavering fan base provides a constant source of motivation, reminding them of the importance of perseverance and resilience.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's admiration for Rohit Sharma was on full display after the Rajasthan Royals' emphatic nine-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. The young opener, who has often expressed his gratitude for Sharma's guidance, made a beeline for his former Mumbai Indians captain after the match.In a heartwarming video shared by the Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal can be seen embracing Sharma, who has been a mentor and inspiration throughout his career. The camaraderie between the two India openers was evident, despite being on opposite sides in Jaipur.Jaiswal's respect for Sharma extends beyond the field. In a recent interview, he credited Sharma for helping him maintain a positive mindset. "Rohit bhaiya helps me stay focused and positive," Jaiswal said.Jaiswal's performance in the match was a testament to his growing maturity and talent. Opening the batting alongside Jos Buttler, he smashed an unbeaten 104 off just 60 balls, guiding the Royals to a comfortable victory. It was his second IPL century, adding to his eight half-centuries.Jaiswal's consistency and big-match temperament have made him a strong contender for India's opening slot in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Sharma as his captain, Jaiswal will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest batsmen of all time.The Rajasthan Royals' victory was also a testament to the team's depth and resilience. Sandeep Sharma's five-wicket haul crippled the Mumbai Indians' batting, while Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson provided valuable contributions.The win extended the Royals' winning streak to seven matches, solidifying their position at the top of the IPL standings. With Jaiswal in top form and the team firing on all cylinders, the Royals are poised for a deep run in the tournament.

The Mumbai Indians' dismal start to the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) has raised questions about the team's leadership dynamics, particularly the role of former captain Rohit Sharma. Despite Hardik Pandya being the designated skipper, Rohit has been observed actively involved in strategic decision-making, leading to speculation that some players may still view him as the true leader.During the match against Rajasthan Royals, commentator Irfan Pathan highlighted an incident involving pacer Akash Madhwal, who appeared to prioritize Rohit's tactical advice over Hardik's. This observation sparked concerns that Madhwal and potentially other players may not fully recognize Hardik's authority.Pathan emphasized the importance of establishing a clear leadership structure, stating that "this needs to change" and that Hardik Pandya is capable of asserting his authority. He suggested that the team's performance could suffer if players are not fully aligned with the designated captain.The Mumbai Indians' poor start to the season has been attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of consistency in batting and bowling. Despite a respectable total of 180 runs against Rajasthan Royals, the team's bowlers failed to contain the opposition's batsmen, allowing them to chase down the target with ease.Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the star performer for Rajasthan Royals, scoring his second century in the IPL. His impressive innings helped his team secure a comfortable victory and extend Mumbai Indians' losing streak.The team's leadership issues and poor form have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. It remains to be seen whether Hardik Pandya can effectively establish his authority and lead the Mumbai Indians to a turnaround in their fortunes.

Trent Boult's Early Wicket Sets IPL Record, Bolsters Rajasthan Royals' Bowling ArsenalIn a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, pacer Trent Boult etched his name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books. Boult's dismissal of star MI batter Rohit Sharma in the first over of the match marked a unique milestone in the tournament's history.Boult's wicket not only gave RR an early advantage but also showcased his exceptional ability to strike in crucial moments. Notably, it was his first wicket in the powerplay in the previous five matches, with his last such dismissal also coming against MI.The credit for the dismissal also goes to RR skipper Sanju Samson, who held a well-judged skier after Rohit went for an expansive shot. The ball swung away from the right-hander, and he miscued it completely.With this wicket, Boult surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar (25) to become the bowler with the most wickets in the first over of IPL history. He now has 26 wickets to his name, followed by Praveen Kumar (15), Sandeep Sharma (13), Deepak Chahar, and Zaheer Khan (12 each).This achievement further solidifies Boult's reputation as a formidable new-ball bowler in the IPL. His ability to strike early and create pressure on the opposition has been a significant factor in RR's bowling success this season.Earlier, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat against RR. MI made three changes to their playing XI, while RR welcomed back Sandeep Sharma in place of Kuldeep Sen.In their previous encounter earlier this season, RR defeated MI by six wickets in Mumbai. This match marked RR's last game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this season.

Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina has expressed his belief that Shubman Gill has the potential to become the next captain of the Indian men's cricket team. Raina's endorsement comes amidst speculation about the future of current captain Rohit Sharma, who has recently stated his desire to lead India to victory in the T20 World Cup this year and the World Test Championship (WTC) next year.Raina's comments were made during a discussion on Lallantop, where he said, "I would say he will be the next Indian captain (after Rohit Sharma). Ban sakta hai vo."Gill's appointment as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) for IPL 2024 has further fueled speculation about his leadership credentials. Despite GT's recent struggles, Gill has impressed as a leader, guiding the team to three wins in their first seven matches.The 23-year-old is also the leading run-scorer for GT this season, with 263 runs in seven matches at an average of 43.83. His performances have showcased his maturity and ability to handle pressure situations.Gill's leadership qualities were also evident during his time as captain of the India Under-19 team, which won the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He has also captained the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, albeit with limited success.Raina's endorsement of Gill as a potential future captain is significant, given his own experience as a leader in the Indian team. Raina captained India in limited-overs cricket on several occasions and is known for his aggressive and attacking style of play.If Gill is indeed appointed as India's next captain, he will have big shoes to fill. Rohit Sharma has been a successful leader, guiding India to victory in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2023 ICC World Test Championship.However, Gill's talent, leadership qualities, and experience suggest that he has the potential to succeed Rohit Sharma and lead India to future glory.

Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer renowned for his middle-order batting prowess, has expressed his disapproval of Mumbai Indians' decision to remove Rohit Sharma as captain and appoint Hardik Pandya in his place. Raina believes that Rohit should have retained the captaincy, citing his experience and leadership qualities."I don't know why he was removed as captain," Raina said. "But, MI are doing well now, they won the last match." However, upon being corrected by the interviewer, Raina acknowledged that Mumbai Indians have not been performing well in the ongoing IPL season.Raina speculates that the management's decision to appoint a younger captain may have influenced the change. "Rohit, I think is now 36 or 37," he said. "The management is looking to have a leader who is younger."Raina also suggests that the decision to name Hardik Pandya as captain could be reversed if Mumbai Indians continue to struggle. "If MI fail in 3-4 more matches, Rohit could be re-appointed as captain," he said.Raina expressed concern over the negative reactions from fans towards Hardik Pandya, who has been booed and jeered during matches. "This is not right," Raina said. "Saying such things about him, his family isn't correct. But, you can't do much, everyone has the right to say things. You have to learn to avoid it."Despite his criticism of the captaincy change, Raina acknowledged that Mumbai Indians have shown signs of improvement in their recent match. "They won the last match," he said. "So, let's see how they perform in the upcoming matches."