Cricket

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense discussions among cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) serving as a crucial platform for player evaluation, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has proposed a bold strategy for India's batting lineup.Doull believes that Virat Kohli should be promoted to the opening position alongside Rohit Sharma. This move, he argues, would allow Kohli to face more fast bowlers and provide a solid start for the team against formidable opponents."I think Virat should open...100 per cent," Doull stated on Cricbuzz. "He hits the quick bowlers as good as anyone and he times the ball beautifully. Coming in and starting against spin is not his best option."Doull's suggestion raises questions about the fate of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in impressive form in the IPL. However, Doull believes that Jaiswal may not find a place in the India playing XI for the World Cup.Instead, Doull proposes a batting order that includes Sanju Samson at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, this lineup omits Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill, two players who have been in contention for a spot in the team.Doull emphasizes the importance of Rinku Singh, who has consistently performed well in the past year. "In my India starting XI, Rinku has to play," he said. "He's got to be a constant for the side."The Indian selectors will have a challenging task in finalizing the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Doull's suggestions provide an intriguing perspective on the team's potential batting lineup and will undoubtedly be considered by the decision-makers.

Ed Sheeran Serenades Rohit Sharma's Daughter, Discusses Retirement PlansRenowned singer Ed Sheeran recently graced the popular Indian show 'Breakfast with Champions' alongside Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and host Gaurav Kapoor. The trio engaged in a lively conversation that covered everything from cricket banter to insights into the music industry.One of the highlights of the episode came when Sheeran sang his hit song 'Bad Habits' for Rohit and his wife Ritika's daughter, Samaira. Rohit couldn't help but smile and applaud happily after the performance. Sheeran then turned to Samaira and asked if she enjoyed the song, to which she bashfully responded.Beyond the musical interlude, Sheeran also broached the topic of Rohit's future plans. He inquired about the Indian captain's thoughts on retirement and the possibility of owning a team to foster talent.Rohit admitted that he hadn't given much thought to retirement but shared his timeline for continuing his cricket career competitively. "I am still playing well at this point in time, so I am thinking I am going to continue for a few more years. And then, I don't know," Rohit said.The conversation also touched upon Rohit's passion for music. The Indian captain revealed that he enjoys listening to a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, and classical. He also expressed his admiration for Sheeran's songwriting abilities.Sheeran, in turn, praised Rohit's achievements on the cricket field. He acknowledged the Indian captain's leadership skills and his ability to inspire his team.The episode concluded with Sheeran and Rohit exchanging gifts. Sheeran presented Rohit with a signed guitar, while Rohit gifted Sheeran a personalized Indian cricket jersey.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has expressed his unwavering commitment to the sport and his burning desire to lead India to a coveted World Cup victory. In a recent interview, Rohit dismissed any immediate retirement plans, stating that he intends to continue playing for several more years.Rohit's ultimate goal remains the elusive World Cup trophy. He emphasized his determination to secure the title for India, particularly in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. "I really want to win the World Cup and there is a WTC final in 2025, hopefully India makes it," he declared.Reflecting on India's journey to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Rohit acknowledged the disappointment of losing to Australia but praised his team's performance. "We played so well up until that final. When we won the semi-finals, I thought, now we're just a step away. We're doing all the things right," he recalled.Despite the setback, Rohit remains optimistic about India's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. He will lead the team in their quest for glory, hoping to add another major trophy to his illustrious career.Rohit's dedication to cricket is evident in his unwavering determination to achieve success at the highest level. His leadership and experience will be crucial as India aims to conquer the world stage once again.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a sweet moment on the field during Thursday's Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).As Rohit Sharma opened the batting for MI, Virat Kohli surprised him with a greeting, captured by cameras. Kohli gently patted Rohit's back, who quickly turned around to see his Team India teammate. Rohit reciprocated with a thumbs-up gesture, showcasing their close bond.The moment highlighted the mutual respect and admiration between the two cricket icons. Despite being on opposing teams, they maintained a friendly and supportive demeanor.The match itself was a resounding victory for MI, who chased down RCB's challenging total of 196/8 with ease. Ishan Kishan led the MI batting charge with a blistering 69 off 34 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed 38 off 24 balls. Suryakumar Yadav also impressed with a quickfire 52 off 19 balls.RCB's batting lineup struggled against MI's bowling attack, with Orange Cap-holder Virat Kohli dismissed for a rare failure by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah starred for MI with an impressive spell of 5 for 21.The win was MI's second consecutive victory after a disappointing start to the season, while RCB's campaign suffered another setback with their fifth defeat in six matches.The heartwarming moment between Kohli and Rohit Sharma not only showcased their friendship but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists within the Indian cricket fraternity.

Reece Topley's Sensational Fielding Stuns Rohit Sharma in IPL ClashIn a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Reece Topley showcased an extraordinary fielding effort to dismiss Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma.The incident occurred during the second ball of the 12th over, as off-spinner Will Jacks delivered a fuller delivery on middle and leg. Rohit attempted a sweep shot, dragging the ball behind square. However, Topley, positioned at short fine leg, displayed remarkable agility and reflexes.With lightning-fast reactions, Topley dived to his left and extended his fingers to pluck a stunning one-handed catch. The ball appeared to be destined for the boundary, but Topley's incredible athleticism prevented it from reaching the ropes.Rohit's dismissal was a crucial moment in the match, as he had played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians' chase of 197. The Indian opener had scored 38 runs off 24 balls, including three fours and as many sixes, providing a solid foundation for his team.The catch also marked a significant milestone for Rohit, as it was the first time he had been involved in a 100+ opening partnership in his 93rd IPL innings as an opener. He had previously shared a 99-run stand with Ishan Kishan in 2019.Topley's fielding brilliance was a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. The English left-arm pacer has consistently impressed with his athleticism and ability to make game-changing plays in the field.

Rohit Sharma's stump-mic chatter has become a regular feature in recent cricket matches, and the former Mumbai Indians captain was at it again during the IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.As Dinesh Karthik unleashed a flurry of boundaries against MI bowlers in the death overs, Rohit couldn't resist a playful dig at the RCB batter. "Shabash DK, World Cup khelna hain abhi," Rohit was heard saying, referring to the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.Karthik's blistering knock of 53 not out off 23 balls propelled RCB to a competitive 196/8 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The wicketkeeper-batter finished the innings in style, hitting Akash Madhwal for two sixes and a four in successive balls to garner 19 runs from the final over.Karthik's half-century came off just 22 balls, showcasing his exceptional finishing abilities. He struck five boundaries and four sixes, guiding RCB close to the 200-run mark.Rohit later clarified that his stump-mic banter is not intentional. As the captain of the Indian team, he positions himself in the slip cordon to assess DRS decisions and communicate with fielders. These conversations often get picked up by the microphone."I don't have any favorite line as such and I don't even do it deliberately," Rohit said. "Now I am the captain so I stand in the slips, because the angle from there helps me get a better look at the fielders and take stock of DRS. So I keep talking to the fielders and it gets recorded."

The Mumbai Indians, a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have been under the spotlight recently due to the change in captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya. This transition has sparked speculation about the relationship between the two star players.Under Rohit's leadership, MI captured five IPL titles, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in the league. However, the team management opted for a fresh start by appointing Hardik as captain. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning whether Hardik has the experience and maturity to lead a team of MI's caliber.The team's performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has further fueled the debate. MI has lost its first two matches under Hardik's captaincy, raising concerns about the team's chemistry and strategy. The pressure on Hardik is mounting, and all eyes are on him to turn things around.Amidst the on-field struggles, an off-field incident has drawn attention to the relationship between Rohit and Hardik. The Kolkata Police used a photo of the duo to raise awareness about QR code scams. The post, written in Bengali, translates to: "When you scan the QR code after listening to a fraud, Rohit is the bank account and Hardik is the deceived."This incident has sparked further speculation about the dynamics between Rohit and Hardik. Some believe it could be a sign of tension or resentment, while others dismiss it as a harmless joke.However, former India batter Robin Uthappa has provided a more positive perspective. After MI's match against Gujarat Titans, Uthappa observed a lengthy conversation between Rohit and Hardik. He believes this interaction suggests that the two players are exchanging ideas and working together for the team's success.Uthappa praised Rohit for sharing his experience with Hardik, noting that it is a testament to his character. He also emphasized that Rohit did not have to do this, given the rumors surrounding their relationship.Uthappa's observations offer a glimmer of hope for MI fans. They indicate that Rohit and Hardik are committed to working together and that the team may be able to overcome its early struggles. Only time will tell if Hardik can lead MI to another IPL title, but the support and guidance of Rohit Sharma could prove invaluable.

Steven Smith, who faced relentless heckling after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, has advised Hardik Pandya to "block out" the boos and abuse he has received from fans during the ongoing IPL. Smith believes that Hardik needs support from his Mumbai Indians teammates, especially Rohit Sharma, who he replaced as captain.Smith, who was banned for a year after admitting to "leadership failure" in the Newlands Test, said he treated the heckling he experienced as "white noise." He suggested that Hardik might be surprised by the reception because it is not often that India's top players are booed by fans.However, Smith acknowledged that the abuse from fans, coupled with criticism of his captaincy, could impact Hardik adversely. He pointed out that Hardik has not experienced such a reception before, especially as a star Indian player.Smith also expressed concern about Hardik's tactical decisions in Mumbai Indians' back-to-back losses. He believes Hardik erred by batting himself too low in the first game and by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah enough in the second game.Smith suggested that Rohit Sharma could play a role in supporting Hardik, similar to how Virat Kohli defended Smith during the 2019 World Cup. He said that Rohit could stand up and ask fans to support Hardik, which could help him overcome the current challenges.

Mumbai Indians' IPL 2024 campaign has started with two consecutive defeats, raising concerns among fans and experts alike. The franchise's decision to trade Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and appoint him as captain has come under scrutiny after the team's poor start.In their opening match, Mumbai narrowly lost to Gujarat Titans, but their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a heavy defeat, with Hyderabad scoring a mammoth 277 runs in 20 overs. Pandya has faced criticism for his leadership and performance, while his wife, Natasa Stankovic, has been targeted by trolls on social media.Despite the setbacks, Pandya remains optimistic and has urged his team to stay united. "Toughest soldiers get the toughest test; we are the toughest team in the competition," he said in a video posted on Mumbai Indians' social media handle. "Let's make sure we will help each other; worst or good, we will be together."Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is a mentor for Mumbai Indians, believes the team has the potential to turn things around. "The game was very much open. The target was very much achievable," he said. "Let's stick together, tighter. There are going to be tougher moments, we will stick together as a group and pull it through."Mumbai Indians will be looking to bounce back in their next match against Chennai Super Kings on April 15. The team will need to find a way to improve their bowling and fielding, while also finding consistency with their batting.