Cricket

Ahead of the third T20I against Zimbabwe, the Indian cricket team, their families, and support staff embarked on a wildlife sanctuary tour in Harare. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared pictures of the visit on its official Twitter handle, highlighting the collaboration with Zimbabwe Cricket and Zimbabwe Tourism.The Indian squad has been bolstered by the addition of Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the remainder of the series. The trio was instrumental in India's T20 World Cup triumph in the USA and the West Indies.Due to their delayed return from Barbados, the BCCI had initially included Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana in India's squad for the first two T20Is. Sudharshan made his T20I debut in the second match but did not get the opportunity to bat.Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Indian team registered a commanding 100-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I, leveling the five-match series 1-1 after the hosts' stunning win in the series opener.The third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played in Harare on Wednesday, July 10. The Indian team will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure a series victory, while Zimbabwe will be determined to continue their impressive form and upset the visitors once again.

Shivam Dube's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad has come under scrutiny following his underwhelming performances with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has failed to replicate his impressive IPL form for the Chennai Super Kings, raising questions about his place in the playing eleven.Dube's selection was based on his ability to hit spinners for sixes in the middle overs, a skill that impressed captain Rohit Sharma and the selectors. However, in four innings at the World Cup, he has managed only 44 runs, with a highest of 31 not out against USA.Compounding Dube's batting struggles is his limited use as a bowler. Rohit has only asked him to bowl one over in the tournament, which he conceded 11 runs in against USA. This reluctance to utilize Dube's bowling ability further weakens his case for inclusion.If India decide to drop Dube, middle-order batsman Sanju Samson is seen as a more suitable replacement than Yashasvi Jaiswal. Samson has a proven track record against spin, a key factor considering Bangladesh's likely use of spin-heavy bowling.However, some argue that Dube should be given one more game to prove his worth, especially against Bangladesh. They point to his potential to counter spin and his ability to provide depth to the batting lineup.Ultimately, the decision of whether to retain or replace Dube rests with Rohit and coach Rahul Dravid. They must weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering the team's overall balance and the specific challenges posed by Bangladesh.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has strongly advocated for the inclusion of wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson in India's playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Sreesanth's suggestion is not to replace first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant but to play Samson as a pure batsman in place of Shivam Dube.Sreesanth's reasoning is based on the premise that if Shivam Dube is not bowling, Team India would be better off selecting a more capable batsman like Samson. He believes that Samson should be included as a finisher, given his exceptional batting skills."If they (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat. But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson come in the team," Sreesanth told ANI."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju (Samson) should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth emphasized.Sreesanth's suggestion stems from his belief that Samson is a hungry and talented player who deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He also highlighted Samson's exceptional fielding skills, which would be a valuable asset to the team."I spoke to him the other day; he is hungry for an opportunity," Sreesanth said. "He is also a Superman fielder."Sreesanth and Samson share a common bond as they both hail from the state of Kerala in India. Despite Samson typically batting at number 3 in the IPL, Sreesanth believes he should be deployed as a finisher in the T20 World Cup."I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king. I don't see any score being that difficult for us to chase," said Sreesanth, a winner of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.Dube played a crucial role in India's victory against the USA. Coming in to bat with India lying at 39-3, Dube and Suryakumar Yadav ensured India reached home safely and qualified for the Super 8 stage.Samson enjoyed his most successful IPL to date before the T20 World Cup. He finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2024, with 531 runs from 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals.India are confirmed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the Super 8.

Team India's impressive start to the T20 World Cup, with three consecutive wins, has prompted former pacer Sreesanth to suggest a change in the playing XI. Sreesanth believes that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should be included in the lineup, potentially replacing all-rounder Shivam Dube.Samson, who opened in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, has not yet featured in India's World Cup campaign. However, Sreesanth believes that his versatility and current form make him a valuable asset."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth said. "The form he is in, and apart from wicketkeeping, he is a superman fielder."Sreesanth also highlighted Samson's ability to contribute in the lower order, alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. "I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king."Dube's place in the team has come under scrutiny after he struggled with the bat against Pakistan and bowled only one over across three matches. Sreesanth believes that Samson could provide a more balanced option, especially if Dube is not contributing with the ball."If they [Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli] are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat," Sreesanth said. "But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson coming into the team."Sreesanth's suggestion has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. While some believe that Samson's inclusion would strengthen the team, others argue that Dube's potential with the bat should not be overlooked.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed the remarkable return of Rishabh Pant and the newfound consistency of Sanju Samson, bolstering India's wicketkeeping options for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pant's resilience in overcoming a harrowing accident was evident in his improved fitness and agility, particularly his wicketkeeping skills. Samson, on the other hand, showcased a remarkable transformation, leading the Rajasthan Royals with consistent performances.Starting with a match-winning 82 not out against Lucknow Super Giants, Samson maintained his momentum throughout the tournament, finishing with 531 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.27. His improved game awareness and leadership skills impressed selectors and team management alike.Samson's consistency earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, pipping experienced wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul. However, the debate remains over who will be India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman between Pant and Samson.Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes that Samson's role in the team is as a batter at No. 3, while Pant's left-handedness gives him an edge in the lower order. However, Karim also acknowledges that both players could potentially play in the XI, given their different skill sets.Despite his impressive IPL form, Samson's international record remains modest. However, his inclusion in the World Cup squad could be a game-changer for India, providing a reliable option at the top of the order.Whether Samson can cement his place as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of Pant remains to be seen. However, his inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his newfound consistency and the belief that he can make a significant contribution to India's title aspirations.

Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson exudes confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his belief in his preparation for the tournament. Samson, who has endured a decade of ups and downs in his career, feels that he is now at his most experienced and prepared for the global event.Samson's impressive performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain of the Rajasthan Royals has bolstered his confidence. He amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47, finishing fifth in the Orange Cap standings.Despite the intense pressure of the IPL, Samson admits that he couldn't help but think about his chances of being selected for the World Cup. He acknowledges that his aggressive batting style, which aims to make every ball count, may have played a role in earning him a spot in the squad.However, Samson remains cautious and aware of potential selection issues. He understands that the team's needs and the combination sought by the selectors and management will ultimately determine his playing time.With in-form Rishabh Pant also in the side, it remains uncertain whether Samson will get the opportunity to play in any of the games during the T20 World Cup. Nonetheless, Samson remains optimistic and believes that his preparation and experience will serve him well if given the chance.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has endorsed Rishabh Pant as India's starting wicketkeeper for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Gavaskar's endorsement stems from Pant's superior glove work and recent impressive form.Pant's performance in India's lone warm-up game against Bangladesh, where he scored a blistering 53 off 32 balls, further solidified his case. In contrast, his competitor, Sanju Samson, failed to make an impact in the same match, managing only one run off six balls.While both players had impressive IPL 2024 seasons, Pant's edge in wicketkeeping abilities gives him an advantage over Samson. Gavaskar emphasized this point, stating, "If you compare the wicketkeeping abilities, then Rishabh Pant is a better wicket-keeper than Samson."Despite Samson's impressive run-scoring in the IPL 2024, amassing 531 runs at an average of over 48, Pant's recent form has been equally impressive. After a 15-month layoff, Pant showed no signs of rust, scoring 446 runs at an average of 40.54 in 13 matches.Gavaskar also pointed out that Samson's inability to score big runs in the latter part of the IPL 2024 and the warm-up game against Bangladesh could tip the scales in Pant's favor.Both players have had underwhelming T20I careers, with Samson averaging under 19 and Pant averaging 22.43. However, Pant's recent form and superior wicketkeeping skills make him the more likely choice for the T20 World Cup.India, who haven't won an ICC trophy since 2013, will be hoping that Pant's inclusion in the playing XI will strengthen their chances. Having secured a convincing 60-run win against Bangladesh in their warm-up game, India are set to face Ireland in their opening match on Wednesday.

India's T20 World Cup preparations took an unexpected turn as Sanju Samson opened the batting alongside Rohit Sharma in their warm-up match against Bangladesh in New York. Samson's brief stay at the crease ended with an lbw dismissal for 1, leaving India's opening combination still up for debate.With regular openers Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli in the squad, Samson's inclusion at the top of the order raised eyebrows. Kohli, who arrived in New York on the eve of the match, was unavailable for the warm-up game. Samson, one of two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad alongside Rishabh Pant, replaced Samson at the crease at No. 3.The opening combination has been a topic of discussion for India, with Rohit expected to take one of the two slots. Kohli, despite his successful IPL campaign as an opener, has traditionally batted at No. 3 in T20Is. Jaiswal, on the other hand, provides a left-handed option and can prevent oppositions from bowling left-arm spin in the powerplay, a style of bowling that has troubled both Rohit and Kohli in the past.However, given that this is a warm-up match where both teams can use their entire squads, the choice of Samson as opener and Pant at No. 3 should not be overanalyzed. India may be looking to assess both their keepers before deciding on their opening combination for their tournament opener against Ireland on June 5.

The Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping position for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has been a subject of intense speculation. After considering several contenders, the selectors opted for Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant, leaving out KL Rahul, a prominent opener for Lucknow Super Giants.India's captain, Rohit Sharma, and chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, emphasized their preference for middle-order batters while selecting wicket-keepers, which led to Rahul's exclusion. Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel weighed in on the debate between Samson and Pant for the playing XI in the T20 World Cup."Sanju Samson's leadership and run-scoring prowess in the IPL this season are undeniable. However, Rishabh Pant offers a different dimension. Our batting lineup needs a left-hander, and at this point, Pant seems to be the favorite. Both players are highly capable," Patel stated at an event in New Delhi.Earlier, former Indian batter Yuvraj Singh also expressed his preference for Pant over Samson. "I would lean towards Rishabh. Sanju is in excellent form, but Pant is a left-hander, and I believe he has the potential to win games for India, as he has done in the past, especially in Test cricket. He can be a match-winner on the big stage," Yuvraj told ICC.Yuvraj also highlighted the importance of Suryakumar Yadav's performance for India's success in the T20 World Cup. "Suryakumar Yadav is India's key player. He can change the game's complexion in just 15 balls. He is a crucial factor in India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup," Yuvraj said.