Cricket

India's impressive run at the T20 World Cup 2024 has evoked bittersweet memories for fans, reminiscent of the team's heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India has remained undefeated in the tournament so far, mirroring their dominant performance in the previous World Cup.However, the recent cryptic post by former Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan has stirred up emotions among fans. Dhawan, who has been sidelined from the national team for some time, shared a billboard image with the caption, "Men can get over anything, but not 19th November." This date marks the day India lost the ODI World Cup final to Australia.Dhawan's post has reignited the pain of that defeat, which saw India's unbeaten run come to an abrupt end. The team's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has brought back memories of that fateful day, raising concerns among fans that history may repeat itself.Earlier this year, Dhawan hinted at his potential retirement from international cricket, suggesting that he may be nearing the end of his playing career. This has added to the sense of nostalgia surrounding India's current World Cup campaign.Despite the lingering memories of the ODI World Cup final, Team India remains focused on the task at hand. They kicked off their Super 8s campaign with a convincing victory over Afghanistan, posting a total of 181/8 and restricting their opponents to 134. Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Match for his impressive 53-run knock.India's next challenge will be Bangladesh in their upcoming Super 8s match on Saturday. The team will be determined to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure a spot in the semi-finals. However, the shadow of the ODI World Cup final loss continues to loom over their journey, serving as a reminder of the fragility of success in major tournaments.

Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, has acknowledged that he is approaching a transitional phase in his career, signaling a potential end to his illustrious journey on the international stage.Dhawan, who made a memorable Test debut with a century and celebrated his 100th ODI with a ton, has enjoyed a remarkable career. However, the 38-year-old has been absent from international cricket since December 2022 and has faced speculation about his future after Punjab Kings' exit from the ongoing IPL season.In a recent interview, Dhawan candidly admitted that his cricketing career is undergoing a "transition." He remains composed and accepts the inevitable reality that his playing days are numbered."I am also going through a transition 'Jahan Meri Cricket Vishram Pe Aayegi' and a new chapter in my life will start. You only have a certain age till you can play. It could be one year more, two years more, or xyz for me...," Dhawan said.Despite his absence from international cricket, Dhawan has maintained a strong presence in the IPL. As the second-highest run-getter in the league's history, he has showcased his enduring talent. However, a shoulder injury sustained during the IPL season has limited his participation to just five games.Reflecting on his injury, Dhawan said, "Unfortunately I got injured this IPL season and could not play for Punjab except for 4-5 matches. It takes time to recover. I am still healing. I have not recovered 100 per cent yet."While sidelined from on-field action, Dhawan has ventured into a new realm with his chat show 'Dhawan Karenge.' The show, which premiered on JioCinema, has provided him with a unique learning experience."I will be honest...I was quite nervous initially as it was something new for me. 'Dil Dhak-Dhak Kar Raha Tha'..(heart was beating fast), especially when I was shooting with Akshay Paaji (Akshay Kumar). I was smiling in front of him but I was nervous for sure. I feel it's natural to get nervous when you start something new...but 'Ek Baari Flow Mein Aa Gaye Toh Phir Chakke-Chauke Pad Hi Jaate Hain' (once you get the hang of it, then it is just like smashing boundaries on the cricket field)," Dhawan said.As Dhawan navigates this transitional phase, he remains open to new opportunities and embraces the challenges that lie ahead. His legacy as one of India's most successful openers will undoubtedly endure, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.

India's Quest for ICC Glory: Rohit Sharma Leads Team into T20 World CupAs the ICC T20 World Cup approaches, Indian cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the performance of their team under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma. The tournament, scheduled to take place in the US and West Indies from June 5, presents India with an opportunity to redeem themselves after the disappointment of losing the ODI World Cup title at home last year.India's T20 World Cup campaign will begin on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The 36-year-old Rohit will be aiming to secure an ICC trophy that has eluded India since 2013. India's last T20 World Cup victory came in the inaugural edition in 2007, when the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team defeated Pakistan by five runs in the final.Since their 2007 triumph, India have reached the final just once in eight editions, finishing as runners-up in the 2014 tournament in Bangladesh after losing to Sri Lanka by six wickets.Despite the challenges, India's star batsman Shikhar Dhawan is confident in Rohit's ability to lead the team to victory. "Of course, there is lots of pressure playing for India in World Cups and Rohit is an experienced guy. I am sure his experience will come in handy, he knows how to soak the pressure and definitely, India will come out with flying colours," Dhawan told TimesofIndia.com.Another key player for India will be Virat Kohli, who has been in exceptional form in recent ICC events. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli amassed 296 runs in 6 matches at an impressive average of 98.66, including four half-centuries. He also maintained his prolific form in the ICC ODI World Cup, hosted by India, earning the Man of the Series award with 765 runs in 11 matches.Dhawan believes that Kohli will once again rise to the occasion as Team India seeks an ICC title. "Apart from Rohit, I feel Virat (Kohli) and Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) will be crucial for Team India’s success in the T20 World Cup," Dhawan said. "Virat is the chase master and his mere presence in the field demoralises the opposition. Jasprit is the world’s best bowler at the moment in all 3 formats and if India are to win the World Cup, he will play a vital role in it."The IPL has also showcased emerging stars who could potentially make an impact in the T20 World Cup. Punjab Kings batsmen Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have impressed with their breathtaking batting and ability to clear the boundary with ease.With a balanced squad and experienced leadership, India will be hoping to end their ICC title drought and bring home the T20 World Cup trophy.

Punjab Kings' skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, will miss the team's match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. The team hopes to have him back for their next game against Chennai Super Kings on May 1.Dhawan last played against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9 and has missed three matches since then. Sam Curran has stepped in as captain in his absence.PBKS spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi said Dhawan is recovering and could return for the team's next game in Chennai."He was in form and we really missed his batting services. We saw him batting yesterday, going through the nets and everything," Joshi said on the eve of their match against KKR."He is on the road to recovery. Hopefully, he should be fit for the next game (against CSK)," he said.PBKS have struggled as a batting unit and are ninth on the table with four points from eight matches.Jitesh Sharma's StrugglesWicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma has been a disappointment for PBKS in the ongoing IPL. Once considered a contender for India's first-choice wicketkeeper, Sharma has scored just 128 runs from eight innings at an average of 16.00 and a strike rate of 125.49.Joshi attributed Sharma's struggles to the pressure of meeting expectations."Jitesh is a quality batter and we all know that the time has come for him to fire tomorrow. And yes, of course, there are multiple players in the whole IPL," Joshi said."They are all eager to be in the T20 World Cup squad. But at times, most of the players are in that phase that (the thought of) making it to the Indian team will always keep haunting. So, it's about focusing on basic, right things."Joshi said Sharma needs to focus on performing one ball at a time and not worry about the Indian team selection.Pressure on KKRJoshi believes the pressure will be on KKR to perform and win at home."We've come out of home. The pressure should be on the home team now so we can play freely and get runs," he said.

Punjab Kings' woes continue in IPL 2024 as they suffer a fourth consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Gujarat Titans by a narrow three-wicket margin. The loss leaves the Preity Zinta co-owned franchise languishing in ninth place in the standings, exacerbating their struggles in the absence of star player Shikhar Dhawan due to injury.With Dhawan sidelined, all-rounder Sam Curran has assumed the captaincy role, but his performances with both bat and ball have failed to impress. India cricket legend Virender Sehwag has been particularly critical of Punjab Kings' approach, questioning their decision-making regarding player roles and lineup adjustments."If I was in the PBKS dugout, I would not even pick him in my team, neither as a batting all-rounder nor as a bowling all-rounder. I wouldn't pick him," Sehwag remarked on Cricbuzz, highlighting Curran's underwhelming contributions.Sehwag further emphasized his point, stating, "A player is not of any use if he can bowl a bit and bat a bit. You either bat properly and win us the match, or you bowl and win us the game. This bits and pieces part I don't understand."Statistically, Curran's performance this season has been lackluster, managing only 152 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 116.03, with just one half-century to his name. Despite taking 11 wickets for Punjab Kings, his overall impact has been questioned amidst the team's struggles.Punjab Kings' batting has also been inconsistent, with only Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone consistently delivering substantial contributions. The middle order has failed to provide adequate support, with the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, and Jitesh Sharma failing to live up to expectations.The bowling attack has also been underwhelming, with Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh failing to replicate their previous performances. The absence of Dhawan has also deprived Punjab Kings of a reliable opening batsman, putting additional pressure on the other batters.As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Punjab Kings find themselves at a crossroads, facing mounting pressure to arrest their slide and salvage their campaign without the services of key player Shikhar Dhawan.

Punjab Kings Eye Victory Against Gujarat Titans Amidst Dhawan's Injury ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL encounter against Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin addressed the team's strategy and provided updates on captain Shikhar Dhawan's injury.Dhawan's absence has left a significant void in the Punjab Kings lineup. "It's difficult to replace someone like Shikhar," Haddin acknowledged. "He's one of the most successful openers in the IPL and has been in great form this season."Despite the setback, Haddin expressed optimism about Dhawan's recovery. "He has started to progress well," he said. "We will decide on Sunday morning whether he's available for selection."In Dhawan's absence, Punjab Kings will rely on their bowlers, particularly their seamers. "Our fast bowlers have the most wickets in IPL 2024," Haddin noted. "If we can find the runs, our spinners and pacers could find some much-needed support."Haddin also highlighted the team's need to convert close matches into wins. "We have got to find a way to get a result in this game," he emphasized. "The last three games were very close."The Punjab Kings batsmen, including Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, have shown promise in recent matches. "The way they have been performing, we want to give them more time on the pitch," Haddin said.Facing Gujarat Titans presents a formidable challenge, but Haddin believes his team is up to the task. "We have a good team," he said. "We just need to find a way to put it all together and get a win."

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT), both struggling in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will face off in a crucial match on April 21 in Mullanpur. PBKS, currently in ninth place, has lost five of their seven matches, while GT, ranked eighth, has suffered four defeats in seven outings.PBKS's woes stem from the absence of skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. The team's specialist batters, including Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, and Rilee Rossouw, have failed to live up to expectations. However, young Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have shown promise, providing some respite for the team.GT, on the other hand, has been let down by its batting, particularly in their recent loss to Delhi Capitals. Despite boasting quality players like Shubman Gill, David Miller, and Rashid Khan, GT's batting lineup has struggled to find consistency. The absence of Mohammad Shami has also hurt the team's bowling attack, while Umesh Yadav has been expensive.Both teams will be desperate to turn their fortunes around in this match. PBKS will need their batters to step up and provide a solid foundation, while GT will need to find a way to overcome their batting woes. The match promises to be a close contest, with both teams having the potential to emerge victorious.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan: A Dynamic Duo on and Off the FieldRohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have established themselves as one of the most formidable opening pairs in Indian cricket, particularly in the limited-overs format. Their exceptional on-field chemistry stems from their close friendship off the field, which has played a pivotal role in their success as a batting unit.Ahead of the highly anticipated match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the two openers shared a heartwarming moment, embracing each other in a warm hug. The official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League (IPL) captured this touching encounter, showcasing the camaraderie between the two players.Despite Dhawan's absence from the match due to an injury, his presence was felt as Punjab Kings came tantalizingly close to upsetting the five-time champions. Chasing a challenging target of 193, Ashutosh Sharma's blistering 28-ball 61 nearly pulled off a remarkable heist, but Punjab ultimately fell short by a narrow margin of 9 runs.The result saw Mumbai Indians climb to the seventh spot in the IPL points table with three wins from seven matches, while Punjab Kings slipped to ninth place with two victories from seven outings.The bond between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan extends beyond the cricket field. They are known for their jovial nature and often engage in playful banter, which has endeared them to fans and teammates alike. Their ability to maintain a positive and supportive environment has contributed to their consistent performances as an opening pair.

Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan has taken to social media to express his love for his son, Zoraver, amidst a challenging IPL season for his team. Dhawan posted a heartwarming picture on Instagram, wearing a jersey with his son's name and number.Dhawan's gesture comes after a difficult period in his personal life, following his separation from his former wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, in 2021. The family court of Delhi granted them a divorce on grounds of cruelty. Dhawan had previously expressed his frustration at being blocked from contacting his son.Despite the personal challenges, Dhawan has remained focused on his cricket. In five matches of IPL 2024, he has scored 152 runs at an average of 30.40, including a half-century. However, he missed the previous game against Rajasthan Royals due to a shoulder injury.Punjab Kings Cricket Director Sanjay Bangar has provided an update on Dhawan's injury, stating that he could be ruled out for at least seven to ten days. This is a significant blow to the team, as Dhawan is an experienced opener with a proven track record in the IPL.Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6768 runs in 222 matches. His absence will be a major concern for Punjab Kings, who are currently struggling in the tournament with two wins and four losses.Despite the setbacks, Dhawan remains a key figure for Punjab Kings. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team looks to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the IPL.