Cricket

The Indian cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 2 to 29. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has identified Rishabh Pant as the potential game-changer for Rohit Sharma's side.Lal believes that Pant's return to the team is crucial for India's success in the tournament. "If India wants to win, he needs to perform well. It is as simple as that," said Lal. "He is a class act. At the moment, he is one of the top batsmen in the world."Lal also praised the selection of Shivam Dube over Rinku Singh as an all-rounder. "Dube has done quite well recently," said Lal. "He is the best hitter of the ball (at the moment). That's why I think they have picked Dube ahead of Rinku Singh."However, Lal questioned the exclusion of KL Rahul from the squad. "KL is also very talented, and there is no doubt about that," said Lal. "It (not selecting Rahul) is another mysterious case."Lal emphasized the importance of performing well in the initial overs of the match. "The game is won on the front when the top batsmen and bowlers play well," said Lal. "For the bowlers, if you don't get wickets early on and then allow opponents to score runs against you, then that haunts you all the game. The same goes with the batsmen. The first six and last three-four are very important overs."India's schedule for the T20 World Cup 2024 includes matches against Ireland (June 5), Pakistan (June 9), the USA (June 12), and Canada (15), all to be played in New York and Florida.

Shivam Dube's remarkable resurgence has culminated in his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Mumbai all-rounder's blistering form in the ongoing IPL season, where he has amassed 350 runs in nine matches at an astonishing strike rate of 172.41, has propelled him into contention as India's potential batting enforcer.However, Dube's career trajectory took a significant turn thanks to the intervention of Mumbai chief selector Raju Kulkarni. During the 2022-23 domestic season, Dube played a pivotal role in Mumbai's Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 triumph, scoring 186 runs and claiming eight wickets. Despite his impressive performances, he was overlooked for both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy.As a result, Dube's chances of selection for the Deodhar Trophy seemed slim. However, Kulkarni, who chaired the West Zone selection meeting, vehemently advocated for his inclusion. Despite opposition from other state selectors, Kulkarni argued that Dube deserved an opportunity based on his past performances for India and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.Kulkarni's persistence paid off, and Dube was eventually selected for the Deodhar Trophy. He justified his inclusion with a solid performance, scoring 119 runs and taking three wickets. This led to his selection for the Indian team for the Ireland T20Is, where he continued to impress.Dube's resurgence culminated in his selection for the Asian Games in China, where he excelled for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 407 runs and taking 12 wickets. His consistent performances throughout the season have earned him a well-deserved place in India's T20 World Cup squad.

Shivam Dube's journey to the Indian T20 World Cup squad was marked by anticipation and sleepless nights. After a three-year absence, Dube earned a recall in August 2023, showcasing his transformed role as a spin-hitter for Chennai Super Kings.Dube's IPL success translated into international brilliance in January 2024. He smashed consecutive half-centuries against Afghanistan, earning the Player of the Series award. Captain Rohit Sharma's encouragement to bowl and bat freely boosted his confidence.At IPL 2024, Dube has continued his six-hitting prowess, ranking third in the tournament. He credits his batting transformation to his move to CSK, where MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming encouraged him to focus on hitting without taking undue risks.Dube's batting style has drawn comparisons to Yuvraj Singh, a legend known for his clean hitting. Dube acknowledges the resemblance and aspires to develop the same consistency. He has learned from Yuvraj's ability to cover up slow starts with explosive finishes.Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. His ability to hit big against spinners and his improved bowling skills make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

India Unveils Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup: Pant, Dube, and Samson Make the CutThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States and West Indies from June 1st. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions.Leading the charge as captain is Rohit Sharma, who will be aiming to guide India to their second T20 World Cup title. He is joined by veteran batsman Virat Kohli, who remains a key figure in the team's batting lineup. Suryakumar Yadav, the current ICC T20I Player of the Year, is also included, along with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.One of the most significant additions to the squad is wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant has been in impressive form in recent months, and his inclusion adds depth and explosiveness to the batting order. Another notable inclusion is all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has shown promise with both bat and ball.Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the Indian team in recent years, has also earned a recall. Samson's versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset to the squad.The bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been India's most consistent performers in recent times. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal form a formidable spin duo, while Arshdeep Singh provides a left-arm option.The squad also includes experienced all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who offer balance and depth to the team. Axar Patel, another left-arm spinner, provides additional options for the bowling attack.The reserve players for the tournament include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. These players will be on standby in case of any injuries or unforeseen circumstances.India will be hoping to make a strong impact at the 2024 T20 World Cup and add to their tally of two titles. With a talented and experienced squad, they will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Hardik Pandya's struggles as Mumbai Indians skipper have raised questions about his place in India's T20 World Cup squad. The all-rounder has endured a disappointing IPL season, with poor bowling figures, limited runs with the bat, and subpar leadership. Mumbai Indians' dismal performance, winning only three of their nine matches, has further fueled criticism.However, former pacer Varun Aaron believes that Pandya remains a key contender for India's T20 World Cup squad, ahead of Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube. Aaron attributes Pandya's struggles to his return to Mumbai Indians, which has placed immense pressure on him."Hardik is a proven match winner," Aaron said. "He's not at his best right now, but he's taking on a lot of pressure. He must be thinking, 'Why did I come here?'"Aaron believes that Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians was a mistake that has affected his performance. "He had a really good run at the Gujarat Titans," Aaron added. "Once you remove him from that pressure, he will shine."In nine matches for Mumbai Indians, Pandya has scored 197 runs at an average of 24.62 and a strike rate of 151.53. On the bowling front, he has taken only four wickets and leaked runs at an economy of close to 12 RPO.Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians skipper ahead of the 2024 season. Sharma, a five-time title winner, has been a highly successful captain for the franchise.Despite Pandya's struggles, Aaron believes that he should be included in India's T20 World Cup squad. "He's a proven match winner," Aaron said. "He's got the experience and the skill. He's a big-match player."

Shivam Dube's exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 have propelled him into contention for a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has amassed 350 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.Dube's impressive tally has garnered widespread support from cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has been particularly vocal in his advocacy for Dube's inclusion, stating that he should not only be selected for the 15-member squad but also feature in the playing XI."The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "I am saying that you shouldn't only send him but play him in the XI."Chopra emphasized Dube's undeniable impact with the bat, stating that "no captain, team management, or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him."Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has also praised Dube's evolution as a cricketer in this year's IPL. He highlighted the all-rounder's remarkable improvement in overcoming his weaknesses."Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better," Kaif said on Star Sports. "Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic."Kaif further praised Dube's versatility and power-hitting prowess, noting his ability to dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease. "He hit low full tosses for sixes. It is very difficult to do that. Batters even get out to low full tosses at times but he has the power, uses the long handle, doesn't move his feet much, and attacks the ball with full power and targets the sight screen," Kaif elaborated."When India will go to play the World Cup, you will need such a player," Kaif added.Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would provide India with a much-needed power-hitter in the middle order. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his versatility against both pace and spin would make him a valuable asset to the team.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the wicketkeeping options, key players, and future prospects for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Wicketkeeping Dilemma:India faces a conundrum in selecting a wicketkeeper with several talented options available. Dinesh Karthik has emerged as a contender after his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, averaging 52.40 with a strike rate of 195.52. Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, has also shown good form for Delhi Capitals, scoring 342 runs in nine matches. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are other potential candidates.Yuvraj believes Karthik's inclusion makes sense only if he is guaranteed a starting spot. Otherwise, he favors younger options like Pant and Samson.Key Players:Yuvraj identifies Suryakumar Yadav as India's key player, highlighting his ability to change the game in just 15 deliveries. He also emphasizes the importance of Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling department and suggests including a leg-spinner like Yuzvendra Chahal.Emerging Talent:Yuvraj is impressed by Shivam Dube's performances for Chennai Super Kings, describing him as a potential game-changer. He believes Dube deserves a place in the squad.Future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli:Yuvraj acknowledges the experience and contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but suggests that their future in the T20I format may depend on their performances in the upcoming World Cup.

India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya may not be in top form, but his unique skillset and the lack of a suitable replacement make him a likely candidate for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.Despite his recent struggles, Pandya remains a valuable asset to the team. His ability to bat aggressively, field exceptionally well, and contribute with his medium-pace bowling makes him a versatile player.While Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube has impressed with his batting in the IPL, his limited bowling options may hinder his chances of selection. According to reports, the team's reluctance to use Dube as a bowler could work in Pandya's favor.Pandya's batting prowess, with a strike rate of 132, and his fielding skills are expected to outweigh his current form slump. He has also bowled 17 overs in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.However, Pandya's batting has been below par, with only seven sixes in eight games. His free-flowing style has been missing, and his strike rate of 142 is below his usual standards.Despite Pandya's struggles, Dube's emergence as a finisher has made him a strong contender for a spot in the 15-member squad. While Dube may not be a direct replacement for Pandya as an all-rounder, his batting form cannot be ignored.In terms of bowling options, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are considered certainties for the squad. The remaining spot is likely to be contested between Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi.Avesh has improved his death bowling and has eight wickets in eight matches, while Bishnoi has been economical on flat tracks. Axar, with seven wickets in nine games, is also a strong candidate.Ultimately, the selection committee will have to weigh the pros and cons of each player and make a decision based on their current form and the team's needs.

Shivam Dube's transformation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been remarkable. After struggling in his first three seasons, he has become an indispensable part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since joining the franchise in 2022.Dube's turnaround is largely due to the clear role he has been given by CSK. The team has entrusted him with the responsibility of taking on spinners during the middle overs, a task he has excelled at with his long reach and power.However, teams quickly realized Dube's weakness against fast bowlers and preferred to tie him down with short-pitched deliveries. This posed a challenge for Dube, especially with the introduction of the two-bouncer rule this season.But the Mumbai all-rounder has shown that he is up to the task. In the first eight games of IPL 2023, Dube has amassed 311 runs, including three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 169. Against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, he scored 66 runs, with all his boundaries coming off medium-pacers.Dube's improved ability to handle short-pitched deliveries has been praised by CSK batting coach Micheal Hussey. "He has given it back to the bowlers, forcing them to try something new," Hussey said.Dube's heroics last year earned him a recall to the Indian squad after a three-year gap. By addressing his weakness this year, he has strengthened his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad.