Cricket

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad for the tournament by the end of April.The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a challenging task in picking a balanced squad. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed some impressive performances from young players, making the selection process even more competitive.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the selectors will meet on April 27 or 28 to finalize the squad. The deadline set by the ICC for participating boards to announce their provisional squads is May 1.One of the key players in contention for a spot in the squad is Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals skipper has been in excellent form in the IPL, scoring an unbeaten 88 off just 43 deliveries in a thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans. Pant's performance has reignited the debate about his possible inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.However, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Pant may not fit into the middle order of the Indian team. Doull suggests that Pant would be a better fit at number 3, behind the rumored opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli."He's getting closer. Can he bat at 3? Because I go back to the team I'm looking at (for T20 World Cup), and he doesn't fit in the middle-order. If he can, he's getting a step closer to the boarding pass," Doull said on Cricbuzz."He's a better player than a slogger or hitter. He comes, and he eases his way into his innings. That's why I say he's a terrific Test player. He's a fine batter. But I don't think he's a player who comes out and starts slogging, not in modern-day T20 cricket. That's why his numbers aren't nowhere near as good as they possibly should. So, my question is, could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)?" he added.The Indian selectors will have to carefully consider all these factors when making their final decision. The T20 World Cup is a major tournament, and India will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second time.

Hardik Pandya's post-match comments following Mumbai Indians' defeat to Chennai Super Kings have sparked discussions about the team's dynamics and support system. Pandya's praise for MS Dhoni's guidance from behind the stumps has raised questions about his own perceived isolation within the team.Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist interpreted Pandya's remarks as indicative of a feeling of loneliness. He noted that Pandya's emphasis on Dhoni's support suggests a lack of similar support from his own teammates. Gilchrist also pointed out Pandya's omission of Mumbai Indians captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in his praise, indicating a potential rift between the two.Simon Doull echoed Gilchrist's interpretation, highlighting a shift in the team's dynamics. He suggested that Pandya's attempts to establish his authority may be met with resistance from some teammates, including former captain Rohit Sharma. Doull noted the contrast between Dhoni's guidance to Gaikwad and Sharma's perceived discontent.The match itself saw a stellar performance from Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed four wickets for CSK. Despite Rohit Sharma's unbeaten century, Mumbai Indians fell short by 20 runs in their chase of CSK's 206/4. Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad played key roles in setting up the challenging target for CSK.Pandya's comments have brought to light underlying issues within the Mumbai Indians camp. The team's dynamics and support system will be under scrutiny as they navigate the remainder of the IPL season.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has raised concerns about the fitness of Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, suggesting that he may be suffering from an undisclosed injury. Doull's comments stem from Pandya's limited bowling appearances for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.After opening the bowling in the first two matches, Pandya has refrained from bowling in the subsequent two encounters. In the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he bowled a single over but did not return to the attack after conceding 13 runs.Doull believes that Pandya's reluctance to bowl is indicative of an underlying injury. "You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He's injured. I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling," Doull said on Cricbuzz.Pandya's injury concerns are particularly troubling given his recent return from an ankle injury sustained during the Cricket World Cup 2023. He has only played a handful of matches since then, and an injury setback could jeopardize his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.When asked about his decision to not bowl against Delhi Capitals, Pandya stated that he would bowl at the "right time." However, his limited bowling appearances have raised questions about his fitness.The issue has also sparked controversy among fans, with some booing Pandya during Mumbai Indians games. However, Virat Kohli has defended the all-rounder, urging the crowd to cheer him on.

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.