Cricket

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Virat Kohli as an opener in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly believes that Kohli's exceptional form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) warrants his promotion to the top of the order."Virat is playing exceptionally well. The way Kohli batted last night – 90 in quick time, you need to use him as an opener in the T20 World Cup," Ganguly told PTI.Ganguly expressed confidence in India's T20 World Cup squad, commending its balanced composition and expressing optimism about their trophy prospects after a 17-year gap."This is an excellent squad. I think they have picked the best possible squad. Apart from batting depth, bowling looks excellent," Ganguly remarked.Reflecting on the high-scoring nature of T20 cricket, Ganguly acknowledged the trend of power-hitting and its impact on the game's dynamics."This is going to be the trend in the years to come. T20 cricket has become a power-oriented game and that's what it is going to be," Ganguly observed.Ganguly identified the Impact Player rule and the aggressive mindset of modern-day batsmen as factors contributing to the surge in mammoth totals in the IPL."Now, in IPL we are seeing scores like 240, 250 regularly... That's how this game has gone and that's how the players have started approaching the game," Ganguly explained.Ganguly stressed the need for bowlers to upskill themselves to counter the dominance of batsmen in T20s, citing examples of skillful bowlers thriving across formats."I don't believe in formats. I believe in skills. These are exemplary players who will thrive in all formats," Ganguly noted.Referring to the selection of wicketkeeper-batsmen for the T20 World Cup, Ganguly backed the decision to prioritize Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson over Dinesh Karthik."Dinesh played well but there are better players than Dinesh. I don't think you can leave Sanju or Rishabh out," Ganguly remarked.Ganguly refrained from commenting on the public reprimand of Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul, citing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the situation."It is not fair for me to make a comment based on a TV grab... So, I leave it at that," Ganguly concluded.

T20 Cricket: A Vital Force in the Evolution of the Game, Says Sourav GangulyFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasized the significance of T20 cricket in the modern era, stating that it has the potential to drive the game forward. Ganguly believes that the shortened format will continue to play a crucial role in the sport's development.Speaking at the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy in Kolkata, Ganguly acknowledged the transformative impact of T20 cricket. "It is a great introduction to the game," he said. "Change is inevitable in everything. Many of us who started playing 2-day cricket and 4-day cricket will have to accept that T20 cricket is here to stay and it is something that will take the game forward."Ganguly highlighted the accessibility and excitement of T20 cricket, making it an ideal format for attracting new fans and showcasing the sport's dynamism. He also emphasized the importance of T20 leagues in providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience."It's (T20 Leagues) happening in every state," Ganguly said. "We are probably 5-6 years late on this. Any way of playing the sport will always be very helpful. T20 is an important part of cricket these days and this will be a huge opportunity for everyone to perform."The inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2024, in Kolkata. Eight teams will compete for the coveted trophy, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the sport.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in the Indian team's chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29.Assessing the 15-member Indian squad, Ganguly praised the team's depth and match-winning capabilities. "They are a very strong team. All the 15 were good enough to be selected," he said.Ganguly highlighted the presence of star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson, emphasizing their ability to turn matches in India's favor. He also commended the inclusion of Shivam Dubey, a promising all-rounder.The former captain acknowledged the importance of spinners in the West Indies, where the pitches are typically slow and low. "They are playing in the West Indies, where the pitches will spin and will be slow and (will keep) low and big grounds. Spinners will be important," he said.Ganguly explained the decision to select an additional spinner over finisher Rinku Singh, stating that the team wanted to prioritize spin bowling. "They wanted to go with another spinner. He has not got a place, but it's just the beginning for Rinku."Regarding the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Ganguly, who is the team director of Delhi Capitals, acknowledged the intense competition among teams for playoff berths. "Everybody is on the same boat," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly's Nostalgic Reunion at Eden GardensBollywood icon and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartwarming moment with former India captain Sourav Ganguly during the IPL clash between KKR and Delhi Capitals at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday. Ganguly, who played a pivotal role as KKR's star player and inaugural captain in the 2008 edition of the Indian Premier League, now serves as the director of cricket for Delhi Capitals. The nostalgic reunion between Khan and Ganguly added an extra layer of sentiment to the highly anticipated encounter.In the match, KKR emerged victorious, clinching a seven-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. The win bolstered KKR's position in the IPL standings, with six victories from nine matches, placing them second on the points table. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals, with five wins from 11 games, currently occupy the sixth spot.The match itself witnessed captivating performances, with Phil Salt's aggressive innings of 68 and Varun Chakravarthy's impressive bowling figures of 3-16 stealing the spotlight. Chakravarthy's prowess as a mystery spinner spearheaded KKR's disciplined bowling effort, restricting Delhi Capitals to 153/9 amidst sweltering conditions at the historic Eden Gardens.As the players battled the intense heat, Salt's partnership with Sunil Narine set the stage for KKR's successful chase, reaching the target with 3.3 overs to spare, much to the delight of the fervent fans in attendance.With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, players from all IPL franchises are eager to make a lasting impression on their respective national selectors. Salt's scintillating form underscores the significance of IPL performances in shaping international selections.As the IPL season unfolds, moments of camaraderie, nostalgia, and exhilarating cricketing action continue to captivate audiences worldwide, reaffirming the league's status as one of the premier cricketing spectacles on the global stage.

Phil Salt Shatters Sourav Ganguly's 14-Year Record at Eden GardensKolkata Knight Riders' explosive batsman Phil Salt has etched his name into the history books by breaking a 14-year-old record previously held by none other than Sourav Ganguly at Eden Gardens.During the 2024 IPL season, Salt's dazzling performances lit up the stadium and captured the imagination of fans. In just six innings, Salt amassed a stunning total of 344 runs at Eden Gardens, surpassing Ganguly's record set back in 2010.Salt's aggressive stroke play and fearless approach quickly endeared him to the Kolkata faithful. Match after match, he delivered crucial runs, captivating audiences with his audacious hitting and flair.With each run, Salt propelled himself closer to history, eventually eclipsing Ganguly's milestone of 331 runs to claim the title of the highest run-scorer at Eden Gardens in a single IPL season.Salt achieved the landmark during his match-winning knock of 68 against Delhi Capitals. His 33-ball stay at the crease saw his smash 7 fours and 5 sixes.Salt's record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he has made on the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace have made him a fan favorite and a key player for the team.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his belief that all-rounder Axar Patel will secure a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly highlighted Patel's versatility as a key factor in his selection, emphasizing his ability to contribute both with the bat and ball.Patel has impressed throughout the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, showcasing his bowling prowess with an impressive economy rate of 7.06. However, it is his batting that has caught Ganguly's attention. When promoted up the order against the Gujarat Titans, Patel displayed his power-hitting abilities, demonstrating his potential to provide valuable runs in the middle order."Axar is a certainty for the T20 World Cup," Ganguly stated. "He can bat at No. 8 and contribute 15-20 runs, which is crucial in T20 cricket. He can also smack spinners, making him a valuable asset."Ganguly, who serves as the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, praised Patel's all-around abilities, comparing him to fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Jadeja and Axar are incredibly talented and gifted," Ganguly said. "They can bat, bowl, and field, making them invaluable to any team."Ganguly also acknowledged Patel's batting prowess in Test cricket, highlighting his ability to score runs under pressure on turning pitches. "He has the ability to strike the ball and doesn't need time for technique in T20 cricket," Ganguly explained. "He's a tremendous cricketer who can contribute in all aspects of the game."In addition to Patel, Ganguly expressed confidence in wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Pant has recovered well from his recent injuries and has been in impressive form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries."Rishabh will go to the T20 World Cup," Ganguly asserted. "He's a surety in the Indian team. He's a world-class player who can keep, bat, and captain."Ganguly acknowledged the competition for the wicketkeeper's spot, with players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention. However, he believes Pant's all-around abilities make him the standout choice.

IPL 2023: Sourav Ganguly Raises Concerns Over Batting Dominance, Calls for BalanceFormer India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed concerns over the imbalance between bat and ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Ganguly highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers on flat pitches and the impact of additional batting firepower through Impact Players."Not easy for the bowlers. They are being carted all over and that's one area that needs to be looked at in the future, the balance between bat and ball," Ganguly said ahead of the Delhi Capitals match against Mumbai Indians.The pitches in this edition of the IPL have predominantly favored batsmen, with teams consistently surpassing the 200-run mark due to the presence of prolific power-hitters in every lineup. Ganguly's remarks underscore the need to restore equilibrium in the competition.The IPL governing body has implemented a rule allowing bowlers to deliver a maximum of two bouncers per over, aiming to restore balance between batting and bowling in the tournament. However, some have flagged the 'Impact Substitute' rule as one of the reasons behind the high-scoring matches imbalance. Teams are now essentially playing with an extra batter, which gives them the freedom to go hard at the bowlers, leading to scores of 230 reaching 260-270.The Delhi Capitals have scored over 400 runs in the two games they have played at their home venue. Last week at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, SRH amassed 125 runs during the powerplay. Opener Travis Head scored a blistering 16-ball fifty on his way to a sensational 89 off just 32 deliveries."Our batting is also strong, we have given away 400 runs but scored them too. The wicket here is too good, batting friendly wicket," Ganguly added.The former BCCI chief is not the only one who has expressed concern for the bowlers. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar had earlier called for bigger boundaries.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has revealed his meticulous collection of bats used to score international centuries. During his illustrious career, Ponting amassed an impressive 71 international hundreds, including 41 in Test matches.Ponting's passion for collecting bats began early on. He still possesses his first bat, adorned with stickers, as a cherished memento. Throughout his career, he meticulously preserved every bat with which he scored an international century, inscribing the score and opposition's name on each one.Among Ponting's prized possessions is the bat he used to score his unforgettable unbeaten 140 against India in the 2003 World Cup final. This iconic innings played a pivotal role in Australia's victory.Ponting's collection is not merely a display of his achievements but also a testament to his love for the game. He keeps his bats in his garage, away from public view.Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and current Delhi Capitals Director, shared his own experience of receiving his first bat at the age of 13. He recalled the joy of hitting the ball with ease.David Warner, playing for Delhi Capitals this season, also shared his childhood memories of his first bat, a birthday gift from his uncle. He kept it close to his bed, cherishing its significance.Ponting's collection serves as a reminder of his remarkable career and the countless memories he created on the field. It is a testament to his dedication, passion, and the enduring legacy he has left on the game of cricket.

Rishabh Pant's Stellar IPL Return Boosts T20 World Cup Hopes, Backed by LegendsAfter a harrowing car accident that sidelined him for 14 months, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has made a triumphant return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). His impressive performances have reignited calls for his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Sourav Ganguly, Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket, expressed his support for Pant's selection, stating that his ability to hit "big sixes" sets him apart. "I feel Pant is definitely in that bracket. And I am sure he will go to the West Indies," Ganguly said.Delhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting echoed Ganguly's sentiments, praising Pant's batting and leadership skills. "I think his batting is getting better and better by the game," Ponting said. "He is too good a player and can have too much of an impact on the game for India not to select him in the squad."Pant's return to form has been remarkable. In eight IPL matches, he has scored 254 runs with two half-centuries, showcasing his aggressive batting style and impressive wicketkeeping skills.Despite the intense competition for places in India's T20 World Cup squad, Pant's recent performances have strengthened his case for selection. His ability to play match-winning innings and his experience in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset to any team.Pant's return to the international stage would be a testament to his resilience and determination. After the horrific accident that threatened his career, he has worked tirelessly to regain his fitness and form. His inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would be a fitting reward for his hard work and a boost to India's title hopes.