Cricket

Afghanistan's cricket team has emerged as a formidable force in recent years, with their bowlers, particularly their spinners, playing a pivotal role in their success. However, their captain, Rashid Khan, believes that their batting has now reached a level where they can confidently chase down targets of 200 in T20Is."In the past, we struggled a bit in batting," Rashid admitted ahead of Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Uganda. "Our bowlers had to do a lot more to help us win games."However, the emergence of young batters from the Under-19 ranks has transformed Afghanistan's batting lineup. "They've worked hard and gained valuable experience playing in leagues around the world," Rashid explained. "Now, we have a batting lineup that can handle targets of 200 on any wicket."Rashid emphasized the importance of mindset in T20 cricket. "As long as you have the right mindset and believe you can do it, anything is possible," he said. "We've played enough cricket in recent years to improve our skills and challenge the opposition."Afghanistan and Uganda are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Experts predict that Afghanistan could be among the top two teams to advance to the Super 8s. But can they go even further and reach the semi-finals?"We've been mentioned as a potential semi-finalist," Rashid acknowledged. "We take that as a positive sign. It's a big thing for us to be considered among the top four."However, Rashid remains cautious. "We don't look too far ahead," he said. "We focus on one game at a time and see how it goes. We came close to reaching the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, and that's where we started to believe that nothing is impossible for us."Afghanistan arrived in the Caribbean early for a two-week preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup. Many of their players have experience playing on these pitches during the CPL."Our preparation has been great so far," Rashid said. "We had a domestic T20 competition that helped us prepare as a team. We also had two weeks here to acclimatize.""We have players who played in the CPL and shared their experiences," Rashid added. "But in ICC events, you always expect something different. You have to react to the wicket's behavior."

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Spinners Take Center StageFormer Indian opener WV Raman has endorsed the selection of four spinners in India's T20 World Cup squad, citing the nature of pitches in the West Indies and the recent performances in the IPL as key factors.India's squad for the ICC marquee event includes Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Raman believes that the inclusion of these spinners is a well-thought-out decision based on the conditions in the West Indies."The pitches in the West Indies are more conducive to spinners these days," Raman said. "The spinners have also done well in the IPL on good hard-flat tracks in India. This has prompted the selectors to think that you are better off with spinners rather than fast bowlers."In the IPL, Chahal took 18 wickets from 15 matches with an economy of 9.41, Kuldeep claimed 16 wickets with an economy of 8.65, Axar took 11 wickets at 7.65, and Jadeja secured 8 wickets at 7.85.Raman is optimistic about India's chances in the T20 World Cup. "We have a lot of brilliant cricketers who can be match-winners on their days," he said. "T20 is such a format where you need a bit of luck as well, especially in the knockouts, and that's where experience also counts, which we have aplenty in the side."Despite concerns over the narrow gap between the IPL and the T20 World Cup, Raman believes it will not affect the players. "Today's cricketers are fit enough and more or less used to playing non-stop. So, they will manage," he noted.India's campaign begins on Wednesday against Ireland in New York at the Nassau County Stadium. Raman supports the idea of expanding cricket to new destinations. "I think that is something that the ICC will consider. They will look at as many cost-effective measures and innovations to get more teams into the fold and venues under their bracket."

India's decision to field four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate, with skipper Rohit Sharma defending the strategy as part of a well-thought-out plan. The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as wrist-spinners, along with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as left-arm spinners, has raised questions about the team's balance.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes India's spin-heavy approach could be a game-changer. "I think India have taken a risk with the squad they have picked, but in the conditions I have played in the Caribbean, how you play spin is going to be a huge part of whether you succeed or not," Clarke said on ESPN.Clarke also highlighted India's status as favorites due to their extensive match preparation. "If you look at the favorites for the World Cup, it's got to be India just because of the amount of cricket they have played," he added.The decision to prioritize spin reflects India's belief in the effectiveness of slow bowling in the Caribbean conditions. The pitches in the region are typically slow and low, providing assistance to spinners. Additionally, the presence of four spinners allows India to rotate their bowlers and maintain pressure on the opposition.However, some critics argue that the inclusion of four spinners could leave India vulnerable to pace-heavy attacks. The absence of a genuine fast bowler in the squad could be a concern, especially against teams with strong batting lineups.Despite the differing opinions, India's decision to field four spinners is a bold move that could pay dividends in the Caribbean conditions. The team's success will ultimately depend on the ability of their spinners to control the opposition's scoring rate and create wicket-taking opportunities.

India's decision to include four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts. Former England spinner Graeme Swann has endorsed the move, while ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed reservations.Swann believes that the Caribbean conditions favor spin bowling, making India's decision to select four spinners a wise one. He emphasizes that the slow and low pitches in the region provide an advantage to spinners, who can extract turn and variation.However, Harbhajan questions the need for four spinners, arguing that three would have sufficed. He suggests that India may not field all four spinners in a single match, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the likely trio.India's squad includes Jadeja, Yadav, Axar Patel, and Chahal as their four spinners. Notably, they lack an off-spinner, with Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin being overlooked due to lack of recent game time.India's decision to prioritize spin bowling stems from their extensive experience playing in the Caribbean. Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, has hinted at a specific reason for the selection of four spinners, but has declined to reveal it at this stage.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan on June 9. They will then face the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Harbhajan Singh Raises ConcernsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his thoughts on India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. While acknowledging the team's overall strength, he raised concerns about the absence of middle-order batter Rinku Singh and the inclusion of four spinners.Singh believes that Rinku, known for his explosive batting, could have been a valuable asset to the team. He highlighted Rinku's ability to chase down large totals quickly, making him a potential game-changer.Regarding the spin department, Harbhajan suggested that three spinners would have been sufficient. He expressed doubts about India fielding four spinners in any given match, predicting that Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal would be the most likely combination.Harbhajan also discussed the upcoming Super Eight phase of the tournament, where India will face formidable opponents like Australia and New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of the group stage clash with Pakistan on June 9, stating that a victory could set the momentum for India.While acknowledging Rishabh Pant's strong performance upon his return from injury, Harbhajan advocated for Sanju Samson to be given a chance. He praised Samson's consistent performances and improved batting average.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his preference for the slow and spin-friendly Chepauk wicket, which has been a key factor in their success over the years. After a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring IPL encounter, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of spinners on such surfaces."Definitely we would love to play on such wickets. It brings our spinners into play and with huge boundaries, there is an amount of risk to hit sixes," Gaikwad said.CSK's spinners, led by Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting RR to a below-par total of 141 for five. Ali picked up two wickets, while Jadeja was economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, highlighted the need for patience on such wickets. "As a team, we have stroke-players so my job was to stay there till the end," he said.Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, CSK's strong start in the Powerplay helped them cruise to victory. "When we were 55-1, I felt we were cruising. One or two wickets can allow the opposition to get back. Generally, I thought we were cruising and there was no pressure until the end," Gaikwad added.RR skipper Sanju Samson acknowledged the challenges of playing on away wickets, especially with the onset of summer. "We are not really sure what to expect from away games. We thought batting first was the better option," Samson said.However, he noted that the wicket played better in the second innings than expected. "They had a better idea of what to chase being used to playing here, we thought it would have been slower in the second innings, but the wicket was instead better," Samson added.With two games remaining, RR is well-positioned to finish in the top two and secure a place in the playoffs.

India's Strategic Spin Quartet for T20 World CupWest Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh has endorsed India's decision to include four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad, recognizing it as a strategic alignment with their strengths.India's selectors have opted for Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja in their 15-man squad, a move that has raised eyebrows. However, Walsh believes it is a wise choice given India's historical reliance on spin bowling."India picking four spinners I'm not surprised... it seems to be their strength," Walsh said. "West Indies have picked three spinners. It's going to be different conditions and everybody has to balance the team."India's captain Rohit Sharma has hinted that the slow and sluggish wickets expected in the West Indies, as well as the unusually early starts, may have influenced their decision. Walsh agrees that these factors could favor spinners."India still have quality fast bowlers, most of the teams do, so it will be a very competitive tournament. The majority of the teams have good-quality fast bowlers and spinners," Walsh said. "It's (the tournament) going to be dominated by the bat possibly. But it is difficult to predict who is going to win it, difficult to predict which bowler is going to be a standout. The teams that execute well will be successful."Walsh also expressed optimism about the West Indies' chances in the tournament, which they will co-host. "I'm expecting them to do very well. It's a nice balanced team and I am very optimistic that they'll play quality cricket. The group is not the easiest but once we reach the super sixes, there's a really good chance."Walsh, who holds the record for the most Test wickets (519), offered advice to India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. "Stay fit, have fun. The more you play the more experienced you get," he said. "It's all about managing the injuries well. That will help him become fitter, stronger and better. You can only play if you are fit enough."Walsh also emphasized the importance of protecting young West Indies pace sensation Shamar Joseph, who played a key role in their recent Test victory in Australia. "West Indies have to (protect him), he's got to protect himself. When I watch his interviews he has a very level head, which is very, very good to see. He loves the game, has passion for the game," Walsh said. "I think the West Indies have to make sure to look after him. Keep him injury-free for longevity. It's early days yet but I'm very excited to see what he does."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors have raised eyebrows by opting for four spinners in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, but none of them are right-arm off-spin options. The chosen spinners include wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, and left-arm spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.During a press conference at the BCCI headquarters, skipper Rohit Sharma was questioned about the absence of off-spinners in the squad. In a humorous response, Rohit gestured towards himself, indicating that he could fill that role. While Rohit has not bowled regularly in recent times, he did take a hat-trick in the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL)."We discussed a lot. Unfortunately, Washington Sundar hasn't played much lately. It was then between Ashwin and Axar. We thought having two left-arm spinners would be beneficial, as Ashwin hasn't played the format lately. Axar was in good form when he played those five matches against Australia. He has been bowling well and gives us that left-handed option in the middle if we want to do something different," Rohit explained.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar also hinted at the possibility of Rohit bowling off-spin. "Hopefully, the captain can roll his arm over," Agarkar said.Agarkar also shed light on the decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain for the World Cup. "Nothing was discussed with regards to vice-captaincy. We want all guys to be in good form. He has come after a longish year off. The good part that we have looked at is he has got through all the games so far for MI," Agarkar said."We have got another month and a little bit till the first game. We know he is doing that and the hope is that he keeps building on that form. As long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. I don't think there is a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment, especially when it comes to the way he bowls," Agarkar added.

India's selection of four spinners for the T20 World Cup has raised questions about the team's pace bowling options. While Jasprit Bumrah remains a certainty, the choice of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh has been met with skepticism.Siraj and Arshdeep have not been in top form in the IPL, with both struggling to contain batters in the death overs. Siraj has leaked runs at 9.50 per over, while Arshdeep has been even more expensive at 9.63 per over.Former chief selector MSK Prasad believes that three pacers will be sufficient, given the expected slow turners in the Americas. However, T20 World Cup-winning captain Aaron Finch and former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop have expressed concerns about the lack of pace support for Bumrah.Finch believes that Siraj and Arshdeep are not consistent enough, while Bishop suggests that four spinners may be a luxury rather than a necessity.The selectors have also faced criticism for omitting Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan, and T Natarajan, who have all impressed with their death bowling skills in the IPL.Despite the concerns, Prasad has described the squad as "balanced," although he believes that K L Rahul should have been included. He also expects Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to play in the starting XI.Ultimately, the effectiveness of India's bowling attack will depend on the conditions in the Americas and the form of the individual bowlers. However, the selection of only three pacers has left some experts questioning whether the team has the necessary firepower to succeed in the tournament.