Cricket

Indian cricket is undergoing a transformative phase, with a young and dynamic team led by Suryakumar Yadav emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format. Backed by the team management's unwavering support, this transitional side has been playing an exhilarating brand of cricket, winning 24 out of 26 T20Is in 2024.Despite the absence of seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The team's newfound freedom of expression, particularly with the bat, has been a key factor in their success."Everyone has a different skill set, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So freedom is very important when they get onto the field, which is what I try to give," said Suryakumar at the start of the series.This freedom has allowed players like Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma to flourish. Samson, now the record holder for most T20 international tons (3) in a calendar year, has been instrumental in India posting 200-plus totals on six occasions since the T20 World Cup.Varma, too, has made a significant impact since returning from injury, scoring back-to-back centuries while batting at No. 3. "The team backed us even when we flopped. They told us to play the brand of cricket the team is known for," said Varma.The team management's unwavering support has been crucial in fostering this positive environment. "In T20Is, I never thought of consistency. If there is a ball to be hit, it's necessary for me to capitalize on that. In the team, even our captain Surya, Gautam bhai, and Laxman sir emphasize maximizing runs in the first innings," said Samson.The big question now is how to accommodate the likes of Samson and Varma when injured players return. "I haven't thought that far ahead. When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly. It will be tough, but it's a good headache," said Suryakumar.As India gears up to host the T20 World Cup in 2025, the team's current form bodes well for their chances. The young players have shown immense talent and determination, and with the continued support of the team management, they have the potential to achieve even greater heights.

Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricket team's star batter, has extended his best wishes to the team ahead of their challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia. The depth of talent in Indian cricket was on full display as Suryakumar led the Men in Blue to a 3-1 T20I series victory over New Zealand in the absence of key players.Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill were unavailable for the T20I series, focusing instead on the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins next week in Perth. The high-stakes Test series could play a decisive role in determining the fate of the World Test Championship final, scheduled for next year in London. India, coming off a historic series whitewash against New Zealand, will need to secure four wins out of five Tests to guarantee their spot in the final."For the squad in Australia, I wish them all the luck. I know they're well prepared going into the series, and I know it'll be a challenging one, but at the same time, I wish them all the luck," Suryakumar said during the post-match press conference.Meanwhile, India ramped up preparations for the grueling series with intra-squad match simulations, focusing on adapting to Perth's pace and bounce-friendly conditions. Reflecting on the young players' performances in the T20I series, Suryakumar emphasized the strength of India’s cricketing foundation."I think it says a lot about how strong the base of Indian cricket is. Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket going back home... that speaks a lot about their urge to go back, play for their state, and do well," he added.The Indian team is confident of putting up a strong performance in Australia, despite the absence of some key players. The team's depth and talent will be tested in the challenging conditions, but they are determined to make India proud.

India's T20I team has found a new batting star in Tilak Varma, who has cemented his position as the team's No. 3 batter with back-to-back centuries in the recently concluded series against South Africa.Varma's rise to prominence has been a welcome sight for India, who have been searching for a consistent performer at the crucial No. 3 spot since Virat Kohli's departure. The 22-year-old Mumbai Indians all-rounder has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who sacrificed his own spot for Varma, has been full of praise for the youngster. "He just walked the talk," said Yadav. "The way he batted at SuperSport and here was incredible. Hope he continues, not only in T20s but in all formats."Varma's centuries have been instrumental in India's 3-1 series triumph over South Africa. In the fourth T20I, he smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 47 balls, while in the third T20I, he scored 106 not out off 56 deliveries.Together with opener Sanju Samson, who also scored a century in the fourth T20I, Varma formed a formidable partnership that propelled India to a massive 283 for 1, the fifth-highest total in men's T20Is.Varma's success has underlined India's new-found dominance in T20I cricket, even after the retirement of several senior players. It also speaks volumes about the strength and depth of Indian cricket, with young players eager to step up and make their mark.Yadav believes that Varma's emergence is a testament to the strong base of Indian cricket. "Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver, and keep that run," he said.Varma's success has also raised questions about the future of other players who have been tried at No. 3, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. Yadav, however, believes that the competition is healthy and will ultimately benefit the team."It's a good headache to have going forward," he said. "When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly (aram se). It will be tough, but it's a good headache to have."For Varma, his success is a dream come true. "I can't express my feelings right now. It's unbelievable. Can't imagine scoring back-to-back hundreds, that too in SA. Right now, I can't express my feelings," he said.As India looks ahead to the future, Tilak Varma is poised to play a key role in the team's success. His ability to anchor the innings, score runs at a rapid pace, and play under pressure makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his delight at the performances of young Indian batters in the T20I format following the retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kaif believes that the seamless transition under new captain Suryakumar Yadav is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian cricket.After India's T20 World Cup triumph in June, Rohit and Kohli announced their retirements from the format. However, the likes of Abhishek Varma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma have stepped up to fill the void, showcasing their potential on the international stage.In the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, Tilak Varma smashed his maiden T20I century in the third match, while Abhishek Sharma blasted a 25-ball half-century in the second match. Earlier in the series, Samson hammered his second consecutive T20I century, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve this feat.Kaif praised the young batters for their impressive performances in challenging batting conditions in South Africa. He tweeted, "Watching Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson score runs in South Africa's tough batting conditions must be pleasing for Virat and Rohit. When it comes to T20, they have left Indian cricket in safe hands."India's T20I transition has been remarkably smooth since Rohit and Kohli's retirements. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team has maintained its dominance, defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 each before heading to South Africa.In the ongoing series against South Africa, India holds a 2-1 lead heading into the final T20I in Johannesburg on Friday. The team's impressive performances have raised hopes of a successful title defense at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, expressed his sincere appreciation for captain Suryakumar Yadav after his remarkable century in the third T20I against South Africa. Varma's exceptional knock of 107 not out off 56 balls steered India to an 11-run triumph, securing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.Varma revealed how Suryakumar, fondly called 'SKY,' generously offered him the No. 3 batting spot for the match, paving the way for Varma's extraordinary performance. "When Suryakumar knocked on my hotel room door and told me I'd bat at No. 3, I was filled with gratitude. He said, ‘Go out there and express yourself. It's a good opportunity.’ I promised him that I wouldn't let him down," Varma said after the match.Staying true to his promise, Varma delivered a spectacular performance, reaching his century in just 51 balls, with his second fifty achieved in a mere 19 balls. His innings was highlighted by seven powerful sixes and eight fours, showcasing his batting prowess, particularly against his former Mumbai Indians teammate Gerald Coetzee, the fastest bowler of the day.Upon reaching his century, Varma acknowledged his captain's gesture by blowing a flying kiss toward the Indian dugout, recognizing the faith entrusted in him. "It was for 'SKY' because he gave me the chance to bat at number three. I love batting at that position, and I wanted to repay the trust he placed in me," he said.Varma's 107-run partnership with young talent Abhishek Sharma, who contributed a crucial half-century, played a pivotal role in India's impressive total of 219/6. Varma, the second-youngest Indian to score a century in T20I history, shared his experiences of battling injuries that led to him missing international tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier this year."It was frustrating to miss two series because of finger injuries, but I knew my time would come. I stayed patient, focused on my process, and worked hard. Today, that hard work paid off," Varma said.Recognized for his powerful batting, Varma is also diligently working on his off-spin, aiming to become a valuable all-rounder for the team. "I've worked hard on my bowling. The ball is coming out well, and I want to be seen as an all-rounder who can contribute to the team's success," he added.Varma's century is a testament to his talent and determination. With his exceptional performance, he has cemented his place in the Indian team and has emerged as a future star of Indian cricket.

India and South Africa will face off in the third T20I of their four-match series on Sunday, November 13, with both teams eyeing a series lead. The match will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa, and will begin at 08:30 PM IST.India took an early lead in the series with a commanding 61-run victory in the first T20I. Sanju Samson was the star of the show, smashing a sensational century (107 off 50 balls) to power India to a massive total of 211/4. However, the second game saw a contrasting result as South Africa registered a narrow 3-wicket win.Despite a disappointing batting performance from India, which saw them post a below-par total of 124/6, leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's five-wicket haul (5/17) kept them in the game. However, Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee guided South Africa to victory in a tense chase.The third T20I promises to be another thrilling encounter. India will be keen to bounce back from their defeat and take a commanding lead in the series, while South Africa will be determined to level the series and gain momentum.

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has expressed his admiration for Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, describing him as the "GOAT" of the format. Klaasen, known for his explosive batting style, revealed his thoughts on T20 cricket, his memorable innings, and his personal favorites in an interview with JioCinema's Q20s show.Klaasen described his batting style as "explosive" and named Suryakumar Yadav as the greatest T20 player of all time. He praised Yadav's ability to hit fine leg off straight balls, a technique he would like to incorporate into his own game.Reflecting on his T20 career, Klaasen recalled two standout performances against India: his 81 in 2022 and 69 in 2018. He chose the former as his favorite, citing the tougher conditions in which it was scored.Klaasen also shared his admiration for other players, naming Jasprit Bumrah as the "toughest bowler to hit out in T20s" and Yuzvendra Chahal as "the funniest non-South African player" he has played with. He expressed his love for butter chicken as his favorite Indian dish.For inspiration from other sports, Klaasen named Formula 1 World Drivers Championship winner Lewis Hamilton, saying, "I wish I had the ability to drive cars like him." He also suggested that Nicholas Pooran is the one batter who could potentially score a double hundred in T20 cricket.When asked who he would trust to bat for his life, Klaasen replied, "Probably Hashim Amla." He admitted that he hesitates to try Suryakumar Yadav's "Supla Shot" over fine leg, as he prefers not to get into line too much.Klaasen's insights provide a glimpse into the mindset of a modern-day T20 cricketer, who values explosive batting, innovation, and a competitive spirit.

India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has addressed the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the 2025 Champions Trophy. The issue arose after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).In a video circulating on social media, Suryakumar was asked by a fan why India was not coming to Pakistan. He responded, "Brother, it is not in our hands."The PCB has since stated that it will not accept a hybrid model for the tournament, which would have allowed India to play matches at a neutral venue. According to a report in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the Pakistani government is considering asking the PCB to withdraw from the Champions Trophy entirely."In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy," the report quoted a source.Suryakumar Yadav is currently leading the Indian T20 side in their four-match series against South Africa. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled to be played in Centurion on Tuesday.The standoff between India and Pakistan has raised concerns about the future of the Champions Trophy. The tournament is one of the most prestigious in international cricket, and its cancellation would be a major blow to the sport.

India's T20I Dominance vs. South Africa's Struggles: A Tale of Two TeamsSince the thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final, the fortunes of India and South Africa have diverged significantly in the shortest format.India's Seamless TransitionDespite losing key players from the World Cup-winning XI, India has transitioned seamlessly. Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a batting force, while youngsters have slotted in effortlessly. They are currently on an 11-match winning streak, including series victories over Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.South Africa's Post-World Cup SlumpIn contrast, South Africa has struggled since their World Cup defeat. They lost 3-0 to West Indies and drew 1-1 with Ireland. Their loss in Durban against India has further dented their confidence.Key Factors in the ContrastSouth Africa's struggles stem from a lack of cohesion and the absence of key players. India, on the other hand, has maintained a high level of consistency and has been able to win without their first-choice T20I players.Players to WatchGerald Coetzee, with his fiery bowling, and Arshdeep Singh, with his impressive wicket-taking ability, are players to watch in the second T20I.Team NewsIndia may consider debuting Ramandeep Singh as a finisher, while South Africa could replace Nqabayomzi Peter with Ottneil Baartman.Pitch and ConditionsThe Gqeberha pitch is expected to favor fast bowlers with good bounce and carry. Rain is unlikely to affect the match.Stats and Trivia* Hardik Pandya could move to second on India's all-time T20I wicket-takers list.* Sanju Samson has the highest strike rate among Full Member batters in 2024.* India has a strong T20I record against South Africa in South Africa.Quotes"We have to respect South Africa, but we have to play like world champions," said Sanju Samson."We need new blood and experience," said Gerald Coetzee about South Africa's rebuilding process.