Cricket

T20I Batting Rankings Reshuffle: Travis Head Dethrones Suryakumar YadavThe ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings have undergone a significant shakeup, with Australia's Travis Head dethroning India's Suryakumar Yadav from the top spot. Yadav, who has held the number one position since December 2023, has been displaced after Head's impressive performances in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.Head's ascent to the summit was fueled by his remarkable 76-run innings against India, despite Australia's defeat and early exit from the tournament. This performance, coupled with his other strong showings, propelled him four places up the rankings, relegating Yadav to second place.Phil Salt, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan complete the top five, with Johnson Charles of the West Indies making a notable entry into the top ten. Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz also climbed five spots, narrowly missing out on a top-ten ranking.In the All-rounders Rankings, Australia's Marcus Stoinis relinquished his number one position, dropping to fourth. Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga reclaimed the top spot, with Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi and India's Hardik Pandya occupying the second and third positions, respectively.The bowling rankings remain unchanged, with England's Adil Rashid holding onto the top spot. However, there were some notable movements, including Rashid Khan of Afghanistan moving up to second place after his impressive performances in the T20 World Cup.Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood also made a significant jump, climbing three places to fourth. India's Kuldeep Yadav moved up 20 places to 11th, while Jasprit Bumrah jumped 44 spots to 24th. England's Jofra Archer also made a notable ascent, climbing 19 places to 38th.

India's explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav's childhood coach, Ashok Aswalkar, has advised the Men in Blue to play their natural game when they face Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Aswalkar believes that India should not experiment too much against the Aussies, who are coming into the game after a humbling defeat by Afghanistan.As India prepare to take on Australia in a clash of cricketing heavyweights, Aswalkar said that the Men in Blue need to play their normal game as they have been playing in their last six matches. He also hailed the performance of India's ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been in outstanding form in the T20 World Cup. The pacer has picked 10 wickets in just five games."Our openers are slowly starting to pick up the pace. If they can step up their game in a match against Australia, then nothing could be better than this for India. Try to play normal cricket, don't do too many experiments. They have to play the way they did in the last five to six matches. They just have to play a normal game against the Australian bowling lineup. Bumrah is special," Aswalkar told ANI.India selected four spinners for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, but pace was the major component of their assault in the first stage of the tournament. Talking about India's decision to take four spinners in the T20 WC, Aswalkar said, "Rohit Sharma answered this question. Rohit knows which combination to take. Kuldeep Yadav is a perfect option for India, his slow bowling on the slow wicket works wonders."Suryakumar has been the stalwart for India's two most recent wins at the marquee event, as he smashed a half-century against Afghanistan. Aswalkar wants Suryakumar to play without pressure as he has been playing in the last matches and advises wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant "not to play the reverse shot.""He needs some time. He has hitting power and India have to utilize it somewhere. Rishabh Pant is playing the wrong shots and losing his wicket. Suryakumar, Rishabh and all are performing well. I just advise the wicketkeeper-batter to not play the reverse shot. I want Suryakumar to play without any pressure," Aswalkar said.Meanwhile, a spirited Afghanistan humbled the 2021 champions Australia to collect their first-ever win over the cricketing powerhouse. Aswalkar said Afghanistan have the best bowling variations in cricket, Australia took them lightly and they lost the match."Underdogs always think to win the match against the big teams. Afghanistan have the best bowlers for variation. Afghanistan bowling can defeat any team in the World Cup, don't underestimate them in future matches. Australia have a long batting line-up but Afghanistan have their day and they won the match," he added.Australia will face the India challenge in their pursuit of a semi-final berth, following their loss against Afghanistan where they suffered a shocking 21-run loss in their penultimate Super Eights fixture, on Monday in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.Currently, India sit at the top of the Group 1 standings with four points while Australia (second) and Afghanistan (third) share two points each with Bangladesh yet to win a Super Eight match.

Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20I batter, has once again proven his mettle, guiding India to a comfortable 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their first Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yadav's second consecutive half-century, a 28-ball 53, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Post-match, Yadav and Axar Patel engaged in a playful banter, revealing an amusing exchange between Yadav and Virat Kohli during India's batting innings. Axar inquired about Kohli's advice to Yadav during a drinks break in the 10th over, as Yadav had immediately begun slog-sweeping after the break.Yadav explained his strategy, saying, "160 was a par score on this wicket. I thought if I started with a few boundaries and got the momentum going after the break, it would help the next batters."Axar jokingly accused Yadav of "bluffing" Kohli, but Yadav countered, "No, I didn't bluff! I was just being myself."Yadav's adaptability and ability to play in different modes were evident in his match-winning performance. After scoring a 49-ball 50 against USA, Yadav maintained a strike rate of over 180 on a challenging Barbados pitch.Yadav's flamboyant knock, along with contributions from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, propelled India to 180 in 20 overs. Afghanistan's chase proved futile, as Jasprit Bumrah continued his stellar performance, claiming three wickets for seven runs in his four overs.India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 match on Saturday, June 22, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Indian Cricketers Prioritize Nutrition with Personal Chefs in West IndiesAs the T20 World Cup unfolds in the picturesque West Indies, the Indian cricket team is not only battling on the field but also navigating the culinary temptations of the region. While the tantalizing street food may entice many, top players Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are exercising strict dietary discipline.Both Yadav and Pandya have brought their personal chefs along on the tour. These chefs prepare their daily meals according to the specific nutritional guidelines prescribed by the team's nutritionists. The chefs are not part of the official team contingent and make their own arrangements for accommodation near the team hotel.Sources reveal that the players' preference for home-cooked food stems from their desire for comfort and familiarity during a demanding tour. Despite the high-quality cuisine available at the team hotels, Yadav and Pandya prioritize the taste and nutritional value of meals prepared by their trusted chefs.While Yadav and Pandya have their own culinary arrangements, the rest of the team is also adhering to a strict nutritional regimen. Former captain Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in instilling a healthy food culture within the team, and this discipline continues to be maintained.However, if the Indian team emerges victorious in the tournament, the players may indulge in some culinary adventures on the vibrant streets of the Caribbean. Until then, they remain focused on their nutritional goals and the pursuit of the elusive trophy.

After a match-winning knock of 53 off 28 against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match, India batter Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, calling him the world's best bowler. During his 53-run innings, Suryakumar hit 16 runs off the six deliveries he faced from Rashid, helping India reach a winning total of 181/8 at the Kensington Oval on Thursday night.Speaking after the match, the world no.1 T20I batter emphasized the importance of asserting dominance against a player he regards as the world's best bowler. "I have told this before as well and I'll say that again on air when he bowls, it's very difficult to pick him so I know what shots I want to play when I'm inside. Best bowler in the world. You can't let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead. But I am happy to be on a better side today," said Suryakumar.Batting first, India were 79/3 after 10 overs, having lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. But Suryakumar's partnership with Hardik Pandya got them back on track, leading to a solid first-innings score of 181/8. In their response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, thanks to an exceptional spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 3-7, as India sealed a 47-run win.For his match-defining knock, Suryakumar was adjudged Player of the Match. Speaking about his performance, the batter said, "I think there's a lot of hard work and practice gone behind this. And as I say again and again, there's a lot of process and routines involved and when I go inside, when I play the game, I know I'm pretty clear in my mind what I want to do. Really happy with the way things went. And yeah, the first batter to get better of the match, hopefully the first of many.""I still remember when Hardik came into bat, I told him the same thing. Let's keep back with the same intent. Let's not leave too much to the end because in the end, it was definitely going to be a difficult thing to do with the ball getting old, reversing and all. So, I said let's keep pressing the pedal and see where we get in the end of 16 overs. But yeah, very happy with the way we got 180 on the board," he added.When asked about the adjustments needed after playing on challenging pitches in the USA and then moving to the Caribbean, the 33-year-old responded, "I think you just need to know what the game plan is. You practice accordingly when you get a few practice sessions and just know your game and when you go inside give the team fast what the team requires on that given day. Just, just be that way when you look at how the."

India's Hardik Pandya Provides Balance, Bangladesh Faces Uphill BattleIndia's resurgence in the T20 World Cup 2024 continues as they prepare to face Bangladesh in a crucial Super Eight clash. The turnaround time from their victory over Afghanistan is short, but India's newfound balance, thanks to Hardik Pandya's all-around contributions, gives them an edge.Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as India's savior in recent matches, bailing them out of precarious situations. However, the pressure mounts on Shivam Dube to deliver as the team's spin enforcer. Against Bangladesh's formidable spin attack, Dube's performance will be crucial.Bangladesh, known for their left-arm spinners, now boasts a more versatile attack with Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain as trump cards. However, their batters have struggled to provide a solid foundation for their bowlers.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, poses a significant threat to Bangladesh's batting lineup. Pandya's return to full fitness has given India the flexibility to field either a third seamer or a third spinner in Kuldeep Yadav.Beyond the on-field battle, this rivalry has gained an extra edge in recent years, fueled by controversial incidents and passionate fans. The match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium promises to be another intense encounter.

India's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they cruised to a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super Eight opener. Despite a challenging pitch, Suryakumar Yadav's brilliance and Jasprit Bumrah's devastating bowling performance propelled India to a commanding total and a comfortable win.Suryakumar, batting at No. 4, played a masterful innings of 53 off 32 deliveries. His ability to adapt to the slow conditions and find gaps in the field was a testament to his exceptional skills. He played four sweeps for boundaries, smashed a six over the three Ws stand, and executed a stunning swipe shot to keep the scoreboard ticking.India's aggressive approach was evident from the start, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looking to hit boundaries early on. Kohli's dismissal for 29 was a setback, but the middle order stepped up to maintain the momentum. Suryakumar's innings was crucial in setting up a competitive total of 181 for 8.Afghanistan's chase was derailed by Bumrah's brilliance. The Indian pace spearhead bowled a devastating spell of 3-7, including two wickets in his first over. He exploited the slow pitch by bowling wide and slow, denying the Afghan batsmen the opportunity to hit straight.Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with his spin bowling, picking up 2 for 32. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a wicket each, while Arshdeep Singh almost completed a hat-trick in the final over.India's victory was a testament to their adaptability and aggressive mindset. They have shed their conservative approach and are now willing to take risks to score runs and take wickets. With Suryakumar in top form and Bumrah leading the bowling attack, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.

India vs Afghanistan: A Clash of Titans in the Super EightThe highly anticipated clash between India and Afghanistan in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams possess formidable strengths and will be eager to secure a victory that could propel them towards the semifinals.Afghanistan's Bowling ProwessAfghanistan's bowling attack is their primary weapon. Led by the enigmatic Rashid Khan, they have a lineup capable of troubling even the most experienced batters. Fazalhaq Farooqi, with his left-arm angle and new-ball swing, will be crucial in removing India's top order.India's Batting DepthIndia, on the other hand, boasts a formidable batting lineup anchored by the experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Afghanistan's bowling will test their mettle. If India can overcome the early challenge posed by Farooqi, they will need to find a way to counter Rashid's spin wizardry.Suryakumar Yadav: India's Trump CardSuryakumar Yadav has been a thorn in Rashid's side in T20 cricket, scoring runs at a blistering pace. His ability to dominate spin bowling could prove decisive for India. Shivam Dube, another left-handed batter, has also enjoyed success against Rashid.Afghanistan's Batting ChallengeWhile Afghanistan's bowling is their strength, their batting will need to step up against India's quality attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with his aggressive style, could be a key player for Afghanistan. However, India's left-arm spinners, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, could pose a significant threat to their top order.Pitch and ConditionsThe match will be played at Bridgetown, which has offered decent batting conditions. The weather is expected to be favorable, providing both teams with an opportunity to showcase their skills.Stats and Trivia* Afghanistan has never defeated India in any format.* Gurbaz and Farooqi are the highest scorer and wicket-taker, respectively, in the T20 World Cup 2024.* India has faced Rashid only twice in T20Is, scoring 69 runs without losing a wicket.

Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20 batter, has demonstrated his adaptability by adjusting his playing style to the challenging wickets encountered during the T20 World Cup. However, he anticipates the pitches in the Caribbean to be more conducive to his natural strokeplay.India's Super 8 journey commences on Thursday against Afghanistan. The team will also face Bangladesh and Australia in St Lucia, a venue that has already witnessed the highest total of the tournament. They will also play matches in Antigua.The "spicy" wickets in New York forced Suryakumar to exercise patience, particularly while playing shots behind the wicket. In India's match against USA, he guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 50 off 49 deliveries, a strike rate significantly lower than his impressive average of 168.06."If you have been number one for two years, you should be able to bat in different conditions and change the game as per the needs of the team. That displays good batsmanship and that is what I try," said Suryakumar during a media interaction."It's difficult to generate that force when there's no pace on the wicket and when someone has read your game nicely. So, at that time, you have to be very smart how you want to extend your innings. You have to change according to the situation, what team demands at that moment and talk to your partner who is inside, calm your nerves down and then take the innings ahead."Suryakumar is eager to showcase his versatile batting style once again in the West Indies, although he didn't face any significant challenges with the conditions in the United States."I was happy playing there as well (laughs). It's not that we weren't happy playing there, but we were playing for the first time, so yes, the conditions were different and little challenging as well. But we have played here (in West Indies), we know the conditions."The Kensington Oval pitch has a distinct brownish appearance, which the Indian team also observed during their previous tour of the Caribbean."The practice pitches, yeah, they were a little spicy in New York. It was fresh. They made the conditions after they got to know there is a World Cup there. Here they have been making pictures regularly and they are much better than (USA)," he said.The spinners have been doing well in the Caribbean conditions so far in the tournament but Suryakumar is not perturbed."That has always been my strong point (sweeps and reverse sweeps). I've tried to play the same way that I do in the practice sessions."In a strategic move, Virat Kohli has been paired with captain Rohit Sharma to open the batting, while Rishabh Pant has been elevated to the number three position. The question remains: if India suffers early wicket losses, will Suryakumar adapt his approach to the situation?"Nothing like that has happened. We try to play the format of the game. If there are early wickets you still have to put runs on the board and bat with that same intent. That is what we try and tell each other to take the positive route. The management has left it to the players to decide at that point of time," he added.