Cricket

Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic: Rumors of Separation Swirl Amidst Social Media SpeculationIn recent days, rumors have circulated on social media alleging a separation between Indian cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya and his wife, Natasa Stankovic. The speculations arose after Natasa removed the "Pandya" surname from her Instagram handle.The rumors gained traction when a post on Reddit claimed that Natasa had been absent from Pandya's IPL 2024 matches and had not posted any recent photos with him. The post also noted that she had not wished him on his birthday."This is just speculation. But both of them aren't posting each other on stories (Instagram Stories). Earlier, Natasa used to have Natasa Stankovic Pandya on her Instagram, but now she completely removed his name," the post stated."Her birthday was on 4th March, and there was no post from Hardik on that day; she also removed all recent posts of her and Hardik except the one where Agastya was with them. Also, she isn't seen in stands this IPL or post stories regarding the team. While Krunal and Pankhuri still comment on her posts, something is definitely off between both of them," it added.However, it is important to note that these rumors remain unconfirmed by either Hardik or Natasa. As of now, they are merely speculations based on social media observations.Upon examining Natasa's Instagram page, it is evident that she still has photos of herself with Hardik and their family. Therefore, the reports of her deleting all pictures with him are inaccurate.Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season with Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya is preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, where he will serve as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team.

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 is set to witness the electrifying rivalry between India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York. This Group A match promises to be a highlight of the tournament, rekindling memories of their last T20 World Cup encounter where Virat Kohli delivered one of the greatest innings in the format's history.Co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, the tournament kicks off on June 1, with the final scheduled for June 29. However, the build-up to the India-Pakistan game has been marred by controversy over ticket pricing.Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has criticized the ICC for allegedly prioritizing profits over promoting the game in the USA. Modi claims that tickets for the marquee clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York are being sold for as much as $20,000 (Rs 16,65,138) per seat in the Diamond Club section.According to the ICC, ticket prices for the India-Pakistan match range from $300 (now sold out) to $10,000. A recent USA Today report further claimed that resale prices for these tickets have soared.Despite the controversy, the anticipation for the India-Pakistan match is palpable, given the historic and emotional significance of their cricket rivalry. India will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York before facing Pakistan at the same venue. Subsequent matches include a face-off against hosts USA and a final Group A match against Canada.The T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event, with the India-Pakistan clash being one of the most eagerly awaited matches. The tournament will provide a platform for some of the world's best cricketers to showcase their skills and entertain fans around the globe.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 looms on the horizon, Team India embarks on a quest to break their ICC trophy drought. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, commences on June 1, with India aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2007.Despite impressive performances in recent years, India has endured disappointing exits in the past two editions of the T20 World Cup, crashing out in the league stage in 2021 and the semi-finals in 2022. Ahead of the upcoming event, former England cricketer David Lloyd has sparked controversy with his assessment of India's chances.Speaking to talkSPORT, Lloyd labeled India as a "predictable team" that lacks the necessary threat to challenge for the title. "The shackles are not off," he remarked. "I would think the opposition would accept the quality... But they ain't taking a risk with bat or ball."India's preparations for the tournament will begin with a warm-up match against Bangladesh in the USA on June 1. The venue and timing for this match are yet to be confirmed. The ICC has scheduled warm-up games from May 27 to June 1 across the USA and Trinidad and Tobago, involving 17 of the 20 participating teams. These matches will not carry T20I status, allowing teams to field all members of their 15-player squads. Teams can opt to play up to two warm-up matches, depending on their arrival schedule.India's path to the title will be a challenging one, with the tournament featuring some of the world's top T20 teams. The team will need to find a way to overcome their recent struggles in ICC events and play with the freedom and aggression that has characterized their best performances.

India's quest for a second T20 World Cup title faces a stern test as they prepare for the upcoming edition in the UAE and West Indies. The Rohit Sharma-led side has endured disappointing exits in the last two tournaments, raising concerns about their approach and tactics.Former England cricketer David Lloyd has added fuel to the fire, labeling India a "predictable team" that lacks the necessary risk-taking mentality. Lloyd believes that while India possesses talented players, they fail to fully unleash their potential due to a conservative mindset."The shackles are not off," Lloyd said. "I would think the opposition accept the quality... But they ain't taking a risk with bat or ball. So, you'd think of them as 'yeah, they will have their moments,' but they wouldn't be really threatening.'"Lloyd's comments have sparked debate among cricket pundits and fans alike. Some argue that India's cautious approach has hindered their success in recent tournaments, while others defend the team's strategy as a necessary balance between aggression and stability.India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 includes a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain the cornerstones of the batting lineup, while Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant provide explosive firepower. The bowling attack boasts the experience of Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, complemented by the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.Despite Lloyd's skepticism, India will be determined to prove their worth on the global stage. They will face a tough challenge in a tournament that features some of the world's best T20 teams. However, with a talented squad and a burning desire to end their ICC trophy drought, India will be hoping to defy the odds and emerge victorious.

The Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping conundrum for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has been resolved, with the selectors opting for specialist wicket-keeper batters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. However, with the team's composition, it's likely that only one of them will make the playing XI.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the selection, expressing his admiration for Pant's return from a near-fatal car accident. However, he ultimately chose Samson as his pick due to his exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024."Rishabh Pant played well in the IPL. He has come out of his injuries. He looked fit, batted well, and did some nice wicketkeeping. But Sanju played really well. I would like to see him get a chance. He has been performing consistently. He has been scoring 60s and 70s and is not the old Sanju anymore who would score just 30s and 40s," Harbhajan said.Another notable exclusion from the 15-member squad was Rinku Singh, who was named in the reserves list. Harbhajan believes Singh should be added in place of a spin option."The World Cup team has been selected. The batting is good. I think we are one fast bowler short. One player that I think we will miss is Rinku Singh, because he is someone who can win the match single-handedly for us. He can chase down 60 runs in 20 balls. I think selecting four spinners is a bit too much. Three would have been enough. I wish Team India all the best, hope they bring the cup," Harbhajan said.Regarding the spin options, Harbhajan believes India will likely field three spinners in a game, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the most likely candidates.Harbhajan expressed confidence in India's chances against Pakistan in their highly-anticipated T20 World Cup match on June 9. "I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team," he concluded.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) nearing its conclusion, Indian cricketers are set to shift gears and start preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024. With Rohit Sharma leading the side, the Indian team would hope to go all the way in the marquee event, unlike the ODI World Cup last year where a defeat in the final against Australia ended the big dream.While Team India has the star power in all departments of the game, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has urged the team to play as a unit, putting 'we' in front of 'I'. In a chat on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh recalled how senior players rallied around MS Dhoni during the ICC World T20 in 2007, giving him ample support and guidance to succeed as a unit."Not many people know, Dhoni was a very new captain, so he needed that support from all of us. Before matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England, our core group would get together during the game to strategize for the next few overs. For example, in a match against Australia, I bowled the crucial 17th or 18th overs because if we managed to give away only 4 runs, it saved us a lot," said Harbhajan."Back then, batters didn't score 25 runs in an over unlike today. The decision-making was always a team effort. When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'," he added.Harbhajan asked if the Indian team, under Rohit Sharma, could do something similar and achieve collective success. "Similarly, the question now is, can Rohit Sharma do it? Rohit is not alone; it's about 'we'. If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win. But if we only focus on personal goals, things become difficult. It's all about the 'we' mentality, and that's when things come to life," said Bhajji.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has emphasized the importance of team unity and downplayed personal milestones. The tournament, scheduled to commence on June 1 in the USA and West Indies, will see India begin their campaign against Ireland on June 5.Rohit, who assumed the captaincy after Virat Kohli, has instilled a sense of collective responsibility within the team. "It's not about personal milestones and stats," he said in a recent interview. "It's about what 11 of us can bring on the table and win the trophy."India's quest for a major ICC title has spanned over a decade, and Rohit is determined to break the drought. "When I took over as captain, I wanted everyone to drive in one direction," he explained. "That's how team sport should be played."Despite speculations about his retirement after the T20 World Cup, Rohit has expressed his desire to continue playing for several more years. "I want to play for a few more years and make an impact on world cricket," he said. "I have seen more downs than ups in my life, and the human version of what I am today is because of the past and the downs."India's schedule in the group stage includes matches against Pakistan on June 9, USA on June 12, and Canada on June 15. The team will be eager to secure a top-two finish in their group to advance to the Super 12 stage.Rohit's leadership and the team's collective spirit will be crucial in India's pursuit of T20 World Cup glory. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, the team has the potential to overcome any challenges and emerge victorious.

Ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released updated rankings for T20I all-rounders, batters, and bowlers.T20I All-Rounders:Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan share the top spot in the T20I all-rounders rankings. Hasaranga's impressive performances have propelled him to the summit, while Shakib's consistent all-round contributions have kept him in contention. Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi remains in third place, followed by Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza and South Africa's Aiden Markram.T20I Batters:Ireland's Andrew Balbirnie has made significant strides in the T20I batters rankings, jumping six places to 53rd. His teammate Harry Tector has also improved, moving up 12 spots to 69th. Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has climbed four places to 57th, while Suryakumar Yadav of India continues to dominate the rankings with 861 points.T20I Bowlers:Bangladesh pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have made notable gains in the T20I bowlers rankings. Ahmed has moved up three places to 23rd, while Rahman has jumped five spots to 25th. India's Axar Patel is the only Indian bowler in the top five, holding fourth place with 660 points.Other Notable Movements:* Pakistan's Imad Wasim has improved his rankings in both the T20I bowlers and all-rounders lists.* England's Philip Salt remains in second place in the T20I batting rankings.* Only 23 rating points separate the top five players in the T20I all-rounders rankings, indicating a highly competitive field.

The Indian cricket team unveiled its official jersey for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking a significant departure from the design worn at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The new jersey features a vibrant blue and orange hue, symbolizing the team's determination to break its drought at ICC events.Since their last ICC trophy victory in 2013 under MS Dhoni's captaincy, India has come tantalizingly close to success but has ultimately fallen short in the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and World Test Championship.The jersey, priced at Rs 5999 for regular size, is available for purchase on Adidas' official website. Interestingly, the price of the jersey is comparable to the cost of a flight from Delhi to Goa, which currently hovers around Rs 5500.Adidas released a sneak peek of the jersey on social media, featuring Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and teammates Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite rumors of a possible leak, fans expressed excitement and anticipation for the tournament.India's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup includes:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Hardik Pandya (VC)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Virat Kohli* Suryakumar Yadav* Rishabh Pant* Sanju Samson* Shivam Dube* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Yuzvendra Chahal* Arshdeep Singh* Mohammed Siraj* Jasprit BumrahReserves:* Shubman Gill* Rinku Singh* Khaleel Ahmed* Avesh Khan