Cricket

India's esteemed head coach, Rahul Dravid, has announced his departure from the role after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies. This decision marks the end of Dravid's tenure, which began in November 2021.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for Dravid's successor, with former India teammate Gautam Gambhir emerging as the frontrunner. Gambhir's credentials include his successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leading the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.Gambhir's interest in the coaching role is evident, as he has expressed his desire to guide the Indian team. "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team," Gambhir stated.The BCCI's decision to consider Gambhir is based on his impressive record as a player and his understanding of the game. As a member of India's T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup-winning teams, Gambhir brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.While Dravid's departure will leave a void in the Indian coaching setup, the BCCI is confident that Gambhir possesses the necessary qualities to lead the team to future success. His appointment would mark a new chapter in Indian cricket, with the former opener tasked with continuing the team's dominance on the international stage.

South Africa's pace attack wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka's batting lineup, dismissing them for a paltry 77 in the T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The Proteas' bowlers exploited the bounce on offer to dismantle the Lankan innings in just 19.1 overs.Pacer Anrich Nortje led the charge with a career-best 4/7, including a wicket off his first over. Kagiso Rabada chipped in with 2/21, while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj also impressed with 2/22.Sri Lanka's decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as they struggled to time the ball on the drop-in pitch. Pathum Nissanka (3) was dismissed early by Ottneil Baartman, who made a remarkable debut with figures of 1/9.Nortje's pace and accuracy proved too much for Kusal Mendis, who mistimed a pull to make it 31/2. Maharaj then struck twice in successive deliveries, dismissing skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama.Angelo Mathews looked most comfortable for Sri Lanka, scoring 16 off 16 balls before Nortje dismissed him. The Lankan innings ended with Nuwan Thushara's run-out.South Africa's bowlers dominated the match from start to finish, showcasing their skill and precision. The Proteas will be confident heading into their remaining Group A matches, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup and find a way to improve their batting performance.

Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian fast bowler, has identified Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah as the two pacers he believes will dominate the docile pitches in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the West Indies.McGrath, who was speaking at the MRF Pace Foundation ground in Chennai, said that Starc's recent performances in the IPL have been impressive, and he expects him to continue his good form in the World Cup. "We saw Starc at the end of the IPL. He came into his own, which was good to see," McGrath said.The former Australian pacer also praised Bumrah, calling him "the one bowler that batters find it hard, even in T20s, to get on top of." McGrath believes that Bumrah's ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls at will makes him a formidable opponent.McGrath also spoke about the importance of other pacers bowling well in support of Bumrah. "It is who's going to take wickets around Bumrah and who's going to bowl well around him," he said.McGrath expressed his support for the expanded T20 World Cup, which features 20 teams. He believes that it gives more countries the opportunity to participate and experience the tournament. "I like the concept as long as it's not just easy games. It's good experience for these other countries that don't play a huge amount," he said.McGrath also commented on Starc's recent statement that he might consider leaving one format of international cricket to play more franchise cricket worldwide. McGrath expressed his concern about the potential impact this could have on Test cricket. "I guess, personally, my fear is where international cricket will be in 10 years. Hopefully, Test cricket is still held in high regard," he said.However, McGrath also acknowledged the appeal of franchise cricket. "It's quick. It's exciting. I think it's up to the senior players and the administrators, to hold Test cricket in high regard. And international cricket in high regard. But T20 cricket is here to stay," he said.

Netherlands and Nepal: A Clash of Underdogs in the T20 World CupThe T20 World Cup is underway, and Group D presents a fascinating matchup between Netherlands and Nepal, two teams with contrasting pedigrees but equal determination.Netherlands, the more experienced side, has a history of punching above its weight at World Cups. However, Nepal, despite its limited experience, has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past.The two teams have a close head-to-head record, with Netherlands holding a slight edge. Their recent encounters have been fiercely contested, including a thrilling final in a triangular tournament earlier this year.Key Players to Watch:* Michael Levitt (Netherlands): The young opener has been a revelation for Netherlands, scoring runs at a rapid pace.* Dipendra Airee (Nepal): Nepal's highest run-getter in T20Is, Airee is known for his explosive batting and ability to turn matches on its head.Team News:Netherlands may opt for Vikramjit Singh at No. 3 or 4, while Nepal faces a dilemma over its spin partner for Lalit Rajbanshi. Sagar Dhakal could be in contention for a starting spot.Pitch and Conditions:The match will be played in Dallas, where the pitch is expected to favor big hitting. However, rain could be a factor, with a 20% chance of precipitation forecast.Stats and Trivia:* Sompal Kami is the only survivor from Nepal's last T20 World Cup appearance in 2014.* Airee holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty, while Kushal Malla has the fourth-highest T20I strike rate among batters with at least 500 runs.* Logan van Beek is playing his fifth T20 World Cup, a testament to his longevity and experience.

England, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, will kick off their title defense against Scotland on the same Kensington Oval pitch that witnessed a thrilling 218-run shootout between Namibia and Oman. Despite being heavy favorites, England faces a potential challenge on a slow, low surface that could hinder their batting.England captain Jos Buttler emphasized the importance of adaptability and assessing conditions on the spot, rather than relying on preconceived notions. However, the evidence from Sunday's match suggests that the pitch may offer variable bounce and sticky conditions, making it difficult for batters to score consistently.Namibia's victory over Oman highlighted the challenges of the pitch, with wickets falling in clusters. Spinners Bernard Scholtz and Gerhard Erasmus exploited the low bounce to trap batters lbw, while Oman seamer Mehran Khan dismissed Jan Frylinck with a grubber that deflected off his pad.David Wiese, Namibia's match-winner in the Super Over, described the pitch as "difficult to start on the whole time," adding that "once you got wickets, you got wickets in clusters." Oman's ex-captain Zeeshan Maqsood attributed the pitch's behavior to Saturday's rain in Barbados.Buttler acknowledged that England has played several matches at Kensington Oval in recent years, but stressed the need to be prepared for any conditions. He emphasized the importance of communication and quick assessment of conditions to determine a winning score.England has enlisted the services of Kieron Pollard as a consultant coach for the World Cup. Pollard has shared his insights on the impact of crosswinds in the Caribbean, which Buttler believes will be a factor in team selection and batting combinations.Buttler expressed confidence in his squad, citing their recent 2-0 series win over Pakistan. He acknowledged the expectations to beat Scotland comfortably but emphasized the importance of bringing intensity and focus to the match.Buttler declined to reveal England's starting XI for the opening match, highlighting the team's depth and versatility. He stated that England has "lots of really good options" and will select the best combination for the conditions.

Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson exudes confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his belief in his preparation for the tournament. Samson, who has endured a decade of ups and downs in his career, feels that he is now at his most experienced and prepared for the global event.Samson's impressive performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain of the Rajasthan Royals has bolstered his confidence. He amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47, finishing fifth in the Orange Cap standings.Despite the intense pressure of the IPL, Samson admits that he couldn't help but think about his chances of being selected for the World Cup. He acknowledges that his aggressive batting style, which aims to make every ball count, may have played a role in earning him a spot in the squad.However, Samson remains cautious and aware of potential selection issues. He understands that the team's needs and the combination sought by the selectors and management will ultimately determine his playing time.With in-form Rishabh Pant also in the side, it remains uncertain whether Samson will get the opportunity to play in any of the games during the T20 World Cup. Nonetheless, Samson remains optimistic and believes that his preparation and experience will serve him well if given the chance.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool of $11.25 million for the Men's T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the West Indies and USA. This marks a significant increase from the previous edition's prize money of $10 million.The tournament, scheduled for 28 days across nine venues, will feature 20 teams competing for the coveted trophy. The winners will receive a staggering $2.45 million, the highest prize amount in the event's history. The runners-up will secure $1.28 million, while the losing semi-finalists will take home $787,500 each.Teams eliminated in the second round will receive $382,500, while those finishing between ninth and 12th place will earn $247,500 each. Teams ranked from 13th to 20th place will each receive $225,000.Additionally, every team will be awarded an additional $31,154 for each match won during the tournament, excluding the semi-finals and finals. This incentive aims to encourage competitive play throughout the event.The tournament will commence with 40 matches in the first round, followed by the Super 8s and culminating in the semi-finals, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. The final match will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, where the champions of the 2024 men's edition will be crowned.ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, stating, "This event is historic in so many ways, so it is fitting that the prize money for players reflects that. Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be entertained by the players in what we’re hoping to be an Out of This World event."The increased prize money is a testament to the growing popularity and financial success of the T20 format. It is expected to attract top players from around the world and generate significant revenue for the ICC and participating teams.

The Australian cricket team's arrival in the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup was marred by lost luggage, flight delays, and gusty winds. However, all-rounder Ashton Agar revealed that a cruise along the stunning coastline of Barbados helped calm the players' nerves.Pace spearhead Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned to Australia after the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a short break. Cummins lost his luggage while en route to the West Indies, but it eventually reached him. Starc and Glenn Maxwell also faced flight delays, spending nights in Los Angeles and Miami before arriving in Barbados.Marcus Stoinis missed a practice match due to a late delivery of his kit. Despite these setbacks, Agar said a cruise on Saturday brought a sense of tranquility to the team."A lot of the boys are coming off a long time in India in the IPL, maybe 48 hours at home for a couple of them, so to do something like that is so refreshing," Agar told reporters. "I think mentally once you've done that, you go into the sessions ready to go, because you've already enjoyed what the Caribbean has to offer."Agar highlighted the memorable moment of watching the sunset from the catamaran. "You've got all the boys sitting on the roof watching the sun go down, having a drink together, having a genuinely good time and enjoying each other's company. It was pretty easy to forget you're here for a World Cup," he quipped.Despite the distractions, Agar attended an optional training session. "Before a tournament where you're not going to train too much when the matches come thick and fast, you want to get all your drills in," he said. "You want to make sure you're good to go, your mechanics are working well, nailing that four-to-six meter length, getting my shoulder on the right path."Australia will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been met with mixed reactions, particularly regarding the squad selection. One player who has faced significant criticism is Azam Khan, with former captain Shahid Afridi expressing concerns about his fitness.Amidst the controversy, a viral video has emerged showing the Pakistan team engaged in a training session. In the video, Babar Azam can be heard addressing Azam Khan with a term that has sparked debate among fans. Some believe he called him "Gainda," a slang for overweight people, while others suggest he used a different term.The incident has drawn criticism from some quarters, with fans and experts expressing concerns about the use of such language within the team. They argue that it reflects poorly on the team's culture and undermines the captain's authority.Despite the criticism, Babar Azam has defended Azam Khan, urging fans to support the team's selections. He emphasized the need to back the players who have been chosen and expressed confidence in their abilities.However, Azam Khan's recent performances have raised questions about his form and fitness. In the recently concluded T20I series against England, he scored only 11 runs in two matches and made several fielding errors.Former selectors and fans have questioned his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, suggesting that he may not be in optimal shape to compete at the highest level. They have called for a more rigorous selection process and a focus on players who are both talented and physically fit.As the T20 World Cup approaches, the debate over Azam Khan's inclusion and the team's overall fitness is likely to continue. The Pakistan team will need to address these concerns and find a way to unite and perform at their best if they want to challenge for the title.