Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has been a loyal member of the franchise for seven seasons. In recent years, he has emerged as a key player, winning matches for KKR and earning a call-up to the Indian T20 World Cup squad as a reserve.Despite his impressive performances, Rinku's salary at KKR stands at a mere Rs 55 lakh, a stark contrast to his teammate Mitchell Starc's whopping Rs 24.75 crore. This disparity has raised questions about the value placed on Indian talent in the IPL.In an interview with Dainik Jagaran, Rinku displayed a remarkable level of humility and contentment. He expressed gratitude for his current salary, stating that it is a significant amount for him."Even 50-55 lakhs is a lot. When I started, I never thought I would earn so much. I was a kid then, and if I got even 10-5 rupees, I thought I would somehow manage. Now I am getting 55 lakh rupees, so this is a lot. I should be happy with whatever God gives me," Rinku said.Rinku's philosophy extends beyond financial matters. He believes in the transience of material possessions and the importance of staying grounded."If I tell you the truth today, then all this is an illusion. You did not bring anything with you, nor will you take anything with you. You never know when time will change. I would like to say that you have to go back the same way you came. Stay grounded, what else," Rinku said.Rinku's perspective serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in contentment and gratitude. His story highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of resources in the IPL and a greater appreciation for the contributions of Indian players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a batting revolution, with teams consistently surpassing the 250-run mark. However, experts believe that bowlers may find some respite in the upcoming T20 World Cup due to several factors.Firstly, the absence of the Impact Player rule in the World Cup will force teams to rely more on all-rounders. This means that batting all-rounders will not be able to be slotted at lower positions, as they were in the IPL.Secondly, the pitches in the West Indies are expected to be slower and more gripping than those in the IPL. This will favor spinners and make it more difficult for batters to score freely.Thirdly, the lack of experience in hosting high-profile cricket matches in some of the venues in the USA may lead to inconsistent pitch conditions. This could also impact scoring rates.Despite the challenges, some batters may still be able to produce high scores on drop-in pitches, which are more consistent than natural pitches. However, overall, the consensus is that bowlers are likely to have a greater say in the T20 World Cup compared to the IPL.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed empathy for Hardik Pandya, who has endured a challenging phase in his career. Pandya's forgettable IPL season as captain and player for Mumbai Indians, coupled with incessant fan jeering, has raised concerns about his form and mental state.However, Harbhajan believes that Pandya will find redemption at the upcoming T20 World Cup. "When he wears that blue jersey, he will be a different Hardik Pandya," Harbhajan said. "He has gone through a lot, and I wish him all the best to have a very good tournament for India."Harbhajan attributed Pandya's struggles to the pressure of captaincy, the team's poor performance, and the change in leadership from Rohit Sharma. He urged the team management to bring Pandya and Rohit on the same page and create a cohesive unit.Regarding India's pace attack, Harbhajan expressed concern about the reliance on Jasprit Bumrah. "Bumrah is in a different league," he said. "He will win you games on any kind of pitch. But other bowlers like Arshdeep and Siraj would need help from conditions."Harbhajan dismissed the significance of IPL form in the T20 World Cup. "This is what counts the most," he said. "If I was in their shoes, I would be looking for this opportunity to showcase that I have been better than what I have been doing."Harbhajan praised Virat Kohli's improved T20 batting, noting his increased strike rate. He emphasized the importance of Kohli and Rohit scoring quickly in the Powerplay while respecting the conditions in the USA and West Indies.Regarding the speculation about Gautam Gambhir becoming India's head coach, Harbhajan said, "The biggest thing a coach can do is to bring everyone together." He ruled out his own candidacy, citing family commitments.

As the T20 World Cup draws near, the Indian squad has assembled in the US, sparking discussions about the optimal 15-member team. Former England captain Eoin Morgan has expressed his preference for Shubman Gill over Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad.Morgan, speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, stated that he would have included Gill in the 15 instead of Jaiswal. He praised Gill's leadership qualities and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.Jaiswal, a talented batsman, has made a strong start to his international career, scoring over 1000 runs in Tests and 500 runs in T20Is. However, Morgan believes that Gill's experience and leadership potential make him a more valuable asset for the World Cup.Gill has also impressed in international cricket since his debut in 2019. He has scored centuries in all three formats and has a proven track record of performing under pressure.Morgan emphasized the importance of having multiple leaders in a World Cup squad, even if they are not playing. He believes that Gill's presence, even on the sidelines, can provide inspiration and positivity to the team.The BCCI selectors' decision to include Jaiswal as a traveling reserve has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that Gill's experience and leadership qualities should have earned him a spot in the main squad.As the World Cup approaches, the debate over India's squad selection is likely to continue. Morgan's comments have added fuel to the discussion, highlighting the importance of leadership and experience in a tournament where every match is crucial.

The 2024 T20 World Cup is fast approaching, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the renewal of one of the sport's most intense rivalries: India vs. Pakistan. In a recent interview with the ICC, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi shared his thoughts on the iconic match between the two nations at the 2021 T20 World Cup.Afridi expressed his regret at not being present for Pakistan's historic 10-wicket victory over India in Dubai. "I achieved a lot, played a lot of cricket, and experienced a lot, but we hadn't beaten India in a World Cup before," he said. "That was an unfulfilled wish."Afridi, who is now an ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, believes that the match was a defining moment for Pakistan cricket. "That was one of the moments I felt I should have been there on that occasion," he said. "That is one opportunity I missed."The 2021 T20 World Cup victory was a significant achievement for Pakistan, and it remains a cherished memory for fans. The team's dominant performance, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, showcased their potential and sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.As the 2024 T20 World Cup draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan. The match, scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, is sure to be a spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, is set to rejoin his teammates ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game against Bangladesh. Kohli had taken a break from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to spend time with his family.Kohli's return to the team comes as a relief to the Indian management, who were concerned about his availability for the warm-up clash. However, it has now been reported that Kohli will be ready for the practice game."He will reach New York before the warm-up vs Bangladesh on June 1. Whether he plays or not in the warm-up will be management's call - whether they feel there is enough gap between him landing and the warm-up fixture," a source was quoted as saying by News 18.The likes of Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant have already reached New York. The second batch of players, including stars left on Monday morning while a few others like Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be joining the squad soon.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. India versus Pakistan clash will take place on June 9. They will later play tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to wrap up their Group A matches.In the tournament, India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a big ICC trophy.India will be aiming to win their first T20 WC title ever since they won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. In the last edition held in Australia in 2022, India lost to England by 10 wickets in the semifinals.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) Rinku Singh, fresh off his maiden IPL triumph, has set his sights on replicating the success at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. KKR's emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL final marked their third title triumph.Rinku, who is part of the Indian team squad as a reserve, expressed his confidence in lifting the World Cup. "I am headed to Noida first and then I will be going to the United States of America. You guys watch, I will also be lifting the World Cup," he declared.Despite limited opportunities in the IPL season, Rinku made a significant contribution with 168 runs at a strike rate of 148.67. He attributed KKR's success to collective effort. "You can't credit just one person because everyone has worked hard. Since GG (Gautam Gambhir) sir came, a lot of things have changed," he said.In the final, KKR's bowlers restricted Hyderabad to a paltry 113, with Andre Russell claiming three wickets. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 52* and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 39 propelled KKR to victory in just 10.3 overs.Russell, who played a crucial role in the triumph, praised the team's adaptability. "As professionals, we always have to be up to the task to play on whatever surface we get," he said. He also shared insights into his batting technique, emphasizing the importance of minimizing front leg movement.Rinku's determination and KKR's collective spirit bode well for India's chances at the T20 World Cup. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be key to their success on the global stage.

Former England captain Eoin Morgan has declared India as the frontrunners to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and the USA. Morgan, speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, expressed his belief in India's chances, stating, "For me, the strongest side even with injuries throughout the tournament is India without a doubt."Morgan highlighted the exceptional quality and depth of the Indian squad, emphasizing their potential to overcome any opposition in the tournament. He remarked, "The strength and depth is absolutely incredible at the moment. We are talking about the players who missed out on the squad of 15 because of the quality they possess."India's T20 World Cup journey will begin on June 5 against Ireland at the newly built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for June 9. Subsequently, India will face tournament co-hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15 to conclude their Group A matches.The Indian team will be determined to end their ICC trophy drought, with their last major triumph being the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India have reached the finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023, the semifinals in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, and the T20 WC final in 2014 and semifinals in 2016 and 2022. However, they have fallen short of securing a significant ICC trophy.India's primary objective will be to secure their first T20 WC title since their inaugural victory in 2007 in South Africa. In the previous edition held in Australia in 2022, India suffered a 10-wicket defeat against England in the semifinals.With a formidable squad and a proven track record in ICC events, India will be the team to beat in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their journey to the title will be closely watched by fans around the world, as they aim to end their ICC trophy drought and reclaim their status as the world's leading cricket nation.

Virat Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, silenced critics and proved his T20 prowess in the 2024 Indian Premier League season, securing the Orange Cap and leading RCB to the playoffs.Despite facing criticism for his strike rate, Kohli emerged as the tournament's top run-scorer, amassing 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. His tally included one century and five fifties, marking the second time he has claimed the Orange Cap after his record-breaking 973 runs in 2016.Kohli's performances were a timely reminder of his T20 dominance. He faced scrutiny over his strike rate throughout the league phase, but he addressed the criticism head-on after a stellar knock against Gujarat Titans. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull advised Kohli to disregard the "rubbish" criticism, while batting legend Sunil Gavaskar criticized broadcasters for repeatedly airing Kohli's on-air rant against pundits.RCB icon Dinesh Karthik credited Doull for motivating Kohli. "He started okay but thanks to people like Simon (Doull) and a few others, they just really spurred him on," Karthik said. "He is someone who inadvertently wants to hold on to certain things to do well."Kohli's fierce determination and ability to prove his detractors wrong have been central to his success. "He loves proving people wrong, and even though he might not come out and say it, it really fuels his passion," Karthik added.Kohli's remarkable form and ability to perform under pressure make him a key player for India as they aim for World Cup glory. His performances in the IPL have silenced critics and underlined his status as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time.