Cricket

Liam Livingstone, the Punjab Kings and England all-rounder, has prematurely departed India to address a lingering knee issue ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Livingstone has endured a string of muscle injuries in recent years, including two missed games early in the IPL season due to an on-field injury during a loss to Lucknow Super Giants.Despite returning to the PBKS lineup for their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Livingstone has now left the tournament with his team eliminated. ESPNcricinfo reports that his knee injury is not severe enough to jeopardize his World Cup participation but necessitates rest before England's upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.Livingstone's IPL campaign was underwhelming, with 111 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 142.30 and three wickets in 12 overs. This follows a lackluster winter in franchise cricket, including a quiet SA20 season with MI Cape Town and a brief stint with Sharjah Warriors.Other England World Cup squad members participating in the IPL, including Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Reece Topley, will also return home shortly. They are expected to reunite in Leeds before England's first T20I at Headingley on May 22.Livingstone's departure highlights the importance of player management and injury prevention ahead of major tournaments. With the T20 World Cup approaching, England will be keen to ensure that their key players are fit and ready to perform at their best.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid's future with the national team remains uncertain as his contract expires in June. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Dravid will have to reapply for the position if he wishes to continue beyond the T20 World Cup next month. The new appointment will be for a three-year term.Dravid's initial two-year contract was extended along with his support staff after the 50-overs World Cup last year. However, reports suggest that Dravid is reluctant to extend his stay as head coach beyond June.BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board will invite applications for the head coach position in the coming days. He emphasized that the BCCI is seeking a long-term coach for a three-year period.Shah also addressed the possibility of having different coaches for different formats, but noted that there is no precedent for this in Indian cricket. He added that the decision ultimately rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).The CAC, comprising Jatin Paranjape, Ashok Malhotra, and Sulakshana Naik, will be responsible for selecting the new head coach. Shah indicated that even a foreign coach could be considered based on the CAC's recommendations.Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to fill the vacant post of one national selector soon. Shah confirmed that interviews have already taken place and an announcement will be made shortly.Regarding the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairmanship, Shah remained non-committal on whether he would run for the position. He stated that he is focused on his role with the BCCI.

Rohit Sharma's dismal batting performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has raised concerns among Indian cricket fans and former players alike. The Mumbai Indians captain's poor form has cast a shadow over India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, with many questioning his place in the national team.Rohit's struggles with the bat have been evident throughout the IPL season. In 14 matches, he has managed only 218 runs at an average of 15.57 and a strike rate of 122.89. His highest score of 48 came against the Chennai Super Kings, but he has failed to convert any of his starts into substantial innings.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his concern over Rohit's form, stating that it is a "big worry" for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. "Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's form is a big worry for Mumbai and Indians. You hope that they come back to form quickly," Pathan wrote on Twitter.However, former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that Rohit will not face the same difficulties with the Indian team as he has with Mumbai Indians. "I don't think it's a big worry. Rohit can flip the switch at national duty, he holds it in very high regard," Aaron told ESPNCricinfo. "A player of his class, you can easily use the phrase form is temporary, class is permanent. He will find form, he doesn't have to worry."Despite Aaron's optimism, Rohit's poor IPL form has put pressure on the Mumbai Indians management to rest him and other marquee players like Jasprit Bumrah. With only one league campaign left in the season, the team's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs are all but over.Rohit's struggles have also raised questions about his leadership abilities. As captain of the Indian team, he has been criticized for his conservative approach and lack of tactical acumen. Some experts believe that his poor form with the bat has affected his decision-making on the field.With the T20 World Cup 2024 just over a year away, Rohit's form and leadership will be under intense scrutiny. The Indian team will need him to rediscover his batting prowess and provide the necessary guidance to the team if they are to challenge for the title.

Suryakumar Yadav's Footwork Flaw: A Potential Achilles Heel in T20 World CupFormer Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has identified a significant technical flaw in star batter Suryakumar Yadav's batting technique, which could be exploited by rival bowlers in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rayudu, now a respected analyst, believes that Suryakumar's footwork, particularly against fast bowlers, could be a hindrance to his consistency at the international level.Rayudu's observations stem from Suryakumar's recent performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 11th over, KKR's Andre Russell bowled a delivery outside the off-stump, tempting Suryakumar to pull towards the leg side. However, he mistimed his shot, sending the ball flat towards deep square leg for an easy catch."There is a plan in terms of bowling to Suryakumar Yadav," Rayudu said on Star Sports. "You bowl slow and you bowl wide. We have seen that in the World Cup as well. When the pitch is slow with a bigger boundary on one side, teams have a plan against him. He needs to work on that a little bit."Despite his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly, this technical aspect could be a hindrance to Suryakumar's consistency at the international level. Rayudu emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to ensure that Suryakumar remains a vital asset for the Indian cricket team.Suryakumar has maintained commendable form throughout this IPL season, tallying 345 runs in 10 matches with an average of 38.33 and a striking rate of 169.95. However, Rayudu's insights could offer a strategic advantage to opposition bowlers in the T20 World Cup.

Tristan Stubbs, the dynamic all-rounder for Delhi Capitals, has revealed an intriguing secret about his relationship with India's star left-arm spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. In a recent interview with The Grade Cricketer podcast, Stubbs disclosed that Yadav has consistently refused to bowl to him in the nets."He won't bowl to me. I have tried a few times to go face him, but he won't bowl to me," Stubbs said.This revelation has sparked speculation about Yadav's motives. Stubbs believes that Yadav is intentionally keeping his wrong-un delivery a mystery, preventing him from gaining an advantage in potential future encounters."I think he's trying to keep it a mystery, so I can't tell you," Stubbs said. "I have tried to face him, but he's not having it."Stubbs's comments have raised questions about whether Yadav's refusal to bowl to him is a strategic move or a sign of respect. Some believe that Yadav is simply trying to protect his secret weapon, while others suggest that he may be acknowledging Stubbs's potential as a dangerous batsman.Stubbs, who has been a key contributor to Delhi Capitals' recent resurgence, has expressed a desire to face Yadav in order to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, he understands Yadav's decision to keep his delivery under wraps."I think it's quietly not been said, but I think so, yeah," Stubbs said when asked if he wanted to face Yadav in preparation for the World Cup. "I think he's smart to do so. We're on the same page."Meanwhile, Yadav has been in impressive form for Delhi Capitals, picking up 14 wickets in nine matches. His performances have helped the team climb to fifth place in the points table.As the IPL season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Yadav will change his stance and bowl to Stubbs in the nets. However, the mystery surrounding their relationship has added an intriguing subplot to the tournament.

The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) directive for players to return home for national duty from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the T20 World Cup has sparked a heated debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for decisive action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL franchises against players and their respective cricket boards for withdrawing from the IPL midway through the season.Gavaskar emphasized the need for repercussions against players and their cricket boards for breaching their commitments. He urged IPL franchises to deduct a substantial portion of the players' salaries, citing the financial repercussions faced by the franchises due to their sudden exit."I am all for players choosing country before anything else, but having assured various franchises about their availability for the full season, if they pull out now, it will be letting down the franchises," Gavaskar stated. "The franchises should not only be allowed to deduct a substantial amount from the fee that the player was bought for, but also not give the Board, to which the player belongs, the stated 10 per cent commission of the fee that each player gets."Gavaskar also highlighted the disparity in treatment between the IPL and other T20 leagues worldwide, particularly regarding the 10 per cent commission paid to cricket boards for players' participation in the tournament."If the Board has gone back on its assurance they need to be penalized too. This 10 per cent commission to the Boards happens only in the IPL and nowhere else. Does the BCCI get any thanks for its generosity? No way," Gavaskar emphasized.The controversy surrounding England players' IPL exit underscores the complexities of balancing international and franchise cricket commitments. As discussions between the ECB and BCCI continue, stakeholders await clarity on the way forward.

Shubman Gill's blistering century against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday has reignited the debate over his omission from India's T20 World Cup squad.Gill, who has been in scintillating form this IPL season, slammed his fourth ton in the league, powering Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run win over the defending champions. His 55-ball 104 was a testament to his class and ability to dominate even the best bowling attacks.Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary duty during the match, expressed his admiration for Gill and lamented his exclusion from the World Cup squad. "He (Gill) would be hurting. He should be hurting. He should look at it positively and try to get better," Shastri said.Shastri pointed out that Gill's talent is undeniable, but the depth of India's batting lineup is such that he has not been able to secure a place in the 15-man squad. "A player of his calibre would walk into any side, but such is the talent in India that he doesn't get a place," Shastri added.Despite missing out on a place in the World Cup squad, Gill will still be traveling with Team India as a reserve alongside Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed. This indicates that the selectors still value his abilities and believe he has a future with the national team.Gill's omission from the World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection criteria and whether the selectors have made the right decision. Some experts believe that Gill's consistent performances in the IPL should have earned him a place in the squad, while others argue that the selectors have opted for a more experienced lineup.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Gill in the World Cup squad is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that he is a talented batsman with the potential to become one of the best in the world. His performances in the IPL this season have only reinforced that belief.

Pakistan's recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.Raja highlighted the team's weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that "you can't defend losing against Ireland."Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan's batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team's ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming."How will Pakistan win the World Cup?" Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team's prospects given their current form. "You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head."Raja's comments shed light on Pakistan's struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan's bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.Pakistan's loss to Ireland has exposed the team's weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

The Indian cricket team's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 has been announced, and all the selected players have since taken part in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Here's a detailed analysis of their performances since their selection:Rohit Sharma (Captain):Rohit Sharma has struggled with low scores, registering only 19 runs in three matches.Yashasvi Jaiswal:Jaiswal has impressed with a scintillating fifty against SunRisers Hyderabad, scoring 71 runs in two games.Virat Kohli:Kohli has been in excellent form, scoring a century and a half-century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Suryakumar Yadav:Yadav has produced outstanding knocks, including a match-winning century against SunRisers Hyderabad, amassing 168 runs in three games.Rishabh Pant (Wicket-Keeper):Pant has been a standout wicketkeeper-batter, scoring 413 runs in 12 games.Sanju Samson (Wicket-Keeper):Samson has bounced back from a duck against SunRisers Hyderabad with a brilliant 86 against Delhi Capitals.Hardik Pandya:Pandya has impressed with his bowling, taking seven wickets in three games, but has struggled with the bat.Shivam Dube:Dube has suffered a loss of form, scoring only 34 runs in three matches.Ravindra Jadeja:Jadeja has had a mixed bag, scoring 20 runs and claiming two wickets in three games.Axar Patel:Patel has contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 15 runs and taking one wicket in one game.Kuldeep Yadav:Yadav has been a standout bowler, taking 14 wickets in nine matches.Yuzvendra Chahal:Chahal has been expensive in both games since his selection, conceding 110 runs in eight overs.Jasprit Bumrah:Bumrah has continued his good form, taking six wickets in three games and holding the Purple Cap in IPL 2024.Mohammed Siraj:Siraj has impressed with his bowling, taking five wickets in two games.Arshdeep Singh:Singh has struggled with his performances, conceding 135 runs in three games.