Cricket

After India's T20 World Cup squad announcement, captain Rohit Sharma engaged in a conversation with Rinku Singh, who was omitted from the 15-man roster. The encounter occurred at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, prior to the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders match.Despite his exclusion, Rinku appeared cheerful during his chat with Sharma, who arrived at the stadium after a press conference with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody commended Sharma's leadership and communication skills, highlighting his honesty and upfront approach with Rinku."That's great leadership right there. Making sure you're upfront and honest. It's easier to speak to someone when they're included in the squad, it's always hard to speak to someone who has been left out. That's why Rohit Sharma is so highly-regarded around the playing group. He is a very good leader. He's got those soft skills, which is so important around communication," Moody said.Agarkar acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the squad, particularly regarding Rinku's omission. "It's probably the toughest thing that we have had to discuss, frankly. I mean, he has done nothing wrong, nor a Shubman Gill, for that matter. You know, it's again, the combinations. We are not quite sure what conditions we'll get, so we wanted to try and have enough options," he explained.Agarkar emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Rinku's abilities but rather a matter of selecting the best possible combination for the team. "It's just unfortunate. I don't think it's anything to do with Rinku Singh. It's not his fault that he has missed out. It's more the 15 that we felt gives (India the best chance). With two keepers who are both terrific batters, there is already an extra batter sitting out," he said.

Aakash Chopra Slams 'Fan-Armies' for Spreading Fake News About Rohit SharmaFormer India batter Aakash Chopra has vehemently condemned "fan-armies" for attributing a fabricated quote regarding India captain Rohit Sharma to him. In a viral post, a fan account falsely claimed that Chopra had advocated for Rohit's exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad. However, Chopra has vehemently denied making any such comments and has expressed outrage at the user for misquoting him."Aakash Chopra said Rohit Sharma shouldn't have selected for T20 World Cup. He's now even failing in powerplay," the post on X claimed.Chopra took to social media to express his fury at fan-armies for spreading fake news and questioned whether views and engagement were more important than morals."IPL is the best time to spread hate, fake news...and all sorts of rubbish. Fan-armies are there to lap it up always. I often wonder if views/engagement is more important than the morals," Chopra posted on X.Chopra's comments come amidst a time when fake news and misinformation are rampant on social media, particularly during major sporting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has urged fans to be more discerning and to not blindly believe everything they read online.Meanwhile, Rohit will lead India's 15-man squad at the T20 World Cup, which also includes four traveling reserves. After skipping T20Is for over a year, Rohit made his return to the T20I side earlier this year during the series against Afghanistan.Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Rohit opened up about his break from T20Is, saying that he wanted to focus on the longer formats."When T20 World Cup was happening, we missed a lot of T20Is. Test cricket is a format that you don't want to miss and give priority to. That's what we discussed with the players and the coaches too. Ajit came later. He doesn't know what was discussed. Whichever format happens, we give priority to that format. As 50 over World Cup was happening, we missed a lot of T20Is," Rohit said on missing T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2022.

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) recent appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively, has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. The timing of the appointments, just days before the ICC T20 World Cup, has raised concerns among experts.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif expressed his apprehension over the late appointments. He highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in the lead-up to major tournaments. Latif emphasized that the timing of the appointments could put undue pressure on both Kirsten and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.Despite his concerns, Latif acknowledged the experience and impressive records of both Kirsten and Gillespie. However, he stressed the need for earlier appointments to allow the coaches and players to build a strong working relationship.The PCB's announcement of an 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England also drew attention. The squad will be reduced to 15 players for the World Cup after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.The selection committee recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha to the squad. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were dropped from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand.The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 for a three-day training camp before the start of the T20I series. The team will be looking to build momentum and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has opened up about the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life and perspective. Since becoming a father, Pandya has experienced a shift in his priorities and a newfound sense of calmness."My cricket didn't change much, but as a person, it changed my point of view towards life," Pandya said. "Perspective and priorities have changed, and it brought a lot of calmness inside me."Pandya's transformation as a father has been evident in his approach to the game. Despite facing criticism for his form and fitness, he has remained focused and determined. His inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his resilience and the belief that selectors have in his abilities.India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have expressed confidence in Pandya's ability to regain his form and play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup. Agarkar noted that Pandya's fitness and versatility give the team balance and options.Pandya's journey as a father began in 2020 when he welcomed his son, Agastya, with actress Natasa Stankovic. The experience has brought him immense joy and fulfillment."Getting married, becoming a father, it's been very special," Pandya said. "At the end of the day, you know that when you go back to your family and loved ones, they are always there for you."Pandya's transformation as a father is a reminder of the power of family and the importance of finding balance in life. His story serves as an inspiration to others who are navigating the challenges and rewards of parenthood.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has raised concerns over the exclusion of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh from India's 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kaneria believes that Rinku should have been included in the main squad, while Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya should have been omitted due to his poor form in the ongoing IPL.Kaneria praised India's recent production of talented cricketers, citing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma as examples. He emphasized that Rinku's performances in the IPL warranted his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad."I feel that Rinku should have been a part of India's T20 WC squad. If I take the ongoing IPL's performances into consideration, then Hardik Pandya should have been the one to miss out. He hasn't shown consistency at all," Kaneria said in an interview with Sports Now.Kaneria suggested that Shivam Dube, who has been in good form for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), would have been a better choice than Pandya. He believes that a combination of Dube and Rinku would have strengthened India's lower order.Meanwhile, Rinku had a disappointing outing in his first game since the T20 World Cup omission. In the match between KKR and MI, he scored only nine runs off eight balls before being dismissed by Piyush Chawla. Despite Rinku's poor performance, KKR defeated MI by 24 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.KKR's victory was their first at the Wankhede ground in 12 years and their seventh from 10 games this season. MI, on the other hand, slumped to ninth position in the 10-team competition after their eighth loss in 11 games. KKR is currently placed second and is well-positioned to make it to the play-offs.

Urvashi Rautela's Awkward Responses to Questions About Rishabh Pant and Naseem ShahOn Friday, a video of Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela facing uncomfortable questions about Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant and Pakistani bowler Naseem Shah went viral on social media. The queries, which ranged from marriage to crushes, left Rautela visibly awkward and eliciting brief replies.Last year, when Pant suffered a severe accident, Rautela had expressed her support by calling him "India's pride" and wishing him a speedy recovery. However, in the viral video, the conversation took a different turn.When asked about a comment suggesting that Pant respects her and that a marriage between them would make fans happy, Rautela responded with a curt "No comments."Regarding Naseem Shah, the anchor inquired about a suitable hashtag for the bowler. Rautela simply replied, "#Bowler."The anchor then mentioned Shah's popularity in both India and Pakistan due to his good looks. Rautela responded, "As long as you are doing the job, it's fine."When asked if Shah had become a "crush" among girls, Rautela smiled and replied, "Yes."Pant's T20 World Cup Selection and Samson's InclusionMeanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup as the primary wicketkeeper. Sanju Samson has been named as the second wicketkeeper, replacing KL Rahul.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Rahul's omission was due to the team's need for middle-order batters. He stated that Samson's ability to bat lower down the order made him a better fit for the squad.India's T20 World Cup SquadThe Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is as follows:* Rohit Sharma (c)* Hardik Pandya (vc)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Virat Kohli* Suryakumar Yadav* Rishabh Pant (wk)* Sanju Samson (wk)* Shivam Dube* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Yuzvendra Chahal* Arshdeep Singh* Jasprit Bumrah* Mohd. SirajReserves:* Shubman Gill* Rinku Singh* Khaleel Ahmed* Avesh Khan

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in the Indian team's chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29.Assessing the 15-member Indian squad, Ganguly praised the team's depth and match-winning capabilities. "They are a very strong team. All the 15 were good enough to be selected," he said.Ganguly highlighted the presence of star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson, emphasizing their ability to turn matches in India's favor. He also commended the inclusion of Shivam Dubey, a promising all-rounder.The former captain acknowledged the importance of spinners in the West Indies, where the pitches are typically slow and low. "They are playing in the West Indies, where the pitches will spin and will be slow and (will keep) low and big grounds. Spinners will be important," he said.Ganguly explained the decision to select an additional spinner over finisher Rinku Singh, stating that the team wanted to prioritize spin bowling. "They wanted to go with another spinner. He has not got a place, but it's just the beginning for Rinku."Regarding the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Ganguly, who is the team director of Delhi Capitals, acknowledged the intense competition among teams for playoff berths. "Everybody is on the same boat," he said.

Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand international, has been named in the USA squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Anderson, who represented New Zealand in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups, will now don the USA jersey for the upcoming tournament.The USA squad also includes Ali Khan, who has experience playing in various T20 leagues worldwide, and Shayan Jahangir, who has represented USA in 12 ODIs. Gajanand Singh and Usman Rafiq have been dropped from the squad that recently defeated Canada in a five-match T20I series.Monank Patel and Aaron Jones, who captained and vice-captained the team against Canada, have retained their positions. Patel was USA's leading run-scorer in that series, while Harmeet Singh and Shadley Van Schalkwyk were the top wicket-takers.Anderson, who has played in T20 leagues around the world, will bring valuable experience to the USA team. He has scored over 2,000 runs and taken over 100 wickets in T20 cricket. Khan, despite limited T20I experience, has played in the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and International League T20.Jahangir, who began his career in Pakistan, has played 12 ODIs for USA. His inclusion adds depth to the team's batting lineup.USA will open the T20 World Cup against Canada in Dallas on June 1. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies.

West Indies have unveiled their 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Shimron Hetmyer making a notable return and Shamar Joseph receiving a surprise call-up.Hetmyer, who famously missed his flight to the 2022 T20 World Cup, has been recalled to the fold after a strong showing in domestic cricket. The left-handed batsman has been in impressive form for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), averaging over 40 with a strike rate of 140.Another notable inclusion is Joseph, a 24-year-old fast bowler who has played only three T20s for West Indies. However, his stunning seven-wicket haul in the historic Test win at the Gabba against Australia has caught the attention of selectors.Alzarri Joseph has been named deputy to captain Rovman Powell, while Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Jason Holder are all included in the squad.West Indies head coach Daren Sammy confirmed that Sunil Narine was considered for selection but is unavailable due to his retirement from international cricket. Sammy also stated that CWI has requested the BCCI to release West Indies players from the ongoing IPL as soon as possible.West Indies are placed in Group C alongside Papua New Guinea (PNG), Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. Their first two matches will be played in Providence, Guyana, against PNG on June 2 and Uganda on June 8. They will then face New Zealand at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on June 12, before their final group game against Afghanistan on June 17 in St Lucia.