Cricket

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Should Rinku Singh Have Been Included?Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has expressed his opinion on India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, suggesting that the team management could have considered including Rinku Singh.Rinku Singh's exclusion from the 15-member Indian squad has been a topic of debate among experts and fans. The explosive batter has impressed with his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the Indian cricket team in T20Is.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Rinku's omission was not due to any shortcomings on his part. However, he was included in the reserves, while Shivam Dube was rewarded for his form in the ongoing IPL.India opted for four spinners – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal – for the tournament to be played in the USA and the Caribbean. However, many experts believe that four spinners may be excessive, given the pitches are likely to be more suited to pace bowling.Latif believes that Rinku Singh's experience in finishing matches could have been valuable for India. "Rinku Singh has the experience of finishing off, which we have already seen," Latif said. "In my opinion, if it seems there is one bowler extra, then Rinku Singh could have been in the squad."India's squad for T20 World Cup 2024:* 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

Pakistan Cricket Board's Army Training Camp for Men's Team Draws Support from Rashid LatifFormer Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif has expressed his support for the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to send the senior men's team to an Army camp for training ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The move, which was met with some skepticism from the public, has been praised by Latif for its potential to improve team bonding and address fitness concerns.The PCB's decision to adopt a unique training approach stemmed from concerns raised about the team's fitness standards during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Babar Azam-led side underwent a grueling training session at the Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, where they were subjected to intense physical and mental challenges.Despite initial negative reactions from netizens, Latif believes the PCB's move was justified. "The team's condition was not looking very good... there was some tension within the team," he said. "They got a chance to stay together in an army training camp. If there had been a camp in Lahore or Karachi, everyone would have stayed on their phones and gone to their rooms at the end of the day."Latif emphasized the importance of team bonding in the success of any sports team. "There were no mobile phones, no more distractions, and everyone had to remain together in the army training, which helped in building the bonding among the players," he said. "I agree that cricket-specific training should be preferred, but the reason was that perhaps the team had some sort of tension, and that is why they were sent for that training."The PCB's decision to send the team to an Army camp is a testament to the organization's commitment to improving the team's performance and fostering a positive team culture. While the results of the training camp will not be immediately apparent, it is hoped that the experience will have a lasting impact on the team's cohesion and fitness levels.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match officials for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, scheduled to begin on June 1. Indian umpires Nitin Menon and Jayaraman Madanagopal, along with ICC match referee Javagal Srinath, will represent India at the tournament.The ICC has selected a total of 26 match officials, including 20 umpires and six referees, to oversee the 55 matches across nine venues in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. The list of umpires includes renowned ICC officials such as Richard Illingworth, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, and Paul Reiffel.Madanagopal, along with Sam Nogajski, Allahudien Paleker, Rashid Riaz, and Asif Yaqoob, will make their ICC senior men's competition debut. The six referees include Ranjan Madugalle, Jeff Crowe, and Andrew Pycroft, who are also well-known in the cricketing world.ICC General Manager Wasim Khan expressed confidence in the selected match officials, stating that they have a "complement of experienced match officials and other high-performing members who have been recognized for their strong and consistent performances." He added that the ICC is proud of the team assembled and is confident that they will perform strongly.The T20 World Cup in the Americas will feature 16 teams competing in the first round, with the top eight teams advancing to the Super 12 stage. The tournament will culminate in the final on June 16 in Lauderhill, Florida.

Sophia Dunkley's omission from England's T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan has raised questions about her future with the national team. The 24-year-old batter has struggled for form in recent months, prompting head coach Jon Lewis to urge her to rediscover her rhythm and find her best cricket.Dunkley has not reached double figures in three of her last nine T20I innings and has not passed 32 since scoring a half-century against Australia last July. She has also played just one ODI since the Women's Ashes, scoring 1 against New Zealand in Hamilton last month.Lewis believes that Dunkley has the talent to be one of England's best cricketers, but she needs to find a way to cope with the pressure and expectations that come with playing at the international level."I still have a really strong belief that Sophia's got a big future playing for England," Lewis said. "I think her talent is as incredible. She just needs a little bit of space to get back to her best cricket and work out how to cope with the situation she's being put in."Dunkley's absence from the squad has opened the door for Maia Bouchier, who has impressed with her performances at the top of the order in recent matches. Bouchier scored 91 from 56 balls in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, and Lewis believes that she has the potential to be a "crackerjack cricketer.""Maia has always been incredibly talented," Lewis said. "The bit that I suppose Maia has struggled with in the past is putting regular big scores together. She's starting to understand how to build bigger innings. The work that we've done with her in particular is around controlling emotion and controlling herself in the game and thinking tactically about how she's going to play."England will head to Abu Dhabi to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh in February and March. Lewis believes that the team has made progress in their ability to play spin bowling, but they still have work to do."We are working very hard, hard at it," Lewis said. "We know it's going to be a big part of that competition and we're talking about it and we're working on it and we're trying to improve our game against spin. I thought in our series against India, and in the T20 series against India in particular, I thought we showed some real signs of improvement there."

Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, has emerged as a potential candidate for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad following his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, despite being touted as a possible all-round option in the middle-order, Parag was not included in the 15-member squad or the four reserves announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Parag, who has been one of the most consistent performers in this IPL, expressed his surprise at being considered for the T20 World Cup squad. "Not really. Until last year, I was not even in contention to play in IPL right?" he said when asked about his disappointment at not making the India squad.The Assam all-rounder revealed that he has quit social media but had still heard rumors about his potential selection. "So I have heard a few rumors. I am not on social media anymore. I heard few noises here and there but I am just glad they are taking my name for the right reasons now. I was not really thinking about anything. I am really happy for the boys in our team, Sanju bhaiya specially, getting the call-up. It is going to be great for our country and hopefully we bring the World Cup home," he added.Parag's impressive performances in the IPL have caught the attention of many pundits. He currently sits fourth in the list of top-scoring batters, with 409 runs in 10 matches at an average of 58.43 and a strike-rate of 159.14. His all-round abilities, including his effective medium-pace bowling, make him a valuable asset to any team.Despite not making the T20 World Cup squad, Parag remains focused on his performances for Rajasthan Royals. He believes that his consistent performances in the IPL will eventually earn him a place in the national team. "I am just trying to do my best for my team. I am not really thinking about anything else. I am just trying to win matches for Rajasthan Royals and hopefully, if I keep performing well, I will get my chance," he said.

Sanju Samson's exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has earned him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad as the second wicket-keeping option. This selection has sparked discussions about his potential batting position in the team.Samson, who consistently bats at No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may have to adjust to a different role in the national team. Experts and fans speculate that he could bat at No. 5 due to the presence of established batters Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, who have occupied the No. 3 and No. 4 positions respectively.When asked about his preferred batting position, Samson emphasized the importance of team success over individual preferences. "Winning the IPL is more important," he stated. "The players should focus on that goal only."Samson's impressive form in the IPL has been a key factor in his World Cup selection. With 385 runs at a strike rate of 161.08, he has been a top performer for Rajasthan Royals. His contributions have helped the team secure 16 points from 9 matches, putting them on the verge of IPL playoff qualification.While Samson will compete with Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeping role in the Indian team, his versatility allows him to be considered as a specialist batter as well. His ability to adapt to different positions and contribute effectively makes him a valuable asset to the team.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the IPL have showcased his exceptional talent and potential. As the team prepares for the global tournament, Samson's versatility and adaptability will be crucial in India's quest for success.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth and ex-Australian all-rounder Tom Moody have expressed their support for Hardik Pandya's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, highlighting his potential to turn the tide of matches with his dynamic contributions.Sreesanth, known for his expertise in outswing bowling, backed Pandya's selection, citing his past performances for the national team. "We have seen what he can do on the field... The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won," Sreesanth remarked during a discussion on Star Sports.Pandya's selection came under scrutiny due to a dip in form preceding the IPL 2024, but his timely recovery from an ankle injury and subsequent appointment as Mumbai Indians' captain garnered attention. Despite concerns, Sreesanth remained confident in Pandya's ability to deliver on the big stage."So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat Kohli is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great," Sreesanth said.Addressing Pandya's bowling prowess, Sreesanth suggested his utility with both the new ball and in pressure situations, particularly against formidable opponents like Pakistan. "Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it's not only against Pakistan, we are going to play a lot of different teams," Sreesanth added.Tom Moody echoed Sreesanth's sentiments, stressing Pandya's unique skill set and indispensable role in the Indian squad. "Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line," Moody emphasized, underlining the scarcity of genuine all-rounders of Pandya's caliber in Indian cricket.Moody lauded the selectors' decision to persist with Pandya, recognizing his significance in maintaining team balance. "I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think (chief selector) Ajit Agarkar has recognized that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country," Moody affirmed, advocating for patience regarding Pandya's recovery and form.Furthermore, Moody commended the selection of Shivam Dube, emphasizing the importance of Dube's bowling preparations to ensure readiness for potential match scenarios. "Even though he might not have to bowl in a match situation, he's got the bowling, so it's not like he hasn't bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament. So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me Shivam Dube is a smart pick," Moody said.With the T20 World Cup looming in the USA and the West Indies, the backing of experienced campaigners like Sreesanth and Moody bolsters confidence in the selectors' decisions and affirms the squad's potential to excel on the global stage.

India's T20 World Cup Strategy: Jadeja Advocates Kohli as Opener, Rohit at Number ThreeFormer Indian all-rounder Ajay Jadeja has proposed a tactical shift for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. Jadeja believes that captain Rohit Sharma should move down to the number three position, allowing Virat Kohli to open the innings.Jadeja argues that Kohli's consistency and ability to anchor the innings make him the ideal candidate for the opening slot. "If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him," he said. "He's best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in."By moving Rohit down to number three, Jadeja believes he will have more time to assess the game and make informed decisions as captain. "He gets a little cushion and gets to understand the game, he has so much going on, in his mind as a captain," Jadeja explained.Jadeja also defended the inclusion of Hardik Pandya in the squad, despite his recent struggles in the IPL. "He's a special player, a rare commodity you find in our country where somebody bowls seam-up and can make it to the side with his batting," Jadeja said.However, Jadeja acknowledged that Pandya's selection was not based on current form. "The selection has not been on form, there's no doubt about it," he said. "It depends on how you want to play. It's one of the things I look at this team and think they don't have many options."Jadeja emphasized that the team's strategy will ultimately depend on Rohit's vision. "It will all depend on what Rohit thinks," he said.

Rohit Sharma's recent batting struggles have raised concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite a promising start to IPL 2024, including a century against Chennai Super Kings, Rohit has failed to reach double figures in his last three innings.Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has identified Rohit's vulnerability against left-arm seamers as a potential chink in his armor. "He had his problems against left-arm seamers. The way he plants his front leg, you could always feel that anything that's coming in will trouble him," Jaffer said.This weakness could be particularly problematic for Rohit in the T20 World Cup, where India is likely to face Pakistan and its star left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi. Other skilled left-armers in the tournament will also be closely monitoring Rohit's batting form.Jaffer suggests that Rohit should adopt a more cautious approach against left-armers, avoiding aggressive shots early in his innings. "I think he's got decent numbers against Mitchell Starc. And Starc's form is a concern, Rohit knows that. Rohit also hasn't scored the runs in his last four matches, so he will be keen to get into the World Cup with a bit of form," Jaffer said."I feel Rohit needs to take a little bit more time; he's trying to muscle the ball too early in his innings. He can take a couple of overs to get himself in and look to time the ball rather than trying to hit it too hard. It's going to be an interesting match-up, as any left-handers for Rohit Sharma is a little bit of worry," Jaffer added.Rohit's struggles against left-arm seamers will be a key area to watch in the remaining IPL matches and the upcoming T20 World Cup. If he can overcome this weakness, he will be a crucial asset for India in their quest for the title.