Cricket

Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad has sparked debates about his role in the team. While some believe he should open the batting, others suggest he should play as an anchor. However, former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody believes there is no such thing as an anchor in T20s.Kohli has been in impressive form for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49. This has led to suggestions that he could open the batting for India at the T20 World Cup, alongside Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.However, Moody believes that Kohli should not be pigeonholed into a specific role. "He's got many gears. He needs to work through those. He's smart enough and experienced enough to adjust to 11-an-over or 9-an-over required rate," said Moody.Kohli has a proven track record in T20 internationals, having played some sublime knocks for India. His 82 against Australia in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup and his 82 not out against Pakistan in Melbourne during the 2022 T20 World Cup are just two examples.Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes that Kohli will have a major impact on the upcoming T20 World Cup. "Jab waqt aata hai, yehi player akela khada hota hai, Virat Kohli (when it's required, he is the player who stands alone)," said Pathan.India will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the big game against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue.

India's skipper Rohit Sharma, who also leads the Mumbai Indians franchise, recently interacted with Rinku Singh, a left-handed batter who was surprisingly omitted from the 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad on Tuesday, leaving many fans and former cricketers perplexed by Rinku's exclusion.After addressing the media at a press conference at BCCI headquarters, Rohit met with Rinku at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of Mumbai Indians' clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday. A video posted by Mumbai Indians on Twitter shows Rinku beaming as Rohit approaches him. In the subsequent clip, Rohit engages in a serious conversation with the KKR star.Rinku's omission from the World Cup squad came despite his impressive performance for India in 15 T20Is, where he amassed 356 runs with an average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.24. However, he was named as a traveling reserve.During Rohit's press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Rinku's exclusion was one of the "toughest decisions" the selectors had to make. He called it "unfortunate" for the 26-year-old hitter and attributed it to the team's decision to select four spinners."It's probably the toughest thing that we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong nor Shubman Gill for that matter. It's about the combination. Like Rohit said, we are not quite sure what conditions we will get. So, we wanted to have enough options. A couple of spinners were included in the squad...It's just unfortunate. I don't think it has anything to do with Rinku Singh. It is not his fault that he has missed out. It is more than the 15 that we felt...At the end of the day, you can only pick 15," Agarkar said.Rohit also interacted with KKR team mentor Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shreyas Iyer during the encounter.

Rinku Singh's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad has sparked controversy, with many questioning the selectors' decision. The left-handed batsman has been in impressive form for India, scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.23 and an average of 89.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Singh's omission was a "toughest decision," but explained that the team needed more bowling options. "We're not sure of the conditions we'll get (in the USA) and we wanted to have enough (bowling) options," Agarkar said.Despite calls for fresh blood in the T20 team, the selectors opted for experience, with the top six in the batting order remaining largely unchanged from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Agarkar defended this decision, stating that the experienced players have been "good enough to be around.""We've tried to get in players who are going to bat a certain way in the middle of the innings, where a lot of teams will use spin sometimes," Agarkar said. "We have tried to address that. We have tried to get in some left-handers as well through the middle of that innings."Agarkar also addressed concerns over Virat Kohli's strike rate, which has been a topic of debate. "We have not been discussing it," Agarkar said. "He has been in great form, no concerns there at all."The selectors also defended the inclusion of Hardik Pandya as Rohit Sharma's deputy. "Nothing was discussed with regard to vice-captaincy," Agarkar said. "About form, he has come after a longish year off. The good part that we have looked at is he has got through all the games so far for MI."

Virat Kohli's consistent performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad underscore his enduring value to the team. Despite concerns about his strike rate, cricket experts unanimously included him in their 15-member line-ups.Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Kohli will be the key player in crucial chases during the T20 World Cup. "When it's required, he is the player who stands alone," said Pathan. "There will be a point during the T20 World Cup when there will be need, and the guy you will find chasing it till the end will be him, Virat Kohli."Kohli's impressive IPL record, with over 500 runs including a century and four fifties at a strike rate of 147.49, further supports his inclusion. Pathan highlighted Kohli's proven track record in chases, earning him the nickname 'chase master.' He cited the India vs Pakistan match in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup where Kohli's 53-ball 82 not out led India to a famous four-wicket win."Pick all the big matches, especially when chasing, you won't find a bigger player than him in T20 cricket," said Pathan. "He has a calculative mind. He keeps talking about chasing runs and the target."Kohli's experience and big-match temperament make him a crucial asset for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament runs from June 2 to 29 and will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and USA. India play their opening group match against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan at the same venue on June 9.

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been selected as the wicketkeeper-batters for India's 15-member squad for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup. This marks Samson's first inclusion in an India squad for a senior men's World Cup, while Pant returns to the national set-up after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident.In the ongoing IPL 2024, Samson has amassed 385 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161, while Pant has scored 398 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 159. Samson has hit 36 fours compared to Pant's 31, but Pant has smacked 24 sixes compared to Samson's 17.Former India wicketkeeper-batter Ajay Ratra believes Pant would be his first choice over Samson, citing his strong performances since returning to competitive cricket. Ratra highlights Pant's left-handed batting in the middle order and his experience in international cricket as advantages.However, Samson's strike rate in the first ten balls (138) is better than Pant's (119), and his strike rate in overs 7-15 (159) is also higher than Pant's (139). Pant, on the other hand, has the edge in overs 16-20, with a strike rate of 229 compared to Samson's 206.Ratra also praises Pant's wicketkeeping skills, noting his swift movement behind the stumps and his ability to take impressive catches. He believes Pant's unique style of wicketkeeping has been successful so far.Ratra expresses disappointment over KL Rahul's omission from the squad, stating that Rahul's experience and ability to perform in pressure situations would have been valuable. However, he acknowledges the selectors' difficult task in choosing between Rahul and Samson.Ratra also laments the omission of Rinku Singh from the main squad, citing his exceptional performances as a finisher with a strike rate of 176.23. He believes Singh's ability to score runs against both spinners and pacers, as well as his fielding skills, would have been beneficial to the team.Ratra concludes by observing that India has a strong spin-bowling contingent, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal. He notes that drop-in pitches tend to be slower, but it remains to be seen what kind of matches the World Cup will produce.

Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's T20 World Cup 2024 captain has sparked discussions about the BCCI's decision-making process. While some have questioned the timing of the announcement, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Rohit is the ideal leader for the team.Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized the importance of leadership in cricket and praised Rohit's abilities in this regard. He compared Rohit to legendary captains like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, highlighting his impact on the team's performance."As far as captaincy is concerned, he is the best leader you have," Pathan said. "We always talk about the players, but leadership is a totally different thing. We saw what happened in this IPL with quite a few captains; it's not easy."Pathan acknowledged the potential of other players like Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant as future captains. However, he believes Rohit remains the best choice for the time being."In the future, they will be keeping an eye on Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah as far as captaincy is concerned," Pathan said. "Now we have Hardik Pandya as the Vice Captain, Rishabh Pant is also there in your leadership role group if he gets going because he was there in the leadership role before he got injured. So there are three or four guys who are ready, but Rohit is the number one."Pathan's comments highlight the importance of leadership in cricket and the challenges associated with the role. He believes Rohit's experience and proven track record make him the best choice to lead India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

India's T20 World Cup Bowling Strategy Relies Heavily on SpinIn preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, India has devised a bowling plan centered around a heavy reliance on spin. The team's decision is based on the slow and sluggish wicket conditions expected in the region, as well as the early start times for India's matches.Captain Rohit Sharma justified the inclusion of four spinners and just three pacers in the 15-member squad. He explained that the morning start times, typically around 10 am local time, present technical challenges that favor spin bowling."With a morning start at 10-10.30am, there's a little bit of technical aspect involved in this," Rohit said. "The reason for picking four spinners is something I won't reveal now."The four spinners in the squad are Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Jadeja and Patel are left-arm spinning all-rounders, while Yadav and Chahal are wrist spinners.Rohit also highlighted the need for a middle-order power hitter to accelerate the scoring against spinners. He identified Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube as the player to fill this role."The one thing we really looked at was middle-overs hitting," Rohit said. "We picked Shivam Dube based on the IPL and a few games before the IPL as well."Dube has been in impressive form for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, smashing 350 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 171.56. He is expected to contribute with the ball as well, despite bowling only one over in this IPL.Rohit revealed that he had a clear idea of the World Cup squad before the IPL. "You make the playing XI in your mind and work around it," he said. "The talk of what our final 15 started much before the IPL."

Hardik Pandya's appointment as vice-captain of the Indian T20 World Cup squad has sparked both praise and criticism. Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has defended the decision, asserting that Hardik is the best fast-bowling all-rounder in the country.Despite recent struggles with form in the IPL, Prasad believes Hardik's leadership qualities and all-round abilities make him an ideal choice for the vice-captaincy. He pointed out that Hardik has previously captained the Indian team in Rohit Sharma's absence.Prasad acknowledged Hardik's recent form slump but attributed it to the change in leadership at Mumbai Indians. He expressed confidence that Hardik will regain his form before the World Cup."Once he puts on the Indian jersey, he can leave his IPL form behind," Prasad said. "Hardik Pandya is the best fast bowling all-rounder in the country now, no matter what the pundits say."Hardik's return from injury has been underwhelming, with poor performances in the IPL. However, Prasad believes that Hardik will bounce back and play a key role in India's World Cup campaign."I think Hardik will come out of it," Prasad said. "In the Indian team, his role will change. He will not have to worry about role clarity."Prasad's comments come amid growing speculation about Hardik's place in the Indian team. Some critics have questioned his form and leadership abilities, while others have defended his selection.Ultimately, the decision of whether Hardik will justify his vice-captaincy will depend on his performances in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. If he can regain his form and provide the leadership that the team needs, he will prove to be a valuable asset to India's chances of success.

Rohit Sharma, the revered Indian cricket captain, has opened up about his recent experiences after relinquishing the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The transition saw Hardik Pandya take over the reins, with Rohit serving as his deputy for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Rohit's removal as MI captain came as a surprise to many, and his vast fanbase expressed their disappointment by booing Hardik in the initial matches of the IPL season. However, Rohit has maintained a composed demeanor, acknowledging that "not everything goes your way.""It is part of life. It has been a great experience," Rohit said, reflecting on his time playing under Pandya. He emphasized that the transition was no different from playing under any other captain, having previously played under the likes of MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli for India.Despite criticism surrounding his batting performance in recent seasons, Rohit has showcased a remarkable turnaround in form in the ongoing IPL edition. He has scored 314 runs in 10 innings, demonstrating his resilience and determination."I have only tried to do what is required from me as a player," Rohit said, downplaying the significance of his recent success.The dynamics between Rohit and Hardik have been the subject of much speculation, with some suggesting that the leadership transition was not handled optimally. However, Rohit has remained diplomatic, stating that he has no issues playing under Pandya."I have played under a lot of captains. It is no different or new to me," he said.Rohit's experience as a player under Pandya will provide valuable insights as he prepares to lead India in the T20 World Cup. The tournament will be a crucial test for both Rohit and Hardik, as they aim to guide India to glory on the global stage.