Cricket

Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad has sparked debate, with former Australian opener Matthew Hayden questioning whether the veteran batter is the right choice. Despite Kohli's impressive form in the ongoing IPL season, Hayden believes that the BCCI should prioritize performance over reputation.Kohli has been in scintillating form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), amassing 500 runs in just 10 matches, including four half-centuries and a century. His crucial knock of 70 off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans on Sunday further cemented his status as a key player for RCB.However, Hayden argues that Kohli's slow strike rate and lack of impact in the middle overs could be a liability for India in the T20 World Cup. He suggests that the BCCI should consider younger players who are more suited to the demands of modern T20 cricket."From an Australian cricket point of view, our philosophy is pretty simple. We pick not the names or the icons but select those who are going to win you the World Cup," Hayden said. "We've got our own debates on our front. David Warner... should he go? We've had our challenges and I think we have been very good over the last 20 or even 30 years to actually think what is the side that is going to win."Hayden acknowledges Kohli's impressive statistics but questions whether he is the best option for India in the T20 World Cup. "This Virat Kohli discussion is probably the primary discussion here. Is he the individual who is going to win you the World Cup? I mean, his last ODI World Cup was a fantastic campaign. He has got nothing wrong with his statistics, historically no matter what tournament he plays.""So the challenge from mine is his experience vs the young impetus that is required to play great World Cup cricket."Despite the concerns raised by Hayden, the BCCI has shown faith in Kohli by including him in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. It remains to be seen whether Kohli can justify his selection and lead India to victory in the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its 25-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA from June 2 to June 29. While the batting lineup boasts star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav, concerns have been raised about the bowling attack, particularly the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj in the main lineup.Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, has expressed his reservations about the pace attack, stating that it lacks strength beyond Jasprit Bumrah. "I don't like the pace attack. Other than Jasprit Bumrah, it's not that good," Lal said. "Siraj has done well here and there, but his performances at the international level have been patchy."Lal believes that the bowling lineup will rely heavily on Bumrah for wickets and match-winning performances. "Not only in T20 cricket, you need a good pacer who can get you the wickets to win matches," he emphasized. "Bumrah is a wicket-taker and a match-winner. Let's see how Siraj performs. Otherwise, India will rely on Bumrah a lot."Lal also questioned the inclusion of Arshdeep and Siraj, stating that he is not confident in their abilities. "I am not sure about Arshdeep, nor am I sure about Siraj," he said. "Pandya is not that effective either. I think the team management has taken a chance on him. The pace line-up is the weak link. Apart from Bumrah, we have to see how Siraj and Arshdeep bowl."Lal's concerns stem from India's history of success being tied to a strong pace attack. "If you look at the history, India performed well only when they had a good pace attack," he said. "Only then, they won a lot of matches."Lal's preferred choice for the bowling attack would have been Thangarasu Natarajan, the current Sunrisers Hyderabad death-over specialist. "If I had a chance (to pick one), I would've picked Natarajan," he said. "I would have vouched for him because he is a good bowler at the death."

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback to international cricket, just 16 months after a horrific car accident, is a testament to his resilience and determination. The wicketkeeper-batter has shed an astonishing 16 kg in the past four months, transforming his physique and regaining his fitness.Pant's recovery journey began with a calorie-deficit diet, consuming only 1000 calories per day despite his demanding training regimen. He sacrificed his favorite foods, including rasmalai, biryani, and fried chicken, and even sushi was off-limits.In addition to his diet, Pant adhered to a strict sleep cycle, shutting down all gadgets by 11 pm to ensure eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. He also resumed wicketkeeping drills, practicing for 45 minutes daily.The results of Pant's hard work are evident in his leaner physique and improved fitness. He now looks as fit as he did when he first burst onto the international scene.Pant's selection for India's T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his remarkable recovery and his unwavering determination to return to the highest level of cricket. His comeback is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with resilience and perseverance, anything is possible.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over the selection process for the upcoming T20 World Cup, questioning the consistency and rationale behind the decisions made by the selectors.Pathan highlighted a shift in strategy, recalling that after India's disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup, the management had decided to prioritize young players over experienced campaigners. However, he expressed surprise at the apparent reversal of this approach in the current squad selection, where experience seems to have taken precedence over youth.Pathan emphasized the importance of adhering to a consistent selection process, suggesting that while experience may be crucial, following a defined process could lead to better outcomes. He pointed out the absence of young talent like Rinku Singh from the squad, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of promising players and the potential impact on team dynamics.In contrast, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar offered a different perspective, attributing Rinku's exclusion to his current form in the ongoing IPL. Gavaskar highlighted the dynamic nature of selection decisions and the importance of current performance.Pathan's concerns raise questions about the long-term vision and strategy of the Indian cricket team. The selectors' decision to prioritize experience over youth may be a short-term solution, but it could have implications for the team's future success. It remains to be seen whether the current squad will be able to deliver the desired results at the T20 World Cup, and whether the selection process will be reviewed and refined in the future.

Sanju Samson's consistent performances in the ongoing IPL have reignited hopes of his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has led his team to the top of the points table, showcasing his leadership skills and batting prowess.Samson's batting has undergone a transformation this season. He has adopted a more consistent approach, anchoring the Royals' batting lineup at number three. His match-winning 71 against Lucknow Super Giants was a testament to his improved mental fortitude and technical adjustments.Personal coach Bijumon N attributes Samson's success to eight months of rigorous training focused on the T20 World Cup. They have worked on his mental preparation, batting technique, and ability to handle spinners. Samson has become more adept at using his feet and has added new strokes to his repertoire against slow bowlers.Despite his impressive form, Samson faces stiff competition for a spot in the Indian team. Rishabh Pant is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, leaving Samson with a limited chance to play. However, his consistent performances in the IPL have put him in contention for a backup role.Samson's inclusion in the Indian team would be a significant moment for Kerala cricket. The state has a rich cricketing history, and Samson's success could inspire future generations of players. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson's form and experience could prove invaluable to Team India.

Australia's T20 World Cup squad has been announced, with some notable omissions. Jake Fraser-McGurk, despite his impressive IPL performances, and Steven Smith, a veteran of three-formats, have been left out.The selectors have opted for flexibility, choosing Ashton Agar as a second specialist spinner and Cameron Green as a spare allrounder. Nathan Ellis has been included as the fourth fast bowling option, while Josh Inglis will serve as the reserve wicketkeeper and utility batter.Fraser-McGurk's exclusion is surprising given his recent form. However, the selectors have prioritized experience and versatility. Travis Head, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh, who were dominant at last year's ODI World Cup, will form the top three.Smith's omission is less shocking. He has struggled to find a place in Australia's T20I side, having been dropped from the 2022 World Cup squad. The selectors have opted for a settled middle order, with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Matthew Wade likely to be in the first-choice XI.Green and Inglis were preferred to Fraser-McGurk and Smith due to their versatility. Green can cover for the injury-prone Marsh and Stoinis, while Inglis can fill in as wicketkeeper or bat in various positions.Chairman of selectors George Bailey explained the rationale behind the selections. "We believe Ashton can play a critical role in this tournament... The batting options available allow a tailored approach to each venue and opponent."Marsh, the captain, expressed his excitement about leading the team. "It's been an immense privilege to play for my country and now an even greater honour to lead the squad to a World Cup."

India's T20 World Cup Squad: A Balanced and Formidable UnitFormer Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has hailed the Indian cricket team's composition for the upcoming T20 World Cup, praising the balance and strength of the squad selected by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.Kaif believes that the team's bowling unit is particularly impressive, with a mix of four fast bowlers and four spinners. "A very strong team has been selected," he said. "It is very balanced - 4 fast bowlers, 4 spinners. Among the 8 bowlers there are three all-rounders - Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya."The batting order also received Kaif's approval, with the opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma expected to provide an aggressive start. "Jaiswal always gives a start, plays aggressive cricket," Kaif noted. "You will play day matches in the US and West Indies, there will be no dew factor there, you have to attack in the powerplay, play aggressively."Kaif also highlighted the versatility of the middle order, with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson both capable of playing match-winning innings. He also praised the inclusion of all-rounders Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya, who can contribute with both bat and ball.Kaif's analysis extended to the inclusion of Shivam Dube over Rinku Singh, citing Dube's ability to contribute with both bat and ball. "You can also give an over or two to Dube, so they have taken him, it's a good choice," he remarked.Overall, Kaif expressed confidence in the squad's potential and satisfaction with Agarkar's selections. "Isse achchi team Ajit Agarkar nahi bana sakte the [Ajit Agarkar could not have made a better team than this]," he declared.

Paceman Jofra Archer has been recalled to England's squad for the defense of their T20 World Cup crown after a year out of action. The 29-year-old, who has endured a string of injuries since his international breakthrough in 2019, has not played competitive cricket for a year but has recovered from a right elbow injury.Archer's return is a major boost for England, who are looking to retain the title they won in Australia in 2022. The right-arm quick has taken 15 wickets in 15 T20 appearances for England, and his pace and accuracy will be a valuable asset to the team.Archer's recall is also a testament to his resilience and determination. After suffering a stress fracture of his elbow in 2021, he underwent surgery and spent months rehabilitating. He made a brief return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022, but was forced to withdraw after just two matches due to a recurrence of the injury.However, Archer has worked hard to regain his fitness, and he is now back to full strength. He has been playing for Sussex in the County Championship, and he has taken 14 wickets in four matches.Archer's return to the England squad is a welcome boost for captain Jos Buttler. The team is already without Ben Stokes, who has ruled himself out of the T20 World Cup to focus on regaining full fitness as an all-rounder.England will begin the defense of their title against Scotland in Barbados on June 4. They will also play Pakistan in a four-match T20 series beginning at Headingley on May 22.

Rashid Khan will lead an experienced Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. The 15-man squad boasts eight players currently involved in the IPL, showcasing their international experience and talent.Despite having only four designated batters in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and Mohammad Ishaq, the squad's strength lies in its six allrounders. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, and Nangeyalia Kharote provide a versatile blend of batting, bowling, and fielding abilities.Afghanistan's spin attack is formidable, with Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Kharote forming the core. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad add depth to the spin department, giving the team multiple options to control the opposition's scoring rate.Naveen-ul-Haq is the lone right-arm fast bowler in the squad, while left-arm pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad complete the bowling attack. Their pace and variation will be crucial in containing the opposition's batters.Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Mohammad Ishaq, who have all impressed in recent U-19 World Cups, will make their T20 World Cup debuts. Their inclusion signals Afghanistan's commitment to developing young talent and building a strong future for the team.Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not selected for the T20 World Cup squad. Left-hand opener Hazratullah Zazai was also omitted from the main squad but will travel as one of three reserves alongside Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Saleem.Afghanistan will face a tough challenge in Group C of the 20-team tournament. They will encounter Test teams New Zealand and co-hosts West Indies, as well as Uganda and Papua New Guinea. The team's experience and versatility will be tested as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.