Cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that members of England's T20 World Cup squad will be unavailable for the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs. The decision was made to prioritize the upcoming four-match T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on May 22.The move will likely affect Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Phil Salt (Kolkata Knight Riders), and Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings). These players were informed of their selection in the provisional World Cup squad on Monday and were told that they would not be available for the IPL knockout stages.The play-offs for the IPL are scheduled to run from May 21 to May 26, directly clashing with England's Pakistan series. Other England players involved in both the World Cup squad and the IPL include Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Will Jacks, and Reece Topley.The ECB has requested that the players return to the UK on the weekend of May 18-19, which could rule them out of their respective franchises' final group-stage fixtures. The group stage concludes on May 19, and England is keen for their World Cup squad to have a few days together before their first T20I since December.England's managing director, Rob Key, explained that the decision was made to ensure that the players have sufficient preparation time for the World Cup. "We've got to the point where actually, we think it's more important that you come back at that group gets together," Key said. "You just want them to get together and spend a bit of time and build up to it."Key also revealed that Buttler had initiated the decision to return home before the end of the IPL. "I asked him very early on in the piece and said, 'Look, as England captain, you're obviously going to have this series against Pakistan. How do you see it?' And straightaway, he said, 'No, no, I want to come back and start getting ready for the World Cup in that series that's just before it.'"The ECB's decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some have praised the move, arguing that it is necessary to prioritize the national team's preparations for the World Cup. Others have expressed disappointment, as it means that some of the IPL's most exciting players will be absent from the play-offs.

India Unveils Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup: Pant, Dube, and Samson Make the CutThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States and West Indies from June 1st. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions.Leading the charge as captain is Rohit Sharma, who will be aiming to guide India to their second T20 World Cup title. He is joined by veteran batsman Virat Kohli, who remains a key figure in the team's batting lineup. Suryakumar Yadav, the current ICC T20I Player of the Year, is also included, along with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.One of the most significant additions to the squad is wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant has been in impressive form in recent months, and his inclusion adds depth and explosiveness to the batting order. Another notable inclusion is all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has shown promise with both bat and ball.Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the Indian team in recent years, has also earned a recall. Samson's versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset to the squad.The bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been India's most consistent performers in recent times. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal form a formidable spin duo, while Arshdeep Singh provides a left-arm option.The squad also includes experienced all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who offer balance and depth to the team. Axar Patel, another left-arm spinner, provides additional options for the bowling attack.The reserve players for the tournament include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. These players will be on standby in case of any injuries or unforeseen circumstances.India will be hoping to make a strong impact at the 2024 T20 World Cup and add to their tally of two titles. With a talented and experienced squad, they will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Virat Kohli's performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has sparked a heated debate over his strike rate and perceived lack of aggression. Critics have questioned whether he deserves a place in India's T20 World Cup team based on his recent performances.However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has vehemently defended Kohli, calling the question of his World Cup selection "disappointing." Pathan emphasized the importance of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, especially on slow and two-paced pitches."This question that is being raised is very disappointing. How can the question be raised whether or not Virat Kohli will get a place in the World Cup?" Pathan said on Star Sports. "We are talking about the Indian selection here, not the strike rate of IPL."Pathan acknowledged Kohli's struggles to accelerate in the middle overs but praised his ability to adapt to the situation and win games for his team. He pointed to Kohli's recent innings against the Gujarat Titans, where he scored a 44-ball 70 and helped RCB secure a victory."He wants his team to win, and that's why sometimes he's going to play slow, but he always wants to play according to the situation," Pathan said. "It's good news for Virat Kohli, good news for RCB, but in long-term, great news for Team India."Pathan expressed his disappointment with the focus on Kohli's strike rate, arguing that it overlooks his overall contributions to the team. "I've been actually talking about it from day one. Don't question that because he's a big-match player. He always wins you games," Pathan said.

Sanju Samson's stellar performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has propelled him to the forefront of India's wicket-keeping options for the T20 World Cup 2024. According to ESPNCricinfo, Samson has emerged as the selectors' preferred choice behind the stumps, surpassing Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.Samson's consistent batting in the middle order has been a key factor in his selection. With the top four of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav likely to be set, Samson is the leading contender for the No. 5 role.While Pant has also impressed with his batting, his wicket-keeping has been inconsistent. Rahul, on the other hand, has struggled with the bat, raising doubts about his place in the team.In the middle order, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are also in contention. However, Samson's form has given him a significant edge.Hardik Pandya remains a near-certain pick despite his underwhelming performance as Mumbai Indians captain. The lack of viable alternatives makes him an almost automatic selection.In terms of spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel has impressed, but Ravindra Jadeja is still expected to be preferred.The T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be announced in the coming months, and Samson's inclusion as the primary wicket-keeper is a strong possibility. His IPL form has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, making him a valuable asset for the Indian team.

South Africa has unveiled its 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking the long-awaited return of pace spearhead Anrich Nortje after a nine-month absence. Nortje, who has been impressing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will bolster a bowling attack that also includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Ottniel Baartman.Baartman, a standout performer in the inaugural SA20, has earned his maiden T20I call-up along with opening batter Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton, the leading run-scorer in the SA20, is expected to partner Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.The squad features a strong middle order of Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, along with wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, provide the spin options.Allrounder Marco Jansen is the lone allrounder in the squad, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder missing out. Faf du Plessis, who was expected to make an international comeback, has been overlooked, while Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke have also been left out.Van der Dussen and Breetzke will, however, join a second-string South African side for a three-match T20I series against West Indies ahead of the World Cup. That squad also includes uncapped legspinner Nqaba Peter.The T20 World Cup is likely to be de Kock's final international appearance after he retired from ODI cricket last year. South Africa will be hoping to make a strong impact in the tournament, having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition.

Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad is a foregone conclusion, but the selection committee faces a dilemma: experience versus youth. Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden believes the committee must weigh Kohli's proven track record against the potential of younger players.Kohli's recent IPL performances have silenced critics who questioned his place in the squad. With 500 runs in 10 matches, including one century and four half-centuries, he has demonstrated his enduring class. However, Hayden raises concerns about Kohli's ability to adapt to the slow and low wickets expected in the United States and West Indies.Hayden suggests that India's young T20 squad, which recently defeated Australia 4-1, could provide a more dynamic option. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal have shown exceptional talent and could bring a fresh impetus to the team.Hayden emphasizes that Australia's selection philosophy prioritizes players who can win the World Cup, regardless of reputation. He believes India should adopt a similar approach, focusing on players who can perform under pressure and deliver results.The selection committee must carefully consider the balance between experience and youth, weighing Kohli's proven ability against the potential of emerging stars. The decision will ultimately shape India's chances of success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya's return to cricket after an ankle injury has been underwhelming, with both his bowling and batting performances falling short of expectations. Amidst the controversy surrounding his appointment as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya's future in the Indian T20 World Cup squad remains uncertain.Ahead of Mumbai Indians' match against Lucknow Super Giants, Pandya shared his insights on the "art of finishing" matches, drawing an analogy to food presentation. He emphasized the importance of a strong finish, regardless of how well the game has been played up to that point."If you go to a fancy restaurant and they present you something, the taste might be amazing; but if they don't add the finishing touch (to presentation), it does not add to the charm to the dish, no matter how good it is, because the look of it matters a lot," said Pandya."I think finishing a game is a similar thing. No matter how close you have come, how well you have poised the game, how strong (position) you are in, if you don't get the finishing kick or finishing touch from your lower-order (batsmen) or finishers, that dish does not look complete."Pandya's comments highlight the crucial role of finishers in cricket, who can turn a close game into a comfortable victory. Mumbai Indians, currently ninth in the IPL standings, will need to rely on their finishers to secure wins in their remaining matches and stay in contention for a playoff spot.

The Indian cricket team's selection committee is set to meet in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to finalize the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The meeting will be attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and will focus on two key issues: Hardik Pandya's inclusion and the backup wicketkeeper's role.Pandya's form as a fast-bowling all-rounder has been a concern, but the lack of suitable replacements makes him a likely pick. However, the backup wicketkeeper's position is up for grabs.Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have been the frontrunners for the role, but recent developments have thrown a spanner in the works. Samson has been in excellent form for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, but his batting position at No. 3 may not guarantee him a place in the Indian team.Rahul, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is, but his approach in the format has been criticized as archaic. Additionally, the team management is reportedly seeking a wicketkeeper who can fit into the lower order.This has brought Rajasthan Royals' Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma back into contention. Jurel has not had much opportunity to keep wickets, but he scored a fifty in the last game in Lucknow. Sharma, on the other hand, is in poor form.The Indian Express reports that Samson is no longer a sure-shot pick for the backup wicketkeeper's role, with Jurel and Sharma now in the mix. The selection committee will have a tough decision to make, as all three players have their strengths and weaknesses.

The Indian cricket team's selection for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a complex task for the BCCI and team management. While most players are likely to be retained, several backup roles remain fiercely contested.Captain Rohit Sharma faces two crucial decisions: whether to include a fourth specialist pacer alongside Hardik Pandya and whether to consider Shubman Gill. Hardik Pandya's vice-captaincy is also under scrutiny, with Rishabh Pant emerging as a potential contender.Yuzvendra Chahal, despite being the IPL's leading wicket-taker, may be overlooked in favor of Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner. Axar Patel is expected to edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the second spinner's spot.The top order is likely to feature Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will comprise Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh could be included as an all-rounder, while Sanju Samson or KL Rahul will compete for the second wicketkeeper's role.Hardik Pandya's recent performances for Mumbai Indians have raised concerns, with the all-rounder scoring only 197 runs and taking four wickets at a high economy rate.A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans believe Hardik Pandya should not be included in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup.