Cricket

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, KL Rahul has a crucial opportunity to solidify his claim as the second wicketkeeper for Team India when Lucknow Super Giants face Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on April 30. Rahul's strike rate in T20 cricket has been a subject of debate, with critics pointing to his slow starts in the Powerplay. However, the LSG captain has shown signs of improvement this season, scoring 378 runs at a strike rate of 144.27.While Rishabh Pant has all but sealed the first wicketkeeper's spot with his impressive performances behind the stumps and with the bat, Sanju Samson has also made a strong case for himself with his match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals. In this scenario, Rahul needs to play more aggressively and capitalize on the field restrictions to not only strengthen his Indian team selection prospects but also help his side score in excess of 200 runs, which has become a norm in this edition of the IPL.LSG suffered a seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals, who chased down the 197-run target with six balls to spare. The onus will be on the team's big-hitting trio of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran to deliver maximums and set match-winning totals. They will fancy their chances against a struggling Mumbai bowling unit that was taken apart by the Delhi Capitals batters recently.Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, sitting ninth on the points table. They need to win all their remaining matches to stay alive in the competition. The five-time champions need to fire as a unit, with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and premier T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav looking to find their rhythm and churn out consistent performances ahead of the World Cup. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has flopped with both bat and ball this season, but he will be hoping to make amends and secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Shivam Dube's exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 have propelled him into contention for a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has amassed 350 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.Dube's impressive tally has garnered widespread support from cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has been particularly vocal in his advocacy for Dube's inclusion, stating that he should not only be selected for the 15-member squad but also feature in the playing XI."The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "I am saying that you shouldn't only send him but play him in the XI."Chopra emphasized Dube's undeniable impact with the bat, stating that "no captain, team management, or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him."Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has also praised Dube's evolution as a cricketer in this year's IPL. He highlighted the all-rounder's remarkable improvement in overcoming his weaknesses."Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better," Kaif said on Star Sports. "Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic."Kaif further praised Dube's versatility and power-hitting prowess, noting his ability to dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease. "He hit low full tosses for sixes. It is very difficult to do that. Batters even get out to low full tosses at times but he has the power, uses the long handle, doesn't move his feet much, and attacks the ball with full power and targets the sight screen," Kaif elaborated."When India will go to play the World Cup, you will need such a player," Kaif added.Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would provide India with a much-needed power-hitter in the middle order. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his versatility against both pace and spin would make him a valuable asset to the team.

Ravindra Jadeja's suitability as India's No. 7 batsman in the upcoming T20 World Cup has come under scrutiny, with former Australian cricketer Tom Moody expressing concerns over his strike rate. Moody believes that India needs a player with a higher impact at that position.Jadeja has been a key player for India in both batting and bowling, but his strike rate of 131.93 in the current IPL season has raised questions about his ability to contribute significantly in the middle order. Moody stated that he would only include Jadeja in the team as the best left-arm spinning option, but not as a No. 7 batsman."In my eleven, he's not batting at No. 7. I don't think he's good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He's proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven," Moody said.Former India cricketer K Srikanth echoed Moody's sentiments, acknowledging Jadeja's big-match experience but highlighting Axar Patel's potential match-winning abilities. Srikanth believes that while Jadeja is likely to start due to his experience, Axar Patel's inclusion in the squad is equally important."Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner, you have to understand that," Srikanth said. "But the first choice will go to Jadeja at number 7 by sheer experience and the way he's played international cricket in the past and he's a big match player."Srikanth emphasized the dilemma faced in choosing between Jadeja and Axar Patel, likening them to essential components of the team. "Both Jadeja and Axar Patel will be there. Probably the first nod will go to Jadeja for the first match and then probably Axar Patel. Both of them are equally important to me; it's like my right eye and left eye; which one do I choose?" he added.As the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaches, debates surrounding player selections and batting positions continue to intensify. Experts and fans eagerly await the final decision from the selectors, who will have to balance experience, form, and the need for impact players in their lineup.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has vehemently defended the inclusion of Virat Kohli in India's T20 World Cup squad, dismissing concerns about his recent form.Pathan emphasized Kohli's exceptional international record, highlighting his average of around 50 and strike rate of 137 in T20 cricket. He argued that these numbers translate to a high-quality performance, with a strike rate approaching 190.Pathan also pointed to Kohli's match-winning abilities, recalling his pivotal role in India's victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He stressed the importance of experience, especially in challenging conditions like those expected in the West Indies and the USA."At such a time when there will be World Cup in West Indies and America, you will need the experience," Pathan said. "In my mind, such a question will never come that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be part of the World Cup team."Pathan's comments come amid ongoing debates about Kohli's place in the T20 team following his struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Pathan believes that Kohli's international record and experience make him an indispensable asset for India.Despite RCB's recent victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL, the team remains at the bottom of the standings. However, Pathan's defense of Kohli suggests that the former Indian captain remains a key figure in the team's plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Devon Conway has been included in New Zealand's provisional 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Kane Williamson named as captain. The experienced squad also features veterans Tim Southee and Trent Boult, while Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry are the only uncapped players.Conway's inclusion comes after he was ruled out of the IPL due to a thumb injury. Williamson, meanwhile, returns to lead the side after missing New Zealand's last two T20I series.Fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out after ankle surgery, while Kyle Jamieson remains unavailable due to a stress fracture in his lower back. Finn Allen has recovered from a back injury, while Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, and Ish Sodhi are the only players from the Pakistan tour who have made the squad.New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes the squad has all bases covered. "We expect varied conditions in the West Indies and have selected a squad that can adapt," he said. "Matt Henry has worked hard to earn his recall, while Rachin Ravindra has impressed in recent months."

The Indian cricket team's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a daunting task as the deadline for announcing the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup approaches. With the tournament just over a month away, the committee must strike the right balance in selecting a team capable of challenging for the title.One of the key decisions involves the choice of the second wicketkeeper-batsman. Rishabh Pant's impressive form and fitness make him the clear first choice, but the selection committee is torn between Sanju Samson and KL Rahul for the backup role. Rahul's experience at the top of the order and his willingness to bat in the middle order give him an edge, despite his inconsistent performances in recent times. Samson, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL.Another contentious issue is the composition of the seam attack. With Mohammed Shami injured, the Indian bowling unit appears vulnerable. The IPL has exposed the struggles of Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, who have conceded runs at an alarming rate. Despite these concerns, the team management is keen on sticking with the bowlers who have been part of the setup for the past few years.However, the selectors must also consider the impressive performances of Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar, who have shown promise in bowling the tough overs. The decision between an extra spinner (Ravi Bishnoi) or an extra pacer will depend on the team's assessment of Hardik Pandya's seam bowling capabilities.Finally, the selection committee must address the need for power hitters in the middle order. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been consistent run-getters, but the onus will fall on the likes of Hardik and Ravindra Jadeja to provide the explosive scoring needed to post big totals. The team management had identified Rinku Singh for this role, but his lack of IPL experience may count against him. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma are also in contention, but their performances in the IPL have been mixed.The selection committee has a difficult task ahead of them, but they must make the right decisions to give India the best chance of success at the T20 World Cup.

Harry Brook, the rising star of English cricket, has dedicated his impressive performances this summer to his late grandmother, Pauline Brook. Pauline, who passed away in March, was a constant presence in her grandson's career, becoming a beloved figure within the cricket community.Brook's decision to withdraw from England's Test tour of India and the Indian Premier League was a testament to the close bond he shared with his grandmother. After her passing, he returned to action with Yorkshire, scoring an emotional century against Leicestershire in his first match since July 2022.Speaking publicly for the first time since Pauline's death, Brook expressed his gratitude for the time he had with her before her condition deteriorated. He dedicated both his centuries for Yorkshire this season to her memory, acknowledging the profound impact she had on his life."When I came home from Abu Dhabi, it was a very tough time," Brook said. "I'm glad I did come home. She would have come out there a couple of years ago, so I had to come back and support her as much as I could."Brook's performances have not only been a tribute to his grandmother but also a testament to his resilience and determination. He is set to join England for their T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where he will be a key figure in their title defense."I'm looking forward to it, if selected," Brook said of the World Cup. "We join up at the end of next month. I'm looking forward to being back with the lads and hopefully producing the goods for England again."Brook's story is a reminder of the power of family and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. His performances this summer are a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of those who have shaped his journey.

India's T20 World Cup Squad: Experts Weigh In on Bowler SelectionAs the May 1 deadline for squad announcement looms, former cricketers and experts have shared their insights on the optimal bowling combination for India's T20 World Cup campaign.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan emphasizes the need for five specialist bowlers, including two wrist-spinners. He suggests Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav as his preferred options, citing their impressive performances. However, he cautions against including Yuzvendra Chahal due to fielding concerns.Pathan acknowledges Jasprit Bumrah as the only automatic choice among the bowlers. He recommends Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as potential fast bowlers, but expresses reservations about Siraj's consistency.Former India batter K Srikkanth advocates for Avesh Khan as the third pacer, citing his death-over prowess and international experience. He believes Siraj's erratic performances make him unsuitable for the World Cup.Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody defends Siraj, attributing his recent struggles to fatigue and the poor performance of his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. He believes Siraj has the potential to step up in the World Cup based on his past performances.The experts agree on the importance of a balanced bowling attack, with a mix of pace and spin. They emphasize the need for wicket-taking options and the ability to control the game in different phases.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some exceptional performances from wicketkeepers this season, intensifying the competition for the second wicketkeeper's slot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have emerged as strong contenders.Samson's unbeaten 71 off 33 balls for Rajasthan Royals and Rahul's 76 off 48 balls for Lucknow Super Giants have showcased their class. Smith praised Samson's partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls, saying, "They had an incredible partnership to get them over the line."Former Australian pacer Brett Lee lauded Jurel's contribution, describing him as a "quality batter" with "proper cricket shots." Lee noted Jurel's ability to "play all formats of the game" and his "classy" shots.Smith also highlighted the strength of Rajasthan Royals' squad, stating, "They had (Shimron) Hetmyer still to bat, so there was a lot in the tank, lots of match-winners with the bat and ball."The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, with Rishabh Pant likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. However, the performances of Samson and Rahul have put pressure on the selectors to consider them for the second wicketkeeper's role.