Cricket

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked a debate with his proposed India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, excluding Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.Doull's selection dilemma mirrors the challenge facing the Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has become a contentious issue, with Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik all vying for the spot.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, with Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, he made a surprising move by assigning Pant the No. 3 batting position, aiming to accommodate other players in the lineup."I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can't see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties," Doull explained.Despite Pant's struggles in T20Is, Doull expressed confidence in his evolution and highlighted his improved fitness during IPL 2024.Another intriguing decision by Doull was his preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube's impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings.Doull's starting XI for India features Virat Kohli as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills. Arshdeep Singh is the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's scintillating knock against Lucknow Super Giants has reignited the debate surrounding his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Samson's match-winning 71 off just 33 balls, including seven boundaries and four maximums, has garnered support from veteran cricketers, who believe he deserves a place in the national team.Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was quick to advocate for Samson's inclusion, stating that he "has to go" to the World Cup. Pietersen praised Samson's talent and ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing that he should be one of the first picks for the selectors.Samson's consistent batting performances throughout the IPL season have strengthened his case for World Cup selection. With 385 runs in 10 matches, including four fifty-plus scores, Samson is currently leading the run-scoring charts among all Indian wicket-keeping options in IPL 2024. He is also second in the race for the Orange Cap, further solidifying his credentials.Samson's ability to deliver under pressure was evident in his match-winning knock against Lucknow. With Rajasthan Royals needing 16 runs off the final over, Samson smashed Avesh Khan for a six and a four to secure a crucial victory.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad would provide India with a versatile and explosive option in the middle order. His ability to play both spin and pace bowling effectively, as well as his experience as a captain, make him a valuable asset to any team.With the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away, the selectors will have a tough decision to make regarding Samson's inclusion. However, his recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive form in the remaining IPL matches.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is serving as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The selectors are closely monitoring the performances of potential candidates, and a meeting is scheduled this weekend in New Delhi to finalize the team.One of the key areas of focus is the selection of frontline pacers. While Jasprit Bumrah's place is secure, the identity of his partner remains uncertain. Mohammed Shami's injury has opened up opportunities for other contenders.Among capped pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan are strong candidates. However, uncapped pacers Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and T Natarajan have also impressed with their performances in the IPL.A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans favor Siraj and Mayank to join Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad. Mayank, despite playing only two matches, has made a strong impact with his raw pace. Siraj, despite a disappointing IPL season, has a proven track record, having played a key role in India's Asia Cup triumph last year.Experts have also weighed in on the selection debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Mayank's inclusion, while others have expressed support for Siraj based on his past performances.The selectors face a tough decision in choosing the right combination of pacers. They must balance experience with form and potential. The T20 World Cup is a high-stakes tournament, and India will need a strong bowling attack to succeed.

Sanju Samson Emerges as Frontrunner for Wicketkeeper Role in T20 World Cup Squad, Says Navjot Singh SidhuFormer Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has thrown his support behind Sanju Samson as the preferred choice for the wicketkeeper role in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. Sidhu's endorsement comes after Samson's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he led the Rajasthan Royals to victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.In a conversation with Star Sports, Sidhu praised Samson's exceptional form, stating, "No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson." He highlighted Samson's unbeaten 71 off 33 balls, which overshadowed KL Rahul's impressive 76 off 48 balls.Sidhu acknowledged Rahul's versatility as a batsman, but emphasized that Samson's current form should be the deciding factor. "If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, then you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant," he said.Sidhu also mentioned Ishan Kishan as a potential contender for the wicketkeeper role, but noted that his absence from domestic games during his international duty had cost him a chance to impress the selectors.With the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaching, Sidhu's insights underscore the importance of form and performance in shaping the final lineup. Sanju Samson's scintillating performance in the IPL has made him the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper position, while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant remain in contention.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal Team India squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be announced by May 1. In a video shared by Star Sports, Pathan meticulously outlined his lineup, providing insightful justifications for his choices.Batting Order:Pathan's batting order preferences begin with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. The middle order comprises Virat Kohli at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. For the crucial No. 5 and No. 6 slots, Pathan suggests Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), and Shivam Dube.Lower Middle Order and Spinners:The lower middle order, according to Pathan, should feature Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty, while Ravi Bishnoi is preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his superior fielding abilities.Pace Bowling Unit:Pathan's pace bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah, followed by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.Extra Batter Dilemma:Regarding the inclusion of an extra batter, Pathan suggests a choice between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The decision will depend on whether the team opts for an additional batter or an extra wicketkeeper.Pathan's Ideal Squad:Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson.

Virat Kohli's batting position in the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked a debate among cricket experts. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Kohli opening the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma would create opportunities for power-hitting finishers like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube in the Indian playing XI.Pathan, who played a pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal should partner Rohit Sharma as the openers due to their contrasting batting styles and Jaiswal's impressive international strike rate of 160. However, he acknowledges that Kohli opening the batting would allow for a more balanced team composition."If Virat opens up the batting, it will allow the combination of 11 to be in a certain way, which you want," Pathan explained. "If that happens, you might see Shivam Dubey playing, if he's there in the squad. You might see guys like Rinku Singh in the playing 11 as well."Pathan also emphasizes the importance of Jaiswal's underutilized leg-break bowling, which could provide the team with an additional bowling option. "Jaiswal has actually been bowling regularly in the nets," he said. "So what you can do is you can actually play proper five bowlers and maybe have him as a sixth bowler, as an option to keep it."Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also advocates for Kohli batting as much as possible in the powerplay. "I've got to have him in the powerplay," Hayden said. "If I'm going to pick him, he has to play in the powerplay. He has to play the majority of those six overs as an opener."Hayden believes that Kohli's batting position is crucial for India's success in the World Cup. "It all comes down to are we interested in selecting a side that we believe is the right balance and is going to win this World Cup," he said.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the wicketkeeping options, key players, and future prospects for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Wicketkeeping Dilemma:India faces a conundrum in selecting a wicketkeeper with several talented options available. Dinesh Karthik has emerged as a contender after his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, averaging 52.40 with a strike rate of 195.52. Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, has also shown good form for Delhi Capitals, scoring 342 runs in nine matches. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are other potential candidates.Yuvraj believes Karthik's inclusion makes sense only if he is guaranteed a starting spot. Otherwise, he favors younger options like Pant and Samson.Key Players:Yuvraj identifies Suryakumar Yadav as India's key player, highlighting his ability to change the game in just 15 deliveries. He also emphasizes the importance of Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling department and suggests including a leg-spinner like Yuzvendra Chahal.Emerging Talent:Yuvraj is impressed by Shivam Dube's performances for Chennai Super Kings, describing him as a potential game-changer. He believes Dube deserves a place in the squad.Future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli:Yuvraj acknowledges the experience and contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but suggests that their future in the T20I format may depend on their performances in the upcoming World Cup.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the national selection committee is set to finalize a potential 15-member squad. Chairman Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma recently held an informal meeting in Delhi to discuss the team's composition.The official announcement of the squad is expected on May 1, the cut-off date set by the ICC. Agarkar specifically traveled to Delhi for an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to meet with Rohit and gain further clarity on the team's needs.Most of the team is expected to be selected based on current form and performance. However, there are a few slots that remain up for discussion. One key decision is whether Hardik Pandya will be included in the squad based on his bowling fitness. If Pandya is selected, only one of Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh will be accommodated.KL Rahul, a favorite of the current coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid, is likely to be included in the squad, leaving Sanju Samson as his nearest competitor. There is little possibility of a left-field selection, but Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma could be an option as a flamboyant southpaw who can also bowl off-spin.The third spinner's slot is also up for grabs, with Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi competing for the position. Yuzvendra Chahal, India's most skilled white-ball wrist spinner, is reportedly not a priority choice for an influential member of the coaching staff.The selection committee will meet soon to finalize the squad, which will be tasked with representing India at the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the Americas later this year.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the senior men's selection committee, made a significant appearance at the Delhi Capitals-Mumbai Indians clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. His presence during the match sparked speculation that a meeting to finalize India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup could be imminent.Sources close to the matter revealed that Agarkar was spotted in the commentary box of the media center at the stadium. This suggests that he may have been in discussions with key stakeholders regarding the team selection.Earlier reports had indicated that Agarkar was scheduled to meet captain Rohit Sharma in New Delhi after returning from a holiday in Spain. The purpose of this meeting was to finalize India's squad for the T20 World Cup, which is set to commence on June 1 in the West Indies and USA.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a cut-off date of May 1 for all teams to announce their 15-member squads for the Men's T20 World Cup. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.As the 2007 Men's T20 World Cup winners, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Canada, and tournament co-hosts USA. The team will be eager to make a strong showing in the tournament and reclaim the title.Agarkar's presence at the Delhi-Mumbai match suggests that the selection committee is actively working to finalize the squad. With the cut-off date approaching, it is likely that an announcement will be made soon.