Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has advocated for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav alongside Ravindra Jadeja as India's spin duo for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Manjrekar's endorsement stems from Kuldeep's exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has showcased remarkable bowling skills and confidence.Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep's current form resembles that of Jasprit Bumrah or Yuzvendra Chahal at their peak, commanding respect and handling responsibilities with ease. He emphasized that Kuldeep's ability to seize crucial moments and deliver under pressure makes him a valuable asset for India."Kuldeep Yadav is at his peak in terms of skills and confidence. He's like a Bumrah or Chahal at their peak, commanding respect and handling responsibilities comfortably," Manjrekar said. "He's a champion bowler who can form a formidable partnership with Ravindra Jadeja."Kuldeep's impressive performance in IPL 2024 has further solidified his credentials. In six matches, he has claimed 12 wickets, demonstrating his ability to control the game and deliver crucial breakthroughs.After Delhi Capitals' thrilling victory over Gujarat Titans, Kuldeep expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and his own contribution. "These two points are very important. We had a plan for Tewatia, and it worked out. I focused on my lines and lengths and read the batsmen's intentions," Kuldeep said.Manjrekar's suggestion to pair Kuldeep with Jadeja as India's spin duo for the T20 World Cup 2024 is based on their complementary skills. Jadeja provides a left-arm spin option and is a reliable batter, while Kuldeep's wrist spin and ability to create pressure make him a potent wicket-taker.If Kuldeep continues to perform at his current level, he could play a pivotal role in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory. His confidence, skill, and ability to handle pressure make him a formidable force in the spin department.

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, has emerged as one of the most promising young cricketers in India. Despite his impressive performances, Gill remains focused on his team's success rather than his own aspirations for national selection.Gill believes that prioritizing his team's goals is essential for his personal growth and the team's overall performance. He understands that allowing thoughts of national selection to distract him would be unfair to both himself and his teammates. Instead, he views any potential selection as an opportunity to represent his country and pursue glory on the international stage.However, Gill acknowledges that if he is not chosen for the T20 World Cup, he will wholeheartedly support the selected players. His dedication to his team's success and his humility in accepting outcomes reflect his maturity and professionalism as a cricketer.Gill's leadership role with the Gujarat Titans has also been a valuable learning experience for him. He has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of trust and vulnerability in building a strong team. As a captain, he recognizes the need to earn the trust of his players and create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities.Despite the high expectations placed on the Gujarat Titans after their successful first two seasons, Gill is not focused on creating his own legacy. Instead, he credits head coach Ashish Nehra for playing a significant role in the team's success. Gill believes that the team's focus should be on qualifying for the playoffs and performing well in pressure situations.Gill's rise to stardom has been marked by both success and setbacks. He acknowledges that success can boost one's ego, but it is failures that provide the most valuable lessons. He believes that embracing failures is essential for personal growth and development.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad for the tournament by the end of April.The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a challenging task in picking a balanced squad. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed some impressive performances from young players, making the selection process even more competitive.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the selectors will meet on April 27 or 28 to finalize the squad. The deadline set by the ICC for participating boards to announce their provisional squads is May 1.One of the key players in contention for a spot in the squad is Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals skipper has been in excellent form in the IPL, scoring an unbeaten 88 off just 43 deliveries in a thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans. Pant's performance has reignited the debate about his possible inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.However, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Pant may not fit into the middle order of the Indian team. Doull suggests that Pant would be a better fit at number 3, behind the rumored opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli."He's getting closer. Can he bat at 3? Because I go back to the team I'm looking at (for T20 World Cup), and he doesn't fit in the middle-order. If he can, he's getting a step closer to the boarding pass," Doull said on Cricbuzz."He's a better player than a slogger or hitter. He comes, and he eases his way into his innings. That's why I say he's a terrific Test player. He's a fine batter. But I don't think he's a player who comes out and starts slogging, not in modern-day T20 cricket. That's why his numbers aren't nowhere near as good as they possibly should. So, my question is, could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)?" he added.The Indian selectors will have to carefully consider all these factors when making their final decision. The T20 World Cup is a major tournament, and India will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second time.

Abhay Sharma, a seasoned Indian coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the Uganda men's cricket team. This marks a significant milestone for Uganda, as it prepares for its historic debut at the T20 World Cup in June.Sharma brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached notable teams in the Indian domestic circuit, including the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and India A & B in the Deodhar Trophy. He has also served as the fielding coach for the senior India men's and women's teams, as well as the India A and India Under-19 men's teams."We selected Abhay Sharma for his strong leadership qualities and impressive track record of success at professional and international levels," said Jackson Kavuma, secretary of the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). "His coaching stints with notable teams demonstrate his deep understanding of the game and ability to nurture players."Sharma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to the team's aspirations. "I am very grateful to UCA for this opportunity to work with a bunch of talented national cricketers," he said. "Having been in Uganda for just a couple of days, it already feels like my second home.""I am here to contribute to the team's aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup," Sharma added. "Additionally, I intend to focus on the development team and work with as many young cricketers to build numbers."Uganda Cricket has made significant strides in the past year, but Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly in fielding. "What I have read in the newspapers and what I have seen in the data is that we have lost a couple of opportunities in the field," he said. "And yet even after missing out on those chances, we still qualified for the World Cup!""Imagine how much better we can perform if we address these lapses," Sharma continued. "With enhanced game awareness and mental fortitude, we can compete with the world's best teams on any given day."Uganda allrounder Alpesh Ramjani welcomed Sharma's appointment, saying, "His experience is a fortune for us. It is definitely going to help us in the World Cup, as well as for the development of the players individually."At the T20 World Cup, Uganda will face formidable opponents in Group C, including Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and West Indies. They will kick off their campaign on June 4 against Afghanistan in Guyana.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the selection panel is facing several dilemmas in finalizing the 15-member squad. One of the key decisions is the choice of the second wicketkeeper, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson vying for the spot. Rahul, who has scored 302 runs at a strike rate of 141, has a slight edge over Samson, who has amassed 314 runs at a strike rate of 152. Rahul's versatility and range of strokes may give him the upper hand.Another area of debate is the selection of an additional bowler. Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel are all in contention. Avesh has impressed with his improved death bowling, while Bishnoi has been economical on flat tracks. Axar, on the other hand, offers all-round abilities with his batting and fielding. The selection will depend on the conditions in the West Indies.Hardik Pandya's inconsistent batting form is also a concern. As a designated finisher, he has hit only seven sixes in eight games for Mumbai Indians, and his strike rate of 142 is below par. However, he remains a valuable option due to his all-round abilities.The selection panel is expected to finalize the squad by the end of this month, with the ICC's May 1 deadline for the announcement of 15-member squads looming. Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to meet with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to discuss the team's framework.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating knock against Gujarat Titans has reignited hopes of his return to form ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Delhi Capitals' batting coach, Pravin Amre, believes Pant's performance is a testament to his hard work and determination.After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant returned to competitive cricket a month ago. His unbeaten 88 off 43 balls against Gujarat Titans has virtually sealed his spot as India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup.Amre praised Pant's dedication and preparation, highlighting his two-week camp in Vizag where he arrived straight from the airport. "He was hungry and made sure everyday he is going to utilise," Amre said.Pant's partnership with Axar Patel (66 off 43) was crucial in Delhi Capitals' victory. Amre believes Axar's promotion to the No.3 spot was a strategic move that paid off. "Axar played very well, but the partnership he had with Rishabh was striking," Amre said.Amre emphasized the importance of Pant's power-hitting in the last five overs, which made the difference in the match. "Rishabh was confident and he single-handedly batted very well in the last 5 overs," Amre said.Gujarat Titans spinner Sai Kishore acknowledged the impact of Pant and Axar's partnership. "Axar and Pant batted really well. Rishabh scored a lot of boundaries off good balls," Kishore said.Pant's performance has not only boosted his confidence but also raised expectations for his performance in the T20 World Cup. Amre believes Pant is ready to roar and make a significant contribution to India's campaign.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

The upcoming T20 World Cup has ignited intense competition within the Indian squad, with numerous players vying for limited spots. However, the national selection committee has reportedly decided against selecting any rookie IPL performers for the prestigious event.Despite impressive performances from players like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma in the ongoing IPL season, the selectors are hesitant to test their mettle in a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup. Instead, they plan to gradually integrate these players into the national team through bilateral series."The likes of Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have all performed well, but the selection committee prefers to ease them into international cricket via bilateral matches rather than putting them to the test in a high-stakes World T20 game," a report from news agency PTI revealed.Parag, the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL behind Virat Kohli, has impressed with his all-round abilities. Abhishek has also made a strong start, boasting an impressive strike rate in the powerplay. Mayank, despite playing only two games, has generated buzz with his raw pace.The report also highlighted SRH's seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as another player under the BCCI's radar. Reddy was part of the India Emerging side that toured Sri Lanka last year.While the rookie IPL performers may not make the T20 World Cup squad, they could be considered for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of including some of these players as net bowlers for the World Cup, providing them with valuable exposure.

India's Pace Bowling Conundrum Ahead of T20 World CupAs India's selectors prepare to assemble the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, a glaring concern has emerged: the lack of reliable pace bowling options beyond Jasprit Bumrah. While the veteran pacer continues to excel, the rest of the bowling unit has struggled to make an impact.Mohammed Siraj, once considered a potential new-ball partner for Bumrah, has endured a disappointing IPL season, claiming only five wickets in seven matches. Mukesh Kumar has shown promise for the Delhi Capitals, but his high economy rate raises questions about his consistency. Arshdeep Singh, usually a dependable left-arm seamer, has also struggled with his economy rate. Avesh Khan has been slightly more effective, but his economy rate remains a concern.The poor form of these regular pacers has prompted calls for the selectors to consider alternative options. Left-arm pacer T Natarajan, who has impressed with his yorkers, and Sandeep Sharma, who has been in good form for the Rajasthan Royals, are among the potential candidates.Selectors may also be tempted to experiment with rookies like Mohsin Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Yash Thakur, or Harshit Rana. However, these players lack international experience and may not be ready for the rigors of a major tournament.The lack of pace bowling depth is a significant concern for India, especially considering the importance of fast bowlers in T20 cricket. The selectors will need to make bold decisions and find reliable options to support Bumrah if India is to have a successful World Cup campaign.