Cricket

Rishabh Pant's scintillating unbeaten half-century propelled Delhi Capitals to a narrow four-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, solidifying his position as India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pant's blistering 88 off 43 deliveries, adorned with five fours and eight sixes, was a timely reminder of his destructive capabilities. He forged a formidable partnership with Axar Patel, who contributed a rapid 66 off 43 balls, propelling DC to a formidable 224 for 4.In response, Gujarat Titans mounted a valiant chase, led by Sai Sudarshan's 65 off 29 and David Miller's 55 off 23. Rashid Khan's late cameo of 21 not off 11 balls kept GT's hopes alive, but they ultimately fell short by four runs.Pant's innings showcased his maturity and adaptability. He paced his knock brilliantly, initially playing cautiously before unleashing his trademark power-hitting. His ability to score boundaries at will, particularly on the leg side, proved invaluable for DC.Axar Patel played a crucial supporting role, providing stability and acceleration to the innings. His four sixes and five fours kept the scoreboard ticking over, allowing Pant to play with freedom.Gujarat Titans' chase began promisingly, with Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudarshan sharing an 82-run partnership. However, once Saha departed, DC's bowlers tightened their grip. Sudarshan's dismissal, caught by Axar off Salam, proved a turning point.Miller's late onslaught kept GT in contention, but Rashid Khan's inability to clear the boundary in the final over sealed their fate. Mukesh Kumar held his nerve, conceding only five runs off the last ball to secure the victory for DC.Pant's performance was the highlight of the match, silencing any doubts about his World T20 Cup credentials. His exceptional batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills make him an indispensable asset for the Indian team.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again voiced his support for Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian squad. Tharoor has consistently advocated for Samson's selection, highlighting his exceptional performances and the lack of opportunities he has received from the selectors.Samson's impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024 has further strengthened his case for a place in the national team. In just eight matches, he has amassed 314 runs at an average of 62.80, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 82. His consistent contributions have played a crucial role in RR's success, as they currently top the standings with 12 points from eight games.Tharoor's support for Samson is echoed by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who also believes that the wicketkeeper-batsman deserves a chance to prove his worth at the international level. The debate over India's wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup has intensified, with Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention.However, Samson's recent form suggests that he is the ideal candidate for the role. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently, combined with his excellent wicketkeeping skills, makes him a valuable asset to any team. With six games remaining in the IPL group stage, Samson has the opportunity to further enhance his credentials and cement his place in the Indian squad.India's probable squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced later this week, and Tharoor's vocal support for Samson is likely to put pressure on the selectors to consider his inclusion. The wicketkeeper-batsman has consistently performed at the highest level, and it remains to be seen whether the selectors will finally give him the recognition he deserves.

England's T20 World Cup squad selection faces a dilemma as Jamie Overton's back injury casts doubt over his availability. The Surrey allrounder, who has impressed as a short-format allrounder, was expected to receive his maiden T20I call-up. However, an inconclusive scan has left his injury status uncertain.Overton's absence from Surrey's recent County Championship fixtures has raised concerns. He is scheduled for another scan in two weeks, but England's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup must be submitted by May 1.The selection panel, led by Rob Key, will meet soon to finalize the 15-man squad. Ben Duckett is a contender for the spare batter role, while Tom Hartley is likely to be the second spinner ahead of Rehan Ahmed.Jofra Archer is expected to be included in the provisional squad and given a chance to prove his fitness against Pakistan. Chris Jordan, who was omitted from the squad that lost to West Indies in December, could also be recalled due to Overton's injury.The identity of England's wicketkeeper is another topic for discussion. Jos Buttler's captaincy duties may make it challenging for him to keep wicket, especially with the ICC's new fielding penalties for slow over-rates. Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow are potential alternatives.The ECB has not yet clarified whether England players will be allowed to participate in the IPL knockout stages if their franchises qualify. This could impact the availability of players like Buttler for the start of the Pakistan series.England's squad announcement is expected on Tuesday morning. They have until May 25 to make changes, but they will aim to avoid a repeat of last year's World Cup debacle when Harry Brook was added to the squad at the last minute.

Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and Jamaican icon, has been appointed as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, set to take place in the West Indies and the United States. This prestigious tournament will showcase the pinnacle of international cricket, and Bolt's involvement is expected to generate immense excitement and enthusiasm.Growing up in Jamaica, cricket has always held a special place in Bolt's heart. He played the sport in his youth and remains an avid fan. As the ambassador, Bolt aims to leverage his global platform to promote cricket and inspire a new generation of players."Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart," Bolt said. "I am honored to be part of such a prestigious tournament and contribute to the growth of cricket globally."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will feature some of the world's best cricketers, competing in a thrilling format that emphasizes power-hitting and fast-paced action. Bolt believes that the tournament will be a spectacle for fans, particularly in the Caribbean, where cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture."I expect dancing, music, and high energy in the matches in the Caribbean," Bolt said. "The World Cup will also go a long way towards making the USA a bigger cricket center than it currently is."Bolt recognizes the potential for cricket to grow in the United States, a country with a vast sports market. He believes that the T20 World Cup can serve as a catalyst for the sport's expansion in the region."America believes a lot in sport and high intensity," Bolt said. "If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 [World Cup], it is going to be wonderful."Beyond the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Bolt is also excited about the return of cricket to the Olympic Games in 2028. The sport will make its comeback in Los Angeles, with both men's and women's T20Is featured."Getting a gold medal is such a big thing," Bolt said. "Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal."Usain Bolt's appointment as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is a testament to his enduring popularity and his passion for cricket. His involvement is expected to generate significant interest in the tournament and contribute to the growth of the sport worldwide.

With the deadline for announcing India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad approaching on May 1, the BCCI selectors face a daunting task of selecting the best possible team. While some players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli are likely to be automatic selections, there are several other contenders vying for the limited spots.One player who has emerged as a strong candidate is Shivam Dube. The left-handed batter has been in exceptional form for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2024. In eight matches, he has amassed 311 runs at a strike rate of 169.95, including three half-centuries.Dube's impressive performances have caught the attention of former India stars Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif, who have publicly advocated for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Raina tweeted, "World Cup loading for Shivam Dube! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please," while Kaif wrote, "Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India's No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20."However, some experts have raised concerns about the impact of the new "Impact Player" rule on the role of all-rounders. Under this rule, teams can substitute a player during the match, which could potentially negate the need for a traditional all-rounder like Dube."I completely agree it's debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not not a complete one," said former India pacer Zaheer Khan.Despite these concerns, Dube remains a strong contender for a place in the Indian team. His ability to bat in the middle order and provide power-hitting options makes him a valuable asset. Additionally, he can also contribute with his medium-pace bowling, although he has not had many opportunities to showcase his skills in this department.As the deadline for squad announcement draws near, the BCCI selectors will have to carefully consider all their options and make tough decisions. Shivam Dube's impressive form and versatility make him a strong candidate for a place in the Indian team, but the selectors will need to weigh his strengths and weaknesses against those of other contenders.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad before the end of this month.Former Indian players have been weighing in on the potential squad, with some surprising omissions and inclusions. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has included Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in his squad, but only if he is bowling regularly. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's batting prowess is undeniable, but his bowling effectiveness is equally important.Pathan's squad also features under-fire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, but on one condition. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's inclusion depends on his bowling fitness, given his undeniable batting prowess. However, the effectiveness of his bowling holds equal significance; if he isn't consistently and effectively bowling, the team's composition warrants a reassessment."My squad for the World Cup. 1) Rohit Sharma (C)2) Yashasvi Jaiswal 3) Virat Kohli4) Surya Kumar Yadav 5) Rishabh pant (wk)6) Shivam Dube7) Hardik Pandya provided he is bowling regularly8)Rinku singh 9)Ravindra jadeja10) Kuldeep Yadav 11)Jasprit Bumrah 12)Arshdeep singh 13)Mohammed Siraj 14)Ravi Bishnoi/Yuzi chahal 15) shubhman gill/ sanju Samson Travelling reserves. 2 Fast bowlers, wicket keeper, batsman." Pathan posted his squad on X.— IrfanPathan (@IrfanPathan)Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is among the Star Sports experts panel, also picked his Team India squad for the T20 World Cup. Surprisingly, Rayudu's squad includes only one allrounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, while also featuring young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who is nursing an injury.For the middle-order batting slots up for grabs, Rayudu went ahead with the in-form players Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube, while preferring veteran Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in the wicketkeeper-batsman's role. He also ignored KL Rahul, who has been doing well for Lucknow Super Giants in the role of 'keeper-batsman.Ambati Rayudu's India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron have sparked speculation about the potential inclusion of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni in India's T20 World Cup squad. Despite Dhoni's international retirement nearly five years ago, his impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate.Aaron, speaking to Star Sports, suggested that Dhoni could be a "wildcard entry" in the squad, labeling it as "the wildest card." Pathan echoed the sentiment, stating that if Dhoni expressed a desire to play in the T20 World Cup, "no one will deny him that chance."Former India opener Virender Sehwag has also highlighted Dhoni's exceptional form in the IPL. "MS Dhoni has a strike-rate of over 250 and doesn't have an average because he hasn't been dismissed yet," Sehwag remarked on Cricbuzz.However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has acknowledged the challenges of persuading Dhoni to return to competitive cricket. "It will be hard to convince MS, although he is coming to the US, to do something else. He is into golf now," Sharma said.In IPL 2024, Dhoni has scored 91 runs off just 35 balls in six unbeaten innings, scoring at a strike rate of 260. His impressive performances have raised questions about whether he could still contribute to the Indian team at the highest level.While Dhoni's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad remains a hypothetical possibility, his form and the support of former players have fueled speculation. The final decision will ultimately rest with the selectors and the team management.

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has unveiled his squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring a surprising selection of only one all-rounder and the inclusion of injured pace sensation Mayank Yadav.Rayudu's squad prioritizes in-form players, with Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube filling the middle-order batting slots. Veteran Dinesh Karthik is preferred over Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsman, while KL Rahul is surprisingly omitted despite his impressive performances for Lucknow Super Giants.Rinku Singh is included as the designated finisher alongside Karthik. The top order remains unchanged, featuring Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.Hardik Pandya's poor form has cost him a place in the squad, leaving Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder. Dube has not been regularly used as a bowler by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.The pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Yadav completing the quartet. Yadav is still recovering from an injury and has yet to feature for Lucknow Super Giants.Left-arm spin all-rounder Jadeja is joined by chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal as the designated spinners.

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener, has expressed his unwavering support for Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young star of Rajasthan Royals. Despite a challenging start to the IPL season, Sehwag believes Jaiswal has the potential to be included in India's T20 World Cup squad.Sehwag, speaking on Cricbuzz, acknowledged the pressure of comparisons that Jaiswal faces. He drew from his own experiences, stating that he was compared to Sachin Tendulkar during his early days. However, Sehwag emphasized the importance of ignoring such comparisons and focusing on one's own game."Comparison can hurt you," Sehwag said. "I can't perform like Tendulkar. When I was compared, I made some changes in stance and how I played, so people stopped saying that I look or bat like Tendulkar."Sehwag expressed optimism for Jaiswal's future, acknowledging the challenges that come with being a young cricketer from a small city. "I have high hopes for this boy," Sehwag said. "When you come from a small city, you know you have to put in the hard work otherwise you might have to go back."Despite Jaiswal's initial struggles in the IPL, Sehwag remained steadfast in his support, asserting, "He will come back to form soon. I believe his ticket and visa for the World Cup is confirmed."Jaiswal's return to form came in spectacular fashion during Rajasthan Royals' clash against Mumbai Indians, where he notched a breathtaking unbeaten century, guiding his team to a resounding nine-wicket victory. This performance has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, despite facing competition from other talented players.Sehwag's endorsement of Jaiswal is a significant boost for the young cricketer. With his talent and determination, Jaiswal has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.