Cricket

Shivam Dube, the Chennai Super Kings' batting all-rounder, has reached a significant milestone in his IPL career, surpassing the 1,000-run mark for the franchise. Dube's impressive performances have not only solidified his position in the CSK lineup but have also placed him as a strong contender for a spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad.Dube achieved this milestone in style, showcasing his batting prowess with a blistering 27-ball 66 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Chepauk stadium. His innings, consisting of three fours and seven towering sixes, came at an astonishing strike rate of 244.44, underlining his ability to score quickly and decisively.Since joining the Yellow franchise in 2022, Dube has been a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup, amassing 1,018 runs in 35 matches (33 innings) at an impressive average of 37.70 and a strike rate of 161.08. With eight half-centuries to his name, Dube's consistency and impact with the bat have been instrumental in CSK's success.Dube stands out among the elite group of batters who have amassed 1,000 runs for CSK. His striking prowess sets him apart, with a remarkable strike rate of over 150, a feat unmatched by any other player in this prestigious club. His closest rivals in this regard are the legendary MS Dhoni, with a strike rate of 138.98, and the seasoned campaigner Suresh Raina, with a strike rate of 138.91.Moreover, Dube's batting average further solidifies his status as one of the most impactful batters in this exclusive group. With a batting average bettered only by Michael Hussey (42.09), skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (41.26), and the illustrious Dhoni (40.69), Dube's consistency at the crease is undeniable.Comparing his performances across franchises, Dube's numbers with CSK far exceed his statistics for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. While he managed 169 runs in 15 matches for RCB and 230 runs in nine matches for Rajasthan Royals, Dube's stint with CSK has seen him flourish and establish himself as a prolific run-scorer in the IPL.In the ongoing season, Dube has been in scintillating form, emerging as the sixth-highest run-getter with 311 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 51.83 and a staggering strike rate of 169.94. With three half-centuries to his credit and a highest score of 66*, Dube's contributions have been pivotal in CSK's campaign.Dube's impressive performances have not only earned him a place in the CSK lineup but have also put him in contention for a spot in the Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. With his ability to score quickly and consistently, Dube has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Indian team in the shortest format of the game.

Uganda Cricket Appoints Abhay Sharma as Head Coach for Men's National TeamThe Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has appointed former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma as the head coach of the men's national team. This appointment comes as the Cricket Cranes prepare for their historic debut in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies from June 1.Sharma brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having worked with prestigious teams such as India A, India Under-19s, the Indian women's cricket team, and the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. His appointment reflects the UCA's commitment to strengthening its coaching setup with seasoned expertise.In a statement released on the UCA's official website, the association expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the Cricket Cranes into a new era of success, citing his "vast knowledge and expertise." Sharma reciprocated the sentiment, affirming his dedication to contributing to the team's ambitions, which include challenging cricketing powerhouses in the upcoming World Cup.Acknowledging Uganda Cricket's impressive performances over the past year, Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly emphasizing the need to enhance the team's fielding prowess. He believes that with focused training and dedication, the Cricket Cranes can make a significant impact on the global stage.Sharma's appointment is part of a three-year working contract, signaling a long-term vision aimed at fortifying Uganda's cricketing infrastructure and nurturing talent for sustained success. The UCA is confident that Sharma's guidance and expertise will help the Cricket Cranes reach new heights and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

India's T20 World Cup squad announcement is eagerly anticipated, with former Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake expressing his admiration for the depth of talent in Indian cricket. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies from June 2 to 29, will see India begin their campaign on June 5 in the United States.Blake, a known cricket enthusiast, believes that India's talent pool is so vast that the BCCI could potentially send three teams to the World Cup. "Currently, it is incredibly challenging to select the Indian T20 World Cup team due to the immense talent pool available," Blake wrote on Twitter.India's Group A opponents include Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. They will kick off their campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan at the same venue on June 9. India will then face the co-hosts US on June 12 in New York before concluding their group stage against Canada in Lauderhill, Florida.The BCCI is expected to announce the Indian squad before the end of this month, and the selection process is likely to be a challenging one given the abundance of talent available. India will be aiming to add to their two T20 World Cup titles, won in 2007 and 2014.

Marcus Stoinis, the 34-year-old Australian all-rounder, has expressed his desire to continue playing for Australia beyond the T20 World Cup, despite missing out on a Cricket Australia (CA) contract for 2024-25.Stoinis, who has been a key member of Australia's T20I side, has not been offered a CA contract for the upcoming season. However, he remains contracted with CA until June 30, 2023, and is expected to be part of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup in October-November.Speaking after his match-winning century for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday, Stoinis said he understood the decision to omit him from the CA contract list. He believes it is an opportunity for younger players to step up and take his place."I've got a great relationship with the [Australia] coach [Andrew McDonald]," Stoinis said. "Me not getting a contract, I knew that a while ago. I think it is great to give younger kids a crack and let them take my spot. I'm absolutely fine with that on the contract list."However, Stoinis made it clear that he still has aspirations to play international cricket beyond the T20 World Cup. He has been in regular communication with McDonald and Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey about his future role in the team."But on the playing front, obviously want to make sure that I'm there and that's also why it's so lucky for us and for me particularly to have this competition [the IPL], that's why I love it so much," Stoinis said.Australia's next limited-overs assignment after the T20 World Cup is in September in England, which includes five ODIs and three T20Is. They only have one other T20I series in the 2024-25 contract period, against Pakistan at home in November. They also have three ODIs against Pakistan in November, which is their last ODI series before the Champions Trophy.Stoinis has opted not to seek a state contract with Western Australia, but he has not ruled out playing domestic cricket in the future. His availability will depend on his freelance schedule and WA's desire for continuity within their program.

Adil Rashid, England's star leg-spinner, exudes confidence as the team gears up for the T20 World Cup in June. Rashid believes that England possesses the "mindset of champions" and has drawn a line under their disappointing performance at the 50-over World Cup last year.Rashid emphasizes that the 50-over format is vastly different from T20 cricket, and England's struggles in the former should not be a cause for concern. He highlights the team's current status as T20 world champions and their belief in their abilities."We've got the team, we've got the mindset, we've got the players, we've got the experience," Rashid said. "If we go out there having the same belief, I think we'll - hopefully - go all the way."England's white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, echoes Rashid's sentiments. Mott believes that the team has a strong squad and is confident in their ability to win the tournament. He also suggests that captain Jos Buttler will rely more on intuition and less on data-driven decision-making during the World Cup.Rashid believes that this approach will allow England to play with greater freedom and express themselves on the field. He emphasizes that T20 cricket requires spontaneity and a willingness to take risks.England will announce a provisional squad for the tournament early next week. Rashid, who has not played competitively since February, will have a short build-up to the World Cup, with England scheduled to play four T20Is against Pakistan in late May.Rashid's comments come as the ECB launches a national tape-ball competition as part of its "core cities" program. Rashid believes that the competition can provide a legitimate talent pathway for aspiring cricketers."Haris Rauf came in bowling quick with a tape ball, and next thing you know, he is playing for Pakistan and [in the] PSL," Rashid said. "These things can happen. If you see somebody with an X-factor with a tape ball, but he's actually bowling rockets and then you give him a cricket ball and you can do something similar, then you can fast-track them."

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart Suresh Raina has made a passionate plea to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to include star CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. Raina's appeal highlights Dube's significant contributions and the value he brings to the team.Dube has consistently showcased his exceptional skills and temperament, making him a formidable force on the field. His ability to excel under pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches, makes him an ideal candidate for the global tournament.In a recent match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Dube played a blistering knock of 66 runs off just 27 balls, including three fours and seven massive sixes. His explosive batting propelled CSK to a competitive total of 210/4.Dube's impressive performance in the IPL has earned him widespread recognition. He has surpassed the 1000-run mark for CSK, demonstrating his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.Raina's advocacy for Dube stems from his belief that the all-rounder possesses the necessary skills and experience to succeed on the international stage. Dube's versatility, both as a batsman and a bowler, makes him a valuable asset to any team.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Raina's plea to Agarkar underscores the importance of selecting players who can perform under pressure and contribute to the team's success. Dube's inclusion in the squad would provide India with a dynamic and explosive all-rounder who can make a significant impact on the tournament.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its halfway point, and a clear divide has emerged between the top-performing teams and the struggling ones. Rajasthan Royals, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders have established themselves as the frontrunners, while Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru find themselves at the bottom of the standings.With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, the IPL holds immense significance as it serves as a platform for players to showcase their form and earn a spot in the Indian squad. However, former Australian batter Aaron Finch has expressed concerns about the poor form of three key Indian players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.Finch, who led Australia to the T20 World Cup title in 2021, believes that Jaiswal and Pandya have been underperforming throughout the IPL so far. "There is a bit of pressure building on both of them," Finch said. "They will want to be in great form to get picked and then contribute to India having a real crack at trying to win another T20 World Cup."Jaiswal, who scored a century against Mumbai Indians on Monday, has averaged 32.14 in eight games. Pandya, on the other hand, has struggled with both bat and ball, averaging 25.25 with the bat and taking only four wickets in seven matches.Finch also raised concerns about India's pace bowling, particularly the form of Jasprit Bumrah. "I think spin could get them out of trouble," Finch said. "I think the form of Kuldeep Yadav will be crucial. Arshdeep Singh is a quality bowler, but he is not in his best form at the moment."Despite these concerns, Finch believes that India has enough time to address these issues before the T20 World Cup. "We have seven weeks from the tournament," Finch said. "That's potentially 10 more games for the guys to find form."

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has shared his top three picks for the Indian squad. Pathan believes these players will have a significant impact on India's campaign.1. Rohit SharmaRohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, is in excellent form and has been leading the team effectively. His experience and ability to score runs consistently make him a crucial asset for India.2. Yashasvi JaiswalDespite his young age, Yashasvi Jaiswal has impressed Pathan with his performances for Team India and in the IPL. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a valuable addition to the squad.3. Virat KohliVirat Kohli, despite recent criticism, remains a world-class batsman. His strike rate in T20Is is 138+, better than Chris Gayle, and his IPL strike rate this season is 150. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him indispensable for India.Pathan's selections have sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some agree with his choices, while others believe there are other players who deserve to be included. However, Pathan's insights provide valuable perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian team.The T20 World Cup will be held from June 2 to 29 in the USA and West Indies. India will be looking to defend their title and will face stiff competition from other top teams. Pathan's top three picks will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Australia's David Warner, a seasoned opening batsman, anticipates a significant shift in batting dynamics at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies. Unlike the flat pitches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which have witnessed record-breaking scores, Warner predicts that the Caribbean wickets will offer more challenges for bowlers.Warner, who has extensive experience in the Caribbean Premier League, believes that the pitches in the West Indies tend to be slower and offer more turn. This will require batters to adjust their approach and adopt a more cautious strategy."The wickets tend to get a little bit lower and slower," Warner explained. "Even when we played there in the 2010 World Cup, the pitches weren't high-scoring."Warner emphasized the importance of an anchor role in the West Indies, where batters will need to build partnerships and rotate the strike effectively. "That's when you did need an anchor, someone like Mike Hussey came out and scored runs for us," he said.In contrast to the IPL, where teams have piled up mammoth totals, Warner expects a more balanced contest in the T20 World Cup. "It's gonna be completely different there," he said. "Add the natural elements as well. They're going to be predominantly day games, I think, because of the timings. So that plays a big factor."Warner acknowledged the exceptional batting performances in the IPL, particularly from his fellow Australian Travis Head, who has scored at a strike rate of 216. However, he believes that such high-scoring matches are unlikely to be replicated in the West Indies."The wickets have been very good. They've been very flat, very compact, and very high-scoring," Warner said of the IPL pitches. "And when you've got small boundaries, you're going to see very high scores."Warner emphasized that the conditions in the West Indies will require a different approach from batters. "Back in the day, there used to be turn, and you couldn't get those scores," he said. "Also, the lacquer on the ball is staying longer, and hence it's not getting chewed up, and hence very little turn on offer."