Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah's resurgence for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 has reignited hopes for the Indian cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup. After a string of three consecutive losses, Bumrah's five-wicket haul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been instrumental in the team's turnaround.Bumrah's form is crucial for India's aspirations at the T20 World Cup, especially after the team's narrow miss at the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian team is determined to end its 13-year ICC title drought, and Bumrah's bowling prowess will be a key factor.In a recent interview with his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, on Jio Cinema, Bumrah reflected on his journey with Mumbai Indians. "It's been a great journey so far," he said. "I came here as a 19-year-old and didn't even expect to play Ranji Trophy. But John Wright saw me and brought me in. I've grown here and been part of all those winning squads."Ganesan also asked Bumrah about his earlier plans to move to Canada. "We have had these conversations before," she said. "Every boy wants to make it big and play cricket, but you have to have a backup plan."Bumrah explained that his uncle lived in Canada and that he had considered finishing his education there. "I'm very happy and very lucky that things worked out," he said. "I'm playing for the Indian team and Mumbai Indians."Bumrah's return to form is a welcome boost for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian cricket team. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace will be crucial for India's success at the T20 World Cup.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, speculations about India's squad have intensified. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has shared his predictions for the 15-member team that will represent India in the tournament.Kaif's squad includes several established players, such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, he also made some surprising choices, including Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper and Yuzvendra Chahal as the fourth specialist spinner.Kaif explained his decision to include Pant as the wicketkeeper, saying, "He is a match-winner and can change the game with his batting." He also preferred Chahal over Ravichandran Ashwin, stating, "Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn."Kaif's squad also includes all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, as well as fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. He believes that the team needs batting depth and all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.For the remaining spots in the squad, Kaif selected Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, and Mohammed Siraj. He praised Dube's form and spin-hitting ability, while Parag's exceptional performances earned him a place in Kaif's squad. Siraj, despite his recent lack of form, was included due to his experience and overall record.Kaif's T20 World Cup squad for India:1. Yashasvi Jaiswal2. Rohit Sharma3. Virat Kohli4. Suryakumar Yadav5. Hardik Pandya6. Rishabh Pant (wk)7. Axar Patel8. Ravindra Jadeja9. Kuldeep Yadav10. Jasprit Bumrah11. Arshdeep Singh12. Yuzvendra Chahal13. Shivam Dube14. Riyan Parag15. Mohammed Siraj

Riyan Parag's remarkable resurgence in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has turned heads and silenced critics. The Rajasthan Royals' young batter has emerged as a sensational player, showcasing consistent performances that have propelled him to the forefront of the tournament.Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed admiration for Parag's transformation, suggesting that he could be on the radar for the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. "Riyan Parag is emerging to be a sensational player in this IPL. It's pretty refreshing to see a young player performing like this," remarked Jaffer.Parag's journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and composure, and the results are evident in his performances. "The hard work is showing. He is fitter, and he looks composed. His shot selection is good; he has faced significant trolling over the past few years," Jaffer said.Parag's resurgence has been evident throughout the IPL season. He started with a blistering 43 against Lucknow Super Giants, followed by unbeaten half-centuries against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. His latest knock of 76 against Gujarat Titans showcased his growing prowess and determination.Despite a recent defeat, Rajasthan Royals remain strong contenders, with Parag's resurgence adding firepower to their lineup. His consistent performances have not only silenced critics but also raised hopes of a potential T20 World Cup call-up.Parag's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. He has overcome criticism and adversity to emerge as a key player for his team. His performances in the IPL have not only earned him praise but also put him in contention for a place in the Indian national team.

Ishan Kishan's blistering 69 off 34 balls for Mumbai Indians (MI) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has reignited his hopes of a T20 World Cup berth. Prior to this match, Kishan had struggled with just 92 runs in four innings, but his explosive knock has boosted his confidence.However, a fan's question to former SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Tom Moody raised an intriguing auction-related query. The fan asked if Moody regretted not bidding more than 15 crore for Kishan during the IPL 2022 mega auction.MI had released Kishan ahead of the auction, but they reacquired him for a staggering Rs 15.25 crore. SRH engaged in a bidding war with MI, but they withdrew once the price exceeded Rs 15 crore.Moody's response to the fan's question was humorous: "Gentleman, I wasn't holding the paddle."Kishan's performance in this IPL season is crucial for his World Cup aspirations. He was recently dropped from the BCCI's central contract due to his reluctance to play in the Ranji Trophy. This followed his withdrawal from the South Africa Tests last year, citing fatigue.The 25-year-old has not been considered for any subsequent national assignments, and India head coach Rahul Dravid has advised him to play domestic cricket to earn a recall.Regarding his World Cup chances, Kishan said, "It is not in my hands and I am taking things very easy right now. You have to take one match at a time. One needs to understand that a lot is not in the hands of the players."Kishan's resurgence in the IPL has put him back in contention for the World Cup squad. His ability to score quickly and consistently makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has expressed his unwavering commitment to the sport and his burning desire to lead India to a coveted World Cup victory. In a recent interview, Rohit dismissed any immediate retirement plans, stating that he intends to continue playing for several more years.Rohit's ultimate goal remains the elusive World Cup trophy. He emphasized his determination to secure the title for India, particularly in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. "I really want to win the World Cup and there is a WTC final in 2025, hopefully India makes it," he declared.Reflecting on India's journey to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Rohit acknowledged the disappointment of losing to Australia but praised his team's performance. "We played so well up until that final. When we won the semi-finals, I thought, now we're just a step away. We're doing all the things right," he recalled.Despite the setback, Rohit remains optimistic about India's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. He will lead the team in their quest for glory, hoping to add another major trophy to his illustrious career.Rohit's dedication to cricket is evident in his unwavering determination to achieve success at the highest level. His leadership and experience will be crucial as India aims to conquer the world stage once again.

Indian cricket fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked batter in T20 Internationals, made a triumphant return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. After missing Mumbai Indians' opening three games due to a sports hernia and ankle injury, Suryakumar showcased his exceptional skills with a blistering half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.In a match where Mumbai Indians emerged victorious by seven wickets, Suryakumar's 52 off 19 balls proved to be a game-changer. His innings was a testament to his remarkable shot-making ability, featuring four towering sixes. The 33-year-old's return to form is a major boost for India ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.Despite being dismissed for a duck in his opening game of the season, Suryakumar displayed his resilience and determination against Bengaluru. His partnership with Ishan Kishan (69) and Rohit Sharma (38) laid the foundation for Mumbai's victory.Speaking after the match, Suryakumar emphasized the importance of assessing the dew factor when chasing a target at the Wankhede Stadium. He also acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed 5-21 to restrict Bengaluru to 196-8.Suryakumar's unconventional shot-making, including a sliced six over deep point and a scooped boundary to fine leg, showcased his unique batting style. He attributed his success to consistent practice and muscle memory.The Mumbai Indians batter expressed his gratitude for having Bumrah as a teammate, acknowledging the challenges of facing his exceptional bowling in the nets.Suryakumar's return to form is a positive sign for India as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently will be crucial for the team's success in the tournament.

New Zealand's T20 World Cup preparations have suffered a setback with the injuries to Finn Allen and Adam Milne, who have been ruled out of the upcoming tour of Pakistan.Allen, a dynamic opening batter, sustained a back injury during training, while Milne, a fast bowler, picked up an ankle problem. Their absence raises concerns about their availability for the T20 World Cup, which begins in October.Tom Blundell, the Test wicketkeeper, and uncapped allrounder Zak Foulkes have been called up as replacements. Blundell has previous T20I experience, while Foulkes impressed with his performances for Canterbury in the Super Smash.New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed sympathy for Allen and Milne, acknowledging their contributions to the team's T20 success since the last World Cup. He stated that the medical staff would work closely with both players to facilitate their recovery and return to cricket.Foulkes, a 21-year-old, has shown promise with his bowling skills, particularly in T20 cricket. Stead praised his impressive season with Canterbury, where he was their leading wicket-taker in all three competitions.New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced by May 1, with the final 15 to be confirmed by May 25. The injuries to Allen and Milne could impact the team's selection decisions, especially regarding the number of fast bowlers included.The Pakistan tour was already set to be without nine players due to IPL commitments, while Will Young, Tom Latham, and Tim Southee were also unavailable. Michael Bracewell will captain the side, which also includes uncapped batter Tim Robinson.

Riyan Parag, the young all-rounder from Assam, has emerged as a breakout star in the ongoing IPL 2024. After a disappointing run of form in recent years, Parag has rediscovered his touch, amassing three half-centuries in his last four matches. His impressive performances have caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike, with many speculating about his potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Parag's resurgence began in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he consistently scored half-centuries. He has carried that form into the IPL, where he has emerged as a key player for the Rajasthan Royals. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently has made him a valuable asset to the team.On Wednesday, Parag scored a blistering 76 off 48 balls against the Gujarat Titans. His innings helped the Royals post a formidable total of 196, but it ultimately proved insufficient as the Titans chased down the target with just one ball to spare.Despite the loss, Parag's performance drew praise from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who suggested that the BCCI was keeping a close eye on him for the T20 World Cup. In the last 15 T20 innings, Parag has scored 10 half-centuries at a strike rate of over 170, a testament to his exceptional batting skills.However, Rajasthan Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has urged Parag to remain focused on the present and not get carried away by the hype surrounding his potential World Cup selection. Sangakkara believes that Parag should concentrate on performing well for the Royals and let the rest take care of itself."I think his (Parag's) potential is there for everyone to see," said Sangakkara. "I think for Riyan it's really about concentrating on Rajasthan and this season, and whatever happens (being considered for T20 World Cup) will happen after that."Parag's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by the Indian selectors. He is currently second only to Virat Kohli in the leading run-getter's list this IPL season, having scored 261 runs with a top score of 84 not out. If he continues to perform at this level, he could well find himself in contention for a place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup later this year.

Jasprit Bumrah's emergence as a world-class fast bowler has been a pivotal moment in Indian cricket's transformation into a formidable force in the realm of pace bowling. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, India embarked on a mission to develop a fast bowling arsenal that could dominate the global stage. Bumrah became the embodiment of this revolution, his unique action and exceptional skills proving too challenging for batters to decipher.As Bumrah's star ascended, so too did India's reputation as a fast bowling powerhouse. Today, India ranks among the top three teams in the world in terms of pace prowess. However, Bumrah's journey to the pinnacle of cricket almost took a different turn.Hailing from Gujarat, Bumrah once considered relocating to Canada for better opportunities. But fate intervened when he was spotted by the Mumbai Indians franchise. The rest, as they say, is history.In a recent interview with his wife, Sanjana, Bumrah revealed his past aspirations to move to Canada. "Every boy wants to make it big and play cricket," he said. "But you have to have a backup plan."Fortunately for Indian cricket, Bumrah's backup plan never materialized. He has become an indispensable member of the Indian team and the Mumbai Indians, playing a pivotal role in their numerous triumphs.Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently expressed his belief that Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mayank Yadav should be included in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Tiwary praised Bumrah's exceptional skills and Yadav's impressive form and control.Bumrah's rise to prominence has not only transformed India's fast bowling unit but has also inspired a new generation of young bowlers to pursue their dreams. His unique action and unwavering determination have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country.