Cricket

Former South African fast bowler Charl Langeveldt has been appointed as the bowling coach of the Zimbabwe men's national cricket team. The appointment is part of a major overhaul of the coaching staff following Zimbabwe's failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup in 2023.Langeveldt, who has previously worked with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa, will join head coach Justin Sammons, assistant coach Dion Ebrahim, fielding coach Stuart Matsikenyeri, strategic performance coach Ravish Gobind, and strength and conditioning coach Curtly Diesel.The appointments were approved by the Mhishi Committee of Inquiry, which was formed to investigate Zimbabwe's T20 World Cup failure. The committee recommended a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, and the new appointments are expected to bring a fresh perspective and expertise to the team.Langeveldt is a highly respected bowling coach with a wealth of experience at the international level. He is known for his ability to develop and improve bowlers of all types, and he is expected to play a key role in helping Zimbabwe's bowlers reach their full potential.Matsikenyeri, who has been with the team as interim head coach, will now focus on his role as fielding coach. He is a former Zimbabwean batter with a wealth of experience, and he is expected to help improve the team's fielding standards.Sammons, who was appointed as head coach in May 2023, is a former South African cricketer with a strong track record in coaching. He is expected to lead the team to success in the upcoming T20I series against India and beyond.The new coaching staff will have their work cut out for them. Zimbabwe has struggled in recent years, and they will need to improve their performances if they want to qualify for the next T20 World Cup. However, with the experience and expertise of the new coaching staff, Zimbabwe has a good chance of turning things around.

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have bid farewell to T20I cricket after guiding India to a triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa. Their illustrious careers in the shortest format culminated in a fitting farewell, with the World Cup trophy serving as a testament to their remarkable contributions.Kohli's match-winning knock in the final against South Africa propelled him to the 40th position in the ICC T20I batter rankings. However, a surprising twist emerged when Kohli also surpassed Jadeja in the latest ICC T20I all-rounders rankings.In their final ICC T20I all-rounders rankings, Kohli finished 79th while Jadeja placed 86th. Despite not bowling a single delivery in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli's 151 runs in the tournament proved decisive. Jadeja, on the other hand, endured a disappointing campaign with only 35 runs and a solitary wicket.Kohli's rise above Jadeja in the all-rounders rankings seems improbable, given that he has not bowled in international cricket for nearly eight years. Jadeja, in contrast, has consistently performed as a genuine all-rounder for India.However, the T20I rankings are subject to frequent fluctuations, particularly due to the inclusion of associate nations. In the case of all-rounders, both batting and bowling performances are considered.Kohli's bowling record in T20Is is modest, with 4 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 51 and an economy rate of 8.05. Jadeja, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 54 dismissals in 71 innings, averaging 29.85 with an economy of 7.13.However, when batting statistics are taken into account, the scenario shifts dramatically. Jadeja has accumulated 515 runs at an average of 21.45 and a strike rate of 127.16. Kohli, meanwhile, has amassed a staggering 4188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04.As Kohli and Jadeja embark on the next chapter of their careers, their contributions to Indian cricket in the T20I format will be forever etched in the annals of the sport. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian cricket team at his residence in New Delhi, celebrating their triumph in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, defeated South Africa in the final to claim their second T20 World Cup title.During the meeting, Modi expressed his admiration for the team's performance and engaged in a lively conversation about their experiences throughout the tournament. The players shared their insights on the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.Modi praised the team's resilience and determination, particularly in the face of adversity. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and the spirit of sportsmanship that had guided them to victory. The players expressed their gratitude for the Prime Minister's support and encouragement.The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to present Modi with a customized Team India jersey bearing his name and the number '1'. This gesture symbolized the team's appreciation for the Prime Minister's leadership and his unwavering support for Indian cricket.The Prime Minister's Office released a video of the meeting, showcasing the players in a relaxed conversation with Modi. The atmosphere was jovial, with the players visibly delighted to share their experiences with the Prime Minister.The Indian cricket team's victory in the T20 World Cup has been hailed as a historic achievement. It marks the team's second T20 World Cup title and further cements their status as one of the most dominant forces in international cricket.

Hilton Moreeng, the former South African women's cricket team head coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the USA's senior and Under-19 women's teams. Moreeng's appointment comes after the departure of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose contract expired in 2023.Moreeng brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as South Africa's women's head coach for over 11 years. During his tenure, South Africa reached two ODI World Cup semi-finals, two T20 World Cup semi-finals, and became the first national senior side to reach a World Cup final, at home in the 2023 T20 World Cup."I am thrilled to join USA Cricket and eager to collaborate with both current players and emerging talent," said Moreeng. "My goal is to methodically build a competitive squad capable of rivaling the best in women's cricket globally. Together, we aim to foster a culture of excellence and achievement within USA Cricket, paving the way for a successful future on the international stage."Moreeng's appointment is seen as a significant step forward for USA Cricket, which is aiming to establish itself as a competitive force in women's cricket. The team has made significant progress in recent years, qualifying for the 2023 T20 World Cup and winning the 2022 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier."Coach Hilton brings a rich background and vast experience to USA Cricket having been a critical part of the transformation of South African women's cricket," said USA Cricket chairman, Venu Pisike. "USA women are also at the beginning of a transformative period with an Olympics in four years' time and we believe Hilton's successes, diverse experiences, and understanding of challenges in an emerging cricket nation is well suited for our program."Moreeng's first assignment will be to prepare the team for the 2025 U-19 Women's T20 World Cup. He will also oversee the development of the senior team, which is aiming to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian batsman, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning to a warm welcome from his family and fans after leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup. India secured the title for the second time by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final held in Barbados on Saturday.Kohli, who announced his retirement from the shortest format of cricket after the tournament, played a crucial role in India's triumph. Despite a challenging start with only 75 runs across the first seven innings, he peaked in the crucial moments, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries in the final. His innings, which included six fours and two sixes, helped India post a competitive total of 169/8.Throughout the tournament, Kohli accumulated 151 runs over eight innings, averaging 18.87 and maintaining a strike rate of 112.68. His half-century in the final was a testament to his resilience and determination.Kohli's sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, shared celebratory moments on her Instagram account, writing, "Celebrating the win SUPERPROUD." These images also received acknowledgment from Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife and a well-known actress, who liked the posts on Instagram.The Indian team's return to Delhi was met with enthusiasm from fans eager to welcome the champions and catch a glimpse of the trophy. The team's departure from Barbados was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, a category four hurricane, which led to the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown for three days. The flight back to Delhi, organized by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, took off on July 2 and arrived early Thursday morning, carrying team members, support staff, their families, and members of the media.India's triumph in the final ended a 13-year wait for an ICC trophy. Key performances included Kohli's 76 runs, Hardik Pandya's 3/20, and Jasprit Bumrah's 2/18, which collectively restricted South Africa to 169/8. Bumrah, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, was named the 'Player of the Tournament.'To celebrate the victory, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, will partake in an open-top bus parade in Mumbai, passing through Marine Drive and the iconic Wankhede Stadium, starting at 5:00 pm. This event allows fans to join in the celebrations and honor the team's achievement in winning the prestigious T20 World Cup.

Team India Unveils New Jersey Honoring T20 World Cup TriumphNEW DELHI: Team India has unveiled a unique jersey to commemorate their historic victory in the Men's T20 World Cup. The jersey, showcased by Sanju Samson on Instagram, features a significant addition: a second star above the BCCI logo, symbolizing India's second T20 World Cup triumph.The jersey proudly displays the word "champions" across the front, a testament to the team's hard-fought success. The inclusion of the second star pays homage to India's inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007 under MS Dhoni's captaincy, connecting the past and present in a thread of determination and achievement.After arriving home to a hero's welcome, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, displayed the T20 World Cup trophy to enthusiastic spectators. The team is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi before taking a special flight to Mumbai.Upon arrival in Mumbai, the team will proceed to Wankhede Stadium for a brief ceremony. A one-kilometer victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede, organized by the BCCI, will precede the ceremony.The new jersey serves as a symbol of Team India's remarkable achievement and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

Virat Kohli's Emotional Tribute to His Father After T20 World Cup TriumphIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was made even more poignant by a heartwarming fan-edited photograph that went viral on social media. The image depicted Kohli lifting the trophy alongside his father, Prem Nath, who passed away in 2006.Kohli has often spoken about the profound influence his father had on his cricketing journey. Prem Nath was a pillar of support during Kohli's formative years, instilling in him a love for the game and a relentless work ethic.The photoshopped image, created by Instagram user 'ind_cyborg,' captured the essence of Kohli's emotional connection to his father. It showed Kohli holding the T20 World Cup trophy with his father standing beside him, a proud smile on his face.Fans of Kohli and the Indian cricket team were deeply moved by the image. Many tagged Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, on social media, expressing their hope that the star would see the edit."OMGGG @imVkohli should def see this one!" tweeted one fan.Kohli's victory in the T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. After a disappointing run of form, he rose to the occasion in the final, scoring a match-winning 76 off 59 balls.His performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award and helped India secure a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa.Following the match, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the next generation to take the game forward."This was an open secret," Kohli said. "Not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli is expected to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is likely to be retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Indian Cricket Team's Triumphant Return to Delhi Amidst Tight SecurityNEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team, fresh from their historic T20 World Cup victory, is set to arrive in the national capital on Thursday morning, prompting extensive security measures by the Delhi Police.The team is expected to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) around 6 am on a chartered flight from Barbados. From the airport, they will be escorted to the ITC Maurya Hotel in a convoy of vehicles accompanied by armed policemen.To ensure the team's safety and manage the anticipated crowds, the police have deployed a robust security apparatus along the route from the airport to the hotel. Two companies of paramilitary personnel will be stationed around the hotel and key routes in central Delhi.Fans are expected to gather along the travel routes and outside the hotel to celebrate the team's triumph. The police have advised the public to avoid large gatherings and maintain social distancing norms.After arriving at the hotel, the team will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 11 am. They are scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 4 pm.In Mumbai, the team will participate in an open bus road show followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium. The event is expected to draw a massive crowd of fans eager to witness the victorious team.The Delhi Police have urged the public to cooperate with the security arrangements and avoid any inconvenience. They have also requested fans to refrain from using drones or other flying objects near the team's convoy or the hotel.

Pakistan's unconventional training methods, including military drills and mattress fielding drills, have drawn criticism from fans. The team's unorthodox techniques have raised questions about their effectiveness in improving on-field performance.In a viral video, Pakistan players were seen practicing fielding on mattresses. Fans expressed amusement and skepticism, questioning the logic behind such drills. The team's unorthodox training methods have been a source of ridicule on social media.Pakistan's recent T20 World Cup campaign was disappointing, with the team failing to qualify for the Super 8 stage. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, Pakistan's defeats to the USA and India proved costly.The team's upcoming schedule includes two Tests against Bangladesh and three Tests against England. Senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to take a break from these assignments.Pakistan's unconventional training methods have sparked debate among fans and experts. While some question their effectiveness, others believe they may provide a unique advantage. The team's upcoming performances will be closely scrutinized to determine the impact of these innovative training techniques.