Cricket

India's exceptional bowling performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has garnered widespread acclaim, with former spinner Piyush Chawla hailing the current lineup as "one of the all-time greats." Chawla emphasized the remarkable transformation of India's bowling attack in recent years, attributing its success to the formidable pace quartet of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya, complemented by the skillful spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Axar Patel.Chawla highlighted the bowlers' resilience in low-scoring encounters, particularly in the crucial clash against Pakistan. "Over the past few years, India's bowling attack has truly transformed," he said. "We now have one of the most complete and formidable bowling units in the world that has provided balance to the side allowing the batsmen with more freedom to play their natural game."Chawla praised the bowlers' ability to step up in crucial moments, citing instances where they outperformed the batters. "There have been many such occasions where our bowlers stepped up and contributed more than our batters," he said. "With the lethal pace quad of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and top-notch spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel this is surely one of all time great bowling attack of India."India's dominance in Group A, with three wins and a washout against Canada, has earned them a spot in the Super Eight, where they will face Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. Their first Super Eight clash will be against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday, June 20.

India's bowling attack has been a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, but former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes the addition of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could provide an extra edge. With the Caribbean pitches expected to offer turn in the Super 8 stage, Yadav's wicket-taking prowess could prove invaluable.India has currently opted for a combination of three fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh) and two spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel). However, Fleming suggests that Kuldeep's inclusion could provide a different dimension to the attack."I would think maybe Kuldeep would come in to provide that extra bit of wicket-taking flair if the wickets do provide the turn as they get a little bit more used and you get closer to the end of the tournament," Fleming said.Fleming also emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that India has the flexibility to adjust its bowling strategy based on the conditions. "But they've still got that opportunity now to do both which is good and horses for courses, you can't be so set in one way of playing that you miss the opportunities to take advantage of conditions."India's selection of two left-arm spin all-rounders, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, has also been a topic of discussion. While Axar has been among the wickets, Jadeja has yet to make a significant impact, bowling only three overs in three matches. Fleming, however, sees no issue with playing two players with similar skill sets."So, there are subtleties around them both but again, and I hate that notion of left-handers can't bowl to left-hand batters so we can dispel that myth and both of those players can hopefully play along."India has made some tough decisions in its team selection, with talented players like Yashasvi Jaiswal missing out due to the presence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant in the top order. Fleming believes that India has made smart choices in its team composition, considering the potential for spin-friendly conditions in the West Indies."This is a team that in some ways is picked for the finals in my view, it's a team that has spinners that can dominate, it has players that can dominate spin and we've seen spin in the West Indies play quite a big part, not so much in New York.""So, I think they've got job done and they've got quite smartly a view of mind, this is how we want to play the key games now going into hopefully the semi-finals and final."

Team India, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for the Super 8s stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a renewed focus on honing their skills and executing their game plan.After an undefeated run in the group stage, India advanced to the Super 8s with victories over Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States. Their final group match against Canada was abandoned due to rain.In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohit emphasized the team's determination to make a mark in the tournament. "There is real keenness in the group to go and do something special," he said. "We take our skill sets quite seriously. There is something to achieve in every skill set that you do."India will face Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super 8s, with matches scheduled in Barbados, Antigua, and St Lucia, respectively. Rohit acknowledged the hectic schedule but stressed the importance of focusing on their skills and team performance."We will look to focus a lot more on our skills and what we need to do as a team rather than all of this," he said. "Every session then really becomes very important and to make the best use of it."The Indian team has already begun training in Barbados, where they will play their first Super 8s match against Afghanistan on June 20. Rohit expressed confidence in the team's understanding of the conditions in Barbados, having played several matches there in the past."We have seen a lot of games here, we have played a lot of games here so everyone understands what one needs to do to get the result in our favour," he said. "Everyone is looking forward and quite excited as well at the same time."With a strong squad and a clear focus on their goals, Team India is poised to make a significant impact in the Super 8s stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

David Warner, the veteran Australian opener, has acknowledged that the infamous "Sandpaper-gate" incident of 2018 will forever tarnish his legacy as he contemplates retirement from international cricket.Warner, 37, has expressed his desire to conclude his career on a high note by winning the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies, where Australia has advanced to the Super Eight round. However, he recognizes that his achievements on the field will always be overshadowed by the ball-tampering scandal that occurred in South Africa six years ago."I think it's going to be inevitable that when people talk about me in 20 or 30 years' time, there will always be that sandpaper scandal," Warner said, according to Cricket Australia.Warner, Australia's leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, has announced that his international playing career will end at the World Cup. He believes he has been unfairly singled out for the affair, as his time at the top was coming to an end."Whether it's people who don't like the Australian cricket team or don't like me, I've always been that person who has copped it," Warner said. "It's fine if they want to do that, but I always feel like I've taken a lot of pressure off a lot of guys as well and I think understandably I've been that person to be able to absorb that."Warner's involvement in the third Test scandal in Cape Town, where Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to scuff the ball before clumsily attempting to hide the evidence down his pants, earned him a one-year ban, along with that of then-skipper Steve Smith. Cricket Australia demoted Warner from vice captaincy as he was the main conspirator.The batsman expressed his eagerness to retire from international cricket, stating, "One can only absorb (so much)." "For me, it's great to go out knowing I'm not going to cop it anymore."

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has raised concerns over star batter Babar Azam's performance in ICC events, questioning whether the burden of captaincy is affecting his game. Hafeez's remarks come after Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, where Babar failed to lead the team to the Super 8 stage.Despite Pakistan's victory in their final group match against Ireland, Babar's cautious approach during the chase raised eyebrows. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, but Babar remained at the crease, scoring a slow 32 not out off 34 balls.Hafeez expressed his disappointment over Babar's form in ICC events, suggesting that the captaincy may be weighing him down. "I feel sorry for Babar Azam. For a quality player like him, to have a major dip during ICC events is a big concern. And only Babar Azam can answer this. Is it because of his captaincy?" Hafeez said on PTV Sports.Hafeez emphasized that only Babar can explain his struggles at ICC events. "I want him to be the highest run-getter for Pakistan and he has that capacity. But when it comes to bilateral series, Babar is on top but in ICC event he is so low down. So this big dip in form is cause for concern and only Babar can answer it or maybe someone else," he added.Hafeez praised Babar's knock against Ireland, acknowledging his responsibility as a senior player to guide the team to victory. However, he also highlighted the need for a major shake-up in the team and management following Pakistan's dismal performance at the World Cup.Fans and analysts have criticized the team management for selecting the wrong players for the tournament. Pakistan's fall from grace is particularly striking considering their impressive run to the final in the previous World Cup two years ago.As Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year, there are calls for a thorough review of the team's strategy and personnel. Hafeez's comments have added fuel to the debate, raising questions about Babar Azam's suitability as captain and the need for a fresh approach to ICC events.

The scourge of corruption in cricket continues to plague the sport, but a recent incident involving a former Kenya international and a Ugandan player during the ongoing T20 World Cup was swiftly dealt with by the International Cricket Council's (ICC) anti-corruption unit.According to sources, the incident occurred during the league stage matches in Guyana, where a former Kenya pacer repeatedly contacted a Ugandan team member from different numbers. The Ugandan player promptly reported the approach to ACU officials on site, adhering to the ICC's strict anti-corruption protocol.The development prompted the officials to raise a red flag against the former Kenya player and inform all associate teams about his suspicious behavior. Sources indicate that associate nations, compared to major teams, are often targeted by corrupt individuals due to their perceived vulnerability. However, in this case, the player's prompt reporting prevented any potential wrongdoing.Uganda ended their T20 World Cup campaign with a memorable victory over Papua New Guinea but suffered losses to Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the West Indies. The team played three of their four league games in Guyana, where the alleged approach took place.Another source emphasized that players are frequently approached, particularly from smaller nations. In major events like the T20 World Cup, scrutiny is heightened, and any reported approaches are thoroughly investigated by the ICC ACU.The ICC's anti-corruption code has been updated as of June 1 to empower the governing body and its member boards to proactively investigate corruption incidents and protect the integrity of the game. The code covers all cricket played under the auspices of the ICC and its members and applies to all participants, including players, coaches, managers, and officials.All international players are regularly briefed on potential threats and are well-versed in the anti-corruption code. Corrupt approaches at major events are not uncommon. In the 2011 ODI World Cup in India, Canada's then-20-year-old wicket-keeper Hamza Tariq was approached by alleged bookmakers but reported the matter to the authorities.The ICC's commitment to combating corruption in cricket is unwavering, and the swift action taken in this recent incident demonstrates the organization's determination to protect the sport's integrity.

Barbados, the "cricket paradise," has embraced the T20 World Cup with open arms. From the moment visitors arrive at the airport, they are greeted by the iconic image of Sir Garfield Sobers, a testament to the island's deep-rooted love for the sport.Unlike the United States, where cricket is still gaining traction, Barbados exudes a palpable sense of cricket fever. Volunteers and locals alike wear T20 World Cup shirts, while conversations at every turn revolve around the tournament. The island's rich cricketing legacy is evident in the posters of legendary players like Sobers, Joel Garner, and the 3Ws adorning the airport.The bond between Barbadians and cricket goes beyond celebrity worship. Taxi drivers have personal anecdotes of encounters with Sir Garry, while locals like Solly, who grew up playing with the Pathan brothers, now share the field with Dyawne Smith and Kyle Mayers.However, a tinge of sadness lingers among older generations who witnessed the glory days of West Indies cricket. The team's failure to qualify for the ODI World Cup has left a void, and for them, T20 is not the true measure of world champions.Despite their disappointment, Barbadians remain hopeful for a strong showing from the West Indies in the T20 World Cup. Tickets for the final on June 29 are sold out, and even those who don't have faith in the team express a desire for India to win, recognizing their exceptional talent.As the tournament progresses, Barbados will continue to serve as a haven for cricket enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of history, passion, and the thrill of the game.

Virat Kohli, India's star batter, is determined to improve his performance after a disappointing US leg of the T20 World Cup. During a practice session at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Kohli faced off against Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world's best bowlers. Despite not scoring runs in the US, Kohli displayed a hunger to turn things around and make this World Cup his own.Kohli's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, expressed confidence in his ability, stating that he has been batting beautifully in the nets. Kohli's practice session included facing short balls aimed at his rib-cage, which he pulled ferociously, and driving pitched-up deliveries with precision.Another key player for India, Ravindra Jadeja, is also seeking batting form. He was one of the first to join Kohli in the batting nets and showed signs of improvement. The team management is confident in Jadeja's ability as a big-game player and wants him to be ready for the final leg of the tournament.In addition to batting practice, the Indian fielders also engaged in drills at the Kensington Oval. The green expanse provided an opportunity for them to hone their skills, which they missed out on due to damp conditions in the US.As India prepares for their first Super 8 game against Afghanistan on Thursday, Kohli and Jadeja are determined to make a significant impact. The team is confident in their abilities and is eager to prove themselves on the field.

In a thrilling encounter at St Lucia, West Indies unleashed an explosive batting display against Afghanistan, setting a new record for the highest powerplay score in men's T20 World Cups. The Caribbean side amassed a staggering 92 runs for the loss of just one wicket in their first six overs, leaving the Afghan bowlers reeling.The catalyst for this batting onslaught was Nicholas Pooran, who unleashed a brutal assault on Azmatullah Omarzai's bowling in the fourth over of the innings. Omarzai's over went for a record-equaling 36 runs, with Pooran smashing three sixes and a four.The carnage began with a towering six over third man, followed by a no-ball four through midwicket. A wide delivery and a missed yorker further compounded Omarzai's misery, before Pooran sliced a boundary through deep backward point. The over culminated in two more sixes, with Pooran clearing the deep midwicket and non-striker boundaries with ease.Pooran's onslaught was reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh's iconic six consecutive sixes against Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The West Indian's power-hitting prowess left the Afghan bowlers shell-shocked and set the tone for a dominant performance by the Caribbean side.