Cricket

India's T20 World Cup squad boasts an impressive quartet of all-rounders, and captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized their crucial role in the team's success. The squad includes pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, as well as left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who can all contribute significantly with the bat.Rohit acknowledged the versatility and balance that these all-rounders bring to the team. He stated, "In fast-bowling all-rounders we have Hardik and Dube while Jadeja and Axar give us options in the spin department." The captain emphasized the need to utilize these players effectively throughout the tournament, depending on the conditions and the team's needs.The spin attack also features wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, adding to the team's potency. Rohit acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conditions and emphasized the importance of finding the best combination that suits the team's needs, whether it involves playing all three spinners or relying on the seamers.India had the benefit of playing a warm-up match against Bangladesh before facing Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA in the tournament proper. Rohit cautioned against expecting high scores similar to those witnessed in the recent IPL, given the behavior of the pitch at Nassau County ground on Monday.The team carries the weight of immense expectations, having not won an ICC title since 2013. Rohit shared his thoughts on the team's mindset entering the tournament, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and playing as a cohesive unit. He said, "I am just going to go and play the way I can and get everyone together to play as a team."Rohit is also excited about playing in New York for the first time. He expressed, "From the time you arrived in New York, pending only 10 minutes at immigration, which is very rare, doesn't happen. So you can make out that the buzz is there, even the locals here are quite intrigued by a cricket tournament happening, a world cup happening here."

India's skipper, Rohit Sharma, expressed his disappointment over Rahul Dravid's decision to step down as head coach after the T20 World Cup. Sharma revealed that he had attempted to persuade Dravid to remain in his position, but the latter had made up his mind to move on.Dravid's departure marks the end of a successful three-year tenure, during which India has achieved significant victories. Despite not winning a major trophy under his leadership, Dravid's contributions have been widely acknowledged.Sharma praised Dravid's unwavering determination and his ability to guide the team through challenging situations. He highlighted Dravid's role in shaping the team's direction and his willingness to embrace new ideas."He's shown a lot of great determination throughout his career," said Sharma. "And that is something that when he came here as a coach, I wanted to learn from him."Sharma also acknowledged Dravid's influence on his own career, having made his international debut under Dravid's captaincy in 2007. He described Dravid as a role model and a source of inspiration for the entire team."He was my first international captain when I made my debut in Ireland," said Sharma. "Then I've seen him play while I was just coming into the team (for) Test matches when he was captain. And such a big role model for all of us."While the team has not yet planned a formal farewell for Dravid, Sharma expressed his gratitude for the coach's contributions. He emphasized that Dravid's legacy will continue to inspire the team in the years to come.

Team India embarks on its ICC T20 World Cup 2024 journey with a crucial opening match against Ireland on Wednesday. Led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, the team aims to shed the disappointment of last year's ODI World Cup final loss and make a strong start in this prestigious tournament.Rohit, now 36, is eager to add an ICC trophy to his illustrious career, a feat that has eluded India since 2013. The team's last T20 World Cup triumph came in the inaugural edition in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership. Since then, India has reached the final only once, in 2014, where they were defeated by Sri Lanka.Ahead of the tournament, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been in impressive form. In a warm-up match against Bangladesh, he showcased his power-hitting abilities with an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls, including four sixes. Pandya also claimed a wicket in the match.India's preparations for the World Cup have been thorough, including a comprehensive training camp and a warm-up match against Bangladesh. The team's confidence is high, and they are determined to make a strong statement in the tournament.The opening match against Ireland will be a crucial test for India. Ireland has emerged as a competitive force in recent years, and they will be looking to upset the Indian juggernaut. However, India's experience and quality should give them the edge in this encounter.As the tournament progresses, India will face other formidable opponents, including England, Australia, and Pakistan. The team will need to maintain their focus and execute their plans effectively to achieve their goal of lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advocated for Rishabh Pant to bat at No. 3 in India's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland. Pathan believes this strategy, which proved successful in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, would provide India with a left-handed batter in the powerplay, making it difficult for opponents to trap him on the off-side.Pathan's proposed playing XI includes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as openers, followed by Pant at No. 3. He also suggests including Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya in the batting lineup. For the bowling department, Pathan selects Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as spinners, along with three pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.However, Pathan acknowledges that the team composition may need to be adjusted when India plays in the West Indies. He proposes replacing one of the pacers with Axar Patel, who provides a solid all-rounder option at No. 8.

Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson exudes confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his belief in his preparation for the tournament. Samson, who has endured a decade of ups and downs in his career, feels that he is now at his most experienced and prepared for the global event.Samson's impressive performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain of the Rajasthan Royals has bolstered his confidence. He amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47, finishing fifth in the Orange Cap standings.Despite the intense pressure of the IPL, Samson admits that he couldn't help but think about his chances of being selected for the World Cup. He acknowledges that his aggressive batting style, which aims to make every ball count, may have played a role in earning him a spot in the squad.However, Samson remains cautious and aware of potential selection issues. He understands that the team's needs and the combination sought by the selectors and management will ultimately determine his playing time.With in-form Rishabh Pant also in the side, it remains uncertain whether Samson will get the opportunity to play in any of the games during the T20 World Cup. Nonetheless, Samson remains optimistic and believes that his preparation and experience will serve him well if given the chance.

The Fragility of Success: Lessons from India and Mumbai IndiansIn the realm of sports, success is often fleeting, and even the most dominant teams can experience a sudden decline. Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has highlighted this fragility by examining the recent fortunes of the Indian cricket team and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India's World Cup HeartbreakAt the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Team India embarked on an impressive winning streak, claiming 10 consecutive victories. However, their momentum was shattered in the final against Australia, leaving them with a bitter taste of defeat. Hayden believes that the team's downfall was partly due to a lack of emotional support from the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Mumbai Indians' IPL StrugglesThe Mumbai Indians, once a dominant force in the IPL, have faced a sharp decline in recent seasons. After winning the tournament back-to-back in 2019 and 2020, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Hayden attributes this decline to the team's handling of the captaincy change from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya. The decision sparked widespread criticism from fans, which Hayden believes affected the players' morale and the team's overall performance.The Power of Celebrity CultureHayden also emphasizes the double-edged sword of celebrity culture in sports. While it can generate immense support and enthusiasm, it can also create a sense of entitlement and complacency. In the case of Rohit Sharma, Hayden believes that the Mumbai Indians fans' unwavering loyalty to the star batsman may have contributed to the team's struggles.Lessons for the FutureAs India prepares for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Hayden urges the team to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. He also advises the Mumbai Indians to address the underlying issues that have led to their recent decline.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has been crowned the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023. The award recognizes his remarkable resurgence in the 50-over format, where he emerged as the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup.Kohli's triumph was a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional batting prowess. He amassed a staggering 765 runs in 11 matches, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 673 runs in a single World Cup. His consistent performances throughout the tournament earned him the coveted Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer.In a heartwarming moment captured on video by the ICC, Kohli shared a light-hearted exchange with Rinku Singh, the Kolkata Knight Riders batter who popularized the mantra "God's Plan" during IPL 2024. The phrase has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the Indian team, which is eager to break its decade-long drought of major ICC trophies.Kohli's award-winning year was not limited to the World Cup. He also claimed the Orange Cap in IPL 2024, further solidifying his status as one of the most prolific run-scorers in the game. Now, as India embarks on its quest for a second T20 World Cup title, Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial.With the mantra "God's Plan" echoing in their hearts, the Indian team is determined to make history in the West Indies and USA. Kohli, the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, will be looking to extend his legacy and inspire his teammates to glory.

Jasprit Bumrah's Family Provides Emotional Support Ahead of T20 World CupAs Team India prepares for their opening match in the 2024 T20 World Cup, pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is receiving unwavering support from his family. His wife, sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan, and their son Angad have joined him in New York, providing a touch of home comfort ahead of the high-stakes tournament.Bumrah shared a heartwarming moment on Instagram on Monday, posting a picture of his son Angad wearing India's 2024 T20 World Cup cap. The image quickly garnered attention and affection from fans, adding to the excitement and emotional support surrounding Bumrah as he prepares to lead India's bowling attack.Bumrah and Sanjana tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed their son, Angad, on September 4, 2023, bringing joy to their family and fans alike.In a recent interview with the ICC, Bumrah reminisced about his early days playing cricket, which significantly influenced his bowling style. He shared how playing with tennis and rubber balls during his youth helped him develop his skills, particularly his lethal yorker delivery."I played a lot of tennis-ball, rubber-ball cricket when I was growing up. I used to play a lot with my friends in summer camps and during summer vacations. Whenever we had a lot of time, we'd play. As a kid, I thought this was the only way to get wickets because I was a fan of fast bowling. I was really fascinated by what I saw on television, so I tried to replicate that," Bumrah told ICC.He further explained the importance of repetition in mastering his craft, especially the yorker. "Is it (tennis-ball cricket) a secret (to bowling yorkers) or not? I don’t know. But repetition surely is. I still practice it. Every skill that you develop, you have to practice and make it stronger. So, I think a combination of both would be the answer," he added.Bumrah's family's presence in New York is a testament to the importance of support and emotional well-being for athletes competing at the highest level. As Team India gears up for their opening match against Ireland, Bumrah can draw strength from the love and encouragement of his family, knowing that they are there to support him every step of the way.

As the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup approaches, India's captain Rohit Sharma faces the challenge of finalizing the team's playing XI. Despite a dominant warm-up victory against Bangladesh, the lineup remains uncertain, particularly at the top of the batting order.One notable omission from the warm-up match was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was overlooked in favor of Sanju Samson. This decision suggests that Virat Kohli, who missed the match due to a late arrival, will open the batting with Rohit Sharma.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns about this move, arguing that Jaiswal should not be dropped from the XI. Pathan emphasizes the need for more bowling options in the team, citing the lack of bowling depth among the top batsmen."With the selected team, there can be two combinations," Pathan explained. "In one combination, you can play with six bowlers, including Axar Patel, to deepen the batting lineup. In the other combination, you can play with four front-line bowlers and expect Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to bowl."Pathan also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya's bowling contribution. "If Hardik can give you the option of bowling three to four overs, this problem will be largely solved," he said. "Our other batsmen, like Rohit, Virat, or Suryakumar Yadav, can't bowl, which makes us somewhat handicapped."As India prepares to face Ireland in their opening match, the debate over the ideal playing XI and bowling strategy continues. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how India will address these challenges in their quest to end the ICC trophy drought and clinch the T20 World Cup title.