Cricket

As the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup kicks off in the USA, Indian cricket fans are eagerly anticipating whether Team India can finally end their long-standing ICC trophy drought. The team has commenced their preparations with an emphatic victory over Bangladesh in their sole warm-up match in New York.Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Navjot Singh Sidhu have emphasized the importance of backing experienced players to triumph in the tournament's crucial matches. Manjrekar expressed confidence that the time is ripe for Team India to break their ICC trophy drought, highlighting Virat Kohli's exceptional record in the tournament. However, he lamented the lack of a trophy to show for it."The expectations have shifted from merely playing well to winning pivotal matches," Manjrekar remarked. "It's time for India to back experience and win the big matches."Sidhu echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that the ending of the story is most important. "You don't read a book to reach the middle," he said. "It's the ending that matters. We need to finish strong."As the tournament unfolds, Indian fans hope their team will not only make it to the semi-finals but also clinch the trophy, ending a dry spell that has lasted since their 2013 Champions Trophy win. The focus is clear: it's time for India to win the big matches and bring home the coveted ICC trophy.

Team India's Concerns Over Nassau Stadium Conditions Ahead of T20 World CupTeam India's head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed concerns over the playing conditions at the Nassau Stadium in New York, where the team will play three of their four group stage matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup.After their only warm-up game against Bangladesh at the venue on Saturday, Dravid shared his assessment of the conditions, pointing out that the ground was a bit soft and the pitch a bit spongy. He feared injury concerns and asked players to be watchful while playing at the new venue."The ground is a little bit soft. So I think the guys will feel that a little bit tomorrow on the hamstring and calves, so it is an area we have to ensure we are working around and ensure that the guys are looking after themselves because it does feel a little bit heavy underneath," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI."Little bit spongy at times but I thought we coped really well. I thought we managed that really well. We batted and put what we thought was an above par score on that wicket. Then came out and bowled really well," he added.India will play against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States at the Nassau Stadium on June 5, 9, and 12, respectively, before moving to Florida for their final Group A game against Canada on June 15.In the warm-up game against Bangladesh, India batted really well on a tricky track to post 182 for five. While keeper-batter Rishabh Pant fired a 32-ball 53 before retiring, all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit an unbeaten 23-ball 40 to lift India to a solid total. Bowlers then fired in unison to stop Bangladesh at 122 for 9 in their 20 overs.Dravid's concerns stem from the fact that the Nassau Stadium is a newly built facility, and the playing surface may not have settled yet. He will be hoping that the conditions improve before India's first group stage match against Ireland on June 5.

As the T20 World Cup commences on Sunday, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Team India, who have been yearning for an ICC trophy since 2013. Despite coming tantalizingly close in the ODI World Cup last year, losing to Australia in the final, the pressure is mounting for Rohit Sharma's men to end their ICC trophy drought.Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, in a conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube, shared his insights on India's prospects. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, given India's recent struggles in T20 cricket. However, he expressed optimism that the team's familiar lineup and the potential for spin-friendly pitches in the West Indies could provide an advantage.Chopra made a bold prediction regarding India's batting order, suggesting that Virat Kohli would open alongside Rohit Sharma, leaving no room for Yashasvi Jaiswal in the playing XI. He also emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube's power-hitting abilities in the latter stages of T20 innings, especially in the West Indies' day games.Team India enters the tournament with confidence, having secured a convincing 60-run win against Bangladesh in their warm-up game. Rishabh Pant's impressive performance, scoring 53 off 32 balls, showcased his potential in the T20 format.India's opening match against Ireland on Wednesday will set the tone for their campaign. A strong start will be crucial in building momentum and setting the stage for a successful run in the tournament.

India's quest for an elusive ICC trophy continues at the upcoming T20 World Cup, with the Rohit Sharma-led team aiming to break a decade-long drought. Since their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni, India has failed to lift an ICC title.Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as head coach concludes after the tournament, faces a crucial test in guiding India to glory. Last year's ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia remains a bitter memory for Dravid and his team.Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has offered advice to Dravid, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan to navigate the knockout stages. "India lacks that final plan in terms of how they are going to go about winning this World Cup," Lara said. "It doesn't matter how many superstars you have; it matters how you are going to structure your innings or attack."India will face Bangladesh in a warm-up match on Saturday before their Group A campaign begins. They are grouped alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA.India's squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant form the core of the batting lineup, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin options. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh spearhead the pace attack.India's path to the semifinals is not without challenges. Pakistan, their arch-rivals, pose a formidable threat, while Ireland and Canada have proven to be competitive in recent years. The co-hosts USA will be eager to make an impact on home soil.Dravid and his team will need to find the right balance between aggression and caution, and execute their plans with precision. If they can overcome the mental hurdles that have plagued them in past ICC tournaments, India has the potential to end their trophy drought and cement their status as one of the world's leading cricket nations.

India's T20 World Cup Journey: A Saga of Triumphs and HeartbreaksSix months after the bittersweet ODI World Cup campaign, Indian cricket fans eagerly anticipate the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, hoping to end the country's 11-year ICC trophy drought. India's journey in the T20 World Cup has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and heartbreaks.Inaugural Triumph (2007)India etched its name in history as the inaugural T20 World Cup champions in 2007. Gautam Gambhir's heroic 75 in the final propelled India to a defendable total of 157 against Pakistan. Despite a late surge by Pakistan, Joginder Sharma's iconic catch sealed India's victory.Struggles to Reach KnockoutsIn the eight editions of the tournament played so far, India has failed to reach the knockouts in four. In 2009, the defending champions failed to win a single game in the Super Eight. The following year, they suffered another Super Eight elimination. In 2012, India missed out on the semifinals despite winning two matches in the Super 8.Knockout HeartbreakIndia has also experienced heartbreak in the knockout stages. In 2014, Virat Kohli's brilliant 319 runs in the tournament went in vain as India lost to Sri Lanka in the final. In 2016, India reached the semifinals but was defeated by West Indies. In 2022, England handed India a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the semifinals.Virat Kohli's DominanceVirat Kohli has been a force to reckon with in the T20 World Cup. In five editions, he has amassed 1141 runs, including 14 half-centuries. He is the only player to win the Player of the Tournament award twice.Spinners Lead the WayRavichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been India's most successful bowlers in the tournament. Ashwin has taken 32 wickets, while Jadeja has 21. Irfan Pathan is India's highest wicket-taking pacer with 16 wickets.Rohit Sharma's ConsistencyRohit Sharma is one of only two players to have played in every edition of the tournament. He has scored 963 runs in 39 matches, providing stability to the Indian batting lineup.As India gears up for the 2024 T20 World Cup, fans will be hoping for a repeat of the 2007 triumph. With a talented squad led by Rohit Sharma, India has the potential to end its ICC trophy drought and bring home the coveted title.

Team India engaged in an extensive three-hour practice session in New York on the eve of their T20 World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh. The session witnessed the participation of key players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, who honed their batting skills in the nets. Star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and pacer Jasprit Bumrah also took to the nets to sharpen their bowling techniques.Shubman Gill, one of the four traveling reserves, showcased his batting prowess alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, who fulfilled bowling duties. Dube, who faced challenges with his batting form during the latter stages of the IPL, received guidance from Rohit Sharma on bowling strategies.Hardik Pandya, who endured a disappointing IPL season, engaged in discussions with batting coach Vikram Rathour. Pandya's performance in the IPL was marked by a modest 211 runs in 14 matches and an economy rate exceeding 10 runs per over.Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli was notably absent from the practice session due to his delayed arrival in New York. Kohli reportedly requested a break from the BCCI and may miss the warm-up match.The warm-up game against Bangladesh is expected to provide an opportunity for all players, excluding Kohli, to showcase their skills. Kohli is anticipated to arrive before the practice game, but jet lag may prevent him from participating.

Hardik Pandya, the enigmatic all-rounder, faces a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares for the T20 World Cup. After a tumultuous IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya must overcome recent challenges and rise to the occasion on the global stage.Pandya's situation is being carefully managed by Team India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. They recognize his importance as a seam-bowling all-rounder and vice-captain. Despite recurring injuries, Pandya has been retained in Grade A of the BCCI's central contracts list.However, Pandya's personal life and public persona have come under intense scrutiny. His flamboyant lifestyle and controversial comments have drawn criticism. The hostility he has faced from spectators during the IPL has been particularly unsettling.Some believe that Pandya's public persona has contributed to the backlash. Others point to the management's decision to overlook the optics of his appointment as MI captain. The transition from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians and the dethroning of Rohit Sharma have angered fans.Pandya's leadership style has also been questioned. Former cricketers have accused him of faking his way through the IPL campaign and lacking clarity. The public criticism of Tilak Varma and alleged dressing room showdowns have further clouded his tenure.Despite the challenges, Pandya remains a key player for Team India. His resilience and determination have been tested, but he has always bounced back. The calming presence of Rohit and Dravid may help to ease any lingering bitterness.Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup will be crucial for India's chances of victory. He was their best performer with the bat in the semifinal defeat to England in 2022. If he can overcome the recent adversity and find his form, he could be a game-changer for Team India.

Rohit Sharma Eyes Shivam Dube's Seam-Up Skills for T20 World CupIndian captain Rohit Sharma is considering utilizing all-rounder Shivam Dube's seam-up bowling abilities more frequently in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This revelation came during India's first training session in the US, where Dube was seen receiving guidance from Rohit on bowling lengths.Despite playing 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recently concluded IPL season, Dube bowled only six deliveries. However, he impressed with his solitary over, taking a wicket while conceding just 14 runs.CSK primarily utilized Dube's batting skills, asking him to target spinners in the middle overs. With his left-handed batting and ability to score quickly, Dube amassed 396 runs in 14 innings, including three half-centuries.However, Rohit may have a different plan for Dube in the T20 World Cup. With the tournament being played on slow, spinning tracks in the US and West Indies, India may need an additional seam-bowling option. Dube's medium-pace bowling could provide the team with some variety and control.Rohit's decision to explore Dube's bowling skills is a testament to his versatility and the team's desire to find the best possible combination for the World Cup. India has been waiting for an ICC trophy for 11 years, and Rohit is determined to end that drought.

Team India's T20 World Cup preparations kicked off in earnest with an intensive three-hour training session in New York on Thursday. The squad, which arrived in the US on May 27, had a couple of days off to adjust to the time difference and weather conditions.The training session was a serious affair, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav facing the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the nets. Hardik, in particular, had a grueling session, bowling for an hour before unleashing his power against the bowlers. He also engaged in a lengthy discussion with batting coach Vikram Rathour.Unusually, tailenders Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh focused on their batting skills, while all-rounders Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Hardik trained with both bat and ball. Yuzvendra Chahal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh, who arrived late in New York, participated in light training drills.The training session emphasized adapting to the pitch conditions, which offered considerable bounce. India's first warm-up game is scheduled against Bangladesh on Saturday.