Cricket

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has expressed his bewilderment over the team management's decision to bench him during crucial stages of the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube show, 'Unplugged,' Shami shared his frustration and questioned the rationale behind his exclusion.Shami's record in ODIs is impeccable, with 195 wickets in 100 innings at an average of 23.68. His World Cup stats are even more impressive, with 55 wickets in just 18 games, making him India's leading wicket-taker in the ICC event and placing him fifth overall globally.Reflecting on the 2019 World Cup, Shami recalled, "In 2019, I did not play the first 4-5 games. In the next game, I took a hat-trick, then picked up a five-wicket haul, and then four wickets in the next game." Despite his impressive performance, he was benched for the final league match against Sri Lanka and the semi-final against New Zealand, which India lost by 18 runs.Shami's confusion was evident as he continued, "I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity. You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. Played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets."A similar situation unfolded in the 2023 World Cup. Shami was initially left out of the playing XI but was included after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to injury. He emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven games, including two five-wicket hauls.Shami's consistent performance when given the opportunity underscores the importance of utilizing players to their full potential, especially in critical tournaments like the World Cup. His exclusion from the team in crucial matches has raised questions about the team management's decision-making process.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread anger and dismay among the cricket fraternity. The team's lackluster performance, particularly in the crucial matches against India and the USA, has drawn heavy criticism from former players and experts.The tournament debutants, USA, dealt Pakistan a major blow in the opening match, triggering a downward spiral that ultimately led to their elimination. Despite a hard-fought victory against India, Pakistan's hopes were dashed when the USA vs Ireland match was abandoned due to rain. This result allowed the USA to advance to the Super 8s alongside India, while Pakistan was left to rue their missed opportunities.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has been particularly vocal in his criticism, accusing the team of mismanagement and a lack of clear leadership. He criticized the decision to recall retired players, arguing that it undermined the development of younger talent. Raja also questioned the team's decision-making and discipline, suggesting that it was being run from the sidelines rather than by the players themselves.Another former player, Saqlain Mushtaq, echoed Raja's concerns, emphasizing the need for a strong and decisive leadership. He argued that the team's captain, Babar Azam, should be given the authority to make decisions and enforce discipline. Mushtaq also called for a merit-based approach to team selection, rather than relying on past reputations.Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup has raised serious questions about the team's future. The team's reliance on aging stars and a lack of clear direction have been identified as major weaknesses. As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming matches, it is imperative that they address these issues and develop a long-term strategy for success.

IPL Owner's Outburst: A Reflection of Workplace CultureIn a shocking display of public reprimand, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka verbally lashed out at his team's captain, KL Rahul, following a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad. The incident, which was captured on national television, has sparked a debate about the appropriate boundaries of workplace behavior.Goenka's outburst is not an isolated incident. Similar scenes have played out in corporate boardrooms and workplaces across the country. The "win at all costs" mentality often leads to excessive pressure and emotional outbursts.Recent viral videos have shown bank officials using foul language to berate their employees for failing to meet targets. Such incidents highlight the prevalence of a toxic workplace culture where employees are subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation.Goenka's actions raise questions about the role of owners in sports teams. While they have the right to be disappointed with their team's performance, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and respect. Publicly humiliating a player or coach undermines their authority and creates a hostile work environment.In contrast to Goenka's outburst, Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan displayed a more measured response after his team's loss. Khan praised his players' efforts and encouraged them to bounce back. This approach fosters a positive and supportive team culture.Ultimately, it is up to owners to decide how they conduct themselves. However, the incident involving Goenka serves as a reminder that workplace behavior should be guided by respect, professionalism, and a commitment to creating a healthy and productive environment.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticized the team management's decision to experiment with the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan's recent 4-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I has raised concerns about the team's preparation for the upcoming global tournament.Raja questioned the logic behind experimenting with the team so close to the World Cup. He argued that such experiments could lead to a loss of confidence and disrupt the team's rhythm. "Where is it written that when you are trying to test your bench strength it is necessary to lose?" Raja asked. "I can't understand what you are trying to do."Raja also criticized the team's captaincy changes and batting order adjustments, which he believes have destabilized the team. He pointed out that Pakistan's white-ball team was performing well before these changes were made.The former cricketer expressed concern about the number of people involved in the team's decision-making process. "Too many cooks in the dugout and a lot of people are trying to be experts," Raja said. "There is massive confusion."Raja emphasized the importance of building a competitive team and focusing on winning. He warned that if Pakistan continues to experiment and lose matches, it will negatively impact their mindset going into the World Cup."You need to make a combination that makes you competitive," Raja said. "You can't lose matches by experimenting based on talent. You can experiment all you want but you can't lose matches against this New Zealand team."Pakistan will face England in a four-match T20I series after the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Raja believes that if Pakistan loses that series as well, it will be a major setback for their World Cup preparations."If you lose the England series, in what frame of mind will you go in New York to defeat India?" Raja asked. "Your body of work is defeat. Pakistan needs to focus on victory."