Cricket

India's Batting Woes and the Importance of Defense in Modern CricketIndia's recent Test defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru has sparked a debate about the team's batting approach and the role of defense in modern cricket. Skipper Rohit Sharma admitted to making a mistake by batting first on a challenging pitch, but some experts argue that the team's problems run deeper.The modern batting style emphasizes high-risk shots and a relentless pursuit of runs. While this approach can be exciting, it also carries significant risks. As coach Gautam Gambhir pointed out, "There will be days when we'll get bundled out for 100."In Bengaluru, India's batsmen fell victim to this high-risk strategy. They were unable to adapt to the conditions and defend against the New Zealand bowlers. The result was a paltry total of 46, India's lowest at home.The absence of defensive shots in India's batting arsenal was a major factor in their downfall. The sweep, traditional or reverse, is no substitute for old-fashioned defense and innings-building. As England discovered in Pakistan, the Bazball style can create its own pressure, forcing batters to live up to its tenets.The importance of defense in cricket cannot be overstated. It allows batsmen to survive difficult periods, build partnerships, and set up the team for a strong total. While high-risk shots can be effective in certain situations, they should not be the default approach.The Bengaluru Test also highlighted the importance of team selection and batting order. India's decision to leave out Cheteshwar Pujara, a renowned defensive batsman, may have been a mistake. Pujara's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability could have been invaluable on the challenging pitch.The toss also plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match. Had New Zealand batted first, as skipper Tom Latham suggested, the result might have been different. The home team has the advantage of choosing the pitch and conditions that suit their strengths.In conclusion, India's defeat in Bengaluru serves as a reminder of the importance of defense in modern cricket. While high-risk shots can be effective, they should be balanced with a solid foundation of defensive technique. Team selection and batting order also play a vital role in determining the outcome of a match.

Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the BCCI selection committee, faced scrutiny at a press conference on Monday regarding the exclusion of several players from the team's tour of Sri Lanka.Agarkar defended the committee's decisions, emphasizing the limited roster size and the need to prioritize balance. He acknowledged the strong performances of Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Abhishek Sharma in Zimbabwe but maintained that not everyone could be accommodated in the 15-man squad."Every player who's left out feels hard done by," Agarkar said. "Our challenge is to pick only 15. You try and get the best balance possible. So someone's likely to miss out."Agarkar cited the example of Rinku Singh, who was omitted from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad despite his impressive form. He stressed that such exclusions are sometimes unavoidable due to the competitive nature of team selection."We had an opportunity to give some of those guys a go in the Zimbabwe series, which was good," Agarkar added. "So, we have enough depth if tomorrow there is loss of form for the players that are playing or there are injuries."Agarkar emphasized the difficulty of balancing individual performances with team dynamics. He explained that while players may have had strong recent showings, the selectors must consider the overall composition of the squad and the suitability of each player for specific roles."But it's tough," Agarkar said. "I mean Rinku for no fault of his missed out from the World Cup, it's an example. He had a terrific [run in the] T20 leading up to the World Cup. But sometimes it's just the way it goes. Unfortunately for us as well, it is difficult to fit everyone in the fifteen."

Amit Mishra, the 41-year-old Indian cricketer, has opened up about his experiences and challenges while being out of the national team. Despite not officially announcing his retirement, the spinner revealed how injuries and team combinations kept him from securing a permanent spot in the national squad.Mishra played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, taking a total of 156 wickets across formats. However, his career ended on a sour note, leaving him with several bitter memories. He explained that personal rapport and team selection dynamics significantly influenced his career progression."Being liked matters a lot in team selection. Just playing good cricket isn't enough. The captain always decides the Playing XI. I had an excellent rapport with MS Dhoni. I asked him twice why I wasn't getting picked, he told me that I don't fit the combination," Mishra revealed.He recalled being told that he was being given rest, although he never asked for it. "I was told that I was being given a rest. I never asked for it. I hadn't even played 10 Test matches by then, why would I ask for a rest or break? If I have to tell you honestly, I wasn't in a position [to question Dhoni]. Yes, I asked the coach, and he told me to go ask Dhoni, but like I said, I wasn't in that position to go and ask Dhoni. I asked the coach again and he just said we are giving you rest," he said.Mishra's situation did not improve even after Virat Kohli succeeded Dhoni as captain. Despite his good performances, he found himself sidelined again. "The worst I've felt in my career was when I picked up a knee injury five years ago. It happened in between the match. The series before I was the Man of the Series and the Man of the Match against New Zealand. And this used to be the rule back then, not sure if it still happens, but if you get injured while playing, you are given an automatic comeback. It happened with Wriddhiman Saha, Anil Kumble, and Hardik Pandya, but I never got it," Mishra shared.He also mentioned an incident during the IPL when he tried to get clarity on his future from Kohli. "During the IPL, our last match was against RCB. I asked him to give a clear picture about my career. He said 'Mishy bhai, I'll ask and let you know'. Virat Kohli helped me in my comeback series against Sri Lanka – 2016. I was doing well and India needed a leg-spinner who could bowl in Sri Lanka. When I came back, he said, 'from today, you will train for fitness with me'. I told him I can't lift weights like you but I can run and whatever else you want. Then I got injured so I asked him again, but I never got a clear answer. I messaged him. He read the text and said 'I'll let you know' but never did," Mishra revealed.These revelations from Mishra highlight the intricate dynamics within a cricket team and the emotional battles that players undergo in their professional journeys.

Pakistan's humiliating defeat to the United States in the T20 World Cup has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former cricketer Kamran Akmal has lambasted the team, calling it the "biggest insult" in Pakistan cricket history.Akmal slammed Pakistan's performance, stating that there could not be a greater humiliation than losing to a team ranked far below them. He praised the USA for their exceptional play, noting that they outplayed Pakistan in all aspects of the game."The USA played exceptionally well. They didn't feel like a low-ranked side. It felt like they were ranked above Pakistan. That is the level of maturity they showed," Akmal said.Akmal also criticized Pakistan's team selection, claiming that it was based on personal preferences rather than merit. He pointed to the inclusion of players who had not performed well in recent series."Players are selected on liking and disliking. A player performed in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but what about the past three series in which he wasn't able to perform?" Akmal questioned.Pakistan's defeat has raised questions about the team's preparation and strategy. Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has also criticized the team selection process, calling it "unprofessional."Pakistan will now face arch-rival India in a crucial match on Sunday. The match will be a test of Pakistan's character and resilience after their embarrassing defeat to the USA.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended teammate Azam Khan's selection in the national T20I squad, following criticism from a journalist.During a press conference after Pakistan's 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I, a reporter questioned Azam's place in the team, suggesting he was chosen based on recommendations rather than merit.Zaman, visibly upset, strongly condemned the reporter's comments, emphasizing that Azam had earned his spot through impressive performances in various T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)."If you make a team then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman said.Zaman further clarified that the team selection process is based on merit and is carried out by the captain and coach. He advised the journalist to conduct proper research before attending press conferences and asking such questions."Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Azam, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, has yet to establish himself on the international circuit, scoring just 88 runs in 12 matches at an average of 11.00. However, Zaman believes that Azam has the potential to succeed at the highest level."He is a young player and he is learning. He has a lot of talent and he will improve with time. We have to support him and give him confidence," Zaman said.Pakistan's next T20I against England is scheduled for Tuesday in Karachi.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Babar Azam, has faced criticism from former players regarding his alleged influence on team selection. Basit Ali, a former Pakistan batter, raised concerns about Babar's dominance in the selection process, suggesting that he holds more sway than the selectors themselves.Ali questioned the transparency and accountability of the selection process, stating that Babar's influence has created a divide between him and the selection committee. He alleged that the recent squad announcement was delayed due to a rift within the committee, with some selectors not being consulted.Shahid Afridi, another former Pakistan captain, expressed frustration over the confusion surrounding the selection process. He criticized the late announcement of the squad and the lack of clarity in player selection. Afridi revealed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had caused the delay due to his dissatisfaction with the absence of some selectors at a meeting.Naqvi reportedly demanded a proper process, ensuring that all selectors were present for the meeting. This incident highlights the ongoing issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the need for greater transparency and accountability in team selection.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has emphasized the importance of considering a player's past contributions to the Indian team when selecting the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pathan believes that standout performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season should not automatically guarantee a spot in the team.Pathan draws on his own experience as an example. Despite being injured and dropped from the team, he was eventually recalled due to his past contributions. He argues that the selection committee should adopt a similar approach, acknowledging the value of experience and not solely relying on recent IPL performances.Pathan highlights the challenges of international cricket, where players face top-quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pathirana. He believes that experienced bowlers with a proven track record should be prioritized over uncapped bowlers who may perform well in the IPL's smaller grounds and flatter pitches.While acknowledging the potential of young players, Pathan cautions against overlooking the importance of experience, especially in the slow conditions of the West Indies and the unknown element of the USA pitches. He cites the 2007 T20 World Cup victory as an example, where India's success was built on a core of experienced players.Pathan concludes by emphasizing the need for vigilance in selecting the squad for the upcoming World Cup. He believes that the slowness of the game in the West Indies demands experienced players who can handle the pressure and adapt to the conditions.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the national selection committee is set to finalize a potential 15-member squad. Chairman Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma recently held an informal meeting in Delhi to discuss the team's composition.The official announcement of the squad is expected on May 1, the cut-off date set by the ICC. Agarkar specifically traveled to Delhi for an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to meet with Rohit and gain further clarity on the team's needs.Most of the team is expected to be selected based on current form and performance. However, there are a few slots that remain up for discussion. One key decision is whether Hardik Pandya will be included in the squad based on his bowling fitness. If Pandya is selected, only one of Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh will be accommodated.KL Rahul, a favorite of the current coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid, is likely to be included in the squad, leaving Sanju Samson as his nearest competitor. There is little possibility of a left-field selection, but Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma could be an option as a flamboyant southpaw who can also bowl off-spin.The third spinner's slot is also up for grabs, with Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi competing for the position. Yuzvendra Chahal, India's most skilled white-ball wrist spinner, is reportedly not a priority choice for an influential member of the coaching staff.The selection committee will meet soon to finalize the squad, which will be tasked with representing India at the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the Americas later this year.