Cricket

Sanjay Manjrekar, a renowned cricket commentator and former India player, believes that the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could prove invaluable in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, even if they have struggled in the group stage.Manjrekar emphasized the importance of senior players delivering in crucial matches, stating, "You want to take your experienced players in World Cup to deliver when it really matters." He added that while it would be a bonus if younger players step up, the primary responsibility lies with the veterans.Regarding the future of Kohli and Sharma in T20 internationals after the World Cup, Manjrekar suggested that the decision would be made by the selectors and the players themselves. He noted that there is still a significant portion of the tournament remaining before such discussions begin.Manjrekar also commented on Shivam Dube's performance, expressing concerns about his ability to adapt to the Caribbean tracks. He highlighted the challenges of hitting through the line on pitches that may not be as conducive to power-hitting.Manjrekar praised the move to promote Rishabh Pant to No. 3, calling it a "brilliant move." He believes that Pant has been India's best batter in the tournament so far, showcasing his class on difficult pitches.Regarding India's spin bowling options, Manjrekar speculated that the team might opt for finger spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel) instead of wrist spinners (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) if the pitches in the West Indies offer significant turn. He explained that finger spinners are often more effective on rank turners.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has defended Virat Kohli's poor start to the 2024 T20 World Cup, attributing it to the challenging batting conditions at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Kohli has managed only five runs in the tournament so far, raising concerns about his form.Harbhajan emphasized that it would be unfair to judge Kohli's performance on a pitch that was not conducive to batting. "I do not want to judge anyone on that pitch as batting was difficult on that pitch," he said. "Virat Kohli didn't score runs because the conditions were like that. You cannot judge a player in those conditions."Instead, Harbhajan highlighted the need for consistency from the Indian batting unit, particularly in the opening overs. "Runs are obviously expected from Virat Kohli," he said. "We also need to consistently see partnerships that we aren't getting in the first six overs. Then your middle order is set. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have scored runs."Yadav and Dube played crucial roles in India's victory against the USA, guiding the team to a win after a shaky start. Kohli will have an opportunity to improve his form in the Super 8 stage, as India moves to Lauderhill, Florida.Despite Kohli's struggles, India has secured a spot in the Super 8, winning all three of their New York games. They are guaranteed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the next round, with Bangladesh likely to be the fourth team in the group.

Virat Kohli's recent string of low scores in the ongoing T20 World Cup has not raised any concerns for India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour. Rathour emphasized that Kohli has been performing exceptionally well in practice sessions and is more motivated than ever as the Super Eight approaches.Despite being the highest run-scorer in the IPL, Kohli has managed to score only 1, 4, and 0 in his recent matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and USA, respectively. However, Rathour believes that these dismissals are not a cause for concern."He (Kohli) has been batting superbly from the tournament that he came from (IPL). Couple of dismissals here, doesn't change anything, he is batting really well," Rathour said.Rathour expressed confidence that India's top batter will deliver when it matters the most. "Actually, it's good that he is a little hungrier, he is really keen to do well and really switched on. It's a good space to be as a batsman, I think."The batting coach also addressed questions about the team's strategy of playing four all-rounders, including Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. Rathour suggested that the team will be flexible based on conditions."Again, we need to be a flexible team. We need to look at the conditions that are in front of us and be ready to deal with those. So as a team, we are going to be really flexible, I think."Rathour acknowledged that some game time in Florida ahead of the Super Eights would have been beneficial, but he expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to the tight schedule."Again, not ideal. It would have been great if we could have gotten a game today. But now this is what it is. So, we look forward to having a couple of good practice days in Barbados and getting into the game. So again, now the matches will happen simultaneously after one day.""So, as a team I think we are ready. We are used to this kind of schedule. We have done it in the past and I am sure we will do it really well this time as well."Rathour also commented on the issue of the ground in Florida not being fully covered, raising concerns to the ICC."This question should be asked to the ICC people. I won't be able to answer that. I don't know the reason why it was not covered and why it didn't have enough covers to cover the whole ground."Regarding the challenging New York drop-in strip, Rathour downplayed its impact on the team's performance."It's good. You should be able to play on all types of wickets. We have the skills to play in all types of conditions and do well. So, we have got the difficult wickets. Hopefully, we will get good wickets in the tournament.""And if we get turning wickets, we have 4 spin options, we have enough fast bowlers as well. So, whichever conditions come, I think we are really equipped to deal with that," he added.

Virat Kohli's Form Slump Overshadowed by Unwavering Fan SupportDespite a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, Virat Kohli's popularity among Indian fans remains unyielding. The former India captain endured a string of low scores in the tournament, but his connection with his supporters was evident in a heartwarming moment during the match against USA.As Kohli stood at the boundary line, Indian fans erupted in passionate chants of "hamara neta kaisa ho, Virat Kohli jaisa ho" (our leader should be like Virat Kohli). Kohli, known for his humility and genuine connection with his fans, acknowledged the gesture with a wave, further strengthening the bond between the player and his devoted followers.The fans' enthusiasm reached new heights during the match. In another viral video, they chanted "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y" (10-rupee Pepsi, Kohli is the best). They then added another line, saying "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli" (whether it's Diwali or Holi, Anushka loves Kohli).Kohli's face lit up with a smile as he waved to the crowd. Despite his recent struggles on the field, the unwavering support of his fans serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of India's most beloved cricketers.With three consecutive wins, India has advanced to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, which will be held entirely in the West Indies. While Kohli's form remains a concern, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the unwavering support of their fans as they aim to reclaim the title.

India vs Canada: Kohli's Form and Pitch Conditions in FocusIndia will face Canada in their final group match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday, with all eyes on Virat Kohli's form and the pitch conditions at the Broward County stadium.Kohli, who has struggled in the tournament so far with just five runs in three matches, will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes against Canada. The Indian star came into the World Cup after a stellar IPL season, but has failed to replicate his form on the international stage.The pitch at the Broward County stadium is expected to be less challenging than the one in New York, where the uneven bounce and slow outfield drew criticism. This could provide some relief for Kohli and the Indian batters.Despite Kohli's struggles, India have won their first three matches and have already qualified for the Super Eight stage. However, they will be keen to maintain their momentum and secure a top spot in the group.Canada, on the other hand, are making their debut in the T20 World Cup and will be looking to make a statement. They have lost their first two matches but will be hoping to upset India and end their tournament on a high note.The weather in Florida has been a concern, with torrential rain affecting several parts of the state. However, the forecast for Saturday's match is clear, which will be a relief for both teams.

Virat Kohli, India's premier batter, has endured a dismal T20 World Cup campaign, extending his poor form with a golden duck against the United States on Wednesday. The veteran opener has struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 1 against Ireland and 4 against Pakistan in India's previous matches.Kohli's golden duck against the USA marked his first in an ICC tournament, highlighting the extent of his struggles. His teammate, Shivam Dube, expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to bounce back, stating, "He got out cheaply a couple of times, but he will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches."Dube also acknowledged the challenges posed by the two-paced tracks in New York, which he likened to playing in a Ranji Trophy game. Despite his initial struggles, Dube regained some form with a 35-ball 31 against the USA, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory and advance to the Super Eight stage."I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process," Dube said. "But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, 'It's difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.'"Dube emphasized the need to adapt to the different conditions in the T20 World Cup, noting that his approach at the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League was not suitable for the pitches in New York.Kohli's poor form has raised concerns among Indian fans, but his teammates remain confident in his ability to regain his touch. With three Super Eight matches remaining, Kohli has ample opportunity to prove his worth and help India secure a berth in the semifinals.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has witnessed a shocking turn of events, with Pakistan being eliminated in the first stage after the washout of the Group A match between USA and Ireland. This disappointing exit has sparked widespread criticism and scrutiny of Babar Azam's team.Amidst the backlash, former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has made a bold statement, suggesting that Pakistan's past mistakes have cost them dearly. Speaking on a TV show, Akmal claimed that if his brother, Umar Akmal, had received the same support and promotion as India's batting legend Virat Kohli, he could have achieved similar success despite not possessing Kohli's exceptional talent.Akmal presented statistics comparing Umar Akmal's performance in T20 World Cups to that of Kohli. He highlighted that Umar Akmal had a better strike rate and had scored more runs than Kohli in the tournament. Akmal attributed this to Pakistan's lack of a strong PR strategy to promote their players' achievements."If these stats (of Umar) were part of these 15 players (Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad), is waqt tak tabahi aa jani thi (it would have created mayhem)," Akmal said.Pakistan's elimination from the tournament was a bitter pill to swallow, as they desperately needed the USA vs Ireland match to go ahead and for Ireland to beat USA to qualify for the 'Super 8s' from Group A. However, the no-result gave USA the one point they needed to push Pakistan out of the competition.Even if Pakistan manages to defeat Netherlands on Sunday, they will only end up on four points compared to tournament debutant USA's five. The upset defeat against USA in their first match proved to be the catalyst for Pakistan's embarrassing early exit.The history-making US team has advanced to the next stage along with group toppers India, who remain unbeaten after three matches.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver in the crucial stages of the Men's T20 World Cup. Despite a slow start to the tournament, Jaffer believes Kohli will showcase his greatness as the competition progresses.Kohli, who entered the World Cup as the leading run-getter in IPL 2024, has struggled on the challenging pitches in New York, scoring just 5 runs in three innings. However, Jaffer believes this is a temporary setback and that Kohli will bounce back."Rohit and Virat have been playing on the tough New York pitch, so they aren't among the top run-scorers," Jaffer said. "But do not write off Virat Kohli. As the tournament gets to its business end, he will show his true colors and he will show his greatness."Jaffer also dismissed suggestions that Kohli should revert to batting at number three, citing Rishabh Pant's success in that position. "I don't think Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3. He should continue to open because now you have got Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and now it has been working out really well."Jaffer emphasized the importance of proactive batting in the powerplay, especially on challenging pitches. "You will need to be proactive in the powerplay. You will reach nowhere if you play cautiously on such pitches because the bowler knows he has to bowl on a spot and let the pitch do the rest."With India's final Group A game against Canada approaching, Jaffer believes there could be a case for Sanju Samson to bat at number four. "There might be a case for Sanju Samson at No. 4. But then Shivam Dube has got just a couple of games and the team management will want to give him a longer run."

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth believes that Rishabh Pant would be delighted to see Virat Kohli return to his preferred number three batting position, especially given Kohli's struggles as an opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his exceptional IPL season, Kohli has managed a mere five runs in three games while opening alongside captain Rohit Sharma.With Kohli opening, Pant has assumed the responsibility of batting at number three at the World Cup. The wicket-keeper batter has flourished in this role, amassing 96 runs in three games with his diverse shot selection. Sreesanth believes that if Kohli returns to his number three spot, Pant will continue to excel."Pant is a player who can adapt to any situation. We have seen him bat at different positions. He is a brilliant player, and I think Pant will be happy if Virat goes at number three. Pant doesn't look at the situation, wicket, or the bowler. He just looks at the ball. I think that is a quality that youngsters should focus on. I think he loves Virat, and he would love to see Virat score more runs. If Virat comes just before him, imagine the freedom that Pant gets, he might just hit the reverse sweep on the first ball. So that is Pant," Sreesanth said while speaking exclusively to ANI.Pant made his return to cricket in the IPL 2024 season as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals after sustaining injuries in a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches, with an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40.India remains unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, having defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. Sreesanth sees no reason why the Indian team shouldn't aim for the title, citing their strength and talent."We have such great bench strength. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be winning it. Whenever we talk about the World Cup, they show wins of 2009, 2011, and 1983. It is high time this team genuinely deserves to win the World Cup. Next time, pictures of the current edition will be shown."In last year's ODI World Cup, India reached the final undefeated but fell short against Australia. Sreesanth is hopeful that this time, India can seek revenge if both teams reach the final, drawing comparisons to past tournament triumphs."It feels good, and the way the team is performing it makes you remember the 2007 T20 World Cup. This time, Pakistan is going out, and India is moving forward. The way Bumrah and others are performing, especially in terms of character, India is way ahead. If anybody is going to challenge India, I think it is going towards, India vs Australia final. The result that didn't take place in the 50-over World Cup, I hope India takes revenge this time and we bring the cup back to India," he stated.After securing a spot in the Super 8, India will play their final group stage game against Canada in Florida on Saturday.