Cricket

Saurabh Netravalkar, the Mumbai-born USA pacer, has emerged as a star performer in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. His impressive performances have not only caught the attention of cricket fans but also earned him praise from legendary Indian cricketers.Netravalkar's journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. He represented India in the 2010 U19 World Cup before moving to the United States to pursue his engineering studies. Despite his academic commitments, Netravalkar continued to play cricket and eventually made his debut for the USA national team in 2022.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar has been a key figure for USA. He delivered a nerveless Super Over to secure a thrilling victory against Pakistan in their opening match. In the subsequent game against India, he dismissed both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.After the match against India, Netravalkar expressed his emotions, saying, "It was an emotional moment for me. I played the 2010 U19 World Cup for India too, and it was a special feeling to play against them."Netravalkar's performances have not gone unnoticed by former Indian cricketers. Navjot Singh Sidhu praised him for his all-round abilities, saying, "You're all-in-one my friend! You're an engineer, you're Suryakumar Yadav's friend, and now you're taking wickets against India! Love you."Harbhajan Singh also joined in the chorus of praise, saying, "I wanted to thank him for that Super Over against Pakistan. And the courage he showed while bowling today (against India) won my heart."Netravalkar's efforts have been instrumental in USA's impressive run in the tournament. With four wickets in three matches at an economy rate of just 5.20, he has played a crucial role in helping his team qualify for the Super 8.USA will face Ireland on June 14 in a match that will determine their fate in the tournament. A victory over Ireland will send USA through to the Super 8 from Group A, confirming Pakistan's elimination in the process.

India's final group match in the T20 World Cup against Canada on Saturday will be a crucial test for star batsman Virat Kohli, who has struggled for form in the tournament so far. Despite India's three consecutive victories, Kohli's poor performance has raised concerns.Kohli entered the T20 World Cup after a stellar Indian Premier League season, where he amassed over 700 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, in three matches, he has managed only five runs, including a "Golden Duck" against the USA.The match against Canada provides an opportunity for Kohli to regain his form, but it is also a meaningless game for India, who have already qualified for the Super Eight stage. The team's focus will be on preparing for the more challenging matches ahead.Despite Kohli's struggles, India's batting has been strong, with Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant stepping up. Pant has scored crucial runs in the victories over Pakistan and Ireland, while Suryakumar overcame a slow start to make a vital fifty against the USA.India's bowling has also been impressive, with Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack. Pandya and Arshdeep have been particularly impressive, silencing their critics after poor IPL seasons.While India is expected to defeat Canada, the match could provide an opportunity for the team to experiment with their lineup. They may consider inserting Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener and moving Kohli down to No. 3. They may also give Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav a chance to bowl.Canada, despite being a tournament newcomer, has shown some tenacity. Players like Aaron Johnson can surprise on their day. However, the Canadians will need to rely on the anticipated rain to stop India's momentum.

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York on Sunday was a thrilling encounter that saw India emerge victorious by a narrow margin of six runs. Despite Pakistan's top-order batters putting up a valiant fight, the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya proved decisive in the end.India's decision to bat first backfired as they were restricted to a modest total of 119/7 in 20 overs. However, their bowlers rose to the occasion, led by Bumrah's exceptional spell of 3/25. Pakistan's chase got off to a strong start, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on a 50-run partnership.But the introduction of Pandya into the attack turned the tide in India's favor. The all-rounder dismissed both Azam and Rizwan in quick succession, and Pakistan's innings began to unravel. Despite a late surge from Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah, Pakistan fell short of the target, finishing on 113/7.The match was also notable for the presence of Virat Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, in the stands. A video that went viral on social media showed Sharma engaged in an animated conversation with someone during the match. The reason for her apparent anger is unknown.Meanwhile, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has downplayed concerns about Kohli's form after a string of low scores in the group stage. Gavaskar believes that Kohli is a proven match-winner and that he just needs to show patience and faith in himself.

Saurabh Netravalkar's journey from Mumbai journeyman to T20 World Cup sensation has been a remarkable one. After struggling to break into the Indian cricket scene, Netravalkar pursued a career in coding at Oracle. However, his passion for cricket remained, and he continued to play for the USA national team.Netravalkar's breakthrough moment came in the T20 World Cup Super Over against Pakistan, where he dismissed Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to secure a thrilling victory. His performance caught the attention of the cricketing world, and he followed it up with the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's match against the USA.Netravalkar's success is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Despite facing setbacks in his cricket career, he never gave up on his dream. He also credits his success to his ability to balance his passions for cricket and coding."I am just happy that I can pursue both my passions," Netravalkar said. "It is all happening very fast and I am in the process of digesting it."Netravalkar's performance has not only been a personal triumph but also a boost for cricket in the USA. The co-hosts of the T20 World Cup are hoping to use the tournament to grow the sport in the country, and Netravalkar's success is a major step in that direction."If our performances help the sport grow here and become part of the school and college curriculum, we will know we are on the right track," Netravalkar said.

The Indian cricket team's performance in the New York leg of the World Cup has been a mixed bag, with the batting superstar Virat Kohli's poor form as an opener being the only jarring note.In the three games played at the Nassau County Ground, India faced Ireland, Pakistan, and USA. While the Ireland match was a comfortable victory, the Pakistan game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with India eventually emerging victorious. The match against USA was a battle of attrition, with India triumphing after enduring some difficult phases.Amidst all this, Virat Kohli's form has been a concern. The thousands of fans who filled the stands on all three days had one common wish: a meaningful contribution from their favorite superstar. However, Kohli has scored just 1, 4, and 0 in three consecutive games, a far cry from the magnificent knocks he produced in the IPL.Kohli's struggles as an opener have prompted questions about his suitability for the role. Captain Rohit Sharma had earlier stated that Kohli's and his own slots were "fixed," while the rest of the team would be flexible. However, Kohli's recent performances have cast doubt on this strategy.The conditions in New York have been challenging for batters, with the ball dominating the bat. The movement and up-and-down nature of the track have kept batters on their toes. Kohli's late arrival to the team and subsequent lack of practice at the venue may have contributed to his struggles.Despite his poor form, the team management remains confident in Kohli's abilities. Shivam Dube, who has also faced some challenges, said, "Who am I to talk about Kohli? If he hasn't got runs in three games, he may well get three hundreds in the next three and there will be no more discussions."Captain Rohit Sharma has the option of bringing in Yashasvi Jaiswal as his opening partner and dropping Kohli down to his regular No. 3 spot. However, Sharma believes that Kohli is best suited at the top and that the team will not be able to include four all-rounders if Kohli comes down the order.The team's faith in Kohli has prevented them from making any harsh decisions. It is now up to the batting great to flick on that switch and prove that "class is permanent."

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has endured a disappointing start to the T20 World Cup 2024, failing to deliver in both matches. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged Kohli to revert to his previous batting style, arguing that it would be more effective on the current pitches.Manjrekar believes that Kohli's attempt to increase his strike rate during the IPL 2024 has backfired in the T20 World Cup. "He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better," Manjrekar said.Kohli's strike rate has been a subject of debate in recent years, with some critics arguing that he needs to be more aggressive. However, Manjrekar believes that Kohli's strength lies in his ability to anchor the innings and play calculated shots."The problem with Virat Kohli is that there has been a lot of talk about his strike rate over the last two years, and he completely changed that during this IPL season," Manjrekar said. "But that is a different topic. He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better."Manjrekar's advice echoes the sentiments of many fans and experts who believe that Kohli's best batting comes when he is playing within himself and not trying to force the issue. Kohli has been known for his ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and build partnerships.If Kohli can rediscover his old form, it would be a major boost for India's chances in the T20 World Cup. The team is heavily reliant on Kohli's experience and leadership, and his return to form would provide a much-needed spark to the batting lineup.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon, has once again captured the hearts of fans with his heartwarming interactions during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Known for his passionate performances on the field, Kohli has also demonstrated his love for the game and his fans off it.In a recent match against the United States, Kohli's presence at the boundary line sparked a frenzy among the crowd. Fans erupted in enthusiastic cheers, chanting "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y." The chants, a playful reference to a popular Indian snack, echoed through the stadium, creating a lively atmosphere.Not content with just one line of praise, the fans added another, declaring "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli." This affectionate tribute to Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, brought a smile to the star batsman's face. He waved to the crowd, acknowledging their love and support.Kohli's interactions with fans extend beyond the boundary ropes. He has often been seen dancing to tunes near the field, intervening to stop fans from booing other players, and encouraging them to cheer for Team India. These gestures have endeared him to fans worldwide, who appreciate his passion and dedication to the sport.On the field, Kohli's performance has been equally impressive. In the match against the United States, he played a crucial role in India's victory. Riding on Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten half-century and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's career-best 4 for 9, Team India defeated the United States by seven wickets.With this win, Rohit Sharma's men secured their place in the Super Eights. Chasing a target of 111 in the Group A clash, India stumbled to 15-2 and then 44-3. However, Suryakumar (50) and Shivam Dube (31) formed an undefeated fourth-wicket partnership of 67 runs, securing a third consecutive victory for their team with 10 balls to spare.Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, have made him a true icon of the sport. His passion, dedication, and love for the game inspire fans and fellow players alike. As Team India continues its journey in the T20 World Cup, Kohli's presence will undoubtedly be a source of strength and motivation for the team.

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed concerns over Virat Kohli's recent string of low scores in the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the need for patience and faith in the veteran batter.Kohli, who entered the tournament with an impressive Orange Cap-winning season in the IPL, has struggled to find his rhythm, registering scores of 1, 4, and a golden duck in the group stage. However, Gavaskar believes that these setbacks are not indicative of a decline in Kohli's form."There's nothing to worry about," Gavaskar said. "He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games. He recognizes that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There's Super 8s, semi-finals, and hopefully the final. All he needs to do is show patience and faith in himself."Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli's dismissals have been due to good deliveries rather than poor form. "Any other day, the ball would've gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn't," he said. "So, there's nothing to worry about."With India safely into the next round of the tournament, Gavaskar believes that Kohli will have ample opportunities to regain his touch. "We have to show faith in him," he said. "Much believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later."Kohli's poor start to the tournament has extended to three matches, but Gavaskar remains confident that the Indian superstar will bounce back. "When you get three low scores, it doesn't mean he is not batting well," he said. "He is going to come good."

Virat Kohli's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup continued on Wednesday as he fell for a golden duck against USA in New York. This marked his second consecutive duck in the tournament, following his dismissal for 1 against Ireland and 4 against Pakistan. Kohli's poor form has raised concerns about his place in the Indian team, especially considering his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Kohli's golden duck against USA was his second-ever in T20Is and his first in a T20 World Cup. It was also the sixth time he has been dismissed for a duck in the shortest format of the game. The Indian batting maestro has not managed to reach double figures in his last four T20I innings, a worrying sign for a player of his caliber.Despite Kohli's struggles, India managed to restrict USA to a modest total of 110/8 in their Group A match. Arshdeep Singh was the star performer for India, claiming impressive figures of 4-9. Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah picked up one wicket each.In response, India chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Sharma scored 41 off 34 balls, while Rahul contributed 30 off 29 deliveries. Suryakumar Yadav provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 26 off 18 balls, guiding India to a comfortable victory.Kohli's poor form remains a concern for India, but the team will be hoping that he can rediscover his touch in the upcoming matches. With the knockout stages approaching, India will need their star batsman to fire if they are to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.