Cricket

Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian batsman, holds the world record for the highest individual score in a Test innings, with his mammoth 400 not out against England in 2004. This record has stood unchallenged for nearly two decades, and Lara believes that only a select few modern-day batters have the potential to break it.Lara's record-breaking knock came at a time when he was at the peak of his powers. He had already broken Gary Sobers' previous record of 365 in 1994, setting the mark at 375. A decade later, Australia's Matthew Hayden surpassed Lara's record with a score of 380. However, Lara reclaimed the record just a few months later with his historic 400.When asked about who among the current generation of batters could potentially break his record, Lara identified two Indian batsmen and two from England. He named Zak Crawley and Harry Brook from England, and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill from India.Lara believes that these players have the necessary aggression and talent to achieve such a feat. Both Jaiswal and Gill have shown an insatiable hunger for runs in red-ball cricket. Jaiswal has already scored two double centuries in his nine-Test career, while Gill has four hundreds in 25 Tests.Jaiswal's highest score is 214 not out, while Gill's is 128. However, Lara believes that if they find the right conditions and form, they have the potential to break his record.Lara's record is a testament to his exceptional batting skills and the dominance he held over bowlers during his era. It remains to be seen whether any modern-day batter can match or surpass his achievement, but the players identified by Lara certainly have the talent and potential to make a run at it.

Abhishek Sharma, the young Indian opener, has made a remarkable impact in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe. In the second T20I, Sharma smashed his maiden T20I century, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat in his second appearance for the team.After being dismissed for a duck in the series opener, Sharma showcased his true potential with a blistering knock of 100 runs off just 47 balls. He opened his account with a towering maximum over deep backward square leg and went on to hit seven fours and eight maximums.Sharma's explosive innings helped India level the series 1-1. However, former Zimbabwe batter Andy Flower has cautioned Sharma that his place in the team is not guaranteed, as Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to join the squad for the remaining matches."We have got Jaiswal still coming into the series, haven't we? So that sort of competition is exactly what the Indian selectors and all the Indian followers are looking for," Flower said.Despite the competition, Flower praised Sharma for making the most of his opportunity. "He should be confident at the moment coming off such a great IPL and then getting a hundred in his second international match. So what a great start," he added.Meanwhile, Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube will join the Indian team for the remaining three matches. The trio was part of India's T20 World Cup-winning contingent that recently celebrated their success with fans in India.The third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. India will be looking to take the series lead, while Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back and secure a series victory.

Shivam Dube's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad has come under scrutiny following his underwhelming performances with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has failed to replicate his impressive IPL form for the Chennai Super Kings, raising questions about his place in the playing eleven.Dube's selection was based on his ability to hit spinners for sixes in the middle overs, a skill that impressed captain Rohit Sharma and the selectors. However, in four innings at the World Cup, he has managed only 44 runs, with a highest of 31 not out against USA.Compounding Dube's batting struggles is his limited use as a bowler. Rohit has only asked him to bowl one over in the tournament, which he conceded 11 runs in against USA. This reluctance to utilize Dube's bowling ability further weakens his case for inclusion.If India decide to drop Dube, middle-order batsman Sanju Samson is seen as a more suitable replacement than Yashasvi Jaiswal. Samson has a proven track record against spin, a key factor considering Bangladesh's likely use of spin-heavy bowling.However, some argue that Dube should be given one more game to prove his worth, especially against Bangladesh. They point to his potential to counter spin and his ability to provide depth to the batting lineup.Ultimately, the decision of whether to retain or replace Dube rests with Rohit and coach Rahul Dravid. They must weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering the team's overall balance and the specific challenges posed by Bangladesh.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged India to make a bold move and open the batting with young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. Vaughan believes that Jaiswal's exceptional batting skills and left-handedness would provide India with a much-needed advantage.During India's group stage matches, star batter Virat Kohli was promoted to open with captain Rohit Sharma. However, Kohli has struggled to find form, scoring only 1, 4, and 0 in the three games. Vaughan suggests that Kohli should return to his preferred position at number 3, allowing Jaiswal to take on the opening role.Vaughan also advocates for Rishabh Pant to bat at number 5 in the Super 8 matches, which will be played in the Caribbean. Pant has been batting ahead of Suryakumar Yadav in the group stage, but Vaughan believes that his aggressive style would be more effective in the middle order."I love Yashasvi Jaiswal, I'd want him to be opening the batting. Virat or Rohit at No.3, I'm not too bothered by which right-hander goes to No.3. Shivam Dube is at No.5 but in the Caribbean I'd have Rishabh Pant in there. Yashasvi is an incredible player. He is such a good batter, I would want him in," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.Vaughan emphasizes the importance of having left-handed batters in the team, a mistake he believes India has made in the past. Jaiswal's left-handedness would provide a different dimension to India's batting lineup and make it more difficult for opposing bowlers to contain.India's final group match against Canada was washed out, but they still finished top of Group A with 7 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.137. They will now face the second-placed team from Group B in the Super 8 stage.

Team India stars Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and their teammates enjoyed a memorable day off in New York City, engaging with enthusiastic children and creating lasting memories. The players, including Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rinku Singh, and Kheleel Ahmed, reveled in the opportunity to relax and connect with the young fans. Head coach Rahul Dravid and fielding coach T Dilip accompanied the team, adding to the jovial atmosphere.Earlier, India's Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, hosted the team ahead of their match against co-hosts USA. Pradhan and the Indian diaspora in New York warmly welcomed the contingent led by skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Dravid. BCCI president Roger Binny, vice president Rajeev Shukla, and secretary Jay Shah were also present, showcasing the support and camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.Rohit Sharma and his team have maintained an impressive unbeaten streak in the tournament thus far, securing convincing victories over Ireland and Pakistan. Their eight-wicket triumph over Ireland and six-run win against Pakistan have solidified their position as a formidable force in the competition.The players' interaction with the children in New York highlighted their commitment to inspiring future generations of cricket enthusiasts. The young fans were thrilled to meet their idols and engage in playful activities, creating a heartwarming and memorable experience for all involved.

Ian Bishop, a renowned cricket commentator, has strongly advocated for Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the batting for India in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about Jaiswal's recent form in the IPL, Bishop believes his left-handedness and quality make him an ideal choice for the top order.Bishop's endorsement comes amidst speculation that Jaiswal may be overlooked in favor of experienced veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Bishop argues that Jaiswal's left-handedness would provide diversity to the batting lineup and pose different challenges for opposing bowlers."If Jaiswal is in that XI, he brings quality when he is in form, and also the left-handedness. So you're asking different questions of the bowling opposition," Bishop explained.Bishop's opinion differs from that of Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, who has suggested Jaiswal bat at number three. However, Bishop maintains his preference for Kohli as an opener."I like Virat Kohli at the top, I have said that for the last couple of years, not just for this tournament," Bishop said.Bishop also emphasized the importance of diversity in the batting order, selecting Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batsman due to Pant's left-handedness. Despite Samson's impressive IPL performance in 2024, Bishop believes Pant's recent form and higher strike rate make him a more suitable choice.India's quest for a second T20 World Cup title begins on June 5 against Ireland in New York. Bishop's insights and analysis provide valuable perspectives on the team's potential lineup and strategies for success in the tournament.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked speculation about a potential change in India's opening combination for the T20 World Cup 2024. Doull, who is currently working as a commentator for the tournament, revealed that he has heard rumors suggesting that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be set to open alongside Rohit Sharma in India's opening match against Ireland.This would be a significant departure from the expected opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Doull believes that Jaiswal's recent form and his ability to provide a left-handed option at the top of the order could make him a valuable asset to the team."I've heard rumors today that Jaiswal was the first into the nets," Doull said on Cricbuzz. "They've given him plenty of opportunity. That would surprise me if they bring him in. Who do they leave out? Shivam Dube? That would surprise me a touch."Doull also expressed his preference for Rishabh Pant to continue batting at No. 3, a role he filled in India's warm-up game against Bangladesh."It was just a way of getting him into that side and splitting up that middle-order combination of left-left-left," Doull said. "I didn't know about Hardik Pandya at the start, so for me, it was where do I fit Rishabh Pant? Take away, let's say, him, Dube and Jadeja... all batting at 5, 6 and 7. And just giving the top order a little point of difference. I'm pleased they gave it a chance against Bangladesh. It worked well. Will they go with it again? I think they should."If Jaiswal does indeed open with Rohit Sharma, it would be a bold move by India. However, it could also pay off, as Jaiswal is a talented young batsman who has shown great promise in recent months.

India's T20 World Cup Opening Combination Remains a MysteryAhead of India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5, head coach Rahul Dravid has remained tight-lipped about the team's opening combination. While Rohit Sharma is expected to partner with Virat Kohli at the top of the order, there is speculation that Yashasvi Jaiswal could also be an option."We've got options, so we are obviously not going to reveal our cards just yet," Dravid said. "We have Rohit and Jaiswal, and Virat opened in the IPL as well."The playing surface at the Nassau County ground has drawn attention due to its inconsistent bounce and sluggish outfield. However, Dravid refused to complain about the pitch conditions."We had three practice sessions here. From the third session onwards, the wicket became better," Dravid said. "But a wicket is a wicket. We don't want to label it as bad or good. It is a wicket and you have to manage and you have to adjust to it."Dravid emphasized that his squad will focus on adapting their game to suit the current state of the ground. "We will not complain about the wicket," he said. "A score of 200 was considered a par in the recently concluded IPL, but here at this venue, it appears to be more than just a par score; it seems like a winning score.""As we talk about T20 cricket, maybe we won't be able to play like that in this tournament," Dravid added. "Maybe in this venue. We will hopefully play in many venues. So, it will be different there. So, it will be important to adapt."Dravid also defended the performance of the players in recent ICC events, acknowledging the team's efforts despite falling short at crucial moments. "To be very honest with you, I think we've actually played really well in these World Cup tournaments," Dravid said. "In terms of our consistency, we've been very consistent.""Yes, we probably haven't been able to get across the line in the knockout game," Dravid admitted. "So, we just probably haven't been able to execute in that last phase. So, hopefully we play good cricket to get ourselves into those positions again and then maybe play good cricket on the day to cross the line."

As the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup approaches, India's captain Rohit Sharma faces the challenge of finalizing the team's playing XI. Despite a dominant warm-up victory against Bangladesh, the lineup remains uncertain, particularly at the top of the batting order.One notable omission from the warm-up match was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was overlooked in favor of Sanju Samson. This decision suggests that Virat Kohli, who missed the match due to a late arrival, will open the batting with Rohit Sharma.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns about this move, arguing that Jaiswal should not be dropped from the XI. Pathan emphasizes the need for more bowling options in the team, citing the lack of bowling depth among the top batsmen."With the selected team, there can be two combinations," Pathan explained. "In one combination, you can play with six bowlers, including Axar Patel, to deepen the batting lineup. In the other combination, you can play with four front-line bowlers and expect Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to bowl."Pathan also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya's bowling contribution. "If Hardik can give you the option of bowling three to four overs, this problem will be largely solved," he said. "Our other batsmen, like Rohit, Virat, or Suryakumar Yadav, can't bowl, which makes us somewhat handicapped."As India prepares to face Ireland in their opening match, the debate over the ideal playing XI and bowling strategy continues. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how India will address these challenges in their quest to end the ICC trophy drought and clinch the T20 World Cup title.