Cricket

With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, experts and former cricketers have been speculating about the Indian team's strongest XI. Sanjay Manjrekar, a renowned cricket analyst, recently shared his thoughts on the matter, expressing his belief that Yashasvi Jaiswal would not make the cut if both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are available.Manjrekar explained that the batting order would likely feature Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the opening pair, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He then opted for Rishabh Pant at number four, ahead of Sanju Samson, despite Samson's recent impressive form."I want Pant to get into those India colors very early in the tournament because he is a big-match player," Manjrekar said. "India's problem in ICC events has been winning the semis or finals, and they need their big-match players to be feeling good."Manjrekar's decision to exclude Jaiswal from his XI stems from the presence of Kohli and Sharma. "When you look at the batting order, you can see how it pans out. Opening pair: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli. Unfortunately, there's no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal because Virat will not bat at number three; that's a reality we have embraced," he said.With only one spot available for either Jaiswal or Shivam Dube, Manjrekar believes Dube is more likely to get the nod. This decision highlights the intense competition within the Indian team, with several talented players vying for a place in the starting lineup.

Former England cricket captain Eoin Morgan has expressed his preference for Shubman Gill over Yashasvi Jaiswal in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Jaiswal was included in the 15-member squad along with Rohit Sharma as designated openers, while Gill was named in the reserves.Morgan, who played alongside Gill in the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes that Gill's leadership qualities and ability to perform in big moments would have made him a valuable asset to the team. "The only decision I probably would have had differently if I was selecting a squad was - I have would have had Shubman Gill over Yashasvi Jaiswal," Morgan said during an interaction on Sky Sports."Because I played alongside Shubman Gill. I know how he thinks. I know how he works. For me, he is a future leader within that side and I think in big moments, you need the more leaders the better. Even if he is just sitting on the sideline, you need inspiration from here and there and everywhere," he added.Gill had a successful IPL 2024 season, scoring 426 runs for the Gujarat Titans. Jaiswal, on the other hand, scored 435 runs for the Rajasthan Royals. However, the selectors opted for Jaiswal, citing his recent form and ability to play spin bowling.Meanwhile, Rinku Singh, who was also overlooked for the World Cup squad, expressed his disappointment but vowed to continue working hard. "Yes, anyone feels a little bad if he is not selected despite good performance. However, this time I could not get selected due to the team combination. It is okay, one should not think too much about things that are not in one's hands," he told Dainik Jagran."Yes, I was a little upset in the beginning. Whatever happened is fine. Whatever happens happens for good. Rohit Bhaiya did not say anything special. He only said that just keep working hard. There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much. This is what he said to me," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav's Witty Banter with Yashasvi Jaiswal as Team India Prepares for T20 World CupAs the Indian cricket team gears up for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in New York, star batter Suryakumar Yadav couldn't resist engaging in some light-hearted banter with his young teammate, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.Jaiswal, who arrived in New York as part of the second batch of the Indian contingent, shared a photo on Instagram showcasing his exploration of the city's streets. Yadav, known for his quick wit, seized the opportunity to comment, "Sambhaal ke. Garden me ghoomega toh pata hai na," referencing a popular line from a Bollywood film.The Indian team, which landed in New York in two batches, is currently undergoing preparations for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the USA and the West Indies from June 2. The first batch included captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, while the second batch had Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, and Jaiswal.India, placed in Group A, will face arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Ireland, and Canada. They will kick off their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. Additionally, they have a warm-up match scheduled against Bangladesh on June 1.The team is aiming to bounce back after crashing out in the semi-finals of the previous edition, where they lost to eventual champions England. India's last T20 World Cup title came in the inaugural edition in 2007, when a young team led by MS Dhoni emerged victorious.

As the T20 World Cup draws near, the Indian squad has assembled in the US, sparking discussions about the optimal 15-member team. Former England captain Eoin Morgan has expressed his preference for Shubman Gill over Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad.Morgan, speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, stated that he would have included Gill in the 15 instead of Jaiswal. He praised Gill's leadership qualities and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.Jaiswal, a talented batsman, has made a strong start to his international career, scoring over 1000 runs in Tests and 500 runs in T20Is. However, Morgan believes that Gill's experience and leadership potential make him a more valuable asset for the World Cup.Gill has also impressed in international cricket since his debut in 2019. He has scored centuries in all three formats and has a proven track record of performing under pressure.Morgan emphasized the importance of having multiple leaders in a World Cup squad, even if they are not playing. He believes that Gill's presence, even on the sidelines, can provide inspiration and positivity to the team.The BCCI selectors' decision to include Jaiswal as a traveling reserve has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that Gill's experience and leadership qualities should have earned him a spot in the main squad.As the World Cup approaches, the debate over India's squad selection is likely to continue. Morgan's comments have added fuel to the discussion, highlighting the importance of leadership and experience in a tournament where every match is crucial.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has proposed a bold strategy for India's batting lineup in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He suggests that the team should field Rishabh Pant as the preferred wicketkeeper and pair him with Yashasvi Jaiswal as skipper Rohit Sharma's opening partner. This move would introduce left-handed variation into the batting order, making it more challenging for opposing bowlers.Yuvraj's proposal stems from the impressive performances of both Pant and Jaiswal in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Pant has been in scintillating form for Delhi Capitals, while Jaiswal has emerged as a promising opener for Rajasthan Royals. Yuvraj believes that their left-handed batting style would complement the right-handed Rohit, creating a more balanced and unpredictable lineup.The former World Cup winner also emphasizes the importance of maintaining Virat Kohli at number three, where he has been in exceptional form for Royal Challengers Bangalore. With Suryakumar Yadav likely to occupy the number four spot, Yuvraj suggests that India should aim for a combination of left-handed and right-handed batters throughout the order.Yuvraj's preference for Pant over Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper is based on the former's left-handed batting and his ability to win matches for India. While Samson has also been in impressive form for Rajasthan Royals, Yuvraj believes that Pant's left-handedness gives him an edge in the T20 format.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 9 against Ireland in New York. They will then face arch-rivals Pakistan four days later. Yuvraj's proposed batting lineup could provide India with the flexibility and firepower needed to navigate the tournament's challenges and emerge victorious.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), suggesting that it could impact India's opening combination for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Jaiswal, who is considered a potential opener for India in the T20 World Cup, has struggled in recent matches for Rajasthan Royals. In their fourth consecutive defeat, Jaiswal managed just four runs against Punjab Kings.Pathan believes that Jaiswal's current form could lead the Indian team to rethink their opening partnership. "It's a massive area of concern because I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup as he is a left-handed batter," Pathan said on Star Sports. "So the opposing team won't start with a left-arm spinner. They will hesitate a little if he is in form."However, Pathan also acknowledged the dilemma India might face, weighing the option of an in-form Virat Kohli opening alongside Rohit Sharma versus persisting with Jaiswal, who is relatively young and inexperienced. "The team will think whether they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma, or go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is young and inexperienced. So it's extremely necessary for him to come in form," Pathan added.Despite Jaiswal's struggles, Pathan noted the silver lining of him getting more opportunities due to Rajasthan Royals' qualification in the tournament. However, he underscored the impact of Jaiswal's form on the team's performance, particularly in the absence of Jos Buttler."The good thing for Yashasvi is that he will get chances because his team has qualified, and if they make a place in the top two, he will get more chances. Keeping that in mind, there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well," Pathan said.Observing Jaiswal's dismissal against Punjab, Pathan analyzed the opener's approach and suggested that he seemed unsettled and indecisive, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian left-hander, has caught the attention of legendary batsman Brian Lara, who believes Jaiswal has the potential to achieve remarkable feats, including challenging Lara's own record-breaking 400 not out.Lara's admiration for Jaiswal stems from their close relationship, which developed during their interactions over the past year. Their bond strengthened during the IPL, where Lara coached the Sunrisers Hyderabad while Jaiswal played for the Rajasthan Royals. They engaged in "4 am conversations," fostering a strong connection between the two left-handers.Since IPL 2023, Jaiswal has become a key player in India's Test and T20 teams. His exceptional performances in Test cricket are particularly noteworthy, with an impressive average of nearly 70 and three centuries to his name, including two double centuries in the recent home series against England.What has truly impressed Lara is Jaiswal's remarkable skill in adapting to the demands of the game. He has shown a unique ability to shift gears according to the game's situation, a quality that Lara finds highly impressive."If I feel my records are threatened, Jaiswal has got a very good chance to do so. He has got capabilities, couple of double hundreds already. He is that good," Lara told PTI editors.Lara, who celebrated his 55th birthday recently, is widely regarded as one of the game's all-time greats, having scored nearly 12,000 runs in Tests and over 10,000 runs in ODIs. His monumental record of the highest individual score, 400 not out against England in 2004, remains a remarkable achievement.Reflecting on his initial encounter with Jaiswal, Lara fondly recalled a light-hearted moment they shared while on the sidelines during the clash between Rajasthan Royals and SRH in the current season."The only thing I can reveal about that (conversation) is I think he is an outstanding young cricketer. What I like about him is that he is very humble and willing to work. The first time I met him (last year), I immediately found myself attached to him.""After the game (SRH vs Royals), I went to the hotel with a friend of mine from the Caribbean who knew Jos Buttler. It was midnight and Jaiswal found me. I promise you I left the hotel at 4 in the morning.""He just wanted to hear more and more and more. That is one of his amazing traits. His ability to want to learn as much as possible. Our conversations are about trying to make him a better cricketer. I am available for anyone that has my number. I am happy to talk cricket."Lara also expressed admiration for another left-hander, Abhishek Sharma, with whom he spent time at SRH."Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander. Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. They want to learn.""What I like about these two, they want to get to great heights. I have great admiration for both."Lara believes that Jaiswal's ability to score quickly and his hunger to bat long make him a potential threat to his record."I think now, the pace that these guys are batting at. And you look at the guys over the years who have challenged that 300-mark and plus. It's Chris Gayle. It's Virender Sehwag. It's Sanath Jayasuriya, It's Inzamam-ul-Haq. It's Matthew Hayden. These are guys who destroy bowling attacks.""So I believe yes, I think it will be broken at some point in time. I think it has to be that person's destiny. Everything has to fall into place. And... I look forward to that time. I hope it happens, while I'm still around," he said.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has identified two uncapped players, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, as crucial to India's success at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.Jaiswal, a left-handed opener, impressed in the ICC World Test Championship series against England, amassing a record tally of runs. His explosive batting at the top of the order and fearless approach make him a valuable asset.Dube, a middle-order batsman, has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Indian Premier League, smashing 26 sixes in 11 matches. His ability to hit sixes at will and his prowess against spin bowling make him a match-winner.Shastri believes Dube's big-hitting could unlock big totals for India in the tournament. "His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions," Shastri said.Dube's impressive IPL performance, averaging over 40 with a strike rate of 170.73, has earned him high praise from Shastri. "He's big, he's strapping, and he hits a long ball," Shastri said.With their explosive batting and match-winning potential, Jaiswal and Dube are expected to play key roles in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory. Their ability to change the game in a matter of balls could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament.

Ravi Shastri Identifies Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube as Key Players for India's T20 World Cup HopesFormer Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has highlighted the importance of two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, in India's quest for glory at the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have been included in India's 15-member squad for the tournament, and Shastri believes they have the potential to make a significant impact.Jaiswal, a left-handed opening batsman, has impressed with his explosive batting in the ongoing IPL, where he has scored 350 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 170.73. Shastri praised Jaiswal's fearless approach and ability to hit big shots at the top of the order."He's young, he's fearless, and he'll play shots," Shastri said. "He's got the potential to be a match-winner for India."Dube, another left-hander, has also caught Shastri's eye with his power-hitting in the middle order. In the IPL, Dube has smashed 26 sixes in 11 matches, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease."He's explosive, he's devastating, and he's a match-winner," Shastri said. "He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you."Shastri believes that Dube's big-hitting ability could be crucial for India in the T20 World Cup, where teams often need to score big totals to win matches."His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions," Shastri said.With Jaiswal and Dube in the squad, India has added depth and firepower to its batting lineup. Shastri is confident that both players can deliver match-winning performances on the global stage."The two gentlemen you've got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup," Shastri said. "They hold the key for India."