Cricket

Yuvraj Singh, the iconic Indian cricketer and brand ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, has expressed his ardent desire to witness his close friend Rohit Sharma donning a World Cup medal as India's captain. Yuvraj, who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and ODI World Cup victory in 2011, believes Rohit possesses the leadership qualities necessary to guide India to glory in the upcoming tournament.Yuvraj emphasized the importance of a captain who can make sound decisions under pressure, and he believes Rohit fits the bill perfectly. "He's the one to take them," Yuvraj asserted. "He was the captain when we lost in the 50-over (2023 World Cup) final. He has won five IPL trophies (for Mumbai Indians) as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India."Yuvraj's friendship with Rohit dates back to their early days in the Indian team. He fondly recalled Rohit's debut during the 2007 Ireland tour, when Yuvraj was already an established member of the white-ball squad. Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, and Yuvraj described Rohit as a "great guy at heart" who has remained humble despite his immense success."Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys. A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket," Yuvraj said of Rohit. "I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal (as captain). He really deserves it."India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. Yuvraj's presence as brand ambassador and his unwavering support for Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly inspire the Indian team as they strive to bring home the coveted trophy.

Shivam Dube's journey to the Indian T20 World Cup squad was marked by anticipation and sleepless nights. After a three-year absence, Dube earned a recall in August 2023, showcasing his transformed role as a spin-hitter for Chennai Super Kings.Dube's IPL success translated into international brilliance in January 2024. He smashed consecutive half-centuries against Afghanistan, earning the Player of the Series award. Captain Rohit Sharma's encouragement to bowl and bat freely boosted his confidence.At IPL 2024, Dube has continued his six-hitting prowess, ranking third in the tournament. He credits his batting transformation to his move to CSK, where MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming encouraged him to focus on hitting without taking undue risks.Dube's batting style has drawn comparisons to Yuvraj Singh, a legend known for his clean hitting. Dube acknowledges the resemblance and aspires to develop the same consistency. He has learned from Yuvraj's ability to cover up slow starts with explosive finishes.Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. His ability to hit big against spinners and his improved bowling skills make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the inclusion of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's squad has sparked a debate. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of their experience while also acknowledging the need for a generational shift.Yuvraj believes that Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to retire on their own terms, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket. However, he personally feels that the T20 World Cup could be an opportune moment for them to step away from the shortest format."As you get older, people start talking about your age and forget about your form," Yuvraj said. "These guys have been great players for India and they deserve to go (retire) when they want."Yuvraj suggests that Rohit and Kohli could focus on other formats of the game, such as ODIs and Test matches, while allowing younger players to take the reins in T20 cricket. This would not only reduce the workload on the experienced players but also provide opportunities for the next generation to showcase their talent."I would like to see more younger players in the T20 format because it gets the load off them (experienced players) playing 50-over (ODIs) and Test matches," Yuvraj explained. "After this (T20) World Cup, I would like to see a lot of younger guys come into the team and make the T20 side for the next World Cup."The presence of Kohli and Sharma in the T20 team has drawn mixed reactions. Some believe that their experience and leadership are invaluable, while others argue that it's time for a fresh start. Yuvraj acknowledges the need to balance the experience of veterans with the enthusiasm of youth."India should focus on building a team for the future," Yuvraj said. "That doesn't mean that Rohit and Kohli should be dropped immediately, but it does mean that we need to start thinking about the next generation."As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the debate over the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli will likely continue. Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and the team management, who must weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador, has expressed his admiration for Dinesh Karthik's performance with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, he believes that the experienced wicketkeeper should only be included in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup if he is assured a place in the starting lineup."DK (Karthik) has been batting well, but the thing with DK is the last time (2022) they picked him and the T20 WC was on he didn't get to play," Yuvraj said.Yuvraj emphasized that if Karthik is not going to be a part of the playing XI, there is little point in selecting him for the squad. He pointed out that there are other talented wicketkeepers like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, who are both in excellent form and are also younger than Karthik."If DK is not in your XI I don't think there is any point in picking him. There is Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and both guys are in great form and obviously they are younger. I would like to see DK in the mix, but if he is not going to play then you would rather have someone who is younger and can make the difference," added the former T20 World Cup winner.Dinesh Karthik has been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite batting lower down the order for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has scored 262 runs in nine matches. As a result, his significant contributions have sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Yuvraj's comments come as India prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 9th to July 1st. India is one of the favorites to win the tournament, and Yuvraj believes that Karthik could be a valuable addition to the squad if he is given a clear role."If he is going to be in the XI and he is going to play, then I think he is a great option. But if he is not going to play, then I think you have to look at other options," Yuvraj said.The final decision on whether or not to include Karthik in India's squad for the T20 World Cup will be made by the selectors. However, Yuvraj's comments are likely to be taken into consideration, as he is one of the most experienced and successful cricketers in India's history.

Yuvraj Singh Weighs In on Mumbai Indians' Captaincy Change: Rohit Sharma Deserved Another YearLegendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh has expressed his opinion on the Mumbai Indians' (MI) decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain for the IPL 2024 season. Singh believes that Rohit should have been given another year at the helm, citing his impressive track record as captain.Speaking on Star Sports, Yuvraj emphasized the significance of Rohit's leadership credentials. Under his captaincy, MI has won five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history. While acknowledging the strategic move of bringing in Hardik Pandya as a leader, Yuvraj suggested that Rohit could have continued as captain for another season, with Pandya serving as his deputy."Rohit Sharma is a 5-time IPL winner as a captain. Removing him is a big decision. I would have gotten someone in, like they brought Hardik (Pandya), but I still would have given Rohit one more season and let Hardik be the vice captain and see how the whole franchise works," said Yuvraj.Yuvraj acknowledged the need for franchises to consider the future, but stressed the value Rohit brings to the team, both as a leader and a player for India. He highlighted the challenge of managing a powerhouse franchise like MI, where expectations are always sky-high."I understand from the franchise's point of view, they have to see the future of the franchise. But then again, Rohit is captaining India and still playing well, so it's a big decision," added Yuvraj.While acknowledging Hardik Pandya's talent, Yuvraj cautioned that leading a team like MI would pose different challenges compared to his previous stint with Gujarat Titans. He emphasized the weight of expectations that come with leading a team of MI's stature, given their illustrious history in the IPL."In terms of talent, yes, he has great talent. Being captain of Gujarat will be different from being captain of Mumbai. Expectations are a lot. Mumbai Indians have been a big side," Yuvraj remarked.Yuvraj's comments highlight the importance of experienced leadership in a successful IPL franchise. While Hardik Pandya is a talented player, it remains to be seen whether he can replicate the success Rohit Sharma has achieved as captain of the Mumbai Indians.

Yuvraj Singh, the legendary Indian cricketer, has refuted rumors of his political aspirations in Gurdaspur, Punjab. The former all-rounder, known for his exceptional batting and bowling skills, has clarified that his focus remains on philanthropy and supporting people in need.Singh's illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he played a pivotal role in India's triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. His stylish left-handed batting and effective spin bowling earned him immense popularity both on and off the field.Despite retiring from cricket, Singh remains actively involved in charitable work through his foundation, YOUWECAN. He has expressed his commitment to continue his philanthropic endeavors, stating, "My passion lies in supporting and helping people in various capacities, and I will continue to do so through my foundation."Recently, Singh commented on the captaincy change at Mumbai Indians, with Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma. He acknowledged the importance of promoting young talent but emphasized the value of experience. "In franchise cricket, it always gets tough as you get old. Every franchise is always looking to promote a young player on whom they have spent a lot, and that is only fair. But then, there can't be a replacement for experience," Singh said.Singh's denial of political ambitions comes amidst speculation about his potential entry into the electoral fray. However, he has made it clear that his focus remains on his charitable work and supporting people in need.