Cricket

India's Next Generation Ready to Shine as Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Retire from T20IsAfter their T20 World Cup triumph, India is embarking on a new era in the shortest format with a series against Zimbabwe. While several key players have been rested, the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have opened the door for a new generation of Indian cricketers.Andy Flower, former Zimbabwe captain and current RCB head coach, believes that India's domestic structure will ensure a seamless transition. "There are readymade replacements for the guys who've retired," he said. "India will keep producing these greats. There is always someone ready to come in."Flower highlighted several players to watch in the Zimbabwe series, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag. He praised Jaiswal's talent, Gill's intelligence, and Sharma's all-around abilities.Regarding Zimbabwe, Flower emphasized the threat posed by Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani. "Raza is their biggest player, even at 38," he said. "Muzarabani can trouble the Indian batters with his bounce."Flower also shared his thoughts on Kohli's retirement, expressing surprise and admiration for the former Indian captain. "I really enjoyed working with Virat in the IPL last season," he said. "He is a brilliant role model and an outstanding professional sportsperson."Flower acknowledged the growing popularity of the T20 World Cup but cautioned against oversaturation. "I think there's a danger in playing a T20 World Cup every two years... it becomes commonplace," he said. "I like the rarity of a World Cup."Despite the high scores in the IPL, Flower believes that the balance between bat and ball will remain crucial. "The tempo and the power game is going to continue in the IPL," he said. "But in the World Cup, some of the small scores were mainly due to the pitches on offer."

Riyan Parag's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a call-up to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Parag, who was the third-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 573 runs in 16 matches, had expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the T20 World Cup, which India won after defeating South Africa in the final.Despite his disappointment, Parag has remained focused on his cricket and has been rewarded with a place in the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe series. Former India pacer S Sreesanth has criticized Parag for his earlier remarks, stating that young players should prioritize patriotism and support the team regardless of their selection.Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The team traveled to Zimbabwe right after the T20 World Cup 2024, where they will play five T20I encounters between July 6-14.India's squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe:* Shubman Gill (Captain)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Ruturaj Gaikwad* Abhishek Sharma* Rinku Singh* Sanju Samson* Dhruv Jurel* Nitish Reddy* Riyan Parag* Washington Sundar* Ravi Bishnoi* Avesh Khan* Khaleel Ahmed* Mukesh Kumar* Tushar Deshpande

Riyan Parag, the rising star from Assam, is poised to make his international debut for Team India in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The all-rounder, who has been a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is determined to inspire aspiring cricketers from his home state.Parag believes that his international journey can serve as a roadmap for young players in Assam, demonstrating that even those from smaller states can achieve their dreams. He acknowledges that people from his region often limit their aspirations, but he aims to change that perception.Reflecting on his breakthrough IPL season, Parag credits his improved performances to a shift in mindset and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. After facing criticism and self-doubt, he dedicated himself to analyzing his game, seeking solutions, and expanding his knowledge of cricket.The Rajasthan Royals management's decision to promote Parag to the number four batting position proved pivotal. He responded with a remarkable season, amassing 573 runs in 16 matches with an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of over 149. His consistent batting played a crucial role in RR's qualification for the playoffs.Parag's transformation required significant sacrifices and a commitment to fitness. He underwent rigorous training sessions at the Rajasthan Royals Academy, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. He also made conscious choices regarding his diet and sleep habits, recognizing the importance of maintaining peak physical condition.The all-rounder attributes his newfound maturity and improved batting form to the pain he experienced during his struggles. He realized the need to block out external noise and focus on his own expectations. Parag credits his support system, including his family and the Rajasthan Royals management, for helping him navigate the challenges.Parag's relationship with RR skipper Sanju Samson has also been instrumental in his growth. Samson's trust and guidance have allowed Parag to develop his leadership skills and gain valuable experience on the field.As Parag embarks on his international career, he is eager to make a positive impact and inspire future generations of cricketers. He believes that his journey can serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the unwavering support of those around him.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has endorsed the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Sehwag believes Gill is the ideal candidate to eventually succeed Rohit Sharma as India's permanent captain.Gill, who has impressed in all three formats, will lead an inexperienced squad in Zimbabwe. The series will serve as a platform for young players to showcase their talent and stake a claim for future selection.Sehwag praised Gill's leadership qualities and suggested that he has the potential to become a long-term captain for India. "Shubman Gill is a player who plays all three formats. He's had a great last year. He was unlucky to miss out on the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to me, it is the right decision to make him the captain. When Rohit Sharma leaves tomorrow, Shubman Gill will be his right replacement for captaincy," Sehwag said.The squad for the Zimbabwe series includes a mix of experienced and uncapped players. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson are the only two players from the main T20 World Cup squad, while promising youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Riyan Parag have received maiden call-ups.The series will provide an opportunity for these young players to gain valuable international experience and demonstrate their abilities. The first match will be played on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club, with the second and third matches scheduled for the same venue on July 7 and 14, respectively.

Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic all-rounder, makes a much-anticipated return to Bangladesh's T20I squad after an absence of nearly a year. The 36-year-old has been named in the team for the final two matches of the series against Zimbabwe in Dhaka, scheduled for May 11 and 12.Shakib's inclusion is a major boost for Bangladesh, who have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. The veteran all-rounder, who last played a T20I in July 2023, will provide much-needed experience and leadership to the side.Also returning to the squad are Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahman. Sarkar, a hard-hitting opener, has been out with a knee injury since March, while Rahman, a pace bowler, has been rested after a busy IPL campaign with Chennai Super Kings.The trio of Shakib, Sarkar, and Rahman replace Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, and Shoriful Islam. Emon and Afif missed all three games of the series, while Shoriful played the first two matches.Shakib's return is particularly significant as he was Bangladesh's captain when he last played T20Is. He was instrumental in building the team towards this year's T20 World Cup, but injuries hampered his progress. Najmul Hossain Shanto has since taken over the captaincy in all formats.Mustafizur's return will also bolster Bangladesh's bowling attack. The left-arm pacer has been in impressive form in the IPL, taking 10 wickets in 11 matches.Soumya's inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup. The left-handed opener is known for his aggressive style of play and will be looking to make a strong impact on his return from injury.The final two T20Is against Zimbabwe will provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup. The squad for the tournament is expected to be announced on May 13, the day after the last T20I in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has defended its decision to recall Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series, despite the fast bowler's impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.BCB's cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, stated that Mustafizur has nothing more to gain from playing in the IPL. "Mustafizur's learning process is over. Rather, there are many players in IPL who can learn from him. Bangladesh will not benefit from this," Yunus said.Yunus emphasized that the BCB's primary concern is Mustafizur's fitness. "They [CSK] don't have a headache about his fitness, but we do. The reason we are bringing back Mustafizur is not just to play in the Zimbabwe series, but if he is brought here, we will plan him with the workload. But that plan won't happen if he's in IPL," he added.Mustafizur has been a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, taking 10 wickets in the first five matches. However, Yunus believes that Mustafizur's experience in the IPL is not necessary for his development."We are letting Mustafizur play till May 1. He's coming back on May 2 and will be available from the following day," Yunus said.Mustafizur is expected to play a crucial role in Bangladesh's T20I series against Zimbabwe, which will be followed by a series against the United States of America.