Cricket

Aaqib Javed Set to Take Over as Pakistan's White-Ball Head CoachFormer Pakistan pacer and current national selector Aaqib Javed is poised to be appointed as the permanent head coach for Pakistan's white-ball formats. The appointment is expected to be finalized before the team's upcoming tour of Zimbabwe for a series of ODIs and T20Is.According to reliable sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed, who was initially hesitant to take on the coaching role, has been persuaded by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to assume the responsibility. The Pakistan squad will depart for Harare directly from Australia after their final T20I on Monday, and the new head coach will join them in Zimbabwe.Javed, who currently serves as the senior national selector, possesses extensive coaching experience. He has led the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and recently served as the bowling coach of Sri Lanka. He has also held the positions of bowling coach for Pakistan and head coach of the under-19 side in the past.The PCB initially sought to appoint Australian Jason Gillespie, the Test side's coach, as the white-ball head coach as well. However, Gillespie declined the offer to prioritize time with his family. He was subsequently asked to serve as the interim coach for the white-ball series in Australia after South Africa's Gary Kirsten resigned before the tour.After the Zimbabwe tour, Pakistan will travel to South Africa for a white-ball series and two Tests before returning home in January.

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as the new captain of Pakistan's white-ball teams for their upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The announcement was made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday, following the resignation of former captain Babar Azam earlier this month.Rizwan, 32, has previously led Pakistan in two Test matches against New Zealand in 2020 when Azam was injured. However, this will mark his first time leading the team in limited-overs matches.In a video released by the PCB, Rizwan expressed optimism about Pakistan's chances in Australia, especially after their recent Test series victory against England. He acknowledged the team's past challenges in Australia but expressed confidence in the current squad."There's no doubt that we've faced difficulties in Australia," Rizwan said. "But I believe the team going now will meet the nation's expectations."Rizwan also urged fans to support the team, highlighting their recent success in the Test series against England."In the last series we played in Australia, every match was almost ours to win, but we lost very closely," he added. "We have noticed a few things and will work on them when we go there, taking positives from it. Inshallah, we will beat Australia in Australia."Joining Rizwan in the squad are Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were both included after being dropped from the last two Tests against England. Pakistan recently clinched the Test series against England with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.Rizwan's appointment as captain is seen as a positive step by many cricket experts. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, as well as his ability to lead by example. Under his leadership, Pakistan will be hoping to improve their record in white-ball cricket and challenge for major titles.

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's newly appointed white-ball captain, has emphasized his commitment to serving the team rather than assuming a position of authority. Ahead of Pakistan's upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, Rizwan expressed his determination to lead by example and inspire his teammates to fight for every victory."As a leader, I am here to serve the 15 men of the team," Rizwan stated. "If I start considering myself a king, everything will fall apart." He acknowledged the support and encouragement from the team's management, who have urged them to display unwavering determination.Rizwan outlined his responsibilities as captain, including attending presentations, handling conferences, and carrying out tasks. He emphasized that all players are leaders in their own right and contribute to the team's success.Pakistan has announced 15-member squads for both tours, with Rizwan available for the Australia matches and Zimbabwe ODIs but not the T20Is. The squads include three debutants: Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Sufyan Moqim.

Shubman Gill's leadership debut with the Indian cricket team in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe proved to be a transformative experience for the young batsman. Gill, who had previously captained India A and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, relished the opportunity to lead the national side and believes it brought out the best in him."It is something that I definitely enjoy," Gill said about captaincy. "I think it brings out the best in me when I am out there because I look to be involved in the game. It is something that really brings out the side of me which I enjoy being on the field."Despite the initial setback in the opening game of the series, Gill quickly found his footing as captain, guiding India to four consecutive victories. He acknowledged the pressure that came with the role but emphasized the immense satisfaction of overcoming it and helping the team succeed."There was pressure, I wouldn't say extra pressure but obviously even when you are playing just as a batsman when you don't perform there is a certain kind of pressure that comes along with it," he said. "But I think that's the fun part of it. You kind of feel so many different emotions. Pressure is one of them. And when you get out of that, the satisfaction that you feel is immense."Gill's leadership style was characterized by his understanding of the players and their abilities. Having played with or against many of his teammates at various levels, he felt comfortable in his role and was able to effectively communicate with them."To be able to lead such phenomenal talented players, who I have had the pleasure to play with or against at some stage in age-group cricket or Under-19 or at the India level, it just feels very amazing," Gill said. "When you have played against or with so many of the players... I think almost with everyone I have played against or with at some age-group level, it definitely makes my job easier because I understand them at a player level and I understand them as a person as well."Reflecting on the team's performance in the series, Gill identified the first T20I as a learning experience. He admitted that India failed to assess the conditions properly, leading to their defeat."I think that is the mistake we did in the first T20, the score wasn't that big but I think we didn't assess the conditions as early and we lost too many wickets in the powerplay and then once you are under pressure, then you are always behind in the game," he said.While Gill did not name any specific captain as his idol, he expressed admiration for Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities."You can take qualities from Rohit bhai or even Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai, Virat (Kohli) bhai, Hardik (Pandya) bhai, all of them," he said. "All of them have great qualities. I have played the most under Rohit bhai, so he is someone who I look up to and really enjoy playing under."

Sanju Samson, India's vice-captain for the T20I tour of Zimbabwe, reminisced about his experience as part of the T20 World Cup-winning team last month. The emotions from the victorious scenes in Barbados still linger in his mind, describing it as an unforgettable experience."The emotions are still fresh. The photos are still around. It was an incredible experience. I couldn't stop smiling. I feel very fortunate to have been part of that team. Credit goes to everyone who contributed. It was a complete team effort," Samson expressed to broadcasters.Regarding the changes in the team, including the inclusion of Mukesh Kumar and Riyan Parag, and his role as deputy to Shubman Gill, Samson commented, "There will be some adjustments in the batting order, and I hope to get some time in the middle. I've been leading Rajasthan Royals for the past four years.""I've had the privilege of working with legends and mentoring young players. As a captain, you gain a deeper understanding of the game and consider the team's needs. I've been improving in that aspect," he added.Zimbabwe fast-bowler Richard Ngarava expressed his recovery from fitness issues. "I've worked hard over the past month. I had a knee problem, but I'm happy to be back in the team. I've learned a lot from playing in the T20 leagues. You encounter various coaches and fitness trainers, which helps you improve. Ultimately, it's about executing the basics well."When asked about the effectiveness of his bowling partnership with Blessing Muzarabani, Ngarava said, "We've been in the same academy for a long time. He's someone who motivates me when I'm down, and I do the same for him. We hope to continue taking wickets and aim for a five-wicket haul in the same match."

Suryakumar Yadav maintains his second position in the ICC Men's T20I batting rankings, while Ruturaj Gaikwad makes significant progress to climb to seventh place. The rankings reflect the performances of players in the ongoing Zimbabwe tour, where India's backup players have showcased their talent.Gaikwad's impressive 77 not out in the second T20I against Zimbabwe has propelled him up 13 places in the rankings. Other Indian batters who have made gains include Rinku Singh (up four places to 39th) and Abhishek Sharma (debuts at 75th).In the bowlers' rankings, Axar Patel remains the lone Indian in the top 10 at ninth position, despite dropping two places. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah have also slipped down the rankings.However, there have been some notable movements in the top 10 of the bowling rankings, with Adam Zampa, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Maheesh Theekshana gaining positions. India's Ravi Bishnoi has jumped eight places to 14th after taking six wickets in the first two games against Zimbabwe.In the T20I all-rounders' rankings, Hardik Pandya has dropped a place to second, while Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka has moved to pole position. India's Washington Sundar has entered the top 50, while Axar Patel is placed 12th.The Zimbabwe tour has provided an opportunity for India's backup players to stake their claim for a regular place in the side, especially with the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. The performances of Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and Abhishek Sharma have been particularly encouraging.

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Indian cricket, showcased his exceptional skills as a wicket-keeper batsman during India's second T20I against Zimbabwe. On the auspicious occasion of MS Dhoni's 43rd birthday, Jurel executed a brilliant run-out that would have made the legendary wicket-keeper proud.After India posted a formidable 234 runs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's swashbuckling century, Zimbabwe's chase faltered at 76/6. In the 12th over, Jurel seized his moment. Wellington Masakadza attempted a quick single, but Jurel's lightning-fast reflexes and accurate throw caught him short of the crease.The run-out was a testament to Jurel's exceptional fielding abilities and quick thinking. It was a moment that echoed the brilliance of MS Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time.Jurel, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is making his T20I debut on the tour to Zimbabwe. His impressive performances have come at a time when India is transitioning to a younger team, following the retirement of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.Earlier this year, Jurel made his mark in Test cricket, playing the final three Tests in England's tour of India. He impressed with his batting and wicket-keeping skills, winning the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test.While Rishabh Pant remains India's undisputed first-choice wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel's performances are putting him in contention for a regular spot in the team. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the Indian side.Jurel's run-out on Dhoni's birthday was a fitting tribute to the legendary cricketer. It showcased the young wicket-keeper's potential and his determination to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old cricketer from Assam, has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the first male cricketer from the state to represent the Indian national team. The momentous occasion unfolded before the first T20I against Zimbabwe, where Parag's father, Parag Das, a former professional cricketer for Assam, had the honor of presenting him with the coveted India cap.Parag's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey to the Indian team began with his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he emerged as the third highest-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals, amassing 573 runs in 15 matches with an impressive strike rate of 149.22.The occasion was imbued with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment, particularly in light of India's recent triumph in the T20 World Cup against South Africa. As the Indian team embarked on a new chapter with a youthful side in Zimbabwe, Parag found himself at the heart of this emotional narrative.Parag's debut was made even more special by the presence of his family. His father, Parag Das, who represented Assam in 43 first-class matches and 32 List-A games, beamed with pride as he placed the India cap on his son's head. His mother's warm embrace added to the heartwarming moment.Parag's debut, along with those of Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel, marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket. With the World Cup-winning players rested for this five-match T20I series, Parag and his fellow debutants have a golden opportunity to make their mark on the international stage.

Shubman Gill, India's newly appointed T20I captain, has outlined his plans for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Gill confirmed that he will open the batting with Punjab teammate Abhishek Sharma, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at number three.This series marks the beginning of a new era for India in the shortest format, as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Gill acknowledged the pressure of filling the void left by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but emphasized that each player has their own goals and aspirations.Gill stressed the importance of performing well as a team, regardless of the pressure associated with a new cycle. He expressed excitement about the opportunity for young players to make their debuts and gain international experience.The Indian team will face challenging conditions in Harare, but Gill is confident that they are prepared. He praised Zimbabwe's T20 team, noting their competitive performance in the recent ODI series.Gill believes that his experience as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL will help him navigate the challenges of leading India in an international series. He emphasized the mental aspects of captaincy, such as instilling confidence in players to execute their skills on the field.