Cricket

India's T20 World Cup Squad Selection: Hardik Pandya's Bowling Form Under ScrutinyIn a crucial meeting held in Mumbai, India captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar discussed the composition of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The primary focus was on the selection of fast bowling all-rounders, a position that has posed a challenge for the selectors.Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the team was a key topic of discussion. The trio decided that Pandya's regular bowling performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season will be a determining factor in his selection. Pandya, who is leading the Mumbai Indians this season, has struggled with his bowling form, taking only three wickets in 11 overs and conceding runs at an alarming economy rate of 12 per over.The Indian team management hopes that Pandya can regain his bowling rhythm, as his seam bowling provides balance to the playing XI and his powerful hitting adds depth to the batting lineup.Another player under consideration is Shivam Dube, who has impressed with the bat but has been limited to the role of an Impact Player by his franchise, Chennai Super Kings. The selectors are closely monitoring his performances, as he could be a potential option as a fast bowling all-rounder.The Indian selection committee is expected to meet later this month to finalize the squad for the T20 World Cup. The performance of the hopefuls in the ongoing IPL will play a significant role in their decision-making process.

Nottinghamshire's Vitality County Championship match against Worcestershire ended in a draw due to persistent rain and strong winds on the final day. The match, played at Trent Bridge, was poised for an exciting finish after Nottinghamshire collapsed from 125 for 1 to 144 for 7 on Sunday.Nottinghamshire had gained a first-innings lead of 44 runs, thanks to centuries from Ben Slater (70), Haseeb Hameed (105), and Liam James (96). However, Worcestershire fought back with a strong bowling performance, led by Kiwi Nathan Smith, who claimed four wickets in seven balls.With Nottinghamshire's lead reduced to 195 runs and only three wickets remaining, Worcestershire sensed an opportunity for victory. However, the weather intervened, and play was abandoned without a ball being bowled on the final day.Nottinghamshire took 14 points from the draw, while Worcestershire earned 13. The result leaves Nottinghamshire in fifth place in the Division One standings, while Worcestershire remains in eighth.The match was one of three in the East Midlands to be abandoned due to rain on the final day. Leicestershire's match against Glamorgan and Derbyshire's match against Northamptonshire also ended in draws.The weather has played a significant role in the Vitality County Championship season so far, with several matches being affected by rain and wind. This has led to a number of draws, which has made it difficult for teams to gain momentum and move up the standings.

Dinesh Karthik, the 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has ignited the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his exceptional performances in the ongoing season. His blistering 35-ball 83 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday night has reignited the debate about his inclusion in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Karthik's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. In just seven matches, he has amassed 226 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 205. His two impressive fifties have showcased his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at will.The clamor for Karthik's inclusion in the World Cup squad has gained momentum on social media. Former India teammate Ambati Rayudu has also voiced his support, praising Karthik's late heroics against Sunrisers. However, former T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan has expressed a different view.Pathan believes that Karthik's inclusion is unlikely despite his current form. He argues that it would be unfair to sideline current players like Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma, who have been part of the regular scheme of things.Karthik faces stiff competition for the T20 World Cup slot. Pant, Samson, KL Rahul, and Sharma are all vying for the wicketkeeper-batter role. The squad announcement is expected later this month, and the selectors will have a tough decision to make.Karthik's experience and recent form make him a strong contender for the World Cup squad. However, the selectors must also consider the long-term prospects of younger players like Pant and Samson. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's strategy and the specific roles they want each player to fulfill.

In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs, extinguishing Rohit Sharma's century-scoring effort.CSK's batting prowess was on full display as Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad laid the foundation with impressive fifties. Dube remained unbeaten on 66, while Gaikwad contributed 69 runs off just 40 deliveries.The highlight of CSK's innings came in the final over, where MS Dhoni unleashed his vintage power-hitting. Dhoni smashed three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya, propelling CSK to a formidable total of 206 for four.In response, Rohit Sharma played a lone hand for MI, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off 63 balls. However, his valiant effort lacked support from his teammates. Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the star performer for CSK, claiming four wickets for 28 runs.Pathirana's double-wicket over in the powerplay, dismissing Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, proved crucial. Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande also played key roles, bowling two tight overs that stifled MI's chase.Despite Rohit's century, MI fell short of the target, finishing on 186 for six. The victory marked CSK's first away win of the season and lifted them to third place in the standings. MI, on the other hand, suffered their fourth defeat in six matches, remaining in eighth position.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, will face Delhi Capitals in a crucial match on Wednesday, April 12, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Titans have struggled to find consistency in the ongoing season, while the Capitals have faced challenges with injuries and form.Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, have managed only two wins from their first six games. The absence of star pacer Mohammad Shami has been a significant setback, but Umesh Yadav has stepped up with seven wickets. However, his economy rate remains a concern. Spinner Rashid Khan has been economical but needs to contribute more with the bat.Delhi Capitals, captained by Rishabh Pant, have also had a disappointing start to the season. After four losses in five games, they secured a much-needed victory against Lucknow Super Giants. The return of Kuldeep Yadav has boosted their bowling attack, and Jack Fraser-McGurk has impressed as a number three batsman.However, the Capitals have struggled to find a settled playing eleven due to injuries and poor form. Anrich Nortje has been expensive, while Mukesh Kumar has conceded runs at a high rate. The batting has been heavily reliant on Pant, who has been in excellent form.The match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals promises to be a close contest. The Titans will be eager to find their winning ways, while the Capitals will be desperate to improve their position in the standings. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams' playoff hopes.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya's leadership abilities as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathan believes that Pandya's inability to adapt to match situations and lack of a clear plan have contributed to MI's poor performance so far."Hardik needs to manage MI really well. Whenever MI lost, Pandya had a big role to play," Pathan said. "He needs to be aware of the situation and have a Plan A and Plan B. He is not a newbie, he has been playing for so many years. If he is not going to use his own experience and be smart about it, he will be found out."Pathan also questioned Pandya's decision-making during MI's recent loss to the Rajasthan Royals. "Even yesterday, Akash Madhwal didn't bowl the last over, you need to give responsibility to him. When Shreyas Gopal got the wicket of Rachin Ravindra, why didn't you give him another over? He only bowled one over... there was some slowness in the pitch and you need to adapt quickly, unfortunately, Pandya has not been able to adapt so far."Pathan acknowledged that Pandya had a successful run as captain of the Gujarat Titans under coach Ashish Nehra, but he emphasized that the MI support staff is also trying to help Pandya. "They are trying to help, it is up to Hardik Pandya," Pathan said.Pathan also expressed his disappointment over the possibility of Shivam Dube not being selected for the T20 World Cup. "Eventually there will be a time when Shivam Dube will put pressure on Pandya, the kind of hitting ability that Dube has, the way he has murdered the spinners, no one comes closer to him in Indian batting in the middle order, he is the best now," Pathan said. "I will be highly disappointed if he doesn't go to the World Cup."Regarding India's bowling line-up for the World Cup, Pathan emphasized the need for a gun left-arm pacer and a wrist spinner. "I want selectors to have an in-form bowling line-up, you will have (Jasprit) Bumrah, probably a left-arm spinner in Jadeja or Axar Patel, a good wrist spinner, who will be wicket-taker in the middle overs. Get a gun left-armer who is in form, which we missed so many years now. If Arshdeep Singh can bowl like he is doing but also keep an eye on Mohsin Khan."Pathan also discussed the impact rule in the IPL, expressing concerns about its long-term effects on Indian cricket. "This rule is not that great for Indian cricket in the long term, see Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Dube is not bowling, lots of all-rounders are not able to bowl. You want the youngsters to be part of the game," he said. "I am really worried about the allrounder, eventually going forward we will have to think about this aspect."

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) endured a dismal outing on Monday, conceding a record-breaking 287 runs to SunRisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite valiant efforts from Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis, RCB fell short by 25 runs, marking their fifth consecutive loss in IPL 2024.The defeat further jeopardizes RCB's playoff hopes, as they languish at the bottom of the 10-team standings. RCB is one of three teams, along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, to have played in the IPL since its inception in 2008 without ever winning the tournament.In the wake of RCB's latest setback, Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi expressed his frustration on social media, calling for the BCCI to enforce the sale of the franchise to a new owner. "For the sake of the Sport, the IPL, the fans, and even the players, I think BCCI needs to enforce the Sale of RCB to a New owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so," Bhupathi tweeted.Bhupathi's comments echo those of former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, who recently questioned RCB's inability to perform despite boasting a star-studded lineup. "What I like about the fact the RCB have never won is it proves to me that team sport is not just about individuals," Vaughan said. "You can go and buy all the biggest individual names and put them into a team but it doesn't mean you're going to win."Vaughan believes that RCB's struggles stem from a lack of team cohesion and a failure to identify specific roles for each player. "They've signed some incredible players - AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Faf - unbelievable players," he said. "But it tells you unless you get the whole team operating and every single play knowing the roles and identifying different roles for different people, I don't see the RCBs doing that."

Mumbai Indians' recent 20-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya's place in India's T20 World Cup squad. Pandya, who has been struggling with both bat and ball, has come under fire from former cricketers and fans alike.Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad took to social media to express his doubts about Pandya's inclusion in the World Cup team. "I hope and pray that the best 15 T20 players in India are on the plane for the T20 World Cup. We can win the tournament with the talent we have, but it's important to pick the best," Prasad tweeted.Pandya's all-round abilities have made him a mainstay in India's white-ball teams, but his recent form has been a cause for concern. Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull suggested that Pandya should not be picked for the World Cup squad if he cannot consistently bowl.After the defeat against Chennai Super Kings, Pandya admitted that the target was gettable but Mumbai Indians failed to find a solid partnership in the middle order. "The target was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with their plans and approach," Pandya said.Pandya's struggles have coincided with Mumbai Indians' poor start to the IPL season. The team has lost three of its first four matches and is currently languishing at the bottom of the points table.With the T20 World Cup just months away, the pressure is mounting on Pandya to rediscover his form. If he fails to do so, he could find himself out of the Indian team for the tournament.

Toss Controversy in IPL 2024: Srinath's Integrity Questioned, but Video Evidence Exonerates HimIn the aftermath of an enthralling IPL 2024 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a bizarre allegation surfaced on social media, casting doubt on the integrity of match referee Javagal Srinath. Several accounts accused Srinath of manipulating the toss outcome in favor of Mumbai Indians.The accusations stemmed from claims that Srinath flipped the coin's sides while picking it up, potentially altering the result. However, a more detailed video emerged, revealing that Srinath had simply forgotten the call made by RCB captain Faf du Plessis. The video caption dismissed the allegations, urging doubters to seek medical attention.Despite the clarification, another video has gained traction, showing du Plessis and SRH skipper Pat Cummins discussing coin flipping before their IPL 2024 match. While the audio is absent, netizens speculate that they were discussing the coin toss.Meanwhile, the SRH vs RCB match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a flurry of records. SRH's total of 287/3 became the highest in IPL history, with Travis Head smashing a 39-ball century, the fourth-fastest in the tournament.RCB's bowlers struggled to contain SRH's onslaught, as the visitors feasted on a batting paradise. Despite a strong start to the chase, RCB's hopes were dashed by the dismissals of Virat Kohli and du Plessis.