Cricket

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli's potential exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his unwavering belief that the star batter will retain his place in the team.Kaneria dismissed the rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that such platforms should not be taken seriously. He firmly stated that Kohli's inclusion is imperative, given his consistent run-scoring and invaluable experience."How can you ignore him (Virat)? He should be in India's squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters," Kaneria told IANS.Kohli's last T20I appearance was in January against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two matches. However, Kaneria believes that these performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.In addition to Kohli, Kaneria also lauded the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Yadav's regained confidence and improved performance, encouraging him to continue building on his momentum.Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL season, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to prioritize the workload management of key players, especially to prevent injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.Expressing his desire to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his willingness to return to the field as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's life took a dramatic turn after a horrific car crash in December 2022. The accident left him with severe injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions to his back. The severity of his injuries was such that doctors even considered amputating his leg.Pant's recovery journey has been arduous and challenging. He underwent intensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, working tirelessly to regain his fitness. The 26-year-old is now set to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Delhi Capitals, marking his return to competitive cricket after a 14-month absence.The accident has had a profound impact on Pant's life, both physically and mentally. He admits that the long layoff has taken a toll on him, but he is grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to play cricket again."When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me," Pant said. "With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured, but I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been."Pant's determination to return to the field is evident in his rigorous rehabilitation program. He has been working tirelessly to regain his strength and fitness, and is eager to prove that he is still one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.If all goes well in the IPL, Pant could be in contention for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June. The tournament would be a major milestone in his comeback journey, and would serve as a testament to his resilience and determination.Pant's accident has been a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. He has emerged from the experience with a renewed appreciation for life and a deep gratitude for the support he has received from his family, friends, and fans.

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has revealed a sensational claim that South African all-rounder David Miller postponed his wedding to play the final three matches of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 for Fortune Barishal. Akram stated that Miller was offered a hefty sum of $150,000 (approximately Rs 1.24 crore) to participate in the crucial matches, which ultimately led Barishal to their maiden BPL title.Miller, who recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Camilla Harris in a lavish ceremony in Cape Town, reportedly made the decision to prioritize his professional commitments over his personal life. Akram disclosed this information during A Sports' 'The Pavillion' show on March 12, following a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)."I just found out today because we were discussing who won the BPL as we were not following because of the PSL. David Miller was offered $150,000 to play three matches. He postponed his wedding," Akram said.Akram's revelation has sparked a buzz in the cricketing world, highlighting the financial incentives and sacrifices that players make to excel in their careers. Miller's decision to delay his wedding for the sake of his team's success is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.In a separate incident, Akram criticized Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique for his muted celebration after taking a catch to dismiss Imad Wasim during the PSL 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Shafique's gesture, which involved putting his finger over his mouth, was interpreted by Akram as an attempt to silence his critics."No doubt, great catch but who is responsible for dropping 36 catches in Australia's Test series? Who will answer for that? Abdullah should work in drama industry rather than cricket," Akram said on A Sports.Akram's comments reflect his belief that players should focus on their performances rather than engaging in unnecessary theatrics. He emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility in the game of cricket.Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering foreign coaches from the PSL to potentially lead the national team until next year's ICC Champions Trophy. With time running out and limited options available, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing a foreign coach to guide the team in the upcoming tournaments.

Mumbai's dominance in the Ranji Trophy final has left Vidarbha facing an insurmountable task. After Mumbai's batting collapse on Monday, Vidarbha's batters failed to capitalize on Tuesday, leaving them with a daunting target of 528 runs.Experts believe that "big stage anxiety" has played a significant role in Vidarbha's underwhelming performance. Chandrakant Pandit and Sulakshan Kulkarni, former Vidarbha coaches, attribute the team's struggles to the pressure of playing in a high-stakes final."Players know that it's not often that one gets such a big stage," said Pandit. "At the back of the mind, players keep thinking about all this. This leads to anxiety and eventually numb nerves."Kulkarni echoed Pandit's assessment, stating that Vidarbha appeared "overawed by the big stage." He also criticized the team's decision to not bat first, which he believes deprived their bowlers of much-needed rest."On Day 1, it was a good pitch for batting," said Kulkarni. "Batting first would have given the Vidarbha bowlers more time to rest."Vidarbha's plan throughout the season has been to bat first and post a big total, but they deviated from this strategy in the final. Kulkarni believes this was a mistake, as it put additional pressure on their bowlers."They made a great comeback after being bowled out for 170 in the first innings against MP in the semifinal," said Kulkarni. "Even more reason they should have batted first here too."With Mumbai's bowlers in top form, Vidarbha's chances of chasing down the target appear slim. The team will need a historic effort to overcome the deficit and claim their first Ranji Trophy title.

Ravichandran Ashwin's 500th Test wicket milestone was overshadowed by a family medical emergency that forced him to leave the Indian squad immediately. The incident occurred hours after Ashwin achieved the historic feat, becoming only the ninth bowler worldwide to reach the landmark.According to reports, Ashwin's mother, Chitra, suffered a medical emergency. Ashwin revealed the details of the traumatic experience in a video on his YouTube channel. He stated that he realized something was amiss when he couldn't reach his parents or wife after the match."I called my wife around 7 PM, asking why my parents weren't answering my call. Her voice was a bit shaky. She asked me to come separately from the crowd and told me that my mother collapsed after a headache," Ashwin said.Overwhelmed with emotion, Ashwin blanked out and struggled to process the news. He was comforted by team physio and captain Rohit Sharma, who advised him to prioritize his family."I am part of the playing XI, and the game is in the balance. If I leave, the squad will be left with 10 people fighting against a full-strength England squad when they had the upper hand. If I go, they will be a bowler short," Ashwin said, expressing his concerns about the team.However, Ashwin's primary focus was on his mother's well-being. He was informed that she was not conscious and could not be seen. "I lost it," he said.Coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma stepped in to assist Ashwin. They arranged a charter flight for him to Chennai and ensured that physio Kamlesh accompanied him."Rohit did something else - he asked Kamlesh, our physio, to fly with me to Chennai and be with me. He was one of the two physios for the team. During our ride to the airport, Rohit kept calling and asking him to be with me during this challenging time," Ashwin added.Ashwin expressed his gratitude to Cheteshwar Pujara for finding flights in Ahmedabad and making it to Rajkot for him to travel. He also thanked Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their support and understanding.

Rajasthan's sporting infrastructure is poised for a significant upgrade as the Rajasthan Royals and the state government prepare to sign a groundbreaking agreement to establish "the best sports ecosystem in the world.""We will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royals, who will assist in developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem over the next three years," announced state sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at the jersey launch event of the Jaipur-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.Royals' chairperson Ranjit Barthakur emphasized their commitment to the cause. "I have often questioned the lack of adequate infrastructure in Rajasthan. We need to create an environment where sports can flourish. We have discussed this with the sports minister, and we will soon reveal our plans. With a sportsman at the helm, who better to champion the welfare of athletes? We are dedicated to building the world's premier sports ecosystem right here in Rajasthan," Barthakur stated.Rathore clarified that the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) will not be involved in conducting the 17th Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasizing that it is a three-party agreement between the Royals, Rajasthan State Sports Council, and the BCCI."Our government will spare no effort in hosting the best IPL ever in Jaipur. Notably, unlike in the past, we are committed to utilizing the Rs 5 crore we receive from organizing five IPL matches for the benefit of players. This amount is significantly higher than previous allocations. We have also reached several other agreements with the Royals," Rathore added.The Royals will play five of their seven home games in Jaipur, commencing their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 at the SMS Stadium."We will designate a special area in the stadium for sub-junior and junior players to witness the matches. We will also invite and accord VIP treatment to all former state captains," Rathore further stated.The senior state cricket team will also benefit from the expertise of former Sri Lanka batsman and Royals head of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. "We will leverage Kumar's immense talent. He will mentor the Rajasthan Ranji team," Rathore announced.

Multan Sultans, the table-toppers of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), secured a resounding 79-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Tuesday, solidifying their position in the playoffs.The Sultans' triumph was orchestrated by a dominant bowling performance led by legspinner Usama Mir and fast bowler David Willey, who combined to claim six wickets and dismantle the Gladiators' batting lineup for a mere 106 runs.Captain Mohammad Rizwan and West Indian Johnson Charles laid the foundation for the Sultans' victory with half-centuries, guiding their team to a formidable total of 185 for 4. Rizwan's 69 runs and Charles' 53-run knock provided the impetus for the Sultans' innings, while Iftikhar Ahmed's quickfire 20 off eight balls added the finishing touches.The Gladiators' chase faltered early on as Willey struck twice in the third over, dismissing Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel. Willey's impeccable yorker then sent captain Rilee Rossouw back to the pavilion, and Laurie Evans' dismissal left the Gladiators reeling at 29 for 4.Mir, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, then took center stage, removing Omair Yousuf, the Gladiators' top-scorer with 37 runs. Mir's quick work through the tailenders sealed the Sultans' emphatic victory with more than four overs to spare.The Sultans' triumph sets up a tantalizing Qualifier clash against No. 2 Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the final. The Gladiators, despite their disappointing performance, will face Islamabad United in the Eliminator on the same day, seeking to extend their playoff run.

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season brings a significant change for the Mumbai Indians franchise: the appointment of Hardik Pandya as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. This move has sparked debates and raised questions about Pandya's ability to lead the five-time champions.Former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar expressed his concerns about the decision in a recent video. He questioned whether Mumbai Indians made a hasty choice, considering Pandya's recent injury history and lack of playing time for India and his state team.Kumar emphasized the importance of prioritizing international cricket over the IPL, urging young players to strike a balance between the two. He believes that players should not neglect domestic and international commitments for financial gain."You don't play two months before, you get injured two months before the IPL, you don't play for the country, you don't play for your state in domestic cricket, and just directly play in the IPL. That's not how things work," Kumar said.He added, "It's okay to earn money, who is stopping you? There's nothing wrong with that. But you have to play for state and country and now people only give importance to the IPL."Kumar's comments highlight the growing concern among former players and fans about the potential impact of the IPL on the development of Indian cricket. They argue that the lucrative franchise league may be distracting players from their international and domestic responsibilities.Despite the concerns, Hardik Pandya remains a talented and experienced player. He has captained the Indian team in limited-overs formats and has led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022. However, his ability to lead Mumbai Indians to success remains to be seen.The IPL 2024 season will provide a crucial test for Pandya's leadership skills and the Mumbai Indians' decision to appoint him as captain. The franchise will be hoping that he can guide them to another championship while also balancing the demands of the IPL with his international commitments.

Kuldeep Yadav, the enigmatic left-arm wrist spinner, has emerged as a formidable force in Indian cricket. Despite playing only 12 Tests in a career spanning seven years, he has left an indelible mark on the game with his unique bowling style.Yadav's journey has been marked by both brilliance and setbacks. He made his debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a match-winner, taking 19 wickets in a series against England. However, he has also faced periods of inconsistency and has often found himself on the sidelines.Undeterred, Yadav has worked tirelessly to improve his craft. He has refined his run-up, pace, and batting, transforming himself into a more complete bowler. His efforts have paid off, as he has regained his place in the Indian team and played a pivotal role in their recent Test series victory over England.Yadav's success stems from his ability to bowl the "chinaman," a delivery that spins away from the right-handed batter. This delivery is notoriously difficult to master, but Yadav has developed exceptional control over it. He can deceive batters with his subtle variations in pace and trajectory, making him a formidable opponent.In addition to his bowling prowess, Yadav has also shown maturity and resilience. He has learned to handle both praise and criticism with grace, and he has maintained his focus on improving his game. His positive attitude and willingness to learn have been instrumental in his resurgence.Yadav's return to form is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven that even after setbacks, it is possible to regain one's place at the top. As India looks to the future, Yadav is poised to play a leading role in their spin attack. His unique skills and unwavering spirit make him a valuable asset to the team and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.