Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are still mathematically alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs race, but they face a daunting task in their upcoming clash on May 4. Both teams need a victory to keep their hopes flickering, but they must also overcome their own internal struggles.RCB, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with six points from 10 matches, have shown signs of improvement in their last two outings. Will Jacks' century against GT and Cameron Green's all-round performance against Hyderabad have boosted their confidence. However, the team's bowling remains a concern, with Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, and Swapnil Singh struggling for consistency.GT, on the other hand, are placed eighth with eight points from 10 matches. Despite the presence of star players like Shubman Gill and Bhardwaj Sai Sudharsan, the team has underperformed, losing their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and RCB. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan, has been particularly disappointing, with the Afghan spinner taking just eight wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.00.The match between RCB and GT is crucial for both teams. A win for RCB would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a victory for GT would boost their chances of finishing in the top four. However, both teams will need to address their weaknesses and play to their strengths to emerge victorious.

County cricket is facing a pivotal moment as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepares to sell equity stakes in the Hundred. Leicestershire's chief executive, Sean Jarvis, has raised concerns that the move could create a significant divide between the haves and have-nots in the sport, similar to the situation in English football.Despite Leicestershire's recent successes, including winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and topping Division Two of the County Championship, the club was overlooked for a Tier 1 team in the new women's competition from 2025. This decision has left Leicestershire as one of seven first-class teams that will not host international men's cricket, Hundred matches, or top-flight women's domestic games from next year onwards.Jarvis believes that this could have a detrimental impact on Leicestershire's ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing game. He compares the situation to the Premier League's breakaway from the Football League in 1992, which led to a widening gap between the top clubs and the rest.The ECB's decision on the future of the Hundred is expected to further exacerbate this divide. Host venues are likely to receive a 51% equity share of their respective teams, while the remaining counties will share up to 30% of the competition's remaining value.Jarvis argues that the "Open Pyramid" option for the Hundred, which would allow all 18 counties to compete in a two-tiered structure with the prospect of promotion and relegation, should be considered. He believes that this would ensure that all clubs have the opportunity to win silverware and compete at the highest level.Despite the challenges, Jarvis recognizes that a major overhaul of Leicestershire's home ground, Grace Road, is overdue. He believes that the club's share of the Hundred windfall, combined with strategic partnerships, will allow Leicestershire to create a venue that can better serve the needs of its large sporting community.

Sanju Samson's exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has earned him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad as the second wicket-keeping option. This selection has sparked discussions about his potential batting position in the team.Samson, who consistently bats at No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may have to adjust to a different role in the national team. Experts and fans speculate that he could bat at No. 5 due to the presence of established batters Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, who have occupied the No. 3 and No. 4 positions respectively.When asked about his preferred batting position, Samson emphasized the importance of team success over individual preferences. "Winning the IPL is more important," he stated. "The players should focus on that goal only."Samson's impressive form in the IPL has been a key factor in his World Cup selection. With 385 runs at a strike rate of 161.08, he has been a top performer for Rajasthan Royals. His contributions have helped the team secure 16 points from 9 matches, putting them on the verge of IPL playoff qualification.While Samson will compete with Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeping role in the Indian team, his versatility allows him to be considered as a specialist batter as well. His ability to adapt to different positions and contribute effectively makes him a valuable asset to the team.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the IPL have showcased his exceptional talent and potential. As the team prepares for the global tournament, Samson's versatility and adaptability will be crucial in India's quest for success.

Suryakumar Yadav's 'Supla' Shot: A Masterclass for Mumbai Indians TeammatesThe 'supla' shot, a paddle to fine leg off full-length deliveries, has become a signature move for South African legend AB de Villiers. Now, Mumbai Indians' (MI) star Suryakumar Yadav is taking the shot to new heights with his exceptional big-hitting skills. And he's not keeping his knowledge to himself, as he's eager to share the technique with his MI teammates.In a recent video posted by MI on social media, Yadav can be seen teaching the 'supla' shot to South African batter Dewald Brevis during a training session at the Wankhede Stadium. "Out of 10 times, 3 times you will connect, seven times you will not," Yadav advises Brevis, emphasizing the importance of practice and persistence.Yadav's willingness to share his expertise highlights his commitment to team success. Despite his own impressive performances this season, with 176 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 170.87, he recognizes the value of collective improvement.The 'supla' shot is particularly effective against fast bowlers, as it allows the batter to generate power and precision even on full-length deliveries. Yadav's mastery of the shot has made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, and his teammates are eager to learn from his experience.As MI prepares for their upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Yadav's guidance could prove invaluable. The five-time champions have struggled this season, winning only three of their first 10 matches. However, with Yadav's leadership and the team's newfound knowledge of the 'supla' shot, they hope to turn their fortunes around and make a late push for the playoffs.

The English Cricket Board (ECB) has granted counties until the end of May to propose revisions to the visa criteria for overseas players, following a challenging offseason for directors of cricket.Securing high-caliber overseas players has become increasingly difficult for counties due to a congested domestic schedule, overlapping franchise leagues, and the unprecedented occurrence of a T20 World Cup during the English summer. Consequently, many counties have resorted to signing relatively unknown overseas players this year.Previously, visa eligibility was solely based on international caps. However, in 2019, the ECB successfully lobbied the UK Home Office for a change, allowing players with 20 T20 appearances in a full-member country within the past three years to qualify.While this change has opened up new avenues for overseas players to obtain visas, it has also led to some peculiar situations. One player agent revealed that some clients who would have been eligible for Division One cricket in the County Championship were denied visas due to the current T20-based criteria.Chris Tremain, the leading wicket-taker in this season's Sheffield Shield, was only able to stay at Northamptonshire for a month because his sporadic appearances in the Big Bash League in recent seasons made him eligible only for a short-term "permitted paid engagement" visa.Other top Sheffield Shield bowlers, including Fergus O'Neill, Gabe Bell, and Corey Rocchiccioli, are reportedly ineligible for the "international sportsperson" visa typically used by overseas players for county seasons.Simon Cook, Kent's director of cricket, initially found South African seamer Beyers Swanepoel ineligible due to insufficient T20 appearances. However, Swanepoel eventually qualified for a longer visa after playing enough matches in the CSA T20 Challenge.The ECB has an annual consultation period where counties can propose changes to existing criteria. While the governing body has no immediate plans to alter the criteria, it will consider any proposals. These proposals would then be submitted to the ECB's board for approval and presented to the Home Office.Any changes must adhere to the Home Office's requirement that players seeking visas should "make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK."Cook emphasized the importance of balancing the need for overseas players with the development of domestic talent. "The danger with opening it up too much is that you end up blocking opportunities for academy or second-team players," he said. "You want overseas players coming over that will add value and drive your existing group forwards."Kent will briefly have four overseas seamers competing for two spots in June, reflecting the increasingly competitive overseas market for counties.

South Africa's summer of cricket in 2024-25 promises to be a thrilling affair, with the Proteas hosting Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England for a total of 17 international fixtures. The schedule includes five Test matches, three T20Is, and nine ODIs, ensuring a packed calendar of high-octane cricket.The Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan will form part of the World Test Championship, with the matches taking place in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Cape Town. Notably, the Wanderers in Johannesburg will miss out on hosting a Test for the second consecutive summer, leaving insiders puzzled about the decision.The women's Test against England will be played in Bloemfontein, marking the first women's Test in South Africa in over two decades. Kingsmead and St George's Park will host the Sri Lanka series, while SuperSport Park and Newlands will stage the Tests against Pakistan.The Pakistan tour will also feature three T20Is and three ODIs, with the Boxing Day Test scheduled for SuperSport Park and the New Year's Test at Newlands. The men's team will then have a break before the start of the SA20 league in February.The women's team will face England in three T20Is, three ODIs, and a Test. The Black Day ODI will raise awareness about gender-based violence, while the Test will be a historic occasion for South African women's cricket.The exact dates for the fixtures are yet to be confirmed, but the schedule promises a summer of unforgettable cricket action for fans in South Africa.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth and ex-Australian all-rounder Tom Moody have expressed their support for Hardik Pandya's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, highlighting his potential to turn the tide of matches with his dynamic contributions.Sreesanth, known for his expertise in outswing bowling, backed Pandya's selection, citing his past performances for the national team. "We have seen what he can do on the field... The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won," Sreesanth remarked during a discussion on Star Sports.Pandya's selection came under scrutiny due to a dip in form preceding the IPL 2024, but his timely recovery from an ankle injury and subsequent appointment as Mumbai Indians' captain garnered attention. Despite concerns, Sreesanth remained confident in Pandya's ability to deliver on the big stage."So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat Kohli is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great," Sreesanth said.Addressing Pandya's bowling prowess, Sreesanth suggested his utility with both the new ball and in pressure situations, particularly against formidable opponents like Pakistan. "Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it's not only against Pakistan, we are going to play a lot of different teams," Sreesanth added.Tom Moody echoed Sreesanth's sentiments, stressing Pandya's unique skill set and indispensable role in the Indian squad. "Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line," Moody emphasized, underlining the scarcity of genuine all-rounders of Pandya's caliber in Indian cricket.Moody lauded the selectors' decision to persist with Pandya, recognizing his significance in maintaining team balance. "I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think (chief selector) Ajit Agarkar has recognized that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country," Moody affirmed, advocating for patience regarding Pandya's recovery and form.Furthermore, Moody commended the selection of Shivam Dube, emphasizing the importance of Dube's bowling preparations to ensure readiness for potential match scenarios. "Even though he might not have to bowl in a match situation, he's got the bowling, so it's not like he hasn't bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament. So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me Shivam Dube is a smart pick," Moody said.With the T20 World Cup looming in the USA and the West Indies, the backing of experienced campaigners like Sreesanth and Moody bolsters confidence in the selectors' decisions and affirms the squad's potential to excel on the global stage.

India's T20 World Cup Squad Selection: Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar Address MediaOn Thursday, India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held a press conference to discuss the recently announced T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The duo addressed various questions regarding the selection process, including the omission of Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli's strike rate, and the wicket-keeping choices.Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill SnubAgarkar acknowledged that leaving out Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill was a difficult decision. He emphasized that both players had performed well, but the selection was based on team combinations.Virat Kohli's Strike RateAgarkar and Rohit dismissed concerns about Virat Kohli's strike rate, stating that it was not a factor in his selection. They highlighted his experience and ability to perform at the highest level.Wicket-Keeping ChoicesSanju Samson and Rishabh Pant were selected as wicket-keepers, while KL Rahul was omitted. Agarkar explained that Rahul's role as an opener for his IPL franchise influenced the decision.Shivam Dube's SelectionDespite not bowling regularly in the IPL, Shivam Dube was included in the squad. Rohit attributed this to his all-round abilities and his previous performances for India.Hardik Pandya's Form and Vice-CaptaincyAgarkar and Rohit expressed satisfaction with Hardik Pandya's fitness and form. They hoped he would continue to improve in the remaining IPL matches. They also stated that there had been no discussions regarding his vice-captaincy.ConclusionThe press conference provided insights into the selection process for India's T20 World Cup squad. The selectors emphasized the importance of team combinations, experience, and versatility in their decision-making.

T20 Cricket's Evolution: Ponting Analyzes Batting Strategies and the Impact Player RuleRicky Ponting, the esteemed coach of Delhi Capitals and former Australian cricket legend, has provided insightful commentary on the remarkable evolution of T20 cricket and the transformative shifts in batting strategies that have shaped the modern era.Ponting acknowledges the once-unthinkable possibility of 300-run scores, attributing this to the liberating effect of the impact player rule on batters. He emphasizes the abandonment of traditional settling-in periods, highlighting the immediate need to "go out and hit from ball one."The significance of strike rates has also escalated, with Ponting noting the increasing focus on achieving specific strike rates regardless of ball count. He observes that teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians employ varying approaches to anchor roles, recognizing the need for stability and explosiveness in different team compositions.Ponting initially harbored skepticism towards T20 cricket's sustainability, but he now recognizes its enduring appeal, particularly evident in the high-octane spectacle of the Indian Premier League. He applauds the fearlessness and adaptability of modern batters, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of innovation and range-hitting prowess.Ponting predicts a paradigm shift towards 250-plus scores in India, fueled by the impact player rule and evolving ground dynamics. He believes that the format will continue to evolve, with batters pushing the boundaries of innovation and entertainment.