Cricket

Pakistan's newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten has set an ambitious target for the national cricket team: to win at least one of the three upcoming ICC events in the next three years. These events include two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026) and the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.Kirsten, who is currently the mentor of IPL side Gujarat Titans, believes that winning one of these major tournaments would be a significant achievement for Pakistan. "If you can win one of those three ICC Events, that will be an amazing achievement on its own," he said.The former South Africa batter is expected to take charge of his new job from May 22 ahead of Pakistan's tour of England. He admitted that the time frame for preparations for the T20 World Cup in June is short, but he is confident that the team can build a solid foundation in the next three weeks.Kirsten emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment for the players to perform at their best. "My job is to make sure that the team operates at its best. If the team is operating at its best, we will always have a good chance of winning a trophy," he said.He also highlighted the immense talent within the Pakistan team, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. "I'm looking forward to understanding what makes them tick and how I can help them to be the best versions of themselves going forward," he said.Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to be one of the top teams in the world. "The view on Pakistan cricket hasn't shifted for a long time. There is always an expectation that it should be a high performing team all the time," he said. "It's always wonderful from a coaching perspective when you can help them unlock the real potential."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2023 Champions Trophy will be held entirely within Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The decision comes amidst speculation that the tournament could adopt a "hybrid model" to accommodate India's participation.The PCB remains adamant about hosting the tournament within the country's borders, despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential 'hybrid model' to accommodate India's participation. The board has sent the schedule for the matches to the ICC and is confident that it can provide a safe and secure environment for the event.The ICC's security team has already visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The PCB is also working to upgrade the facilities at the three proposed venues to ensure they meet international standards.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore, "We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan." He added that the board is committed to providing a memorable experience for all participants and fans.The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The 'Hybrid Model' of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host.However, the PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any such arrangement for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said, "We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding a hybrid model. We are confident that we can host the entire tournament in Pakistan."The PCB is confident that it can host a successful Champions Trophy in 2023. The tournament will be a major boost for Pakistan cricket and will help to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for international sports events.

Pakistan's newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team's success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team's strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.Gillespie's role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team's future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.Gillespie's ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's talismanic batter, Virat Kohli, showcased his fiery spirit and unwavering determination in the IPL 2024 clash against Gujarat Titans. His aggression was evident both on and off the field, as he gave a fiery sendoff to Gujarat batter Shahrukh Khan after his dismissal.Kohli's passion was palpable from the outset. After Mohammed Siraj dismissed Shahrukh, Kohli pointed towards the pavilion, sending a clear message of intent. This moment, captured on video, sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.Despite the criticism he has faced for his strike rate and perceived struggles against spin, Kohli remained unfazed. He went on to score a magnificent 70 off 44 balls, anchoring RCB's chase of 201. His innings was characterized by his trademark aggression and calculated risk-taking.After the match, Kohli addressed the chatter surrounding his strike rate and spin-bowling abilities. He emphasized the importance of winning games for the team and the value of experience. "Those who have done day in and day out, they know what's happening," he said.Kohli's performance and post-match comments have reignited the debate about his role in the modern game. While some critics question his adaptability to the evolving T20 format, others hail him as a timeless legend.Regardless of the opinions, Kohli's passion and unwavering belief in his abilities remain undeniable. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with, inspiring both his teammates and fans alike.

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, KL Rahul has a crucial opportunity to solidify his claim as the second wicketkeeper for Team India when Lucknow Super Giants face Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on April 30. Rahul's strike rate in T20 cricket has been a subject of debate, with critics pointing to his slow starts in the Powerplay. However, the LSG captain has shown signs of improvement this season, scoring 378 runs at a strike rate of 144.27.While Rishabh Pant has all but sealed the first wicketkeeper's spot with his impressive performances behind the stumps and with the bat, Sanju Samson has also made a strong case for himself with his match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals. In this scenario, Rahul needs to play more aggressively and capitalize on the field restrictions to not only strengthen his Indian team selection prospects but also help his side score in excess of 200 runs, which has become a norm in this edition of the IPL.LSG suffered a seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals, who chased down the 197-run target with six balls to spare. The onus will be on the team's big-hitting trio of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran to deliver maximums and set match-winning totals. They will fancy their chances against a struggling Mumbai bowling unit that was taken apart by the Delhi Capitals batters recently.Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, sitting ninth on the points table. They need to win all their remaining matches to stay alive in the competition. The five-time champions need to fire as a unit, with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and premier T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav looking to find their rhythm and churn out consistent performances ahead of the World Cup. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has flopped with both bat and ball this season, but he will be hoping to make amends and secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 27-year-old batting sensation, has taken the reins as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for the franchise, which was previously led by the legendary MS Dhoni.Gaikwad's transition to captaincy has been met with both challenges and accolades. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey acknowledged the difficulty of succeeding Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. "It has been challenging for him as well. He has taken over as captain to which you have to take your hat off to him. He is succeeding the greatest of all time in this country," Hussey said.Despite the pressure, Gaikwad has thrived in his new role. His ability to anticipate bowlers' moves and stay one step ahead has been crucial to his success. "Gaikwad is such a wonderful player. He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball. I've been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement since he always finds the gaps," Hussey said.Gaikwad's batting prowess was on full display in CSK's recent victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 99 runs off 57 balls. This followed his unbeaten 108 in the previous match.Hussey praised Gaikwad's versatility and adaptability. "He is a smart batsman as well. He knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure. He plays spin and seam well. He can score all around the ground. He's almost one step ahead of the bowlers a lot of times. He is wonderful to watch. Very thankful that he is in our team."While strike rate is often emphasized in T20 cricket, Hussey believes that CSK focuses on individual player assessment and adaptability. "We don't talk about it (S/R) much at all. We talk about each player since they need to assess the conditions out in the middle as quickly as they can. The batter needs to take up the responsibility and the ownership in the middle," he said.Hussey also expressed his satisfaction with Daryll Mitchell's performance at number three. Mitchell scored his first IPL half-century against SRH, contributing 52 runs off 32 balls. "It's not easy. He's a new player who comes to the team, even Rachin Ravindra, for that matter, and we expect them to come in and fit in right away and go out and perform. But in reality, it's not that easy," Hussey explained."He has been moving up and down the batting order, which can be destabilizing for him, but he has found a nice role in number three, and he can feel comfortable at it. Hopefully, it is the start of some consistent form moving forward."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad hailed star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's performance with the ball as a "match-turning spell" following CSK's resounding 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.CSK dominated proceedings comprehensively, asserting control in all aspects of the game and leaving SRH struggling. Gaikwad highlighted Jadeja's contribution with the ball, deeming it as the turning point of the match, particularly in the wet conditions."Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match-turning spell," Gaikwad emphasized during the post-match presentation.Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, delivered an economical four-over spell, conceding just 22 runs and crucially dismissing SRH's Nitish Reddy.Reflecting on CSK's batting performance after being put in to bat by SRH skipper Pat Cummins, Gaikwad expressed satisfaction with the team's overall display. Despite falling just two runs short of his second century of the season, Gaikwad focused on the collective effort and hailed CSK's clinical performance."Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance," Gaikwad remarked.Gaikwad also highlighted the team's improved fielding and adherence to plans, attributing the victory to a disciplined approach."Stuck to the plans and knew what the conditions were. With the impact player rule, you always want the extra 20 runs. Never know what par score is. That was one area - not getting wickets in powerplay. That's the only way it can put the opposition on the back foot," Gaikwad concluded, reflecting on the team's strategy for future matches.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a batsman's paradise, but the 2024 edition has taken it to unprecedented heights, according to Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins. The Australian expressed his concerns after SRH's 78-run defeat to defending champions Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday.This season has witnessed a staggering six totals exceeding 250, with 200 no longer considered a safe score. Prior to this edition, only two teams had ever breached the 250-run mark in IPL history."T20 has always favored the batters, but it has gone to a whole new level this season," Cummins said at the post-match press conference. "The way we set up, we had the best chance if we got some really aggressive batters, and that's the way to win the tournament."Cummins acknowledged the challenges faced by bowlers in the current format. "Frankly, we don't have much (bowling) options. It's not Test cricket, with the ball swinging around. There's not much sideways movement, and there's not much on the wicket either," he said."So, a lot of times, the best way to get a wicket is to try and defend. Batters are getting better at hitting the ball out and even getting confident. It challenges you as a bowler. But, if you have a big total like 270-280 and if you can go at 9.00 as a bowler and make an impact, it could be match-winning."Analyzing the reasons for SRH's loss to CSK, Cummins admitted that the team needs to improve its chasing abilities. "Hard to put a finger on it. Nothing really went (according to) to plan tonight. We're pretty well-suited to chasing, but it hasn't really come off yet. So yeah, it is something (we need) to work on," he said."There was definitely dew there; haven't seen so much at any other venue across the country. But, we failed to make the most of it, and they bowled well as well. So, it (dew) didn't really factor in this match as much as we would have liked."Cummins also highlighted the need for the middle-order to step up. "Whenever the openers have gone off (to score), it's been match-winning and crazy. In a few chases, we felt that we set up really well," he said."Different batters have stepped up throughout the tournament, and you need two or three guys to make an impact. But tonight, we never really got going, unfortunately."As for the struggles faced by bowlers this season, Cummins suggested that the drier wickets could be a contributing factor. "Haven't really seen too much of a difference with the (new) white ball. It doesn't have as much swing as before, maybe because the wickets are drier. It's a tricky format, and I don't think there's a lot with the new ball," he said.

Shivam Dube's exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 have propelled him into contention for a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has amassed 350 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.Dube's impressive tally has garnered widespread support from cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has been particularly vocal in his advocacy for Dube's inclusion, stating that he should not only be selected for the 15-member squad but also feature in the playing XI."The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "I am saying that you shouldn't only send him but play him in the XI."Chopra emphasized Dube's undeniable impact with the bat, stating that "no captain, team management, or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him."Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has also praised Dube's evolution as a cricketer in this year's IPL. He highlighted the all-rounder's remarkable improvement in overcoming his weaknesses."Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better," Kaif said on Star Sports. "Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic."Kaif further praised Dube's versatility and power-hitting prowess, noting his ability to dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease. "He hit low full tosses for sixes. It is very difficult to do that. Batters even get out to low full tosses at times but he has the power, uses the long handle, doesn't move his feet much, and attacks the ball with full power and targets the sight screen," Kaif elaborated."When India will go to play the World Cup, you will need such a player," Kaif added.Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would provide India with a much-needed power-hitter in the middle order. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his versatility against both pace and spin would make him a valuable asset to the team.