Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has advocated for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav alongside Ravindra Jadeja as India's spin duo for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Manjrekar's endorsement stems from Kuldeep's exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has showcased remarkable bowling skills and confidence.Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep's current form resembles that of Jasprit Bumrah or Yuzvendra Chahal at their peak, commanding respect and handling responsibilities with ease. He emphasized that Kuldeep's ability to seize crucial moments and deliver under pressure makes him a valuable asset for India."Kuldeep Yadav is at his peak in terms of skills and confidence. He's like a Bumrah or Chahal at their peak, commanding respect and handling responsibilities comfortably," Manjrekar said. "He's a champion bowler who can form a formidable partnership with Ravindra Jadeja."Kuldeep's impressive performance in IPL 2024 has further solidified his credentials. In six matches, he has claimed 12 wickets, demonstrating his ability to control the game and deliver crucial breakthroughs.After Delhi Capitals' thrilling victory over Gujarat Titans, Kuldeep expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and his own contribution. "These two points are very important. We had a plan for Tewatia, and it worked out. I focused on my lines and lengths and read the batsmen's intentions," Kuldeep said.Manjrekar's suggestion to pair Kuldeep with Jadeja as India's spin duo for the T20 World Cup 2024 is based on their complementary skills. Jadeja provides a left-arm spin option and is a reliable batter, while Kuldeep's wrist spin and ability to create pressure make him a potent wicket-taker.If Kuldeep continues to perform at his current level, he could play a pivotal role in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory. His confidence, skill, and ability to handle pressure make him a formidable force in the spin department.

Warwickshire has bolstered its squad with the acquisition of Pakistani all-rounder Aamer Jamal on a multi-format contract until the end of July. Jamal's signing comes amidst his omission from Pakistan's ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.Jamal made a remarkable debut in Test cricket, claiming 18 wickets in three matches against Australia late last year. He has also featured in six T20Is for Pakistan. Despite attending a training camp at the Pakistan Military Academy earlier this month, he was not selected for the T20 World Cup squad.Warwickshire's performance director, Gavin Larsen, expressed excitement about Jamal's arrival, stating that he is eager to make an immediate impact. Coach Mark Robinson will make a late decision on Jamal's inclusion in the team for their County Championship match against Nottinghamshire on Friday.Larsen praised Jamal's impressive performance in Australia, highlighting his pace, bounce, and combative approach. He believes Jamal could have been a strong contender for the player of the series award, which was ultimately given to Pat Cummins.Jamal joins fellow Pakistani Hasan Ali in Warwickshire's squad. Ali was also left out of the New Zealand series and will fill one of the team's two permitted overseas spots until the end of July. His contract includes an option to extend into September.Warwickshire will be without T20 captain Moeen Ali for the first half of the Blast due to his expected inclusion in England's provisional T20 World Cup squad. The club has strengthened its T20 bowling attack with the additions of George Garton and Richard Gleeson, although Gleeson's availability for the start of the Blast is uncertain due to his involvement in the IPL playoffs.Elsewhere, Sam Cook will lead Essex for the first time against Durham, while Ollie Pope and Gus Atkinson are included in Surrey's squad to face Hampshire. In Division Two, Rehan Ahmed returns to Leicestershire's squad after a pilgrimage, and Josh Hull makes his comeback from a side strain.

Virat Kohli's performance in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has drawn criticism from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Despite Kohli's contribution of 51 runs, Gavaskar expressed concern over the pace at which he scored.Gavaskar highlighted the importance of strike rate in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket. While Kohli's runs were valuable, his slow accumulation of runs raised questions about his approach. Kohli scored 32 runs off the first 18 balls he faced, but his next 19 runs came from 25 deliveries."In the middle, he just seemed to have lost touch," Gavaskar said. "From 31-32 to the time he got out, he did not hit a boundary. When you face the strike in the first ball of the innings and get out in the 14th or 15th over, you have a strike rate of 118. That's not what your team expects from you."Gavaskar's criticism underscores the changing nature of T20 cricket, where strike rate has become a crucial factor. Teams are increasingly looking for players who can score runs quickly and keep the scoreboard ticking.In contrast to Kohli's measured approach, Rajat Patidar played an explosive innings for RCB. Patidar scored 50 runs off just 20 balls, showcasing the importance of aggressive batting in T20 cricket.Kohli's performance against SRH has raised questions about his role in the RCB team. While he remains a valuable player, his slow strike rate may become a concern for the team as the tournament progresses.

IPL Ticket Black Market Thrives in Chennai, PIL Seeks CrackdownA public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court, alleging the rampant sale of Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets in the black market in Chennai. The petition, filed by advocate A. Sathiya Prakash, seeks stringent action against those involved in this illegal activity.The petitioner claims that the black market prevents genuine cricket fans from purchasing tickets at fair prices. He states that while the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) sells tickets online, they are quickly snapped up by scalpers who resell them at exorbitant rates.According to the PIL, tickets for the lower stand, which are priced at ₹1,000, are being sold for ₹14,000 to ₹16,000. The petitioner alleges that a "huge black market mafia" is operating behind the sale of IPL tickets in Chennai.The petitioner cites recent arrests made by the city police as evidence of the black market's prevalence. In March, five persons were arrested for selling eight tickets for the IPL match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at 10 times the actual price.On March 27, 24 persons were arrested for selling tickets in black for the CSK versus Gujarat Titans match. The police seized 83 tickets and ₹18,000 in cash from them.The petitioner argues that the black market deprives genuine fans of the opportunity to witness IPL matches. He urges the court to direct the Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police and TNCA to take stringent action against those involved in the illegal sale of tickets.The PIL is scheduled for admission before the first Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice D. Bhratha Chakravarthy on Friday.

Mukesh Kumar, the rising star of Indian cricket, has emerged as a versatile bowler for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Known primarily for his seam bowling in red-ball cricket, Kumar has been entrusted with the crucial role of a death overs specialist by the Capitals.This transformation has surprised many, but Kumar has embraced the challenge with open arms. "I was told last season to be prepared for bowling at the death, so I was doing accordingly," he said in a recent interview. To enhance his skills, he sought guidance from Ishant Sharma, his experienced teammate at DC. Sharma's expertise helped Kumar develop a repertoire of slower balls, knuckle balls, and wide yorkers.Kumar's effectiveness in the death overs was evident in Delhi Capitals' thrilling victory over Gujarat Titans. Defending 18 runs in the final over, Kumar stuck to his plan of bowling slower balls and low full-tosses, ultimately securing the win for his team.Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has also played a significant role in Kumar's development. "I was focusing on yorkers last season, but Jassi bhai made me realize that a yorker's effectiveness depends on the conditions and the pace of the pitch," Kumar explained. "If it is slightly slower, an attempted yorker may end up landing in the slot, so I am focusing more on the slower ball this season."While yorkers remain a staple in T20 cricket, each IPL edition brings its own flavor in terms of containing range-hitters. "Wide yorkers are trending this season, but you cannot overdo it upfront and waste the new ball," Kumar said. "You have to try for wickets upfront, so that's the risk you take by bowling in line and risking the batters going after it."Kumar's versatility and adaptability have made him a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals. His ability to bowl both seam and swing, as well as his effectiveness in the death overs, has given the team a much-needed edge in the competition. As the IPL progresses, Kumar is poised to play an even more significant role in the Capitals' quest for glory.

Shivam Dube's transformation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been remarkable. After struggling in his first three seasons, he has become an indispensable part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since joining the franchise in 2022.Dube's turnaround is largely due to the clear role he has been given by CSK. The team has entrusted him with the responsibility of taking on spinners during the middle overs, a task he has excelled at with his long reach and power.However, teams quickly realized Dube's weakness against fast bowlers and preferred to tie him down with short-pitched deliveries. This posed a challenge for Dube, especially with the introduction of the two-bouncer rule this season.But the Mumbai all-rounder has shown that he is up to the task. In the first eight games of IPL 2023, Dube has amassed 311 runs, including three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 169. Against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, he scored 66 runs, with all his boundaries coming off medium-pacers.Dube's improved ability to handle short-pitched deliveries has been praised by CSK batting coach Micheal Hussey. "He has given it back to the bowlers, forcing them to try something new," Hussey said.Dube's heroics last year earned him a recall to the Indian squad after a three-year gap. By addressing his weakness this year, he has strengthened his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad.

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, has emerged as one of the most promising young cricketers in India. Despite his impressive performances, Gill remains focused on his team's success rather than his own aspirations for national selection.Gill believes that prioritizing his team's goals is essential for his personal growth and the team's overall performance. He understands that allowing thoughts of national selection to distract him would be unfair to both himself and his teammates. Instead, he views any potential selection as an opportunity to represent his country and pursue glory on the international stage.However, Gill acknowledges that if he is not chosen for the T20 World Cup, he will wholeheartedly support the selected players. His dedication to his team's success and his humility in accepting outcomes reflect his maturity and professionalism as a cricketer.Gill's leadership role with the Gujarat Titans has also been a valuable learning experience for him. He has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of trust and vulnerability in building a strong team. As a captain, he recognizes the need to earn the trust of his players and create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities.Despite the high expectations placed on the Gujarat Titans after their successful first two seasons, Gill is not focused on creating his own legacy. Instead, he credits head coach Ashish Nehra for playing a significant role in the team's success. Gill believes that the team's focus should be on qualifying for the playoffs and performing well in pressure situations.Gill's rise to stardom has been marked by both success and setbacks. He acknowledges that success can boost one's ego, but it is failures that provide the most valuable lessons. He believes that embracing failures is essential for personal growth and development.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have rediscovered their winning form under the guidance of their mentor and former captain, Gautam Gambhir. All-rounder Ramandeep Singh attributed the team's success to Gambhir's leadership and clarity in defining roles."There is a lot of clarity about the roles. The team is performing so well only because of him. He is backing everyone," said Ramandeep.KKR currently sits second in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings with five wins in seven matches. The team's resurgence has been marked by consistent performances from its players, including Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, and Varun Chakravarthy.Ramandeep dismissed concerns about the fitness of star bowler Mitchell Starc, stating that the Australian is available for selection. "Yes, he is available. It has got to do with his workload management," he said.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will continue to play without their captain, Shikhar Dhawan, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Bowling coach Sunil Joshi said Dhawan is on the road to recovery and is expected to be fit for the next match against Chennai Super Kings.In Dhawan's absence, all-rounder Sam Curran will continue to lead the Punjab Kings. The team has struggled in the IPL so far, winning only two of their seven matches.

Rajat Patidar's Consecutive Sixes Stun Sunrisers HyderabadRoyal Challengers Bangalore's Rajat Patidar unleashed a breathtaking display of power hitting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. The left-handed batter smashed four consecutive sixes off the bowling of Mayank Markande, leaving the opposition stunned and igniting a frenzy among spectators.Patidar's onslaught began in the 11th over of the innings. Markande's first delivery was dispatched over long off, followed by another one in the same area. The leg-spinner then tried a googly, but Patidar stayed in his crease and heaved it over deep midwicket for the third six. The fourth and final six sailed over extra cover, leaving Markande and the Sunrisers reeling.Patidar's blistering knock of 19-ball 50, which included two fours and five sixes, was the joint-second fastest fifty for RCB in the IPL. He equaled Robin Uthappa's record, set against Punjab Kings in 2010.Patidar's fearless approach and unwavering focus enabled him to dominate the bowler with remarkable ease. His innings was a testament to his exceptional talent and growing maturity as a batsman.The 29-year-old has been in impressive form for RCB this season, scoring 276 runs in eight matches at an average of 39.43 and a strike rate of 154.95. His ability to play big shots and anchor the innings has been crucial for RCB's success in the tournament.Patidar's consecutive sixes will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the IPL 2023 season. His performance has not only boosted RCB's chances of reaching the playoffs but has also cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket.