Cricket

Rishabh Pant's scintillating knock against Gujarat Titans has reignited hopes of his return to form ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Delhi Capitals' batting coach, Pravin Amre, believes Pant's performance is a testament to his hard work and determination.After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant returned to competitive cricket a month ago. His unbeaten 88 off 43 balls against Gujarat Titans has virtually sealed his spot as India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup.Amre praised Pant's dedication and preparation, highlighting his two-week camp in Vizag where he arrived straight from the airport. "He was hungry and made sure everyday he is going to utilise," Amre said.Pant's partnership with Axar Patel (66 off 43) was crucial in Delhi Capitals' victory. Amre believes Axar's promotion to the No.3 spot was a strategic move that paid off. "Axar played very well, but the partnership he had with Rishabh was striking," Amre said.Amre emphasized the importance of Pant's power-hitting in the last five overs, which made the difference in the match. "Rishabh was confident and he single-handedly batted very well in the last 5 overs," Amre said.Gujarat Titans spinner Sai Kishore acknowledged the impact of Pant and Axar's partnership. "Axar and Pant batted really well. Rishabh scored a lot of boundaries off good balls," Kishore said.Pant's performance has not only boosted his confidence but also raised expectations for his performance in the T20 World Cup. Amre believes Pant is ready to roar and make a significant contribution to India's campaign.

Bismah Maroof Retires from International Cricket, Leaving an Indelible MarkFormer Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has bid farewell to her illustrious 17-year international cricket career, effective immediately. As one of the most celebrated figures in women's cricket, Maroof departs as Pakistan's leading run-scorer in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).Throughout her remarkable career, Maroof amassed 3369 runs in 136 ODIs, averaging 29.55. Her tally includes 21 half-centuries and a highest score of 99. In T20Is, she accumulated 2893 runs in 140 matches, boasting an average of 27.55 and 12 fifties.Maroof's leadership qualities were evident as she captained Pakistan in 96 games, including 62 T20Is and 34 ODIs. Only Sana Mir has led Pakistan in more T20Is (65), while Maroof ranks third in ODIs behind Mir (72) and Shaiza Khan (39)."I have decided to retire from the game I love the most," Maroof said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "It has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, victories, and unforgettable memories."Maroof expressed her gratitude to her family, the PCB, and her teammates for their unwavering support throughout her career. She particularly acknowledged the PCB's implementation of a parental policy, which allowed her to balance her cricketing aspirations with motherhood."The camaraderie we shared both on and off the field is something I will cherish forever," Maroof added.Maroof's retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistan women's cricket. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their cricketing dreams. Her legacy will continue to shape the future of women's cricket in Pakistan and beyond.

Guy Whittall, the former Zimbabwean all-rounder, narrowly escaped a life-threatening encounter with a leopard earlier this week. The 51-year-old sustained severe injuries to his head and hand, necessitating immediate surgery.Whittall, who represented Zimbabwe in 46 Tests and 147 ODIs between 1993 and 2003, currently operates a safari business with his family in Humani. According to his wife Hannah's Facebook post, the incident occurred on Tuesday. Whittall was airlifted to Harare for urgent medical attention.This is not the first time Whittall has had a close encounter with wildlife. Over a decade ago, an eight-foot, 165kg Nile crocodile entered his bedroom at the Humani game reserve and spent the night there.Whittall's injuries are reported to be stable, but he remains under observation. His family and friends have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers.The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with living in close proximity to wildlife. Whittall's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions and respecting the boundaries of wild animals.

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has recently shed light on the contrasting cultures between two of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL): Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rayudu, a six-time IPL winner, has played for both teams, winning three titles with MI and three with CSK.Rayudu's comments highlight the different approaches adopted by the two franchises. He suggests that MI places a greater emphasis on winning, while CSK focuses more on the process. "MI mostly wants to win, and their culture is like everything depends on winning. They have a culture of jeetna hi hai (win is a must). Winning is non-negotiable," Rayudu said.In contrast, Rayudu believes that CSK provides a more conducive environment for player development. "CSK has a much better environment. You can play there longer. If you play in MI for a long time, toh brain fatt jayega (Your brain will explode)," he added.Rayudu's comments have sparked discussions about the different management styles and cultures within IPL franchises. Some experts believe that MI's win-at-all-costs mentality can lead to pressure and burnout for players, while CSK's focus on process and development fosters a more sustainable and enjoyable environment.However, Rayudu has since clarified his comments, stating that they were taken out of context. He emphasized that he respects and appreciates his time at MI, acknowledging the positive impact the franchise has had on his career.Despite the clarification, Rayudu's initial comments have raised questions about the potential impact of different franchise cultures on player well-being and longevity. As the IPL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how franchises balance the pursuit of success with the need to create a supportive and sustainable environment for their players.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden IPL captaincy stint has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After taking over the reins from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad led CSK to a promising start with four wins in their first six games. However, consecutive defeats to Lucknow Super Giants have cast a shadow over his leadership.CSK's recent loss at home to LSG exposed their bowling frailties and Gaikwad's tactical decisions. Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu reportedly criticized Gaikwad's field placements in the death overs, highlighting his lack of experience as captain.However, Rayudu has since denied making such comments, slamming the publication that attributed them to him. He clarified that he was not even commentating on the day in question and was instead picking mangoes at his farm.Despite Rayudu's denial, the criticism of Gaikwad's captaincy has continued. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu argued that if Dhoni is credited for CSK's wins, he should also be held accountable for their losses.The back-to-back defeats to LSG have pushed CSK out of the playoff places, leaving Gaikwad under immense pressure. The team will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in a crucial match that could determine their playoff hopes.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches, with teams consistently breaching the 265-run mark. This phenomenon has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the changing dynamics of T20 cricket.SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has emerged as the frontrunner in this scoring spree. They have already registered three scores of 265 or more, including a record-breaking 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In their match against Delhi Capitals, SRH set a new world record by scoring 125 runs in just six overs, reaching the 100-run mark in a mere five overs.Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram expressed his astonishment at these high scores. "Scoring 100 in five overs is illegal," he remarked. "Even if you bowl full toss, that can't happen. You are paying the bowlers to get hit."Akram also praised SRH's formidable batting lineup, led by Australian Travis Head and South African Heinrich Klaasen. "There is no more fearsome batting unit than SRH's in any league," he said. "They have a great balance of power hitters and finishers."The high scores have also raised concerns about the impact on bowlers. "I do feel for the bowlers in this format," Akram said. "They have to think outside the box. Scoring 100 in five overs is unreal."Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting echoed Akram's sentiments. "It's like scoring 500 in a 50-over game," he said. "Thank God I am not bowling. It shows how cricket has changed."The IPL 2024 has highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where boundaries are becoming less significant and hitting prowess is at a premium. Teams are constantly pushing the limits of scoring, and it remains to be seen how bowlers will adapt to this new era of high-octane batting.

Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, will once again lock horns in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.The camaraderie between the two champion cricketers was evident during a joint training session, but Cummins couldn't resist a cheeky dig when asked about his favorite memory of Kohli."My favorite memory of Virat? Can I say when I get him out?," Cummins said with a smile, referring to his dismissal of Kohli for 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.Despite their on-field rivalry, Cummins praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit."Someone who has played so much cricket, I admire him for how much he gets up for every game and gets into the contest, whether he is batting or in the field. He plays 100 days a year and he's up for every single of those games," Cummins said.Kohli, who currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 379 runs in 8 matches, will be looking to continue his impressive form against SRH. In RCB's earlier match against the Sunrisers this season, Kohli scored 42.Cummins, who also led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, acknowledged the competitive nature of both himself and Kohli on the field, but emphasized their relaxed demeanor off it."We are both super competitive. I think off the field Virat is pretty relaxed and I am (also) pretty relaxed off the field," said the SRH skipper.The match between SRH and RCB promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the IPL standings. Kohli and Cummins will undoubtedly be at the heart of the action, showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

The upcoming T20 World Cup has ignited intense competition within the Indian squad, with numerous players vying for limited spots. However, the national selection committee has reportedly decided against selecting any rookie IPL performers for the prestigious event.Despite impressive performances from players like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma in the ongoing IPL season, the selectors are hesitant to test their mettle in a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup. Instead, they plan to gradually integrate these players into the national team through bilateral series."The likes of Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have all performed well, but the selection committee prefers to ease them into international cricket via bilateral matches rather than putting them to the test in a high-stakes World T20 game," a report from news agency PTI revealed.Parag, the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL behind Virat Kohli, has impressed with his all-round abilities. Abhishek has also made a strong start, boasting an impressive strike rate in the powerplay. Mayank, despite playing only two games, has generated buzz with his raw pace.The report also highlighted SRH's seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as another player under the BCCI's radar. Reddy was part of the India Emerging side that toured Sri Lanka last year.While the rookie IPL performers may not make the T20 World Cup squad, they could be considered for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of including some of these players as net bowlers for the World Cup, providing them with valuable exposure.