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Eoin Morgan Backs Shubman Gill as India's T20 World Cup Opener

Eoin Morgan Backs Shubman Gill as India’s T20 World Cup Opener

By April 18, 2024 0

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense speculation regarding India’s squad composition. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 serving as a crucial platform for player evaluation, the selectors are closely monitoring the performances of potential candidates.

One of the most debated topics is the opening partnership for India. While Rohit Sharma’s position is considered secure, the second opening slot remains up for grabs. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have emerged as the leading contenders, but former England captain Eoin Morgan believes Gill has a clear edge.

“Shubman Gill is a magnificent player and highly regarded worldwide,” Morgan said on Jio Cinema. “For me, he has to be a contender to be on the plane, let alone get in that strongest XI.”

Morgan emphasized that Gill’s current form sets him apart from Jaiswal. “Gill has enjoyed a solid run of form in IPL 2024 with 263 runs from 7 matches,” he noted. “On the other hand, Jaiswal has found it extremely tough and has managed to score just 121 runs in 7 matches.”

Morgan also dismissed the notion that Gill’s selection would come at the expense of Virat Kohli. “Virat Kohli is there already,” he said. “He’s doing everything he can and managing his own game. I think he’s in contention with Yashasvi.”

Gill’s impressive performances in the IPL have bolstered his case for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. His ability to score consistently and play attacking shots makes him an ideal opening partner for Rohit Sharma.

While Jaiswal has shown glimpses of his potential, his inconsistent form in the IPL may count against him. The selectors will need to carefully consider his recent performances and weigh them against Gill’s impressive run.

The decision on India’s opening partnership will be crucial to the team’s success in the T20 World Cup 2024. With Gill and Jaiswal both vying for the second slot, the selectors have a tough choice to make.

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Rohit Sharma Endorses Overseas India-Pakistan Test Series

Rohit Sharma Endorses Overseas India-Pakistan Test Series

By April 18, 2024 0

India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his eagerness to play a Test series against Pakistan overseas. In a recent podcast interview, Rohit emphasized the benefits of resuming bilateral cricket between the two nations, which has been suspended since 2012-13.

Rohit believes that playing overseas would provide a unique challenge for both teams, especially given Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack. “They’re a good team. They have got a superb bowling line-up. So it’ll be a good contest especially if you play overseas conditions. That’ll be awesome,” he said.

The Indian captain acknowledged the political complexities surrounding India-Pakistan cricket, but stressed that he is solely focused on the sporting aspect. “I’m not interested in anything else. It’s pure cricket, game between bat and ball. It’ll be a great contest,” he stated.

Rohit’s comments echo the sentiments of several cricket administrators who have advocated for the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. In recent years, the ECB and Cricket Australia have expressed interest in hosting the marquee series.

The last time India and Pakistan played a complete bilateral series involving both Tests and white-ball cricket was in 2007. Rohit, who was a member of that Indian team, fondly remembers the experience. “It was a great series. The atmosphere was electric. I would love to play them again in a Test series,” he said.

Rohit’s endorsement of overseas India-Pakistan Test cricket is a significant development, as it adds the voice of a prominent Indian cricketer to the growing chorus calling for the resumption of bilateral ties. It remains to be seen whether the political climate will allow for such a series to take place, but Rohit’s comments have certainly reignited the debate.

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Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Reaction to 20-Year-Old Picture

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Reaction to 20-Year-Old Picture

By April 18, 2024 0

Ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma shared a lighthearted moment with teammate Romario Shepherd. The incident occurred when Rohit stumbled upon a picture of himself at 20 years old, just starting out for the Indian team.

The Mumbai Indians took to social media to post a video of the encounter, captioning it, “Bholi si surat, aankhon mein masti… Jab Hitman met 20-year-old Ro today.” In the video, Rohit reacts to the picture, remarking that he was a “small boy” and struggling to grow a beard.

The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians are currently eighth in the IPL 2024 points table with just four points, having won only two of their six matches. The five-time champions have a net run rate of -0.234 in the 17th edition of the IPL.

In their previous match against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first. After a slow start, Ruturaj Gaikwad (69) and Shivam Dube (66*) stitched a 90-run partnership to propel CSK to a formidable 206/4.

In response, Mumbai Indians got off to a solid start with Ishan Kishan (23) and Rohit Sharma (101) putting on a 70-run opening stand. However, Rohit’s century was not enough to carry the team to victory as they fell short by 20 runs, ending with 186/6.

Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) was the standout bowler for CSK, while Hardik Pandya (2/43) was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai Indians.

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Glenn Maxwell Takes Break from Cricket Due to Poor Form and Hip Strain

Glenn Maxwell Takes Break from Cricket Due to Poor Form and Hip Strain

By April 18, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced that he is taking a break from cricket due to poor form and a hip strain. The 35-year-old has struggled in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, scoring only 32 runs in six innings with an average of 5.33.

Maxwell revealed his decision in an appearance on ESPN’s ‘Around the Wicket’ show, stating that the “physical and mental toll probably just wore me down a little bit.” He also disclosed that he has been dealing with a hip injury, which has further contributed to his struggles.

“I’ve actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I’ve got a few more days off and during recovery,” Maxwell said. “So I’ve got a little period here where I’m still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I’ll obviously put my hand up and take it.”

Maxwell emphasized that his return to the team is not based on a fixed timeline. “It’s not one of those things where I’ve set a date that I’ll be out for three games then I’ll come back whenever I’m ready. That’s not how it works. I haven’t been at a level that’s good enough to warrant a spot on the side this year,” he said.

Despite his struggles in the IPL, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after player in T20 cricket. He has signed a deal to play for Washington Freedom in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 4.

Maxwell expressed his excitement about joining MLC, saying, “I’ve been speaking to Ricky Ponting and a few other players a fair bit over the last little period and certainly extremely excited to get stuck in.” He added, “It’s a tournament that I watched from afar last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing this tournament one day and luckily enough the timings have aligned this year.”

Maxwell’s decision to take a break from cricket is a reminder of the mental and physical challenges that athletes face in high-pressure environments. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing well-being and taking time to recover when necessary.

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Meg Lanning's Retirement: Depression and Weight Loss Forced Her Out

Meg Lanning’s Retirement: Depression and Weight Loss Forced Her Out

By April 18, 2024 0

Meg Lanning, Australia’s legendary women’s cricket captain, has revealed the harrowing toll that her relentless pursuit of excellence took on her mental and physical health, ultimately forcing her to retire at the age of 31.

Lanning’s decision to step away from the game shocked the cricket world, but her recent disclosure sheds light on the hidden struggles she endured. After winning the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal, Lanning took a six-month mental health break, working in a coffee shop to escape the pressures of international cricket.

Her struggles stemmed from a combination of depression and an unhealthy obsession with exercise and nutrition. Lanning’s weight plummeted to 57kg from 64kg as she over-exercised and under-fueled her body. The physical toll manifested in significant weight loss, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Lanning’s mental health also deteriorated, leading to feelings of isolation and insecurity. She became increasingly withdrawn from friends and family, and her obsessive behavior extended to her training regimen. Lanning would run up to 90km a week, often without taking breaks or eating properly.

The former skipper admitted that she felt out of control and uncertain about her future beyond cricket. This anxiety fueled her obsessive behavior, which she initially saw as a coping mechanism. However, it soon spiraled into a dangerous cycle that threatened her well-being.

Lanning’s on-field performance remained unaffected despite her struggles, but she realized that she was operating on autopilot. The rigors of international cricket and the constant pressure to perform had become too much for her to bear.

Since retiring, Lanning has found a healthier balance in her life. She remains involved in cricket but has stepped away from the intense demands of international touring. Lanning’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports and the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being.

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Two-Time World Champion Kento Momota Retires from International Badminton

Two-Time World Champion Kento Momota Retires from International Badminton

By April 18, 2024 0

Two-time world champion Kento Momota, once badminton’s undisputed king, has announced his retirement from international competition at the age of 29. The Japanese star, who won 11 titles in 2019 and lost just six of 73 matches that year, has been battling the after-effects of a serious car crash in 2020.

The accident, which occurred hours after Momota won the Malaysia Masters, left him with a fractured eye socket and double vision. Despite returning to competition after a year out, Momota struggled to regain his scintillating form, winning just two more titles.

“At the time of the accident, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think to myself, ‘Why me?'” Momota told reporters in Tokyo. “There were a lot of tough times after that traffic accident. I tried to get back to the way I used to play through trial and error, but there was a gap between my feelings and my body.”

Momota’s retirement marks the end of an era in badminton. The Japanese star was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and court coverage. He was also a master of deception, often leaving opponents guessing with his unpredictable shots.

Momota’s retirement has been met with sadness from the badminton community. Viktor Axelsen, who supplanted Momota as the world’s best men’s player, said “it has been an absolute pleasure sharing the court with you.”

“I feel lucky to have been able to compete with a player of your calibre,” Axelsen wrote on social media.

Momota’s legacy will undoubtedly be debated for years to come. Some may argue that his career was cut short by the car crash, while others may point to his remarkable achievements before the accident. Regardless of where one stands on that debate, there is no doubt that Momota was one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

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BCB Defends Recall of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL for Zimbabwe Series

BCB Defends Recall of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL for Zimbabwe Series

By April 18, 2024 0

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has defended its decision to recall Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series, despite the fast bowler’s impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

BCB’s cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, stated that Mustafizur has nothing more to gain from playing in the IPL. “Mustafizur’s learning process is over. Rather, there are many players in IPL who can learn from him. Bangladesh will not benefit from this,” Yunus said.

Yunus emphasized that the BCB’s primary concern is Mustafizur’s fitness. “They [CSK] don’t have a headache about his fitness, but we do. The reason we are bringing back Mustafizur is not just to play in the Zimbabwe series, but if he is brought here, we will plan him with the workload. But that plan won’t happen if he’s in IPL,” he added.

Mustafizur has been a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, taking 10 wickets in the first five matches. However, Yunus believes that Mustafizur’s experience in the IPL is not necessary for his development.

“We are letting Mustafizur play till May 1. He’s coming back on May 2 and will be available from the following day,” Yunus said.

Mustafizur is expected to play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe, which will be followed by a series against the United States of America.

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Devon Conway Ruled Out of IPL 2024, Richard Gleeson Replaces Him

Devon Conway Ruled Out of IPL 2024, Richard Gleeson Replaces Him

By April 18, 2024 0

Devon Conway Ruled Out of IPL 2024, Richard Gleeson Named Replacement

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with the news that star batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to an injury. The New Zealand international had missed the first six games of the tournament due to the injury, and his absence will be a significant blow to CSK’s title hopes.

Conway has been a key player for CSK in recent seasons, helping them win the title in 2023. In 23 matches for the franchise, he has scored 924 runs, including nine half-centuries and a highest score of 92 not out. His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability at the top of the order will be sorely missed.

To replace Conway, CSK have signed veteran England pacer Richard Gleeson. The 36-year-old has yet to make his IPL debut, but he has impressed for England in T20Is, taking nine wickets in six matches. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace, which could be a valuable asset for CSK in the middle overs.

Gleeson has played 90 T20s in his career, taking 101 wickets. He will join CSK for his reserve price of Rs 50 lakh.

CSK are currently third in the IPL 2024 points table with four wins from six matches. They will be hoping that Gleeson can make a quick impact and help them maintain their title challenge.

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Mumbai Indians' Captaincy Change Backfires, Rohit Sharma Reflects on Journey

Mumbai Indians’ Captaincy Change Backfires, Rohit Sharma Reflects on Journey

By April 18, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain ahead of IPL 2024 proved disastrous, with fans expressing their disapproval through booing and the team losing its first three matches. However, the franchise managed to salvage some pride by winning two consecutive matches before succumbing to Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede.

Rohit Sharma, who led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles during his tenure as captain, recently shared his insights on the team’s journey in a podcast with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the unique conditions of the Wankhede Stadium and working closely with overseas and domestic players to create a cohesive unit.

“In 2013, when I took over, we had Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, and Bumrah in the squad. We had to work around their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Mitchell Johnson likes to bang it hard on the deck, but I knew that wouldn’t work at Wankhede. We had to convince him to pitch it slightly fuller and get the ball to swing,” Rohit explained.

He also highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration with the support staff, including Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, and Mark Boucher. “It’s not just one person’s job to make it through. I needed the support of my support staff to make sure that we align to the same thought process,” Rohit said.

Rohit Sharma is set to become the second player after MS Dhoni to play 250 IPL games when Mumbai Indians face Punjab Kings on Thursday. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team looks to turn its fortunes around in the remaining matches of the season.

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Raina Aids Limping Dhoni After CSK's Triumph Over MI

Raina Aids Limping Dhoni After CSK’s Triumph Over MI

By April 18, 2024 0

Suresh Raina Aids Limping MS Dhoni After CSK’s Triumph Over Mumbai Indians

Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina displayed his camaraderie with MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Raina was seen assisting Dhoni back to the team bus as the latter appeared to be limping.

Dhoni, who is on the verge of surpassing AB de Villiers as the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, has amassed 5121 runs in 255 matches. He needs just 40 more runs to achieve this milestone.

In a video posted by CSK, Raina can be seen lending a helping hand to Dhoni as he boards the team bus after the match. The defending champions emerged victorious by 20 runs in the 29th fixture of the IPL 2024.

Raina, who is fifth on the list with 5528 runs in 205 IPL matches, has played a crucial role in CSK’s success over the years. He has scored runs at an average of 32.51 and at a strike rate of 136.73 with the best score of 100*.

In the match against MI, Rohit Sharma’s valiant second IPL century went in vain as a four-wicket haul from Matheesha Pathirana restricted MI to 186/6 in their 20 overs. CSK, in response, posted a strong 206/4 thanks to big half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Dhoni’s hat-trick of sixes in the final over sealed the victory for CSK.

With this win, CSK moved to third place in the standings with four wins and two losses, while MI remained in eighth place with two wins and four losses.

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