India's T20 World Cup Squad Selection: Pacers Under Scrutiny

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Selection: Pacers Under Scrutiny

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is serving as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The selectors are closely monitoring the performances of potential candidates, and a meeting is scheduled this weekend in New Delhi to finalize the team.

One of the key areas of focus is the selection of frontline pacers. While Jasprit Bumrah’s place is secure, the identity of his partner remains uncertain. Mohammed Shami’s injury has opened up opportunities for other contenders.

Among capped pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan are strong candidates. However, uncapped pacers Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and T Natarajan have also impressed with their performances in the IPL.

A recent poll conducted by NDTV Sports revealed that fans favor Siraj and Mayank to join Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad. Mayank, despite playing only two matches, has made a strong impact with his raw pace. Siraj, despite a disappointing IPL season, has a proven track record, having played a key role in India’s Asia Cup triumph last year.

Experts have also weighed in on the selection debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Mayank’s inclusion, while others have expressed support for Siraj based on his past performances.

The selectors face a tough decision in choosing the right combination of pacers. They must balance experience with form and potential. The T20 World Cup is a high-stakes tournament, and India will need a strong bowling attack to succeed.

MS Dhoni's Secret to Staying Fresh in the IPL: Unconventional Sleep Schedule

MS Dhoni’s Secret to Staying Fresh in the IPL: Unconventional Sleep Schedule

At 42 years young, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a remarkable batting strike rate of 260.00, Dhoni has yet to be dismissed in this edition, amassing 91 runs in 8 matches and 6 innings.

As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni has revealed his secret to staying fresh and energized throughout the tournament. In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Dhoni explains his unconventional sleep schedule.

“Five to seven days before the IPL starts, I start thinking like that and training my mind,” Dhoni says. “The plus point we had was that we used to try to catch the flight that was after 12.”

Dhoni’s sleep schedule involves sleeping late and waking up late. “I would sleep very late because when the matches are on, from 8 to 11-11.30 is the schedule, after that post-match presentations then you would pack your kit bag, there would be late dinner,” he explains.

“By the time you reach back to the hotel, it’s almost 1-1:15. After that you have to pack your belongings in the hotel, leave the kit bag outside and by the time you do all of that, it’s pretty late, let’s say around 2:30,” Dhoni adds.

“So instead of sleeping from 10 pm to 6 am or 11 pm to 7 am, I would sleep from 3 am to 11 am. So the minimum 8 hours sleep that I need, that I have to do for sure. I was always well-rested at night, never felt fatigued after the IPL got over.”

Dhoni’s unique sleep schedule has allowed him to remain sharp and focused throughout the tournament. Coming in at the fag end of CSK innings, Dhoni has not only entertained the crowd but also scored crucial runs for his team.

CSK currently sits at the sixth spot in the points table with 4 wins and 4 defeats in 8 matches. Dhoni’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the team looks to improve its position and make a strong playoff push.

Sidhu Backs Samson for Wicketkeeper Role in T20 World Cup Squad

Sidhu Backs Samson for Wicketkeeper Role in T20 World Cup Squad

Sanju Samson Emerges as Frontrunner for Wicketkeeper Role in T20 World Cup Squad, Says Navjot Singh Sidhu

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has thrown his support behind Sanju Samson as the preferred choice for the wicketkeeper role in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. Sidhu’s endorsement comes after Samson’s impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he led the Rajasthan Royals to victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.

In a conversation with Star Sports, Sidhu praised Samson’s exceptional form, stating, “No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson.” He highlighted Samson’s unbeaten 71 off 33 balls, which overshadowed KL Rahul’s impressive 76 off 48 balls.

Sidhu acknowledged Rahul’s versatility as a batsman, but emphasized that Samson’s current form should be the deciding factor. “If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, then you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant,” he said.

Sidhu also mentioned Ishan Kishan as a potential contender for the wicketkeeper role, but noted that his absence from domestic games during his international duty had cost him a chance to impress the selectors.

With the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaching, Sidhu’s insights underscore the importance of form and performance in shaping the final lineup. Sanju Samson’s scintillating performance in the IPL has made him the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper position, while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant remain in contention.

Mayank Yadav's Injury: Varun Aaron Points to Potential Flaw in Bowling Action

Mayank Yadav’s Injury: Varun Aaron Points to Potential Flaw in Bowling Action

Mayank Yadav, the young pace sensation from India, has emerged as a standout performer for the Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His raw pace and precision have impressed fans and experts alike, but his promising start was abruptly halted by an injury during the third game for the franchise.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that a minor flaw in Yadav’s bowling action could be contributing to his injury risks. Aaron, known for his own pace and action, commended Yadav’s technique but highlighted that his left arm gets stuck into his hip when it comes down.

“His action is really, really good, and I really love his action. The only place where I feel he could look is where his left arm is. When it comes down, it gets stuck into his hip,” Aaron shared on Star Sports.

Aaron suggested that allowing the left arm to flow through instead of getting stuck could alleviate some of the strain on Yadav’s body, potentially reducing the risk of injury.

“So when you talk about generating force and then releasing that force. If you are generating so much force, force is not getting released in the same intensity. You’re gonna have a blockage, there’s gonna be injuries. So if he can get his left arm go through instead of getting stuck. That will definitely put a little less load on the body,” Aaron elaborated.

Despite the setback, there’s hope on the horizon for the 21-year-old speedster. After a near three-week layoff due to a lower abdominal injury, Yadav has resumed bowling in the nets, indicating progress toward a return to action. Lucknow Super Giants’ assistant coach Sridharan Sriram expressed optimism about Yadav’s recovery, hinting that he is nearing a comeback.

Yadav’s electrifying performances in his maiden IPL stint, where he consistently breached the 150 km/h mark and impressed with his wicket-taking ability, have undoubtedly left a lasting impression. His return to action will be eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike, who are keen to see him continue his promising journey in the world of cricket.

Irfan Pathan Unveils Ideal Team India Squad for T20 World Cup

Irfan Pathan Unveils Ideal Team India Squad for T20 World Cup

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal Team India squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be announced by May 1. In a video shared by Star Sports, Pathan meticulously outlined his lineup, providing insightful justifications for his choices.

Batting Order:

Pathan’s batting order preferences begin with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. The middle order comprises Virat Kohli at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. For the crucial No. 5 and No. 6 slots, Pathan suggests Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), and Shivam Dube.

Lower Middle Order and Spinners:

The lower middle order, according to Pathan, should feature Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty, while Ravi Bishnoi is preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his superior fielding abilities.

Pace Bowling Unit:

Pathan’s pace bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah, followed by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.

Extra Batter Dilemma:

Regarding the inclusion of an extra batter, Pathan suggests a choice between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The decision will depend on whether the team opts for an additional batter or an extra wicketkeeper.

Pathan’s Ideal Squad:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson.

Guardians Edge Braves in 11-Inning Thriller

Guardians Edge Braves in 11-Inning Thriller

In a thrilling 11-inning battle between the two teams with the best records in Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Guardians emerged victorious over the Atlanta Braves 4-2.

Josh Naylor and Ramon Laureano delivered RBIs in the 11th inning to seal the win for Cleveland. Scott Barlow escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 10th inning, while Nick Sandlin pitched a perfect 11th to earn his first save of the season.

Tanner Bibee impressed in his first career start against Atlanta, throwing seven shutout innings with nine strikeouts and no walks. Dylan Lee took the loss for the Braves.

Atlanta’s veteran starter Charlie Morton also had a strong outing, pitching seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts. However, the Braves’ bullpen faltered in the late innings.

The Guardians took an early 2-0 lead in the eighth inning without hitting a ball out of the infield. José Ramírez’s groundout scored Bo Naylor, and a double steal gave Cleveland another run.

The Braves rallied in the bottom of the eighth, with Travis d’Arnaud’s double and Jarred Kelenic’s single driving in two runs. However, Luke Williams was thrown out at the plate, preventing Atlanta from tying the game.

In the sixth inning, Josh Naylor nearly broke the scoreless tie with a double, but Ronald Acuña Jr.’s quick throw to first baseman Matt Olson nailed José Ramírez at the plate.

The Guardians’ win extends their record to 19-8, the best in the American League. The Braves, despite the loss, remain atop the National League East with a 17-10 record.

Yankees Crush Brewers 15-3 Behind Rodon's Gem, Four Home Runs

Yankees Crush Brewers 15-3 Behind Rodon’s Gem, Four Home Runs

Carlos Rodon’s dominant pitching and the New York Yankees’ offensive explosion propelled them to a resounding 15-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night.

Rodon, the 31-year-old left-hander, showcased his brilliance by allowing only two hits and one run through six innings. He struck out eight batters and walked just one, showcasing his exceptional control and command.

The Yankees’ offense erupted with four home runs, setting a season high. Alex Verdugo ignited the scoring with a three-run homer in the first inning, giving New York an early 3-0 lead. Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo followed suit in the sixth inning with two-run shots, extending the Yankees’ advantage to 11-1. Giancarlo Stanton capped off the home run barrage with a three-run blast in the ninth inning.

Milwaukee’s lone bright spot came in the first inning when Rhys Hoskins connected for a solo homer off Rodon. However, the Brewers’ offense struggled to keep pace with the Yankees’ relentless attack.

Luke Weaver provided two scoreless innings of relief for the Yankees, while Milwaukee’s Joe Ross allowed seven runs on eight hits in five innings.

The Yankees’ victory snapped a two-game losing streak and marked their highest run total and hit count of the season. They now hold a 20-10 record, while the Brewers drop to 16-14.

Kohli's Batting Position Sparks Debate Ahead of T20 World Cup

Kohli’s Batting Position Sparks Debate Ahead of T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli’s batting position in the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked a debate among cricket experts. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Kohli opening the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma would create opportunities for power-hitting finishers like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube in the Indian playing XI.

Pathan, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal should partner Rohit Sharma as the openers due to their contrasting batting styles and Jaiswal’s impressive international strike rate of 160. However, he acknowledges that Kohli opening the batting would allow for a more balanced team composition.

“If Virat opens up the batting, it will allow the combination of 11 to be in a certain way, which you want,” Pathan explained. “If that happens, you might see Shivam Dubey playing, if he’s there in the squad. You might see guys like Rinku Singh in the playing 11 as well.”

Pathan also emphasizes the importance of Jaiswal’s underutilized leg-break bowling, which could provide the team with an additional bowling option. “Jaiswal has actually been bowling regularly in the nets,” he said. “So what you can do is you can actually play proper five bowlers and maybe have him as a sixth bowler, as an option to keep it.”

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also advocates for Kohli batting as much as possible in the powerplay. “I’ve got to have him in the powerplay,” Hayden said. “If I’m going to pick him, he has to play in the powerplay. He has to play the majority of those six overs as an opener.”

Hayden believes that Kohli’s batting position is crucial for India’s success in the World Cup. “It all comes down to are we interested in selecting a side that we believe is the right balance and is going to win this World Cup,” he said.

Yuvraj Singh Analyzes India's T20 World Cup Prospects

Yuvraj Singh Analyzes India’s T20 World Cup Prospects

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the wicketkeeping options, key players, and future prospects for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Wicketkeeping Dilemma:

India faces a conundrum in selecting a wicketkeeper with several talented options available. Dinesh Karthik has emerged as a contender after his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, averaging 52.40 with a strike rate of 195.52. Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, has also shown good form for Delhi Capitals, scoring 342 runs in nine matches. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are other potential candidates.

Yuvraj believes Karthik’s inclusion makes sense only if he is guaranteed a starting spot. Otherwise, he favors younger options like Pant and Samson.

Key Players:

Yuvraj identifies Suryakumar Yadav as India’s key player, highlighting his ability to change the game in just 15 deliveries. He also emphasizes the importance of Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling department and suggests including a leg-spinner like Yuzvendra Chahal.

Emerging Talent:

Yuvraj is impressed by Shivam Dube’s performances for Chennai Super Kings, describing him as a potential game-changer. He believes Dube deserves a place in the squad.

Future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli:

Yuvraj acknowledges the experience and contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but suggests that their future in the T20I format may depend on their performances in the upcoming World Cup.

Mumbai Indians Slump to Sixth Loss, Hardik Pandya Faces Scrutiny

Mumbai Indians Slump to Sixth Loss, Hardik Pandya Faces Scrutiny

Mumbai Indians’ struggles continued in the ongoing IPL 2024 as they suffered a sixth defeat, this time at the hands of Delhi Capitals in a thrilling encounter on Saturday. The loss has further intensified the scrutiny on skipper Hardik Pandya, who has faced criticism since taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma.

Despite the team’s poor form, there have been no public statements of a rift between Rohit and Hardik. However, during Saturday’s match, an unusual role reversal occurred on the field. Rohit was seen setting the field while Hardik looked on, sparking speculation about the dynamics within the team.

Coming to the match, Delhi Capitals posted a formidable 257/4, thanks to a blistering half-century from Jake Fraser-McGurk. Rasikh Salam Dar and Mukesh Kumar then starred with the ball for Delhi, claiming three wickets each to secure the victory.

After the match, Hardik Pandya acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “We could have taken a couple of more chances in the middle overs,” he said. “The left-handers could have probably gone after Axar a little bit.”

Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant praised Fraser-McGurk’s performance. “He’s been amazing since the first day,” Pant said. “This is what you want from a younger player.”

Pant also expressed confidence in his team’s chances of making the playoffs. “The chances are increasing day by day, but we are taking it one game at a time,” he said.

The defeat leaves Mumbai Indians languishing at the bottom of the table, while Delhi Capitals move up to third place. The two teams will face off again on May 10 in a crucial match that could have significant implications for their playoff hopes.

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