Virat Kohli: Still the Chase Master in Twilight of Career

Virat Kohli: Still the Chase Master in Twilight of Career

Virat Kohli’s consistent performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad underscore his enduring value to the team. Despite concerns about his strike rate, cricket experts unanimously included him in their 15-member line-ups.

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Kohli will be the key player in crucial chases during the T20 World Cup. “When it’s required, he is the player who stands alone,” said Pathan. “There will be a point during the T20 World Cup when there will be need, and the guy you will find chasing it till the end will be him, Virat Kohli.”

Kohli’s impressive IPL record, with over 500 runs including a century and four fifties at a strike rate of 147.49, further supports his inclusion. Pathan highlighted Kohli’s proven track record in chases, earning him the nickname ‘chase master.’ He cited the India vs Pakistan match in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup where Kohli’s 53-ball 82 not out led India to a famous four-wicket win.

“Pick all the big matches, especially when chasing, you won’t find a bigger player than him in T20 cricket,” said Pathan. “He has a calculative mind. He keeps talking about chasing runs and the target.”

Kohli’s experience and big-match temperament make him a crucial asset for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament runs from June 2 to 29 and will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and USA. India play their opening group match against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan at the same venue on June 9.

Pant and Samson Selected as Wicketkeepers for India's T20 World Cup Squad

Pant and Samson Selected as Wicketkeepers for India’s T20 World Cup Squad

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been selected as the wicketkeeper-batters for India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup. This marks Samson’s first inclusion in an India squad for a senior men’s World Cup, while Pant returns to the national set-up after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident.

In the ongoing IPL 2024, Samson has amassed 385 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161, while Pant has scored 398 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 159. Samson has hit 36 fours compared to Pant’s 31, but Pant has smacked 24 sixes compared to Samson’s 17.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Ajay Ratra believes Pant would be his first choice over Samson, citing his strong performances since returning to competitive cricket. Ratra highlights Pant’s left-handed batting in the middle order and his experience in international cricket as advantages.

However, Samson’s strike rate in the first ten balls (138) is better than Pant’s (119), and his strike rate in overs 7-15 (159) is also higher than Pant’s (139). Pant, on the other hand, has the edge in overs 16-20, with a strike rate of 229 compared to Samson’s 206.

Ratra also praises Pant’s wicketkeeping skills, noting his swift movement behind the stumps and his ability to take impressive catches. He believes Pant’s unique style of wicketkeeping has been successful so far.

Ratra expresses disappointment over KL Rahul’s omission from the squad, stating that Rahul’s experience and ability to perform in pressure situations would have been valuable. However, he acknowledges the selectors’ difficult task in choosing between Rahul and Samson.

Ratra also laments the omission of Rinku Singh from the main squad, citing his exceptional performances as a finisher with a strike rate of 176.23. He believes Singh’s ability to score runs against both spinners and pacers, as well as his fielding skills, would have been beneficial to the team.

Ratra concludes by observing that India has a strong spin-bowling contingent, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal. He notes that drop-in pitches tend to be slower, but it remains to be seen what kind of matches the World Cup will produce.

Rohit Sharma Remains India's Best Captain, Says Irfan Pathan

Rohit Sharma Remains India’s Best Captain, Says Irfan Pathan

Rohit Sharma’s appointment as India’s T20 World Cup 2024 captain has sparked discussions about the BCCI’s decision-making process. While some have questioned the timing of the announcement, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Rohit is the ideal leader for the team.

Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized the importance of leadership in cricket and praised Rohit’s abilities in this regard. He compared Rohit to legendary captains like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, highlighting his impact on the team’s performance.

“As far as captaincy is concerned, he is the best leader you have,” Pathan said. “We always talk about the players, but leadership is a totally different thing. We saw what happened in this IPL with quite a few captains; it’s not easy.”

Pathan acknowledged the potential of other players like Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant as future captains. However, he believes Rohit remains the best choice for the time being.

“In the future, they will be keeping an eye on Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah as far as captaincy is concerned,” Pathan said. “Now we have Hardik Pandya as the Vice Captain, Rishabh Pant is also there in your leadership role group if he gets going because he was there in the leadership role before he got injured. So there are three or four guys who are ready, but Rohit is the number one.”

Pathan’s comments highlight the importance of leadership in cricket and the challenges associated with the role. He believes Rohit’s experience and proven track record make him the best choice to lead India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

India's T20 World Cup Bowling Plan Relies Heavily on Spin

India’s T20 World Cup Bowling Plan Relies Heavily on Spin

India’s T20 World Cup Bowling Strategy Relies Heavily on Spin

In preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, India has devised a bowling plan centered around a heavy reliance on spin. The team’s decision is based on the slow and sluggish wicket conditions expected in the region, as well as the early start times for India’s matches.

Captain Rohit Sharma justified the inclusion of four spinners and just three pacers in the 15-member squad. He explained that the morning start times, typically around 10 am local time, present technical challenges that favor spin bowling.

“With a morning start at 10-10.30am, there’s a little bit of technical aspect involved in this,” Rohit said. “The reason for picking four spinners is something I won’t reveal now.”

The four spinners in the squad are Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Jadeja and Patel are left-arm spinning all-rounders, while Yadav and Chahal are wrist spinners.

Rohit also highlighted the need for a middle-order power hitter to accelerate the scoring against spinners. He identified Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube as the player to fill this role.

“The one thing we really looked at was middle-overs hitting,” Rohit said. “We picked Shivam Dube based on the IPL and a few games before the IPL as well.”

Dube has been in impressive form for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, smashing 350 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 171.56. He is expected to contribute with the ball as well, despite bowling only one over in this IPL.

Rohit revealed that he had a clear idea of the World Cup squad before the IPL. “You make the playing XI in your mind and work around it,” he said. “The talk of what our final 15 started much before the IPL.”

Will Pucovski's Cricket Future Uncertain Amid Concussion Concerns

Will Pucovski’s Cricket Future Uncertain Amid Concussion Concerns

Will Pucovski’s cricketing future remains uncertain as Cricket Victoria (CV) has received a special exemption from Cricket Australia (CA) to delay his state contract decision. The 25-year-old has been suffering from extended symptoms following a concussion in March, prompting a medical panel assessment.

Pucovski’s latest concussion has raised concerns about his long-term health, given his history of head injuries. The assessment panel, comprising CV, CA, and independent experts, will evaluate his situation and determine his future playing prospects.

Victoria has offered Pucovski a contract for 2024-25, but it is contingent on the panel’s medical advice. If he is deemed unfit to continue playing, he will receive significant injury compensation and support services from CV and CA.

Pucovski’s symptoms have reportedly eased in recent weeks, but the panel’s assessment was delayed due to their persistence. The decision on his future will be made once the panel has convened and provided its recommendations.

Victoria’s general manager of cricket performance, Graham Manou, emphasized the importance of Pucovski’s health and well-being. “We’ll take the advice from that panel on the appropriate way forward this season,” he said.

Pucovski has expressed optimism about his recovery and a potential return to form. However, he has also acknowledged the challenges he has faced with mental health issues linked to his concussions.

Victoria’s contract list for 2024-25 includes several new faces, including Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, and Dylan Brasher. The departures of Nic Maddinson, Travis Dean, and Wil Parker have created opportunities for these emerging players.

Tasmania Overhauls Cricket Squad with Kuhnemann, MacMillan Additions

Tasmania Overhauls Cricket Squad with Kuhnemann, MacMillan Additions

Tasmania’s cricket team has undergone a significant overhaul, with the signing of Test spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and Under-19 World Cup winner Raf MacMillan. The recruitment drive has resulted in the omission of Paddy Dooley from the Tigers’ contract list.

Dooley, who joined Tasmania from Queensland last season, played seven Marsh Cup games and claimed nine wickets. However, the arrival of Kuhnemann, who has represented Australia in Tests and ODIs, has made Dooley expendable.

MacMillan, a 19-year-old off-spinner, impressed in the Under-19 World Cup, taking wickets in every game and contributing with the bat. He joins Tasmania from New South Wales.

The Tigers have also signed young fast bowler Will Prestwidge from Queensland. Prestwidge made his List A debut last season and showed promise with both bat and ball.

Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan expressed satisfaction with the new recruits, stating that they will help the team improve upon last season’s Sheffield Shield final loss.

“We took a massive step forward as a program last year with some big changes to our squad,” Vaughan said. “We are confident the quality of players we are bringing into our squad will help us go to the next level.”

Tasmania’s contract list for the 2024-25 season includes:

* Gabe Bell
* Iain Carlisle
* Nick Davis (rookie)
* Jake Doran
* Kieran Elliot
* Jarrod Freeman
* Bradley Hope
* Caleb Jewell
* Matt Kuhnemann
* Raf MacMillan (rookie)
* Riley Meredith
* Lawrence Neil-Smith
* Aidan O’Connor (rookie)
* Mitch Owen
* Will Prestwidge
* Nivethan Radhakrishnan (rookie)
* Jordan Silk
* Billy Stanlake
* Charlie Wakim
* Tim Ward
* Jake Weatherald
* Beau Webster
* Mac Wright

Nitish Kumar Reddy Emerges as Rising Star in IPL

Nitish Kumar Reddy Emerges as Rising Star in IPL

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the rising star of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 20-year-old all-rounder has showcased his exceptional batting prowess, guiding his team to victory against formidable opponents like Rajasthan Royals.

Reddy’s stellar performance against the Royals drew praise from cricketing experts. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif lauded his classy shot-making ability, particularly against experienced bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal. “Reaching there by using the shoulders and then smacking it straight for a six is not an easy task,” Kaif remarked. “Inka naam sunenge aap, bhavishya mai bahut sunenge [You will hear his name; you will hear it a lot in the future].”

Irfan Pathan, another former India all-rounder, echoed Kaif’s sentiments, highlighting Reddy’s potential as a future star in Indian cricket. “Indian selectors will keep an eye on him completely… He could be used in India A matches… He doesn’t care what your reputation is,” Pathan emphasized, praising Reddy’s fearless approach to batting.

Pathan further commended Reddy’s composure under pressure, noting his ability to dominate top-quality bowlers like Chahal, Ravi Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, and Avesh Khan. “Everyone will notice,” Pathan predicted, as Reddy notched up his second fifty of the season with a blistering 76 not out off 42 balls.

Travis Head, SRH opener and witness to Reddy’s onslaught, hailed his teammate’s effortless knock. “Nitish played out of his skin… It made it look really easy,” Head remarked, acknowledging Reddy’s pivotal role in the partnership that yielded 96 runs off just 47 balls.

Reddy’s performance against the Royals was a testament to his growing maturity and confidence. Despite Head’s dismissal, he remained unbeaten, guiding SRH past the 200-run mark for the fifth time in the season.

With crucial partnerships and consistent performances, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s star continues to rise in the cricketing world. His all-round abilities and fearless approach make him a valuable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad and a promising prospect for Indian cricket at large.

Mumbai Indians' Playoff Hopes: Still Alive, But Hanging by a Thread

Mumbai Indians’ Playoff Hopes: Still Alive, But Hanging by a Thread

Mumbai Indians’ Playoff Hopes: A Mathematical Analysis

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 reaching its halfway point, the race for the playoffs is heating up. While some teams have emerged as frontrunners, others, like the Mumbai Indians (MI), are clinging to their playoff hopes by a thread.

Despite their recent struggles, MI still have a mathematical chance of making the top four. With 14 points, they can still tie for third place if Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win most of their remaining matches and take the top two positions.

For example, if Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lose all their remaining games except the one they play against each other on May 8, the winner of that match will finish on 14 points, tied for third place with MI if they win their last four.

However, MI’s task is not easy. If they lose to KKR in their upcoming match, they will be one of seven teams tied on 12 points, fighting for one spot. This means that even a loss on Friday will not mathematically eliminate them from contention.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are also in the mix, with six points from 10 games. Like MI, they need 14 points to stay in the hunt, but even 12 gives them a mathematical chance.

RR, on the other hand, are in a strong position with 16 points from 10 games. However, if they lose their four remaining matches, it is possible for four teams – KKR, SRH, LSG, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – to finish on 18 or more points. Even if they win one, RR could still be one of five teams with 18 or more.

In conclusion, with 50 games completed in IPL 2024, no team has qualified for the playoffs, and no team is out of the race yet. MI, RCB, and RR all have a mathematical chance of making the top four, but their paths to the playoffs are fraught with challenges.

SRH Snatch Last-Ball Thriller Over RR, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

SRH Snatch Last-Ball Thriller Over RR, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad Snatch Last-Ball Victory Over Rajasthan Royals

In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a remarkable last-ball victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the momentum swinging back and forth throughout. RR needed just 2 runs off the final ball to chase down SRH’s total of 201, setting the stage for a Super Over.

However, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar had other plans. He had already bowled a brilliant opening over, dismissing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson for ducks to leave RR reeling at 1 for 2.

With the match on the line, Bhuvneshwar delivered a low full toss on leg stump to Rovman Powell, who had already smashed 10 runs off 4 balls from Kumar. Powell attempted to whip the ball away but was struck on the pads, with replays confirming that the ball was hitting the leg stump.

The decision was reviewed, but there was no evidence of an edge on UltraEdge, and Ball Tracking showed three reds. Powell was adjudged leg before wicket, handing SRH a dramatic one-run victory.

The win was crucial for SRH, who snapped their two-game losing streak and moved to the fourth spot in the standings with 12 points. RR, despite the loss, remained at the top of the table with 16 points.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the star of the show for SRH, finishing with figures of 4-0-29-3. He was ably supported by Umran Malik, who took 2-39, and Washington Sundar, who chipped in with 1-32.

For RR, Powell was the standout performer with his quickfire 10 off 4 balls. However, the team’s top order failed to fire, with Buttler, Samson, and Devdutt Padikkal all dismissed cheaply.

The victory keeps SRH’s playoff hopes alive, while RR will be looking to bounce back in their next match.

Suresh Raina's Cousin Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident

Suresh Raina’s Cousin Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina’s cousin, Saurabh Kumar, and his friend Shubham were tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident near Gaggal airport in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 pm when the victims’ scooter collided with a car driven by Sher Singh.

According to the police, Singh fled the scene but was later arrested in Mandi with the help of CCTV footage. He has been charged under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 187 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community and beyond. Raina, who is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed his grief and condolences on social media.

“My heart is broken. I have lost my cousin brother Saurabh Kumar and his friend Shubham in a tragic accident. They were like my own brothers. I can’t believe they are gone,” Raina tweeted.

Raina’s decision to withdraw from the IPL 2020 season in the UAE was also due to a family tragedy. He revealed that his relatives were killed in Punjab by a group of gangsters, and he needed to be with his family during this difficult time.

“There was bereavement in the family, I went to Punjab. In my uncle’s family, there were deaths. The kaccha gang..who come with oil on their body. A group of gangsters killed the entire family, my grandmother was also there. It happened in Pathankot. So I went there. But there was a bio-bubble in the IPL, where you couldn’t return. My father was very upset. When the Kachche gang did what they did, my entire family was in stress. I thought cricket came next, I could play anytime, first, my family was important,” Raina said during an interaction on Lallantop.

The cricketing fraternity has come together to offer their support to Raina and his family during this difficult time. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed its condolences and said that it would provide all necessary assistance to Raina and his family.

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