Rishabh Pant Frontrunner for India's T20 World Cup Vice-Captaincy

Rishabh Pant Frontrunner for India’s T20 World Cup Vice-Captaincy

Rishabh Pant’s impressive return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has put him in contention to become India’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, ahead of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Pant, who has been out of action since a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, has shown remarkable resilience and skill in his comeback. In contrast, Pandya has struggled both as a batter and bowler in the ongoing IPL, raising questions about his leadership abilities.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Pant’s current form gives him an edge over Pandya in the race to become Rohit Sharma’s deputy. The national selectors are expected to meet on May 1 to consider re-appointing Pant as vice-captain, a position he held before his injury hiatus.

Pant has previously captained India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022. He is also expected to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in June.

Other positions in the Indian squad for the World Cup are also up for grabs. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul are vying for the second wicket-keeper spot, while Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are in contention for all-rounder roles.

The top order is likely to consist of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will feature Pant, Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the specialist spinner, while Axar Patel may edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the other spinner’s position. Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, despite his impressive performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may once again miss out on selection.

Hardik Pandya's Struggles Raise Questions About T20 World Cup Spot

Hardik Pandya’s Struggles Raise Questions About T20 World Cup Spot

Hardik Pandya’s struggles as Mumbai Indians skipper have raised questions about his place in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The all-rounder has endured a disappointing IPL season, with poor bowling figures, limited runs with the bat, and subpar leadership. Mumbai Indians’ dismal performance, winning only three of their nine matches, has further fueled criticism.

However, former pacer Varun Aaron believes that Pandya remains a key contender for India’s T20 World Cup squad, ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ Shivam Dube. Aaron attributes Pandya’s struggles to his return to Mumbai Indians, which has placed immense pressure on him.

“Hardik is a proven match winner,” Aaron said. “He’s not at his best right now, but he’s taking on a lot of pressure. He must be thinking, ‘Why did I come here?'”

Aaron believes that Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians was a mistake that has affected his performance. “He had a really good run at the Gujarat Titans,” Aaron added. “Once you remove him from that pressure, he will shine.”

In nine matches for Mumbai Indians, Pandya has scored 197 runs at an average of 24.62 and a strike rate of 151.53. On the bowling front, he has taken only four wickets and leaked runs at an economy of close to 12 RPO.

Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians skipper ahead of the 2024 season. Sharma, a five-time title winner, has been a highly successful captain for the franchise.

Despite Pandya’s struggles, Aaron believes that he should be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad. “He’s a proven match winner,” Aaron said. “He’s got the experience and the skill. He’s a big-match player.”

IPL Performances Alone Should Not Guarantee World Cup Selection: Irfan Pathan

IPL Performances Alone Should Not Guarantee World Cup Selection: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has emphasized the importance of considering a player’s past contributions to the Indian team when selecting the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pathan believes that standout performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season should not automatically guarantee a spot in the team.

Pathan draws on his own experience as an example. Despite being injured and dropped from the team, he was eventually recalled due to his past contributions. He argues that the selection committee should adopt a similar approach, acknowledging the value of experience and not solely relying on recent IPL performances.

Pathan highlights the challenges of international cricket, where players face top-quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pathirana. He believes that experienced bowlers with a proven track record should be prioritized over uncapped bowlers who may perform well in the IPL’s smaller grounds and flatter pitches.

While acknowledging the potential of young players, Pathan cautions against overlooking the importance of experience, especially in the slow conditions of the West Indies and the unknown element of the USA pitches. He cites the 2007 T20 World Cup victory as an example, where India’s success was built on a core of experienced players.

Pathan concludes by emphasizing the need for vigilance in selecting the squad for the upcoming World Cup. He believes that the slowness of the game in the West Indies demands experienced players who can handle the pressure and adapt to the conditions.

KKR and DC Clash in IPL 2024 Battle for Top-Four Finish

KKR and DC Clash in IPL 2024 Battle for Top-Four Finish

Match 47 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 promises an exciting clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams are vying for a top-four finish, with KKR currently second on the points table and DC fifth.

KKR’s recent loss to Punjab Kings has put their winning streak on hold, but they remain a formidable force. Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Phil Salt have been their key performers, contributing significant fantasy points.

DC, on the other hand, have been in impressive form, defeating Mumbai Indians in their last match. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant have been their top fantasy point-getters.

The Eden Gardens pitch is known for its batting-friendly nature, with an average first-innings score of 181 runs. Both pacers and spinners are expected to find success on this surface.

Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for cricket, with temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity.

In the head-to-head battle, KKR’s batters have earned more fantasy points than DC’s, while DC’s bowlers have been more productive.

Fantasy Picks:

Captain: Sunil Narine (KKR)
Vice-Captain: Rishabh Pant (DC)

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Sunil Narine (KKR)
* Andre Russell (KKR)
* Phil Salt (KKR)
* Kuldeep Yadav (DC)
* Tristan Stubbs (DC)
* Axar Patel (DC)
* Shreyas Iyer (DC)
* Khaleel Ahmed (DC)
* Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)

Fantasy Team:

Wicket-Keepers: Phil Salt (KKR), Rishabh Pant (DC)
Batters: Tristan Stubbs (DC), Shreyas Iyer (DC), Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC)
All-Rounders: Andre Russell (KKR), Sunil Narine (KKR), Axar Patel (DC)
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav (DC), Khaleel Ahmed (DC), Mukesh Kumar (KKR)

CSK Sets Record with Most 200+ Totals in T20 Cricket

CSK Sets Record with Most 200+ Totals in T20 Cricket

Chennai Super Kings Reign Supreme in T20 Cricket with Record-Breaking 200+ Totals

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the formidable Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, has etched its name in the annals of T20 cricket history by achieving the most 200+ totals in the shortest format of the game. Their remarkable feat of scoring 212/3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 match at Chepauk marked their 35th occasion of surpassing the 200-run mark in the tournament.

This extraordinary achievement is a testament to CSK’s consistent batting prowess and their ability to dominate opponents with their aggressive approach. Their victory against SRH, which they secured by bowling out their rivals for just 134 runs in 18.5 overs, further solidified their status as one of the most successful teams in T20 cricket.

CSK’s dominance in this aspect of the game is unmatched, with Somerset, an English county cricket team, trailing behind with 34 occasions of breaching the 200-run barrier. India, the cricketing powerhouse, has also made its mark with 32 200+ totals in T20 internationals, showcasing the depth and talent of its batting lineup.

Another IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has also earned a reputation for their explosive batting displays, recording 31 occasions of scoring 200 or more runs in IPL history. Bolstered by some of the game’s most exciting batsmen, RCB’s aggressive style has made them a perennial threat in T20 cricket.

From the English county scene, Yorkshire’s tally of 29 200+ totals reflects their tradition of producing talented cricketers. Yorkshire’s commitment to attacking cricket has yielded impressive results, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in domestic competitions.

Not to be outdone, Surrey, another prominent English county team, has amassed 28 200+ totals in T20 cricket. Surrey’s blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents has consistently produced thrilling performances, making them a team capable of achieving remarkable feats with the bat.

DC's Batting Juggernaut Faces KKR's Bowling Test in IPL Clash

DC’s Batting Juggernaut Faces KKR’s Bowling Test in IPL Clash

IPL 2024: Resurgent Delhi Capitals Aim to Conquer Kolkata Knight Riders’ Bowling Woes

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for another thrilling encounter as the resurgent Delhi Capitals (DC) take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. DC, buoyed by four wins in their last five matches, will be looking to exploit KKR’s bowling vulnerabilities and ascend to the top four in the standings.

DC’s batting has been a revelation this season, with Aussie Jake Fraser-McGurk emerging as their X-factor. The 22-year-old power-hitter has taken the IPL by storm, scoring 247 runs in five matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.50. His ferocious batting display at the top has been a major catalyst for DC’s resurgence.

South African Tristian Stubbs has also left everyone in awe with his astonishing power-hitting. In a recent match against Mumbai, he smashed a 25-ball 48 not out, showcasing his immense potential. Roshabh Pant, the DC captain, has also been making rapid progress with every match. The DC top-five, comprising Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, Shai Hope, Pant, and Stubbs, will be a cause of concern for the KKR bowling attack.

On the other hand, KKR has endured three defeats in their last five matches, with their profligacy in bowling hurting them badly. The Gautam Gambhir-mentored side will need to address their bowling woes if they want to challenge DC’s formidable batting lineup.

The match promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams possessing explosive batting firepower. DC will be looking to continue their winning momentum and consolidate their position in the top half of the table, while KKR will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and reignite their playoff hopes.

Gary Kirsten Sets Ambitious Target for Pakistan Cricket Team

Gary Kirsten Sets Ambitious Target for Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten has set an ambitious target for the national cricket team: to win at least one of the three upcoming ICC events in the next three years. These events include two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026) and the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.

Kirsten, who is currently the mentor of IPL side Gujarat Titans, believes that winning one of these major tournaments would be a significant achievement for Pakistan. “If you can win one of those three ICC Events, that will be an amazing achievement on its own,” he said.

The former South Africa batter is expected to take charge of his new job from May 22 ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England. He admitted that the time frame for preparations for the T20 World Cup in June is short, but he is confident that the team can build a solid foundation in the next three weeks.

Kirsten emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment for the players to perform at their best. “My job is to make sure that the team operates at its best. If the team is operating at its best, we will always have a good chance of winning a trophy,” he said.

He also highlighted the immense talent within the Pakistan team, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. “I’m looking forward to understanding what makes them tick and how I can help them to be the best versions of themselves going forward,” he said.

Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to be one of the top teams in the world. “The view on Pakistan cricket hasn’t shifted for a long time. There is always an expectation that it should be a high performing team all the time,” he said. “It’s always wonderful from a coaching perspective when you can help them unlock the real potential.”

Pakistan to Host 2023 Champions Trophy in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi

Pakistan to Host 2023 Champions Trophy in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2023 Champions Trophy will be held entirely within Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The decision comes amidst speculation that the tournament could adopt a “hybrid model” to accommodate India’s participation.

The PCB remains adamant about hosting the tournament within the country’s borders, despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential ‘hybrid model’ to accommodate India’s participation. The board has sent the schedule for the matches to the ICC and is confident that it can provide a safe and secure environment for the event.

The ICC’s security team has already visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The PCB is also working to upgrade the facilities at the three proposed venues to ensure they meet international standards.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore, “We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan.” He added that the board is committed to providing a memorable experience for all participants and fans.

The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The ‘Hybrid Model’ of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year, with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host.

However, the PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any such arrangement for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said, “We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding a hybrid model. We are confident that we can host the entire tournament in Pakistan.”

The PCB is confident that it can host a successful Champions Trophy in 2023. The tournament will be a major boost for Pakistan cricket and will help to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for international sports events.

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan's Test Success

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan’s Test Success

Pakistan’s newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team’s success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.

Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.

The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team’s strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.

Gillespie’s role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team’s future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.

Gillespie’s ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

Virat Kohli's Fiery Sendoff and Unwavering Determination in RCB's IPL Triumph

Virat Kohli’s Fiery Sendoff and Unwavering Determination in RCB’s IPL Triumph

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s talismanic batter, Virat Kohli, showcased his fiery spirit and unwavering determination in the IPL 2024 clash against Gujarat Titans. His aggression was evident both on and off the field, as he gave a fiery sendoff to Gujarat batter Shahrukh Khan after his dismissal.

Kohli’s passion was palpable from the outset. After Mohammed Siraj dismissed Shahrukh, Kohli pointed towards the pavilion, sending a clear message of intent. This moment, captured on video, sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.

Despite the criticism he has faced for his strike rate and perceived struggles against spin, Kohli remained unfazed. He went on to score a magnificent 70 off 44 balls, anchoring RCB’s chase of 201. His innings was characterized by his trademark aggression and calculated risk-taking.

After the match, Kohli addressed the chatter surrounding his strike rate and spin-bowling abilities. He emphasized the importance of winning games for the team and the value of experience. “Those who have done day in and day out, they know what’s happening,” he said.

Kohli’s performance and post-match comments have reignited the debate about his role in the modern game. While some critics question his adaptability to the evolving T20 format, others hail him as a timeless legend.

Regardless of the opinions, Kohli’s passion and unwavering belief in his abilities remain undeniable. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with, inspiring both his teammates and fans alike.

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