Yuvraj Singh: Rohit Sharma Deserves to Lead India to World Cup Glory

Yuvraj Singh: Rohit Sharma Deserves to Lead India to World Cup Glory

Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, share a deep bond that has stood the test of time. Their journey began in 2007 when they were part of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup squad. While Yuvraj was at the zenith of his career, Rohit was just starting out.

Rohit has always held Yuvraj in high regard. On the Kapil Sharma show, he recounted an amusing incident from his early days in the team. “I sat down in Yuvraj’s seat on the team bus, not knowing that players had preferred seats. Yuvi just made eye contact and gestured me to move. RP Singh explained that it was his seat,” Rohit recalled with a chuckle.

Yuvraj has witnessed Rohit’s remarkable transformation from a shy teenager to a world-class opener. “He had very poor English,” Yuvraj joked, “but he was a funny guy from the streets of Borivali. We always tease him, but he’s a great guy at heart.”

Their bond deepened during Yuvraj’s final season as an active cricketer, when he played under Rohit’s captaincy at Mumbai Indians. “He’s never changed as a person, despite his success,” Yuvraj said. “He’s fun-loving, a great leader, and one of my closest friends from cricket.”

Yuvraj’s admiration for Rohit extends beyond their personal relationship. He believes that Rohit deserves to lead India to a World Cup triumph. “I really want to see him with a World Cup trophy,” Yuvraj said. “He’s had a lot of success, but he hasn’t won a World Cup yet. He deserves it.”

Rohit’s leadership qualities have been evident in India’s recent performances. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 50-over World Cup and the WTC Final last year, and the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Yuvraj believes that Rohit’s presence will be crucial in India’s quest for the T20 World Cup title this year. “We need a good captain who takes decisions well under pressure,” Yuvraj said. “Rohit is the one to do that.”

With the World Cup just around the corner, Yuvraj’s words serve as a reminder of Rohit’s importance to the Indian team. His experience, leadership, and unwavering determination will be vital if India is to end its long wait for an ICC title.

Sanju Samson Stakes Claim for India's Wicketkeeper-Batsman Role at T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson Stakes Claim for India’s Wicketkeeper-Batsman Role at T20 World Cup

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has emerged as a strong contender for India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, according to his IPL coach Kumar Sangakkara. Samson’s impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season has caught the attention of the Indian selectors, who included him in the 15-man squad for the June 1-29 tournament in the United States and the West Indies.

Samson’s inclusion in the squad is a testament to his consistent performances in the IPL. He is currently ranked third in the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 471 runs in 11 games, behind only Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson’s impressive form has been a key factor in Rajasthan Royals’ success this season, as they currently sit second in the points table.

While Rishabh Pant is also a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the Indian team, Samson’s recent performances have put him in a strong position. In Rajasthan Royals’ match against Pant’s Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, Samson struck a blistering 86 off 46 balls, while Pant managed only 15 off 13 balls.

Sangakkara believes that Samson has made a strong case for himself to be included in the Indian team’s starting lineup for the World Cup. “It’s really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination. But he (Samson) has made his case, so hopefully he’ll have a good run in the World Cup,” Sangakkara said.

Samson’s excellent form this season is a result of his improved clarity about his batting approach, according to Sangakkara. “With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat,” Sangakkara said. “There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we’ve addressed from past seasons.”

Sangakkara also praised Samson’s dedication to his fitness and recovery. “He’s changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically. The rest is his exceptional ability,” Sangakkara said.

Samson, who has been on the fringes of the Indian team in recent years, has the potential to excel at the World Cup, according to Sangakkara. “He’s a special player and when he’s fresh and focused there’s nothing he can’t do,” Sangakkara said. “He’s a humble, grounded guy… not much on social media. He tends to like a lot of privacy, cares for the rest of the group.”

RR Captain Sanju Samson Fined for Code of Conduct Violation

RR Captain Sanju Samson Fined for Code of Conduct Violation

Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson Fined for Code of Conduct Violation

During Rajasthan Royals’ 20-run defeat to Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Sanju Samson breached the IPL Code of Conduct, resulting in a fine of 30% of his match earnings.

Samson’s offense, which was not explicitly stated, is believed to have stemmed from a dispute with the umpires following his dismissal in the 16th over. The RR captain questioned the third umpire’s decision to rule out a catch taken by Shai Hope near the boundary ropes.

Samson’s dissatisfaction was evident as he initially turned towards the pavilion but then stopped to engage in a discussion with the on-field umpires.

The IPL issued a statement confirming Samson’s Level 1 offense under Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. The statement read, “Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”

Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct defines a Level 1 offense as “excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire’s decision; an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; requesting a referral to the TV Umpire and arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision.”

This is not the first time Samson has been fined for a Code of Conduct violation. On April 10, he was fined Rs 12 lakh for RR’s slow overrate in their match against the Gujarat Titans.

Samson’s fine serves as a reminder to players of the importance of adhering to the IPL’s Code of Conduct. The code is in place to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the tournament.

RCB Seeks Playoff Lifeline in Scenic Dharamsala Clash

RCB Seeks Playoff Lifeline in Scenic Dharamsala Clash

RCB Embarks on Crucial Clash in Picturesque Dharamsala

With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have arrived in the picturesque town of Dharamsala for a pivotal encounter against the Punjab Kings. The match, scheduled for Thursday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, will be played against the stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

The RCB squad, including several players experiencing Dharamsala for the first time, were captivated by the stadium’s beauty. They were spotted posing for photographs and capturing the scenic views before their training session. The franchise shared a video on social media showcasing these moments.

Leading the charge of cricketers-turned-photographers was team captain Faf du Plessis, who was seen taking pictures and posing with his teammates. RCB’s current standings in the IPL 2024 table are precarious, with only four wins from 11 matches. They occupy seventh place with 8 points, while Punjab Kings also have 8 points but trail RCB on net run rate.

Both teams still harbor an outside chance of reaching the playoffs, but they must not only win their remaining three matches but also rely on favorable results in other fixtures. The match in Dharamsala promises to be a crucial test for both sides as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive.

Andre Russell: Fashionista, Bollywood Debutant, and IPL All-Rounder

Andre Russell: Fashionista, Bollywood Debutant, and IPL All-Rounder

Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has showered praise on his star player Andre Russell, calling him a “fashionista” and comparing his camaraderie with Rinku Singh to the iconic Jai-Veeru duo from the movie “Sholey.”

Russell, a big-hitting West Indies all-rounder, has been a long-time recruit of the two-time IPL franchise. Khan lauded Russell’s fashion sense, saying, “He likes to dress well, do his hair.” He also revealed that Russell owns designer spikes, including Gucci ones.

Amidst the praise, news broke that Russell would be making his debut in a Hindi music video titled “Ladki Tu Kamaal Ki,” featuring actress Avika Gor. The first look of the video went viral on social media.

Russell’s debut in Bollywood as a singer and actor has been met with excitement. The all-rounder has taken the tag of “all-rounder” seriously, extending his talents beyond the cricket field.

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, who worked with Russell and Sunil Narine as bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, revealed the bizarre schedule of the West Indies stars during the IPL. Akram said that Narine and Russell stay up all night and sleep during the day when in India for the tournament.

“When I was a part of KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?'” Akram recalled. “He said I haven’t slept. I said what do you mean I haven’t slept. He said I am on West Indies time.”

Akram added that Russell also follows the same schedule, sleeping during the day and staying up all night.

Russell’s debut music video, “Ladki Tu Kamaal Ki,” is set to release soon, adding another dimension to his already impressive career.

Pat Cummins Recalls Unforgettable IPL Title Win with Kolkata Knight Riders

Pat Cummins Recalls Unforgettable IPL Title Win with Kolkata Knight Riders

Pat Cummins, the current captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been a force to reckon with in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With 13 wickets in 11 matches, Cummins has played a pivotal role in SRH’s success, leading them to the fourth spot in the points table.

Cummins’ journey in the IPL began with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he was part of the title-winning team in 2014. In a recent video that has gone viral, Cummins reminisces about the unforgettable experience of winning the IPL with KKR.

“We won in 2014. A couple of days after the final, we went back to Kolkata, went to the stadium, just to do a kind of a walking fanfare. And the stadium was packed. It was about 80-90 thousand people just waving back at the team and the streets were lined with a few hundred thousand people just to get a glimpse of the team,” Cummins recalls.

He adds, “And then you know you back home and your missus doesn’t even look at you. It’s like hang on, I had half a million people two days ago.”

Cummins’ words paint a vivid picture of the immense adulation and support that IPL teams receive in India. The IPL has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts and minds of millions of fans across the country.

Cummins’ leadership has been instrumental in SRH’s resurgence this season. The team has won six of their 11 matches and is well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Cummins’ ability to inspire his teammates and create a winning environment has been crucial to SRH’s success.

As SRH prepares to face Lucknow Super Giants in their next match, Cummins will be looking to continue his impressive form and guide his team to another victory. With his experience, skill, and determination, Cummins is poised to play a major role in SRH’s quest for the IPL title.

KKR's Flight Diverted Twice, Players Spend Night in Varanasi

KKR’s Flight Diverted Twice, Players Spend Night in Varanasi

KKR’s Flight Diverted Twice, Players Spend Night in Varanasi

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a challenging journey back to Kolkata after their emphatic victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Their flight from Lucknow was initially diverted to Guwahati due to inclement weather in Kolkata. However, after a failed attempt to land in Kolkata, the flight was diverted again, this time to Varanasi.

The players were forced to spend the night in a hotel in Varanasi, but the unexpected delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The squad seized the opportunity to visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The ordeal was documented by KKR in a vlog, which captured the players’ experiences during the unexpected detour. The vlog showcased the team’s resilience and camaraderie as they navigated the challenges of the delayed flight.

KKR’s victory over Lucknow Super Giants was a significant one, propelling them to the top of the IPL standings. The team’s impressive performance in the tournament has them well-positioned for a berth in the playoffs.

Despite the flight delay, KKR’s spirits remained high. The players expressed their gratitude for the support of their fans and vowed to continue their strong performance in the remaining matches of the IPL season.

Babar Azam Eyes T20I Run-Scoring Record on Ireland-England Tour

Babar Azam Eyes T20I Run-Scoring Record on Ireland-England Tour

Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Ireland and England presents a golden opportunity for captain Babar Azam to surpass Indian batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.

With 3823 runs in 114 matches, Babar currently trails Rohit Sharma (3974 runs in 151 matches) by 151 runs and Virat Kohli (4037 runs in 117 matches) by 214 runs. Pakistan’s seven-match T20I schedule provides ample scope for Babar to bridge this gap.

The tour begins with three T20Is in Ireland from May 10, followed by four T20Is in England. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US and West Indies from June 2 to 29.

Pakistan is placed in the same group as India, and the highly anticipated clash between the archrivals is scheduled for June 9 in New York. Babar’s performance in the lead-up to this marquee match will be closely scrutinized.

The Pakistan squad currently comprises 18 players, but it will be trimmed to 15 for the T20 World Cup as per ICC regulations. Babar’s leadership and batting prowess will be vital for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Sri Lanka's Athapaththu Century Powers Team to T20 World Cup Qualifier Triumph

Sri Lanka’s Athapaththu Century Powers Team to T20 World Cup Qualifier Triumph

Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a resounding 68-run victory over Scotland in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, securing their place in Group A of the World Cup proper.

Athapaththu’s blistering 102 off 63 balls, studded with 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 169 for 5. She shared a crucial 106-run partnership with Nilakshika Silva (26*).

Scotland’s chase faltered early as they lost opener Saskia Horley to a run-out in the third over. Left-arm medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Sarah Bryce and Katherine Fraser to leave Scotland reeling at 13 for 3.

Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the screws, with Priyanaz Chatterji (30) offering the only resistance. However, the Scottish batters struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually falling 68 runs short.

Prabodhani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 13, while fellow spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed 1 for 13.

The victory marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, who will now face the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in Group A of the World Cup. Scotland, on the other hand, will be part of Group B alongside South Africa, England, West Indies, and Bangladesh.

Both Sri Lanka and Scotland had already secured their spots in the T20 World Cup proper after defeating UAE and Ireland, respectively, in the semifinals.

Kuldeep Yadav's Masterclass Leads Delhi Capitals to Victory Over Rajasthan Royals

Kuldeep Yadav’s Masterclass Leads Delhi Capitals to Victory Over Rajasthan Royals

Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional bowling performance propelled Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-scoring encounter in Delhi. Yadav’s spell of 2 for 25 proved decisive, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award and lifting DC to fifth place in the points table.

Chasing a challenging target of 222, RR appeared in contention at the start of the 18th over, requiring 41 runs from 18 deliveries. However, Yadav’s brilliance turned the tide in DC’s favor. He successfully reviewed a not-out lbw decision against Donovan Ferreira off the first ball of the over and then dismissed R Ashwin with his final delivery.

Yadav’s economical bowling in his first three overs, conceding only 21 runs, had already disrupted RR’s momentum. DC captain Rishabh Pant revealed that the plan was to save Yadav’s over for RR’s right-handers, Ferreira and Rovman Powell, at the death.

“We wanted to take that chance because with Kuldeep, we knew that these players are going to have problems,” Pant said. “And as always, Kuldeep delivered – great to see that!”

After Yadav’s heroics, DC’s fast bowlers executed their yorkers with precision in the final overs. Rasikh Salam bowled four yorkers in the 19th over, three of them dot balls to Powell, while Mukesh Kumar delivered two in the final over.

“Especially in the back end, the way fast bowlers executed the yorkers [was the turning point],” Pant said. “I think that was a positive, because the way our fast bowling has been going and the way the tournament is progressing, each and every day the bowlers are coming on the positive side, and that’s good to see.”

Despite Delhi being a challenging venue for bowlers this season, Yadav emphasized the importance of mixing length and line and reading the batter. “There is a lot of chance to pick wickets, and that’s what I did,” he said. “You have to be smart enough to bowl and read the batter. It’s better to back your strengths, and just keep believing.”

DC’s victory propelled them to fifth place in the points table, level on points with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

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