Shubman Gill's Century Reignites World Cup Squad Debate

Shubman Gill’s Century Reignites World Cup Squad Debate

Shubman Gill’s blistering century against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday has reignited the debate over his omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Gill, who has been in scintillating form this IPL season, slammed his fourth ton in the league, powering Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run win over the defending champions. His 55-ball 104 was a testament to his class and ability to dominate even the best bowling attacks.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary duty during the match, expressed his admiration for Gill and lamented his exclusion from the World Cup squad. “He (Gill) would be hurting. He should be hurting. He should look at it positively and try to get better,” Shastri said.

Shastri pointed out that Gill’s talent is undeniable, but the depth of India’s batting lineup is such that he has not been able to secure a place in the 15-man squad. “A player of his calibre would walk into any side, but such is the talent in India that he doesn’t get a place,” Shastri added.

Despite missing out on a place in the World Cup squad, Gill will still be traveling with Team India as a reserve alongside Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed. This indicates that the selectors still value his abilities and believe he has a future with the national team.

Gill’s omission from the World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection criteria and whether the selectors have made the right decision. Some experts believe that Gill’s consistent performances in the IPL should have earned him a place in the squad, while others argue that the selectors have opted for a more experienced lineup.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Gill in the World Cup squad is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that he is a talented batsman with the potential to become one of the best in the world. His performances in the IPL this season have only reinforced that belief.

Younis Khan Urges Pakistan to Adapt to Modern Cricket Demands

Younis Khan Urges Pakistan to Adapt to Modern Cricket Demands

Pakistan’s former captain Younis Khan has urged the current team, led by Babar Azam, to adapt to the demands of modern cricket. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Khan emphasized the need for top-order batters like Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman to improve their strike rates and make better use of the power play. He also stressed the importance of bowlers being prepared to perform under pressure.

Khan’s comments come amidst concerns about Pakistan’s recent performances, including a shock defeat to Ireland in a T20 International. Former national team colleague Rashid Latif believes that frequent captaincy changes have disrupted the team’s environment. He criticized the decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain after just one series, arguing that it undermined Babar Azam’s authority.

Pakistan’s new head coach, Gary Kirsten, faces the challenge of restoring stability to the dressing room. His experience working with players from the subcontinent, both with the Indian team and in the Indian Premier League, could prove valuable.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is expected to meet with the players in Dublin to address their concerns. The team is yet to announce its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Kirsten’s appointment is seen as an attempt to bring about a change in Pakistan’s fortunes. His task will be to instill a winning mentality and create a cohesive team environment. With his experience and knowledge, Kirsten is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup.

Fan Breaches Security to Meet MS Dhoni at IPL Match

Fan Breaches Security to Meet MS Dhoni at IPL Match

Fan Breaches Security to Meet MS Dhoni at IPL Match

During an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, a 21-year-old man named Jaykumar Jani breached the tight security cordon to enter the field and meet cricketer MS Dhoni.

The incident occurred during a DRS (decision review system) break on Friday night. Jani, a native of Rabarika village in Bhavnagar district, jumped the metal barricades near the black screen and ran towards the pitch. He was quickly apprehended and taken to Chandkheda police station.

Jani informed the police that he was a fan of Dhoni and wanted to meet him. In a video of the incident that surfaced on social media, Jani is seen bowing at Dhoni’s feet near the pitch and hugging him before security personnel take him away.

Assistant Commissioner of Police DV Rana said that Jani and his brother Parth had traveled from Bhavnagar to watch the match. He added that this is the second such incident at the Narendra Modi Stadium in six months. In November 2023, Wayne Johnson, an Australian national of Chinese-Filipino origin, breached the security cordon to enter the field and hug Virat Kohli during the World Cup final between India and Australia.

Jani was formally arrested on Saturday after a first information report (FIR) was registered against him. He has been charged under section 447 (criminal trespass) of the IPC.

Rajasthan Royals Aim for Top-Two Finish Despite Recent Setbacks

Rajasthan Royals Aim for Top-Two Finish Despite Recent Setbacks

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Donovan Ferreira expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a top-two finish in IPL 2024 despite recent setbacks. The Royals, who led the table until recently, have slipped to second place after two consecutive defeats. However, Ferreira believes they have the potential to bounce back and qualify for the playoffs.

“We should have already qualified for the playoffs by now,” Ferreira said during a pre-match press conference. “But the IPL is a long tournament, and obviously, the second half is important.”

The Royals are currently tied on 16 points with the leaders Kolkata Knight Riders, but Kolkata holds a significantly better net run rate. Ferreira acknowledged the importance of winning their remaining three matches to improve their chances of finishing in the top two.

“We had set out nicely by winning most of the games in the first half, and this game (against CSK) is quite important,” he said. “We have three games left, but we don’t want to leave it too late and put pressure on ourselves.”

Ferreira also addressed concerns about the Royals’ middle order, which has not been tested much this season. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s batting depth.

“It’s (middle order) not much of a concern,” Ferreira said. “We are grateful that our top order has put us in good positions and got us over the line. But, we have got capable batters and a deep batting line-up to pull us through.”

Sunday’s fixture against defending champions Chennai Super Kings will be the first afternoon game at Chepauk this season. Ferreira expects spin to play a crucial role, especially with R. Ashwin returning at his home venue.

“Obviously, this is a turning track. So, Ashwin will play a big role with (Yuzvendra) Chahal tomorrow,” he said.

Despite the intense heat wave in Chennai, Ferreira said the Royals are prepared for the conditions.

“Fortunately, most of our training schedule has been in the afternoon, so we are kind of used to the heat,” he said.

The Royals will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeats and secure a top-two finish in IPL 2024. With three matches remaining, they have the opportunity to prove their mettle and qualify for the playoffs.

Shubman Gill's Century Marks 100th Century in IPL History

Shubman Gill’s Century Marks 100th Century in IPL History

Shubman Gill’s Century Marks Historic Milestone in IPL History

Shubman Gill’s scintillating century for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings not only propelled his team to a crucial victory but also etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Gill’s 104 off 55 deliveries, adorned with nine fours and six maximums, marked the 100th century ever scored in the IPL.

This milestone is a testament to the high caliber of batting performances that have graced the IPL over the years. Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, holds the distinction of scoring the inaugural IPL century in 2008. His unbeaten 158 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set a high benchmark for the matches to follow.

Among the numerous batting stalwarts who have graced the IPL, Virat Kohli stands out with the most centuries to his name. The Indian batting maestro has amassed an impressive tally of eight hundreds, showcasing his consistent brilliance and dominance in the league. Kohli’s achievements have not only contributed to his team’s success but also cemented his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the world.

The IPL has become a breeding ground for both established and emerging cricketers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and contribute to the evolving narrative of cricket in India. With each passing season, the anticipation for more such remarkable innings continues to grow among cricket enthusiasts.

The journey from McCullum’s first century to Gill’s 100th encapsulates the essence of the IPL – a blend of experience, youth, and the unrelenting spirit of cricket. The league has not only entertained millions of fans but also played a pivotal role in the development of Indian cricket, nurturing young talent and inspiring future generations.

KKR on Verge of Playoffs as Narine and Gambhir's Masterstroke Shine

KKR on Verge of Playoffs as Narine and Gambhir’s Masterstroke Shine

KKR vs MI Live Score: Narine’s Exploits and Gambhir’s Masterstroke Propel KKR Towards Playoffs

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are on the cusp of securing a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after a remarkable turnaround under the guidance of former skipper Gautam Gambhir as team mentor. With eight wins from 11 matches, KKR will seal their place in the top four with a victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final home game of the season.

The resurgence of Sunil Narine has been a key factor in KKR’s success. The Trinidadian all-rounder has emerged as their leading run-getter, amassing 461 runs at a blistering strike rate of 183.66. His century and three fifties have provided KKR with a solid foundation in the power-plays.

Alongside Narine, Englishman Phil Salt has also been in impressive form, scoring 429 runs at a strike rate of 183.33. The duo’s explosive batting has allowed KKR to post six 200-plus totals from eight matches batting first. Narine’s consistency has been particularly remarkable, with 32 sixes to his name, second only to Abhishek Sharma (35).

Gambhir’s decision to promote Narine as an opener alongside Salt has proven to be a masterstroke. The duo has given KKR the perfect platform to dominate the early overs, setting the stage for their middle-order to capitalize.

Despite their batting prowess, KKR’s bowling has been somewhat inconsistent, particularly that of Mitchell Starc. However, the emergence of young Angkrish Raghuvanshi at No. 3 and the impressive death bowling of Ramandeep Singh have helped to cover up for Starc’s struggles.

MI, on the other hand, have endured a disappointing season, languishing at the bottom of the standings with just three wins from 11 matches. They will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note, but face a daunting task against an in-form KKR side.

Virat Kohli's IPL Dominance: Run-Scoring Machine and Fielding Marvel

Virat Kohli’s IPL Dominance: Run-Scoring Machine and Fielding Marvel

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, is once again proving his mettle in the ongoing IPL 2024. Currently leading the run-scoring charts with an impressive tally of 634 runs in 12 innings, Kohli’s resurgence bodes well for the Indian cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Kohli’s latest half-century, a blistering 47-ball 92 against Punjab Kings, showcased his exceptional batting prowess. However, it was his viral run out of Shashank Singh that stole the limelight.

In a moment of brilliance, Kohli sprinted a considerable distance, latched onto the ball, and executed a mid-air throw to dismiss Singh, Punjab Kings’ most consistent batter. The run out has been widely hailed as one of the most spectacular fielding efforts in recent memory.

Beyond his batting and fielding heroics, Kohli has also revealed the secret behind his batting transformation this IPL. Speaking to broadcasters after the match, he explained that he has reintroduced the slog-sweep against spinners.

“I’ve brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners. I just mentally put myself in that situation and I didn’t practice it at all,” Kohli said. “I know I can hit it because I’ve hit it a lot in the past. So, I just felt like I need to take a bit more risk and for me that shot was something that I used to hit regularly back in the day.”

Kohli’s willingness to take risks and his ability to stay ahead of the “what if you get out” thought have been key factors in his success this IPL. He has consistently maintained a high strike rate and kept the scoring rate going for his team.

As the IPL 2024 progresses, Kohli’s form will be crucial for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title aspirations. His leadership, batting prowess, and fielding brilliance make him an invaluable asset to the team and a formidable force in the tournament.

American Clay-Court Stars Fritz and Korda Clash in Rome

American Clay-Court Stars Fritz and Korda Clash in Rome

Taylor Fritz, known as “Claylor” for his unexpected success on clay, has reached the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Despite being an American who didn’t play on red clay until he was 16, Fritz has excelled on the surface, reaching the final in Munich and the semifinals in Madrid.

Fritz attributes his success to his forehand, which he believes is well-suited for clay. He has also improved his movement and tactics on the surface. While he acknowledges that he may never be the best clay-court player, he is determined to prove that he can be competitive.

Another American, Sebastian Korda, has also found success on clay. Korda, who spent his childhood playing on clay in Europe, has won an ATP title on the surface and reached the fourth round of the French Open. He recently won a Masters 1000 doubles title in Madrid.

Korda and Fritz will face off in the third round of the Italian Open. Despite Fritz’s recent success on clay, Korda holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. However, Fritz believes he has the edge on clay and is looking forward to the challenge.

The match between Fritz and Korda promises to be a competitive battle between two of the most promising American clay-court players. The winner will be a serious contender for a deep run in the tournament.

KKR Eye Playoff Berth as Struggling MI Visit Eden Gardens

KKR Eye Playoff Berth as Struggling MI Visit Eden Gardens

KKR Aim to Seal Playoff Berth Against Struggling Mumbai Indians

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the two-time former Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, are on the cusp of securing a playoff berth for the first time in three years. They will face the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final home match of the season on Saturday, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the top four.

KKR have been in red-hot form this season, winning eight of their 11 matches. They currently sit atop the 10-team standings with 16 points. A victory over MI would extend their lead and all but confirm their place in the playoffs.

On the other hand, MI have endured a disappointing campaign, winning just three of their 11 matches. They are languishing at the bottom of the table and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they will be determined to end their season on a high note and spoil KKR’s party.

KKR will be led by their star-studded batting lineup, which includes the likes of Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer. They also have a formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

MI, meanwhile, will rely on their experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, and Jasprit Bumrah to guide them to a victory. They will also need their young guns, like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, to step up and deliver.

The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. KKR will be the favorites, but MI will be desperate to prove that they are not a spent force.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.

Raja highlighted the team’s weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “you can’t defend losing against Ireland.”

Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan’s batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

“How will Pakistan win the World Cup?” Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team’s prospects given their current form. “You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head.”

Raja’s comments shed light on Pakistan’s struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.

Pakistan’s loss to Ireland has exposed the team’s weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart