Igor Stimac Announces Second List of Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Igor Stimac Announces Second List of Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Indian football’s senior men’s team head coach Igor Stimac has unveiled his second list of 15 probables for the Bhubaneswar camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar. This announcement follows the release of the first list of 26 probables on Saturday.

The 26 players from the first list will commence training in the Odisha capital on May 10. The 15 players from the second list, comprising players from Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan SG who contested the ISL Cup final, will join the camp on May 15.

A total of 41 players will participate in the national camp. The Blue Tigers will face Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before traveling to Qatar on June 11 for their final two matches of Group A.

India currently stands second in the group with four points from four matches. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure their place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Second List of 15 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 15):

* Goalkeepers: Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, Vishal Kaith
* Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose
* Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad
* Forwards: Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh

First List of 26 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 10):

* Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
* Defenders: Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Muhammad Hammad, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem
* Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammad Yasir, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan
* Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, Lalrinzuala, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri

Indian Cricket Team Unveils Vibrant New Jersey for 2024 T20 World Cup

Indian Cricket Team Unveils Vibrant New Jersey for 2024 T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team unveiled its official jersey for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking a significant departure from the design worn at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The new jersey features a vibrant blue and orange hue, symbolizing the team’s determination to break its drought at ICC events.

Since their last ICC trophy victory in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, India has come tantalizingly close to success but has ultimately fallen short in the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and World Test Championship.

The jersey, priced at Rs 5999 for regular size, is available for purchase on Adidas’ official website. Interestingly, the price of the jersey is comparable to the cost of a flight from Delhi to Goa, which currently hovers around Rs 5500.

Adidas released a sneak peek of the jersey on social media, featuring Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and teammates Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite rumors of a possible leak, fans expressed excitement and anticipation for the tournament.

India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup includes:

* Rohit Sharma (C)
* Hardik Pandya (VC)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Virat Kohli
* Suryakumar Yadav
* Rishabh Pant
* Sanju Samson
* Shivam Dube
* Ravindra Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Yuzvendra Chahal
* Arshdeep Singh
* Mohammed Siraj
* Jasprit Bumrah

Reserves:

* Shubman Gill
* Rinku Singh
* Khaleel Ahmed
* Avesh Khan

Akram Urges Respect Amid Kohli-Gavaskar Spat

Akram Urges Respect Amid Kohli-Gavaskar Spat

Wasim Akram Weighs In on Kohli-Gavaskar Spat, Emphasizes Mutual Respect

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has expressed his views on the recent verbal altercation between Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar during IPL 2024, highlighting the importance of mutual respect despite differences in opinion.

Akram, known for his astute analysis, acknowledged the stature of both Kohli and Gavaskar in the cricketing world, describing them as “greats” and “proud Indians” with immense contributions to the sport. He emphasized that both individuals are highly respected figures in the cricketing fraternity.

Reflecting on the contentious exchange, Akram stated, “Both are greats. Sunny bhai, as a cricketer, as a human being, I know him off the field. As a commentator, he has been doing it for God knows how many years. And coming to the great man, Virat Kohli, he is a top player, a modern great. In fact, he is an all-time great in history, given the kind of performances he has had. But I think Virat shouldn’t have said it.”

Akram’s comments shed light on the delicate balance between player critique and respect for commentators’ roles in shaping public discourse around the game. He underscored that commentators, like Gavaskar, are integral to the cricketing ecosystem, offering valuable insights and analysis derived from years of experience in the sport.

“It is the commentators’ job. If he got slow in a couple of matches and he [Gavaskar] said something, forget about it. Virat is not that kind of a person. Both are proud Indians; both are greats. It’s OK; they both will move on pretty quickly. Don’t think either will take it personally. They will be fine, I know. I am telling you now. I know them both very well,” Akram reassured, emphasizing his confidence in the resilience and maturity of both individuals to overcome this disagreement.

Akram’s intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and understanding within the cricketing community. While differences in opinion may arise, it is crucial to maintain a level of decorum and respect for the contributions and perspectives of others.

USA Cricket Star Nisarg Patel Eager to Learn from Jadeja, Kohli at T20 World Cup

USA Cricket Star Nisarg Patel Eager to Learn from Jadeja, Kohli at T20 World Cup

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 presents a unique opportunity for the United States of America cricket team, as they make their debut in the prestigious tournament. Among the team’s roster are several established stars with roots in India, Pakistan, and other cricket-playing nations.

One such player is Nisarg Patel, a left-arm spinner who migrated to the United States from India in 2003. Patel is eager to learn from some of the world’s best cricketers, including India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli.

“MS Dhoni is my favorite, but he’s retired now,” Patel said. “I want to take some tips from Ravindra Jadeja since he’s my type of player. Even a small tip from him can be very helpful.”

Patel and his teammates are thrilled to be participating in the T20 World Cup for the first time. “We’re very excited,” he said. “Playing against big teams like India and Pakistan is a dream for us. We’re looking forward to learning from them and making the most of this opportunity.”

The USA squad features a blend of experienced players and rising stars. Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand international, will join a select group of cricketers to represent two different teams at the World Cup. The team is led by 31-year-old wicket-keeper batter Monank Patel and includes other notable names such as opener Steven Taylor, Aaron Jones, and Saurabh Netravalkar.

The USA team will be hoping to make a strong impression in their World Cup debut. They have a talented squad with a mix of experience and youth, and they are eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

KL Rahul's Slow Batting Puts Pressure on Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul’s Slow Batting Puts Pressure on Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), despite being a contender for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs, faces challenges within the franchise. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has rescued LSG in crucial moments, but the top-order, particularly skipper KL Rahul, has underperformed.

In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), LSG chased a target of 236, with Rahul scoring a sluggish 25 off 21. Cricket legend Brett Lee criticized Rahul’s approach, stating that it puts immense pressure on the middle-order.

“KKR’s openers start quickly and score runs, while Rahul gets a run a ball, pressurizing the back end,” Lee said. “Rahul’s strike rate has declined, and he’s under pressure because he hasn’t scored the runs he should.”

Rahul acknowledged LSG’s poor performance in all aspects of the game. “We failed in batting, bowling, and fielding,” he said. “We couldn’t handle the pressure from Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, and our young bowlers struggled.”

LSG’s struggles extend beyond Rahul’s form. The team’s bowling has been inconsistent, and the fielding has been error-prone. The franchise needs to address these issues to maintain its playoff aspirations.

Zimbabwe Elects to Field First in Third T20I Against Bangladesh

Zimbabwe Elects to Field First in Third T20I Against Bangladesh

Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, opted to field first in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram. This decision mirrored that of his Bangladeshi counterpart, Najmul Hossain Shanto, in the previous two matches.

Zimbabwe made two changes to their lineup. Richard Ngarava was ruled out due to injury, with Faraz Akram taking his place. Wellington Masakadza returned from concussion concerns, replacing Ainsley Ndlovu.

Bangladesh also made alterations, resting Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan. Tanzim Hasan and Tanvir Islam were brought in as replacements. These changes resulted in a shorter batting lineup for Bangladesh, with Rishad Hossain likely to bat at number seven.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, boasts a strong batting order with seven batters before their all-rounders.

Surrey Signs Australian Pacer Spencer Johnson for Vitality Blast

Surrey Signs Australian Pacer Spencer Johnson for Vitality Blast

Surrey County Cricket Club has bolstered its Vitality Blast squad with the signing of Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson for the first eight matches of the tournament. Johnson, a left-armer, is a familiar face at The Oval, having represented Oval Invincibles in the 2023 campaign.

During his stint with Invincibles, Johnson showcased his exceptional skills, claiming five wickets, including a remarkable 3 for 1 off 20 deliveries against Manchester Originals. His impressive performance played a crucial role in Invincibles’ successful title run.

Johnson’s acquisition comes at an opportune time for Surrey, who will be without four key players due to their involvement in the T20 World Cup. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley have all been selected by England for the global event.

The Australian pacer will join Sean Abbott as Surrey’s overseas options for the Blast. The club is permitted to field a maximum of three overseas players in its squad and two in its playing XI.

“I’m thrilled to join Surrey and have some fantastic memories from playing at the Kia Oval last year,” Johnson said. “Surrey has a great squad, and I’m eager to contribute with the ball in front of the passionate crowds in south London.”

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of men’s cricket, expressed his delight at Johnson’s signing. “Spencer is a highly talented cricketer who has proven his abilities in white-ball cricket at the highest levels,” Stewart said. “He will strengthen our bowling unit during the early stages of the group stages when we have four players away at the World Cup with England.”

Despite missing out on Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, Johnson remains a highly sought-after player in the T20 circuit. He secured a lucrative deal worth AU$1.78 million (USD1.175 million) with Gujarat Titans in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Following the Vitality Blast, Johnson will represent LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket before returning to The Oval for his Hundred stint with Invincibles. He could potentially add to his six international caps at the end of the English summer when Australia tours for three T20Is and five ODIs.

Hardik Pandya's Bowling Resurgence Boosts India's World Cup Hopes

Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Resurgence Boosts India’s World Cup Hopes

Hardik Pandya’s resurgence with the ball has been a welcome sight for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite a disappointing IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya’s all-round abilities remain unmatched in India.

Chief selector Chetan Sharma emphasized Pandya’s unique balance and versatility, particularly his bowling prowess. Pandya’s ability to bowl at the death and provide Rohit Sharma with flexible options is crucial for the team’s success.

In Monday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pandya delivered an incisive spell, taking three for 33 in four overs. His accurate bowling and ability to exploit the Wankhede pitch’s bounce and movement played a significant role in restricting Hyderabad to a manageable total.

Pandya’s return to form, along with Suryakumar Yadav’s blazing century, bodes well for India’s World Cup aspirations. Both players have overcome injuries and are now hitting their stride at the right time.

Pandya’s bowling has been particularly impressive in his last three matches, where he has bowled his full quota of overs and taken wickets consistently. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowl to the situation is a testament to his skill and experience.

Former West Indies great Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, has been a staunch supporter of Pandya. He believes that Pandya’s recent bowling performances are a positive sign for both the player and Indian cricket.

If Pandya can continue his good form in Mumbai Indians’ remaining two matches, he will regain much of the confidence that was shaken during his disappointing IPL campaign. His return to bowling fitness and effectiveness will be a major boost for India’s World Cup hopes.

Diego Schwartzman Hopes for Roland Garros Wild Card in Retirement Season

Diego Schwartzman Hopes for Roland Garros Wild Card in Retirement Season

Diego Schwartzman, the former world No. 8, announced his retirement from tennis next February. However, he hopes to play one last time in the main draw of Roland Garros, where he had his best-ever Grand Slam run four years ago.

With a current ranking of No. 142, Schwartzman will need to qualify for the main draw unless he receives a wild card from tournament organizers. He has cheekily made his case on Instagram, garnering support from fans.

Schwartzman’s retirement news has been met with congratulations from the tennis community, including Grand Slam winners Juan Martin del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini. His compatriot Francisco Cerundolo praised his impact on Argentine tennis.

Dominic Thiem, whom Schwartzman famously defeated en route to his Paris semifinal, called him an “absolute legend.” John Isner, with whom Schwartzman reached the Rome doubles final, dubbed him “my forever doubles partner.”

Schwartzman plans to play out the 2024 season, hoping to compete at all his favorite events. He has expressed his desire to end his career with a “most beautiful ending” at his home tournament in Buenos Aires in 2025.

Hobart Hurricanes Player Acquitted of Rape Set to Return Despite Disclosure Concerns

Hobart Hurricanes Player Acquitted of Rape Set to Return Despite Disclosure Concerns

Nikhil Chaudhary, a player recently acquitted of rape charges, is expected to return to the Hobart Hurricanes in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. However, Cricket Tasmania, the franchise’s governing body, was unaware of the criminal proceedings against Chaudhary until after the verdict.

Chaudhary joined the Hurricanes in late 2023 and had his contract extended to 2027 in February, just a month before his trial. Cricket Tasmania’s high performance general manager, Salliann Beams, expressed disappointment that Chaudhary had not disclosed the charges or court proceedings to the organization.

“It’s not so much the incident because we know that nothing happened … legally not guilty and everything,” Beams said. “It’s just the disclosure of information. We want to know where we sit on that because we were completely in the dark.”

Beams acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the situation, noting that Chaudhary was advised not to discuss the matter. However, she emphasized the importance of transparency and the potential impact on the franchise’s reputation.

“You have to deal with the organization’s point of view and the impact that it could potentially have on that,” she said. “Because you don’t really want to associate yourself with … that type of investigation.”

Despite the concerns, Beams indicated that Chaudhary is likely to play in the upcoming BBL season. “There are some legalities through that process,” she said. “But at the same time, you can understand from the players’ point of view is that, you know, they’ve done nothing wrong and it’s a scary place.”

Chaudhary played nine games for the Hurricanes in the previous BBL season, averaging 26 with the bat and taking five wickets. The team missed out on the finals.

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