England T20 World Cup Squad Unavailable for IPL Play-Offs

England T20 World Cup Squad Unavailable for IPL Play-Offs

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that members of England’s T20 World Cup squad will be unavailable for the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs. The decision was made to prioritize the upcoming four-match T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on May 22.

The move will likely affect Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Phil Salt (Kolkata Knight Riders), and Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings). These players were informed of their selection in the provisional World Cup squad on Monday and were told that they would not be available for the IPL knockout stages.

The play-offs for the IPL are scheduled to run from May 21 to May 26, directly clashing with England’s Pakistan series. Other England players involved in both the World Cup squad and the IPL include Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Will Jacks, and Reece Topley.

The ECB has requested that the players return to the UK on the weekend of May 18-19, which could rule them out of their respective franchises’ final group-stage fixtures. The group stage concludes on May 19, and England is keen for their World Cup squad to have a few days together before their first T20I since December.

England’s managing director, Rob Key, explained that the decision was made to ensure that the players have sufficient preparation time for the World Cup. “We’ve got to the point where actually, we think it’s more important that you come back at that group gets together,” Key said. “You just want them to get together and spend a bit of time and build up to it.”

Key also revealed that Buttler had initiated the decision to return home before the end of the IPL. “I asked him very early on in the piece and said, ‘Look, as England captain, you’re obviously going to have this series against Pakistan. How do you see it?’ And straightaway, he said, ‘No, no, I want to come back and start getting ready for the World Cup in that series that’s just before it.'”

The ECB’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some have praised the move, arguing that it is necessary to prioritize the national team’s preparations for the World Cup. Others have expressed disappointment, as it means that some of the IPL’s most exciting players will be absent from the play-offs.

India Make One Change for Second T20I Against Bangladesh

India Make One Change for Second T20I Against Bangladesh

India vs Bangladesh: Hemalatha Replaces Bhatia in Second T20I

In the second T20I match between India and Bangladesh in Sylhet, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana opted to bat first after winning the toss. Both teams made minor adjustments to their lineups, with India bringing in spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha for Yastika Bhatia, who suffered a niggle after scoring 36 runs in the first game. Bangladesh, on the other hand, replaced spin-bowling allrounder Shorna Akther with experienced pace allrounder Ritu Moni.

Hemalatha earned her spot in the Indian squad through her impressive performances in the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the Gujarat Giants. She last played a T20I in September 2022 and is eager to make the most of this series to secure her place in the T20 World Cup later this year. With Jemimah Rodrigues absent due to a back niggle, Hemalatha may move up the batting order, having primarily played in the middle order for India.

In the first match of the five-match series, India emerged victorious, giving them a 1-0 lead.

India XI:

* Shafali Verma
* Smriti Mandhana
* D Hemalatha
* Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
* Richa Ghosh (wk)
* Deepti Sharma
* S Sajana
* Pooja Vastrakar
* Renuka Singh Thakur
* Shreyanka Patil
* Radha Yadav

Bangladesh XI:

* Dilara Akter
* Murshida Khatun
* Sobhana Mostary
* Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)
* Ritu Moni
* Fahima Khatun
* Rabeya Khan
* Nahida Akter
* Sultana Khatun
* Marufa Akter
* Fariha Trishna

India Announces 15-Man Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

India Announces 15-Man Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

India Unveils Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup: Pant, Dube, and Samson Make the Cut

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States and West Indies from June 1st. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions.

Leading the charge as captain is Rohit Sharma, who will be aiming to guide India to their second T20 World Cup title. He is joined by veteran batsman Virat Kohli, who remains a key figure in the team’s batting lineup. Suryakumar Yadav, the current ICC T20I Player of the Year, is also included, along with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

One of the most significant additions to the squad is wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant has been in impressive form in recent months, and his inclusion adds depth and explosiveness to the batting order. Another notable inclusion is all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has shown promise with both bat and ball.

Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the Indian team in recent years, has also earned a recall. Samson’s versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset to the squad.

The bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been India’s most consistent performers in recent times. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal form a formidable spin duo, while Arshdeep Singh provides a left-arm option.

The squad also includes experienced all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who offer balance and depth to the team. Axar Patel, another left-arm spinner, provides additional options for the bowling attack.

The reserve players for the tournament include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. These players will be on standby in case of any injuries or unforeseen circumstances.

India will be hoping to make a strong impact at the 2024 T20 World Cup and add to their tally of two titles. With a talented and experienced squad, they will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Virat Kohli's T20 Numbers: A Closer Look

Virat Kohli’s T20 Numbers: A Closer Look

Virat Kohli’s T20 form has been a subject of intense debate, with his strike rate and approach under scrutiny. However, a closer examination of his numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.

In the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli is leading the run charts with 500 runs at an average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 147. His middle-overs strike rate (137.17) is his highest since 2016, when he scored 973 runs. Against spin in the middle overs, he has struck at 138.4, his best in years.

Kohli’s power-play strike rate (154.43) is also at an all-time high. He has scored 244 runs in this phase, with 29 fours and 10 sixes. His death overs strike rate (168.00) is decent, though he has not had many opportunities to play in this phase.

Overall, Kohli’s strike rate against pace (157.69) is his highest since 2023. Against spin, his strike rate (135.66) is lower than in previous seasons, but still respectable.

Despite the mixed debates, Kohli’s numbers suggest that he remains a formidable T20 batter. His ability to anchor innings, accelerate when needed, and perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team.

India Women Crush Bangladesh in Second T20I, Take 2-0 Series Lead

India Women Crush Bangladesh in Second T20I, Take 2-0 Series Lead

India Women Dominate Bangladesh in Second T20I, Take 2-0 Series Lead

In the second T20I match of the five-match series in Sylhet, India Women extended their dominance over Bangladesh Women, securing a comfortable victory to take a 2-0 series lead.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings was stifled by India’s disciplined bowling attack. Renuka Singh struck early, dismissing Dilara Akter for 4, while Deepti Sharma claimed the wicket of Sobhana Mostary for 14.

Murshida Khatun top-scored for Bangladesh with 21 runs, but the team struggled to build partnerships and were restricted to a modest total of 100/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, India Women chased down the target with ease, reaching 101/2 in just 14.3 overs. Smriti Mandhana led the way with an unbeaten 30, while Shafali Verma contributed 24.

Pooja Vastrakar provided a late flourish with a boundary to seal the victory for India.

Key Moments:

* Renuka Singh’s early wickets put Bangladesh on the back foot.
* Deepti Sharma’s economical spell (1/15) restricted Bangladesh’s scoring.
* Murshida Khatun’s 21 was the highest score for Bangladesh.
* Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 30 anchored India’s chase.
* Pooja Vastrakar’s boundary sealed the victory for India.

Post-Match Reactions:

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, particularly their bowling. She also praised Dayalan Hemalatha for her return to the team and her contributions.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged the challenges faced by her team but remained optimistic about their potential to bounce back.

CSK and PBKS Face Off in Crucial IPL Clash

CSK and PBKS Face Off in Crucial IPL Clash

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for an intriguing clash between the inconsistent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the unpredictable Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 1 in Chennai.

CSK, the defending champions, have been struggling for consistency, with 10 points from nine matches. They will be eager to break away from the mid-table gridlock with a win. However, they face a formidable challenge in PBKS, who have six points from nine games but are coming off a record-breaking chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The Chepauk deck offers assistance to bowlers, as evidenced by CSK’s impressive 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous match. The CSK bowlers defanged SRH’s potent batting unit with their accuracy and variations. They will need a similar performance against PBKS.

CSK’s batting has been led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has registered scores of 108 and 98 in his last two innings. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell also seems to have regained his touch with a 32-ball 52 against Hyderabad. However, the real storm-force in the CSK line-up is Shivam Dube, who has pulverized opposition bowlers while coming as an Impact Sub.

Dube has made 350 runs, second highest for CSK behind Gaikwad’s 447, and those runs came at a strike-rate of 172.41, second only to MS Dhoni’s 259.45. However, the CSK opening combination continues to be a bit iffy. Gaikwad has been a solid presence, but both Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane have failed to play the support role effectively.

PBKS, on the other hand, will be desperate to carry the momentum after that record chase and climb up the ladder from the current eighth place. Their batters need to fire in unison once again, with Jonny Bairstow, Shashank Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh being key contributors. However, they will eye a more impact outing from wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma.

PBKS’ bowling department looks a bit shaky despite having experienced campaigners such as Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran in their ranks. The visitors will also require a much-improved effort from their spinners — Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar – as they have scalped just seven wickets among them this season.

KKR's Harshit Rana Impresses with Bowling, but Controversies Linger

KKR’s Harshit Rana Impresses with Bowling, but Controversies Linger

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) young pacer Harshit Rana has emerged as a breakout star in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The 22-year-old has impressed with his exceptional bowling performances, claiming 11 wickets in the tournament so far. His stellar show has caught the attention of experts and veteran cricketers, earning him a potential spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

However, Rana’s performances have been overshadowed by a few controversial incidents. Earlier in the season, he was criticized for giving a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Mayank Agarwal. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) docked 60% of his match fees for the gesture, which was widely condemned by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.

On Monday, Rana was involved in another incident that could have landed him in hot water. After dismissing Delhi Capitals’ Abishek Porel in the seventh over, Rana gestured towards the batter, indicating the way to the dugout. However, he quickly realized the potential consequences and refrained from crossing the line.

Despite these controversies, Rana’s bowling has been a major factor in KKR’s success this season. In the match against Delhi Capitals, he played a crucial role in restricting the opposition to a modest total of 153/9.

In the run-chase, Phil Salt’s blistering knock of 68 runs off 33 balls propelled KKR to a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer also made significant contributions, ensuring that KKR sealed the win with 21 balls to spare.

Rana’s performances have not only earned him praise but also raised questions about his temperament. While his talent is undeniable, he needs to learn to control his emotions and avoid unnecessary controversies. If he can do that, he has the potential to become a top-class bowler for both KKR and the Indian national team.

Irfan Pathan Defends Virat Kohli's World Cup Selection Amid Strike Rate Debate

Irfan Pathan Defends Virat Kohli’s World Cup Selection Amid Strike Rate Debate

Virat Kohli’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has sparked a heated debate over his strike rate and perceived lack of aggression. Critics have questioned whether he deserves a place in India’s T20 World Cup team based on his recent performances.

However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has vehemently defended Kohli, calling the question of his World Cup selection “disappointing.” Pathan emphasized the importance of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, especially on slow and two-paced pitches.

“This question that is being raised is very disappointing. How can the question be raised whether or not Virat Kohli will get a place in the World Cup?” Pathan said on Star Sports. “We are talking about the Indian selection here, not the strike rate of IPL.”

Pathan acknowledged Kohli’s struggles to accelerate in the middle overs but praised his ability to adapt to the situation and win games for his team. He pointed to Kohli’s recent innings against the Gujarat Titans, where he scored a 44-ball 70 and helped RCB secure a victory.

“He wants his team to win, and that’s why sometimes he’s going to play slow, but he always wants to play according to the situation,” Pathan said. “It’s good news for Virat Kohli, good news for RCB, but in long-term, great news for Team India.”

Pathan expressed his disappointment with the focus on Kohli’s strike rate, arguing that it overlooks his overall contributions to the team. “I’ve been actually talking about it from day one. Don’t question that because he’s a big-match player. He always wins you games,” Pathan said.

Sanju Samson Emerges as India's Top Wicket-Keeping Choice for T20 World Cup 2024

Sanju Samson Emerges as India’s Top Wicket-Keeping Choice for T20 World Cup 2024

Sanju Samson’s stellar performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has propelled him to the forefront of India’s wicket-keeping options for the T20 World Cup 2024. According to ESPNCricinfo, Samson has emerged as the selectors’ preferred choice behind the stumps, surpassing Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.

Samson’s consistent batting in the middle order has been a key factor in his selection. With the top four of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav likely to be set, Samson is the leading contender for the No. 5 role.

While Pant has also impressed with his batting, his wicket-keeping has been inconsistent. Rahul, on the other hand, has struggled with the bat, raising doubts about his place in the team.

In the middle order, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are also in contention. However, Samson’s form has given him a significant edge.

Hardik Pandya remains a near-certain pick despite his underwhelming performance as Mumbai Indians captain. The lack of viable alternatives makes him an almost automatic selection.

In terms of spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel has impressed, but Ravindra Jadeja is still expected to be preferred.

The T20 World Cup 2024 squad is expected to be announced in the coming months, and Samson’s inclusion as the primary wicket-keeper is a strong possibility. His IPL form has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, making him a valuable asset for the Indian team.

Nortje Returns as South Africa Names T20 World Cup Squad

Nortje Returns as South Africa Names T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa has unveiled its 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking the long-awaited return of pace spearhead Anrich Nortje after a nine-month absence. Nortje, who has been impressing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will bolster a bowling attack that also includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Ottniel Baartman.

Baartman, a standout performer in the inaugural SA20, has earned his maiden T20I call-up along with opening batter Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton, the leading run-scorer in the SA20, is expected to partner Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.

The squad features a strong middle order of Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, along with wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, provide the spin options.

Allrounder Marco Jansen is the lone allrounder in the squad, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder missing out. Faf du Plessis, who was expected to make an international comeback, has been overlooked, while Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke have also been left out.

Van der Dussen and Breetzke will, however, join a second-string South African side for a three-match T20I series against West Indies ahead of the World Cup. That squad also includes uncapped legspinner Nqaba Peter.

The T20 World Cup is likely to be de Kock’s final international appearance after he retired from ODI cricket last year. South Africa will be hoping to make a strong impact in the tournament, having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition.

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