Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Jason Gillespie as Test Coach, Gary Kirsten as White-Ball Coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the new Test coach and former South African batter Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach. Azhar Mahmood, who served as the interim assistant coach for the New Zealand series, will continue in that role across all formats.

The position of head coach had been vacant since Grant Bradburn, who succeeded Saqlain Mushtaq last year, resigned in January to join Glamorgan as head coach. The PCB had considered several high-profile candidates, including Shane Watson, but he withdrew from the running.

Gillespie, 52, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world. He played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, taking 408 and 142 wickets respectively. After retiring from playing, he coached Yorkshire and Sussex in England, and most recently served as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Kirsten, 55, is another renowned coach. He led India to the 2011 Cricket World Cup title and South Africa to the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has also coached the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

The appointments of Gillespie and Kirsten are seen as a significant step forward for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled in recent years, but the new coaches are expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help them improve their performances.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his confidence in the new coaching team. “We are delighted to welcome Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten to the Pakistan cricket family,” he said. “They are both world-class coaches with a proven track record of success. We believe they will help our team reach new heights.”

Gillespie and Kirsten are expected to join the Pakistan team in time for their upcoming Test series against England, which begins on July 16.

India's T20 World Cup Opening Conundrum: Gill, Jaiswal, or Kohli?

India’s T20 World Cup Opening Conundrum: Gill, Jaiswal, or Kohli?

The T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and the Indian cricket team is still grappling with the question of who will open the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma. While Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the frontrunners, Virat Kohli has emerged as a surprise contender.

Gill has been in impressive form for Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2024, scoring 304 runs in 9 matches. Jaiswal, on the other hand, has had a slower start for Rajasthan Royals but has recently hit a sensational century against Mumbai Indians.

According to a poll conducted by NDTV Sports, fans have picked Jaiswal as Rohit’s ideal opening partner for the T20 World Cup, with Kohli coming in at No. 3. This suggests that fans believe Jaiswal’s left-handedness and aggressive style would complement Rohit’s right-handedness and experience.

However, Kohli’s inclusion as an opener is an intriguing prospect. The star batter has been criticized for his strike rate in recent times, but some experts believe that opening the batting would allow him to play his natural game and maximize his impact.

Gill, for his part, is eager to make the T20 World Cup squad. “If I am able to make it to this year’s T20 World Cup, it would be nothing short of a dream coming true,” he said in an interview with Hindustan Times. “Last year’s World Cup experience would help me as we try to win the World Cup.”

The Indian team management has a tough decision to make, but they will be buoyed by the fact that they have several talented options to choose from. The T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket, and India will be determined to lift the trophy for the second time.

Resurgent Delhi Capitals Aim to Exploit Kolkata Knight Riders' Bowling Vulnerabilities

Resurgent Delhi Capitals Aim to Exploit Kolkata Knight Riders’ Bowling Vulnerabilities

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for an exciting clash between the resurgent Delhi Capitals (DC) and the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 29 in Kolkata. DC, led by Rishabh Pant, has won four of their last five matches and is gradually finding their rhythm. On the other hand, KKR, under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, has endured three defeats in their last five outings, with their bowling proving to be a major concern.

DC’s resurgence has been largely due to the arrival of Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has replaced Lungi Ngidi. The 22-year-old has been a revelation at the top of the order, scoring 247 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 237.50. His brutal treatment of Jasprit Bumrah, smashing a slower ball for a six in the first over, is a testament to his skill.

Another key contributor for DC has been South African Tristian Stubbs, who has impressed with his astonishing power-hitting. In the match against Mumbai Indians, Stubbs scored a 25-ball 48 not out. Pant himself is also making rapid progress, with the DC top-five of Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, Shai Hope, Pant, and Stubbs posing a significant threat to KKR’s bowling.

KKR, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency. Their bowling has been particularly disappointing, with none of their bowlers, except spinner Sunil Narine, making any significant impact. The absence of injured Mitchell Starc has been a major blow, and the Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera has failed to inspire confidence in his debut for KKR.

However, KKR has some positives to look forward to. Narine’s sensational form with the bat, scoring 357 runs from eight matches with two fifties and one century, has given a boost to their batting. Narine and Phil Salt have scored the bulk of their runs at the top, but the likes of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh will need to contribute more.

The match between DC and KKR is crucial for both teams. DC will be eager to consolidate their position in the top four, while KKR will be desperate to register a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to favor batting, which could lead to a high-scoring encounter.

Samson and Rahul Intensify Race for Second Wicketkeeper Spot in Indian T20 World Cup Squad

Samson and Rahul Intensify Race for Second Wicketkeeper Spot in Indian T20 World Cup Squad

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some exceptional performances from wicketkeepers this season, intensifying the competition for the second wicketkeeper’s slot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have emerged as strong contenders.

Samson’s unbeaten 71 off 33 balls for Rajasthan Royals and Rahul’s 76 off 48 balls for Lucknow Super Giants have showcased their class. Smith praised Samson’s partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls, saying, “They had an incredible partnership to get them over the line.”

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee lauded Jurel’s contribution, describing him as a “quality batter” with “proper cricket shots.” Lee noted Jurel’s ability to “play all formats of the game” and his “classy” shots.

Smith also highlighted the strength of Rajasthan Royals’ squad, stating, “They had (Shimron) Hetmyer still to bat, so there was a lot in the tank, lots of match-winners with the bat and ball.”

The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, with Rishabh Pant likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. However, the performances of Samson and Rahul have put pressure on the selectors to consider them for the second wicketkeeper’s role.

Simon Doull's Controversial India Squad for T20 World Cup Excludes Sanju Samson

Simon Doull’s Controversial India Squad for T20 World Cup Excludes Sanju Samson

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has sparked a debate with his proposed India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, excluding Sanju Samson despite his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.

Doull’s selection dilemma mirrors the challenge facing the Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has become a contentious issue, with Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik all vying for the spot.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, with Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, he made a surprising move by assigning Pant the No. 3 batting position, aiming to accommodate other players in the lineup.

“I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can’t see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties,” Doull explained.

Despite Pant’s struggles in T20Is, Doull expressed confidence in his evolution and highlighted his improved fitness during IPL 2024.

Another intriguing decision by Doull was his preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube’s impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings.

Doull’s starting XI for India features Virat Kohli as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills. Arshdeep Singh is the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.

Gujarat Titans' Top Order Relies Heavily on Shubman Gill Amidst Kane Williamson Absence

Gujarat Titans’ Top Order Relies Heavily on Shubman Gill Amidst Kane Williamson Absence

IPL Live Score RCB vs GT: Gujarat Titans’ Top Order Relies Heavily on Shubman Gill

The Gujarat Titans (GT) have had an inconsistent campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, with their top order heavily reliant on captain Shubman Gill. Gill has been the cornerstone of GT’s batting, consistently delivering crucial knocks. However, the team’s inability to integrate Kane Williamson into the lineup due to overseas player restrictions has put additional pressure on Gill.

Gill’s importance to GT cannot be overstated. He has scored 450 runs in 10 matches, averaging 45.00 and striking at 132.35. His contributions have been instrumental in GT’s victories, particularly in the absence of Williamson. However, the team’s over-reliance on Gill has also exposed their vulnerability.

In the absence of a reliable second opener, GT has struggled to provide Gill with adequate support. Matthew Wade, who opened with Gill in the early matches, has been inconsistent, while Wriddhiman Saha has failed to make a significant impact. This has resulted in GT’s top order often being dismissed cheaply, leaving the middle order with a daunting task.

The onus is on Gill to deliver almost every game, especially considering GT’s overseas conundrum. Williamson, a world-class batsman, has been restricted to just two appearances due to the team’s four-overseas player limit. This has deprived GT of a potential match-winner and further increased the pressure on Gill.

To address their top-order woes, GT may consider promoting David Miller or Rahul Tewatia to the opening slot. Both players have shown glimpses of their batting prowess and could provide Gill with the support he needs. Additionally, the team could explore the option of playing an extra overseas batsman, sacrificing a bowling option, to accommodate Williamson.

Gujarat Titans to Battle Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 Clash

Gujarat Titans to Battle Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 Clash

Gujarat Titans to Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 Clash

Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns in Match 45 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 28.

Match Information:

* Match: Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 45
* Date: April 28, 2024
* Time: 03:30 PM IST
* Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Team Previews:

Gujarat Titans, currently ranked seventh on the points table, will be looking to improve their position after a narrow defeat to Delhi Capitals in their previous match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table and will be desperate for a win to revive their campaign.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions:

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favor batters, with an average first-innings score of 170 runs. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and humidity of 13%.

Head-to-Head:

In the three previous encounters between these teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batters have earned the most fantasy points, while Gujarat Titans’ bowlers have been the top performers.

Dream11 Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Captain: Virat Kohli (RCB)
* Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma (GT)

Other Key Players:

* Cameron Green (RCB)
* Lockie Ferguson (RCB)
* Will Jacks (RCB)
* Sai Sudharsan (GT)
* Rajat Patidar (RCB)
* Rashid Khan (GT)
* Sai Kishore (GT)
* Shahrukh Khan (GT)

Squad Information:

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, David Miller, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Sai Kishore, Darshan Nalkande, Azmatullah Omarzai, BR Sharath, Kartik Tyagi, Spencer Johnson, Sai Sudharsan, Manav Suthar, Sushant Mishra, Matthew Wade, Noor Ahmad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf du Plessis (c), Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Tom Curran, Alzarri Joseph, Mahipal Lomror, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Dagar, Cameron Green, Will Jacks, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Manoj Bhandage, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, Saurav Chauhan, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma

Conclusion:

The clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory. The match will be streamed live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

Messi's Brace Powers Inter Miami to Victory Over New England

Messi’s Brace Powers Inter Miami to Victory Over New England

Lionel Messi’s scoring prowess continues to shine in Major League Soccer (MLS), as the Argentine maestro netted a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday. The win extends Miami’s winning streak to three games, with Messi contributing five goals during that run.

Despite New England taking an early lead through Tomas Chancalay, Miami equalized through Messi’s first goal in the 32nd minute. The 36-year-old then put Miami ahead in the 68th minute with a clinical finish after a superb pass from Sergio Busquets.

Messi’s influence continued in the final stages, as he assisted Benjamin Cremaschi and Luis Suarez for Miami’s third and fourth goals, respectively. The victory sees Miami climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised his team’s performance, highlighting the importance of their recent win over Kansas City. “The Kansas City game was a key for us, because we had just been eliminated by Monterrey and the team showed their character,” he said.

New England coach Caleb Porter acknowledged Messi’s brilliance, stating, “That’s Messi. You have to look at both those moments because I thought they were able to find two goals when we felt pretty good about the way we were limiting their effectiveness in creating clear chances.”

Elsewhere in MLS, Christian Benteke scored twice for D.C. United in their 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders. Real Salt Lake moved to the top of the Western Conference with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union, while defending champions Columbus Crew were held to a goalless draw by Montreal.

Gill Recalls Kohli's Inspiring Advice: 'Score a 100 in Your First Innings'

Gill Recalls Kohli’s Inspiring Advice: ‘Score a 100 in Your First Innings’

Shubman Gill Recalls Virat Kohli’s Inspiring Advice: ‘You Can Score a 100 in Your First Innings’

Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rising star Shubman Gill has shared a memorable encounter with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.

Gill, who is often hailed as the ‘Prince’ of Indian cricket, has long admired Kohli’s batting prowess and leadership qualities. In a recent video shared by the host broadcaster, Gill revealed his first conversation with Kohli during a tour of New Zealand.

“When I spoke to him for the first time, he told me that every time a new kid comes, people say he needs a couple of chances, he needs some innings to get through,” Gill recalled. “But he said, ‘I think if you are good and capable, then you can start from your first innings, you can score a 100 in your first innings.'”

Kohli’s words left a lasting impression on Gill, who realized the importance of self-belief and seizing opportunities. “I came to know what kind of a person he is and I really liked it,” Gill said. “He saw that capability in me and said I had to give it my 100%.”

Gill’s admiration for Kohli extends beyond his batting skills. He also values Kohli’s unwavering determination and competitive spirit. “He’s a very competitive person, and he wants to win every game,” Gill said. “He’s a great leader, and he always puts the team first.”

As Gujarat Titans prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill is eager to put Kohli’s advice into practice. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the IPL, the match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Liverpool's Title Hopes Fade After West Ham Draw

Liverpool’s Title Hopes Fade After West Ham Draw

Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United. The result leaves the Reds four points behind leaders Arsenal with just three games remaining.

West Ham took the lead through Jarrod Bowen in the first half, but Liverpool responded with goals from Andy Robertson and an own goal from Alphonse Areola. However, Bowen struck again in the second half to earn the Hammers a share of the spoils.

The draw was Liverpool’s fourth in their last five league games, and it leaves them facing an uphill battle to catch Arsenal. The Gunners have a game in hand and are in pole position to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

Manchester City, who play Nottingham Forest on Sunday, are also in contention for the title. Pep Guardiola’s side are two points behind Arsenal and have two games in hand.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Newcastle United boosted their hopes of European football next season with a 5-1 win over Sheffield United. The victory condemned the Blades to relegation to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

Manchester United’s push for Europe was held up by Burnley in a 1-1 draw. Antony scored his first Premier League goal for United, but Zeki Amdouni equalized from the spot in the 87th minute.

Aston Villa’s top-four challenge was dented by a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Marc Cucurella’s own goal and Morgan Rogers’ strike had put Villa in control, but Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher scored in the second half to earn Chelsea a point.

Everton secured their Premier League status with a 1-0 win at home to Brentford. Idrissa Gueye scored the only goal of the game in the 60th minute.

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