Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Selection Sparks Controversy

Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup Selection Sparks Controversy

Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked controversy, with former all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioning the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision. Despite poor form in the IPL 2024, Pandya was not only selected for the 15-man squad but also named vice-captain.

Pathan criticized the BCCI for making exceptions for Pandya, who has been absent from domestic cricket. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were forced to prove themselves in domestic cricket before being recalled to the Indian team.

“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year,” Pathan said. “But there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements.”

Pathan also questioned Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket. He suggested that Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better choice for the vice-captaincy role.

“To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it’s imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally,” Pathan said. “I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either.”

Pathan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over Pandya’s place in the Indian team. While some believe he is a valuable all-rounder, others question his form and commitment. The BCCI’s decision to select him for the T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.

India's T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With, Says Sangakkara

India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With, Says Sangakkara

India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With

Former Sri Lankan cricketer and Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has lauded India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, describing it as “extremely strong.” India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5, 2024, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9, 2024.

Sangakkara, speaking at a pre-match press conference, highlighted the team’s exceptional spin attack. “They’ve got very high-quality spin and very good combinations that they can play,” he said. The squad boasts experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

The former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter also praised the team’s overall balance. “It’s a well-balanced squad, a very strong squad,” he said. “India’s always been very strong in international tournaments.”

India’s squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain. Virat Kohli, who has been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024, is also part of the squad.

The team has added two wicket-keepers, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, to provide depth. Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan have been named as reserve players.

India is placed in Group A of the ICC tournament alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. The team will be aiming to improve upon their performance in the previous T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals.

With a strong squad and a wealth of experience, India will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy in 2024.

Vaughan Predicts England, South Africa, Australia, West Indies for T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Vaughan Predicts England, South Africa, Australia, West Indies for T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted the four teams he believes will reach the semi-finals of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Vaughan’s picks include England, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies.

England, the defending champions, have retained the core of their title-winning squad from 2022, with the notable addition of pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who returns from injury. The English squad also features rising stars like spinner Tom Hartley, batter Phil Salt, and opener Ben Duckett.

South Africa boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller. The team has also added in-form youngsters like Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Ottniel Baartman. Their bowling attack includes Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia has made some bold calls in their squad, omitting veteran batter Steve Smith and young sensation Jake Fraser McGurk. The team will be led by Mitchell Marsh and features a mix of experienced players like David Warner, Matthew Wade, and Glenn Maxwell, along with rising stars like Pat Cummins, Tim David, and Cameron Green.

The West Indies, who have yet to announce their squad, possess a dangerous batting lineup with Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd. Their bowling attack is led by Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, and Akeal Hosein.

Vaughan’s predictions have sparked debate among cricket fans, with some questioning the omission of India from his list of semi-finalists. India, the current T20I world champions, have a strong squad led by Rohit Sharma and featuring Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.

However, Vaughan’s picks are based on current form and team balance. England, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies have all shown impressive performances in recent T20I series and have the potential to go deep into the tournament.

KKR and MI Clash in Crucial IPL Encounter

KKR and MI Clash in Crucial IPL Encounter

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday, with both teams aiming to improve their standings in the tournament.

KKR, currently in second place with 12 points from nine games, will be looking to solidify their position in the playoffs. However, they have lost three of their last six matches, including a record run chase defeat to Punjab Kings. Despite this, they bounced back with a seven-wicket thrashing of Delhi Capitals.

KKR’s batting has been impressive, with a combination of firepower and aggression. However, their bowling has been a concern, with Mitchell Starc struggling to control his pace and Harshit Rana serving a one-match ban. Vaibhav Arora has been their best bowler with nine scalps in five games.

MI, on the other hand, have had a disappointing season and are virtually out of contention for the playoffs. They have won only three of their nine matches and are languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee have been MI’s best bowlers, but the team’s batting has been a major letdown. Tilak Varma has been their top scorer with 343 runs, but others have failed to contribute consistently.

Ishan Kishan has struggled for form, while Rohit Sharma’s selfless approach has not yielded big scores. Suryakumar Yadav has also been inconsistent, despite his two fifties in seven games.

Hardik Pandya, MI’s under-fire skipper, has not impressed with either bat or ball after a long injury lay-off. However, his inclusion in the Indian side as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup could motivate him to turn things around.

The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which is known for its batting-friendly wicket. Both teams will be aware of the need to score big and avoid any slip-ups.

Irfan Pathan Raises Concerns Over MS Dhoni's Decision-Making in CSK vs PBKS Clash

Irfan Pathan Raises Concerns Over MS Dhoni’s Decision-Making in CSK vs PBKS Clash

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over MS Dhoni’s decision-making during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) recent clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathan criticized Dhoni’s approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.

In a match where CSK set PBKS a below-par target of 163 runs, Dhoni’s contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny. Pathan highlighted Dhoni’s reluctance to take singles, which he believes hindered the team’s progress.

“He shouldn’t have done that (refusing a single). This is a team game. Don’t do that in a team game. The other guy [Daryl Mitchell] is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure,” Pathan said.

Pathan also criticized Dhoni’s treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who was denied singles by the former India captain. “You have done that with (Ravindra) Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don’t need to do that. He could have avoided it,” Pathan added.

Pathan praised PBKS skipper Sam Curran’s tactical acumen, particularly his decision to introduce spinner Rahul Chahar in the 19th over against Dhoni. “Curran getting a spinner to bowl the 19th over was a masterstroke because considering the form MS Dhoni is in, he could have taken the game way forward in those two overs. He could have scored 30 runs in two overs but they didn’t allow him to do that,” Pathan acknowledged.

Reflecting on Dhoni’s struggles against spin bowling, Pathan noted, “You bowled to him with excellent planning. Although a six was hit for sure in Arshdeep’s over, he also bowled well. He (Dhoni) has been unable to score runs against spinners in the last few years, which is why he is bringing himself down the order. He is scoring runs in the last over when the fast bowlers are thinking of bowling yorkers.”

Pathan’s critique highlights the tactical intricacies and strategic decisions that unfolded during the CSK vs PBKS encounter.

India's T20 World Cup Squad to Be Unveiled at Press Conference

India’s T20 World Cup Squad to Be Unveiled at Press Conference

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Unveiled: Agarkar and Rohit Sharma to Address Media

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma will hold a press conference in Mumbai to reveal the selected players and provide insights into the selection process.

The press conference will be held on Tuesday, and the duo will take questions from the media. The announcement of the squad has been eagerly anticipated by cricket fans across the country, as India aims to reclaim the T20 World Cup title after their disappointing performance in the 2021 edition.

Agarkar, a former India pacer, has been instrumental in the selection process. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having played 191 ODIs and 26 Tests for India. Sharma, on the other hand, is one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. He has led India to numerous victories, including the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 Asia Cup.

The selection of the squad is based on several factors, including recent performances, fitness, and team balance. The selectors have considered the strengths and weaknesses of the players and have chosen a squad that they believe can compete at the highest level.

The T20 World Cup will be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13. India is placed in Group 2 alongside Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and two qualifiers. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 12 stage.

Virat Kohli Aces Cricketers' Name Challenge from A to Z

Virat Kohli Aces Cricketers’ Name Challenge from A to Z

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro and icon of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), recently showcased his remarkable cricketing knowledge in a fun video shared by the team on social media. The challenge was to name cricketers starting from the letter A to Z in one go.

Kohli, known for his prolific run-scoring, passed the test with ease, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game. The video, captioned “Could Virat Kohli guess the names of cricketers starting from A all the way to Z in one go?”, has garnered immense attention on social media.

Despite losing his top spot and the Orange Cap to Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) edition, Kohli remains a formidable force. With 500 runs to his name so far, he still has a chance to reclaim the Orange Cap in the remaining four matches.

However, RCB’s playoff hopes are virtually over, as they languish at the bottom of the 10-team table with only three wins in 10 matches. Despite their disappointing performance, Kohli’s individual brilliance continues to shine through.

The video highlights Kohli’s exceptional cricketing acumen and his ability to recall names and details with remarkable accuracy. It also serves as a reminder of his unwavering passion for the sport and his dedication to the game.

PSG's Champions League Hopes Alive Despite Dortmund Defeat

PSG’s Champions League Hopes Alive Despite Dortmund Defeat

Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final remain alive despite a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Coach Luis Enrique expressed optimism, stating that the game was evenly matched and that PSG has a strong chance of overturning the deficit in the second leg.

PSG dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities, but their finishing let them down. Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi both hit the woodwork in the second half, highlighting their misfortune. Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the semi-finals but emphasized that his team has the quality to advance.

“We had one chance where we hit both posts,” Enrique said. “You have to say this is an exceptional stadium, but I am sure we will be very strong in Paris and we have nothing to lose.”

PSG’s only other defeat this season came in the Coupe de France, and it is the first time they have failed to score under Enrique. However, they have a history of overcoming first-leg deficits in the Champions League, having knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals and Dortmund in the last 16 in previous seasons.

Captain Marquinhos echoed Enrique’s confidence, stating that PSG will need to convert their chances in the second leg. “We had lots of good chances, especially in the second half, clear chances that we can’t afford to miss if we want to get to the final,” he said.

Meanwhile, Enrique expressed concern over the injury to defender Lucas Hernandez, who was forced off in the first half. “It doesn’t look at all positive,” he said.

Columbus Crew Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Final with Historic Away Win

Columbus Crew Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Final with Historic Away Win

Columbus Crew’s historic run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup continued on Wednesday as they secured a spot in the final for the first time ever. After a 2-1 victory in the first leg at home, the Crew traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, and emerged with a stunning 3-1 triumph, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Monterrey, seeking their sixth Champions Cup title, started brightly and took the lead through an own goal by Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko. However, the Crew refused to be disheartened and equalized in dramatic fashion just before halftime. Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada’s poor clearance was intercepted by Aidan Morris, who slotted home to level the scores.

After the break, Columbus took control of the game. Diego Rossi fired them into the lead with a clinical finish, and the Crew held firm despite Monterrey’s desperate attempts to equalize. Substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute, securing a memorable victory for the MLS champions.

Columbus’s victory marks a significant milestone for the club and the MLS as a whole. They are now just one step away from becoming the fourth MLS team to be crowned champions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Crew will face Mexican club Pachuca in the final, with the winner earning a place at next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Dodgers' Yamamoto Shines, Pages Homers in 8-0 Win over Diamondbacks

Dodgers’ Yamamoto Shines, Pages Homers in 8-0 Win over Diamondbacks

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Japanese star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to impress in his first Major League Baseball season. On Wednesday night, Yamamoto threw six scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, leading the Dodgers to an 8-0 victory.

Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million, 12-year contract with the Dodgers during the offseason, has been dominant in his past six starts. After a rough outing in his first appearance, he has now lowered his ERA to 2.91. Against the Diamondbacks, he allowed only five hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

The Dodgers’ offense provided ample support for Yamamoto, scoring five runs in the second inning. Rookie Andy Pages hit a two-run homer, while Austin Barnes and Mookie Betts added RBI doubles and singles, respectively. Will Smith also contributed a solo homer in the third inning.

Pages, who is on an eight-game hitting streak, has been a key contributor for the Dodgers since his call-up. He now has 10 RBIs in 14 games. Betts, the reigning National League MVP, had three hits in the game, while Miguel Rojas added two.

The Diamondbacks’ offense struggled against Yamamoto and the Dodgers’ bullpen. Jordan Montgomery, who was pushed back one day after a bee infestation delayed Tuesday’s game, gave up six runs on six hits and three walks in three innings. Blake Walston, making his MLB debut, allowed two runs in 3 2/3 innings of relief.

The Dodgers have now won eight of their past 10 games and took two of three games in the series against the Diamondbacks. They will return home for a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday, while the Diamondbacks will host the San Diego Padres.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart