Bihar Announces Ranji Trophy Squad After Legal Drama

Bihar Announces Ranji Trophy Squad After Legal Drama

After a protracted legal battle, the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has finally announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. The team will face Haryana in their opening match on October 11 in Rohtak.

The selection process was marred by controversy, with the Patna High Court appointing an ombudsman to oversee BCA affairs in August. The ombudsman subsequently reinstated Amit Kumar as BCA secretary and appointed a new selection committee. However, the High Court stayed its own order on October 8, nullifying the selection committee’s decision.

Amidst the power struggle between former BCA secretary Kumar and current president Rakesh Tiwari, two separate training camps were conducted in Patna. The latest decision brings some relief to Bihar cricketers, who were caught in the crossfire.

The Bihar squad, selected by a committee led by Madhusudan Tantubhai, includes Veer Pratap Singh as captain and Shakibul Gani as vice-captain. The team faces a tough challenge in Group C, which also includes Bengal, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar finished last in Group B in the 2023-24 season, with four defeats and three drawn games in seven matches. The team will be hoping for a better performance this season, with the aim of improving Bihar cricket’s standing in the domestic circuit.

Rinku Singh's World Cup Omission: A Grave Injustice

Rinku Singh’s World Cup Omission: A Grave Injustice

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Team India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Rinku Singh’s selection was a subject of intense debate. Agarkar explained that the committee prioritized a specific team combination, which ultimately left Rinku on the sidelines. Captain Rohit Sharma’s preference for four spinners further limited the options for the selectors.

However, this decision has raised eyebrows among experts and former players. Rinku Singh, a 26-year-old batter from Aligarh, has emerged as a reliable performer in high-pressure situations. His recent performances in the IPL and T20Is have showcased his ability to deliver under immense pressure.

India’s struggles in knockout matches at the World Cup have been well-documented. The team has failed to replicate its regular season form in these crucial games. Rinku Singh’s inclusion could have provided a much-needed spark to the lower batting order, which has lacked a proven finisher.

Rinku’s statistics speak for themselves. In 15 T20Is, he has remained unbeaten in 7 innings, contributing invaluable runs in each of them. His strike rate of 176 and average of 89 are testament to his ability to accelerate the scoring rate.

In crucial matches against Nepal, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, Rinku has consistently delivered under pressure. His unbeaten 37 against Nepal, 31 against Australia, 46 against South Africa, and 68 against Afghanistan were all match-winning contributions.

Despite his impressive form, Rinku was relegated to the reserves, while players with inferior recent performances were selected. This inconsistency in selection logic has raised questions about the decision-making process.

The omission of Rinku Singh from the World Cup squad is a grave injustice. His ability to perform under pressure and his proven track record in high-stakes matches make him an invaluable asset to any team. India’s chances of success at the World Cup would have been significantly enhanced with Rinku in the lineup.

Rinku Singh's T20 World Cup Omission Stuns Cricket Fraternity

Rinku Singh’s T20 World Cup Omission Stuns Cricket Fraternity

Rinku Singh’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. The 26-year-old slogger, who has emerged as a formidable finisher in recent times, was widely expected to make the cut. However, the selectors opted for a more experienced lineup, leaving Rinku on the sidelines.

Rinku’s family and friends in Aligarh were devastated by the news. They had eagerly awaited his inclusion in the squad and had prepared sweets and firecrackers to celebrate. His father expressed his disappointment, saying that Rinku was upset and had spoken to his mother after the announcement.

Despite his omission, Rinku will still travel with the team to the Americas as part of the reserves. He will be joined by opener Shubman Gill and pacers Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.

Sources close to the selection meeting revealed that Rinku’s exclusion was due to the Impact Player Rule. The rule allows teams to make a tactical substitution during the match, and the selectors felt that Rinku could not be accommodated alongside all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan and ex-Australia skipper Aaron Finch expressed surprise at Rinku’s omission. However, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar attributed it to his poor form in the ongoing IPL.

Rinku’s exclusion has sparked a debate about the balance of India’s T20 squad. Some experts believe that the selectors have prioritized experience over form, while others argue that Rinku’s omission is a missed opportunity to inject youth and dynamism into the team.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, the spotlight will be on India’s squad and their ability to perform under pressure. Rinku’s omission may serve as a reminder that even the most talented players can be left out of major tournaments due to factors beyond their control.

Pathan Questions Indian Cricket Team Selection for T20 World Cup

Pathan Questions Indian Cricket Team Selection for T20 World Cup

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over the selection process for the upcoming T20 World Cup, questioning the consistency and rationale behind the decisions made by the selectors.

Pathan highlighted a shift in strategy, recalling that after India’s disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup, the management had decided to prioritize young players over experienced campaigners. However, he expressed surprise at the apparent reversal of this approach in the current squad selection, where experience seems to have taken precedence over youth.

Pathan emphasized the importance of adhering to a consistent selection process, suggesting that while experience may be crucial, following a defined process could lead to better outcomes. He pointed out the absence of young talent like Rinku Singh from the squad, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of promising players and the potential impact on team dynamics.

In contrast, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar offered a different perspective, attributing Rinku’s exclusion to his current form in the ongoing IPL. Gavaskar highlighted the dynamic nature of selection decisions and the importance of current performance.

Pathan’s concerns raise questions about the long-term vision and strategy of the Indian cricket team. The selectors’ decision to prioritize experience over youth may be a short-term solution, but it could have implications for the team’s future success. It remains to be seen whether the current squad will be able to deliver the desired results at the T20 World Cup, and whether the selection process will be reviewed and refined in the future.

Vinesh Phogat's Dual Weight Category Entry Sparks Controversy

Vinesh Phogat’s Dual Weight Category Entry Sparks Controversy

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s decision to compete in two weight categories at the selection trials on March 11 has sparked controversy. While the move may have been strategic for her Olympic aspirations, it has drawn criticism from fellow athletes.

Phogat, a two-time World Championships bronze medalist, entered both the 50kg and 53kg classes. She finished third in the 53kg category but won the 50kg trials, securing her spot for next month’s Olympic qualifiers.

The 53kg quota has already been secured by Antim Panghal, who was exempted from the trials. According to the selection criteria, a final selection trial in May will determine who represents India in Paris.

Phogat defended her decision, stating that she was unsure if the final selection trial in the 53kg class would be held. She also emphasized that she did not violate any rules by entering two weight categories, as Article 7 of UWW regulations applies only to international competitions.

“I want to clarify that I, along with other finalists, have undergone dope tests after both the senior nationals held in the previous month and following the recent trials,” Phogat added, addressing rumors that she had not undergone the mandatory dope test.

However, some athletes have expressed concerns about Phogat’s actions. They argue that it is unfair for her to compete in two weight categories, especially when other wrestlers have dedicated themselves to a single weight class.

The controversy has highlighted the need for clear and transparent selection criteria. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) must ensure that all wrestlers are treated fairly and that the selection process is based on merit.

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