IPL-17: SRH vs RR | I wasn't thinking much, was just focussed on the process: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Defending 12 in the final over, Bhuvneshwar trapped Rovman Powell in front of the wicket in the last ball to stop Rajasthan Royal's run chase at 200 for 7 and pull off a heist in the end

T20 WC: Nitin Menon, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Javagal Srinath Amongst Tournament Match Officials

ICC T20 World Cup: Umpires Nitin Menon and Jayaraman Madangopal, along with match referee, former India fast-bowler, Javagal Srinath, are included in the 26 match officials appointed for the first round of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2024, starting from June 1 in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. Madangopal will be making his senior mens ICC events as an umpire during the tournament, alongside Sam Nogajski, Allahudien Paleker, Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob. In all, 20 umpires and six match referees will officiate the ninth edition of the Mens T20 World Cup. The experienced group of umpires includes Richard Illingworth, the 2023 winner of the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year at the annual ICC Awards, as well as Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, who were appointed for the final of the 2022 edition at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, which England won after beating Pakistan. The match referees team sees the return of Ranjan Madugalle, who oversaw the 2022 Final and also features the formats most capped referee, Jeff Crowe, with 175 T20Is and Andrew Pycroft, who is one match away from 150 T20Is. The tournament will see 20 teams playing 55 matches over 28 days, across nine locations in what the ICC calls it as the biggest ICC T20 World Cup ever. We are pleased to announce our team of match referees and umpires for the historic ICC Mens T20 World Cup. Within the selected cohort, we have a compliment of experienced match officials and other high performing members who have been recognized for their strong and consistent performances. The throughput from the pathway programme will continue to see the development and emergence of high-quality match officials across the game. With 20 teams and 55 matches played over 28 days, this will be the biggest T20 World Cup ever and we are proud of the team we have assembled. We are confident that our officials will perform strongly. We wish them all the best of luck for what promises to be a very exciting tournament, said Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager Cricket. The tournament will be held across six venues in the West Indies and three stadiums in USA. In the Caribbean, Kensington Oval in Barbados, Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, Providence Stadium in Guyana, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia and Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent will be the hosts. In the USA, Eisenhower Park in New York; Broward County in Lauderhill, Florida and Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, will be the venues. 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super eight stage. In Super eight, teams will be split into two groups of four each. Teams seeded first and second in their groups in the first round will retain that seeding in the Super Eight, provided they qualify. A1, B2, C1 and D2 finishers will be in one group, while A2, B1, C2 and D1 will be slotted in the other group. Top two sides from two groups of the Super eight will advance for the semi-finals. The semi-finals will be held in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27 respectively. The final will be held in Barbados on June 29. Reserve days are in place for both semi-finals and the final. Umpires: Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Allahudien Paleker, Richard Kettleborough, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, Ahsan Raza, Rashid Riaz, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Shahid Saikat, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson and Asif Yaqoob. Match referees: David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.

It's a bit daunting: Jacks on being RCB's next ABD

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Will Jacks opened up on filling the shoes of legendary South African batter AB de Villiers as franchise's premier overseas batter, saying that the task is daunting.

RR Vs SRH: Who Took The Best Catch? Vote!

It was a game which would be more remembered for the dropped catches more than the ones that were held.

Smith, Kemp Picked; Dunkley, Beaumont Left Out From Englands T20Is Vs Pakistan

England Women T20I: Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith and fast-bowling all-rounder Freya Kemp have been picked for Englands T20I series against Pakistan, starting on May 11 at Edgbaston. Notable omissions include batters Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont, who had an underwhelming time with the bat in T20Is against New Zealand earlier this year. Tammy, the right-handed opener, finds a place in the ODI series squad, so as seam-bowling all-rounder Kate Cross. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said all-rounder Kemp will be available as a batter during the T20I series against Pakistan, in continuation of her recovery from a long-standing back injury. Linsey retains her place in the T20I set-up after making a return to England colours on the New Zealand tour. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn returns after missing the ODI series against New Zealand due to a concussion suffered during the T20I series. England wrapped up a 4-1 T20I series win in New Zealand in March, and then secured a 2-1 ODI series win over the same opposition. We are really excited to start our home summer. Its great to be kicking off the summer of sport on home soil. Edgbaston is an incredible place to play cricket, the atmosphere is always special and it will be a huge occasion. I know the group are looking forward to playing in front of our fans in grounds across the country throughout the series. Its great to see Englands mens and womens teams playing side by side again after the success of the Ashes last year. These two series against Pakistan give us an opportunity to build, develop and ensure we are in the best place come the World Cup in Bangladesh in September. We are very keen whenever possible to make sure all the players vying for places in the World Cup squad get opportunities to play cricket this summer so that they are able to put in performances that help secure a place in the squad for Bangladesh, said head coach Jon Lewis. Following the completion of first T20I, England and Pakistan will then travel to The County Ground, Northampton for the second T20I, slated for May 17, before finishing the series at Headingley on May 19. It is followed immediately by three ODIs to be held at Derby, Taunton and Chelmsford on May 23, 26 and 29 respectively. England Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith and Danielle Wyatt England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt

Australia replace India as No. 1 Test team in ICC rankings after annual update

India are still on top in ODIs and T20Is, even as Scotland have overtaken Zimbabwe to be 12th in T20Is

Dunkley, Beaumont 'still in conversation' for T20 World Cup despite Pakistan omission

Maia Bouchier set for run at opener as England name squads for upcoming white-ball series

India Retain Top Spot In ODIs, T20Is Rankings After Annual Update

International Cricket Council: India have retained their top spot in mens ODIs and T20Is rankings after the annual update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday. In the Test rankings, India are in second place as Australia have taken the pole position. For the Test rankings, ICC said the annual update drops results from the 2020-21 season and reflects all series completed since May 2021. Australia, the current World Test Championship winners, now lead the table with 124 rating points. India, who ceded top position to them, are just four points behind and 15 points clear of third-placed England. South Africa are the fourth team above the 100-point mark with 103 points. India slipped mainly because their 2-1 series win in Australia in 2020-21 has dropped from the rankings. The order of teams ranked from third to ninth remains the same. Only nine teams are now ranked as Afghanistan and Ireland have yet to play sufficient Tests while Zimbabwe too are out as they have played only three Tests over the past three years. Teams need to play a minimum of eight Tests over a three-year period to get on the rankings table. In terms of white-ball games, India are on top of the ODI and T20I rankings, as the annual update says it weighs matches completed prior to May 2023 at 50 per cent and subsequent matches at 100 per cent. India may have lost the 2023 Mens ODI World Cup final to Australia but have increased their lead over them from three to six points, leading the table with 122 points. There are no changes in the top 10 but Ireland have overtaken Zimbabwe to 11th position. Third-placed South Africa have closed the gap with Australia from eight to four points while Sri Lanka are just two points behind fifth-placed England. The T20I rankings see Australia move ahead of England to second place but they are seven points adrift of India, who lead with 264 rating points. South Africa are just two points behind England after leapfrogging two places from the sixth position that they had before the update. New Zealand also have 250 points like South Africa but behind on fractions while the West Indies are at 249 points, which means that just three points separate third-placed England from sixth-placed West Indies. In other movements, Pakistan have dropped two places to seventh while Scotland have overtaken Zimbabwe to 12th position. Outside the top 20, the biggest rating gains are achieved by Spain (up from 33rd to 30th), the Isle of Man (44th to 41st) and Switzerland (50th to 45th). In all, 86 countries have played at least eight T20Is in the past three years and so earned a ranking. Six countries are no longer ranked: Greece, Mexico, Myanmar and Turkey have played seven T20Is and so will be ranked after their next match, while Belize and Cook Island have played six T20Is, so will be ranked after playing two more matches.

Jon Lewis using AI to help with borderline England selection decisions

Lewis feels he has already seen the benefits after leaning on the data-set at a key moment during last years series against Australia. The post Jon Lewis using AI to help with borderline England selection decisions appeared first on Cricket365 .

ICC Announce Match Officials For ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the 26 match officials for the first round of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. Twenty umpires and six match referees will officiate the ninth edition of the event, which will see 20 teams playing 55 matches over 28 days, across nine locations in the biggest ICC T20 World Cup ever. The experienced group of umpires includes the 2023 winner of the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year at the annual ICC Awards, Richard Illingworth, as well as Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney and Paul Reiffel, who were appointed for the final of the 2022 edition at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. It is an exciting time for Jayaraman Madanagopal, Sam Nogajski, Allahudien Paleker, Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob, who will make their senior mens event debuts. The match referees team sees the return of Ranjan Madugalle, who oversaw the 2022 Final and also features the formats most capped referee, Jeff Crowe, with 175 T20Is and Andrew Pycroft, who is one match away from 150 T20Is. The Match Officials at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup are: Umpires: Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Allahudien Paleker, Richard Kettleborough, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, Ahsan Raza, Rashid Riaz, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Shahid Saikat, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson and Asif Yaqoob. Match referees: David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath. ICC General Manager Cricket, Wasim Khan, said: We are pleased to announce our team of match referees and umpires for the historic ICC Mens T20 World Cup. Within the selected cohort, we have a compliment of experienced match officials and other high performing members who have been recognized for their strong and consistent performances. The throughput from the pathway programme will continue to see the development and emergence of high-quality match officials across the game. With 20 teams and 55 matches played over 28 days, this will be the biggest T20 World Cup ever and we are proud of the team we have assembled. We are confident that our officials will perform strongly. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates We wish them all the best of luck for what promises to be a very exciting tournament.

IPL 2024: RCB, GT face off in must win clash

From a maths perspective, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans can still reach the IPL playoffs, but they need to ward off inner gremlins on Saturday to notch a mandatory win to keep that dream flickering.

Sunil Narine is KKR's 'Superman', Russell a 'fashionista': Shah Rukh Khan

KKRs charismatic all-rounder Sunil Narine praised by Shah Rukh Khan as the Superman behind teams success

Northants sign Matthew Breetzke for Vitality Blast

South Africa top order batter set for first county stint after impressing in domestic T20

India to host South Africa for a multi-format women's tour in June-July

South Africa will play three ODIs, one Test and three T20Is in Bengaluru and Chennai

ICC Annual Rankings: Australia take top spot in Tests

The International Cricket Council issued the annual team rankings update on Friday, with Australia taking the top spot in Test cricket and India maintaining supremacy in both white-ball formats.

On Hardik's T20 WC Selection, IPL Winning Coach's Very Rare Verdict

New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) Tom Moody, the former Australia mens all-rounder, believes Hardik Pandya currently stands head and shoulders above other contenders for the fast-bowling all-rounder slot in the Indian team going to participate in the Mens T20 World Cup next month.

T20 bowlers must adapt or get left behind: Southee

The mountain of runs being scored in the Indian Premier League shows Twenty20 cricket is changing and bowlers must move with the times or be left behind, New Zealand paceman Tim Southee said.

India Lead In ODIs, T20Is In ICC Annual Rankings, Australia Top In Tests

ICC Annual Team Rankings: Australia took the top spot in Test cricket and India maintained supremacy in both white-ball formats.

Hundred sell-off could be cricket's 'Premier League moment' - Leicestershire chief exec

Sean Jarvis warns of deepening divide between haves and have-nots at domestic level

One of the strongest people I know: Nayar backs Iyer

Ahead of his side's Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar hailed skipper Shreyas Iyer for his mental strength and positive approach to life.

Toughest-ever county overseas market puts visa criteria in focus

ECB open to lobbying Home Office for rule changes if counties make proposals this month

Hardik Stands 'head And Shoulders Above' Anyone As Fast-bowling All-rounder In T20 WC: Tom Moody

Nassau County International Cricket Stadium: Tom Moody, the former Australia mens all-rounder, believes Hardik Pandya currently stands head and shoulders above other contenders for the fast-bowling all-rounder slot in the Indian team going to participate in the Mens T20 World Cup next month. Pandya's inclusion, as the deputy to skipper Rohit Sharma in the 15-member India squad came as a surprise to many, considering he has been unable to leave a huge impact with bat and ball while captaining Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. But with many players in India not having the skillsets he has; Pandya is now on the verge of playing his fourth T20 World Cup for India when they open their campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5. Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line. That skill of being a genuine all-rounder who can bat in your top six and potentially bowl four overs for you is very rare in India at the moment. Yes, there are a few others that play domestic cricket and are okay, but not in international cricket, which is a different standard. So I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think Ajit Agarkar has recognised that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country, said Moody to Star Sports. S Sreesanth, the former India fast-bowler and a member of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning side, also backed Pandya to come good in the mega event. We have seen what he can do on the field minus this year's IPL. The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won. It was asked to Rohit about that and he said sometimes I'm the captain and sometimes I'm not. But that doesn't change the teams aura and atmosphere. So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great. And Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it's not only against Pakistan, we are going to play a lot of different teams, so it's an opportunity for Hardik to forget what he's done in this IPL and maybe, you never know, there are a few matches left and he may just come up. Moody also felt selecting Shivam Dube for the World Cup is a smart move from the Indian team, and wishes for him to bowl more frequently in his training session during his IPL 2024 campaign for the Chennai Super Kings. Dube bowled an over against Punjab Kings and had figures of 1-14. I'd be incredibly surprised if Dubey hasn't been doing his bowling workloads, which is basically, not bowling out in the middle in competition but bowling at practice and bowling in pre-games, getting his number of balls up per week to make sure that his body is conditioned to bowling. Even though he might not have to bowl in match situation, but he's got the bowling, so its not like he hasnt bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament. So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me, Shivam Dubey is a smart pick, he concluded.

IPL 2024: Didn't Want To Waste The Opportunity Given By Team Management, Says Nitish Reddy

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made an outstanding 42-ball 76 not out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in securing a thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2024, said this year, the team management gave him a chance to be in the playing eleven, an opportunity he never wanted to throw away. At the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday evening, Reddy dazzled by hitting three fours and eight sixes in what is also his highest T20 knock, with some of his maximums hit straight down the ground and over cover enthralling the home fans. I would say Im a genuine all-rounder who can bowl, who can bat, who can field as well. So, Im looking forward to the all-round performance. I was waiting for this batting opportunity actually from last year. This year the team management gave me a chance and I dont want to throw it away, he said in the post-match press conference. Reflecting on his role in the SRH middle-order, Reddy said, From the last two matches, it has been like this. My role is to carry until the 14th or 13th over to give Heinrich Klaasen a license to bang. So there is no point if Klaasen and Samad get to bat in the early overs; they cant score freely. I just wanted to make sure that I am not going to feel the pressure. I just want to build the innings like I did against Punjab and plan to attack one over and change the momentum. Thats exactly what happened when I saw (Yuzvendra) Chahal coming on to bowl. I was backing myself that I have to go after him (in the 14th over) and that went pretty well (by taking 21 runs off him). Beating Royals, who are at the top of the table, will actually boost the team morale, he said. Reddy also revealed the SRH think-tank had the belief in veteran fast-bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulling off a win for them by defending 12 runs in the final over. See, T20 is all about changing the momentum. So, we actually believed that somehow we will take one or two wickets which we got of the well-set Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag. When he (Bhuvneshwar) was in prime time, he used to do these things like pulling up these matches. Even if we lost, we would have been happy even if we had lost the match, because we played well against a good side and took the match to the last ball. So, we are happy to be on the winning side, he concluded.

RCB vs GT: 52nd Match, Dream11 Team, Indian Premier League 2024

The TATA IPL 2024 has been full of surprises and many brilliant games. Another big match is coming up on Saturday. This will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It will be the rematch of the 45th game played a few days ago. RCB won that game by nine wickets while chasing 200 runs. Now they will host GT in a home game. GT doesn't have another option, and they need this win to stay in the playoff race. If they lose it, it will be over for them. Meanwhile, RCB will look to spoil their party. RCB vs GT: Match Details Match Date : May 04, 2023 (Saturday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru RCB vs GT: Live Streaming Details Cricket lovers can watch the live telecast of the RCB vs GT clash on Saturday on Star Sports Networks. Jio Cinema has the digital rights of the IPL 2024, so you can catch the live stream for free through its app or website. RCB vs GT: Head-to-Head So far, these two teams have played a total of four matches in the IPL. The competition is very tough, as both teams have registered wins in two games each. RCB vs GT: Pitch Report The pitch in Bengaluru is a flat track that offers very little help for the bowlers. The batters will enjoy every bit of this venue. It is a bat second pitch because any target can be chased here. RCB vs GT: Predicted Teams RCB: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar,Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal GT: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Azmatullah Omarzai, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Warrier RCB vs GT: Dream11 Team Wicket-keeper : Wriddhiman Saha Batters : Virat Kohli (Captain), David Miller, Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan (Vice Captain), Faf du Plessis All-rounders : Will Jacks, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell Bowlers : Rashid Khan Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates Dream11 Prediction : Gujarat Titans have lost the last few games and are looking very rusty at the moment. Their batters are doing well, and even the bowlers are struggling. That is why we predict RCB to win this match on Saturday.

'Hardik and Virat will make for great combination'

Former India pacer S Sreesanth on Friday backed Hardik Pandya's selection in the T20 World Cup squad, saying the all-rounder's presence alongside Virat Kohli will make for a great combination when chasing tricky totals.

T20 WC: 'Virat Should Open; Rohit Bats At No.3', Believes Ajay Jadeja

Nassau County International Cricket Stadium: Former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja believes skipper Rohit Sharma should make himself bat at number three and promote Virat Kohli to open the batting for the Mens T20 World Cup, set to begin from June 1 in the West Indies and the USA. Rohit and Kohli are Indias top-order batters in their 15-member World Cup squad alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav. India are placed in Group A of the competition alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA. They will begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. For me, Virat Kohli opens. Who goes back? Rohit Sharma bats at three. He gets a little cushion and gets to understand the game, he has so much going on, in his mind as a captain. If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him. He's best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in. When there's 20-30 on the board and then spin comes on, as he stays longer, he gets better. My pick has always been that if Virat is in this squad, he should open, said Jadeja to JioCinema, the official streaming partner of IPL 2024. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya has been in horrid form with the bat and ball while captaining Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, but Jadeja thinks the fast-bowling all-rounder will come good in the T20 World Cup. The spotlight is on him for obvious reasons. He's a special player, a rare commodity you find in our country where somebody bowls seam-up and can make it to the side with his batting. The selection has not been on form, there's no doubt about it. It depends on how you want to play. It's one of the things I look at this team and think they don't have many options. You have established players in the side, everybody is so solid with the numbers that they play at, and what stage they play. It will all depend on what Rohit thinks, he said. India have opted to take a spin-heavy bowling lineup comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Suresh Raina, the former India batter, thinks Chahal and Kuldeep can be played together in Indias eleven during the World Cup. I think both Kuldeep and Chahal should play. I think our X-factor is Chahal. Their partnership will be useful because you're playing on wickets where a spinner needs to create pressure. If Chahal can't do it, Kuldeep can. If Kuldeep can't, Chahal will do it, said Raina.

I am not in my best form: Riyan Parag

Following his side's one-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag, who has had a breakout season with the franchise, admitted that he is not in his best form since he could not finish the game and has got a lot of areas to improve.

Virat Kohli should open; Rohit should bat at three: Ajay Jadeja

NEW DELHI: Former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja believes that India skipper Rohit Sharma should push himself to the number three spot and promote Virat Kohli to the opening position during next month's T20 World Cup in the Americas. India announced their 15 for the marquee tournament earlier this week and will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5. For me, Virat Kohli opens. Who goes back? Rohit Sharma bats at three. He gets a little cushion and gets to understand the game, he has so much going on, in his mind as a captain, Jadeja told Jio Cinema. If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him. He's best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in, he added. Jadeja backed the selection of a currently off-colour Hardik Pandya in the squad, describing him as special. The spotlight is on him for obvious reasons. He's a special player, a rare commodity you find in our country where somebody bowls seam-up and can make it to the side with his batting, he said referring to the furore caused by his elevation to Mumbai Indians captaincy replacing Rohit. Pandya, who is enduring a poor run in the IPL, will be Rohit's deputy during the T20 World Cup. The selection has not been on form, there's no doubt about it. It depends on how you want to play. It's one of the things I look at this team and think they don't have many options. You have established players in the side, everybody is so solid with the numbers that they play at, and what stage they play. It will all depend on what Rohit thinks, Jadeja said.

'Virat Kohli opens and Rohit Sharma bats at No. 3'

Former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja believes that India skipper Rohit Sharma should push himself to the number three spot and promote Virat Kohli to the opening position during next month's T20 World Cup in the Americas.

From Rinku's Snub To Hardik's Selection: Top Points Made By Rohit, Agarkar

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar answered many gruelling questions over India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection in the press conference on Thursday.

IPL 2024: 'I Was So Detached From The Result', Says Bhuvneshwar On Thrilling Final Over Vs RR

Impact Player Jos Buttler: Veteran India and Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar revealed that he was thoughtless while defending 12 runs in the final over against Rajasthan Royals (RR), adding that he was detached from the result and was just focusing on the process. Bhuvneshwar was entrusted with the responsibility of defending 12 in the thrilling final over. When the equation came down to two runs needed off the last ball, the 34-year-old bowled a low full toss, which Powell looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. SRH went up on an appeal, and the umpire raised the finger. Then, Powell opted for a review, but replays showed all three reds. As a result, SRH pulled off a thrilling one-run win over table-toppers RR. I told everyone the process is very important. I was literally thoughtless; I was not thinking about the result. I was just trying to do what I could. I was not thinking about the one extra fielder up, or whatever the restriction was there, I was so detached from the result. I wasn't thinking about where the fielder is, where he is going to hit, or where I'm gonna bowl, I was so focused on the process, that was the only thing I was doing. Earling in the defence, Bhuvneshwar had set the tone with the crucial wickets of Impact Player Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson with a new ball in the first over. He first had Buttler caught at slip off the second ball of the innings and then castled Samson three balls later off an inswinger. It was the first match the ball swung so much. I can't really pinpoint where the ball swung last, but the way it swung I literally enjoyed it. When it swings, you are always on top of the game, you try to take wickets and luckily, I got wickets, he added. Bhuvneshwar picked a brilliant 3-41, while skipper Pat Cummins and T Natarajan took two wickets each as SRH came out of nowhere to clinch a thrilling win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday.

My role is to carry on till 13th-14th over so that Klaasen gets license to bang: Nitish Reddy

HYDERABAD: Entrusted with the task of shepherding Sunrisers Hyderabad's middle-order, young Nitish Reddy has been doing the job with aplomb at a time when he is seen by many as a future India all-rounder, thanks to his ability to bowl lively medium pace. Opting to bat in the IPL game against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday, Reddy (76 not out) and Travis Head (58) produced explosive fifties, while Heinrich Klassen made an unbeaten 19-ball 42 to power SRH to 201 for three. Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar then did the star turn with a sensational final over as SRH pulled off a heist, stunning RR by just one run in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Nitish, 20, stated that his role was to rebuild the innings after quick wickets. From the last two matches, we are losing quick wickets and I have to go. My role is to carry on till the 13th and 14th over so that Klaasen gets a license to bang. There is no point in Klaasen and Samad coming early, but not getting to score freely, said Nitish at the post-match press conference. The all-rounder hailed Bhuvneshwar after the veteran pacer bowled a brilliant final over to help Hyderabad seal a dramatic win. Nitish said he was hopeful that Bhuvneshwar would be able to defend 13 runs in the last over. I was looking at who was going to bowl. When I saw Bhuvneshwar was going to bowl, I got the confidence that he was going to pull it off. During his prime, he had done it so many times. I did not think we were going to win, I thought either we'd lose or tie. But that last-ball wicket, I felt so happy, Nitish said. During his explosive knock, Nitish smashed RR's in-form Yuzvendra Chahal for two fours and two sixes in the 13th over. Nitish said that he backed himself to attack the seasoned leg-spinner. Reddy also said the victory against RR, following losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, is important. Beating RR will boost our confidence, they are at the top of the points table, he concluded. IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad edge Rajasthan Royals in one-run thriller Not in my best form: Parag Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag returned to the top five in the Orange Cape race after striking his fourth fifty of the season. The 22-year-old Parag slammed 77 off 49 balls but could not help his side chase down the target set by SRH. Despite his breakout season with the franchise, Parag said he was not in his best form since he could not finish the game. I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred, Parag told reporters. The Assam player said the loss was dramatic, adding that his team made a few errors. It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on them more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 is, IPL is, he said.

RR Vs SRH: Who Played Best Knock? Vote!

Half-centuries from Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy helped Sunrisers Hyderabad edge Rajasthan Royals by one run.

How Shreyas Iyer Reacted To T20 WC Snub, Setbacks Shows His Mentality

Shreyas Iye wasn't even among the reserve squad that the BCCI selection committee picked for T20 World Cup 2024.

IPL 2024: 'Don't Think Any One Of Us Threw Our Wickets', Says Riyan Parag After RRs Loss To SRH

After Rajasthan Royals: After Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in-form batter Riyan Parag denied that some batters, including himself, threw their wickets away at a crucial juncture of the match. After losing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in the opening over, Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 134 runs in a counter-attacking third-wicket stand and were in sight of an impressive win. But Jaiswal fell for a 40-ball 67, while Parag was dismissed for a 49-ball 77 and from there, RR lost their way to suffer just the second loss of this season. I don't think any one of us threw our wickets. Jaiswal tried that scoop because Natarajan was bowling good slow bouncers and hence he predicted a yorker and went with that shot. I tried to muscle it for a six, probably an error in execution, but I don't really think we threw our wickets. It would have been nice to stay till the end, it was the plan for both of us, said Parag in a post-match press conference. He was quick to note that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins and Natarajan bowled well in the last five overs to deny RR a victory. I was pretty confident but you have to give credit to how they bowled. It's their home ground, they bowled like they knew how the wicket was playing. You got to give credit to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Natarajan and Cummins. Cummins especially bowling that 19th over, going for 8 runs or something like that, they bowled better than us in the slog overs. It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 and IPL is, he elaborated. In ten innings of IPL 2024, Parag has amassed 409 runs to be the fourth-highest run-getter in the competition, averaging 58.43 at a strike-rate of 159.14. His name was also taken by some people as a contender in Indias squad for the Mens T20 World Cup, but Parag feels his best is yet to come. I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred. Last year I wasn't even in contention to play the IPL. Now I've heard a few rumours, I'm not on social media anymore, I've heard a few noises here and there. I'm glad they are taking my name for the right reasons now. I wasn't really thinking about anything. I'm happy for the boys in our team, Sanju bhaiyya (Sanju Samson) especially getting the call-up. It is going to be great for our country and we can hopefully bring the World Cup home, he concluded.

This IPL Star Deserved Place In T20 WC Squad, Gavaskar's Blunt Verdict

Sunil Gavaskar feels Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer T Natarajan should've been a part of India's T20 World Cup squad.

IPL 2024: 'I Was Thinking Super Over', Says Cummins After SRHs One-run Win Over RR

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: After Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sealed a one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a nail-biting IPL 2024 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, skipper Pat Cummins revealed he had thoughts of Super Over crossing in his mind. SRH needed to defend 12 runs off the final over, which came down to two runs needed off the last ball. Moreover, they could keep only four fielders outside 30-yard circle due to slow-over rate penalty. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, their veteran fast-bowler, trapped Rovman Powell plumb lbw with a low full toss on middle and leg to take 3-41 and complete a stunning win for SRH over the table-toppers, which now takes them to fourth place in the points table. Amazing game. That last ball I kind of forgot if we take a wicket, we could win. I was just thinking Super Over. It is T20 cricket, we get used to batters getting them over the line but when you get to that last over, you do feel like anything can happen. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) just nailed six yorkers pretty much, said Cummins after the match ended. Apart from Bhuvneshwar, Cummins and T Natarajan, the new leading wicket-taker in the competition, took two vital wickets each. Previously, with the bat, SRH reaching 201/7 was due to Nitish Kumar Reddy's scintillating 76 off 42 balls. Travis Head made 58 off 44 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen hit an unbeaten 42 off 19 deliveries. Natarajan is an awesome yorker bowler. He (Nitish) is fantastic. He sums up the conditions really well, took the first ten balls to get himself in and then hit the ball basically wherever he wanted. He is amazing, great in the field, and gives a couple of handy overs (with the ball) as well, added Cummins. Sanju Samson, the RR captain, lauded SRH bowlers for stopping the visitors from winning the match. We have really played some close games and won a couple of them. Lost one here, and we have to give credit to the SRH bowlers. We were going at 10 per over till the last over. Margin for error is very less in the IPL and you have to give SRH credit. Knowing the nature of the IPL, you never win the game until you actually win the game. Despite losing Jos Buttler and Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswals 40-ball 67 and Riyan Parags 49-ball 77 helped RR be in the hunt of clinching an impressive win, as the duo shared 134-run stand for the third wicket. It was very tough to bat on with the new ball. We bowled well in the powerplay. When the ball got old, it was easier to bat and they capitalised really well. You have to give credit to both youngsters (Jaiswal and Parag). They took care of the innings, played responsibility to get there. You tend to take those chances and you tend to get out also. They played really well.

MI vs KKR, IPL 2024: Preview, Fantasy Picks, Pitch And Weather Reports

Kolkata Knight Riders have dominated Mumbai Indians three times in their last five encounters.

India's T20 WC 2024 Squad: Every Player's Form Guide In The Last One Year

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Sanju Era Begins!

Scenes from the RR-SRH game...

On Brink Of Elimination, MI Need Marquee Stars To Shine Against KKR

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'When Bhuvi came to bowl the final over...'

Following his side's one-run win over Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said that when he realised that Bhuvneshwar Kumar was defending 13 runs in the final over, he got the confidence that the veteran pacer could pull off a match-winning performance.

Concerned about pacer Deepaks injury: Fleming

CHENNAI: Even as Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets to get to eight points, the home teams position in the points table hasnt changed. Super Kings are still in the top four (it could change if Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals), but they have bigger things to worry about after the loss against Punjab. While dew factor once again played its part as Chennai tried to defend 162 on a humid evening at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, what also dented CSK hopes of a win was Deepak Chahar walking off after just bowling two balls. Plus the absence of Matheesha Pathirana due to a niggle and Tushar Deshpande due to a flu. Although Richard Gleeson had a good debut, CSK bowling has a lot to worry about. Chahar doesnt look good. The initial feeling wasnt good, now were hoping for positive news when the physio and doctor have a look. Sri Lankan boys (Theekshana, Pathirana) are off for their visas, were hoping that their process is smooth and we get them back for the next game up north. Gleeson was good, and was one of the positives. Losing Mustafizur (after the next game) is a blow, there is a lot going on, isnt it? Tushar has got a bit of flu going on, so we missed him on Wednesday. So we had to make some changes, but thats part of it. We have got resources, they just havent got game time to be comfortable with their roles, Fleming said after the loss. One of the talking points of the game was the shuffle in the CSK batting order with Shivam Dube coming in at No 3 and Ravindra Jadeja at No 4. Dube was a big part of that (six-hitting) and losing him today with their spinners was a great wicket for them (Punjab). In terms of a left-arm spinner and a leg-spinner, it was a great matchup for Dube. We have seen him do really well this season but they won that one nicely and that then created pressure on our ability to continue to hit sixes and it was tough. Another thing is that it is a biggish ground, so if there is any kind of assistance, its hard square-wise to get boundaries. And they bowled well, they protected it well. Made it difficult for us, pointed out the former New Zealand captain. We have spoken about the unpredictability of wickets (at Chepauk). Today the first ball bounced and hit Jinks (Rahane) in the helmet. Just trying to get a gauge on how it will play. Unfortunately were batting first a lot, which makes it difficult to gauge what a competitive score is. We got a couple of 200s, so that was on the mind today but it was a bit sticky. What was a good start in the first six overs then became difficult. We tried with the lefties, obviously Dube and then Jadeja was also an aggressive role which didnt work, and Sameer Rizvi as well. We just couldnt get anything through the middle, he added.

A day after the T20 WC snub, Sandeep continues good works with Rajasthan

CHENNAI: The only thing you can control is your hard work and never give up attitude. Hours after the T20 World Cup snub, medium pacer Sandeep Sharma posted the message on Instagram on Wednesday. It's not that Sandeep, who had played only two T20Is for India that too was back in 2015, was dead sure of his selection for the marquee event. Already 30 plus, he has reached that stage of his career where such call-ups usually dry down. Despite the crude fact, hope remains and the bowler from Patiala (Punjab) too was hopeful. And why not? In his role as the death-overs specialist with the table toppers Rajasthan Royals, he had bowled one of the best spells of this season to date. He sent back Mumbai Indian batters one by one in Jaipur a few days ago bagging 5/18 from his four overs. He is also one of the three bowlers, who have claimed a five-wicket haul this season so far. The other two are Mumbai's Jasprit Bumrah and Yash Thakur of Lucknow Super Giants. What's more important is the fact that Sandeep has achieved all this while bowling with quite a good economy rate of 6.83 (by Thursday's match). Only Bumrah (6.40) and Liam Livingstone of Punjab Kings (6.22) have a better economy rate than Sandeep among the bowlers who have played five or more matches till Thursday. Given the responsibility assigned to him by the team last season, where he first went unsold before being picked up by the inaugural champions as a replacement player, Sandeep has been working mostly on slower bouncers and yorkers. Knuckle ball is another option, which he has been using efficiently. But it's not easy, especially for someone who loves to ball with the new ball in powerplays. ...the management had made it clear to me where I would be bowling majority of my overs so I worked mostly on slower bouncers and yorkers in the nets. I anyway knew I wouldn't be bowling much with the new ball because Boulty (Trent Boult) is a world-class bowler, one of the best in the world, the right-arm bowler had said after Rajasthan's last match against Lucknow. The ongoing season, however, did not startthe way Sandeep would have hoped. After the first two matches, a side strain kept him out of action for the next five matches. He returned with a bang with a Player of the Match winning performance against Mumbai. Against Lucknow, he remained economical thus making sure Rajasthan did not have to chase a target beyond 200.The good show continued on Thursday as Sandeep bowled miserly giving away 31 runs from his four overs and claimed the wicket of impact substitute and his Punjab teammate Amolpreet Singh. With others around him going for eight runs or more per over, he stuck to his plan and dried up the flow of runs at least for the first three overs he bowled. Travis Head's 44-ball 58 and Nitish Kumar Reddy's 76 off 42 apart from some late firworks from Heinrich Klaasen (42 off 19) meant SRH put up 201 runs on the board. Rajasthan agonisingly fell short by 1 run losing only the second match this season. A win would have been the cherry on the cake for Sandeep, who played his role to near perfection that too only a day after being ignored by the selectors, but it was not to be.

Gave Up Canadian Visa For India Dream, Harpreet Brar Is Now An IPL Star

Harpreet Brar has been one of the best bowlers for Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL 2024 till now against during the match against Chennai Super Kings.

Early starts & options: Rohits gamble

CHENNAI: While India captain Rohit Sharma did not reveal much on what kind of combinations the team would play at the T20 World Cup, he made one thing clear. I definitely wanted four spinners, Sharma said at a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday. It has been one of the key debates since the squad for the global event, set to be played in the United States and West Indies, was announced on Monday. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee had named four frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal leaving out Rinku Singh, who was expected to play the finisher role. Sharma, while addressing the topic, said that he doesnt want to elaborate as other teams would be watching. The reason for four spinners is this, which Im not going to say in public. But I wanted four spinners for sure. With two of the spinners being allrounders who can bat, Axar and Jadeja, and two attacking spinners Kuldeep and Chahal it gives you the balance in the spin department. Based on the team composition of the opposition, we can decide what we want to play with. Weve played a lot of cricket there (Caribbean). We know what the conditions are like. With morning starts at 10-10.30 AM, theres a little bit of technical aspect involved in this, he said. Without trying to read too much, it seems like the predominant focus is on the latter stages of the tournament in West Indies despite India playing their entire league stage in the USA. India will travel to the Caribbean only for the Super8 games and knockouts. With things not clear how the conditions would be for day matches that begin at 10.30AM local time (8PM IST), Sharma wanted all the options available when it came to the spin department. After all, when India toured West Indies in 2023, they played three spinners in all five games. This is why someone like Rinku had to miss out. It (not picking Rinku) is probably the toughest thing we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill for that matter. It is not his fault that he missed out. Its about combinations, Agarkar explained. A couple of wrist spinners were included to give Rohit (Sharma) more options. There are two keepers, we needed an extra bowler. Its just unfortunate. Hes in the reserves, so that tells you how close he came into being in the 15. But at the end of the day, you can only pick 15 players in the squad, he added. If India do pick three spinners, whether they will be able to accommodate Shivam Dube whom they have picked for middle-overs hitting in the XI is another question. In the middle overs we wanted someone to come and play that role where he can play freely without worrying about who is bowling and who is not. We picked Shivam Dube based on the IPL and a few games before the IPL as well. But for him to feature in the XI, India may have to go with Jasprit Bumrah, Pandya, Dube and spinners sharing the load. The issue, though, is that Dube has bowled only obe over. Honestly, if we need Shivam to bowl a few overs, he will bowl a few overs. Hardik as well, he has been bowling regularly in the IPL. Whenever its been required, he has come and bowled. Like Ajit (Agarkar) said, hes come and played all the games, fitness wise, there are no issues. Rohit still has the option of asking for changes until May 25 if he and the selection committee feels so. But for now, Rohit has got the team he wanted. How far can they go? Only time will tell.

SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy Achieves Record-Equalling Feat After Knock vs RR

Nitish Kumar Reddy scored an unbeaten 76* in 42 balls, with three fours and eight sixes, in the IPL 2024 clash vs RR.

Watch: Rohit's Glorious Gesture For Rinku Right After Press Conference

MI posted a video on X, in which Rinku was visibly in all smiles as Rohit approached the KKR star.

Thought We Would Lose Or Tie: SRH Star's Admission On Thriller vs RR

The all-rounder also said that the victory is important, following their losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

CLOSE-IN: India Looks To Be Firm Favourite To Win The T20 World Cup (IANS Column)

The ICC ODI World Cup: The next big cricket bonanza to get underway in the West Indies and USA on June 1 is the T20 World Cup. The ICC should be given kudos for having 20 teams participating in it. Each one of them have sent the names of their 15-member squad. This has caused a few ripples in sides that are blessed with plenty of options. The inclusion and exclusion of players is always a debatable issue amongst cricket followers and lovers of the game. Cricket somehow brings it more prominently to the fore compared to most of the other sports. A tournament with 20 national representative sides is truly wonderful for the game and just the tonic required to spread cricket all over the globe. The 20 overs a side is just the ideal cricket format to introduce the minnow sides against the big boys of cricket. The equation as regards superiority between sides reduces drastically because of the nature of the game. The slam-bang version requires far less technical batting skills and more eye-hand coordination with brute muscular power to play it. Cricket is anyway a game of uncertainties and it gets far more magnified, especially, in T20. A stupendous batting or bowling performance by just a few individuals of a weaker side could topple the best of sides on a given day. The T20, therefore, is the ideal platform, wherein, one will for sure witness a few topsy-turvy results in the upcoming World Cup24. India is the ICC's top-ranking T20 side at present and therefore the favourites to win the trophy that has eluded them since their inaugural win in 2007. The Indian squad of 15 may have a few questionable inclusions, however, overall, the selectors have played the conservative and safe options in their selection. Naming Rohit Sharma as the captain 3 months in advance has itself given one the indication that a straight and narrow path will be the order of the day. One hoped for an out of the box thought process, however, this definitely did not happen. One does understand why the selection committee took such a view, as leaving out the big stars of Indian cricket could make them the punching bag of criticism if India happens to lose. Furthermore, the ICC tournament depends on the big names of Indian cricket to make it commercially successful and their presence, therefore, is an important ingredient to do so. The ICC ODI World Cup in 2007 in the West Indies was a good example of it. India lost in the league stage itself and the financial impact of it was disastrous for the ICC. The T20 requires a very different mindset, a player has to have a risk-averse approach and be brash and confident with young fit legs to carry one through. The Indian squad has nearly 70% of players especially, in their possible playing eleven who have been a part of the previous World Cup T20 and ODI losing sides. These players will need to transform themselves into a youthful approach to be successful. This will require a very different mindset. Indian players are the most experienced ones in T20 cricket. It is the fear of failure that knocks their mental state of mind. On paper, India looks to be a formidable side. They have the 2 leading batters in world cricket in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India has the number one T20 batsman in Suryakumar Yadav and the best pace bowler in Jasprit Bumrah. They also have the most dashing and destructive batter and wicketkeeper in Rishabh Pant. A wrist-spinning combination of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and also spinning allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Even though there has been criticism in the selection of Hardik Pandya, he is the only pace-bowling all-rounder in India at present and he has the skill and capability to hit the ball a mile off. The inclusion of Shivam Dube as an alternative allrounder into the squad could give Hardik just the push and aggression to shine and showcase his natural skill, talent and form. Not many other sides can boast of players of this calibre amongst them and therefore one feels India has the potential to win the T20 World Cup this time around. The most redeeming factor as regards the Indian team is that they will be approaching the T20 WC'24 after the IPL. The players will be well-tuned mentally and physically to play in this format. This should make a tremendous difference in the way they could subconsciously execute their cricketing skills without fear. Furthermore, the selected Indian cricket players have enough matches in the IPL for them to experiment and develop newer skills and options. India and Pakistan have been grouped along with Ireland, USA and Canada in Group A. The clash of the 2 titans of Asian cricket at the league stage on June 9 in New York at present the toast of the tournament. Both India and Pakistan should make it comfortably to the next league stage in 2 different groups comprising 4 teams. The true test of each sides strength will only come forth then, as only the top 2 sides of the group will carry forward to the semi-finals. The only worry that one can foresee that can elude an Indian victory is not in their skill but in their state of mind. One gets the feeling that with nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Indian side will come out all guns blazing. A win against Pakistan could be just the booster shot required to catapult them into exhilaration. After all, India are the favourites. (Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal.)

KL Rahul's Batting Position In IPL 2024 Led To T20 WC Snub? BCCI Answers

KL Rahul was excluded from India's squad for T20 World Cup with the selectors opting for Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant.

Gavaskar's Karma Remark After Umpiring Controversy In SRH vs RR Clash

Travis Head got bowled on the next ball after getting a reprieve on a run out appeal in the SRH vs RR IPL 2024 game.

Video: On Bhuvi's Last-Ball Wicket, Kavya Maran's Reaction Breaks Internet

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On Rohit Being Picked As T20 WC Captain, Ex-IND Star's 'Not Easy' Verdict

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Rohit Finally Breaks Long Silence On Mumbai Indians Captaincy Controversy

Rohit Sharma reflected on a whirlwind last few months during which he lost his IPL captaincy to Hardik Pandya before finding him as his deputy for next month's T20 World Cup.

Decision on Pucovski's future delayed after extended concussion symptoms

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Watch: Kavya Maran's 'Jump Of Joy' As SRH Seal Last-Ball Win In RR Thriller

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Hardik Pandya Vital For India's T20 Cup Campaign: Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar

Under-fire Hardik Pandya was a vital element of India's Twenty20 World Cup campaign, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Thursday, defending the star all-rounder's inclusion after a patchy IPL season. Pandya was named as vice-captain earlier this week for next month's showpiece 20-over tournament, jointly hosted by the United States and West Indies, with veteran Rohit Sharma leading the squad. He replaced Rohit as captain of Mumbai Indians in this year's Indian Premier League but has been relentlessly booed by crowds after failing to match the form of his popular successor. He's come after a long-ish layoff... The hope is that he keeps building on that form, Agarkar said. We know what he brings, how much balance he gives to the team. I don't think there's a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment, especially when it comes to the way he bowls, he added. It will give Rohit options to play different combinations. The tournament will mark the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for his first international matches since a horror car crash 16 months ago, after impressing with his reinstatement as Delhi Capitals captain in the IPL. Fellow wicketkeeper K.L. Rahul was left out to make way for Pant, with Agarkar stressing the need for the squad to retain more middle-order batting options. K.L. is a terrific player. We all know that. The thing we are obviously looking at is guys who bat in the middle, Agarkar said. At the moment, K.L. is batting at the top... Rishabh is batting at five for Delhi, he added. That was more the thinking. It wasn't whether K.L. is better or these guys are better. It's about the slots that we needed. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates India begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5.

Devon Thomas Banned For 5 Years By ICC Under Anti-Corruption Code

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year period of ineligibility from all cricket on West Indies player Devon Thomas after he accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The ICC announced the period of ineligibility in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the relevant codes, ruling that the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility would be suspended. Mr. Thomas, who chose to admit the charges and agreed to a sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing, admitted to being in breach of the following provisions of the SLC, ECB and CPL Codes: Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the SLC Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code - failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official. Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct. Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021. Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager Integrity Unit, said: Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues. This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly. The anti-corruption decision (which has been redacted to protect the identities of the ICCs witnesses and other third parties) is available here. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates The period of ineligibility is backdated to 23 May 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended.

Rohit To Bowl At T20 WC? Captain's Epic Reply To 'No Off-Spinner Question

The BCCI selectors opted for four spinners in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 but none of them were right-arm off-spin options.

Karma: Gavaskar's On-Air Remark At SRH Star Who Got Umpiring Reprieve

Travis Head got bowled on the next ball after getting a reprieve on a run out appeal in the SRH vs RR IPL 2024 game.

Rohit Finally Breaks Long Silence On Losing MI Captaincy Controversy

Rohit Sharma reflected on a whirlwind last few months during which he lost his IPL captaincy to Hardik Pandya before finding him as his deputy for next month's T20 World Cup.

Dooley cut by Tasmania following recruitment of Kuhnemann and MacMillan

Tasmania poach Australia Under-19 World Cup winning offspinner Raf MacMillan from New South Wales

RR Vs SRH: Who Bowled Best Spell? Vote!

Bhuvneshwar's early strikes coupled with good spells from Pat Cummins and Thangarasu Natarjan in the middle overs saw SRH clinch victory against all odds.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on his nerveless final over: 'I was not thinking about the result'

Cummins, meanwhile, was just thinking Super Over in nail-biting finish against Royals

Cummins hails Bhuvi's last-ball heroics

Defending 12 in the final over, Bhuvneshwar trapped Rovman Powell in front of the wicket in the last ball to stop Rajasthan Royal's run chase at 200 for 7 and pull off a heist in the end.

'Game never done till it's done': Samson rues loss

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson said that even while it seemed his side was cruising to victory he was not certain they would get over the line given the unpredictable nature of the league.

Can Mumbai Indians still qualify for the playoffs?

With 50 games done in IPL 2024, no team has qualified for the playoffs - and no team is out of the race yet

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad edge Rajasthan Royals in one-run thriller

CHENNAI: Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's brilliant final over and some excellent death bowling from Sunrisers Hyderabad took them over the line against Rajasthan Royals. The partnership of 134 runs between Riyan Parag and Yashaswi Jaiswal was not enough for the visitors, as Hyderabad won by one run. Bhuvaneshwar took two wickets in his first over as Impact Substitute Jos Buttler and captain Sanju Samson went back without scoring a run. That did not stop Jaiswal and Parag, as both youngsters adopted an aggressive approach against Hyderabad bowlers to add 134 runs in a partnership. Jaiswal smashed his half-century off 30 balls, while Parag achieved the milestone off 31 balls. Natarajan broke the partnership with the wicket of Jaiswal to give Hyderabad a sniff and the hosts did not look back. Rajasthan lost Parag, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession. With 20 runs required off the last two overs, Cummins bowled the penultimate over and gave away seven runs while taking the wicket of Jurel. Hyderabad had to pay the price for a slow over rate with only four fielders outside the ring. Bhuvaneshwar bowled tidy lines and only gave away one boundary in the final over. With two runs required off the final ball, he trapped Powell in front to give Hyderabad a win. Earlier, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sunrisers captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first, with Marco Jansen coming into the playing XI. The dynamic duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head tried to give a good start to the hosts, but Sharma struggled to get going in the powerplay. Eventually, after a few swings and misses, Avesh Khan finally sent the youngster packing for 12 in his first over of the day. Anmolpreet Singh, who replaced Sharma, did not last long, as Sandeep Sharma also took the wicket with his first ball. From 37/2 at the end of the powerplay, Hyderabad needed a solid partnership and Head found the perfect partner in Nitish Kumar Reddy, batting at four. The Australian batter survived a close LBW call and took that opportunity to launch the counterattack, as 18 runs came from Yuzvendra Chahal's second over. The partnership between Head and Reddy was a mix of caution and attacking style. The duo particularly went after Chahal, as the spinner gave away 62 runs in his four overs.Head completed his fourth half-century of the season off 37 balls, while Reddy completed his 50 off 30 balls. Head departed trying to be ultra-aggressive, but the introduction of Heinrich Klaasen only helped the Sunrisers cause. The South African hit two back-to-back sixes off Chahal. Trent Boult was not as effective for Rajasthan as they would have wanted and he gave away 33 runs in four overs. Klaasen kept his calm even in the final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma, who had given away just 16 runs in his three overs. Hyderabad took 15 runs in the final over of the innings to score 201 for three in 20 overs. For Rajasthan, Avesh took three wickets, while Sandeep took one. Brief scores: SRH 201/3 in 20 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 76 n.o, Travis Head 42; Avesh Khan 2/39) beat Rajasthan Royals 200/7 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 77, Yashasvi Jaiswal 67; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/41)

IPL 2024: SRH Script Nervy One-Run Win Over RR In Last-Ball Thriller

Bhuvneshwar Kumar did the star turn with a sensational final over as Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a heist, stunning Rajasthan Royals by just one run in a last-ball thriller to keep their IPL playoff hopes alive.

Rising cricketer Baker passes away at 20

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is devastated by the sudden passing of their talented left-arm spinner, Josh Baker

Cummins, Bhuvneshwar help SRH snatch thriller by one run

Cummins bowled a superb 19th over followed by Bhuvneshwar successfully defending 12 in the final over

IPL 2024: Nitish, Bhuvneshwar Star As SRH Clinch Dramatic One-run Win Over RR (Ld)

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked a brilliant 3-41, while Pat Cummins and T Natarajan took two wickets each as Sunrisers Hyderabad came out of nowhere to clinch a dramatic and thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday. After Nitish Reddy was outstanding in a magnificent display of stroke-play to hit an unbeaten 42-ball 76, while Travis Head made 58 off 44 balls as the duo carried SRH to a huge 201/3, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets in a brilliant first over and took out Rovman Powell on the final ball as the hosts won by the barest of margins. Despite that initial setback of losing Jos Buttler and captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswals 40-ball 67 and Riyan Parags 49-ball 77 helped RR be in the hunt of clinching an impressive win. But once the duos 133-run partnership was broken, SRH roared their way back in the game to seal it and complete a remarkable comeback, giving RR its first defeat while chasing in the season. The nail-biting win takes SRH to fourth place, where they are tied with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants on 12 points. RRs chase of 202 was rocked by Bhuvneshwar in the opening over having Buttler nicking behind to wide slip fielder for a golden duck, while Samson was castled by an inswinger rattling stumps through the gate. From there, Jaiswal, with his timing and Parag, with his fabulous bat-swing, played breathtaking strokes from both ends against Bhuvneshwar, Pat Cummins, Marco Jansen and T Natarajan. They also had luck on their side - Jaiswal was dropped by Cummins at mid-off and Parags chance was shelled by Abhishek Sharma at extra cover, as RR ended power-play at 60/2. Jaiswal and Parag rampage continued after power-play, before reaching their respective fifties in 30 and 31 balls respectively in the 11th over. But Jaiswal was gone for 67 off 40 balls, playing on to his stumps off Natarajan. Parag hit two sixes and a four before holing out to long-on for 77 off 49 balls to Cummins. Though Rovman Powell found a few boundaries, SRHs fightback continued as Shimron Hetmyer hit a low full toss straight to long-on off Natarajan, followed by Dhruv Jurel, who had a left hamstring strain while fielding, flicking straight to deep square leg off Cummins. Cummins bowled a superb 19th over, giving away only seven runs, despite Powell lofting a six over extra cover on the last ball. With 12 runs needed to win off the final over, and four men outside the 30-yard circle due to slow over-rate, Powell scooped Bhuvneshwar for four. With two runs needed off the final ball, Bhuvneshwar trapped Powell plumb lbw with a low full toss on middle and leg to complete a stunning win for SRH over the table-toppers. Previosuly, on a fresh pitch, with some grip available for bowlers, Head hit a slow-ish fifty. But Reddy dazzled by hitting three fours and eight sixes, with some of his maximums hit straight down the ground and over cover enthralling the home fans. Later, Heinrich Klaasen hit an unbeaten 42 off 19, laced with three fours and as many sixes, to take SRH past 200 for the fifth time this season, with their last 12 overs yielding 153 runs. For RR, who conceded a 200+ total for just the second time in this competition, Avesh Khan was impressive in his 2-39, while Sandeep Sharma was tidy in his 1-31. Electing to bat first, Head could have been out on the first ball if Parag hadnt shelled the chance at backward point off Trent Boult. With Ravichandran Ashwin beating Head and Abhishek via deliveries gripping and bouncing, a wicket looked imminent for RR. Avesh reaped the reward of platform set by Boult and Ashwin when he had Abhishek pulling straight to deep square leg. Sandeep also joined Avesh as a wicket-taker when Anmolpreet Singh chipped straight to diving mid-wicket, as SRH ended power-play at 37/2. Head opened up by cutting Yuzvendra Chahal for four, before pulling the leg-spinner for back-to-back sixes and whipping him through the leg-side for another boundary. While Head brought up his fifty in 37 balls, Nitish began his onslaught by muscling Ashwin for back-to-back sixes, followed by hitting Chahal for two fours and as many sixes in the 13th over. Heads knock ended when he shaped for a lap shot off Avesh, but played onto his stumps. Nitish marched on to get his fifty in 30 balls, followed by slog-sweeping and pulling Ashwin for a brace of sixes. From the other end, Klassen was lofting and pulling Chahal for consecutive sixes, as the leg-spinner conceded 62 runs in his four overs. While Nitish took a six and four off Avesh, Klaasen smashed Boult for two fours, before smashing Sandeep for a four and six in the final over to take SRH past 200, which was sufficient for a win by a solitary run at the end - a possibility which no one saw coming after their slow start. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/3 in 20 overs (Nitish Reddy 76 not out, Travis Head 58; Avesh Khan 2-39, Sandeep Sharma 1-31) beat Rajasthan Royals 200/7 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 77, Yashasvi Jaiswal 67; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-41, Pat Cummins 2-34) by one run.

Suresh Raina's Cousin Killed In Road Accident In Dharamshala

Saurabh Kumar,Raina's maternal cousin, and his friend Shubham from Kuthman died in a collision with a car near Gaggal airport on Wednesday

IPL 2024: Bhuvneshwar, Cummins, Natarajan Star As SRH Clinch Dramatic One-run Win Over RR

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked a brilliant 3-41, while Pat Cummins and T Natarajan took two wickets each as Sunrisers Hyderabad came out of nowhere to clinch a dramatic and thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday. After Nitish Reddy was outstanding in a magnificent display of stroke-play to hit an unbeaten 42-ball 76, while Travis Head made 58 off 44 balls as the duo carried SRH to a huge 201/3, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets in a brilliant first over and took out Rovman Powell on the final ball as the hosts won by the barest of margins. Despite that initial setback of losing Jos Buttler and captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswals 40-ball 67 and Riyan Parags 49-ball 77 helped RR be in the hunt of clinching an impressive win. But once the duos 133-run partnership was broken, SRH roared their way back in the game to seal it and complete a remarkable comeback, giving RR its first defeat while chasing in the season. The nail-biting win takes SRH to fourth place, where they are tied with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants on 12 points. RRs chase of 202 was rocked by Bhuvneshwar in the opening over having Buttler nicking behind to wide slip fielder for a golden duck, while Samson was castled by an inswinger rattling stumps through the gate. From there, Jaiswal and Parag played breathtaking strokes from both ends against Bhuvneshwar, Pat Cummins, Marco Jansen and T Natarajan. They also had luck on their side - Jaiswal was dropped by Cummins at mid-off and Parags chance was shelled by Abhishek Sharma at extra cover, as RR ended power-play at 60/2. Jaiswal and Parag rampage continued after power-play, before reaching their respective fifties in 30 and 31 balls respectively in the 11th over. But Jaiswal was gone for 67 off 40 balls, playing on to his stumps off Natarajan. Parag hit two sixes and a four before holing out to long-on for 77 off 49 balls to Cummins. Though Rovman Powell found a few boundaries, SRHs fightback continued as Shimron Hetmyer hit a low full toss straight to long-on off Natarajan, followed by Dhruv Jurel, who had a left hamstring strain while fielding, flicked straight to deep square leg off Cummins. Cummins bowled a superb 19th over, giving away only seven runs, despite Powell lofting a six over extra cover on the last ball. With 12 runs needed to win off the final over, and four men outside the 30-yard circle due to slow over-rate, Powell scooped Bhuvneshwar for four. With two runs needed off the final ball, Bhuvneshwar trapped Powell lbw with a full toss on middle and leg to complete a stunning win for SRH over the table-toppers. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/3 in 20 overs (Nitish Reddy 76 not out, Travis Head 58; Avesh Khan 2-39, Sandeep Sharma 1-31) beat Rajasthan Royals 200/7 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 77, Yashasvi Jaiswal 67; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-41, Pat Cummins 2-34) by one run

Iqbal, Dar, Zafar consign West Indies to their first loss of the tour

A comprehensive all-round performance helped Pakistan clinch the low-scoring encounter

PIX: SRH seal dramatic win, edge past RR by 1 run

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals played in Hyderabad on Thursday

Selectors unconcerned with Kohli's IPL strike rate

While Kohli's experience is invaluable, Agarkar believes that there are enough power-hitters in the line-up if there are high-scoring games.

IPL 2024: MI Not Thinking Where They Will Eventually Finish As They Gear Up For KKR, Says Romario Shepherd

Kolkata Knight Riders: Languishing at the penultimate spot in the points table with six points from 10 games, Mumbai Indians can expect to reach 14 points at the most if they win their remaining four games. Many feel that may not be enough for the five-time champions to seal a place in the playoffs. However, Mumbai Indians' West Indies batter Romario Shepherd said they are thinking about how many points they will end up with eventually and their focus is only on winning every game. Mumbai will play three of their last four matches at Fortress Wankhede starting with a clash against Kolkata Knight Riders here on Friday. KKR are currently in the second spot in the points table with 12 points from nine matches. They have been in great form and in a strong position to reach the playoffs. But Shepherd said the team's current position is not a matter of concern for them when MI take on KKR. Well, you know, we have to play to win and that's the way we play KKR, to win each game. So, it doesn't matter how many points we can get to, we're going to play each game and try to win as big as possible. And if there is an opportunity, you know, that's the only way we can actually get opportunities if we win the games, said Shepherd in the pre-match press conference at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Shepherd had made a sensational debut for Mumbai Indians in their first home match against Delhi Capitals on April 7, hammering four sixes and two fours in the final over off South African pacer Anrich Nortje to collect 32 runs. The burly Guyanese all-rounder ended up scoring 39 runs from 10 balls. However, since then he has not had many chances and got to bat in only four innings of five matches, scoring 56 runs in all at a sensational strike rate of 280.00. However, Shepherd said the reason he did not get many chances was that his performance was not up to par and hoped that he would get more opportunities in the remaining four matches. Well, if my performance has been up to par, I wouldn't be out of the team and stuff like that. But you know, hopefully, I can contribute again with bat or ball to our next win. But as of now, you know, I have to just wait and see whenever I get that opportunity again and hopefully contribute to the team because, you know, we need some wins to get out from the bottom of the table, he added. Shepherd admitted that expectations are high for him following the six-ball 32 feat against Delhi Capitals. Shepherd also agreed that 250-260 runs have become the new par score in IPL 2024 and said the IPL has lived up to its reputation of being a tough tournament.

Shreyas 'is one of the strongest people', says KKR assistant coach

Abhishek Nayar says the KKR captain has been positive despite all the challenges and disappointments he's faced in recent months

T20 World Cup: Omitting Rinku Singh Was The Toughest Decision We Took, Says Ajit Agarkar

Omitting Rinku Singh: Among a plethora of decisions that they took while selecting the Indian squad for the Men's T20 World Cup to be played in the United States and the Caribbean, Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the national selection committee, said the toughest was to decide not to pick young batting sensation Rinku Singh, who has impressed many with his brilliant death-over batting in the last two editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rinku has played some blazing innings for Kolkata Knight Riders, including hitting four sixes off the last four matches to seal victory for his team. This season, Rinku has scored 123 runs in eight innings coming down in the death overs to score at a strike rate of 150. Many experts and fans, including KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan, have hoped to see him representing India in the t20 World Cup. But the selectors thought otherwise and did not include the youngster in the World Cup squad despite his meteoric rise. Agarkar said the decision on Rinku was the toughest they faced while picking the squad. Its probably the toughest thing that we have had to discuss, frankly. I mean, he has done nothing wrong, nor a Shubman Gill, for that matter. You know, it's again, the combinations. We are not quite sure what conditions we'll get, so we wanted to try and have enough options. There are a couple of spinners that were included in the squad, Chahal and Kuldeep, to give Rohit options. Axar again, batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder, rather. It's just unfortunate. I don't think it's anything to do with Rinku Singh. It's not his fault that he has missed out. It's more the 15 that we felt gives (India the best chance). With two keepers who are both terrific batters, there is already an extra batter sitting out, he said. Agarkar also said handing the vice-captaincy of the team to Hardik Pandya was not a matter of discussion. Not really, no. Nothing was discussed about vice-captaincy. I mean, you want all guys to be in good form. I think he is coming after a long layoff. The good part that we have looked at is he has gotten through all the games so far for MI (Mumbai Indians) and we have got another month and a little bit till we play our first game. So we know he is doing that and the hope is that he keeps building on that form. So as long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. I dont think there is a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment. Especially when it comes to the way he bowls, really gives balance. I think he'll give Rohit options to play different combinations. So his fitness for us is critical. And so far, fortunately, he's gone okay in this IPL, said Agarkar during the press conference on Thursday.

Rohit To Bowl At T20 WC? Response On 'No Off-Spinner Question Is Viral

The BCCI selectors opted for four spinners in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 but none of them were right-arm off-spin options.

IPL 2024: Reddy to rescue for Hyderabad against Rajasthan

CHENNAI: A partnership of 70 runs off 32 balls between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen took Hyderabad past 200 against Rajasthan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Sunrisers captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first with Marco Jansen coming into the playing XI. The dynamic duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head tried to give a good start to the hosts, but Sharma struggled to get going in the powerplay. Eventually, after a few swings and misses, Avesh Khan finally sent the youngster packing for 12 in his first over of the day. Anmolpreet Singh, who replaced Sharma, did not last long, as Sandeep Sharma also took the wicket with his first ball. From 37/2 at the end of the powerplay, Hyderabad needed a solid partnership and Head found the perfect partner in Nitish Kumar Reddy, batting at four. The Australian batter survived a close LBW call and took that opportunity to launch the counterattack as 18 runs came from Yuzvendra Chahal's second over. The partnership between Head and Reddy was a mix of caution and attacking style. the duo particularly went after Chahal as the spinner gave away 62 runs in his four overs. Head completed his fourth half-century of the season off 37 balls, while Reddy completed his 50 off 30 balls. Head departed trying to be ultra-aggressive, but the introduction of Heinrich Klaasen only helped the Sunrisers cause. The South African hit two back-to-back sixes off Chahal. Trent Boult was not as effective for Rajasthan as they would have wanted and he gave away 33 runs in four overs. Klaasen kept his calm even in the final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma, who had given away just 16 runs in his three overs. Hyderabad took 15 runs in the final over of the innings to score 201 for three in 20 overs. For Rajasthan, Avesh took three wickets, while Sandeep took one. Brief scores: SRH 201/3 in 20 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 76 n.o, Travis Head 42; Avesh Khan 2/39) vs RR

Rohit breaks silence on losing IPL captaincy

Rohit is a tough cookie and the genial exterior concealed his real feelings as he said that playing under Pandya is no different from playing under any other captain.

T20 WC: Virat's Strike-rate Is Not A Concern For Agarkar, Defends Making Rohit Captain

Indian Premier League: There may be a lot of concern being expressed over Virat Kohli's low strike rate in the Indian Premier League, but that was not the issue for the national selection committee as it picked the former India captain for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be played in the United States and the West Indies from June 1. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli has scored 500 runs in 10 matches so far in the IPL 2024 at an outstanding average of 71.43, hitting a century and four fifties. However, he has a strike rate of 147-49, which has at times gone down a notch or two, which many people feel has slowed down RCB, thus resulting in the former skipper facing criticism. Kohli has maintained that he has been essaying the role assigned to him by the team management, which is to hold the innings together. Though Kohli has led the batting charts, RCB are languishing at the bottom of the points table with just six points from 10 matches. On Thursday, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar said Virat's strike rate was not a part of the discussion. I don't think we have been discussing it yet, no. Look, he's been in great form, fortunately in the IPL, so no concerns there at all with regards to how it's going in the IPL. You're still going to a World Cup, it's still international cricket. There is still that gap there, so you've got to prepare knowing that there is that gap there. That's where experience does matter a lot. So, no, I mean, if the tournament turns out to be like how the IPL is, I think we've still got enough in the team - the balance or the power - that you can match that. So no, there's no real point in overthinking. You look to try and take the positives that are happening in the IPL, form of some of the guys, some of the newer guys coming through those things. But at the end of the day, when you turn up for a World Cup game, the pressures are a little bit different, said Agarkar. The selection committee chairman also defended picking Rohit Sharma as captain despite him now leading his franchise. Generally, as selectors, you want a leader. Rohit has been a terrific leader. There have been six months between the 50-overs World Cup and this one. I know Hardik had been leading in a few series before that. Rohits form in the World Cup...Rohits a great player. It's not as if its forced on us. (There was) A little bit of a challenge. You try and plan before the IPL starts. We had a fair idea of what we were looking for. In IPL, you keep track oft he fitness levels of players. But if you start getting swayed by 3-4 weeks of cricket, there is something wrong with your thinking. All performances are noticed but it will help us in future anyway, he added. The former India pacer, who was part of the squad that won the 2007 T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also defended their decision to omit K.L Rahul despite his stellar performance in the ongoing IPL 2024. The main question the committee faced was related to the non-selection of K.L Rahul, the Lucknow Super Giants captain who is currently among the top five scorers in IPL 2024 with 406 runs to his name. Rahul is quite experienced and has been a consistent performer in the format as LSG captain and has been part of the Indian T20 teams earlier too. Though Rishabh Pant was considered a sure-shot selection after he made an impressive return from a 15-month injury break at the IPL, Rahul was in contention for the second spot. The selectors, however, opted for Kerala batter Sanju Samson as the second option ahead of Rahul. KL is a terrific player. We were looking at someone who bats in the middle. At the moment, he is batting at the top. Sanju, we like to believe he has the ability to come down the order if need be. Rishabh (Pant) is batting down the order for Delhi Capitals. It's about the slots we need. We felt these two are better and have spent more time down the order which might be needed at the World Cup, said Agarkar.

Who In This Country...: Ex-BCCI Chief Selector's Clear Verdict On Hardik

There was a lot of speculation regarding Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

With emphasis on run-control over wicket-taking, Rahul Chahar tries to adapt in the age of big hitters

CHENNAI: Much like it has been for his team, it has been a roller-coaster of an IPL season for Punjab Kings spinner Rahul Chahar. While the team is placed seventh in the table with four wins in ten matches, Rahul played in only four of them. He started off the season with a 1/33 against Delhi Capitals, but the next two games did not go well. He bowled just four overs across two games and went for 58 runs before missing out on the next few games. Chahar eventually came back against Kolkata Knight Riders where Kings completed the highest successful chase and had good returns 1/33 in four overs at 8.25 economy. It only got better when he returned to MA Chidambaram Stadium, one of his favourite venues, to go up against Chennai Super Kings. With the happy memories of 2023 and 2019 at the venue, Chahar continued to thrive on a red soil pitch 2/16 in four overs, including an over to MS Dhoni in the death as Kings got the better of the Super Kings once again in Chennai. The icing on the cake was the wicket of Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, as his partner-in-crime Harpreet Brar (2/17) sent back spin basher Shivam Dube for a first-ball duck. While Chahar and Brar accounted for four CSK wickets on Wednesday, the significant aspect of their spell was that they did not concede a single boundary in eight overs. And that is perhaps the most rewarding thing for Chahar to be economical and not go for runs and understandably so. This IPL season has been titled in the favour of batters and with the Impact Player rule coming in, there has been little to no inhibition from the batters to hit sixes. The record-breaking totals posted in the ongoing seasons sum the effect it has had on the bowlers. As a spinner, Chahar, who is not a big fan of the Impact Player rule, is trying to find his own way to make an impact. For him, the focus has shifted to being economical than going for wickets. The way things are going it looks very difficult for bowlers. I think these days, more than wicket taking, bowlers who can be economical are more valuable. And that is what I am focusing on, my strength is my economy, Chahar tells this daily. Sarada and Sajana Sajeevan: Like mother, like daughter Chahar is not alone in thinking this way. Rajasthan Royals and India spinner R Ashwin had spoken along similar lines on his YouTube channel. Sometimes even when you bowl well, you go for 40 runs. Many teams these days use AI and technology and what's emerged out of those is that wicket-taking is becoming irrelevant in T20 cricket. If you look at this IPL wicket-taking is sometimes hampering certain teams, Ashwin had said. Punjab Kings fast bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, meanwhile, said that trying to be economical might look defensive, but that is not necessarily the case. When you are playing high-scoring games, your defensive plan is your wicket-taking option. So being able to be defensive might sound negative but I feel like it gives you the opportunity to create wickets. So I always say if you are bowling economically you are creating opportunities, he had said ahead of the match in Chennai. How do you do it? You do it by not bowling keeping the batter guessing and not bowling in the same areas. As a spinner, you should keep varying your things. You cannot bowl six balls in one place. You have to play with batters' minds, varying the line and length. And I think that is the way you can go because you cannot be one-dimensional. You also have to think what the batter is about to do, who he is batting with, whether he is stepping out or trying to reverse sweep because spinner cannot do the things a fast bowler can - bouncer, yorker and all that - you have to keep the other things in mind, Chahar said. I think we are mature enough and have played a lot cricket on different kinds of wicket so we are used to change based on conditions. It is not very difficult you just have to prepare one day before, like for example today (Tuesday) I am going for practice I will bowl like I am bowling to Shivam Dube or Ruturaj Gaikwad. I think like that and practice like that. Whatever he tried to practice on Tuesday worked out well for Chahar and the Kings. And they would be hoping that it continues over the next four games as well.

IPL PIX: Reddy, Head power SRH to 201/3 VS Royals

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals played in Hyderabad on Thursday

IPL 2024: Fifties From Nitish Reddy And Travis Head Carry SRH To Huge 201/3 Against RR

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Nitish Reddy was outstanding in a magnificent display of stroke-play to hit an unbeaten 42-ball 76, while Travis Head made 58 off 44 balls as the duo carried Sunrisers Hyderabad to a huge 201/3 against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday evening. On a fresh pitch, with some grip available for bowlers, Head hit a slow-ish fifty. But Reddy dazzled by hitting three fours and eight sixes, with some of his maximums hit straight down the ground and over cover enthralling the home fans. Later, Heinrich Klaasen hit an unbeaten 42 off 19, laced with three fours and as many sixes, to take SRH past 200 for the fifth time this season, with their last 12 overs yielding 153 runs. For RR, who conceded a 200+ total for just the second time in this competition, Avesh Khan was impressive in his 2-39, while Sandeep Sharma was tidy in his 1-31. Electing to bat first, Head could have been out on the first ball if Riyan Parag hadnt shelled the chance at backward point off Trent Boult. With Ravichandran Ashwin beating Head and Abhishek Sharma via deliveries gripping and bouncing, a wicket looked imminent for RR. Avesh reaped the reward of platform set by Boult and Ashwin when he had Abhishek pulling straight to deep square leg. Sandeep Sharma also joined Avesh as a wicket-taker when Anmolpreet Singh chipped straight to diving mid-wicket, as SRH ended power-play at 37/2. Head opened up by cutting Yuzvendra Chahal for four, before pulling the leg-spinner for back-to-back sixes and whipping him through the leg-side for another boundary. While Head brought up his fifty in 37 balls, Nitish began his onslaught by muscling Ashwin for back-to-back sixes, followed by hitting Chahal for two fours and as many sixes in the 13th over. Heads knock came to an end when he shaped for a lap shot off Avesh, but played onto his stumps. Nitish marched on to get his fifty in 30 balls, followed by slog-sweeping and pulling Ashwin for a brace of sixes. From the other end, Klassen was lofting and pulling Chahal for consecutive sixes, as the leg-spinner conceded 62 runs in his four overs. While Nitish took a six and four off Avesh, Klaasen smashed Boult for two fours, before smashing Sandeep for a four and six in the final over to take SRH past 200, a possibility which no one saw coming after their slow start. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/3 in 20 overs (Nitish Reddy 76 not out, Travis Head 58; Avesh Khan 2-39, Sandeep Sharma 1-31) against Rajasthan Royals.

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