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Tag: ICC T20 World Cup

  • Opinion: Should Virat Kohli continue to open the innings for India or move down to number 3 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024? , Cricket News

    T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli’s batting position in the ongoing T20 World Cup has become a major talking point. The star batsman has shined at number 3 for more than a decade, but in this tournament, he has been deployed as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. This decision has not yielded results yet, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike. Let’s delve into the arguments for and against Kohli opening in the T20 World Cup.

    Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup 2024 Performance

    1 (5) vs Ireland

    4 (3) vs Pakistan

    0 (1) vs USA

    24 (24) vs Afghanistan

    Virat has had a poor run so far in the four matches in the ongoing edition of the T20 WC, where he has just managed 29 runs in four outings. Kohli struggled on the tricky New York pitch and registered a string of low scores – 1, 4, and 0. Many expected this to end on the Caribbean soil, but it didn’t change much for him. In the Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Kohli had another flop outing with a run-a-ball 24-run knock.

    Reasons why Virat Kohli should open

    1. Maximizing Batting Prowess: Opening allows Kohli to face more deliveries, potentially leading to a higher run tally. This is crucial considering his struggles in recent outings. Proponents argue that a familiarised opening role, like in IPL 2024 where he won the Orange Cap, can reignite his form.

    2. Aggressive Intent in Powerplay: Kohli’s strength lies in playing aggressive cricket. The opening partnership sets the tone for the innings, and Kohli’s attacking mindset can put the opposition on the back foot early on. This is especially important on sluggish pitches where a brisk start is vital.

    3. Accommodating a Flexible Middle Order: With Kohli opening, the middle order gains flexibility. Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting at number 3 has been a revelation, and the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube can play their natural game in the middle overs.

    Reasons Why Virat Kohli Should Bat At Number 3

    1. Disrupting a Proven Strategy: Historically, Kohli has thrived at number 3, anchoring the innings and building partnerships. A change in position can disrupt his rhythm and impact his batting confidence.

    2. Struggles as an Opener: Kohli’s recent form as an opener in the World Cup hasn’t been convincing. Scores of 1, 4, 0, and 24 have raised questions about his ability to adapt to the role seamlessly in high-pressure situations.

    3. Impact on Rohit Sharma: Opening alongside a struggling Kohli might put additional pressure on Rohit Sharma, another senior batsman. A struggling top order can leave the middle order exposed early on.

    Finding the Middle Ground: Can India Change The Batting Order According To The Pitch Conditions?

    Promote Kohli Up the Order Only on Flat Pitches: If the pitches become batting paradises later in the tournament, Kohli should stick to opening the innings. As we have seen in the IPL, he is very dangerous on good batting tracks and can make full use of the powerplay.

    Give Kohli a Short Leash: If his struggles as an opener continue, the team management might need to consider a change. A young talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal could be given an opportunity to showcase his skills.

    What’s My Take On Virat Kohli’s Batting Position

    Virat Kohli should continue to open the innings because he has been batting at number 3 for the last four or five World Cups, and we still haven’t won any of them. If India has decided to open with Virat Kohli, they should stick to it until the semi-finals or finals, wherever we reach. Now that Rishabh Pant looks settled at number 3, you don’t want to change the team combination against bigger opponents. All the upcoming matches will be against stronger teams, and now is not the time to experiment. Stick to this combination, as Virat is a match-winner who will eventually regain form. This gamble may prove to be a game-changer and could lead to a title win after 11 long years.

  • Blame Game In Sri Lanka Camp After Defeat Against South Africa, Captain Wanindu Hasaranga Slam ICC For Unfair Scheduling | Cricket News

    In the opening clash of Group D at the T20 World Cup 2024, Sri Lanka’s roaring Lions were tamed by South Africa’s fearsome Proteas on the unpredictable pitches of New York. The 6-wicket defeat was compounded by the logistical turmoil the Sri Lankan squad has endured, hopping across four different venues in the United States for their first round matches.

    Also Read: MS Dhoni’s Exotic Vacation After IPL 2024 With Wife Sakshi & Daughter Ziva – In Pics

    Unfair scheduling woes

    “It’s really unfair for us,” veteran spinner Mahesh Theekshana lamented after the loss. The hectic travel schedule saw the team wait 8 hours at the Miami airport before an overnight flight, arriving just hours before their World Cup opener against the formidable South Africans.

    Captain Wanindu Hasaranga echoed the concerns, “We can’t say that [the scheduling] didn’t affect our performance. All four games in four different venues are really hard. We don’t know the conditions in Dallas or Florida yet.”

    Toss Gamble on Tough Pitch

    Unsure of the pitch conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Hasaranga rolled the dice at the toss, opting to bat first and backing his bowling attack to defend a total. However, the two-paced surface proved highly challenging.

    “We thought we could set a good score and let our bowlers go to work, as that’s been our strength recently,” the captain explained. “But the target of 77 was just not enough in the end.” Though the pacers gave a gritty effort, the modest total ultimately proved inadequate against South Africa’s deep batting line-up.

    Spinning Surprises

    One surprising selection raised eyebrows, as the experienced Dushmantha Chameera was overlooked for young Nuwan Thushara. Hasaranga revealed the IPL performances influenced the choice: “Nuwan had 5 wickets in his last T20I, and joined us after the IPL, while Chameera didn’t play there recently.”

    The varied bounce posed problems, but Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Hasaranga, Theekshana and Jayawickrama created some nervy moments before South Africa steadied the chase.

    Second Life in Dallas

    Though the Lions stumbled out of the gate, all is not lost yet in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka gets another chance to roar when they take on Bangladesh this Saturday in Dallas.

    Hasaranga vowed his men will regroup and learn from this early setback. “We identified where we went wrong today,” he stated. “We’ll need to adjust quicker to the conditions and put our best game forward against Bangladesh.”

    With their fearsome bowling attack, guided by seasoned veterans like Theekshana, Sri Lanka undoubtedly possesses the talent to recover from this early tournament hiccup. But avoiding another logistical nightmare may prove just as vital to steadying their World Cup campaign.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli who will open for India in T20 World Cup 2024? Sunil Gavaskar Picks This Opener | Cricket News

    India’s superstar batsman, Virat Kohli, has been in the form of his life during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, scoring over 700 runs. Despite facing consistent criticism from former India opener Sunil Gavaskar regarding his strike rate, Kohli’s stellar performance has earned him praise and a potential new role in the Indian lineup. Gavaskar, previously skeptical of Kohli’s strike rate, has now endorsed him to open alongside Rohit Sharma for India, citing his recent IPL form. Notably, Gavaskar expressed doubts about left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form, suggesting he may not be the ideal candidate to partner Sharma at the top of the order for the Men in Blue.

    India’s WC T20 2024 Warm-Up Match: Different Opening Combination

    India’s warm-up game against Bangladesh hinted at a different opening combination, with Sanju Samson partnering Sharma due to Kohli’s late arrival from the United States. While Rohit Sharma clarified that the team composition is not finalized, the absence of Jaiswal from the opening slot indicates he might not be the preferred choice for the T20 World Cup 2024. Gavaskar emphasized Kohli’s exceptional form and suggested that his place as an opener alongside Sharma is justified, considering his recent performances. Regarding Jaiswal, Gavaskar noted a decline in his form compared to previous outings.

    “The kind of form Virat Kohli has been in, especially in the second half of the season, he should open with Rohit Sharma. Good players are good players, the kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting . It’s good to talk about the left-hand, right-hand combination on television, but good players are good players no matter where they bat,” Gavaskar said in an interview after the T20 World Cup opener between USA and Canada. “Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been in the sort of form we saw him in during the Test series,” the India legend said of the left-hander who will compete with Virat for the second opener’s spot.

    Despite Kohli’s absence from the warm-up game, he remains hopeful of featuring in India’s playing XI as they kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5. However, Jaiswal might have to wait for his opportunity, given the indispensability of Kohli and Sharma to the team’s top order.

    India’s World Cup campaign to begin soon

    India’s T20 World Cup journey includes matches against Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada, with expectations high for Kohli’s potential role at the top alongside Sharma.

  • Sachin Tendulkar Set To Boost Team India’s Spirits At T20 World Cup 2024 Clash Against Pakistan In New York | Cricket News

    The anticipation for the T20 World Cup 2024 is reaching fever pitch, and Indian cricket fans have another reason to celebrate. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is expected to be present at India’s highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan. This epic showdown is scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

    Sachin Tendulkar is likely to attend the India vs Pakistan match at New York in the T20I World Cup. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/ihjcVVvLeK — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 28, 2024

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    The Master Blaster’s Presence: A Morale Booster

    The confirmation of Tendulkar’s attendance comes from a reliable source close to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The source revealed, “Yes, if all goes well, Sachin will be watching the match in New York and cheering the Indian team.” While it’s still uncertain whether Tendulkar will interact with the players before the match, his presence alone is expected to significantly boost the morale of the Indian team.

    Rohit Sharma and his squad will undoubtedly draw inspiration from seeing one of cricket’s greatest icons in the stands. Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-scorer in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), has always been a beacon of excellence and motivation for Indian cricketers. His illustrious career, spanning over two decades, set the benchmark for the sport, and his support could be a pivotal factor in such a crucial game.

    Historic Rivalry Rekindled in a New Arena

    The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is legendary, often transcending the sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Matches between these two teams are always high-stakes affairs, laden with pressure and excitement. This year, the T20 World Cup has added a unique twist by hosting the marquee clash in New York, marking the first time these two teams will face off on American soil in a World Cup match.

    The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, situated on the outskirts of New York, is expected to be filled to capacity. Fans from both nations, along with a vibrant diaspora, will converge to witness this historic match. The electric atmosphere, combined with Tendulkar’s presence, promises an unforgettable experience.

    Standout Performances to Watch

    While Tendulkar’s presence is a major highlight, the players on the field will be the ultimate focus. Captain Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting and strategic acumen, will lead the Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury, will spearhead the bowling attack with his lethal pace and precision. Suryakumar Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are also key players expected to make significant contributions.

    Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on their own stars to counter India’s challenge. Babar Azam, one of the world’s top batsmen, will be crucial in anchoring his innings. Shaheen Afridi, with his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball, will aim to unsettle the Indian batsmen early on. The match is poised to be a thrilling contest of skill and nerve.

    Tendulkar’s Enduring Legacy

    Sachin Tendulkar’s involvement in cricket extends beyond his playing days. He has frequently been associated with the ICC and other cricketing bodies, often serving as a brand ambassador. His presence at key matches, such as the 2015 and 2023 World Cups, underscores his enduring influence in the sport. Even in retirement, Tendulkar continues to inspire millions. His journey from a young prodigy to a cricketing legend is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for the game. His upcoming appearance in New York is not just about watching a cricket match; it symbolizes the connection and respect he maintains with the sport and its global fanbase.

  • CSK batter Devon Conway reveals his emotional struggles following a freak injury during 2021 T20 World Cup

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings’ charismatic batter Devon Conway has revealed the trauma of missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final in the UAE because of a freak injury in the semifinal against England.

    The 30-year-old New Zealand cricketer was dismissed by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler in the successful run chase in the semifinal, and a frustrated Conway smashed his bat to the ground, breaking the fifth metacarpal in his right hand.

    “I think it took a while for me to get over that. I remember when I got the X-rays back, the surgeon said to me you have got a fracture in your hand. It was immediate devastation. Right, this is the end. I am not playing the final. I am not going to India straight after the World Cup (for the Test and limited-overs series). All the opportunities that were presenting themselves, I was close to the door and I think the worst thing was to go back to the hotel and tell the boys that I have done this and jeopardised my opportunity to play and help the guys to try and win the final,” Conway said on chennaisuperkings.com.

    “That was the toughest thing. I was fortunate enough to get the support from every single player in the group. They knew that it was a freak accident, I never for one second thought that punching my bat with my glove on I would potentially break my hand and be out of the World Cup final. So it was an immediate regret.”

    Conway, who is averaging a massive 77 in IPL 2022 after scoring three half-centuries (231 runs) in the four games he has played for CSK this season, added that he had no option but to come to terms with what he had done and try to control his emotions.

    “For me to overcome that I had to come to peace with that it was a mistake and the learnings that came from it all was just to make sure that you control your emotions in the heat of battle. Whether it is through your actions or it is through what you say you have to remain calm. No matter how intense that moment becomes, instead of me dwelling on that for years.

    “Unfortunately, that will live with me forever. I might never get an opportunity to play in an ICC World Cup final again, but I cannot let that hold me back. I have got to try and take the learnings from it and just remember that I don’t want to go through that experience again. So, it was a bad situation but I can take the learnings from it and move on,” he added.

  • CSK batter Devon Conway reveals his emotional struggles following a freak injury during 2021 T20 World Cup

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings’ charismatic batter Devon Conway has revealed the trauma of missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final in the UAE because of a freak injury in the semifinal against England.

    The 30-year-old New Zealand cricketer was dismissed by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler in the successful run chase in the semifinal, and a frustrated Conway smashed his bat to the ground, breaking the fifth metacarpal in his right hand.

    “I think it took a while for me to get over that. I remember when I got the X-rays back, the surgeon said to me you have got a fracture in your hand. It was immediate devastation. Right, this is the end. I am not playing the final. I am not going to India straight after the World Cup (for the Test and limited-overs series). All the opportunities that were presenting themselves, I was close to the door and I think the worst thing was to go back to the hotel and tell the boys that I have done this and jeopardised my opportunity to play and help the guys to try and win the final,” Conway said on chennaisuperkings.com.

    “That was the toughest thing. I was fortunate enough to get the support from every single player in the group. They knew that it was a freak accident, I never for one second thought that punching my bat with my glove on I would potentially break my hand and be out of the World Cup final. So it was an immediate regret.”

    Conway, who is averaging a massive 77 in IPL 2022 after scoring three half-centuries (231 runs) in the four games he has played for CSK this season, added that he had no option but to come to terms with what he had done and try to control his emotions.

    “For me to overcome that I had to come to peace with that it was a mistake and the learnings that came from it all was just to make sure that you control your emotions in the heat of battle. Whether it is through your actions or it is through what you say you have to remain calm. No matter how intense that moment becomes, instead of me dwelling on that for years.

    “Unfortunately, that will live with me forever. I might never get an opportunity to play in an ICC World Cup final again, but I cannot let that hold me back. I have got to try and take the learnings from it and just remember that I don’t want to go through that experience again. So, it was a bad situation but I can take the learnings from it and move on,” he added.

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings’ charismatic batter Devon Conway has revealed the trauma of missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final in the UAE because of a freak injury in the semifinal against England.

    The 30-year-old New Zealand cricketer was dismissed by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler in the successful run chase in the semifinal, and a frustrated Conway smashed his bat to the ground, breaking the fifth metacarpal in his right hand.

    “I think it took a while for me to get over that. I remember when I got the X-rays back, the surgeon said to me you have got a fracture in your hand. It was immediate devastation. Right, this is the end. I am not playing the final. I am not going to India straight after the World Cup (for the Test and limited-overs series). All the opportunities that were presenting themselves, I was close to the door and I think the worst thing was to go back to the hotel and tell the boys that I have done this and jeopardised my opportunity to play and help the guys to try and win the final,” Conway said on chennaisuperkings.com.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “That was the toughest thing. I was fortunate enough to get the support from every single player in the group. They knew that it was a freak accident, I never for one second thought that punching my bat with my glove on I would potentially break my hand and be out of the World Cup final. So it was an immediate regret.”

    Conway, who is averaging a massive 77 in IPL 2022 after scoring three half-centuries (231 runs) in the four games he has played for CSK this season, added that he had no option but to come to terms with what he had done and try to control his emotions.

    “For me to overcome that I had to come to peace with that it was a mistake and the learnings that came from it all was just to make sure that you control your emotions in the heat of battle. Whether it is through your actions or it is through what you say you have to remain calm. No matter how intense that moment becomes, instead of me dwelling on that for years.

    “Unfortunately, that will live with me forever. I might never get an opportunity to play in an ICC World Cup final again, but I cannot let that hold me back. I have got to try and take the learnings from it and just remember that I don’t want to go through that experience again. So, it was a bad situation but I can take the learnings from it and move on,” he added.

  • Kashmiri students allegedly beaten up at Punjab college after ‘cheering’ Pakistan in T20 World Cup match

    Express News Service

    CHANDIGARH: After India lost the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday, Kashmiri students allegedly cheering the neighbouring country were reportedly beaten up at an engineering college in Sangrur and at another educational institution in Kharar in Punjab by other students, most of whom were from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana.

    A video on social media purportedly showed a Kashmiri student alleging that some students from Uttar Pradesh barged into their room. “We were watching the match here and some students from Uttar Pradesh forcibly came inside and hit us,” a student claimed.

    Sources said students hailing from Kashmir and others belonging to UP, Bihar and Haryana were watching the match in their respective rooms at Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology in Sangrur. 

    Kashmiri students are housed in two wings of the hostel of the engineering college and were allegedly cheering Pakistan and raising ‘azadi’ slogans. After the match finished, they allegedly burst firecrackers and celebrated the win of the neighbouring country. This did not go well with other students from UP and Bihar who went inside the rooms of the Kashmiri students and had a heated argument which led to a scuffle.

    In another incident, about half a dozen students from Kashmir were allegedly beaten up at Rayat Bahrat University near Kharar by students from Haryana after the match ended.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, J&K Students Association founder and national spokesperson Nasir Khuehami claimed that Kashmiri students were thrashed in Sangrur and Kharar by students from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and they were rescued by other students. The students who barged into their rooms vandalised them, he alleged. “Some twelve students were beaten up by a group of students in Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology at Sangrur and another about half a dozen were thrashed at Rayat Bahrat University in Kharar,” he said.

    “We spoke to students who were assaulted in Sangrur last night. They informed me there is no apology from any side till now,” he said.

    Confirming that such an incident took place, Inspector General of Police Patiala (Range) MS Chinna said, “There was a scuffle between students from Kashmir and UP and Bihar. Both sides have apologised and have given in writing that they will not indulge in such activities in the future and will concentrate on their studies. Thus the matter has been amicably settled.”

  • Scuffle between Kashmiri, UP, Bihar students at Punjab institute after India-Pakistan World T20 encounter

    By PTI

    CHANDIGARH: A scuffle broke out between some Kashmiri students and those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at an engineering institute in Punjab’s Sangrur district following a T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, police said on Monday.

    The incident took place after some slogans were raised after the match on Sunday night, said police.

    Some students hailing from Kashmir and others belonging to UP and Bihar were watching the match in their respective rooms at Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering and Technology in Sangrur.

    Heated exchanges also took place between the students after the match in which India lost to Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, a video has surfaced on social media purportedly showing a Kashmiri student alleging that some students from Uttar Pradesh barged into their room.

    “We were watching the match here and some students from Uttar Pradesh forcibly came inside. We are here to study,” alleged the student while showing damage to his room in the video.

    Police said they were investigating the matter.

  • Congress leader’s tweet mocking India’s World T20 loss against Pakistan sparks controversy

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Congress national media coordinator Radhika Khera’s tweet mocking the Indian Cricket team for its loss against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup yesterday has sparked controversy after the party refrained to comment on her tweet while it continues to draw criticism from her own party apart from the opposition.

    Khera in her tweet interpreted the defeat of team India as a defeat for ‘Bhakts’.

    “Bhakts! How’s the taste? You have managed to humiliate yourselves,” the Congress national media coordinator tweeted in Hindi.

    Responding to the tweet of Khera, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be the candidate for the “Prime Minister of Pakistan”.

    “Congress will be happy today.. Isn’t it. Now it is obvious that Congress will fight the election of 2024 from its own country and will try to make Rahul Gandhi will be a candidate for “Wazir-e-Azam”!” Patra tweeted in Hindi.

    Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dixit said that there must not be any politics in the matter of sports.

    “There should not be any politics. I am not in favour of comments for or against. Sport is a sport. It is true that there are serious issues between the governments but in sports, we should not let politics come in, whichever is the party,” Dixit said.

    Indian cricket team on Sunday suffered a ten-wicket loss against Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

    This is the first time that India has lost a T20I by ten wickets. Coincidentally, this is also the first time that Pakistan has won a T20I by ten wickets.

  • India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match against national interest: Ramdev

    Yoga guru Ramdev on Saturday said the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for Sunday is against the national interest.