Cricket

Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

Rishabh Pant enjoys first nets session in Indian jersey after 16 months, gears up for T20 WC

Danijones9 months ago07 mins

New York [US], : Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had his first nets session for Team India after at least 16 months, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, scheduled for June 5. Rishabh Pant enjoys first nets session in Indian jersey after 16 months, gears up for T20 WC The ICC T20 World Cup will be played in the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to 29. The Men in Blue will also play Bangladesh in their only warm-up game on June 1 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Pant, who returned to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League this year following a life-threatening road accident in December 2022, will be making his much-awaited return to the blue colours of the Indian jersey. In the recently concluded IPL 2024, Rishabh’s team Delhi Capitals finished in the sixth spot with seven wins, seven losses and 14 points and failed to move to playoffs. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of over 155 with three half-centuries and emerged as the team’s top run-getter. Pant looked in great shape while practicing, having lost a lot of weight, and sported a much leaner look ahead of the tournament. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India , Pant said, “This is one thing I missed a lot . Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it is a different feel altogether and this is something I missed a lot. I think seeing the teammates and meeting them again, spending time, having fun with them, enjoying having conversations, really enjoying it.” Pant said that playing in the USA is a different prospect and it has opened a whole new channel for the sport. “We are used to playing in certain countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the US and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket as well as USA cricket I guess,” he said. He said he is getting used to the conditions and the sun shines a little brighter here in the US and there are new pitches. “So just getting used to conditions over here and let us see how it goes. Hopefully, I make it count and make it more better from here,” he concluded. In seven T20 WC matches and five innings, he has scored 87 runs at an average of 21.75 across 2021 and 2022 editions, with the best score of 39. India will start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Meanwhile, the most-awaited blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will take place on June 9. They will later play tournament co-hosts USA and Canada to wrap up their Group A matches. In the tournament, India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a big ICC trophy. India will be aiming to win their first T20 WC title since they won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. In the last edition held in Australia in 2022, India lost to England by 10 wickets in the semifinals. India squad: Rohit Sharma , Hardik Pandya , Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant , Sanju Samson , Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Shah Rukh Khan “Won’t Be Successful…”: Gautam Gambhir’s Intriguing Revelation After KKR Heroics In IPL

Danijones9 months ago05 mins

Gautam Gambhir with Sunil Narine, Shah Rukh Khan and the IPL 2024 trophy.© Twitter Gautam Gambhir is now the cynosure of Kolkata Knight Riders after the IPL 2024 win. There is every reason for him to get all the adulation. He transformed a team that had been waiting for an IPL title for a decade into a champion side. Since joining KKR as a mentor. Gambhir had one mission. That mission – to take KKR to third IPL win – is successful. The joy of the entire KKR team knew no bounds after the IPL 2024 triumph on Sunday. Even KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a constant presence in his team’s IPL 2024 matches, was happy. Shah Rukh even said in his dressing room speech that he now intends to se Gautam Gambhir on the dance floor, an offer which was declined by the latter. Gambhir, in a recent interview was asked, after his dance prospect after KKR win. His reply was intersting. “Aap galat aadmi se pooch rahe hai. Na mein dance kar sakta hu, na mein ga sakta hu. Lekin ha doosro ko dance karte hue dekh zaroos sakta hu and usko enjoy kar sakta hu. Wo maine zaroos kia. Shah Rukh bhai apne zindagi mein bahut successful rahe hai, aur bahut successful rahenge bhi. Lekin ek jagah jaha pe woh unsuccessful hai ki woh mujhe dance nahi kara paye. Mujhe lagta hai aage aane wale time mein bhi successful hone. Pas iss jagah pe woh successful nahi ho paenge kiuki main dance aur gaana ga hi nahi sakta (You are asking this to the wrong person. Neither can I dance, nor can I sing. Yes, I love to watch others dance and enjoy. Shah Rukh bhai has been very successful in his life and he will continue to be successful. But I think he won’t be successful in this aspect as I can’t dance or sing),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. Several reports have claimed that Gambhir is one of the front-runner for the post but in a recent interview, after he mentored KKR to IPL 2024 title, he indicated something unique. He was asked about KKR now being a ‘trophy-winning dressing room’. “Today you are saying this because we have won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we are still two trophies away from MI and CSK. Today I am content, but again that hunger (is there) that you are still not the most successful team in the IPL, for that to happen you need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think, the next mission is that, if we can make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There won’t be any bigger feeling for me. But the journey abhi shuru hui hai (the journey has just started),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. The official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach selection is over. Monday was the last date to submit the google sheets to be the next India coach. Topics mentioned in this article

‘Grateful’ Suryakumar Yadav clinches second consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award | Cricket News

Danijones9 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav has once again emerged victorious, securing his second consecutive ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. The announcement comes as a testament to Yadav’s exceptional talent and outstanding contributions to the T20 format, further solidifying his position as a key player for the Indian team.Yadav, known for his explosive batting prowess and remarkable performances on the field, took to Instagram to share his gratitude for the prestigious accolade. In a post accompanied by a photo of himself adorned in the new Indian jersey, holding the coveted ICC award and donning the commemorative cap, Yadav expressed his appreciation for the recognition.The talented cricketer’s stellar record in T20 internationals during the previous year speaks volumes about his consistency and skill. Amassing an impressive total of 733 runs in 17 innings at a striking rate of 155.95 and an average of 48.86 in 2023, Yadav’s dominance in the format has been unparalleled. Despite facing challenges during the 2024 Indian Premier League season with the Mumbai Indians, including injuries that sidelined him at the start of the tournament, Yadav showcased his resilience and determination. He scored 345 runs at a striking rate of 167.47, which included a remarkable unbeaten century off just 51 balls.Yadav’s leadership abilities were also on display when he captained the Indian team during a T20I series in South Africa in December. However, an unfortunate ankle injury sustained during the series hampered his subsequent participation in matches, including Mumbai Indians’ initial games in the 2024 IPL season.As Yadav prepares to represent India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, his accolade serves as a source of motivation and inspiration.

“Can I Bring My Girlfriend To IPL?”: Gautam Gambhir Reveals KKR Star’s First Words

Danijones9 months ago04 mins

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has showered big praise on star all-rounder Sunil Narine who helped the franchise win their Indian Premier League (IPL) title last week. Narine was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ of IPL 2024 as KKR defeated SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final last Sunday. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, Narine regained his magical touch, scoring 488 runs and picking up 17 wickets. In a recent interaction, Gambhir opened up on his camaraderie with Narine, and recalled the latter’s early days in the KKR camp. Gambhir was the captain of KKR when they won the IPL in 2012 and 2014, respectively, with Narine playing a crucial role in both the triumphs. “Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions. I still remember that when Narine first came into the IPL in 2012, it was in Jaipur, and we were going for practice, and I told him to come join for lunch. He was so shy that he did not say a single word during lunch, and the first question that he eventually asked was, ‘Can I bring my girlfriend to the IPL?,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda in an interview. Gambhir suggested that Narine and him are similar persons, and also termed the all-rounder as a brother. “He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me. I don’t see him as a friend, I don’t see him as a teammate, I see him as a brother. If I need him or he needs me, I think we are just one call away, that is the sort of relationship that we have built. We do not get excited much, we do not show too many emotions, we are not flamboyant, we just do the job and come back,” he added. Gambhir insisted that Narine has always been KKR’s ‘MVP’. “What can I say about him? Even if he didn’t win the ‘most valuable player award’ he would have still been the MVP. You are looking at his stats but he was KKR’s MVP even before the season got underway. The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder and i’m sure that Narine still has plenty of to give to KKR and world cricket,” he further explained. Topics mentioned in this article

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz Survives Scare At French Open

Danijones9 months ago03 mins

Carlos Alcaraz in action during French Open© AFP World number three Carlos Alcaraz survived a huge scare at the hands of 176th-ranked Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong to reach the third round after a four-set triumph on Wednesday. Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who made the semi-finals at Roland Garros last year, scrambled to a 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 second round victory over a player taking part in only his second Grand Slam main draw. The 21-year-old Spaniard was broken five times and hit 47 unforced errors before De Jong, playing his fifth match at the tournament, eventually wilted under the roof of Court Phillipe Chatrier. “Every player can cause you trouble,” said Alcaraz. “You have to be focussed in every round, have to play at your best, it doesn’t matter what the ranking is. Jesper has the work and level to break into the top 100.” Alcaraz goes on to face either American 27th seed Sebastian Korda or South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo for a place in the last 16. Despite being broken in the second game of the opening set, Alcaraz broke three times himself to grab the advantage. The battling Dutchman then saved eight break points over the course of the second set before the Spaniard found the killer blow. However, Alcaraz, who arrived at the tournament under an injury cloud after sitting out the Rome Open with a right arm problem, went off the boil in the third set. He committed 15 unforced errors to the Dutchman’s five as the qualifier cut the deficit. Alcaraz then twice had to come back from breaks early in the fourth set before running away with the last four games to triumph. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

‘Still two trophies behind MI and CSK’: Gautam Gambhir aims higher after IPL 2024 win

Danijones9 months ago05 mins

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir is determined to make his team the most successful franchise of the Indian Premier League as he aims to surpass MI and CSK’s tally of most title victories. Notably, Kolkata recently clinched their third IPL title after beating SRH in the final of IPL 2024. Following their win, the Shreyas Iyer-led side became the third most successful team in the competition after MI and CSK who have five titles each to their name. Following their win, Gambhir has set his aim higher to be the most successful side in the history of the tournament. Commenting on his team’s win, the former KKR captain said that the journey has just begun as he wants to add three more trophies to his team’s tally to make them the most successful franchise of the tournament. “You’re saying this because we’ve won it three times but if you ask me we’re still two trophies behind MI and CSK. Yes, I’m happy today but again the hunger inside that we’re still not the most successful franchise of the IPL. To get there, we need to win thrice and for that, we will have to work really hard. So I feel, if we’re able to make KKR the most successful franchise of the tournament then there won’t be anything better than that but for that, the journey has just begun” Gambhir told Sportskeeda. Further speaking ahead, the 42-year-old picked KKR’s first title triumph in 2012 as the most special one as it laid the foundation for their next two victories in 2014 and 2024 respectively. Gambhir picks IPL 2012 as ‘most special’ victory “2012, not just because I was the captain but because we won it for the first time I just told you that when you win it for the first time then you get to know the kind of cricket you need to play to win an IPL final. Until you win, you keep questioning whether you will be able to win it or not. Once you win it you feel that we’ve won it and will win it again. Hence 2012, because we won it first time,” he added. Notably, Gambhir led KKR to their first title triumph in 2012 beating defending champions CSK in the final. He further inspired his team to their second triumph in 2014 beating PBKS in a high-scoring final. It took KKR ten long years to add a third trophy to their cabinet as Gambhir returned to the franchise as a mentor after parting ways ahead of the 2018 season. KKR fans would hope that Gambhir continues his ‘Midas Touch’ for the team and continues to guide them to more IPL victories in the years to come. Published By: Rishabh Beniwal Published On: May 30, 2024

Rohit Sharma: ‘I don’t know what he is talking about’: Rohit Sharma’s hilarious exchange with Kuldeep Yadav leaves everyone in splits | Cricket News

Danijones9 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Team India captain Rohit Sharma once again showcased his comedic flair during a promotional shoot for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In a lighthearted moment, Rohit presented the ICC ODI Team of the Year cap to teammate Kuldeep Yadav, turning the ceremony into a hilarious exchange.During the presentation, Rohit began by saying, “It’s my great pleasure to present this wonderful cap to a wonderful athlete who has been a real asset for Team India, ICC ODI Team of the Year, Kuldeep.”Kuldeep responded with a simple, “Thank you, Rohit bhai.”Not letting him off the hook so easily, Rohit encouraged Kuldeep to say more.”You want to say something?” he asked.“No, no, all good,” the spinner replied.“You should say something,” Rohit insisted.Feeling the pressure from his captain, Kuldeep hesitantly added, “I mean, nothing much to say. I had a great season last year, both with the bat and ball.”Feigning shock, Rohit responded, “Bat? When?”A confused Kuldeep stuttered, “I mean. I mean.”“I mean uh, when?” Rohit pressed further, much to the amusement of everyone present.“Test series,” Kuldeep sheepishly admitted.“This is ODI,” Rohit clarified, with a smile.Attempting to explain, Kuldeep said, “But I performed with the bat as well, so last year I was really good with the ball during the World Cup as well.”Rohit then said mockingly, “I am captain of this team. I have never seen him bat. So, I don’t know what he is talking about,” leaving Kuldeep grinning and the audience in stitches.“Thank you, Rohit bhai,” Kuldeep concluded.WATCH: The promotional shoot perfectly highlighted the camaraderie and humor within the team.The T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 2 in the USA and West Indies. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5.

Mass murder threat during India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, ‘largest security in country’s history’ promised by USA

Danijones9 months ago07 mins

Security threats and a chance of a “lone wolf attack” have prompted the Long Island authorities to tighten the security at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium built on the Eisenhower Park in New York for the high-profile India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match on June 9. Although the governor’s office did not find any evidence to corroborate the threat and there was “no credible public safety threat at this time”, the authorities decided against taking any chances. Pakistan’s Babar Azam shakes hands with India’s Rohit Sharma(REUTERS) The USA is hosting a cricket tournament as big as the World Cup for the first time, and the Nassau County Cricket Stadium has been allotted eight matches, including the big-ticket India vs Pakistan clash, which is always one of the biggest crowd-pullers in any cricket event. Considering the sizeable sub-continent population in the USA, a big crowd can be expected for the Group A clash between the Asian giants. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder revealed the threat of a ‘lone wolf attack’, a mass murder attempt at a public place carried by an individual, during the India vs Pakistan World Cup match. “Each and every day, Nassau County, as well as other communities and cities and counties and towns throughout the United States, receive all kinds of threats. We take every threat seriously,” Blakeman was quoted as saying by CBS News. “To that end, we have taken many, many precautions. As well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe, the parking areas are safe, the watch areas are safe, we also are adding 100 additional police officers to our normal staffing for the rest of the county, just as a precaution.” ‘Largest security in US history’ promised during India vs Pakistan World Cup match When asked about the lone wolf attack tip-off, Police Commissioner Ryder assured “largest security in the country’s history” to ensure Nassau County was the “safest place on June 9”. “When you’ve got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” Ryder said. Kathy Hochul, the governor of the state of New York, said “elevated security” will be taken to ensure “public safety” during the Word Cup matches. “In preparation for the Cricket World Cup, my Administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe. This has included close coordination with the New York State Police Counter Terrorism Unit and New York State Police Troop L, based on Long Island. While there is no credible public safety threat at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely. I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes. Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience,” the office of Kathy Hochul said in a statement released on Wednesday (May 29) morning. Meanwhile, the ICC said it is coordinating with the authorities. “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” a spokesperson for the International Cricket Council said.

ICC Breaks Silence Over Terror Threat To India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Game

Danijones9 months ago04 mins

Ahead of the high-octane India versus Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup on June 9, security cover will be raised at New York’s Eisenhower Park stadium following reports of threats to the match, reported ESPNCricinfo. As per a statement by the governor’s office, the situation is being monitored and according to their intel “there is no credible public safety threat at this time.” Eisenhower Park Stadium, located 25 miles east of Manhattan, is the host of eight ICC T20 WC matches from June 3 to 12, including the battle between two Asian arch-rivals. The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, said that she is working with the law enforcement authorities to make sure these games go on smoothly. “I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes,” she said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. “Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience,” she added. ESPNCricinfo has learnt that no corroborative evidence has been found by authorities to back the reported threat. But the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that security will be “robust” throughout the tournament across all venues. An ICC spokesperson said, “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event.” India will be playing four games in the US, including their campaign opener against Ireland (June 5), the match against Pakistan (June 9), against the USA (June 12) and the final group stage game against Canada (in Florida on June 15). The Men in Blue have arrived in New York since Tuesday and have been training, though star India batter Virat Kohli is yet to reach as he has been given a break following a brilliant Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), securing the Orange Cap for most runs with 741 runs in 15 games. Earlier this month, the ICC and Cricket West Indies, the co-hosts of the World Cup along with the US, reassured that every measure possible is being taken to ensure the safety of the fans and the players. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach suggests MS Dhoni for India’s head coach role; Gautam Gambhir remains the front-runner | Cricket News

Danijones9 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: With the deadline to apply for the Indian men’s cricket team’s head coach role ending on May 27, speculation is rife about who will replace Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah hinted that the new head coach is likely to be an Indian, with reports suggesting Gautam Gambhir as the top contender. However, Virat Kohli‘s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has floated the idea of MS Dhoni taking up the role.Speaking to India News, the Dronacharya awardee coach expressed his views on Dhoni being an ideal candidate. “First of all, it will be interesting to see which names apply for this post. I would like that whoever becomes the coach should be an Indian. If Mahendra Singh Dhoni announces retirement, he can prove to be a good option. He (Dhoni) has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments,” Sharma said.While Dhoni has not officially announced his retirement from the IPL, his future remains uncertain. The IPL 2024 was speculated to be his final season, but the Chennai Super Kings legend has kept everyone guessing. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath even stated that he expects Dhoni to return for another season.Sharma emphasized Dhoni’s potential impact as a coach, citing his experience and respect within the team. “Dhoni will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time. Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team because when Dhoni became the captain, there were big players in that team like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh. Despite this, Dhoni handled the team brilliantly,” Sharma added.Dhoni previously worked with the Indian team as a mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, showcasing his potential as a guiding figure for the team. As Dravid’s contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated.Gambhir, who recently mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, is seen as a strong candidate for the head coach position. His success with KKR and experience as a former India player make him a compelling choice.