January 12, 2025
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Virat Kohli's childhood coach suggests MS Dhoni for India's head coach role; Gautam Gambhir remains the front-runner | Cricket News

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

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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.

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R Praggnanandhaa registers first-ever classical win over world number one Magnus Carlsen, leads Norway chess tournament – India TV

R Praggnanandhaa registers first-ever classical win over world number one Magnus Carlsen, leads Norway chess tournament – India TV

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Image Source : PTI R Praggnanandhaa vs Magnus Carlsen. Grand Master Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu enjoyed a memorable Wednesday as he registered his first-ever victory over the reigning world No. 1 Grand Master Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the ongoing Norway Chess 2024 tournament. Praggnanandhaa is now leading the tournament with USA’s Fabiano Caruana in second place following his win over China’s Ding Liren. USA’s GM Christopher Hikaru Nakamura felt the urge to take more chances against the youngsters led to Carlsen’s undoing against Praggnanandhaa. “I wish Magnus would take these chances against me or against Fabi. I have this theory that when Magnus is playing the younger kids specifically he wants to sort of prove a point, he wants to go after them and try to beat them and he takes far more risks than he does against us old folks!” Nakamura was quoted as saying by Chess.com. “I kind of feel that I have enough experience at this level and I can beat these players, but I have to play my best for that and that’s what I’m trying to do. That’s kind of the mindset,” Praggnanandhaa was quoted as saying by Chess.com. Round 3 Results Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu 3-0 Magnus Carlsen Fabiano Caruana 3-0 Ding Liren Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-1 Alireza Firouza Anna Muzychuk 1-1.5 Vaishali Rameshbabu Pia Cramling 1-1.5 Ju Wenjun Koneru Humpy 1.5-1 Lei Tingjie “I’m feeling good. The game was quite interesting. I got a very good position from the opening. I kind of misplayed it at some point. I allowed bishop e3, f6… then I was told that I still played correctly. Maybe I was better throughout the game,” the Indian Grand Master was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. However, Praggnanandhaa didn’t seem very pleased with his efforts despite the win and wants to push harder. “I don’t know, I will have to check. I didn’t think I played really well. I did find some best moves. It’s not my best game for sure,” he mentioned.

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My relation with Virat Kohli is not to give masala to the public: Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

My relation with Virat Kohli is not to give masala to the public: Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir shared a warm embrace during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. It was one of the heartwarming moments of the just concluded season. The long-standing alleged hostility between the two former teammates seemed to dissolve as they demonstrated mutual respect and camaraderie. Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor the Kolkata Knight Riders, showed that their past differences were behind them. Gambhir’s return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, as he guided Shreyas Iyer‘s team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. This victory ended KKR’s 10-year title drought. Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir told Sportskeeda, “The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public.” Gambhir also praised Kohli’s six-hitting prowess, acknowledging RCB batter’s batting excellence.Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap. Earlier, Kohli also reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event. “People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli remarked.

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Security amped up in New York following reports of threat to India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter – India TV

Security amped up in New York following reports of threat to India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter – India TV

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Image Source : GETTY IMAGES India vs Pakistan. Kathy Hochul, the governor of the state of New York, is going to enforce extensive security measures around the Eisenhower Park Stadium following reports of threats to the high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on June 9. Hochul mentioned that her office is working in tandem with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that all the games slated to be played in the city remain immune to any potential security threat. “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,” Hochul was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience.” The International Cricket Council has also assured the fans of the sport that security measures have been elevated for the T20 extravaganza and it is working closely with the local administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament. “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’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), 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 Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

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Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

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Suryakumar Yadav is among the Indian players training for their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the United States. SKY had a patchy season with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), missing a big part of the tournament as he was recovering from injury and looking rusty for a few games once he was available for selection. Suryakumar Yadav scored a century the last time he played for India in a T20I(Suryakumar Yadav Instagram) And yet, he managed to score 345 runs at a strike rate of 167.47 which included a masterful 51-ball 102 not out. He was always expected to be one the first names on the team sheet for the T20 World Cup and in the days leading up to the tournament, SKY’s dominance of the format was testified by him winning the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for the second year in a row. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! SKY on Wednesday posted a photo on Instagram of himself posing in the new Indian jersey with the award while wearing the ICC’s commemorative cap. “Grateful,” he said in the caption of the image. Suryakumar scored 733 runs in 17 T20I innings in 2023 at a strike rate of 155.95 and average of 48.86. Suryakumar’s recovery from injury Suryakumar was captain of the Indian team for a three-match T20I series in South Africa in December. His last T20I game was the third match of the series which India won by a whopping 106 runs. Suryakumar scored 100 off 56 balls in that match but later hobbled off the field after injuring his ankle during the South African innings. He had to undergo a surgery for the injury and was later ruled out of India’s series at home against Afghanistan as he had to go under the knife for a sports hernia that had worsened over time and needed medical intervention. Suryakumar underwent a lengthy period of recovery which also forced him to miss Mumbai Indians’ first three matches of the 2024 season. He finally played his first game since December in MI’s home match against Delhi Capitals. While MI won that match by 29 runs, Suryakumar fell for a two-ball duck. He then came back to form in scintillating fashion in the next match, smashing 52 in 19 balls and helping MI to a seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had reached his half-century in just 17 balls. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more.Explore now !. Stay updated with the latest cricket news, T20 World Cup 2024 updates, and match highlights. Explore the World Cup Schedule 2024, track the World Cup Points Table, follow Virat Kohli’s performance, and stay ahead with the stats on World Cup Most Wickets and World Cup Most Runs on the Hindustan Times website and app. News / Cricket News / Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

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'A mixed feeling of relief, emotion...': Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

‘A mixed feeling of relief, emotion…’: Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stated that while he is in peak physical condition to continue playing professional cricket for another three years, the mental demands of the game have led him to step away. The 38-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared his thoughts.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik, who played his final IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium this year, emphasized that physical fitness has never been a concern for him. “I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier. Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I’ve been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness,” he said.However, Karthik admitted that the mental aspect of the game has been more challenging. “It was all about the mental side of things, whether I’ll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don’t play as many matches, will I be okay with it,” he added.Reflecting on what kept him motivated after a challenging IPL season last year, Karthik revealed his intrinsic drive. “I am internally very, very motivated. Intrinsically, extremely motivated and I’ve lived by the mantra that if you are the best, no one can stop you. I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going,” he said.Karthik has been a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, playing 257 matches, making him the joint second-most capped player in IPL history alongside Rohit Sharma, and just behind MS Dhoni (264).As he navigates retirement, Karthik mentioned that family functions have kept him occupied and discussed the emotions he felt leading up to his final match. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. There’s lots happening in the house, there’s a couple of weddings and all so I’ve been pretty busy with that. It’s a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May.”“Once that part of the tournament was crossed, I was extremely elated and very, very happy and grateful. The 22nd came around pretty fast, but overall it was a mixed feeling of relief, emotion and the fact that it has all come to an end,” he added.

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Security on high alert for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match following ISIS-K threat | Cricket News

Security on high alert for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match following ISIS-K threat | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Authorities have ramped up security for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for June 6 in New York after ISIS-K called for a “Lone Wolf” attack on the event. The terror group has released a video urging independent attackers to act, prompting an urgent response from local and state officials.Patrick Ryder, the Police Commissioner of Nassau County, where the match will take place, confirmed the threat and outlined the steps being taken to ensure safety. “In a video that has gone global, the terror group is calling for that ‘Lone Wolf’ to act out,” said Ryder. “When you have a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible.”T20 World Cup ScheduleRyder explained the nature of the threat, which has evolved since April. Initially, it was a broad, international threat from ISIS-Khorasan, but it recently became more specific to the India-Pakistan match. “Then it got a little bit more specific towards the actual game of India versus Pakistan but did not name the place,” he said. The latest development includes a video showing drones flying over the cricket stadium with the date “9/6/2024”.In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Police to implement heightened security measures. “There is no credible public safety threat at this time,” Hochul said, but added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely. My administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe.”Bruce Blakeman, the head of Nassau County, assured that every precaution is being taken. “We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat. We don’t minimize threats. We track down all of our leads,” he said at a news conference.Security will be significantly increased at the cricket stadium in Eisenhower Park, where the match is scheduled. Additional police officers will be mobilized, and local hospitals are on alert. “We will go to every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here,” said Ryder. The threat includes potential drone attacks, leading county officials to request the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to designate Eisenhower Park as a no-fly zone for drones.ISIS-K, an offshoot of the Islamic State operating in South and Central Asia, has a history of violent attacks, including a deadly assault on a Moscow concert hall in March. This context underscores the severity of the current threat.The India-Pakistan match is a key fixture in the T20 World Cup, which starts on June 1 with a warm-up match between India and Bangladesh. NBC New York TV reported that the security preparations for the World Cup event are the largest Nassau County has ever undertaken, comparable to those for presidential debates.The British newspaper Express first reported the threat, indicating it also extends to sporting venues across Europe, including Wembley Stadium. According to the Express, ISIS followers are being encouraged to target major events, including the Cricket World Cup, using tactics like drone attacks.“We make sure that we are on top of every situation that could potentially arise. Now to that end, we have taken many, many precautions,” Blakeman assured the public.Authorities continue to treat every lead with utmost seriousness to ensure the safety of all attendees and participants in the T20 World Cup.(With inputs from IANS)

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Norway Chess: R Praggnanandhaa scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen

Norway Chess: R Praggnanandhaa scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen

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18-year-old Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa registered his first-ever classical win over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger on Wednesday, May 29. The Indian Grandmaster took the sole lead in the open section of the prestigious six-player tournament after the momentous victory at Carlsen’s home turf. Playing with white pieces, last year’s FIDE World Cup runner-up, battled against the odds to beat Carlsen. R Praggnanandhaa took his tally to 5.5 out of 9 points at the end of the third round in the Norway Chess tournament. American Grandmaster Fabio Caruana, meanwhile, took the second spot after taking three full points following his win over GM Ding Liren on Wednesday. Incidentally, R Praggnanandhaa’s sister R Vaishali retained her sole lead position in the women’s section of Norway Chess. Magnus Carlsen, who paid the price for a daring opening move against Praggnanandhaa, slipped to fifth in the six-man standings in the open section of Norway Chess. Praggnanandhaa did not let the opening surprise him as he kept his calm and got the job done. Despite trailing on the clock for the most part of the game, Praggnanandhaa managed to beat Carlsen with white pieces and seal three crucial points. It was a big boost for Praggnanandhaa, who had lost the World Cup last year to Magnus Carlsen. Incidentally, Praggnanandhaa is only the fourth Indian to beat Carlsen in classical chess. In another match, GM Hikaru Nakamura defeated GM Alireza Firouzja in Armageddon to retain the third spot on the table. Ding Liren, who will take on GM D Gukesh for the World Championship title later in the year, was reeling at the last spot after 3 rounds with 2.5 points out of 9 on Wednesday. R VAISHALI SOLE LEADER IN WOMEN’S SECTION Norway Chess offers USD 160,000 in prize funds for the Open and the Women’s section. Six players will compete against each other twice in classical chess from May 27 to June 7. Norway Chess: R Praggnanandha scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen Vaishali came up with a stupendous effort to beat compatriot Koneru Humpy and jump into sole lead on Tuesday. GM Vaishali held GM Anna Muzychuk to a draw with black pieces on Wednesday to retain the sole lead position after three rounds in the women’s section. STANDINGS IN NORWAY CHESS AFTER THREE ROUNDS OPEN: 1. R Praggnanandhaa – 5.5, 2. Fabio Caruana – 5, 3. Hikaru Nakamura – 4, 4. Alireza Firouzja – 3.5, 5. Magnus Carlsen – 3, 6. Ding Liren – 2.5. WOMEN: 1. R Vaishali – 5.5, 2. Ju Wenjun 4.5, 3. Lei Tingjie 4, 4. Pia Cramling – 3, 4. Koneru Humpy – 3, 4. Anna Muzychuk – 3. Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: May 30, 2024

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Iga Swiatek Saves Match Point To Beat Naomi Osaka At French Open

Iga Swiatek Saves Match Point To Beat Naomi Osaka At French Open

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Defending champion Iga Swiatek saved a match point to outlast Naomi Osaka.© AFP Defending champion Iga Swiatek saved a match point to outlast fellow four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 7-5 in a breathtaking second-round clash at the French Open on Wednesday. World number one Swiatek trailed 5-2 in the final set but the Pole won the last five games of the match to keep her bid for a third successive Roland Garros title on track. She is attempting to become only the fourth woman in the Open era to lift four Roland Garros titles and just the second — after Serena Williams — to complete the clay-court treble of Madrid, Rome and French Opens in the same season. More to follow… Topics mentioned in this article

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T20 World Cup 2024 Group C preview | Three-way race beckons West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan

T20 World Cup 2024 Group C preview | Three-way race beckons West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan

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In The Hindu’s countdown to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which commences in the West Indies and USA on June 2, we take a look at the teams in Group C. WEST INDIES: The co-host enters the tournament in great form, having won four of its last five T20I series. In Andre Russell (all-rounder), Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer (batters), and Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph (pacers), WI is packed with match-winners. The two-time T20 World Cup champion will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder, who is out with an injury. WI is expected to do better than its showing in the previous T20 WC, where it crashed out in the group stage. Key player: Andre Russell: An integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 title-run, the all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurrection. Russell, 36, shone bright in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad with a crucial three-wicket haul. The squad: Rovman Powell (Capt.), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd. The West Indies have made a late change to their squad for next month’s #T20WorldCup 👀 Details 👇https://t.co/PfffyP8znd — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) May 27, 2024 NEW ZEALAND: The Kiwis rely on the old guard in their search for a first T20 World Cup trophy. Kane Williamson leads the side for a fourth time in a T20 WC, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell (CSK), Rachin Ravindra (CSK), and Boult (RR) hit the ground running after hectic IPL 2024 campaigns, while most other players return to familiar settings having featured in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League. From the squad announcement press conference to the departure check-in desk ✈️ Join Angus and Matilda on @T20WorldCup Departure Day 🎤 #T20WorldCup#CricketNation#Cricketpic.twitter.com/qIMjDClPfp — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 28, 2024 Fast bowler Matt Henry and Ravindra are the only players in the squad who have not played in a T20 WC. This mega event could well be the last dance for a generation of talent. Key player: Trent Boult: The left-arm pacer’s spell of 3-0-6-1 took Royal Challengers Bengaluru out of contention in the IPL Eliminator last week. Boult’s dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand. The squad: Kane Williamson (Capt.), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee. AFGHANISTAN: The 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup saw Afghanistan rise from minnow to contender. A dream semifinal spot was cruelly denied by a hobbling Glenn Maxwell, who smashed an all-time great ODI knock. The T20 style is perhaps a better fit for the Afghans. Najibullah Zadran, wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi can hit the long ball, while Rashid Khan, Nabi, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, and Noor Ahmad form a well-rounded spin attack. Several of the Afghanistan players were involved in IPL 2024 — the machine is greased and ready. Gurbaz, in fact, came good in the final for KKR with a 32-ball 39. Key player: Naveen-ul-Haq: With 14 wickets, pacer Naveen-ul-Haq finished as LSG’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. The 24-year-old’s slower-ball variations are tough to pick. The squad: Rashid Khan (Capt.), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik. UGANDA: This nation makes its debut at a World Cup, though it was part of the combined East Africa side which competed in the 1975 WC. To find a spot here is an achievement in itself, as Uganda overcame fancied Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. The celebrations led by @OgwangOyuku are everything 😁 Uganda are heading to the T20 World Cup ✈️ pic.twitter.com/yyRL6w6Px2 — Sportstar (@sportstarweb) November 30, 2023 An upset win over strong favourites West Indies, New Zealand or Afghanistan will go a long way in boosting the profile of cricket in Uganda. Key player: Frank Nsubuga: At 43, Nsubuga is be the oldest player in the tournament. The all-rounder first played international cricket 27 years ago. The squad: Brian Masaba (Capt.), Riazat Ali Shah, Kenneth Waiswa, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Ronak Patel, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Fred Achelam, Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani, Juma Miyaji. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The island country had a fairly easy route to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held last year. PNG appeared in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where it lost all three of its Group B first-round matches (to Scotland, Bangladesh, and Oman). The PNG team is all geared up to leave their mark in the #T20WorldCup 🇵🇬😍 pic.twitter.com/8y9cAFu4Ae — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) May 29, 2024 Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Key player: Tony Ura: With 1618 runs in 56 T20Is, Ura is the nation’s most successful batter. The squad: Assadollah Vala (Capt.), C.J. Amini, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.

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