Rohit Sharma

‘Selectors have trusted Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli but…’: Sanjay Manjrekar says he ‘would not have gone that way’ this time | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago08 mins

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggests that opting for a younger Indian squad for the T20 World Cup might have been more advantageous, considering the previous lack of success with senior players.He advocates for injecting youthful talent like Yashaswi Jaiswal into the mix, rather than solely relying on experienced players.Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from many T20 matches last year, selectors have chosen to reinstate them, presumably banking on their experience.Manjrekar notes that the default opening pair now appears to be Rohit and Kohli, whereas he would have preferred exploring alternatives, such as incorporating the promising Jaiswal.“Ideally, I would not have gone that way; I would have stuck with a slightly more younger kind of, core set of players but the selectors have committed themselves to the icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports’ Press Room World Cup edition on Friday.“Now that they are in the squad, it’s impossible to have Virat Kohli batting at No. 3 because then you don’t get the full rally of Virat. Rohit Sharma has to open, so now, India in a way have forced themselves to have only one kind of combination – two right-handers,” he said.Manjrekar doubts that Yashaswi Jaiswal would secure a spot in the Indian XI.“Unfortunately, Jaiswal will have to sit out. I would have gone completely with a new lot (and) then he would have had a lot more flair and it would be something different,” he said.“(But) India have trusted the seniors a move that hasn’t worked over the years let’s hope it works this time,” Manjrekar added.The former Indian batter also rejected the idea that Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi would present a significant threat to the Indian batters in the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals on June 9th.“Mohammed Amir played his last international T20 seven years back. We have no idea what his form is like today. Shaheen Afridi is not the same bowler that he was two years ago.“India have handled him really well, if you remember the Asia Cup, even in the 50-overs World Cup we had a one-sided match. I do not see Pakistan as a major threat to India, plus the names (of) Mohammed Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi. I do not think this is a problem for India,” he added.Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan labeled left-arm spinner Imad Wasim as a potential threat.“As a left-arm spinner with the new ball, he is not bad. He is a smart, bowls stumps to stumps and if the ball grips then he could be a threat,” he said.Manjrekar expressed confidence in Hardik Pandya‘s ability to excel as a finisher.“My vote will always go to Hardik Pandya. I know he had a pretty quiet IPL, but go back to the last T20 World Cup that India played, the last match, semis against England at Adelaide.“Hardik Pandya got 60 off 30 balls at a strike rate of 190 after India had got 62 in their first 10 overs.“When it comes to T20 World Cup – marquee events – back those guys who actually excel on the big stage and for me it will always be Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant ahead of people like Shivam Dubey, until we see him on the big stage,” he said.Pathan mentioned that both Pandya and Dube would fulfill distinct roles in the competition.“Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube will play different roles. Hardik will have a set role to finish the game and Shivam will play as a floater, as a reinforcer against the spinners,” he said.Manjrekar highlighted India’s cautious approach in the first round of the tournament, drawing parallels to their early exit in the 2007 50-overs World Cup in the Caribbean.“India will feel the pressure of the first round because (in) 2007 (in) the West Indies, funny things (had) happened. I see India up and running very quickly. (But) I’m just going to watch this Indian team in the matches that matter – semis and the finals,” he said.“For India, World Cups are not anymore about getting into the final round. It’s about what you do in the final rounds,” he added.Manjrekar also asserted that Kohli tends to face extra pressure in knockout games because of his stature, a situation not mirrored by Rohit.“Virat does take it upon himself. You see that happening in all the big games to bat a little longer, perhaps feels obliged because of the kind of stature that he has in Indian cricket to bat longer rather than just come and bat freely,” he said.“But Rohit Sharma will do that, no matter his stature. We saw that in the ODI World Cup. But I’m worried about Virat really when it comes to semis and the finals,” he added.(With PTI inputs)

T20 World Cup: RP Singh explains how IPL Impact Player rule hampered Rinku’s prospects

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

Former India pacer Rudra Pratap Singh has explained how the IPL Impact Player rule has hampered Rinku Singh’s prospects of making it to the India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Rinku Singh’s omission from India’s 15-man T20 World Cup 2024 squad raised a lot of eyebrows. Rinku Singh’s amazing performance in IPL 2023 catapulted him into the spotlight and quickly made him a household name because of his talent. The KKR batter received his first India call following a great IPL season, and his strike rate stayed quite high. The Ajit Agarkar-led India selection panel chose to go with more recent performances, and selected Shivam Dube in the 15-member squad, while Rinku Singh will be on the reserve list. “Rinku Singh should have definitely been there. I think he was unfortunate to miss out. If the Impact Player rule was not there, I think Rinku would have made it,” RP Singh said during a promotional event where the Indian team’s jersey was unveiled for the inaugural World Championship of Legends. The 25-year-old Uttar Pradesh batter was in sensational touch for India in T20Is before IPL 2024. His ability to bat at different gears and execute the finisher’s role to perfection reminded fans of vintage MS Dhoni. Rinku averages 89 in his nascent T20I career, having scored 356 runs at a staggering strike rate of 176. Never has Rinku fluffed an opportunity in the Indian blue. Yet, the young man was left out of the squad and named in the reserves. Amid the great buzz surrounding his removal, Rinku Singh broke his silence and confessed that he was at first disappointed. The KKR batter agreed that his absence was more down to team dynamics than performance, and he emphasised that making the reserve list is also a significant accomplishment given where he comes from. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 31, 2024 Tune In

‘Rohit Sharma is someone who can..’: Shakib Al Hasan hails India skipper ahead of T20 World Cup warm-up match | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Shakib Al Hasan, the seasoned all-rounder from Bangladesh, has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of their T20 World Cup warm-up encounter. Shakib emphasized Rohit’s ability to single-handedly alter the outcome of a game.The two Asian teams are set to clash in a preparatory match at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium located in New York on Saturday.Shakib’s words highlight the immense respect and admiration he holds for the Indian captain’s cricketing prowess.“I think the way he led India in the last few years was terrific. He has a tremendous record as a captain. I think all the players respect him as a leader of the team and he’s someone who can take the game away from the opponent single-handedly,” Shakib said in a Star Sports video posted on X. On the other hand, Rohit emphasized the significance of acclimatizing to the conditions in the United States before their opening match against Ireland, scheduled for June 5. Adjusting to the new environment will be crucial for the team’s performance.“We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly (before the tournament proper) as we haven’t been here before. (We will) try and make the most of the conditions, get used to what it’s going to be like on June 5 when we play our first game,” ICC quoted Rohit as saying.“It’s just about getting into that rhythm of getting the feel of the ground, pitch and stuff like that,” he added.The opening batter eagerly anticipates the presence of spectators in the stands as the United States, in collaboration with the West Indies, prepares to host its inaugural cricket World Cup.“People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, with the World Cup happening for the first time here. I’m pretty sure all the fans across the various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament. And also as players can’t wait to get started,” Rohit said.(With IANS inputs)

Watch: Virat Kohli adorably mentions wife Anushka as ‘ma’am’ while paparazzi thank the couple for gifts | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Star batter Virat Kohli on Thursday departed for the United States to join the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. With the rest of the team already in New York, practicing ahead of their warm-up game against Bangladesh, followed by the campaign opener against Ireland on June 5, Kohli was the last to leave the country and will be joining the team soon.As soon as Kohli arrived at the airport, he was mobbed by fans and paparazzi as the star India batter obliged to requests for selfies. The photographers also thanked Kohli for the gift he and wife Anushka Sharma sent them after the birth of their son, Akaay. And while responding to the paps, Kohli adorably mentioned Anushka as ‘ma’am’, saying that it was actually she who sent the gifts. The gift hamper that Kohli and Anushka sent to the paps had the message: “We sincerely thank you for respecting the privacy of our children and for your unwavering cooperation.”Kohli, the Orange Cap winner in the just-concluded IPL season, goes into the T20 World Cup in red-hot form and will be one of the players to watch in the tournament. Earlier, there were reports saying that Kohli had asked for a short break at the conclusion of the IPL and that’s why he was the last to leave for the T20 World Cup. In the 2024 edition of the IPL, Kohli amassed 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.70. He also scored 5 fifties and a century in the season.

Watch: After delivering just six balls in IPL 2024, Shivam Dube the bowler gets guidance from Rohit Sharma for T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

He may have bowled just six deliveries for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the just-concluded season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but India captain Rohit Sharma is probably looking to utilize all-rounder Shivam Dube‘s seam-up skills more often in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Team India had its first training session in the US on Thursday, ahead of their only warm-up fixture against Bangladesh on June 1 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by the campaign-opener agaist Ireland on June 5 at the same venue. ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule An interesting note from India’s practice was the sight of Dube getting guidance from Rohit on the lengths to bowl, while the right-arm medium-pacer bowled to his skipper in the nets.Interestingly, Dube was asked to bowl just a solitary over by CSK in the 14 matches he played during IPL 2024, which concluded on May 26. Dube took wicket in the over while conceding 14 runs.WATCH VIDEO OF INDIA’S TRAINING SESSION CSK’s strategy for utilizing Dube revolved exclusively around his batting skills, asking the tall man, who bats left-handed, to go after spinners in the middle overs, which Dube did successfully. On the expectedly slow, spinning tracks in the West Indies, India may also be inclined to follow that. Dube scored 396 runs in 14 innings during IPL 2024 with a highest of 66 not out and strike rate of 162.30. He hit three half-centuries. However, Rohit may not be looking to use Dube as a batsman alone as India eye ending an 11-year wait for another ICC trophy.

Legends of T20 World Cup: Leading Wicket-takers, six-hitters and keepers with most dismissals

Danijones5 months ago07 mins

Known for his lightning-fast glovework and sharp cricketing mind, M.S. Dhoni holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in T20 World Cups. The legendary former India skipper effected 32 dismissals, which included 21 catches and 11 stumpings in 33 appearances. | Photo Credit: Reuters With the T20 World Cup entering its ninth edition, PTI gives a rundown on the top wicket-takers, batsmen with the most sixes and wicket-keepers with the most dismissals. Batters with most sixes 1. Chris Gayle: 63 The ‘Universe Boss’ is known for his raw power, which allows him to hit massive sixes effortlessly. With the help of his immense strength, the flamboyant Jamaican sent the ball sailing deep into the stands 63 times in the T20 World Cups. He also holds the record for hitting the most sixes in an innings — 11 against England in Mumbai. 2. Rohit Sharma: 35 The ‘Hitman’ is one of the most prolific six-hitters in T20 cricket, and his performance in T20 World Cups is a testament to his batting prowess. The Indian skipper, who has featured in all eight editions of the tournament, has launched the ball over the boundary rope 35 times in 36 innings. 3. Jos Buttler: 33 Buttler’s ability to clear the boundary has been a crucial aspect of his game and has played a significant role in England’s T20 World Cup campaigns. In 27 matches, he has cleared the boundary rope 33 times. 4. Yuvraj Singh: 33 A discussion about sixes in a T20 World Cup can never be complete without bringing up Yuvraj. He produced one of the most memorable moments in the history of the tournament when he smacked Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over to set Durban on fire in the first-ever T20 World Cup. Across the six editions of the tournament, Yuvraj tonked 33 maximums. 5. Shane Watson: 31 Australian all-rounder Watson was a dangerous striker of the ball, especially in T20s. He hit 31 maximums across six editions of the marquee event. Leading wicket-takers 1. Shakib Al Hasan: 47 wickets A versatile all-rounder and Bangladesh’s most successful bowler in T20 World Cups, Shakib has played all eight editions of the tournament, claiming 47 scalps in 35 innings with his left-arm spin. 2.Shahid Afridi: 39 wickets Known for his aggressive leg-spin and match-winning performances, Afridi had a knack for taking crucial wickets. The Pakistan all-rounder has taken 39 wickets across 34 T20 WC matches. 3. Lasith Malinga: 38 wickets Malinga has been a formidable force in T20 World Cups, known for his unique sling action and deadly yorkers. The Sri Lankan, who had the ability to deliver under pressure, snared 38 wickets in 31 games. 4. Saeed Ajmal: 36 wickets Ajmal’s mastery of spin, especially his doosra, troubled many top batters in T20 World Cups. His impressive tally of 36 wickets in 23 matches has been crucial for Pakistan’s success in the tournament. 5. Ajantha Mendis: 35 wickets Mendis, with his mystery spin, has been a significant wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in T20 WCs. His ability to dominate batters made him one of the standout bowlers in the tournament’s history. He picked up 35 wickets in 21 games. Most dismissals by wicket-keepers 1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni: 32 Known for his lightning-fast glovework and sharp cricketing mind, Dhoni holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in T20 World Cups. The legendary former India skipper effected 32 dismissals, which included 21 catches and 11 stumpings in 33 appearances. 2. Kamran Akmal: 30 Akmal, with his agility and quick reflexes, has been a key wicketkeeper for Pakistan. He has an impressive tally of 18 stumpings and 12 catches in 30 matches. 3. Denesh Ramdin: 27 Ramdin’s contributions were significant in supporting the West Indies’ bowling attack, particularly with his quick stumpings off the spinners. In 29 appearances, he has 18 catches and 9 stumpings for a tally of 27 dismissals. 4. Kumar Sangakkara: 26 Sangakkara was exceptional behind the wicket. His ability to effect stumpings and catches with ease made him a significant asset for Sri Lanka. He had 12 catches and 14 stumpings in 31 games. 5. Quinton de Kock: 22 With 22 dismissals from 18 games (17 catches and 5 stumpings), De Kock rounds up the top five. A seasoned wicketkeeper, the South African’s quick stumpings and reliable catching have often provided vital breakthroughs for the Proteas.

Rohit Sharma hopes for quick acclimatisation of New York pitch ahead of Twenty20 World Cup

Danijones5 months ago06 mins

Captain Rohit Sharma is seen during a training session for the Twenty20 World Cup in New York. | Photo Credit: PTI Marvelling at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, India skipper Rohit Sharma underlined the need for his team to get acclimatised to the pitch and conditions quickly ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5. However, Rohit and company will get a chance to check the nature of the pitch and overall conditions when they face Bangladesh in a warm-up match in New York on June 1. It’s also India’s lone training game ahead of the ICC marquee event. The warm-up match is important from India’s perspective because their matches will start at 10.30 AM local time and the players need to get used to day-time matches after playing under lights in the IPL for the last two months. “We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly (before the tournament proper) as we haven’t been here before,” Rohit told ICC. ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024: Full schedule, venues and complete squads The Mumbaikar emphasised the need for his side to get into a “rhythm” before the real action starts, and he wanted to use this side game as a springboard. “(We will) try and make the most of the conditions, get used to what it’s going to be like on June 5 when we play our first game,” he added. The challenge for the Indians will be to adapt to the drop-in turf here, something they don’t come across very often in international cricket. “It’s just about getting into that rhythm of getting the feel of the ground, pitch and stuff like that,” he said. Rohit was part of the first batch of India cricketers to arrive here on May 26, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Moving beyond the match routines, Rohit also found time to take in the beauty of the venue. “It looks beautiful. It’s quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium,” he said. “It’s a decent capacity as well. Hopefully it’s gonna be a good one.” Rohit hoped that fans will throng the venue for their matches. “People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, as it is happening for the first time here. “I’m pretty sure all the fans across various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament. And also as players (we) can’t wait to get started,” he noted. Worry for Bangladesh Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto too appreciated the excellent construction here, but he would not have forgotten Bangladesh’s shocking series defeat against the USA a few days back. The United States, largely constituted by expat players, scored a stunning 2-1 win over Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series at home last week, signalling that they are no mere pushovers. Hence, Shanto might be hoping for a quick turnaround against formidable India, even though it’s a warm-up match at this scenic stadium. “To be very honest I wasn’t expecting anything like this but we all followed on social media how the wicket looks like, how the ground would be, and we are very excited as to what is going to happen here,” said Shanto. The 25-year-old top-order batter then gushed over the venue. “It’s unbelievable. I think it’s crazy. I mean we all saw on the internet there was nothing (three months ago). Now, it looks like a proper stadium and feels great,” he said. The Eastern grandstand (in particular), I didn’t expect it to be like this,” he added.

Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

Rohit Sharma hopes for quick acclimatisation of NY pitch ahead of T20 WC

Danijones5 months ago06 mins

New York, Marvelling at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium here, India skipper Rohit Sharma underlined the need for his team to get acclimatised to the pitch and conditions quickly ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5. Rohit Sharma hopes for quick acclimatisation of NY pitch ahead of T20 WC However, Rohit and company will get a chance to check the nature of the pitch and overall conditions when they face Bangladesh in a warm-up match here on Saturday. It’s also India’s lone training game ahead of the ICC marquee event. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! The warm-up match is important from India’s perspective because their matches will start at 10.30 AM local time and the players need to get used to day-time matches after playing under lights in the IPL for the last two months. “We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly as we haven’t been here before,” Rohit told ICC. The Mumbaikar emphasised the need for his side to get into a “rhythm” before the real action starts, and he wanted to use this side game as a springboard. ” try and make the most of the conditions, get used to what it’s going to be like on June 5 when we play our first game,” he added. The challenge for the Indians will be to adapt to the drop-in turf here, something they don’t come across very often in international cricket. “It’s just about getting into that rhythm of getting the feel of the ground, pitch and stuff like that,” he said. Rohit was part of the first batch of India cricketers to arrive here on May 26, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Moving beyond the match routines, Rohit also found time to take in the beauty of the venue. “It looks beautiful. It’s quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium,” he said. “It’s a decent capacity as well. Hopefully it’s gonna be a good one.” Rohit hoped that fans will throng the venue for their matches. “People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, as it is happening for the first time here. “I’m pretty sure all the fans across various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament. And also as players can’t wait to get started,” he noted. Worry for Bangladesh ================ Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto too appreciated the excellent construction here, but he would not have forgotten Bangladesh’s shocking series defeat against the USA a few days back. The United States, largely constituted by expat players, scored a stunning 2-1 win over Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series at home last week, signalling that they are no mere pushovers. Hence, Shanto might be hoping for a quick turnaround against formidable India, even though it’s a warm-up match at this scenic stadium. “To be very honest I wasn’t expecting anything like this but we all followed on social media how the wicket looks like, how the ground would be, and we are very excited as to what is going to happen here,” said Shanto. The 25-year-old top-order batter then gushed over the venue. “It’s unbelievable. I think it’s crazy. I mean we all saw on the internet there was nothing . Now, it looks like a proper stadium and feels great,” he said. The Eastern grandstand , I didn’t expect it to be like this,” he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

T20 World Cup: Team India not happy with ‘average’ training facilities, claims report; ICC says… | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: The Indian team, preparing in New York ahead of the T20 World Cup is not happy with the ‘average’ training facilities provided to them in Cantiague Park, claimed a News18 report on Thursday.Rohit Sharma & Co on Wednesday started their training and the team, including head coach Rahul Dravid, is apparently not happy with the practice facilities in the US.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, which will host India’s warm-up game and three group matches, reportedly has no practice facilities and the Cantiague Park has been provided as a make-shift venue for the Indian team’s training.The report claimed that the team was also not happy with the arrangements for food at the venue and concerns regarding this have been raised. “Everything is makeshift – from pitches to other facilities. Safe to say everything is very average in nature. The team has raised their concerns,” a source close to developments told News18.The report also said that the International Cricket Council (ICC), when reached out for reaction, claimed that that no such concerns or complaints were raised with them from the Indian team. “There has been no complaint or concern expressed regarding the practice facilities at Cantiague Park by any team,” the report stated the ICC as saying. The ICC earlier designated Cantiague Park as the official training facility for teams. The facility is also a fair distance from the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium where the matches are scheduled.India are set to play their one and only warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1. India’s Group A games against Ireland, Pakistan and USA will be hosted at th Nassau Stadium before they move to Florida for their final group game against Canada.

T20 World Cup: In Team India’s first practice session, Hardik bowls for almost an hour; Rohit, Suryakumar focus on getting used conditions | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Team India got their T20 World Cup preparations underway with their first training session in New York on Thursday that lasted three hours.Having landed in the US on May 27, the team had a couple of off days to overcome the jet lag and get used to the weather and conditions. After a light training session session a day before, the Indian team on Thursday hit the nets and meant serious business as skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were seen batting against likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. In focus Hardik too had gruelling training session with both bat and ball. The all-rounder was first seen bowling in the nets for almost an hour and then went hard after the bowlers while batting. The 30-year-old also had a long chat with batting coach Vikram Rathour during the net session. In unusual scenes, tailenders Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singht were seen focussing on their batting skills while all the all-rounder Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Hardik trained with both bat and ball. Yuzvendra Chahal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Avesh Khan and Rinku Singh, who arrived late in New York featured only in light training drills. The focus of the training session revolved around getting used to the pitch conditions that had considerable bounce in it.India play their first warm-up game against Bangladesh on Saturday.