Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, there are reports that suggest Kohli is willing to give up captaincy in white-ball format to his deputy Rohit Sharma. "Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been — the best batsman in the world,” TOI quoted sources as saying.

"Captaincy in 3 formats affecting Virat’s batting. We realise spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page. If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” the source added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-there-an-alleged-rift-between-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-ravi-shastri-breaks-his-silence-410083">Was there an alleged rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? Ravi Shastri breaks his silence</a>

For the unversed, Kohli's limited-overs captaincy has been under the scanner for sometime now. He led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of 2019 ODI World Cup, but the national side returned without a title in the two marquee events. Moreover, Rohit's superior record as an IPL captain (leading Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL trophies) have always seen many former cricketers favouring him over Kohli as captain in the shorter formats.

Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward.

Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, there are reports that suggest Kohli is willing to give up captaincy in white-ball format to his deputy Rohit Sharma. "Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been — the best batsman in the world,” TOI quoted sources as saying. "Captaincy in 3 formats affecting Virat’s batting. We realise spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page. If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” the source added. ALSO READ | Was there an alleged rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? Ravi Shastri breaks his silence For the unversed, Kohli's limited-overs captaincy has been under the scanner for sometime now. He led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of 2019 ODI World Cup, but the national side returned without a title in the two marquee events. Moreover, Rohit's superior record as an IPL captain (leading Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL trophies) have always seen many former cricketers favouring him over Kohli as captain in the shorter formats.

Rohit Sharma likely to replace Virat Kohli as Team India's limited-overs captain post T20 World Cup: Reports

US Open 2021 came to an end recently and the marquee tournament saw some emphatic performances from the younger brigade. While Russia's 25-year-old Daniil Medvedev stunned Novak Djokovic and ended the Serbian's bid to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam, first in men's tennis since 1969, the teenage sensations Emma Raducanu and Leylah&nbsp;Fernandez made a mark in women's singles.&nbsp;

It was the clash of two teenagers in the women's singles category, where Britain's Emma Raducanu defeated Canadian Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets to win her first-ever major career title.&nbsp;Following her magnificent victory over Fernandez at the US Open, Raducanu displayed a glimpse of her Mandarin. The 18-year-old spoke the language really well and delivered a message to her fans through a video.&nbsp;“Hi, everyone. I wanna say thank you to you guys and I hope you could enjoy my tennis. I’m thrilled to win. Love you all, see you,” said Raducanu in the message.

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Emma Raducanu effortlessly sending a message in Mandarin to her fans around the world after a full day of media duties. 
 
Global superstar <a href="https://t.co/AZ5pNyHfjX">pic.twitter.com/AZ5pNyHfjX</a>
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For the unversed, Raducanu is a British citizen, however, she has connections with China as her mother belongs from Shenyang, a province in China. Hence, Raducanu has such a strong command over the language and spoke in mandarin fluently, making heads turn especially for those unaware of her Chinese connection.&nbsp;

Raducanu, following her US Open title, has moved as many as 127 spots in the WTA rankings to attain the 23rd position whereas his rival and runners-up Fernandez now acquires the 28th spot.&nbsp;

US Open 2021 came to an end recently and the marquee tournament saw some emphatic performances from the younger brigade. While Russia's 25-year-old Daniil Medvedev stunned Novak Djokovic and ended the Serbian's bid to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam, first in men's tennis since 1969, the teenage sensations Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez made a mark in women's singles.

US Open 2021 came to an end recently and the marquee tournament saw some emphatic performances from the younger brigade. While Russia's 25-year-old Daniil Medvedev stunned Novak Djokovic and ended the Serbian's bid to complete a calendar-year Grand Slam, first in men's tennis since 1969, the teenage sensations Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez made a mark in women's singles. It was the clash of two teenagers in the women's singles category, where Britain's Emma Raducanu defeated Canadian Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets to win her first-ever major career title. Following her magnificent victory over Fernandez at the US Open, Raducanu displayed a glimpse of her Mandarin. The 18-year-old spoke the language really well and delivered a message to her fans through a video. “Hi, everyone. I wanna say thank you to you guys and I hope you could enjoy my tennis. I’m thrilled to win. Love you all, see you,” said Raducanu in the message. Emma Raducanu effortlessly sending a message in Mandarin to her fans around the world after a full day of media duties. Global superstar pic.twitter.com/AZ5pNyHfjX — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 13, 2021 × For the unversed, Raducanu is a British citizen, however, she has connections with China as her mother belongs from Shenyang, a province in China. Hence, Raducanu has such a strong command over the language and spoke in mandarin fluently, making heads turn especially for those unaware of her Chinese connection. Raducanu, following her US Open title, has moved as many as 127 spots in the WTA rankings to attain the 23rd position whereas his rival and runners-up Fernandez now acquires the 28th spot.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu shares message for fans in Mandarin after clinching maiden title - watch

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. 
 
Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. 
 
"The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. 
 
"For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. 
 
"(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." 
 
The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. 
 
"Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." 
 
Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has criticised his Australia counterpart Tim Paine for questioning the Asian team`s right to participate in major events such as the Twenty20 World Cup. Paine said the chances of Australia playing a test against Afghanistan in November were "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket and he questioned why the game`s governing body (ICC) had remained quiet on the issue. "The Afghanistan Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organised tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC," Afghan wrote on Twitter. "For a less privileged cricketing nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support, reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent. "(You are) mistreating Afghan cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. Sports should be separated from politics." The T20 World Cup begins next month and Afghanistan are taking part in it. "I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out against playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores," Paine said. "Then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see." Australia`s cricket board said last week it would scrap the planned test match against Afghanistan if it was able to substantiate reports that the country`s Taliban rulers do not allow women to play cricket.

Afghanistan captain criticises Australia's Tim Paine for questioning right to play

In pics- Lewis Hamilton survives massive scare in jaw-dropping car accident at Italian Grand Prix

On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun&nbsp;Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE.

There was a report, in Times of India, which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision. However, Dhumal reacted to the rumours and has put an end to the speculations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is all rubbish. Nothing (as) such is happening. This is all what you guys (media) are talking about. BCCI has not met or discussed anything on this issue (split captaincy)," Dhumal told IANS. "Virat will remain as the captain (of all formats),"&nbsp;the BCCI treasurer was quoted as saying by IANS.

Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats. So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well. Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli &amp; Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton. Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game.&nbsp;

While Dhumal has completely denied all reports of Rohit to serve as captain in the white-ball formats, the topic might once again gain precedence if Kohli fails to guide India to the title in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE.

On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE. There was a report, in Times of India, which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision. However, Dhumal reacted to the rumours and has put an end to the speculations. "This is all rubbish. Nothing (as) such is happening. This is all what you guys (media) are talking about. BCCI has not met or discussed anything on this issue (split captaincy)," Dhumal told IANS. "Virat will remain as the captain (of all formats)," the BCCI treasurer was quoted as saying by IANS. Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats. So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well. Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli & Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton. Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game. While Dhumal has completely denied all reports of Rohit to serve as captain in the white-ball formats, the topic might once again gain precedence if Kohli fails to guide India to the title in the upcoming T20 World Cup. (With inputs from agencies)

Virat Kohli will remain captain: BCCI treasurer dismisses rumours of Rohit Sharma taking over as India's limited-overs skipper

Mankading has been regarded as a controversial mode of dismissal in the gentlemen's game. While it is within the laws of the game, it remains under the scanner with varied opinions. R Ashwin had created a huge stir by 'mankading' Jos Buttler in IPL 2019. Since then, many have resorted to the form of dismissal whereas some refrain from 'mankading' batters and leave them with a warning.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;the Group B clash between Cameroon and Uganda, of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier in Gaborone, Botswana, a Cameroon bowler named&nbsp;Maeve Douma ran riot in Uganda's innings by inflicting&nbsp;'mankading' on as many as four batters. Here's the video where Douma 'mankanded' four batters in style:

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<a href="https://t.co/KjVCYGvQoh">pic.twitter.com/KjVCYGvQoh</a>
— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) <a href="https://twitter.com/_hypocaust/status/1437129526455283712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Maeva Douma 
 
Remember the name.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricaQualifiers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricaQualifiers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WCQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WCQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZxmphRu3F">https://t.co/PZxmphRu3F</a> <a href="https://t.co/pk315JiRqo">pic.twitter.com/pk315JiRqo</a>
— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) <a href="https://twitter.com/_hypocaust/status/1437058525159641097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The four batters who fell to Douma's mankading were Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Janet Mbabazi whereas the bowler clean bowled Prosscovia Alako on the second ball of her first spell to hog the limelight during Uganda's innings.&nbsp;

Despite Douma's dominance during Uganda's innings, the latter posted 190/6 in 20 overs and dismissed Cameroon for a paltry 35 in 14.3 overs to win the contest by a whopping 155-run margin.&nbsp;

Mankading has been regarded as a controversial mode of dismissal in the gentlemen's game. While it is within the laws of the game, it remains under the scanner with varied opinions.

Mankading has been regarded as a controversial mode of dismissal in the gentlemen's game. While it is within the laws of the game, it remains under the scanner with varied opinions. R Ashwin had created a huge stir by 'mankading' Jos Buttler in IPL 2019. Since then, many have resorted to the form of dismissal whereas some refrain from 'mankading' batters and leave them with a warning. In the Group B clash between Cameroon and Uganda, of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier in Gaborone, Botswana, a Cameroon bowler named Maeve Douma ran riot in Uganda's innings by inflicting 'mankading' on as many as four batters. Here's the video where Douma 'mankanded' four batters in style: pic.twitter.com/KjVCYGvQoh — hypocaust (@_hypocaust) September 12, 2021 × Maeva Douma Remember the name.#AfricaQualifiers #T20WCQ https://t.co/PZxmphRu3F pic.twitter.com/pk315JiRqo — hypocaust (@_hypocaust) September 12, 2021 × The four batters who fell to Douma's mankading were Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Janet Mbabazi whereas the bowler clean bowled Prosscovia Alako on the second ball of her first spell to hog the limelight during Uganda's innings. Despite Douma's dominance during Uganda's innings, the latter posted 190/6 in 20 overs and dismissed Cameroon for a paltry 35 in 14.3 overs to win the contest by a whopping 155-run margin.

Bizarre! Cameroon bowler Maeve Douma runs riot, 'mankads' four batters in T20 game vs Uganda - Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in style as he commenced his second innings at Manchester United with two goals in the Red Devils' 4-1 win over Newcastle United. In the Premier League clash, on Saturday (September 11), the crowd came in large numbers to witness&nbsp;the 36-year-old Ronaldo's return in United's jersey and he didn't disappoint his fans.&nbsp;

Ronaldo opened his account, in the extra time of the first-half, and once again send fans into a frenzy by adding one more goal to his tally in the 62nd minute. Seeing his son's historic return to the Red Devils' army, Ronaldo's mother got emotional and was moved to tears. For the unversed, Ronaldo's mother Maria Dolores was also in the stands whereas Sir Alex Ferguson, the Portugal captain's mentor in football, was also left beaming with pride seeing CR7's dream return from the stadium.&nbsp;

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Cristiano Ronaldo's mother and Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction to Ronaldo's Goal. <a href="https://t.co/kCdq6f03FZ">pic.twitter.com/kCdq6f03FZ</a>
— CR7 (@theCR7en) <a href="https://twitter.com/theCR7en/status/1436710134273748995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ronaldo’s Mum behind me after him scoring, my heart cannot cope <a href="https://t.co/klzl3Ysafm">pic.twitter.com/klzl3Ysafm</a>
— Ambo (@Ambo_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ambo_91/status/1436704438756970496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Just like his mother, Ronaldo's ardent fans were also emotional seeing his dream return in United's jersey. The team is looking stronger than ever, with the presence of Harry Maguire, David de Gea, Jesse Lingard, Bruno Fernandes, etc., and will look to go the distance and clinch the Premier League title this time around.&nbsp;

Post Ronaldo's sensational return, team manager Ole&nbsp;Solskjaer told after the match, "It feels like one of the old days. It’s special. Cristiano Ronaldo is a special man and a special player for us in the history of the club. Of course, everyone when they come into the team they have to introduce themselves, maybe not everyone knows his [Ronaldo] name. They do now," he added.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in style as he commenced his second innings at Manchester United with two goals in the Red Devils' 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in style as he commenced his second innings at Manchester United with two goals in the Red Devils' 4-1 win over Newcastle United. In the Premier League clash, on Saturday (September 11), the crowd came in large numbers to witness the 36-year-old Ronaldo's return in United's jersey and he didn't disappoint his fans. Ronaldo opened his account, in the extra time of the first-half, and once again send fans into a frenzy by adding one more goal to his tally in the 62nd minute. Seeing his son's historic return to the Red Devils' army, Ronaldo's mother got emotional and was moved to tears. For the unversed, Ronaldo's mother Maria Dolores was also in the stands whereas Sir Alex Ferguson, the Portugal captain's mentor in football, was also left beaming with pride seeing CR7's dream return from the stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo's mother and Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction to Ronaldo's Goal. pic.twitter.com/kCdq6f03FZ — CR7 (@theCR7en) September 11, 2021 × Ronaldo’s Mum behind me after him scoring, my heart cannot cope pic.twitter.com/klzl3Ysafm — Ambo (@Ambo_91) September 11, 2021 × Just like his mother, Ronaldo's ardent fans were also emotional seeing his dream return in United's jersey. The team is looking stronger than ever, with the presence of Harry Maguire, David de Gea, Jesse Lingard, Bruno Fernandes, etc., and will look to go the distance and clinch the Premier League title this time around. Post Ronaldo's sensational return, team manager Ole Solskjaer told after the match, "It feels like one of the old days. It’s special. Cristiano Ronaldo is a special man and a special player for us in the history of the club. Of course, everyone when they come into the team they have to introduce themselves, maybe not everyone knows his [Ronaldo] name. They do now," he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother gets emotional, Sir Alex Ferguson beams with pride on his historic comeback at Old Trafford - Watch

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli.

With Shastri's contract coming to an end after the marquee event and reports suggesting that the former cricketer isn't willing to extend his contract, some big names are expected to join the race to become Team India's head coach. Among them, Rahul Dravid is being considered as the strongest contender&nbsp;to replace Shastri.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Dravid also served as the stand-in head coach of a second-stringed Indian team during their Sri Lanka tour in late July. Thus, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly shared a big update on whether Dravid is in-line to replace Shastri post the T20 WC in the UAE.

"I understand he’s not interested (in the job) on a permanent basis.… But we haven’t asked him about it specifically. We will see when we come to it," Ganguly told&nbsp;The Telegraph.

The ardent Indian cricket fans are desperate to see Dravid take over from Shastri. The current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head Dravid has coached India A and the U-19 side in the past, from 2016-2019. Under his coaching, Prithvi Shaw-led India won the U-19 World Cup in 2018. It will be interesting to see if the former Indian captain gives his nod to serve as&nbsp;India's head coach post following Shastri's tenure.

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli.

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli. With Shastri's contract coming to an end after the marquee event and reports suggesting that the former cricketer isn't willing to extend his contract, some big names are expected to join the race to become Team India's head coach. Among them, Rahul Dravid is being considered as the strongest contender to replace Shastri. For the unversed, Dravid also served as the stand-in head coach of a second-stringed Indian team during their Sri Lanka tour in late July. Thus, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly shared a big update on whether Dravid is in-line to replace Shastri post the T20 WC in the UAE. "I understand he’s not interested (in the job) on a permanent basis.… But we haven’t asked him about it specifically. We will see when we come to it," Ganguly told The Telegraph. The ardent Indian cricket fans are desperate to see Dravid take over from Shastri. The current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head Dravid has coached India A and the U-19 side in the past, from 2016-2019. Under his coaching, Prithvi Shaw-led India won the U-19 World Cup in 2018. It will be interesting to see if the former Indian captain gives his nod to serve as India's head coach post following Shastri's tenure.

Will Rahul Dravid replace Ravi Shastri as Team India coach? Sourav Ganguly shares big update

R Ashwin returned to the limited-overs setup after a gap of three years when India announced a 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (September 8). The Virat Kohli-led Indian side is a good mix of youth and experience but Ashwin's addition surely came as a pleasant surprise as the wily off-spinner wasn't favoured in ODIs and T20Is since 2017.&nbsp;

Washington Sundar's untimely injury, in the run-up to the second leg of IPL 2021, led to Ashwin's name doing the rounds. As per a report in TOI, vice-captain Rohit Sharma had a huge role to play in Ashwin's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Rohit was involved in the team meeting, along with the Kohli-led team management, and voiced his opinion on how Ashwin has been tough to hit in the IPL in recent times.&nbsp;

Following Rohit, Captain Kohli also agreed and called for the inclusion of the off-spinner. In early 2021, Kohli was asked about the Delhi Capitals' (DC) spinner's addition to the limited-overs setup. Back then, the 32-year-old Kohli had mentioned how beneficial Washington Sundar has been for Team India. With his injury, Ashwin was seen as the perfect replacement for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spin-bowling all-rounder.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ms-dhonis-inclusion-as-mentor-is-huge-boost-to-virat-kohli-and-finishers-in-t20-world-cup-squad-manoj-tiwary-412018">EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary</a>

Here's a look at India's T20 WC squad, where they will being their campaign on October 24:

India's squad:&nbsp;Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy

Reserves:&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur

India are placed in Group 2, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams (who will join from the qualifiers).

R Ashwin returned to the limited-overs setup after a gap of three years when India announced a 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (September 8). The Virat Kohli-led Indian side is a good mix of youth and experience but Ashwin's addition surely came as a pleasant surprise as the wily off-spinner wasn't favoured in ODIs and T20Is since 2017.

R Ashwin returned to the limited-overs setup after a gap of three years when India announced a 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (September 8). The Virat Kohli-led Indian side is a good mix of youth and experience but Ashwin's addition surely came as a pleasant surprise as the wily off-spinner wasn't favoured in ODIs and T20Is since 2017. Washington Sundar's untimely injury, in the run-up to the second leg of IPL 2021, led to Ashwin's name doing the rounds. As per a report in TOI, vice-captain Rohit Sharma had a huge role to play in Ashwin's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Rohit was involved in the team meeting, along with the Kohli-led team management, and voiced his opinion on how Ashwin has been tough to hit in the IPL in recent times. Following Rohit, Captain Kohli also agreed and called for the inclusion of the off-spinner. In early 2021, Kohli was asked about the Delhi Capitals' (DC) spinner's addition to the limited-overs setup. Back then, the 32-year-old Kohli had mentioned how beneficial Washington Sundar has been for Team India. With his injury, Ashwin was seen as the perfect replacement for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spin-bowling all-rounder. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary Here's a look at India's T20 WC squad, where they will being their campaign on October 24: India's squad: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy Reserves: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur India are placed in Group 2, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams (who will join from the qualifiers).

How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports

Team India's squad for the T20 World Cup was announced on Wednesday (September 8). The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced a 15-man squad for the marquee event, which will be held in the UAE shortly after IPL 2021's second and final leg.&nbsp;

India's squad comprises a good mix of youth and experienced campaigners but the biggest surprise came in the form of&nbsp;MS Dhoni's inclusion. The former Indian captain, who announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, has been roped in as the team mentor for the showpiece event as Virat Kohli &amp; Co. will look to bank upon his vast experience, calm and composed nature, tactical acumen to end India's 8-year-long ICC title drought.

India have so far won the T20 World Cup only once, under Dhoni's leadership in 2007 whereas their last ICC trophy also came under the former skipper. Hence, his presence will be highly beneficial to Kohli-led brigade. Following the appointment of Dhoni in a new role, WION News' Aditya Sahay had an exclusive interaction with Bengal's veteran and Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary with regards to India's T20 WC squad, Dhoni and R Ashwin's surprise inclusion and more.

Will MS Dhoni's midas touch help India break the ICC title drought?&nbsp;

See, it is a huge boost for Team India. Having MS Dhoni around with the players which he has led over the period of time and even the youngsters....he has played with them in the IPL over a period of time. His experience will only help Kohli and the lower-order batters, who will have the responsibility to finish games. However, we got to realise that he's not going to be on field and play. His inputs will majorly help Kohli as a captain and the lower-order batters, but the performances will be solely dependent on the players.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-india-squad-for-t20-world-cup-announced-ms-dhoni-named-team-mentor-r-ashwin-included-411692">Virat Kohli's India squad for T20 World Cup announced, MS Dhoni named team mentor; R Ashwin included</a>

It is upto Virat and the lower-order batters to get the best out of him. They can know what he was thinking in those periods when he was under pressure and got the decisions right as captain and batsman. It is, thus, entirely upto them on how to maximise his presence to the best of their abilities.&nbsp;

When Dhoni was fading away, not many grabbed the opportunity of becoming a finisher, except Hardik Pandya. Hence, let's see how he can help the rest, especially in the knockouts. We have seen in recent past how India have struggled in semi-finals and finals. That is where his experience will help them the most, psychologically.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/twitterati-hilariously-trolls-gautam-gambhir-after-ms-dhoni-named-team-indias-mentor-for-t20-world-cup-411749">Twitterati hilariously trolls Gautam Gambhir after MS Dhoni named Team India's mentor for T20 World Cup</a>

'R Ashwin has been branded as a Test specialist which isn't right'

On Ashwin's inclusion: I think we all have branded Ashwin as a Test specialist. We shouldn't have done that. I can understand why he was getting picked. If you see the players who had replaced him, they were slightly better in other two departments, i.e. batting and fielding. He remains far better than all the other off-spinners in the country. But if you look at the others who replaced him, they were better in fielding and batting capacity. Overall, I think it is a great replacement.

Ashwin's record in T20 World Cup is exceptional (with 20 wickets in 15 innings in T20 WCs). Although he hasn't played limited-overs since 2017, he will still have the hunger and eagerness to prove that he belongs in this format. He has all the variations in his armoury to perform successfully and consistently. I have full faith on him to shine bright whenever given a chance in the World Cup.

For the unversed, India will commence their campaign in the T20 WC on October 24, versus Pakistan. They are in Group 2, with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan along with two other teams who will join from the qualifiers.

Team India's squad for the T20 World Cup was announced on Wednesday (September 8). The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced a 15-man squad for the marquee event, which will be held in the UAE shortly after IPL 2021's second and final leg.

Team India's squad for the T20 World Cup was announced on Wednesday (September 8). The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced a 15-man squad for the marquee event, which will be held in the UAE shortly after IPL 2021's second and final leg. India's squad comprises a good mix of youth and experienced campaigners but the biggest surprise came in the form of MS Dhoni's inclusion. The former Indian captain, who announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, has been roped in as the team mentor for the showpiece event as Virat Kohli & Co. will look to bank upon his vast experience, calm and composed nature, tactical acumen to end India's 8-year-long ICC title drought. India have so far won the T20 World Cup only once, under Dhoni's leadership in 2007 whereas their last ICC trophy also came under the former skipper. Hence, his presence will be highly beneficial to Kohli-led brigade. Following the appointment of Dhoni in a new role, WION News' Aditya Sahay had an exclusive interaction with Bengal's veteran and Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary with regards to India's T20 WC squad, Dhoni and R Ashwin's surprise inclusion and more. Will MS Dhoni's midas touch help India break the ICC title drought? See, it is a huge boost for Team India. Having MS Dhoni around with the players which he has led over the period of time and even the youngsters....he has played with them in the IPL over a period of time. His experience will only help Kohli and the lower-order batters, who will have the responsibility to finish games. However, we got to realise that he's not going to be on field and play. His inputs will majorly help Kohli as a captain and the lower-order batters, but the performances will be solely dependent on the players. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's India squad for T20 World Cup announced, MS Dhoni named team mentor; R Ashwin included It is upto Virat and the lower-order batters to get the best out of him. They can know what he was thinking in those periods when he was under pressure and got the decisions right as captain and batsman. It is, thus, entirely upto them on how to maximise his presence to the best of their abilities. When Dhoni was fading away, not many grabbed the opportunity of becoming a finisher, except Hardik Pandya. Hence, let's see how he can help the rest, especially in the knockouts. We have seen in recent past how India have struggled in semi-finals and finals. That is where his experience will help them the most, psychologically. ALSO READ | Twitterati hilariously trolls Gautam Gambhir after MS Dhoni named Team India's mentor for T20 World Cup 'R Ashwin has been branded as a Test specialist which isn't right' On Ashwin's inclusion: I think we all have branded Ashwin as a Test specialist. We shouldn't have done that. I can understand why he was getting picked. If you see the players who had replaced him, they were slightly better in other two departments, i.e. batting and fielding. He remains far better than all the other off-spinners in the country. But if you look at the others who replaced him, they were better in fielding and batting capacity. Overall, I think it is a great replacement. Ashwin's record in T20 World Cup is exceptional (with 20 wickets in 15 innings in T20 WCs). Although he hasn't played limited-overs since 2017, he will still have the hunger and eagerness to prove that he belongs in this format. He has all the variations in his armoury to perform successfully and consistently. I have full faith on him to shine bright whenever given a chance in the World Cup. For the unversed, India will commence their campaign in the T20 WC on October 24, versus Pakistan. They are in Group 2, with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan along with two other teams who will join from the qualifiers.

EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year. The all-rounder announced the news minutes after his country confirmed their World Cup squad late on Thursday (September 9). 
 
"The selection committee and ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media," Rashid Khan said in a statement on social media. 
 
"As the captain and responsible person for the nation I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team. I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately." 
 
Mohammad Nabi is expected to take the captaincy role for the World Cup. 
 
Rashid Khan was part of a spin-heavy roster announced for the prestigious tournament, joining fellow all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf in the squad. 
 
Front-line spinners Qais Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were also selected. 
 
Afghanistan will get their tournament underway in Sharjah on October 25 against one of two of the qualifying teams in Group B. Rashid and company will also face India, New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage. 
 
T20 squad: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran and Qais Ahmed. 
 
Reserves: Afsar Zazai and Farid Ahmed Malik. 
&nbsp;

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as Afghanistan T20 captain shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named their team for the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year. The all-rounder announced the news minutes after his country confirmed their World Cup squad late on Thursday (September 9). "The selection committee and ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) has not obtained my consent for the team which has been announced by ACB media," Rashid Khan said in a statement on social media. "As the captain and responsible person for the nation I reserve the right to be part of the selection of the team. I am taking the decision of stepping down from the role as the captain of Afghanistan T20 side effective immediately." Mohammad Nabi is expected to take the captaincy role for the World Cup. Rashid Khan was part of a spin-heavy roster announced for the prestigious tournament, joining fellow all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf in the squad. Front-line spinners Qais Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were also selected. Afghanistan will get their tournament underway in Sharjah on October 25 against one of two of the qualifying teams in Group B. Rashid and company will also face India, New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage. T20 squad: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Hamid Hassan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran and Qais Ahmed. Reserves: Afsar Zazai and Farid Ahmed Malik.

Rashid Khan steps down as Afghanistan skipper for T20 World Cup, Mohammad Nabi named captain

Leylah Fernandez`s storybook U.S. Open continued with yet another upset on Thursday as the Canadian teenager shocked second seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final. 
 
Rankings-wise, the second seeded Belarusian represented the toughest challenge yet for the 19-year-old lefhander but with a string of seeded victims behind her Fernandez had already shown she could not be intimidated. 
 
The Canadian has stated she could beat anyone and backed up the bravado with victories over four-time Grand Slam winner and defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber in the fourth and fifth seed Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals. 
 
One of the game`s big servers Sabalenka threw everything she had at Fernandez, including 10 aces, but had no better luck against the youngster, who played with veteran poise throughout the three-set thriller. 
 
"Impossible is nothing," said Fernandez. "Like my dad would tell me all the time, there`s no limit to my potential, to what I can do.&nbsp; Every day we just got to keep working hard, we got to keep going for it. There`s no limit to what I can do." 
 
Ranked number 73 in the world at the start of the U.S. Open, getting to the Grand Slam final would have been considered Mission Impossible by many, but on Saturday Fernandez will take on British qualifier 18-year-old Emma Raducanu, who has also beaten huge odds to set up an all-teenage final. 
 
It will mark the eighth time a Grand Slam final in the Open era will be contested by two teenagers, and the first since the 1999 U.S. Open between Serena Williams and Martina Hingis. 
 
When asked how she pulled off another upset, Fernandez said: "I have no idea. 
 
"I just wanted to be in the finals, I really wanted it." 
 
Sabalenka, bidding for her first Grand Slam final, came out all guns blazing, blasting away from baseline and racing to 3-0 lead in just eight minutes. 
 
But just as it looked as if Fernandez might be blown off the court she steadied herself and reproduced the kind of fearless shot-making that has made her the darling of Flushing Meadows. 
 
The Canadian broke back at 4-3 and went on to dominate the tiebreak 7-3. 
 
A fired up Sabalenka broke Fernandez to open the second set but the Canadian broke back to level at 2-2, driving a clenched fist into the air that has become her trademark salute. 
 
The Belarusian earned a decisive break to nose in front 5-4 and confidently held serve to send the match to a decider. 
 
But in a tense third set it was Sabalenka who cracked. Serving at 5-4 to stay in match she double faulted twice then sent a return long to gift victory to Fernandez, who dropped to the court and covered her face as the crowd roared. 
 
"This is what we call pressure," summed up Sabalenka. "I had a lot of opportunities and I didn`t use it. 
 
"Well, this is life. If you`re not using your opportunities, someone else will use it. "This is what happened today."

Leylah Fernandez`s storybook U.S. Open continued with yet another upset on Thursday as the Canadian teenager shocked second seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final.

Leylah Fernandez`s storybook U.S. Open continued with yet another upset on Thursday as the Canadian teenager shocked second seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final. Rankings-wise, the second seeded Belarusian represented the toughest challenge yet for the 19-year-old lefhander but with a string of seeded victims behind her Fernandez had already shown she could not be intimidated. The Canadian has stated she could beat anyone and backed up the bravado with victories over four-time Grand Slam winner and defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber in the fourth and fifth seed Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals. One of the game`s big servers Sabalenka threw everything she had at Fernandez, including 10 aces, but had no better luck against the youngster, who played with veteran poise throughout the three-set thriller. "Impossible is nothing," said Fernandez. "Like my dad would tell me all the time, there`s no limit to my potential, to what I can do. Every day we just got to keep working hard, we got to keep going for it. There`s no limit to what I can do." Ranked number 73 in the world at the start of the U.S. Open, getting to the Grand Slam final would have been considered Mission Impossible by many, but on Saturday Fernandez will take on British qualifier 18-year-old Emma Raducanu, who has also beaten huge odds to set up an all-teenage final. It will mark the eighth time a Grand Slam final in the Open era will be contested by two teenagers, and the first since the 1999 U.S. Open between Serena Williams and Martina Hingis. When asked how she pulled off another upset, Fernandez said: "I have no idea. "I just wanted to be in the finals, I really wanted it." Sabalenka, bidding for her first Grand Slam final, came out all guns blazing, blasting away from baseline and racing to 3-0 lead in just eight minutes. But just as it looked as if Fernandez might be blown off the court she steadied herself and reproduced the kind of fearless shot-making that has made her the darling of Flushing Meadows. The Canadian broke back at 4-3 and went on to dominate the tiebreak 7-3. A fired up Sabalenka broke Fernandez to open the second set but the Canadian broke back to level at 2-2, driving a clenched fist into the air that has become her trademark salute. The Belarusian earned a decisive break to nose in front 5-4 and confidently held serve to send the match to a decider. But in a tense third set it was Sabalenka who cracked. Serving at 5-4 to stay in match she double faulted twice then sent a return long to gift victory to Fernandez, who dropped to the court and covered her face as the crowd roared. "This is what we call pressure," summed up Sabalenka. "I had a lot of opportunities and I didn`t use it. "Well, this is life. If you`re not using your opportunities, someone else will use it. "This is what happened today."

'Impossible is nothing' as Canadian teen Leylah Fernandez into US Open final

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