Cricket’s newest sensation, Jake Fraser-McGurk, is added to Australia’s travelling reserve alongside all-rounder Matthew Short for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.

Cricket’s newest sensation, Jake Fraser-McGurk, is added to Australia’s travelling reserve alongside all-rounder Matthew Short for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Fraser’s blockbuster IPL debut turned heads all across, including during the squad selection for the 20-team tournament starting June 2, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed. Although he failed to break into the final 15 for the marquee event (and understandably so, given how stacked the top order is) the selectors couldn’t resist picking him eventually. As he travels with the senior squad for the first time since making his international debut early this year, McGurk will use this chance as a learning experience, preparing better for the future. McGurk hogged the limelight last year for smashing the quickest hundred in List A cricket (playing for South Australia) and soon got picked for the West Indies ODIs earlier this year. Though none of the 10 IPL teams picked him in the 2023 December auction, Delhi Capitals roped him in as an injury replacement midway into the tournament. The right-handed batter quickly made his mark by notching up 330 runs in nine matches, striking at 234.04, including four fifties, two of which came in 15 deliveries. His inclusion changed Delhi’s stance on the points table as they found momentum and returned to winning ways after a shaky start this season. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: 'We will go back...,' Nita Ambani on Mumbai Indians' 'disappointing' season Speaking on the same lines, Australia's head coach admitted that Fraser’s performance forced them to change plans at the last moment. "There's no doubt that he did turn our heads, and he was a huge discussion when it comes to the final 15," McDonald said in a chat with SEN radio. "He was running hot, and there's no doubt he will run hot into the future. "There's no doubt what he did in the IPL; he lit it up; he's an extraordinary talent, and he's going to give fans much delight across the journey. In discussing the 15-man squad, we needed to cover all bases in the way we wanted to play, and there was a lot of building that went into that over a period of time,” he added. Warner, Marsh’s injury status Outgoing veteran batter David Warner and T20I captain Mitchell Marsh are nearing full fitness from respective injuries while playing for DC in IPL 2024. McDonald revealed both will be fit for Australia’s first game against Oman on June 5, adding that Marsh will not bowl early in the tournament due to a slower-than-expected return from his hamstring injury. "We believe he's fully fit, everything he says he's fully fit…we have no fears that he won't be fit and fully available," McDonald said of Warner.

T20 WC: Jake Fraser’s IPL run reap rewards as star Aussie opener locked in as travelling reserve

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh is reportedly keen on applying for Team India’s head coach position. Harbhajan is the second high-profile Indian player after Gautam Gambhir, willing to replace Rahul Dravid for the top job.

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh is reportedly keen on applying for Team India’s head coach position. Harbhajan is the second high-profile Indian player after Gautam Gambhir, willing to replace Rahul Dravid for the top job. Rahul’s tenure ends with the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Besides, Harbhajan also picked Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant in the starting XI for the marquee event. On the day when media reports of BCCI seeking MS Dhoni’s assistance in convincing Stephen Fleming to apply for the soon-to-be-vacant post started doing rounds on the internet, Harbhajan’s interest in replacing Dravid has made this scenario exciting. As reported by the Times of India (TOI), Harbhajan revealed he hasn’t applied yet, but if an opportunity comes by, he will grab it with both hands. Bhajji continued by saying that what cricket offered him and helped him become who he is today, he’d like to give back to the game. ALSO READ: BCCI seeks MS Dhoni’s help in convincing Stephen Fleming for India’s head coach role – Reports "I do not know if I would apply. Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them. Cricket has given me so much, and if I get a chance to give it back, I would be more than happy,” Harbhajan said as quoted by TOI. Meanwhile, Dravid had denied reapplying for the head coach position despite BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming that the doors for him are always open. The newly-appointed head coach will take over the job from July 1 and his tenure will run for three and a half years. Sanju over Pant for Harbhajan Following a stunning season with the bat in hand and behind the wickets, Sanju Samson earned a call-up to the final 15 for the 20-team tournament starting June 2. Although Rishabh Pant was picked as the first-choice keeper, Harbhajan feels with both among the runs in IPL 2024, Sanju should be preferred to start ahead of Pant. "Rishabh Pant played well in the IPL. He has come out of his injuries. He looked fit, batted well and did some nice wicketkeeping. But Sanju played really well. I would like to see him get a chance. He has been performing consistently." "He has been scoring 60s and 70s and is not the old Sanju anymore who would score just 30s and 40s. But there has been no hurry in bringing Pant back, he worked really hard. I hope he does something special for India," Harbhajan said. India is placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Canada and Ireland. The Men in Blue will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5, while their marquee clash against Pakistan will take place in New York on June 9.

Harbhajan Singh keen on becoming India’s head coach; picks Samson over Pant for T20 World Cup

The cricket world went into a frenzy following Rinku Singh’s snub from India's 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter emerged onto the international scene (scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of over 175) following his successive outings in the Indian Premier League before this season.

The cricket world went into a frenzy following Rinku Singh’s snub from India's 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter emerged onto the international scene (scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of over 175) following his successive outings in the Indian Premier League before this season. While everyone expected him to break into the final squad for the 20-team tournament, the selectors decided against doing so, picking him in the travelling reserves instead. Despite the Indian Team nurturing him into a proper finisher in this format, Rinku’s absence shocked the cricketing fraternity; however, Rinku finally broke his silence on the T20 WC snub, saying he always dreamt of helping India win an ICC trophy. In a video posted on the IPL website, Rinku said, “Since I have played cricket, I have won some trophies at the junior level but not at the senior level. I am going to the World Cup. I want to hold the WC trophy; I hope we win. My dream is to win a big trophy for my country and lift it in my hands.” ALSO READ: T20 WC: Jake Fraser’s IPL run reap rewards as star Aussie opener locked in as travelling reserve Remaining optimistic about performing well and returning to the T20I setup, the KKR’s lower-order batter added, “Time is bad for someone who does not have his limbs; I have them. I am not going through a bad time.” The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked Shivam Dube as an extra batter alongside struggling all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Besides these two for the finisher’s role, India has two spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Meanwhile, for KKR this season, Rinku failed to get going, scoring just 168 runs from 11 outings, striking under-150. ‘Calm head amidst chaos’ Having gained prominence for hitting five successive sixes in a thrilling run chase against then-Gujarat Titans seamer Yash Dayal the previous season, Rinku admitted enjoying the success that came with that, adding he started getting recognised soon after. “I used to be wondering all the time if I would get to play further. I used to tell myself that I would do well in the next game and I should keep working hard. I kept working hard. “After those five sixes, my life changed. I started getting ads. People started to recognise me. Now I cannot go out alone. It feels good when hoardings of my name are there when people scream my name. I feel that I have done something in my life,” he added. However, of his role as a lower-order batter, Rinku said, "I have been playing at this number for long (in the middle order at number five or six), I know what to do. The more you keep yourself calm, the more you just react to the ball, it will be easier.” Meanwhile, Rinku’s KKR will take on SRH in IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 21) in Ahmedabad. (With inputs from agencies)

'Optimistic' Rinku Singh breaks silence on 2024 T20 World Cup snub, says 'My dream is...'

A day after the Indian Cricket Board approached former two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir for the soon-to-be-vacant Team India’s head coach position, ex-Australia coach Justin Langer shared his thoughts on what he called the ‘biggest job in cricket’.

A day after the Indian Cricket Board approached former two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir for the soon-to-be-vacant Team India’s head coach position, ex-Australia coach Justin Langer shared his thoughts on what he called the ‘biggest job in cricket’. Following Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) 18-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024 the other night, Langer – the franchise’s head coach, opened up on being a head coach of a national team. Following the conclusion of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the Americas, current Coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure will expire, with the new coach taking over the job from July 1, 2024, for three and a half years. Since Dravid has rejected the chance of reapplying for the same position, citing personal reasons, the BCCI took to social media to invite applicants for India’s head coach role, with its deadline being May 27 – one day after the IPL 2024 final. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Misery mounts for MI captain Pandya as BCCI slaps fine, one-match ban for slow over-rate vs LSG Explaining the challenges that come with this particular job, Langer said because of the volume of cricket and expectations of winning with this Indian Team, it would be a massive challenge for anyone applying for it. He added that the pleasure of winning an ICC trophy with this bunch of cricketers would be fun. "It would almost be the biggest job in cricket - being the head coach of the Indian cricket team," Langer said. "One, because of the huge volume of cricket and the huge expectation. It would be a great challenge. It would be great fun, and it would be a wonderful opportunity to win ICC titles,” he added. ‘It’s encompassing, exhausting’ Having coached the Aussie team earlier, guiding them to their maiden ICC T20 WC title in 2021, Langer said he knows what one goes through, adding Dravid and Ravi Shastri (former India coach) could tell everyone the same thing. "But with all these things, the timing has got to be right. I did four or so years with the Australian cricket team. It is all encompassing. It is exhausting. Rahul Dravid will probably tell you the same thing, and Ravi Shastri will probably tell you the same thing. The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive," Langer continued. Meanwhile, Langer coached LSG this season, guiding them to a sixth-place finish with seven wins and as many losses in 14 contested matches. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Biggest job in cricket but exhausting’ – Justin Langer on Team India’s head coach role

The Indian Cricket Board has approached two-time World Cup winner and former opener Gautam Gambhir to become Team India’s head coach following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, which ends with the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.

The Indian Cricket Board has approached two-time World Cup winner and former opener Gautam Gambhir to become Team India’s head coach following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, which ends with the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The BCCI is keen on having Gambhir on board as the next head coach, whose tenure would run for three and a half years, starting July 1, 2024. Per the latest reports, the board has zeroed in on Gambhir to take over the most important role in Indian Cricket. With Dravid’s tenure set to end in June, the BCCI released a statement last week seeking applicants to fill Dravid’s shoes as Team India’s head coach. The deadline for name submission is May 27, a day after the IPL 2024 final. ALSO READ: No Pakistan, England as BCCI's Jay Shah picks final four for T20 WC; weighs on IPL's Impact Player rule With ‘The Wall’ denying reapplying for the job despite BCCI secretary Jay Shah saying the doors are always open for him to take the role, several other options were considered, including former India legend and Dravid’s long-time teammate VVS Laxman. The National Cricket Academy head has also reportedly denied applying for the job. While Gambhir has yet to coach a national side, his resume in the IPL has been no less than impressive. A two-time IPL winner with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012 and 2014, Gambhir is currently the franchise's mentor, guiding them to their first-ever first-place finish in the group stages this season. Before rejoining KKR as the mentor ahead of this season, Gambhir coached Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their first two seasons, guiding them to playoffs both times. It is the third consecutive time that Gambhir-led side has entered the final four of an IPL season. Although he is busy with proceedings at KKR with the playoffs approaching, the BCCI will resume talks after the season ends on May 26 (Sunday). Gambhir – a hero of the game! Widely known for his clutch innings in two World Cup-winning finals (75 against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 WC final and 97 against Sri Lanka in the 2011 WC final), Gambhir was known for playing his heart on his sleeves. Even as a mentor or a coach for an IPL franchise, Gambhir has shown why he is heads and shoulders ahead of his contemporaries, with a sole aim in mind – to win. Meanwhile, some overseas names, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming, are being considered as options for the head coach position. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI approaches Gautam Gambhir for India’s head coach position - Reports

The BCCI secretary Jay Shah has picked his final four for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, excluding the defending champions England and India’s arch-rivals Pakistan.

The BCCI secretary Jay Shah has picked his final four for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, excluding the defending champions England and India’s arch-rivals Pakistan. Shah also touched upon the most talked-about ‘Impact Player’ rule in IPL 2024, further weighing on the yardsticks considered during team selection for the marquee events. Following the heartbreak India suffered at the hands of Australia in the home World Cup final last year, India geared up for the upcoming 20-team tournament starting June 2, aiming to end their ICC trophy drought. However, Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 before taking on Pakistan in the marquee clash on June 9 in New York. Co-hosts USA and Canada are the remaining two teams in Group A. In an exclusive chat with the Times of India (TOI), Shah named his four semi-finalists, including the Men in Blue and favourites India. “India, Australia, New Zealand and the hosts, West Indies, because they are good in T20,” Shah picked his final four at the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘I am not a result–oriented captain’ – Pandya reflects on debut stint as MI skipper While the star power and exploits in world cricket makes India the team to beat, former winners West Indies and Australia will also threaten all participating nations. Including New Zealand makes sense as they walk into any ICC tournament with the tag of favourites. When asked about the yardstick behind picking the team for the ICC tournaments, Shah said the teams are not picked alone on IPL performance, as international exposure and experience also count. His remarks have somewhat backed the selection of under-fire India captain Rohit Sharma and veteran batter Virat Kohli, who was under the radar for his strike rate in the shortest format. Speaking on the team balance for the T20 WC, Shah said, “It has a good balance between form and experience. The selectors cannot choose on the basis of IPL performance alone, as overseas experience is also necessary.” Shah’s remarks on ‘Impact Player’ rule Impact Player rule is a controversial topic, with several cricketing greats including former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting bashing this latest introduction to IPL, calling it the nightmare for the coaches and the captains. Shah differed on the issue, saying it’s a test case, and that the board is consulting players, teams and all parties concerned about their thought on the same. Although he accepts that the contest is getting exciting with this, upon receiving disapproval over its use, they can make changes to it. “It's a test case. We are consulting players, franchisees and all concerned. I feel the matches are getting more interesting, more Indian players are getting a chance to play. If our consultations reveal dissatisfaction, we will change it,” he said.

No Pakistan, England as BCCI's Jay Shah picks final four for T20 WC; weighs on IPL's Impact Player rule

Given his two-decade coaching credentials, Gary Kirsten’s appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball coach is a masterstroke. Although he hasn’t joined the team in person yet, Kirsten remains aware of the challenges he will deal with in the Pakistan Cricket camp.

Given his two-decade coaching credentials, Gary Kirsten’s appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball coach is a masterstroke. Although he hasn’t joined the team in person yet, Kirsten remains aware of the challenges he will deal with in the Pakistan Cricket camp. Having tasted success as a coach with the Indian Team before, Gary is no stranger to the dressing room environment in South Asian teams, vowing to help players unlock their mental blocks. With the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup beginning on June 2 in the Caribbean and the USA, Kirsten said he knows the aspects he will work on in the Pakistan team’s quest of tasting success at the 20-team tournament. The Men in Green are drawn in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, co-hosts USA, Canada and Ireland. Praising the Babar Azam-led Pakistan side, Gary said, like most people watching, he also gets mesmerised by the talent in the team but also remains aware of what’s stopping them from breaking barriers and winning everything in front of them. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup is not far away: Watson asks Hardik to step up with the bat in MI's last game in IPL 2024 "Everyone always talks about watching some of these players play on any given day and getting mesmerised by their abilities," Kirsten said in a chat with talkSPORT. "But in the short time I've had in connection remotely with the team, one can pick up very quickly what the potential blockages are. And I guess it's my role as a coach, to assist in unlocking the natural ability that they have,” he added. Kirtsen ready to clear the mess Pakistan cricket has gone through enough since the dismal 2023 World Cup campaign in India, where they failed to reach the semis despite favourable conditions. Pakistan lost to Australia (0-3) in the away Test series afterwards before losing to New Zealand 1-4 in T20Is. Although they drew the five-match series (2-2) against a second-stringed Kiwi team at home in April, they won the away three-match series against Ireland (2-1). Moreover, Babar Azam was sacked as the captain after the 2023 WC debacle, with Shaheen Afridi named the new T20I skipper for the New Zealand series, only for Babar to replace him again as the white-ball captain heading into the marquee event. Speaking on these lines, Kirsten said his coaching experience has taught him one thing about the teams that fail to win despite the plethora of talent, which is factions – something he knows how to deal with. "I've been around the coaching circuit enough to know that pretty much any team environment that's not winning, you will get factions. The fact is, it could be highlighted even more in certain cultures and environments. The one thing about being a coach of over 20 years now is that you get a little bit more thick-skinned. And that's the one thing I did learn from Bob [Woolmer], by the way. "He had a really thick skin by the end of his coaching career. Because you're just trying to do as best a job you can, accepting the fact that when the team's not doing well, there's always going to be a whole bunch of criticism," Pakistan’s new coach noted. Meanwhile, Pakistan will play England in the four-match T20Is starting May 22 in Leeds. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Thick skinned’ Kirsten vows to address mental block in Pakistan's quest for 2024 T20 World Cup glory

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged Sanju Samson to show the world his capability with his performances at the 2024 T20 World Cup. For his impressive run with the bat and as a leader this season for Rajasthan Royals, Sanju earned a place in the 15-man squad for the marquee tournament starting June 1.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged Sanju Samson to show the world his capability with his performances at the 2024 T20 World Cup. For his impressive run with the bat and as a leader this season for Rajasthan Royals, Sanju earned a place in the 15-man squad for the marquee tournament starting June 1. Although he is the second-choice keeper after Rishabh Pant, Sanju will get some games to prove his credentials in the T20 World Cup. "Now that you've gotten picked in the World Cup team, you have that opportunity-the kind that you need to make sure you start winning games for India if you get the chance. You have that experience of playing international cricket. You are not a newbie that you will wait any longer," Gambhir said in a chat with SportsKeeda. "You have tasted international cricket, and you've done well in the IPL, and now you have the chance to play the World Cup. So, hopefully, Sanju shows the world what he is capable of at this stage. International cricket, that too in a stage like the World Cup, when you flourish, the whole world watches and takes note,” Gambhir continued. RR captaincy to take Sanju forward Leading Rajasthan Royals in the IPL has helped Sanju get better at decision and stroke-making, pushing him to become a mature player. Speaking on the same lines, Gambhir said he never doubted Sanju’s talent; being aware of his abilities, Gautam said Sanju’s leadership (with RR) will help him deliver at the marquee event. ALSO READ: Broad fears England’s ‘inexperienced’ bowling attack could get exposed in Anderson’s absence "Just the quality of a player,” Gambhir said. “I don't need to see much. Five minutes are enough to figure out what kind of a player he is," Gambhir said. "Mentally, you always grow, and skill-wise as well. Otherwise, if you get stagnant, you won't be able to survive for too long. “The good thing is be it fitness, power-hitting, keeping or captaincy... he has not put a foot wrong. Through captaincy, you start accessing, judging better, reading better. That is when you also become a better batter. I hope Samson's captaincy reflects on his batting at the T20 World Cup if he gets a chance,” he concluded. Meanwhile, Rajasthan has struggled lately despite qualifying for playoffs this season. Their fourth straight loss, the latest of which came against Punjab Kings in Guwahati the other night, has put them in a spot of bother, considering the knockouts are around the corner. However, their last league match is against the table-toppers and Gambhir-mentored KKR side on Sunday (May 19) in Guwahati.

‘You’re not a newbie, start winning games for India’: Gambhir pushes Sanju Samson to utilise T20 WC chance

Current Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has not reapplied for the top position following his tenure conclusion after the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.

Current Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has not reapplied for the top position following his tenure conclusion after the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The top contender for the job, VVS Laxman, has reportedly denied taking up the opportunity. Laxman has been serving as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head for three years now, and upon contacting him to replace Dravid as the men’s team head coach, the veteran batter sounded ‘uninterested’. Per the latest report, Laxman was discussed as the possible contender to replace Dravid, but he refused to accept the offer for reasons known to him. BCCI released the job application on their social media handles, with the deadline being May 27. Though several top players in the team have urged Dravid to reconsider, the Indian veteran denied it, saying he wishes to spend more time with his family following the end of his contract tenure. ALSO READ: 'You won't see me...': Ahead of crucial CSK tie, Virat Kohli drops retirement bomb The incoming coach will hold the position for three and a half years The Indian Cricket Board seeking overseas options for Dravid’s replacement. Per several media reports, Chennai Super Kings head coach and former New Zealand Captain Stephen Fleming is considered the top choice. Though the BCCI hasn’t released the names of applicants yet, Fleming’s name is doing the rounds on the internet. As successful as his resume is, Fleming’s appointment could boost India’s chances of breaking the ICC trophy deadlock. Dravid’s tenure as Team India's head coach Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri as Team India's head coach in 2021, guiding them to the semis of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, the final of the second World Test Championship (WTC) edition and final of the home World Cup last year. But India fell shy of achieving their goal in all those contests. Under Dravid, India won the home Test series against Australia and England, while winning the Asia Cup last year was the highlight of his tenure. With the 20-team tournament being his last assignment, hopes are pinned on him to lead India to its maiden ICC trophy for the first time since 2013. Here is Team India’s squad for the 2024 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 and Mohd. Siraj Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan

Top contender for Team India’s head coach position denies offer as BCCI seek overseas options – Reports

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Babar starred in the final T20I against Ireland in Dublin, scoring 75 off 42 balls, including four sixes in an over to see his side home.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Babar starred in the final T20I against Ireland in Dublin, scoring 75 off 42 balls, including four sixes in an over to see his side home. With that, Pakistan won the series, gaining momentum heading into the four-match T20Is against England starting May 22 in Leeds. Babar top-scored in the series with 132 runs in three contested matches, striking at 148.31, bettering his numbers against New Zealand at home, wherein he scored 138. However, with the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Babar’s form at an improved strike rate could benefit Pakistan, who are looking to win the coveted tournament for the second time. Speaking during a special Star Sports Press Room, previewing the India vs Pakistan tie at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Misbah said outside noise should not affect the professionals; however, those top-class players take the positives out of the criticism and make most of the chances. Pointing towards Babar, Misbah said if the situation arises, Babar must bat at a strike rate of 160-170 during the marquee tournament starting June 1. ALSO READ: Stephen Fleming remains frontrunner for Indian men's cricket team head coach job "Outside noise does affect a player, but good players, who are mentally strong, top cricketers in the world, they take motivation from criticism. They write down those noises, that yes, I have to answer them on the ground. Somehow, they take motivation from those voices and criticism. And we saw he improved his strike rate against Ireland," Misbah-ul-Haq said. "Hopefully, he will bat like that and when the team requires that sort of an innings from him. If an anchor role is required, then anchor it is. But you have to be potentially ready to play at 160-170 or even a strike rate of 200 if the team needs it. It will be an important thing for Babar Azam to not bat at 130-140 strike rate if the team is chasing 200," the former captain continued. Pakistan ready for T20 World Cup Of all the top teams, Pakistan’s schedule in the lead-up to the tournament is the best, given they are playing 12 T20Is, concluding with the England series. Meanwhile, Pakistan is placed in Group A with co-hosts USA, arch-rivals India, Canada and Ireland. While Pakistan open their account on June 6 against the USA, they face the Men in Blue on June 9 in New York in the marquee clash. (With inputs from agencies)

Mishab-ul-Haq urges Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at T20 World Cup

Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid will have his tasks cut out during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1. While ensuring the Men in Blue are successful in their quest to win an ICC tournament would be his primary job, Dravid would also have to bring Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya together in a happier space.

Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid will have his tasks cut out during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1. While ensuring the Men in Blue are successful in their quest to win an ICC tournament would be his primary job, Dravid would also have to bring Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya together in a happier space. Although there is no rift per se, several social media reports suggested that both didn't share the best times in Mumbai Indians’ dressing room since Pandya’s appointment as the new captain. Bhogle wrote on the microblogging website X, saying he is astounded at how Mumbai performed this season, how despite having been one of the favourites at the start, they failed to make the most of this chance. He wrote, “The capitulation of #MI has to be the story of the tournament. A very large no of us believed they would make the playoffs. But given that it has not happened, we must look at it from an India perspective. Rahul Dravid's biggest immediate job would be to get two key players, the captain and the vice-captain, back in a good space and, critically, in form.” The capitulation of #MI has to be the story of the tournament. A very large no of us believed they would make the play-offs. But given that it has not happened, we must look at it from an India perspective. Rahul Dravid's biggest immediate job would be to get two key players, the… — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 12, 2024 × Playing their second-last game this season at the Eden Gardens against KKR the other night, MI lost by 18 runs, losing their ninth game this season. Although former captain Rohit is terribly out of touch since scoring a hundred against CSK at home, captain Pandya also struggled in every aspect of the game, including leadership. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: MS Dhoni to play his last match? CSK requests fans to stay back after clash vs RR Meanwhile, since Pandya was named Rohit’s successor at MI, the situation inside the dressing room has been a bit gloomy. Although they worked and trained as a team, several media reports suggested something else. Besides, Mumbai Indians’ performance dipped this season, with none of their star players, barring Suryakumar Yadav, managing to put up runs on the board. Jasprit Bumrah was their top bowler once again, but none could match his standards, leaving the side’s chances of making the top four in the mud. India gets ready for T20 WC India is drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts USA, Canada, Ireland and arch-rivals Pakistan. The marquee match between two Asian giants will take place in New York on June 9.

T20 WC: Coach Dravid must put Rohit and Hardik back in good space, reckons Harsha Bhogle

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya gracefully accepted his side’s defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, saying they didn’t apply themselves batting-wise despite sitting in a comfortable position early on in the chase.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya gracefully accepted his side’s defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, saying they didn’t apply themselves batting-wise despite sitting in a comfortable position early on in the chase. Pandya said the openers laid the foundation, but with the middle-order collapse, they fell behind in the run chase. Moreover, considering the form of two T20 World Cup-bound players – Rohit Sharma and the skipper himself, it adds to the worry for Indian Cricket fans. Mumbai bowled first after winning the toss, restricting KKR to 157 for seven in 16 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah and Piyush Chawla returning with two wickets each. The travelling MI side got off to a flyer with Rohit and Ishan Kishan adding 65 runs inside seven overs. However, losing five wickets for 27 runs later cost MI, as they failed to pick up momentum and go for the win. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Shreyas Iyer’s manifestation worked as KKR becomes 1st team to qualify for playoff “As a batting unit, the foundation was there, but we could not capitalise, and that cost us. The wicket was tacky, so momentum was important, but after that, we couldn't capitalise,” Hardik said during the post-match presser. “Their score was par, given the conditions, I thought the bowlers did well. When the balls returned from the boundary, it hit the cover and was wet. They did well. It seemed par but was a winning total. Just want to go and enjoy, play good cricket. That's been the motto from the start, but we haven't played enough good cricket,” the new captain continued. Rohit’s form a worry for Team India Meanwhile, Rohit hasn’t looked in his element since completing his first hundred this season against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede. Not only did he register a series of low scores, but the fashion he got out in those games was worrying. Something similar happened against KKR when he got out, caught while playing a half-hearted sweep shot off Varun. Considering his current form heading into the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the picture looks gloomy with the question of how he will find form during the tournament. Besides, MI captain Pandya’s overall performance has been below par this season. In 13 matches played, Pandya has scored just 200 runs at a strike rate of under 145, with 46 being his best. With the ball in hand, Pandya has picked 11 wickets at an economy of over ten, sending worrying signs to the Indian Team fans.

IPL: Pandya hails MI bowlers in KKR defeat but seniors’ poor form worries fans as T20 World Cup looms

The 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup in the USA will serve multiple purposes, including raising the game’s awareness and popularity among the locals, given Los Angeles is playing host to the 2028 Summer Games, where cricket returns after over a century.

The 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup in the USA will serve multiple purposes, including raising the game’s awareness and popularity among the locals, given Los Angeles is playing host to the 2028 Summer Games, where cricket returns after over a century. The USA’s Cricket Chairman Venu Pisike shared his views on how the country is preparing for the 20-team tournament starting June 1. While cricket remains the top sport in most participating nations, it still needs to find its place in the West, mainly in the US and Canada. The ninth edition of the T20 WC will be America’s first when they play their debut game in this tournament against Canada on the opening day. These two teams are drawn in Group A alongside Ireland and two Asian giants, India and Pakistan. Speaking to the PTI news agency, Pisike remained transparent on his thoughts on the cricket tournament’s introduction to the US, saying it will help build up the momentum, audience, and, eventually, engagement for the LA28 Games. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli is best batter of this generation, deserves World Cup medal - Yuvraj Singh lauds Indian star “So far, cricket is predominantly an expats' game, but with the marketing and promotion activities during the World Cup, there is some momentum and the World Cup will definitely boost the opportunities to expand the game in the USA," Pisike said, as quoted by India Today. “Definitely, the World Cup is bringing a lot of awareness, and then the opportunity for cricket to be in the Olympics that will definitely attract the community because the US is a huge sports country. “The Olympics is the prime area where all the sports bodies are focusing on since cricket is going to the Olympics. That will actually give more opportunities to expand the sport between the World Cup and the Olympics,” he continued. New York ready for blockbuster tie While several venues will host games in the Caribbean, only three are chosen in the US, including New York. Pisike said the 34,000-capacity newly-built stadium in the city's outskirts will be ready in one week, which will host the marquee match between India and Pakistan on June 9. Besides, the pitch to be used for the game is the drop-in one transported from Adelaide, Australia. "So, the new stadium that is being built in New York will be unveiled in a week's time. It will become a wonder of cricketing infrastructure to put up in a very short time," he said. "The pitches were recently brought in and dropped into the stadium. So, we are expecting decent pitches in terms of striking a balance between the bat and ball." The ICC suspended the previous cricketing body in the country owing to government interference and appointed a new one in 2019. Speaking on the same, Pisike acknowledged the changes. "The governance will be streamlined with the opportunity to become an Olympic National Governing Body because the US Olympics requires certain guidelines to be followed and certain policies to be adopted. In terms of financial management and other related activities, we are fully in compliance compared to the previous regime," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Co-hosting T20 World Cup will expand sports awareness and popularity in country, says USA Cricket chairman

Cricket West Indies has tightened security after a terror threat to the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting on June 1. Per the reports, the multi-team tournament has received terror threats from Pakistan in an attempt to disrupt proceedings at the global event.

Cricket West Indies has tightened security after a terror threat to the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting on June 1. Per the reports, the multi-team tournament has received terror threats from Pakistan in an attempt to disrupt proceedings at the global event. CWI CEO Jonny Graves said they were closely working with authorities to ensure everything falls in place. "We work closely with authorities in the host countries and cities and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event," Graves said, as quoted by Cricbuzz. "We want to assure all stakeholders that the safety and security of everyone at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is our number one priority, and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place," Graves added. As per the security agencies, "pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources have launched campaigns inciting violence against sporting events, which included video messages from the Afghanistan-Pakistan branch, IS Khorasan (IS-K), which highlighted assaults in numerous countries and urged supporters to join the battlefield in their countries." ALSO READ: Ex-SA skipper Dean Elgar blames head coach for 'Test career being cut short' | Here's Why Meanwhile, the local media in the Caribbean, including Trinidad's Daily Express, have reported that the island's Prime Minister Keith Rowley has said the security agencies are working with all concerned departments to combat the security threat to the T20 World Cup. He added that regional security officials are also on high alert, monitoring the situation. As per the intelligence, the potential threat to the 20-team tournament came through the Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) media group "Nashir Pakistan". Gearing up for T20 World Cup One of the newest additions to the ICC tournament, the T20 World Cup will get underway in the Caribbean and the USA from June 1 to 29. While West Indies play the hosts of this event for the second time, having hosting it in 2010 when England won their maiden title, the USA is co-hosting it for the first time. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago will be venues in the Caribbean, while Florida, New York and Texas are chosen as three venues in the USA, with New York hosting the marquee clash between India and Pakistan on June 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Cricket West Indies tightens security after T20 World Cup receive terror threat from North Pakistan

Indian cricket team's official kit sponsor, Adidas, on Monday (May 6) unveiled the senior men's jersey for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA in June. The Indian team will don the kit for the tournament, hoping to end their trophy drought in the ICC tournaments.&nbsp;

The sportswear giant released the unveiling video, featuring Indian captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The video shot at the HPCA Stadium in Himachal Pradesh shows a giant-sized replica of the Indian jersey flying in the backdrop of the picturesque Himalayas.&nbsp;

The new kit is starkly different from the 2021 World Cup kit which had a dark blue hue with orange highlights only featuring on the collar. Adidas has gone with a combination of traditional blue at the front, and orange features on the shoulders with Adidas stripes on it.&nbsp;However, the jersey has only one star instead of the three usually seen on India's limited-overs jerseys.&nbsp;

<h2>Why the Indian jersey has only one star?</h2>

The stars in the jersey usually represent the number of World Cups a team has won. Since India has won only one T20 World Cup in its history, during the inaugural 2007 edition, the team is sporting a lone star, above the BCCI badge on the left side of the jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similarly for the ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue have two stars to mark India's 1983 and 2011 ODI World Cup wins.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
One jersey. One Nation. 
Presenting the new Team India T20 jersey. 
 
Available in stores and online from 7th may, at 10:00 AM. <a href="https://t.co/PkQKweEv95">pic.twitter.com/PkQKweEv95</a>
— adidas (@adidas) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidas/status/1787468582416159087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Indian team has been sporting the Adidas kits since BCCI announced a lucrative, multi-year partnership in May last year. The apparel company has already designed the kits for the World Test Championship final as well as the ODI World Cup, held in India last year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-indias-squad-to-be-led-by-rohit-sharma-pant-samson-in-rahul-out-716656">Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2024: India's squad to be led by Rohit Sharma; Pant &amp; Samson in, Rahul out</a>

<h2>India's squad for T20 World Cup&nbsp;</h2>

The BCCI selection committee on April 30&nbsp;named the 15-member provisional squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retained their positions in the squad, several gun players have been left out by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which has raised eyebrows all around.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, according to ICC guidelines, all teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until May 25, after which&nbsp;any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee.

India squad:&nbsp;

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:&nbsp;Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian cricket team's official kit sponsor, Adidas, on Monday (May 6) unveiled the senior men's jersey for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA in June.

Indian cricket team's official kit sponsor, Adidas, on Monday (May 6) unveiled the senior men's jersey for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA in June. The Indian team will don the kit for the tournament, hoping to end their trophy drought in the ICC tournaments. The sportswear giant released the unveiling video, featuring Indian captain Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The video shot at the HPCA Stadium in Himachal Pradesh shows a giant-sized replica of the Indian jersey flying in the backdrop of the picturesque Himalayas. The new kit is starkly different from the 2021 World Cup kit which had a dark blue hue with orange highlights only featuring on the collar. Adidas has gone with a combination of traditional blue at the front, and orange features on the shoulders with Adidas stripes on it. However, the jersey has only one star instead of the three usually seen on India's limited-overs jerseys. Why the Indian jersey has only one star? The stars in the jersey usually represent the number of World Cups a team has won. Since India has won only one T20 World Cup in its history, during the inaugural 2007 edition, the team is sporting a lone star, above the BCCI badge on the left side of the jersey. Similarly for the ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue have two stars to mark India's 1983 and 2011 ODI World Cup wins. One jersey. One Nation. Presenting the new Team India T20 jersey. Available in stores and online from 7th may, at 10:00 AM. pic.twitter.com/PkQKweEv95 — adidas (@adidas) May 6, 2024 × The Indian team has been sporting the Adidas kits since BCCI announced a lucrative, multi-year partnership in May last year. The apparel company has already designed the kits for the World Test Championship final as well as the ODI World Cup, held in India last year. Also read | T20 World Cup 2024: India's squad to be led by Rohit Sharma; Pant & Samson in, Rahul out India's squad for T20 World Cup The BCCI selection committee on April 30 named the 15-member provisional squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retained their positions in the squad, several gun players have been left out by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which has raised eyebrows all around. Notably, according to ICC guidelines, all teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until May 25, after which any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee. India squad: 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 (With inputs from agencies)

Here’s why India’s T20 World Cup jersey unveiled by Adidas has only one star

Australia’s ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins won the internet with his savage reply on the possible four semi-finalists at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. During an interview with a TV channel, Cummins, replying to a question on the final four at June's marquee event, said Australia would be one of them, caring least about who the remaining three would be.

Australia’s ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins won the internet with his savage reply on the possible four semi-finalists at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. During an interview with a TV channel, Cummins, replying to a question on the final four at June's marquee event, said Australia would be one of them, caring least about who the remaining three would be. Although all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia’s T20I side, Cummins will play a handy role in determining their fate at the 20-team tournament scheduled in the Caribbean and the USA. During a recent chat, the interviewer asked Cummins to pick his final four, to which he instantly ‘Australia’. She further asked to name the remaining three, and Cummins said, ‘You can choose the other three’. Following a slight giggle, the interviewer asked him again, ‘Which three do you want?’ To which Cummins responded, ‘Don't care; you can pick any of them.’ Question - your Top 4 teams for the T20 World Cup? Pat Cummins - Definitely Australia, the other 3 you can choose. Question - which 3 do you want? Pat Cummins - don't care, you can pick any of them. pic.twitter.com/jyk7s5BiYZ — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 5, 2024 × Such a reply reflects how confident Cummins is of Australia going for the glory for the second time, winning it the first time in 2021 by beating New Zealand in the final. ALSO READ: Cricket West Indies tightens security after T20 World Cup receive terror threat from North Pakistan Cummins has brought Australia back into the reckoning for world domination since taking over the captaincy role in two formats. His first trophy as the Aussie captain was their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title last year, where they beat favourites India in a one-sided contest. Cummins-led Australia then drew the away Ashes 2-2, retaining the Ashes on the count of being the winners the last time. Later, he led his ODI outfit to their record sixth 50-over World Cup, beating the hosts and favourites India in the summit clash by six wickets. Although his record in the home series speaks for itself, Cummins’ trophy cabinet tells a lot about his leadership skills. He might be relieved of the captaincy duties at the upcoming T20 World Cup but continues to play a vital role in Australia’s quest for another shortest-format title. Cummins’ magic hits IPL Leading SunRisers Hyderabad this season, Cummins has brought his magic stick to the cash-rich league, guiding SRH to 10 points in as many games. Although the result section is one to worry about, considering they wish to finish in the top four, Cummins’ approach has brought him to the limelight. Besides, under Pat's captaincy, SunRisers Hyderabad scored over 250 thrice this season. Could he guide them to their second IPL title? Only time will tell.

Confident Cummins breaks internet with savage reply on possible T20 WC semi-finalists

India and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube secured his second consecutive duck in the ongoing IPL 2024, getting out to Rahul Chahar, caught behind on a first-ball zero against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.

India and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube secured his second consecutive duck in the ongoing IPL 2024, getting out to Rahul Chahar, caught behind on a first-ball zero against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. His under-par showing came just after his T20 World Cup call-up, wherein he pairs with Hardik Pandya in the 15-man squad for the marquee event, starting June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA. Watch the video – Ruturaj Gaikwad ✅ Shivam Dube ✅ Rahul Chahar marks his entry to the crease in style 😎 Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #PBKSvCSK pic.twitter.com/RWFurkFnj2 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 5, 2024 × Dube was CSK’s best batter in the lead-up to the T20 WC call-up, but just after that, he got out on zero in two back-to-back matches, both against Punjab Kings. In the home game in Chennai, Harpreet Brar trapped him in front on a first-ball duck, and on Sunday in Dharamsala, he edged one to the keeper off Chahar. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: VIDEO | MS Dhoni bowled for duck by Harshal Patel in CSK vs PBKS Until the last game, Dube was CSK’s best batter alongside Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, scoring 350 runs at a strike rate of over 170. He scored three fifties thus far, while smashing 26 sixes – third most thus far in this season. His exploits in the middle overs, batting at number four, lit up CSK’s campaign, mostly at home, as he racked up runs at will. However, two poor outings have humbled him, with CSK approaching the fag end of the tournament. Although Chennai has 10 points in as many matches, they still need to win at least two out of their remaining four games to push for a playoff berth. CSK put up a moderate total in Dharamsala Chennai batted first in Dharamsala against Punjab and lost opener Ajinkya Rahane early inside the second over. Captain Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell added 57 for the second wicket before Rahul Chahar picked two wickets in two balls, including Gaikwad and Dube. Mitchell departed soon after as Captain Sam Curran got his compatriot Moeen Ali out on 17 later. Two left-handed all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner, tried saving the sinking ship but couldn’t put pressure on the home side. Jadeja was their top-scorer with 43 off 26 balls, but Chahar and Harshal Patel made headlines for returning with three wickets each. Harshal even dismissed CSK legend MS Dhoni bowled on a first-ball duck as PBKS restricted CSK to 167 for nine.

IPL 2024: Two back-to-back ducks for Shivam Dube following T20 WC call-up - Watch Video

Kolkata Knight Riders ace seamer Mitchell Starc picked four wickets against hosts Mumbai Indians the other night and won the game for his side in IPL 2024, ending the 12-year winless drought at the Wankhede Stadium.

Kolkata Knight Riders ace seamer Mitchell Starc picked four wickets against hosts Mumbai Indians the other night and won the game for his side in IPL 2024, ending the 12-year winless drought at the Wankhede Stadium. Following the 25-run win, Starc shared his thoughts on the Impact Player rule, saying it changes the game’s equation as every team bats deep, but admitted that the scoring rate at the upcoming T20 World Cup will not be the same as it’s a different ball game. A memorable win for @KKRiders 🥳 They wrap up a solid performance to get past the #MI challenge 💜 💪 Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/iWTqcAsT0O#TATAIPL | #MIvKKR pic.twitter.com/YT6MGSdPkj — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2024 × Starc plays down poor bowling as the sole reason behind teams scoring over 250-run-per-inning, saying the pitches and boundaries have to do with this. Although Starc feels for the bowlers, he praised the batters for playing fearless cricket, mainly during the Powerplays, lauding some individual brilliance. ALSO READ: Unmukt Chand dropped, Corey Anderson picked as USA name 15-man squad for T20 World Cup "The Impact Player rule changes things a fair bit," Starc said at the press conference. "Everyone gets to bat a lot deeper having a batting and a bowling XI. There's a lot made of that rule throughout the tournament, and there's been a lot of high scores, which is the nature of the wickets and the grounds we play on here. When you have batters and batting all-rounders come in at Nos. 8 or 9, it's a long batting line-up. "There's no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is to clear the infield and score runs. Certainly, there has been some really good batting, don't get me wrong, it's not just the rules that play a part there. There's been some fantastic scoring, some fantastic partnerships and some individual brilliance with the bat," he added. T20 WC will not see such scoring rates This IPL season already has over half a dozen scores of 250-plus, with Punjab Kings chasing 261 against KKR in a record run-chase – the highest-ever in all T20s. However, given there is no Impact Player rule in international cricket, meaning only the chosen 11 players will play regardless of the situation, Starc doesn’t expect the same scoring rate at the 20-team tournament. He said that the all-rounders would come into play, and captains would be more tactical in their approach instead of having a cushion of playing any player per the game’s situation. “There's no Impact Player rule [in international cricket], so whether that affects the scores is yet to be seen. I think it probably will. People talk about the balance of the team when you can't just bring someone in. Your all-rounders come back into play. Captains have to think a bit tactically, too, when you have just 11 players. It's been interesting to experience it first-hand in the IPL,” Starc said. Meanwhile, the 2024 T20 World Cup begins on June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA.

Impact Player Rule: IPL’s million-dollar baby Mitchell Starc expects T20 World Cup to be different ball game

India’s U-19 World Cup winning captain, Unmukt Chand, found no place in USA’s 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup as former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson was picked for the marquee event.

India’s U-19 World Cup winning captain, Unmukt Chand, found no place in USA’s 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup as former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson was picked for the marquee event. While Monak Patel retains his place as the captain, Aaron Jones is named his deputy. USA is making its T20 World Cup debut and co-hosts the 20-team tournament alongside the West Indies. "USA Cricket (USAC) five member Men’s National Selection Panel has picked its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The tournament, set to commence on June 1 and jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies, will see Monank Patel lead the team once again. The same squad will also play against Bangladesh in Houston, Texas for the three T20Is bilateral matches ahead of the World Cup,” USA’s official statement read. It's almost time to defend our home turf in the @T20WorldCup! Here is our 15-player squad that will be representing the United States in the World Cup beginning on June 1!#WeAreUSACricket #T20WorldCup #TeamUSA #Cricket pic.twitter.com/phnzT2Ce48 — USA Cricket (@usacricket) May 3, 2024 × Chand, who retired from Indian cricket after failing to make it to the senior team, moved to the USA to ply his trade in several franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide, and eventually represent America in World Cups. After he got snubbed from the squad for the five-match T20Is against Canada, which USA won 4-0, Chand was overlooked in the final 15 for the marquee event. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Rovman Powell to lead West Indies' 15-man squad; no international return for Sunil Narine On the contrary, ex-Kiwi star Corey Anderson, who played two T20 WCs for the BlackCaps before (2014 and 2016), alongside the 2015 50-over World Cup, got picked, returning to play the ICC tournament after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, former Pakistan U-19 cricketer, Shayan Jahangir, is recalled to the side at the expense of Gajanand Singh, who made scores of 1* and 0 against Canada in the recently-concluded series. Although Jahangir’s exclusion from the Canada series surprised everyone, as he was USA’s leading run-scorer at the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, his last-moment selection brings stability to the side. Talismanic bowler Ali Khan returned to the side following an injury layoff, as former Canada captain Nitish Kumar found a place in the final 15, thanks to his 64 in his only appearance against Canada. Former Delhi and RCB batter, Milind Kumar, alongside Andries Gous and Steven Taylor make up for the remainder of USA’s batting line up. Here is USA’s final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup – Monank Patel (captain, wk), Aaron Jones (vice-captain), Andries Gous (wk), Steven Taylor, Corey Anderson, Nitish Kumar, Shayan Jahangir (wk), Milind Kumar, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Jessy Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige and Nisarg Patel

Unmukt Chand dropped, Corey Anderson picked as USA name 15-man squad for T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar revealed that IPL performances had less to do with the squad announcement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, as the selectors and the leadership group had already thought of the core team before the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league got underway.

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar revealed that IPL performances had less to do with the squad announcement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, as the selectors and the leadership group had already thought of the core team before the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league got underway. Following naming the final 15 for the 20-team-tournament starting June 2 in the Caribbean and the USA, Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media in Mumbai on Thursday (May 2). Reflecting on the squad selection for the marquee event, Rohit said considering India is not playing any T20I in the lead-up to the tournament, and with the IPL presenting the only chance for the chosen players to get match practice, the leadership group decided on the core group and the playing XI in their heads before IPL 2024. He added that there were intense talks and behind-the-scene preparations for the T20 World Cup during the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League. ALSO READ: 'He has done nothing...': Ajit Agarkar on Rinku Singh's exclusion from T20 WC squad "We sort of make your playing XI in your mind and try and work around it. A lot of the prep and the talk happen during the IPL, and a lot of these guys have been playing this format for a while. It's not like there's anyone new. They all have been playing international cricket and the IPL. The talk of what our 15 was going to be like started much before the IPL,” Rohit said. IPL is not the yardstick for selection With 70-80% of the squad already decided, the selectors were looking at IPL 2024 performances for those remaining places up for grabs. While most selections are on expected lines, the addition of Shivam Dube, Yuzvendra Chahal and most likely that of Yashasvi Jaiswal had more to do with their IPL 2024 outings. "We just had to look at a few individuals during the IPL. In the IPL, the performance changes every day, and you can't really change your plan around it. We had an idea of what our core group, 70-80 per cent of the squad before the IPL. And a few changes after that, we were prepared for that as well," Rohit added. As far as fans are concerned, they were shocked to see Rinku Singh’s absence from the main squad, with the BCCI having him on board as part of the travelling reserves. However, like all participating teams, India can make amends to their final 15 till May 24. Here is India’s squad for 2024 T20 World Cup – Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), 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 and Mohd. Siraj

Core team for T20 World Cup was decided before IPL 2024, reveals Rohit Sharma

Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh wishes to regain full fitness ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, starting June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA. Marsh added he hopes not to suffer any injury setbacks in the lead-up to the tournament, with the former champions facing Oman in their first league game on June 6 in Barbados.

Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh wishes to regain full fitness ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, starting June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA. Marsh added he hopes not to suffer any injury setbacks in the lead-up to the tournament, with the former champions facing Oman in their first league game on June 6 in Barbados. Marsh was part of the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2024, but after his appearance for the franchise on April 3, he returned home to get treated for a right hamstring strain. Two weeks later, the Capitals informed everyone of Marsh missing the remainder of the tournament as the injury was taking longer than expected to heal. Speaking to the media for the first time since the T20 World Cup squad announcement, Marsh addressed the final 15 and how he feels about his injury status. ALSO READ: Pakistan recall Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali for UK tour as T20 WC squad announcement looms "The hammy (hamstring) is good, it's coming along really well," Marsh said. "It's pretty much exactly where we want it to be. It's one of those things. Just got to get it right over the next three weeks and get on the plane. "If we had to play tomorrow, I would be in a bit of trouble. Still a couple of weeks away, and the timing probably sits perfectly barring any setbacks,” the newly-appointed T20I captain noted. Meanwhile, Australia’s 15-man squad is filled with match-winners in each department - batting, bowling or the all-rounders. Australia retained most of the players from the past edition at home but overlooked an exciting prospect in Jake Fraser-McGurk. While his exclusion is understandable, given how the Aussies go about backing players and picking squads for multi-team tournaments, Marsh sounded confident in chasing another ICC trophy with the team at the helm. "Anytime there's a World Cup team picked, there's only 15, and some guys have to miss out," Marsh said and added, "But I think we've got a really great squad that we've picked, we've got a lot of versatility, a lot of experience. And that brings a lot of excitement." Brisbane to host training camps for non-IPL players While most of the chosen players for the 20-team tournament are busy playing the IPL in India, those away will attend the two training camps in Brisbane over the next two weeks to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis and Captain Marsh are the ones to train there before flying to the West Indies and the USA for the T20 World Cup. Per the latest report, Marsh could be part of both camps, keeping it light in the first one. Moreover, outside of the first squad, Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson – two players who could travel as part of the reserves, will also be there.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh hopes to regain full fitness in time for T20 World Cup

Pakistan has named seamers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali in the 18-man squad for the Ireland and England T20Is starting May 10. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they will announce the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup among these chosen 18 players before May 24 (the deadline).

Pakistan has named seamers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali in the 18-man squad for the Ireland and England T20Is starting May 10. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they will announce the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup among these chosen 18 players before May 24 (the deadline). Besides these two pacers, keeper-batter Azam Khan and all-rounder Salman Agha also got picked. Pakistan will play seven T20Is in the UK, three against Ireland and four against England, before leaving for the Caribbean and the USA for the 20-team tournament. While returnees Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim retained their places for the UK tour, Pakistan dropped spinner Usama Mir and seamer Zaman Khan. ALSO READ: BCCI to offer Mayank Yadav a pace-bowling contract as LSG seamer set to miss IPL 2024 with injury Meanwhile, Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I two years ago in 2022, has been recalled for his star performances in PSL 2024, where he picked 14 wickets, at par with Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi. Rauf, dropped for the home T20I series against New Zealand, returns as PCB seeks to name the best 15 for the marquee event. Maintaing balance is key Considering the slow nature of the pitches in the West Indies and the USA, Pakistan wishes to keep its hands full in the spin-bowling department, with the inclusion of Salman Agha. The 30-year-old will pair up with Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan in the squad, fighting for a spot in the final 15 for the T20 World Cup. "Crafting this squad was a challenging task due to the outstanding talent available. After thorough deliberation and considering various cricketing aspects, we have finalised these 18 players," the PCB said in a statement. "The squad encompasses a robust top-order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan; an effective middle-order with Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Irfan Khan; versatile all-rounders in Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha; a pace battery led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi; and the spin prowess of Abrar Ahmed. "We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed, and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available if required,” it concluded. Here is Pakistan’s 18-man squad for Ireland and England T20Is – Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Pakistan recall Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali for UK tour as T20 WC squad announcement looms

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will get underway in the Caribbean and the USA from June 1, 2024. With all 20 participating teams already asked to submit their provisional squads for the marquee event by May 1 (the deadline), we bring you the latest update on the squad announcements.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will get underway in the Caribbean and the USA from June 1, 2024. With all 20 participating teams already asked to submit their provisional squads for the marquee event by May 1 (the deadline), we bring you the latest update on the squad announcements. While West Indies played hosts to this format’s World Cup in 2010 when England won the title, the USA is roped in as the co-hosts for the first time. The tournament will end on June 29. On Monday (April 29), the 2021 edition’s runner-up, New Zealand, became the first team to name their final 15 for the tournament, also launching their jersey for the T20 World Cup, which is almost similar to the one they wore during the 1999 World Cup in the UK. Our squad for the @t20worldcup in the West Indies and USA in June 🏏 MORE | https://t.co/a8cLkEjSDH #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OUwHjEdaPn — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 29, 2024 × ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Rishabh Pant to be considered for vice-captaincy role ahead of Hardik Pandya - Report Cricket South Africa also released their kit but are yet to name their squad. Meanwhile, all eyeballs will be on the squad submission of some top-ranked sides like the hosts West Indies, defending champions England, the 2021 edition winner Australia, and two powerhouses from Asia – India and Pakistan. Here is the complete list of squads announced by each participating team at the 2024 T20 World Cup – England: Jos Buttler (capt, wk), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood. India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs. Afghanistan: Yet to be announced Australia: Yet to be announced Bangladesh: Yet to be announced Canada: Yet to be announced Ireland: Yet to be announced Namibia: Yet to be announced Nepal: Yet to be announced Netherlands: Yet to be announced Oman: Yet to be announced Papua New Guinea: Yet to be announced Pakistan: Yet to be announced Scotland: Yet to be announced Sri Lanka: Yet to be announced Uganda: Yet to be announced United States: Yet to be announced West Indies: Yet to be announced

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Latest updates of all squads named so far

Jake Fraser-McGurk is the most-talked-about name in world cricket, with his exploits for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 speaking for itself. Considering the deadline date for the upcoming T20 World Cup (May 1) is approaching, Jake’s name is said to be discussed within the selection committee, with former stars like Mark Waugh and Michael Clarke backing him to break into the squad.

Jake Fraser-McGurk is the most-talked-about name in world cricket, with his exploits for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 speaking for itself. Considering the deadline date for the upcoming T20 World Cup (May 1) is approaching, Jake’s name is said to be discussed within the selection committee, with former stars like Mark Waugh and Michael Clarke backing him to break into the squad. The young right-hander wasn’t even a household name until last year; however, after making headlines for smashing the fastest List-A hundred in just 29 balls (for South Australia last year), he attracted eyeballs from all across. Soon after, he made his international debut against West Indies, hitting 41 off 18 balls in just his second ODI. Although all 10 IPL teams overlooked him at the December auction last year, the Delhi Capitals roped in the 22-year-old as an injury replacement mid-way into the tournament. Of the 10 matches DC played thus far this season, Jake played five, hitting 247 runs, including three fifties – two of which came in 15 or fewer balls. ALSO READ: 'Won't be in my team': Sehwag on Ashwin's lack of wickets; says RR star might go unsold in IPL 2025 auction Former Australia opener Mark Waugh was stunned by Jake’s innings against Mumbai Indians at home, where he smashed 84 off 27 balls, batting at the top. Waugh took to social media, saying Jake must be one of the first names to be on the flight to the Caribbean and the USA for the marquee event. Backing him to take up the opener’s slot, Waugh posted on X, “Should be the first name on the sheet. Absolute certainty to be picked and open the batting in the World Cup.” Should the first name on the sheet. Absolute certainty to be picked and open the batting in the World Cup. — Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) April 28, 2024 × Former Aussie captain Michael Clarke also shared his thoughts on Jake’s potential selection, saying the Geroge Bailey-led selection committee must start considering him for the 20-team tournament. "The selectors have to be thinking about him now, with the team just a few days away from being selected," Michael Clarke said last week, as quoted by cricket.com.au. "It's hard to leave him out, to be honest, the way he's played so far." ‘He’s a risk taker’ Recently-retired ex-Australia captain Aaron Finch also echoed the same, adding Jake’s style of play is that of a risk taker, and with comes a lot of perks. "The way he plays – yes, it's high risk, but high risk is high reward – so you have to make sure you put the right structure around them and almost make their performances just the cherry on top on the rest of the side," Finch said on the Willow Talk podcast recently. Meanwhile, Australia’s final 15 is more or less selected, with one or two additions to the side, including that of Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s selection a topic of discussion for selectors as former stars back him for T20 WC spot

England and Yorkshire batter Harry Brook has dedicated his County Championship runs to his late grandmother, Pauline, who passed away in March this year. Brook, who returned to competitive cricket for the first time since December 2023, scored two hundreds against Leicestershire and Derbyshire, respectively, further sharing his thoughts on an England return for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.

England and Yorkshire batter Harry Brook has dedicated his County Championship runs to his late grandmother, Pauline, who passed away in March this year. Brook, who returned to competitive cricket for the first time since December 2023, scored two hundreds against Leicestershire and Derbyshire, respectively, further sharing his thoughts on an England return for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Brook was very close to his grandmother; he always admired her, as she stood by him and helped him become the player he is today. In January this year, while Brook was training with the England Team in Abu Dhabi for the India tour, he received news of Pauline feeling sick. He rushed home straightaway. Brook missed the India series, and after his grandmother passed away a couple of months later, he decided against playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. ALSO READ: Jake Fraser-McGurk’s selection a topic of discussion for selectors as former stars back him for T20 WC spot However, he returned to the cricket field for Yorkshire in the County Championship in April, scoring runs at will, including hitting a 69-ball hundred against Leicestershire. Sensational. Harry Brook put on a show at Headingley yesterday pic.twitter.com/3c9yrZUUG3 — Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) April 28, 2024 × He looked up at the sky as he celebrated his comeback ton, and upon speaking with the media for the first time since his grandmother’s death, Brook said, "Both of those hundreds [for Yorkshire this season] and all of the runs I've scored so far this year are all dedicated to her." "When I came home from Abu Dhabi, it was a very tough time, and I'm glad I did come home. Obviously, it was a big decision to make. I hadn't played hundreds of games for England, so to just turn down a big Test tour like that [India] was a big decision to make. "But she comes before all of that. She would have come out there a couple of years ago, so I had to come back and support her as much as I could. I managed to take her out for a coffee and whatnot in that first week I was back,” he added. Brook ready for England return Brook won the T20 World Cup in Australia two years ago and says he is as excited for the title defence as anyone in the team. England’s white-ball Captain, Jos Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott will name the provisional 15-man squad for the marquee event on April 30 (Tuesday), with Brook likely to be part of it. "I'm looking forward to it if selected," Brook said of the T20 World Cup. "We join up at the end of next month. I'm looking forward to being back with the lads and hopefully producing the goods for England again,” he concluded.

Emotional Harry Brook dedicates County tons to late grandmother as he eyes England comeback during T20 WC

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India captain Rohit Sharma are said to have an informal meeting on the team selection for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Caribbean and the USA) in New Delhi as the deadline date (May 1) for the squad submission nears.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India captain Rohit Sharma are said to have an informal meeting on the team selection for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Caribbean and the USA) in New Delhi as the deadline date (May 1) for the squad submission nears. Under ICC’s regulations, all participating teams must submit their final squads one month before the start of the tournament, which gets underway on June 1. As per the latest reports, Agarkar flew to the national capital to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians IPL clash the other day and is said to be sitting with Rohit before the selectors decide on the final 15 for the 20-team tournament. Although most of the first-team players will walk into the side for the marquee event, the decision-makers will discuss the selection of a couple of players. Earlier reports suggested that there won’t be many surprises in the final 15, with the focus on MI captain Hardik Pandya. Under Pandya’s captaincy, Mumbai has struggled to find a rhythm, losing six out of the nine contested matches. While Pandya looks out of sorts as he struggles with the bat in hand, selectors would look into how he bowls as they wish to name one of the two between Pandya and Shivam Dube for the all-rounders’ slot in the Indian Team. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: CSK coach Michael Hussey comes in defence of Ravindra Jadeja over batting concerns Meanwhile, Dube has pressed for his case for selection with his outstanding show this season, with the ball in the selectors’ court on whom to pick. Outside of the regulars, including Rishabh Pant as the first-choice keeper, KL Rahul is said to be leading the race for the backup choice, with Sanju Samson lagging despite power showing in IPL 2024. For the middle and lower order, two batters to be discussed are Rinku Singh and MI’s Tilak Varma. While both have impressed with their constant performances this season, Rinku might make the cut ahead of Varma. Who’d be the bowlers? Ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are the likely contenders for the pace department; the selectors are also keen on picking two spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, with Kuldeep Yadav being the lone specialist. However, the selectors are not ruling out the inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal or Ravi Bishnoi as the second-choice spinner, with Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar in line to find a place in the side for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup: Agarkar, Rohit to have informal meeting on team selection in Delhi as deadline date nears

Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk has talked highly of his idol and IPL teammate David Warner but confirmed that the 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection is not on his mind. Fraser took IPL 2024 by storm despite coming in as an injury replacement for Lungi Ngidi at Delhi Capitals. The right-handed batter, a newcomer to international cricket, made headlines for his 15-ball fifty against SunRisers Hyderabad in the previous game.

Sharing the dressing room with one of modern-day cricket’s greats, let alone from Australia, Warner, Fraser McGurk said David is approachable, unselfish and a team man. Jake continued saying he has bonded well with Warner, cherishing this blooming friendship.

“Having him here and knowing him quite well, we have got a nice connection, got a beautiful friendship,” Fraser-McGurk said of David Warner in IPL 2024 to AFP.&nbsp;

“I met Davey (David Warner) a while back in the BBL. Then ran some drinks for the Australian one-day team a couple of years back and then played with him in Dubai.”&nbsp;

“When the talk is about the game, then you understand how much experience he has and what he's done. He has time for everyone; he is very unselfish and does what his team need,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2024-t20-world-cup-pandyas-selection-in-question-as-rayudu-irfan-pick-their-15-man-india-squads-714591">2024 T20 World Cup: Pandya’s selection in question as Rayudu, Irfan pick their 15-man India squads</a>

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old caught everyone's attention for smashing a record-breaking 29-ball hundred in List-A cricket for South Australia last year. Though none of the 10 teams at the December IPL auction picked him in the first place, his introduction to the IPL opened doors for his chances of breaking into the Australia side for the 2024 T20 World Cup starting June 1.

He, however, admits that squad selection for the 20-team-tournament is not at the forefront of his mind.

"Mitch Marsh was obviously with Delhi, and he said we are going to Barbados and America and all that stuff," said Fraser-McGurk. "I was like, 'Are you playing there?' and he was like, 'No, the World Cup'."

"Obviously, it's not on the forefront of my mind,” the young Aussie batter continued.

<h2>Fraser is a three-format player</h2>

Delhi Capitals’ head coach and Australia great Ricky Ponting said that Jake Fraser is a ‘serious talent’ but admitted that he is far from being a finished product. Ponting added that Jake has it in him to become a three-format player for the Aussies.

"I would love to be able to spend more time with him one-on-one and work on his batting," Ponting said. "I think he can be a three-format player for Australia."

Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk has talked highly of his idol and IPL teammate David Warner but confirmed that the 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection is not on his mind.

Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk has talked highly of his idol and IPL teammate David Warner but confirmed that the 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection is not on his mind. Fraser took IPL 2024 by storm despite coming in as an injury replacement for Lungi Ngidi at Delhi Capitals. The right-handed batter, a newcomer to international cricket, made headlines for his 15-ball fifty against SunRisers Hyderabad in the previous game. Sharing the dressing room with one of modern-day cricket’s greats, let alone from Australia, Warner, Fraser McGurk said David is approachable, unselfish and a team man. Jake continued saying he has bonded well with Warner, cherishing this blooming friendship. “Having him here and knowing him quite well, we have got a nice connection, got a beautiful friendship,” Fraser-McGurk said of David Warner in IPL 2024 to AFP. “I met Davey (David Warner) a while back in the BBL. Then ran some drinks for the Australian one-day team a couple of years back and then played with him in Dubai.” “When the talk is about the game, then you understand how much experience he has and what he's done. He has time for everyone; he is very unselfish and does what his team need,” he added. ALSO READ: 2024 T20 World Cup: Pandya’s selection in question as Rayudu, Irfan pick their 15-man India squads Meanwhile, the 22-year-old caught everyone's attention for smashing a record-breaking 29-ball hundred in List-A cricket for South Australia last year. Though none of the 10 teams at the December IPL auction picked him in the first place, his introduction to the IPL opened doors for his chances of breaking into the Australia side for the 2024 T20 World Cup starting June 1. He, however, admits that squad selection for the 20-team-tournament is not at the forefront of his mind. "Mitch Marsh was obviously with Delhi, and he said we are going to Barbados and America and all that stuff," said Fraser-McGurk. "I was like, 'Are you playing there?' and he was like, 'No, the World Cup'." "Obviously, it's not on the forefront of my mind,” the young Aussie batter continued. Fraser is a three-format player Delhi Capitals’ head coach and Australia great Ricky Ponting said that Jake Fraser is a ‘serious talent’ but admitted that he is far from being a finished product. Ponting added that Jake has it in him to become a three-format player for the Aussies. "I would love to be able to spend more time with him one-on-one and work on his batting," Ponting said. "I think he can be a three-format player for Australia."

IPL: DC’s Jake Fraser-McGurk talks highly of idol Warner, says he’s not thinking about T20 World Cup selection

A multi-time Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24). Bolt believes an ICC tournament in America can change the game’s landscape and help it prosper, only for it to boom and peak for its comeback at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

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Usain Bolt announced as the brand ambassador of 2024 T20 World Cup. (Video - ICC) <a href="https://t.co/xCFYm7vOdv">pic.twitter.com/xCFYm7vOdv</a>
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Bolt grew up playing cricket in Jamaica before switching to track and field and has a special place for this sport in his heart. Speaking to the ICC upon getting bestowed as the ambassador for the 20-team-tournament, Bolt said he is thrilled and honoured to be picked by the ICC for this and that he looks forward to bringing his energetic vibe to the T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-dcs-jake-fraser-mcgurk-talks-highly-of-idol-warner-but-claims-not-to-think-about-t20-world-cup-selection-714603">IPL: DC's Jake Fraser-McGurk talks highly of idol Warner but claims not to think about T20 World Cup selection</a>

“I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” Bolt said to the ICC. “Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to be part of such a prestigious tournament.”

“I look forward to bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the World Cup and contributing to the growth of cricket globally,” he continued.

Sharing proximity with the American audience and cricket as a sport, Bolt knows this fusion will exceed all expectations. Bolt believes with a major ICC tournament breaking into the USA market, the atmosphere during the month-long event will be full of vibe and life, with fans enjoying the dance, music and cricket collaboration.&nbsp;

"America believes a lot in sport and high intensity, and for me to get into that market is big,” Bolt suggested. "When they follow a sport, they follow a sport properly, and they go all in, and I feel like if they can crack into it, they will get into it the right way."

"If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 (World Cup) it is going to be wonderful," Bolt said.

<h2>Olympic medal matters</h2>

Bolt - perhaps the greatest track and field athlete, believes winning the World Cup in cricket could be huge, but winning the Olympic medal would be paramount, and he cannot wait for cricket to return to the Summer Olympics in 2028 for the first time since 1900.

“If you listen to NBA players and the way they talk about winning a gold medal, they have won NBA titles, they have their rings, but they are like 'we went to the Olympics',” Bolt noted.

“The other day I watched the documentary about how they (USA basketball team) lost (at the 2004 Olympics) and there was a Redeem Team (at the Beijing Games in 2008) and the focus and the hard work (they needed to win).

“That is how big (important) getting a gold medal is. Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a big thing, and it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal,” Bolt concluded.&nbsp;

A multi-time Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24).

A multi-time Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24). Bolt believes an ICC tournament in America can change the game’s landscape and help it prosper, only for it to boom and peak for its comeback at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Usain Bolt announced as the brand ambassador of 2024 T20 World Cup. (Video - ICC) pic.twitter.com/xCFYm7vOdv — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 24, 2024 × Bolt grew up playing cricket in Jamaica before switching to track and field and has a special place for this sport in his heart. Speaking to the ICC upon getting bestowed as the ambassador for the 20-team-tournament, Bolt said he is thrilled and honoured to be picked by the ICC for this and that he looks forward to bringing his energetic vibe to the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: IPL: DC's Jake Fraser-McGurk talks highly of idol Warner but claims not to think about T20 World Cup selection “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” Bolt said to the ICC. “Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to be part of such a prestigious tournament.” “I look forward to bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the World Cup and contributing to the growth of cricket globally,” he continued. Sharing proximity with the American audience and cricket as a sport, Bolt knows this fusion will exceed all expectations. Bolt believes with a major ICC tournament breaking into the USA market, the atmosphere during the month-long event will be full of vibe and life, with fans enjoying the dance, music and cricket collaboration. "America believes a lot in sport and high intensity, and for me to get into that market is big,” Bolt suggested. "When they follow a sport, they follow a sport properly, and they go all in, and I feel like if they can crack into it, they will get into it the right way." "If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 (World Cup) it is going to be wonderful," Bolt said. Olympic medal matters Bolt - perhaps the greatest track and field athlete, believes winning the World Cup in cricket could be huge, but winning the Olympic medal would be paramount, and he cannot wait for cricket to return to the Summer Olympics in 2028 for the first time since 1900. “If you listen to NBA players and the way they talk about winning a gold medal, they have won NBA titles, they have their rings, but they are like 'we went to the Olympics',” Bolt noted. “The other day I watched the documentary about how they (USA basketball team) lost (at the 2004 Olympics) and there was a Redeem Team (at the Beijing Games in 2008) and the focus and the hard work (they needed to win). “That is how big (important) getting a gold medal is. Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a big thing, and it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal,” Bolt concluded.

ICC unveils Olympic champion Usain Bolt as 2024 T20 World Cup ambassador

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection date is nearing, and everyone, from fans to former cricketers – Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu, is busy naming their final 15 for the marquee event starting June 1. While the onus remains on picking the most balanced yet attacking squad, Pathan and Rayudu have had their say on Hardik Pandya’s selection in the Indian Team.

Speaking of Irfan Pathan’s final 15 for the 20-team tournament in the Caribbean and the USA, Pandya finds a place in the team, but under one condition - he will have to contribute with his bowling.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Mumbai Indians skipper has had a torrid run as a player and captain in IPL 2024 since taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. In eight contested matches, Pandya has scored just 151 runs at 142.45 and picked&nbsp;mere four wickets in 17 overs bowled across all games. His economy over ten (10.94) hasn’t helped the cause either, as Mumbai continues to struggle on the points table, with three wins and five losses thus far. 
 
While Irfan picked just one keeper in Rishabh Pant, with Sanju Samson ahead of KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in the pecking order (as an option), Pathan named CSK star performer Shivam Dube as a spare all-rounder. Opting against naming both spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, Pathan’s final 15 include just three seamers, with Kuldeep Yadav playing as the lone spinner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-dont-go-to-poor-countries-sehwags-absurd-remarks-on-indians-not-playing-in-leagues-outside-of-ipl-714555">'We don’t go to poor countries’ – Sehwag's absurd remarks on Indians not playing in leagues outside of IPL</a>

After naming his first 13, Pathan picked four players with two leg-spinners and two top-order batters as options to name from.

<h2>Rayudu’s final 15 includes surprise picks</h2>

Pathan's co-panel expert at Star Sports for IPL 2024, Ambati Rayudu, has some surprising inclusions in his final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Apart from the regular first-team players Rohit, Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Bumrah, Rayudu’s XI includes only two all-rounders – Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

Rayudu has opted against naming Hardik Pandya in his final squad but picked two uncapped players in Riyan Parag and this year’s find-of-the-season Mayank Yadav.&nbsp;

While both Pathan and Rayudu have named an almost similar pace attack, including Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, Rayudu went ahead with Yuzvendra Chahal as Kuldeep’s partner at the 20-team-tournament.

Ambati Rayudu's India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection date is nearing, and everyone, from fans to former cricketers – Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu, is busy naming their final 15 for the marquee event starting June 1.

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection date is nearing, and everyone, from fans to former cricketers – Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu, is busy naming their final 15 for the marquee event starting June 1. While the onus remains on picking the most balanced yet attacking squad, Pathan and Rayudu have had their say on Hardik Pandya’s selection in the Indian Team. Speaking of Irfan Pathan’s final 15 for the 20-team tournament in the Caribbean and the USA, Pandya finds a place in the team, but under one condition - he will have to contribute with his bowling. Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Mumbai Indians skipper has had a torrid run as a player and captain in IPL 2024 since taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. In eight contested matches, Pandya has scored just 151 runs at 142.45 and picked mere four wickets in 17 overs bowled across all games. His economy over ten (10.94) hasn’t helped the cause either, as Mumbai continues to struggle on the points table, with three wins and five losses thus far. While Irfan picked just one keeper in Rishabh Pant, with Sanju Samson ahead of KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in the pecking order (as an option), Pathan named CSK star performer Shivam Dube as a spare all-rounder. Opting against naming both spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, Pathan’s final 15 include just three seamers, with Kuldeep Yadav playing as the lone spinner. ALSO READ: 'We don’t go to poor countries’ – Sehwag's absurd remarks on Indians not playing in leagues outside of IPL After naming his first 13, Pathan picked four players with two leg-spinners and two top-order batters as options to name from. Rayudu’s final 15 includes surprise picks Pathan's co-panel expert at Star Sports for IPL 2024, Ambati Rayudu, has some surprising inclusions in his final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Apart from the regular first-team players Rohit, Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Bumrah, Rayudu’s XI includes only two all-rounders – Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja. Rayudu has opted against naming Hardik Pandya in his final squad but picked two uncapped players in Riyan Parag and this year’s find-of-the-season Mayank Yadav. While both Pathan and Rayudu have named an almost similar pace attack, including Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, Rayudu went ahead with Yuzvendra Chahal as Kuldeep’s partner at the 20-team-tournament. Ambati Rayudu's India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav

2024 T20 World Cup: Pandya’s selection in question as Rayudu, Irfan pick their 15-man India squads

Delhi Capitals’ Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting feel keeper-batter Rishabh Pant should play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The attacking left-handed batter returned to competitive cricket for the first time in IPL 2024 since December 2022, when he suffered multiple injuries in a horrific road accident.&nbsp;

While Pant hasn’t looked in his element upon his comeback to the cricket field, and understandably so, DC’s top management feels he still has it in him to deliver for India in the 20-team tournament starting on June 1. Speaking to PTI in New Delhi on Monday (April 22), Ganguly said Pant should be included in India’s 15-man squad and play in the middle order.&nbsp;

"Yes, I think so, Pant should be part of the World Cup squad," Ganguly said in New Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;

"He should bat in the middle order. Where exactly is difficult to say because of match-ups and right-left combinations depending on who bowls. It also depends on the situation,” the former India captain added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-signs-of-chahal-parag-as-bcci-selectors-gear-up-for-t20-world-cup-squad-selection-reports-713926">No signs of Chahal, Parag as BCCI selectors gear up for T20 World Cup squad selection – Reports</a>

On the other hand, DC’s head coach&nbsp;Ponting&nbsp;feels Pant was a bit apprehensive at the beginning of this season but has felt confident about his keeping and batting since.

Punter also commented on Pant’s confidence, saying the India star trusts his abilities and that he’s too good a player to get dropped from the T20 World Cup squad.

"He's starting to get a bit more trust and belief in his body as well," Ponting said.&nbsp;

"I think early on, he had been a little bit apprehensive as to what he could do, especially with the wicketkeeping side of it. With his batting, coming into the tournament, he had pretty good trust in his abilities."

"I think his batting is getting better and better by the game. I've been asked a lot already over the last couple of weeks, now that he's back and playing, what I think about his World Cup chances. I think he'll be in the squad for sure. I think he's too good of a player and can have too much of an impact on the game,” Ponting continued.&nbsp;

<h2>Pant ahead of DK, Sanju in the pecking order</h2>

Although the Indian selectors are yet to sit with Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to pick the 2024 T20 WC squad, the latest reports have emerged that Pant is leading the race to be the first-choice keeper, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson being considered&nbsp; the backup options.&nbsp;

However, the selectors are not looking at Dinesh Karthik as one of the options despite the veteran cricketer scoring heaps of runs for RCB in IPL 2024.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals’ Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting feel keeper-batter Rishabh Pant should play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The attacking left-handed batter returned to competitive cricket for the first time in IPL 2024 since December 2022, when he suffered multiple injuries in a horrific road accident.

Delhi Capitals’ Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting feel keeper-batter Rishabh Pant should play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The attacking left-handed batter returned to competitive cricket for the first time in IPL 2024 since December 2022, when he suffered multiple injuries in a horrific road accident. While Pant hasn’t looked in his element upon his comeback to the cricket field, and understandably so, DC’s top management feels he still has it in him to deliver for India in the 20-team tournament starting on June 1. Speaking to PTI in New Delhi on Monday (April 22), Ganguly said Pant should be included in India’s 15-man squad and play in the middle order. "Yes, I think so, Pant should be part of the World Cup squad," Ganguly said in New Delhi on Monday. "He should bat in the middle order. Where exactly is difficult to say because of match-ups and right-left combinations depending on who bowls. It also depends on the situation,” the former India captain added. ALSO READ: No signs of Chahal, Parag as BCCI selectors gear up for T20 World Cup squad selection – Reports On the other hand, DC’s head coach Ponting feels Pant was a bit apprehensive at the beginning of this season but has felt confident about his keeping and batting since. Punter also commented on Pant’s confidence, saying the India star trusts his abilities and that he’s too good a player to get dropped from the T20 World Cup squad. "He's starting to get a bit more trust and belief in his body as well," Ponting said. "I think early on, he had been a little bit apprehensive as to what he could do, especially with the wicketkeeping side of it. With his batting, coming into the tournament, he had pretty good trust in his abilities." "I think his batting is getting better and better by the game. I've been asked a lot already over the last couple of weeks, now that he's back and playing, what I think about his World Cup chances. I think he'll be in the squad for sure. I think he's too good of a player and can have too much of an impact on the game,” Ponting continued. Pant ahead of DK, Sanju in the pecking order Although the Indian selectors are yet to sit with Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to pick the 2024 T20 WC squad, the latest reports have emerged that Pant is leading the race to be the first-choice keeper, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson being considered the backup options. However, the selectors are not looking at Dinesh Karthik as one of the options despite the veteran cricketer scoring heaps of runs for RCB in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting back Rishabh Pant to play 2024 T20 World Cup

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports. Although Virat Kohli’s selection is imminent despite several media reports of decision-makers being unhappy with his strike rate, mainly against the spinners outside of the Powerplay, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee also focusses on bringing Rishabh Pant back on the board.

The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Agarkar are said to meet on April 27 in New Delhi to finalise the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the USA.

As per the latest reports, Rohit and Kohli will be the marquee players, with the selectors also keen on putting Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill on the team sheet. Ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav will be on that flight for the T20 WC, accompanied by CSK’s star all-rounder Shivam Dube, KKR finisher Rinku Singh and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-should-be-indias-openers-at-t20-world-cup-reckons-former-captain-sourav-ganguly-713910">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should be India's openers at T20 World Cup, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly</a>

In the keeper’s category, with plenty of options, the selectors are said to be picking returning Rishabh Pant, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson emerging as top contenders as the backup. Dinesh Karthik, who thus far has scored 251 runs at a whopping strike rate of 196.08 in eight contested games this season, falls behind KL and Sanju in the pecking order.

As for the top performers with the bat in hand, RR’s Riyan Parag and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, both might not be considered as BCCI wants to try them first in the bilateral series.&nbsp;

<h2>No sign of Chahal</h2>

Yuzvendra Chahal – IPL’s highest wicket-taker and among the top performers this season, continues to stay on the sidelines as selectors are convinced with Kuldeep Yadav as the lone spin-bowling option. Two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, will also be on that flight to the USA and West Indies.

While Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other bowlers. Pandya or Dube, if picked, will be the seam-bowling options for Captain Rohit.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 20-team tournament will begin on June 1, with India placed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A. The marquee clash between two heavyweights will take place at a newly built stadium in New York on June 9. Hosts USA and their neighbours Canada are the other two teams in Group A.&nbsp;

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports.

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports. Although Virat Kohli’s selection is imminent despite several media reports of decision-makers being unhappy with his strike rate, mainly against the spinners outside of the Powerplay, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee also focusses on bringing Rishabh Pant back on the board. The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Agarkar are said to meet on April 27 in New Delhi to finalise the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the USA. As per the latest reports, Rohit and Kohli will be the marquee players, with the selectors also keen on putting Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill on the team sheet. Ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav will be on that flight for the T20 WC, accompanied by CSK’s star all-rounder Shivam Dube, KKR finisher Rinku Singh and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should be India's openers at T20 World Cup, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly In the keeper’s category, with plenty of options, the selectors are said to be picking returning Rishabh Pant, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson emerging as top contenders as the backup. Dinesh Karthik, who thus far has scored 251 runs at a whopping strike rate of 196.08 in eight contested games this season, falls behind KL and Sanju in the pecking order. As for the top performers with the bat in hand, RR’s Riyan Parag and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, both might not be considered as BCCI wants to try them first in the bilateral series. No sign of Chahal Yuzvendra Chahal – IPL’s highest wicket-taker and among the top performers this season, continues to stay on the sidelines as selectors are convinced with Kuldeep Yadav as the lone spin-bowling option. Two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, will also be on that flight to the USA and West Indies. While Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other bowlers. Pandya or Dube, if picked, will be the seam-bowling options for Captain Rohit. Meanwhile, the 20-team tournament will begin on June 1, with India placed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A. The marquee clash between two heavyweights will take place at a newly built stadium in New York on June 9. Hosts USA and their neighbours Canada are the other two teams in Group A.

No signs for Chahal, Parag as BCCI selectors gear up for T20 World Cup squad selection – Reports

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