<p>India’s World Cup winner, Kapil Dev, revealed the mantra behind how top teams stand tall in ICC events, mainly the World Cups. With Rohit Sharma-led India Team side plying its trade in the ongoing 2024 T20 WC in the Americas, Kapil feels everyone has a role to play in the side, and though every team's tactics are centric around their star players, playing together will only benefit in the end.</p>

<p>“Why talk about only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, or Kuldeep Yadav? Everybody has a role to play. Their job is to win the tournament,” Kapil said in a chat with PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To win a match, an odd person can come out, but to win a tournament everybody has to work together. If we are going to depend on Bumrah or Arshdeep, then you are going to lose it.</p>

<p>“Let’s talk about the team. That gives you a better perspective rather than the odd player. Yes, main player is there, and we can go around him. But everybody has to chip in to win the World Cup,” Kapil continued.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-passes-opening-baton-to-dynamite-jake-fraser-mcgurk-after-australias-t20-wc-exit-735706">David Warner passes opening baton to ‘dynamite’ Jake Fraser-McGurk after Australia's T20 WC exit</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the Indian Team that is unbeaten in the tournament, with the semis clash against England looming, Kapil feels the current crop of cricketers are fittest, calling them hardworking and fantastic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He even talked about ace players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kapil went an extra yard while mentioning Bumrah, saying he is 1000 times better than the India great.</p>

<p>“Bumrah is 1000 times better than me,” Kapil said. “These young boys are far better than us. We had more experience. They are better. They are very good. Outstanding. They are fitter. They are much more hardworking. They are fantastic.”</p>

<h2>India’s bowling on top</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Bumrah has been India’s best bet thus far in the tournament. The right-arm seamer is on the top of his game, picking 11 wickets in six matches at an economy of nearly four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right from India’s first game against Ireland to their last Super 8 match against Australia, Bumrah has helped the Men in Blue reign supreme with the new ball and during death overs.</p>

<p>Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav is another player flourishing through the ranks in this edition, with Rohit banking on his bowling unit to deliver throughout.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India’s World Cup winner, Kapil Dev, revealed the mantra behind how top teams stand tall in ICC events, mainly the World Cups. With Rohit Sharma-led India Team side plying its trade in the ongoing 2024 T20 WC in the Americas, Kapil feels everyone has a role to play in the side, and though every team's tactics are centric around their star players, playing together will only benefit in the end.

India’s World Cup winner, Kapil Dev, revealed the mantra behind how top teams stand tall in ICC events, mainly the World Cups. With Rohit Sharma-led India Team side plying its trade in the ongoing 2024 T20 WC in the Americas, Kapil feels everyone has a role to play in the side, and though every team's tactics are centric around their star players, playing together will only benefit in the end. “Why talk about only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, or Kuldeep Yadav? Everybody has a role to play. Their job is to win the tournament,” Kapil said in a chat with PTI. “To win a match, an odd person can come out, but to win a tournament everybody has to work together. If we are going to depend on Bumrah or Arshdeep, then you are going to lose it. “Let’s talk about the team. That gives you a better perspective rather than the odd player. Yes, main player is there, and we can go around him. But everybody has to chip in to win the World Cup,” Kapil continued. ALSO READ: David Warner passes opening baton to ‘dynamite’ Jake Fraser-McGurk after Australia's T20 WC exit Talking about the Indian Team that is unbeaten in the tournament, with the semis clash against England looming, Kapil feels the current crop of cricketers are fittest, calling them hardworking and fantastic. He even talked about ace players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kapil went an extra yard while mentioning Bumrah, saying he is 1000 times better than the India great. “Bumrah is 1000 times better than me,” Kapil said. “These young boys are far better than us. We had more experience. They are better. They are very good. Outstanding. They are fitter. They are much more hardworking. They are fantastic.” India’s bowling on top Meanwhile, Bumrah has been India’s best bet thus far in the tournament. The right-arm seamer is on the top of his game, picking 11 wickets in six matches at an economy of nearly four. Right from India’s first game against Ireland to their last Super 8 match against Australia, Bumrah has helped the Men in Blue reign supreme with the new ball and during death overs. Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav is another player flourishing through the ranks in this edition, with Rohit banking on his bowling unit to deliver throughout. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Talk about team and not one player’ – Kapil Dev’s suggestion to Rohit's Indian Team on how to win World Cup

<p>Jos Buttler feels the defending champions will be under pressure against Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team in the marquee 2024 T20 World Cup semis clash in Guyana on Thursday (June 27). While England lost a few games in the lead-up to this match, the Indian Team is unbeaten thus far, winning six games on the trot. Buttler said he is in awe of Rohit and his team’s run this time, admitting England will deploy the same attacking approach in the all-important knockout.</p>

<p>England played some of the top teams this time, including Australia in the group stage and West Indies and South Africa in the Super 8s, winning against the co-hosts and going down to the other two. Taking on India in the semis, Buttler and England must be on top of their game to ensure they repeat the 2022 result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think you plan everything to go well and, of course, there will be time in the game when you are playing such a good team like India. You will be under pressure, and you will be forced to be reactive and try and throw the punches back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This time we are playing against a very different India side and the way Rohit leads his team and how he bats especially," Buttler said in a video posted by the England Cricket Board on their website.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-t20-wc-2024-semifinal-what-happened-during-previous-india-vs-england-face-off-735628">Ind vs Eng, T20 WC 2024 semifinal: What happened during previous India vs England face-off?</a></strong></p>

<p>The English Captain praised India, saying their aggressive approach has kept them ahead of everyone in this format, reflecting the confidence in their cricket. Buttler admitted England would consider the conditions (considering the rain threat) while planning their game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They play with a hell of a lot of freedom, so they will be very aggressive, which probably was a shift for them after the tournament, and they played like that in the 50-over World Cup as well.</p>

<p>“I think they are very confident in that style of play and, yes, we need to be ready for that. Like every other game, we sort of have to assess the conditions and how the wicket will play or what will be the good score. But we know that they will be aggressive, and we will do the same,” Buttler added.</p>

<h2>Buttler remembers 2022 semis</h2>

<p>Recalling how things unfolded the last time these two teams met in a T20 World Cup semis (in 2022), Buttler said that was one of the best games he played for his team in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England chased 170 plus in Adelaide with ten wickets remaining, with Buttler and now-retired Alex Hales completing respective fifties.</p>

<p>Pressing on how important it is to start well against a team like India, Buttler said, "Great memories and a very special day. One of the great games in the England shirt and the standout moments were getting Surya out as he was having an unbelievable tournament, so that was up there. And the chase as well, getting off to a good start in those kinds of chases in the semi-final and to get that sort of start was vital and the start in the first over which settled me down."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jos Buttler feels the defending champions will be under pressure against Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team in the marquee 2024 T20 World Cup semis clash in Guyana on Thursday (June 27).

Jos Buttler feels the defending champions will be under pressure against Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team in the marquee 2024 T20 World Cup semis clash in Guyana on Thursday (June 27). While England lost a few games in the lead-up to this match, the Indian Team is unbeaten thus far, winning six games on the trot. Buttler said he is in awe of Rohit and his team’s run this time, admitting England will deploy the same attacking approach in the all-important knockout. England played some of the top teams this time, including Australia in the group stage and West Indies and South Africa in the Super 8s, winning against the co-hosts and going down to the other two. Taking on India in the semis, Buttler and England must be on top of their game to ensure they repeat the 2022 result. “I think you plan everything to go well and, of course, there will be time in the game when you are playing such a good team like India. You will be under pressure, and you will be forced to be reactive and try and throw the punches back. “This time we are playing against a very different India side and the way Rohit leads his team and how he bats especially," Buttler said in a video posted by the England Cricket Board on their website. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng, T20 WC 2024 semifinal: What happened during previous India vs England face-off? The English Captain praised India, saying their aggressive approach has kept them ahead of everyone in this format, reflecting the confidence in their cricket. Buttler admitted England would consider the conditions (considering the rain threat) while planning their game. “They play with a hell of a lot of freedom, so they will be very aggressive, which probably was a shift for them after the tournament, and they played like that in the 50-over World Cup as well. “I think they are very confident in that style of play and, yes, we need to be ready for that. Like every other game, we sort of have to assess the conditions and how the wicket will play or what will be the good score. But we know that they will be aggressive, and we will do the same,” Buttler added. Buttler remembers 2022 semis Recalling how things unfolded the last time these two teams met in a T20 World Cup semis (in 2022), Buttler said that was one of the best games he played for his team in white-ball cricket. England chased 170 plus in Adelaide with ten wickets remaining, with Buttler and now-retired Alex Hales completing respective fifties. Pressing on how important it is to start well against a team like India, Buttler said, "Great memories and a very special day. One of the great games in the England shirt and the standout moments were getting Surya out as he was having an unbelievable tournament, so that was up there. And the chase as well, getting off to a good start in those kinds of chases in the semi-final and to get that sort of start was vital and the start in the first over which settled me down." (With inputs from agencies)

T20 WC: ‘This time we playing against a different Indian Team’ – Jos Buttler ahead of marquee semis clash

<p>Rohit Sharma was at his sizzling best as he tormented Australian bowlers in the final match of the Super 8 stage to put India in the driver's seat. Rohit smashed&nbsp;eight sixes and seven boundaries en route his 92-run innings off 41 deliveries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every Australian bowler, bar Josh Hazlewood was hit to all parts of the park. Australia's premier strike bowler, Mitchell Starc faced the ultimate wrath of Rohit who smashed him for 29 runs in one over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the innings, Rohit shattered&nbsp;Yuvraj Singh's record for the most sixes in an innings of a T20 World Cup match. Hitman also broke the record for the fastest fifty by a captain in T20 World Cup history, previously held by ex-Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful.</p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav, who batted&nbsp;briefly with Rohit in the middle, said it 'felt like a dream' watching the right dasher in full flow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Felt like a dream (watching Rohit Sharma bat), he batted beautifully. We sat together and talked about it before the game and he (Rohit) showed us the way," said Suryakumar.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8mqgRhPw_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8mqgRhPw_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8mqgRhPw_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8mqgRhPw_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-ind-vs-aus-watch-rohit-tears-apart-starc-with-four-sixes-in-an-over-hits-19-ball-fifty-734731"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs AUS: WATCH | Rohit tears apart Starc with four sixes in an over, hits 19-ball fifty</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Batters with most sixes in T20Is:</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma: 203<br />
Martin Guptill: 173<br />
Jos Buttler: 137<br />
Glenn Maxwell: 133<br />
Nicholas Pooran: 132</p>

<p><strong>Top T20I Run-Scorers</strong><br />
<br />
Rohit Sharma: 4,165 runs in 149 innings<br />
Babar Azam:&nbsp;&nbsp;4,145 runs in 116 innings<br />
Virat Kohli: 4,103 runs in 115 innings<br />
Paul Stirling: 3,601 runs in 144 innings<br />
Martin Guptill:&nbsp;&nbsp;3,531 runs in 118 innings</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'"><b>Highest individual scores by a captain in T20 World Cups</b><br />
<br />
98 C Gayle vs Ind Bridgetown 2010<br />
92 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024<br />
88 C Gayle vs Aus The Oval 2009<br />
85 K Williamson vs Aus Dubai 2021</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'"><b>Highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cups</b><br />
<br />
101 S Raina vs SA Gros Islet 2010<br />
92 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024<br />
89* V Kohli vs WI Wankhede 2016<br />
82* V Kohli vs Aus Mohali 2022<br />
82* V Kohli vs Pak Melbourne 2022</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'"><b>Highest scores for Rohit Sharma in T20 WCs</b><br />
<br />
92* vs Aus Gros Islet 2024<br />
79* vs Aus Bridgetown 2010<br />
74 vs Afg Abu Dhabi 20221<br />
62* vs WI Mirpur 2014</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'"><b>Fastest 50s for India in T20Is (balls faced)</b><br />
<br />
12 Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 2007<br />
18 KL Rahul vs Sco Dubai 2021<br />
18 Suryakumar Yadav vs SA Guwahati 2022<br />
19 Gautam Gambhir vs SL Nagpur 2009<br />
19 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024<br />
<br />
Yuvraj, Rahul &amp; Rohit's 50s came in T20 World Cups.</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'"><em>(More to follow)</em></p>


Rohit Sharma was at his sizzling best as he tormented Australian bowlers in the final match of the Super 8 stage to put India in the driver's seat. Rohit smashed eight sixes and seven boundaries en route his 92-run innings off 41 deliveries.

Rohit Sharma was at his sizzling best as he tormented Australian bowlers in the final match of the Super 8 stage to put India in the driver's seat. Rohit smashed eight sixes and seven boundaries en route his 92-run innings off 41 deliveries. Every Australian bowler, bar Josh Hazlewood was hit to all parts of the park. Australia's premier strike bowler, Mitchell Starc faced the ultimate wrath of Rohit who smashed him for 29 runs in one over. During the innings, Rohit shattered Yuvraj Singh's record for the most sixes in an innings of a T20 World Cup match. Hitman also broke the record for the fastest fifty by a captain in T20 World Cup history, previously held by ex-Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful. Suryakumar Yadav, who batted briefly with Rohit in the middle, said it 'felt like a dream' watching the right dasher in full flow. "Felt like a dream (watching Rohit Sharma bat), he batted beautifully. We sat together and talked about it before the game and he (Rohit) showed us the way," said Suryakumar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × Also read | T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs AUS: WATCH | Rohit tears apart Starc with four sixes in an over, hits 19-ball fifty Batters with most sixes in T20Is: Rohit Sharma: 203 Martin Guptill: 173 Jos Buttler: 137 Glenn Maxwell: 133 Nicholas Pooran: 132 Top T20I Run-Scorers Rohit Sharma: 4,165 runs in 149 innings Babar Azam: 4,145 runs in 116 innings Virat Kohli: 4,103 runs in 115 innings Paul Stirling: 3,601 runs in 144 innings Martin Guptill: 3,531 runs in 118 innings Highest individual scores by a captain in T20 World Cups 98 C Gayle vs Ind Bridgetown 2010 92 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024 88 C Gayle vs Aus The Oval 2009 85 K Williamson vs Aus Dubai 2021 Highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cups 101 S Raina vs SA Gros Islet 2010 92 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024 89* V Kohli vs WI Wankhede 2016 82* V Kohli vs Aus Mohali 2022 82* V Kohli vs Pak Melbourne 2022 Highest scores for Rohit Sharma in T20 WCs 92* vs Aus Gros Islet 2024 79* vs Aus Bridgetown 2010 74 vs Afg Abu Dhabi 20221 62* vs WI Mirpur 2014 Fastest 50s for India in T20Is (balls faced) 12 Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 2007 18 KL Rahul vs Sco Dubai 2021 18 Suryakumar Yadav vs SA Guwahati 2022 19 Gautam Gambhir vs SL Nagpur 2009 19 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024 Yuvraj, Rahul & Rohit's 50s came in T20 World Cups. (More to follow)

T20 World Cup: Records tumble after Rohit Sharma's disdainful 92 against Australia

<p>Shubman Gill has turned out to be the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) top contender to lead India in the&nbsp;upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, after the T20 World Cup. Gill was part of the Rohit Sharma-led India's T20 WC squad, named among the reserves, before being released. The right-hander is being considered to lead the Men in Blue in the tour of the African nation after Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav reportedly declined to take part in the tour. India will tour Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series starting on July 6.</p>

<p>As per a report in the Indian Express, the decision to consider Gill as the Indian captain for the Zimbabwe tour came after Hardik and Surya's refusal to take part in the tour. Many senior players such as Rohit, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Surya are expected to take a break post the ongoing T20 WC, in West Indies and the USA. Hence, Gill's name came up to lead the national side in Zimbabwe, where several youngsters will also be tested.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/win-an-icc-event-or-face-axe-gautam-gambhirs-one-of-several-conditions-for-india-coach-job-report-734648">Win an ICC event or face axe – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘one of several conditions’ for India coach job - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>BCCI are likely to try and test many youngsters in the tour, who have done well in this year's IPL. The likes of Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana,&nbsp;&nbsp;Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, Tushar Deshpande are reportedly expected to travel to Zimbabwe.</p>

<p>Moreover, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman will be serving as the head coach of Team India in Zimbabwe with Gautam Gambhir -- the next Indian team head coach in all likelihood -- to take over from India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, later in July.</p>


Shubman Gill has turned out to be the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) top contender to lead India in the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, after the T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill has turned out to be the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) top contender to lead India in the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, after the T20 World Cup. Gill was part of the Rohit Sharma-led India's T20 WC squad, named among the reserves, before being released. The right-hander is being considered to lead the Men in Blue in the tour of the African nation after Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav reportedly declined to take part in the tour. India will tour Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series starting on July 6. As per a report in the Indian Express, the decision to consider Gill as the Indian captain for the Zimbabwe tour came after Hardik and Surya's refusal to take part in the tour. Many senior players such as Rohit, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Surya are expected to take a break post the ongoing T20 WC, in West Indies and the USA. Hence, Gill's name came up to lead the national side in Zimbabwe, where several youngsters will also be tested. Also read: Win an ICC event or face axe – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘one of several conditions’ for India coach job - Report BCCI are likely to try and test many youngsters in the tour, who have done well in this year's IPL. The likes of Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, Tushar Deshpande are reportedly expected to travel to Zimbabwe. Moreover, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman will be serving as the head coach of Team India in Zimbabwe with Gautam Gambhir -- the next Indian team head coach in all likelihood -- to take over from India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, later in July.

Gill leading contender to lead India after Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav decline Zimbabwe tour: Report

<p>Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has put down five conditions before accepting the offer to become Team India’s new head coach. Per the latest reports, the two-time World Cup winner was among the two candidates, alongside former women’s team coach WV Raman, whom BCCI interviewed (as Rahul Dravid’s replacement) for India’s all-format coach. Should he get picked, Gambhir will begin his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the away Sri Lanka series in July.</p>

<p>Per Navbharat Times, Gambhir has laid five conditions, which include that he wants complete control of cricket operations in the Indian Team. Secondly, Gambhir has informed the board that he will pick his backroom staff, for whom he is said to have contacted fielding great Jonty Rhodes earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/5-sixes-in-one-over-englands-jos-buttler-hammers-usas-harmeet-singh-in-record-run-chase-at-t20-wc-watch-734575">5 Sixes in one over! England’s Jos Buttler hammers USA’s Harmeet Singh in record run chase at T20 WC – WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>The third and perhaps most talked-about condition was that if the Indian Team failed to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next year, the four seniors, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, would face the axe. Although there is no confirmation as to whether India will travel across the border for the eight-team tournament, should they, then India&nbsp;must end up winning it else the road for the said players shall be closed.</p>

<p>His fourth condition is separate teams for all formats, mainly for the Tests, while the fifth and final condition is, that he wishes to start preparing the roadmap for the 2027 50-over World Cup from day one.</p>

<h2>Gambhir’s head coach announcement soon</h2>

<p>Right after the England Tests early in January this year, the BCCI put out invitations for applications for India’s head coach role, with current coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.</p>

<p>Although a few names did&nbsp;rounds, including the overseas pair of Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting and even Stephen Fleming, none could materialise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With that, Gambhir’s name also came forward, and with him winning the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders (as a mentor), he could further press his case.</p>

<p>According to latest reports, both concerned parties are now on the same page, with the BCCI officially announcing Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach sooner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Men in Blue will play Australia in their last Super 8 match at the ongoing T20 WC on Monday (June 24), with the semis spot on the line. Although they sit in the top place on the points table, they are yet to qualify for the last four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should India win this tournament, it would be Dravid’s first major ICC trophy as the India coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has put down five conditions before accepting the offer to become Team India’s new head coach. Per the latest reports, the two-time World Cup winner was among the two candidates, alongside former women’s team coach WV Raman, whom BCCI interviewed (as Rahul Dravid’s replacement) for India’s all-format coach.

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has put down five conditions before accepting the offer to become Team India’s new head coach. Per the latest reports, the two-time World Cup winner was among the two candidates, alongside former women’s team coach WV Raman, whom BCCI interviewed (as Rahul Dravid’s replacement) for India’s all-format coach. Should he get picked, Gambhir will begin his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the away Sri Lanka series in July. Per Navbharat Times, Gambhir has laid five conditions, which include that he wants complete control of cricket operations in the Indian Team. Secondly, Gambhir has informed the board that he will pick his backroom staff, for whom he is said to have contacted fielding great Jonty Rhodes earlier. ALSO READ: 5 Sixes in one over! England’s Jos Buttler hammers USA’s Harmeet Singh in record run chase at T20 WC – WATCH The third and perhaps most talked-about condition was that if the Indian Team failed to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next year, the four seniors, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, would face the axe. Although there is no confirmation as to whether India will travel across the border for the eight-team tournament, should they, then India must end up winning it else the road for the said players shall be closed. His fourth condition is separate teams for all formats, mainly for the Tests, while the fifth and final condition is, that he wishes to start preparing the roadmap for the 2027 50-over World Cup from day one. Gambhir’s head coach announcement soon Right after the England Tests early in January this year, the BCCI put out invitations for applications for India’s head coach role, with current coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Although a few names did rounds, including the overseas pair of Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting and even Stephen Fleming, none could materialise. With that, Gambhir’s name also came forward, and with him winning the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders (as a mentor), he could further press his case. According to latest reports, both concerned parties are now on the same page, with the BCCI officially announcing Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach sooner. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue will play Australia in their last Super 8 match at the ongoing T20 WC on Monday (June 24), with the semis spot on the line. Although they sit in the top place on the points table, they are yet to qualify for the last four. Should India win this tournament, it would be Dravid’s first major ICC trophy as the India coach. (With inputs from agencies)

Win an ICC event or face axe – Gautam Gambhir’s ‘one of several conditions’ for India coach job - Report

<p>The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage. With India and Bangladesh in the group as well, the fate of the teams qualifying for the semifinals will only be decided after the final round of matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here we take a look at the different permutations and combinations that could decide the fate of two qualifying teams.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>If India wins</h2>

<p>India currently sit top of the points table with two wins and a healthy run rate of +2.425. They square up against Australia in the final match of the stage and a win would ensure a definite place in the top-4. A loss would not mean the end of the world either, provided the Men-in-Blue don't lose by a big margin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>If Australia and Afghanistan win</strong></h2>

<p>In case, Australia floor India and Afghanistan follow suit by beating Bangladesh, three teams will finish on four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will come into play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If defending the total, Australia win by a margin of a solitary run, Afghanistan will need a 36-run margin to move ahead of the Down Under side on NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Australia win a run-chase off the last ball, Afghanistan will have to win their game in 15.4 overs or sooner (assuming first-innings scores of 160).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-not-an-upset-cricket-world-reacts-to-afghanistans-historic-win-over-australia-in-super-8s-of-t20-wc-734285"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;‘It’s not an upset’ – Cricket world reacts to Afghanistan’s historic win over Australia in Super 8s of T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<h2>Can India be knocked out?</h2>

<p>While it looks unlikely, there is a scenario where India can be knocked out of the tournament despite winning two matches. If both Australia and Afghanistan win their matches by big margins, India may have to book a returning ticket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Math dictates that Australia will need to overcome India by 41 runs to go past their NRR while Afghanistan will have to subdue Bangladesh by at least 83 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What about Bangladesh?</strong></h2>

<p>The Bangla Tigers have a tall mountain to climb, especially given their inconsistent form in the tournament. The team will need to win by 31 runs to leapfrog Afghanistan's NRR, but they will also need India to annihilate Australia by at least 55 runs, to finish second in the group.</p>

<p>The final round of matches in Group 1 will be played on Monday (Jun 24) with India vs Australia taking place early in the day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage.

The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage. With India and Bangladesh in the group as well, the fate of the teams qualifying for the semifinals will only be decided after the final round of matches. Here we take a look at the different permutations and combinations that could decide the fate of two qualifying teams. If India wins India currently sit top of the points table with two wins and a healthy run rate of +2.425. They square up against Australia in the final match of the stage and a win would ensure a definite place in the top-4. A loss would not mean the end of the world either, provided the Men-in-Blue don't lose by a big margin. If Australia and Afghanistan win In case, Australia floor India and Afghanistan follow suit by beating Bangladesh, three teams will finish on four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will come into play. If defending the total, Australia win by a margin of a solitary run, Afghanistan will need a 36-run margin to move ahead of the Down Under side on NRR. If Australia win a run-chase off the last ball, Afghanistan will have to win their game in 15.4 overs or sooner (assuming first-innings scores of 160). Also read | ‘It’s not an upset’ – Cricket world reacts to Afghanistan’s historic win over Australia in Super 8s of T20 WC Can India be knocked out? While it looks unlikely, there is a scenario where India can be knocked out of the tournament despite winning two matches. If both Australia and Afghanistan win their matches by big margins, India may have to book a returning ticket. Math dictates that Australia will need to overcome India by 41 runs to go past their NRR while Afghanistan will have to subdue Bangladesh by at least 83 runs. What about Bangladesh? The Bangla Tigers have a tall mountain to climb, especially given their inconsistent form in the tournament. The team will need to win by 31 runs to leapfrog Afghanistan's NRR, but they will also need India to annihilate Australia by at least 55 runs, to finish second in the group. The final round of matches in Group 1 will be played on Monday (Jun 24) with India vs Australia taking place early in the day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown. (With inputs from agencies)

T20 World Cup: Can India be knocked out after Afghanistan's surprise win over Australia?

<p>India is on a winning run in this ongoing showpiece event in the Americas, much like how they were last year during the 50-over World Cup at home. And although they had a separate yet settled opening pair playing through all patches, they still made little tweaks to stay ahead of everyone. Likewise, at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they must consider changing the winning XI to ensure a smooth and attacking batting line-up with the tournament entering its business end.</p>

<h2>Where does the problem lie?</h2>

<p>Having the opening pair of Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looks best for a fantasy app, but the idea doesn’t seem to work anywhere close to what the coach and management thought it would.</p>

<p>Though Virat’s T20I numbers are exceptional, he has failed to put value on his wicket in four outings thus far in the tournament. With three single-digit scores, including a zero against the USA, Kohli hasn’t looked in his element this time. That puts pressure on already out-of-touch and ageing Rohit Sharma to score upfront, which he clearly hasn't done.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-demands-evidence-against-match-fixing-allegations-calls-for-journalists-youtubers-to-provide-proof-733903">PCB demands evidence against match-fixing allegations; calls for journalists, YouTubers to provide proof</a></strong></p>

<p>Rishabh Pant’s promotion and form at number three, with ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav providing a cushion at number four is what saved Team India from any embarrassment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the situation doesn’t look as grave, bringing in Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, dropping Kohli to his favourite position at three, and demoting Pant to number five, where he played most of his white-ball cricket, even in the IPL, can bring more balance to the side.</p>

<p>Considering his form, Jaiswal’s inclusion can boost India’s Powerplay numbers, allowing them to go all out from the ball one – a precedent used by most teams in this format.</p>

<h3>Why change Pant’s batting position?</h3>

<p>Although there aren’t many explanations that can justify this, for the greater good, this looks like a viable solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rishabh batting at number five will kick out-of-touch Shivam Dube from the playing XI, with the team having ample options from SKY to Pant to Hardik Pandya and even Ravindra Jadeja to try from in a dire situation.</p>

<h4>Why Jaiswal must play the Bangladesh game?</h4>

<p>After beating Afghanistan convincingly, India has at least one foot in the semis, and for them to ensure their qualification, they must win one of their two remaining Super 8 matches (against Bangladesh and Australia).&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Bangladesh next and Australia at the end, Team India can experiment with this change in the XI and give Jaiswal two matches before the knockout stage arrives.&nbsp;</p>


India is on a winning run in this ongoing showpiece event in the Americas, much like how they were last year during the 50-over World Cup at home. And although they had a separate yet settled opening pair playing through all patches, they still made little tweaks to stay ahead of everyone.

India is on a winning run in this ongoing showpiece event in the Americas, much like how they were last year during the 50-over World Cup at home. And although they had a separate yet settled opening pair playing through all patches, they still made little tweaks to stay ahead of everyone. Likewise, at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they must consider changing the winning XI to ensure a smooth and attacking batting line-up with the tournament entering its business end. Where does the problem lie? Having the opening pair of Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looks best for a fantasy app, but the idea doesn’t seem to work anywhere close to what the coach and management thought it would. Though Virat’s T20I numbers are exceptional, he has failed to put value on his wicket in four outings thus far in the tournament. With three single-digit scores, including a zero against the USA, Kohli hasn’t looked in his element this time. That puts pressure on already out-of-touch and ageing Rohit Sharma to score upfront, which he clearly hasn't done. ALSO READ: PCB demands evidence against match-fixing allegations; calls for journalists, YouTubers to provide proof Rishabh Pant’s promotion and form at number three, with ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav providing a cushion at number four is what saved Team India from any embarrassment. Although the situation doesn’t look as grave, bringing in Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, dropping Kohli to his favourite position at three, and demoting Pant to number five, where he played most of his white-ball cricket, even in the IPL, can bring more balance to the side. Considering his form, Jaiswal’s inclusion can boost India’s Powerplay numbers, allowing them to go all out from the ball one – a precedent used by most teams in this format. Why change Pant’s batting position? Although there aren’t many explanations that can justify this, for the greater good, this looks like a viable solution. Rishabh batting at number five will kick out-of-touch Shivam Dube from the playing XI, with the team having ample options from SKY to Pant to Hardik Pandya and even Ravindra Jadeja to try from in a dire situation. Why Jaiswal must play the Bangladesh game? After beating Afghanistan convincingly, India has at least one foot in the semis, and for them to ensure their qualification, they must win one of their two remaining Super 8 matches (against Bangladesh and Australia). With Bangladesh next and Australia at the end, Team India can experiment with this change in the XI and give Jaiswal two matches before the knockout stage arrives.

Should India consider changing winning XI to solve top-order woes at T20 WC? Probably yes!

<p>NCA head and former India great VVS Laxman will travel with Team India for the Zimbabwe T20Is, starting July 6, while Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s new head coach, will begin tenure mid-July during the away Sri Lanka series. Per the latest reports, the BCCI will announce Gambhir’s appointment as India’s new head coach soon, with the two-time World Cup winner likely to bring his coaching staff alongside.</p>

<p>As the Men in Blue continue to grind in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, the BCCI will make the squad announcement for the Zimbabwe series by the end of this week, mostly around 22 or 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Cricket Board is said to pick a different squad altogether, with all eyes on the youngsters who stood out in IPL 2024, including SunRisers opener Abhishek Sharma, Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag, RCB seamer Yash Dayal, alongside a few other names. The board might also give maiden India caps to Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-pakistan-player-mohammed-hafeez-calls-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-selfish-733577">Ex-Pakistan player Mohammed Hafeez calls Virat Kohli, KL Rahul 'selfish' yet again</a></strong></p>

<p>The report also suggests that BCCI’s ‘targeted list of cricketers’ is having a camp under Laxman at the NCA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a possibility that Laxman along with some of the NCA coaches will travel with the new look squad to Zimbabwe. Laxman and the NCA team has always filled up whenever Rahul Dravid and the first team coaches have been taking periodic breaks during their stint," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>The BCCI will pick seven to eight players from the T20 WC squad, including deputy T20I captain Hardik Pandya and star batter Suryakumar Yadav. Although Hardik is said to captain the Indian Team in Zimbabwe, in case he asks for rest, the board might give SKY the chance to captain India in the shortest format.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Gambhir’s announcement on the cards</h2>

<p>Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India coach ends with the conclusion of the T20 WC, with Gautam taking over the realm.</p>

<p>Per the latest reports, Gambhir and WV Raman – the former Women’s Team coach, were interviewed by the BCCI, with the board going for the former India cricketer.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Gambhir’s tenure begins with the away Sri Lanka series, consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs, and will last for three and half years till December 31, 2027.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NCA head and former India great VVS Laxman will travel with Team India for the Zimbabwe T20Is, starting July 6, while Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s new head coach, will begin tenure mid-July during the away Sri Lanka series.

NCA head and former India great VVS Laxman will travel with Team India for the Zimbabwe T20Is, starting July 6, while Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s new head coach, will begin tenure mid-July during the away Sri Lanka series. Per the latest reports, the BCCI will announce Gambhir’s appointment as India’s new head coach soon, with the two-time World Cup winner likely to bring his coaching staff alongside. As the Men in Blue continue to grind in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, the BCCI will make the squad announcement for the Zimbabwe series by the end of this week, mostly around 22 or 23. The Indian Cricket Board is said to pick a different squad altogether, with all eyes on the youngsters who stood out in IPL 2024, including SunRisers opener Abhishek Sharma, Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag, RCB seamer Yash Dayal, alongside a few other names. The board might also give maiden India caps to Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. ALSO READ: Ex-Pakistan player Mohammed Hafeez calls Virat Kohli, KL Rahul 'selfish' yet again The report also suggests that BCCI’s ‘targeted list of cricketers’ is having a camp under Laxman at the NCA. "There is a possibility that Laxman along with some of the NCA coaches will travel with the new look squad to Zimbabwe. Laxman and the NCA team has always filled up whenever Rahul Dravid and the first team coaches have been taking periodic breaks during their stint," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. The BCCI will pick seven to eight players from the T20 WC squad, including deputy T20I captain Hardik Pandya and star batter Suryakumar Yadav. Although Hardik is said to captain the Indian Team in Zimbabwe, in case he asks for rest, the board might give SKY the chance to captain India in the shortest format. Gambhir’s announcement on the cards Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India coach ends with the conclusion of the T20 WC, with Gautam taking over the realm. Per the latest reports, Gambhir and WV Raman – the former Women’s Team coach, were interviewed by the BCCI, with the board going for the former India cricketer. Meanwhile, Gambhir’s tenure begins with the away Sri Lanka series, consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs, and will last for three and half years till December 31, 2027. (With inputs from agencies)

VVS Laxman to travel with Team India for Zimbabwe tour; Gambhir’s tenure as new coach to begin soon - Reports

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September. Per the BCCI’s announcement, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England will tour India in the upcoming months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Team India completes their ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas (ending on June 29), they will travel to Zimbabwe for a short bilateral series (5 T20Is) before taking on Sri Lanka in an away tour. However, India’s home season begins mid-September with two Tests against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the second Test in Kanpur on September 27, the two teams will play three T20Is in Dharamsala (Oct 6), Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kane-williamson-reconfirms-commitment-to-new-zealand-cricket-despite-central-contract-refusal-733540">Kane Williamson reconfirms commitment to New Zealand cricket despite central contract refusal</a></strong></p>

<p>Four days later, on October 16, Team India will play the first of the three Tests against New Zealand, with the final two Tests scheduled in Pune (Oct 24) and Mumbai (Nov 1), respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Team will then travel Down Under for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, consisting of five Tests, beginning in Perth on November 22.</p>

<p>Adelaide (Dec 6), Brisbane (Dec 14), the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne (Dec 26) and the New Year’s Test at the SCG in Sydney (Jan 3) will host the remaining four Tests.</p>

<p>Following the long tour of Australia, India will host England for the white-ball leg, starting January 22. Both teams will play five T20Is before switching to the ODI gears for the three-match series, concluding on February 12 in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Chennai (Jan 22), Kolkata (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (Feb 2) are five venues for the T20Is, while Nagpur (Feb 6) and Cuttack (Feb 9) will host the first two ODIs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Champions Trophy in Pakistan</h2>

<p>After the final ODI against the former World Champions, both teams will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. An eight-team ICC tournament returns to Pakistan for the first time since 2008 when they hosted the Asia Cup, beginning in mid-February around the 21st, the final confirmation of which is yet to come.</p>

<p>However, the question remains whether the Indian Govt&nbsp;and the BCCI will allow the Men in Blue to travel across the border for the returning Champions Trophy event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although none of the concerned stakeholders have communicated on the same, the PCB, in accordance with the ICC, had announced three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the showpiece event.</p>

<p>The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is proposed to host all India matches, including the semis and the final, should they qualify.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September. Per the BCCI’s announcement, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England will tour India in the upcoming months. After Team India completes their ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas (ending on June 29), they will travel to Zimbabwe for a short bilateral series (5 T20Is) before taking on Sri Lanka in an away tour. However, India’s home season begins mid-September with two Tests against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai. Following the second Test in Kanpur on September 27, the two teams will play three T20Is in Dharamsala (Oct 6), Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12). ALSO READ: Kane Williamson reconfirms commitment to New Zealand cricket despite central contract refusal Four days later, on October 16, Team India will play the first of the three Tests against New Zealand, with the final two Tests scheduled in Pune (Oct 24) and Mumbai (Nov 1), respectively. The Indian Team will then travel Down Under for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, consisting of five Tests, beginning in Perth on November 22. Adelaide (Dec 6), Brisbane (Dec 14), the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne (Dec 26) and the New Year’s Test at the SCG in Sydney (Jan 3) will host the remaining four Tests. Following the long tour of Australia, India will host England for the white-ball leg, starting January 22. Both teams will play five T20Is before switching to the ODI gears for the three-match series, concluding on February 12 in Ahmedabad. Chennai (Jan 22), Kolkata (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (Feb 2) are five venues for the T20Is, while Nagpur (Feb 6) and Cuttack (Feb 9) will host the first two ODIs. Champions Trophy in Pakistan After the final ODI against the former World Champions, both teams will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. An eight-team ICC tournament returns to Pakistan for the first time since 2008 when they hosted the Asia Cup, beginning in mid-February around the 21st, the final confirmation of which is yet to come. However, the question remains whether the Indian Govt and the BCCI will allow the Men in Blue to travel across the border for the returning Champions Trophy event. Although none of the concerned stakeholders have communicated on the same, the PCB, in accordance with the ICC, had announced three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the showpiece event. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is proposed to host all India matches, including the semis and the final, should they qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI announces Team India's home fixtures for upcoming 2024/25 season; England, NZ among touring teams

<p>Former India fast bowler David Johnson passed away at 52 in a tragic incident, several reports confirmed. The former Karnataka seamer fell from his balcony on the fourth floor of his Bengaluru apartment, and though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, the doctors declared him dead. Johnson was suffering from several health-related issues over the past year and was regularly visiting hospitals. Those close to the information revealed he was discharged from a hospital three days ago.</p>

<p>According to a report in the Indian Express, Johnson is survived by his wife, further stating his financial situation wasn’t healthy for a while and that he sought help from near and dear ones, including extended family and friends.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-464664-phil-salts-onslaught-off-romario-shepherd-goes-viral-during-wi-vs-eng-tie-watch-733478">T20 WC: 4,6,4,6,6,4! Phil Salt's ONSLAUGHT off Romario Shepherd goes viral during WI vs ENG tie - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, a few of his former colleagues, including spinner Anil Kumble and BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to pay condolences. While Kumble wrote on X that he is saddened by the passing away of his former cricket mate, Shah said everyone remembers his contribution to Indian Cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumble wrote, “Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “ Benny”!</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “ Benny”!</p>
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1803708212040057108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 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>

<p>Shah wrote, “Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered 🙏</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered 🙏</p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1803713691856392420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 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>

<h2>David in the Indian Team</h2>

<p>On the back of impressive performances for Karnataka in domestic cricket during the mid-90s, Johnson was called to the Indian Test side for the maiden Border-Gavaskar series in 1996, making his debut against Australia in Delhi. He later travelled with the team to&nbsp;South Africa, and played in the first Test in Durban. That, however, was his last game for India at the top level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During that decade, he was part of the deadly pace attack from his state, which included Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Dodda Ganesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although Johnson continued to play in domestic till the 2001/02 season before he announced his retirement, he reappeared on the cricket stage in 2009, when KSCA launched the Karnataka Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also suggests that Johnson did some odd jobs for survival, even moving to Chennai before former India batter and KSCA administrator Brijesh Patel recalled him and reinstated him in the cricketing circuit.</p>

<p>Per people close to the information, Johnson even tried his hand at coaching (in Bengaluru) but owing to different issues, he failed to prolong his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former India fast bowler David Johnson passed away at 52 in a tragic incident, several reports confirmed. The former Karnataka seamer fell from his balcony on the fourth floor of his Bengaluru apartment, and though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, the doctors declared him dead.

Former India fast bowler David Johnson passed away at 52 in a tragic incident, several reports confirmed. The former Karnataka seamer fell from his balcony on the fourth floor of his Bengaluru apartment, and though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, the doctors declared him dead. Johnson was suffering from several health-related issues over the past year and was regularly visiting hospitals. Those close to the information revealed he was discharged from a hospital three days ago. According to a report in the Indian Express, Johnson is survived by his wife, further stating his financial situation wasn’t healthy for a while and that he sought help from near and dear ones, including extended family and friends. ALSO READ: T20 WC: 4,6,4,6,6,4! Phil Salt's ONSLAUGHT off Romario Shepherd goes viral during WI vs ENG tie - Watch Meanwhile, a few of his former colleagues, including spinner Anil Kumble and BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to pay condolences. While Kumble wrote on X that he is saddened by the passing away of his former cricket mate, Shah said everyone remembers his contribution to Indian Cricket. Kumble wrote, “Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “ Benny”! Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “ Benny”! — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2024 × Shah wrote, “Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered 🙏 Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered 🙏 — Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 20, 2024 × David in the Indian Team On the back of impressive performances for Karnataka in domestic cricket during the mid-90s, Johnson was called to the Indian Test side for the maiden Border-Gavaskar series in 1996, making his debut against Australia in Delhi. He later travelled with the team to South Africa, and played in the first Test in Durban. That, however, was his last game for India at the top level. During that decade, he was part of the deadly pace attack from his state, which included Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Dodda Ganesh. Although Johnson continued to play in domestic till the 2001/02 season before he announced his retirement, he reappeared on the cricket stage in 2009, when KSCA launched the Karnataka Premier League. The report also suggests that Johnson did some odd jobs for survival, even moving to Chennai before former India batter and KSCA administrator Brijesh Patel recalled him and reinstated him in the cricketing circuit. Per people close to the information, Johnson even tried his hand at coaching (in Bengaluru) but owing to different issues, he failed to prolong his career. (With inputs from agencies)

Former India pacer David Johnson dies at 52 after falling from balcony

<p>Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has backed Gautam Gambhir to become India's next head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to name the next Indian coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure set to end post the ongoing T20 World Cup, in West Indies and the USA. On Tuesday (June 19), Gambhir was interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and is being considered as the ideal candidate to take over from Dravid. Amid all this, Kamran -- who had a verbal spat with Gambhir during their playing days -- lauded the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor and feels 'whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold'.</p>

<p>Talking to the Times of Indoa, Kamran said, "Whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold. The team he joins becomes successful. Team India doesn't need any foreign coaches. They have plenty of options and talent. After Dravid, no one can be the best and bigger than Gautam Gambhir. He was a big player and will become a great coach too. He is the best option India have right now."</p>

<p>He further opined, "Gambhir was with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and they did really well under him. He became a mentor of KKR and they became champions. He is an amazing planner and has a brilliant cricketing mind. I have played a lot of cricket with him. We have been together for a long time. We played, had food and had chats together. We are still good friends. We are still in touch. He should be the head coach and India can go for Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan as bowling coach."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/we-dont-need-personal-comments-former-indian-opener-on-pakistani-fan-abusing-haris-rauf-733163">'We don't need personal comments': Former Indian opener on Pakistani fan abusing Haris Rauf</a></strong></p>

<p>Kamran also heaped praise on current coach Dravid.</p>

<p>The former Pakistani stumper feels Dravid has 'given a lot to Indian cricket' with varied roles.</p>

<p>He added, "Rahul Dravid has given a lot to Indian cricket. Not just with his batting, he has given a lot to Indian cricket as a coach as well. He has been working with a different model with Team India. He is one of the greats. Just look at his graph. He is someone who believes in making the roots and foundation so strong. Team India are dominating at the moment but behind the scene credit goes to Rahul Dravid."</p>

<p>Under Dravid, India reached the 2022 T20 WC semifinals, ended as runners-up in the WTC 2023 and 2023 ODI WC.&nbsp;</p>


Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has backed Gautam Gambhir to become India's next head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to name the next Indian coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure set to end post the ongoing T20 World Cup, in West Indies and the USA.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has backed Gautam Gambhir to become India's next head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to name the next Indian coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure set to end post the ongoing T20 World Cup, in West Indies and the USA. On Tuesday (June 19), Gambhir was interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and is being considered as the ideal candidate to take over from Dravid. Amid all this, Kamran -- who had a verbal spat with Gambhir during their playing days -- lauded the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor and feels 'whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold'. Talking to the Times of Indoa, Kamran said, "Whatever Gambhir touches turns into gold. The team he joins becomes successful. Team India doesn't need any foreign coaches. They have plenty of options and talent. After Dravid, no one can be the best and bigger than Gautam Gambhir. He was a big player and will become a great coach too. He is the best option India have right now." He further opined, "Gambhir was with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and they did really well under him. He became a mentor of KKR and they became champions. He is an amazing planner and has a brilliant cricketing mind. I have played a lot of cricket with him. We have been together for a long time. We played, had food and had chats together. We are still good friends. We are still in touch. He should be the head coach and India can go for Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan as bowling coach." Also read: 'We don't need personal comments': Former Indian opener on Pakistani fan abusing Haris Rauf Kamran also heaped praise on current coach Dravid. The former Pakistani stumper feels Dravid has 'given a lot to Indian cricket' with varied roles. He added, "Rahul Dravid has given a lot to Indian cricket. Not just with his batting, he has given a lot to Indian cricket as a coach as well. He has been working with a different model with Team India. He is one of the greats. Just look at his graph. He is someone who believes in making the roots and foundation so strong. Team India are dominating at the moment but behind the scene credit goes to Rahul Dravid." Under Dravid, India reached the 2022 T20 WC semifinals, ended as runners-up in the WTC 2023 and 2023 ODI WC.

'Whatever he touches...' - Kamran Akmal on prospects of Gautam Gambhir becoming India's next coach

<p>Gautam Gambhir appeared before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik in a virtual interview for the post of Indian men's cricket team head coach on Tuesday (Jun 18). Alongside Gambhir, former India opener and women's team coach WV Raman was also interviewed for the position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both candidates were asked three questions during the interview, related to their plans and the&nbsp;dilemmas that the Indian team may face in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three questions posted to the candidates, according to a report in <em>Revsportz</em> were:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>What are your ideas regarding the coaching staff of the team?<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>With a few aging players in both the batting and bowling departments, how will you handle the transition phase?<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>What are your views on split captaincy, fitness parameters concerning workload management, and addressing the team’s failure to win ICC trophies?</li>
</ul>

<p>Another round of interview is scheduled on Wednesday (Jun 19) before the head coach announcement is made later in the week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Post the T20 World Cup, the Indian team management will have to take a tough call&nbsp;on the future of certain players that are on the wrong side of their thirties.</p>

<p>It is the same dilemma that MS Dhoni faced when he first took over captaincy after the 2007 World Cup debacle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, India preferred to go with the youngsters and reaped instant rewards for it. Gambhir, known for backing young talents is expected to be ruthless when given the charge during the transition period, per&nbsp;reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/narendra-modi-ms-dhoni-amit-shah-fake-applicants-use-famous-names-for-india-head-coach-job-726329"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Narendra Modi, MS Dhoni, Amit Shah: Fake applicants use famous names for India head coach job</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>New coach announcement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach.&nbsp;The former Indian opener's name gained prominence after he guided KKR to a third Indian Premier League (IPL) title last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I would love to coach the Indian team. There’s no bigger honour than coaching your national team,"&nbsp;said Gambhir when quizzed about the prospective job.</p>

<p>"You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?”</p>

<p>Apart from Gambhir, BCCI is keen to bring former South African cricketer, Jonty Rhodes, on board as the fielding coach to replace T Dilip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Gambhir and Rhodes have worked together previously at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).</p>

<p>The duo managed to take the new franchise to IPL playoffs in two consecutive seasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gautam Gambhir appeared before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik in a virtual interview for the post of Indian men's cricket team head coach on Tuesday (Jun 18).

Gautam Gambhir appeared before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik in a virtual interview for the post of Indian men's cricket team head coach on Tuesday (Jun 18). Alongside Gambhir, former India opener and women's team coach WV Raman was also interviewed for the position. Both candidates were asked three questions during the interview, related to their plans and the dilemmas that the Indian team may face in the future. The three questions posted to the candidates, according to a report in Revsportz were: What are your ideas regarding the coaching staff of the team? With a few aging players in both the batting and bowling departments, how will you handle the transition phase? What are your views on split captaincy, fitness parameters concerning workload management, and addressing the team’s failure to win ICC trophies? Another round of interview is scheduled on Wednesday (Jun 19) before the head coach announcement is made later in the week. Post the T20 World Cup, the Indian team management will have to take a tough call on the future of certain players that are on the wrong side of their thirties. It is the same dilemma that MS Dhoni faced when he first took over captaincy after the 2007 World Cup debacle. At the time, India preferred to go with the youngsters and reaped instant rewards for it. Gambhir, known for backing young talents is expected to be ruthless when given the charge during the transition period, per reports. Also read | Narendra Modi, MS Dhoni, Amit Shah: Fake applicants use famous names for India head coach job New coach announcement Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach. The former Indian opener's name gained prominence after he guided KKR to a third Indian Premier League (IPL) title last month. “I would love to coach the Indian team. There’s no bigger honour than coaching your national team," said Gambhir when quizzed about the prospective job. "You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?” Apart from Gambhir, BCCI is keen to bring former South African cricketer, Jonty Rhodes, on board as the fielding coach to replace T Dilip. Both Gambhir and Rhodes have worked together previously at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The duo managed to take the new franchise to IPL playoffs in two consecutive seasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Here are the three questions Gautam Gambhir was asked during India head coach interview

<p>Ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match against Czechia, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram&nbsp;handle paid tribute to Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and Portuguese footballer&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo using the common link that binds the two superstars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Dhoni and Ronaldo have been the legends of their respective sports and contributed immensely to the success of their&nbsp;national teams. The similarities do not stop here as both wear the iconic no. 7 on their jerseys.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FIFA used the 'Thala for a reason' phrase that is often used in popular culture by the fans of the cricketer to associate it with Ronaldo who wears the same-numbered jersey. 'Thala' (Tamil word for 'head' or 'leader') is what fans call Dhoni affectionately.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8WrGrEuvmD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8WrGrEuvmD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8WrGrEuvmD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8WrGrEuvmD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-tickets-to-watch-cristiano-ronaldo-train-for-portugal-selling-at-outrageous-prices-731142"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: Tickets to watch Cristiano Ronaldo train for Portugal selling at OUTRAGEOUS prices</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Ronaldo's last dance</strong></h2>

<p>While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, Ronaldo is still going strong at the young age of 39. The Portuguese star has said he is lucky to be able to represent his country at the top stage and making every moment count in the final essay of his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know I don't have many years of football left," Ronaldo said in the lead-up to the Euros.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream."</p>

<p>The Portuguese is the leading goal scorer in&nbsp;men’s international football with 128 goals in 204 official matches. He will be playing his final Euros, having featured in six previous editions, winning one (2016) and finishing runners-up (2004) in another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. "Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn't get any better than this."</p>

<p>While Ronaldo was extended terrible treatment under former coach Fernando Santos who benched him in the important World Cup matches in Qatar, the newly-appointed Roberto Martinez has put complete faith in the Al-Nassr striker.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Portugal Euro 2024 group and squad&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Group F:</strong>&nbsp;Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic</p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsHvLuXCmUvDD" /></p>

<p><strong>Goalkeepers:</strong>&nbsp;Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Defenders:</strong>&nbsp;Antonio Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Ruben Dias&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Midfielders:</strong>&nbsp;Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Otavio Monteiro, Ruben Neves, Vitinha</p>

<p><strong>Forwards:</strong>&nbsp;Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match against Czechia, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram handle paid tribute to Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo using the common link that binds the two superstars.

Ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match against Czechia, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram handle paid tribute to Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo using the common link that binds the two superstars. Both Dhoni and Ronaldo have been the legends of their respective sports and contributed immensely to the success of their national teams. The similarities do not stop here as both wear the iconic no. 7 on their jerseys. FIFA used the 'Thala for a reason' phrase that is often used in popular culture by the fans of the cricketer to associate it with Ronaldo who wears the same-numbered jersey. 'Thala' (Tamil word for 'head' or 'leader') is what fans call Dhoni affectionately. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup) × Also read | Euro 2024: Tickets to watch Cristiano Ronaldo train for Portugal selling at OUTRAGEOUS prices Ronaldo's last dance While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, Ronaldo is still going strong at the young age of 39. The Portuguese star has said he is lucky to be able to represent his country at the top stage and making every moment count in the final essay of his career. "I know I don't have many years of football left," Ronaldo said in the lead-up to the Euros. "It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream." The Portuguese is the leading goal scorer in men’s international football with 128 goals in 204 official matches. He will be playing his final Euros, having featured in six previous editions, winning one (2016) and finishing runners-up (2004) in another. "For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. "Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn't get any better than this." While Ronaldo was extended terrible treatment under former coach Fernando Santos who benched him in the important World Cup matches in Qatar, the newly-appointed Roberto Martinez has put complete faith in the Al-Nassr striker. Portugal Euro 2024 group and squad Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio Defenders: Antonio Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Ruben Dias Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Otavio Monteiro, Ruben Neves, Vitinha Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao (With inputs from agencies)

FIFA pays tribute to MS Dhoni and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match

<p>Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir will appear for an interview for the role of the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on Tuesday (June 18). The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will be interviewing him in Mumbai today. The veteran is being considered the frontrunner to take up the job from Rahul Dravid, who will sign off from the top post after the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.&nbsp;Along with Gambhir, another candidate will also be interviewed for the role of the selector.</p>

<p>Gambhir's name started doing the rounds, especially after Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumph in IPL 2024. Under Gambhir's mentorship, Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata won their third IPL title, the first in 10 years, and the former cricketer's involvement in making strategies and team combinations was lauded by many. Since then, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been keen on roping Gambhir to replace Dravid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/legendary-proteas-cricketer-to-become-indian-team-fielding-coach-report-claims-732556">Legendary Proteas cricketer to become Indian team fielding coach? Report claims...</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble -- who also coached India for a year -- spoke on Gambhir's likely appointment. He told Star Sports, "You will have to give him (Gambhir) time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams, he has been a captain for India, for his franchise. He has all the credentials to be that. But, Indian team coaching is slightly different. So you will have to give him time to settle in."</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see how Gambhir settles in with the current lot of players, given that he has also played with many of them, such as Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, the Rohit-led Indian team is gearing up for their Super 8 games in the T20 WC. They are placed in Group 1 along with Australia, Afghanistan and West Indies. The Men in Blue will take on Afghanistan on Wednesday (Jun 19) at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.</p>


Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir will appear for an interview for the role of the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on Tuesday (June 18). The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will be interviewing him in Mumbai today.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir will appear for an interview for the role of the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on Tuesday (June 18). The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will be interviewing him in Mumbai today. The veteran is being considered the frontrunner to take up the job from Rahul Dravid, who will sign off from the top post after the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. Along with Gambhir, another candidate will also be interviewed for the role of the selector. Gambhir's name started doing the rounds, especially after Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumph in IPL 2024. Under Gambhir's mentorship, Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata won their third IPL title, the first in 10 years, and the former cricketer's involvement in making strategies and team combinations was lauded by many. Since then, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been keen on roping Gambhir to replace Dravid. Also read: Legendary Proteas cricketer to become Indian team fielding coach? Report claims... Recently, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble -- who also coached India for a year -- spoke on Gambhir's likely appointment. He told Star Sports, "You will have to give him (Gambhir) time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams, he has been a captain for India, for his franchise. He has all the credentials to be that. But, Indian team coaching is slightly different. So you will have to give him time to settle in." It will be interesting to see how Gambhir settles in with the current lot of players, given that he has also played with many of them, such as Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, etc. At present, the Rohit-led Indian team is gearing up for their Super 8 games in the T20 WC. They are placed in Group 1 along with Australia, Afghanistan and West Indies. The Men in Blue will take on Afghanistan on Wednesday (Jun 19) at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

India coach job: Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir to be interviewed in Mumbai on Tuesday - Reports

<p>Former South African cricketer&nbsp;Jonty Rhodes is being considered for the Indian men's senior cricket team fielding coach job, according to a report in&nbsp;<em>Revsportz</em>. The current backroom staff, including head coach Rahul Dravid and fielding coach&nbsp;T Dilip, will be stepping down from their positions after the culmination of the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the priority remains for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint the head coach, Rhodes' name has been doing the rounds in the upper echelons of the Indian board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The former South Africa cricketer hasn’t received any formal approach yet, but his is one of the names doing the rounds," the report claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rhodes, a gun fielder back in his playing days, had applied for the same position back in 2019 but the BCCI preferred to stick with R Sridhar who was the then head coach Ravi Shastri's preferred choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Yes, I have applied for the position of India’s new fielding coach. My wife and I love the country, and it has already given us so much. We have two children born in India," Rhodes had said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/narendra-modi-ms-dhoni-amit-shah-fake-applicants-use-famous-names-for-india-head-coach-job-726329"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Narendra Modi, MS Dhoni, Amit Shah: Fake applicants use famous names for India head coach job</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>New coach announcement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach, according to&nbsp;reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was in May that BCCI started the application process for the new head coach. As soon as the position was opened, several high-profile names such as VVS Laxman Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting among others were associated with the job.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-indias-new-head-coach-announcement-in-one-week-time-reports-732249"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Team India's new head coach announcement in one week time - Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Gambhir's name gained prominence after he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a third Indian Premier League (IPL) title last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I would love to coach the Indian team. There’s no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?” said Gambhir when quizzed about the prospective job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports,&nbsp;BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already held a meeting to discuss the job with Gambhir, who remains keen to get on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah and Gambhir share the belief that the former Indian batter should take up the job to serve the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes is being considered for the Indian men's senior cricket team fielding coach job, according to a report in Revsportz. The current backroom staff, including head coach Rahul Dravid and fielding coach T Dilip, will be stepping down from their positions after the culmination of the T20 World Cup.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes is being considered for the Indian men's senior cricket team fielding coach job, according to a report in Revsportz. The current backroom staff, including head coach Rahul Dravid and fielding coach T Dilip, will be stepping down from their positions after the culmination of the T20 World Cup. While the priority remains for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint the head coach, Rhodes' name has been doing the rounds in the upper echelons of the Indian board. "The former South Africa cricketer hasn’t received any formal approach yet, but his is one of the names doing the rounds," the report claimed. Rhodes, a gun fielder back in his playing days, had applied for the same position back in 2019 but the BCCI preferred to stick with R Sridhar who was the then head coach Ravi Shastri's preferred choice. “Yes, I have applied for the position of India’s new fielding coach. My wife and I love the country, and it has already given us so much. We have two children born in India," Rhodes had said at the time. Also read | Narendra Modi, MS Dhoni, Amit Shah: Fake applicants use famous names for India head coach job New coach announcement Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach, according to reports. It was in May that BCCI started the application process for the new head coach. As soon as the position was opened, several high-profile names such as VVS Laxman Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting among others were associated with the job. Also read | Team India's new head coach announcement in one week time - Reports However, Gambhir's name gained prominence after he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a third Indian Premier League (IPL) title last month. “I would love to coach the Indian team. There’s no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?” said Gambhir when quizzed about the prospective job. According to reports, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already held a meeting to discuss the job with Gambhir, who remains keen to get on board. Shah and Gambhir share the belief that the former Indian batter should take up the job to serve the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Legendary Proteas cricketer to become Indian team fielding coach? Report claims...

<p>The Indian Cricket Board might announce a new head coach later this week. Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach, according to&nbsp;reports.&nbsp;Dravid’s tenure as the team’s boss will end with the conclusion of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, with the incoming coach taking charge immediately.</p>

<p>A Dainik Jagran report suggests that the BCCI plans to name Gautam as Dravid’s successor. Following the England Tests at home earlier, the board put out the invitations for this job, with several names emerging, including Gautam Gambhir, NCA chief VVS Laxman and the Australian duo of Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting.</p>

<p>All these names besides Gambhir rejected the offer, which extends for three and a half years till December 31, 2027. While Ponting and Langer called this job ‘exhausting’ yet ‘best in the world’, none appeared to apply for it. However, following the conclusion of the group stage games in IPL 2024, Gambhir’s name began making headlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-veteran-david-wiese-announces-international-retirement-says-just-seemed-like-the-right-time-732185">T20 veteran David Wiese announces international retirement: 'Just seemed like the right time'</a></strong></p>

<p>Upon approaching, Gautam said he would consider taking up this job, meaning he will have to review his role as KKR mentor, which he agreed to ahead of this season. Before this, Gautam was the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and guided them to sealing playoff spots for two straight years. This season, under his tutelage, KKR won its third IPL trophy, beating SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.</p>

<h2>India under Dravid in T20 WC</h2>

<p>Dravid’s contract earlier was until the conclusion of last year’s 50-over World Cup at home. However, the board extended it till the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India has flourished thus far.</p>

<p>Drawn alongside the co-hosts USA, arch-rivals Pakistan, Canada and Ireland in Group A, India won all three matches, including beating Pakistan in New York, and their final league game against Canada got washed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India topped their group and will face Afghanistan on June 20, Bangladesh or Netherlands two days later on June 22, and Australia on June 24. Should India qualify for the semis, they will face the knockout game in Guyana. The final will take place on Saturday (June 29).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Cricket Board might announce a new head coach later this week. Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach, according to reports.

The Indian Cricket Board might announce a new head coach later this week. Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Team India’s new head coach, according to reports. Dravid’s tenure as the team’s boss will end with the conclusion of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, with the incoming coach taking charge immediately. A Dainik Jagran report suggests that the BCCI plans to name Gautam as Dravid’s successor. Following the England Tests at home earlier, the board put out the invitations for this job, with several names emerging, including Gautam Gambhir, NCA chief VVS Laxman and the Australian duo of Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting. All these names besides Gambhir rejected the offer, which extends for three and a half years till December 31, 2027. While Ponting and Langer called this job ‘exhausting’ yet ‘best in the world’, none appeared to apply for it. However, following the conclusion of the group stage games in IPL 2024, Gambhir’s name began making headlines. ALSO READ: T20 veteran David Wiese announces international retirement: 'Just seemed like the right time' Upon approaching, Gautam said he would consider taking up this job, meaning he will have to review his role as KKR mentor, which he agreed to ahead of this season. Before this, Gautam was the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and guided them to sealing playoff spots for two straight years. This season, under his tutelage, KKR won its third IPL trophy, beating SunRisers Hyderabad in the final. India under Dravid in T20 WC Dravid’s contract earlier was until the conclusion of last year’s 50-over World Cup at home. However, the board extended it till the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India has flourished thus far. Drawn alongside the co-hosts USA, arch-rivals Pakistan, Canada and Ireland in Group A, India won all three matches, including beating Pakistan in New York, and their final league game against Canada got washed out. India topped their group and will face Afghanistan on June 20, Bangladesh or Netherlands two days later on June 22, and Australia on June 24. Should India qualify for the semis, they will face the knockout game in Guyana. The final will take place on Saturday (June 29). (With inputs from agencies)

Team India's new head coach announcement in one week time - Reports

<p>Amid reports that Shubman Gill was being sent back to India by the team management over 'disciplinary' issues, the star cricketer has responded on social media in a rather cheeky manner. The&nbsp;batter shared a couple of pictures with&nbsp;Rohit Sharma before he flies back home while&nbsp;the Indian captain departs for the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jun 16) afternoon, Gill posted a story on Instagram with Rohit's daughter Samaira and captioned it as saying:&nbsp;“Sammy and I learning the art of discipline from @rohitsharma45."</p>

<p><img alt="Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6d093f8-a382-4152-b00e-3c64fccf11d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-06-16%20155418.png" /></p>

<p>The use of 'discipline' was a subtle dig at media reports that claimed that Gill had not&nbsp;been travelling with the team during the US leg of the T20 World Cup and was rather focused on side projects.</p>

<p>The reports stated&nbsp;that the team was miffed and decided to send Gill home on disciplinary charges. Another report added that Gill had unfollowed Rohit on social media in the aftermath of&nbsp;the alleged fallout.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-shubman-gill-unfollows-rohit-sharma-on-instagram-but-no-disciplinary-issues-732077"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2024: Shubman Gill unfollows Rohit Sharma on Instagram, but no disciplinary issues</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Vikram Rathour clears the air</strong></h2>

<p>However, all the rumors were quashed by Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour who said it was always the plan to send Gill and Avesh Khan back home after the culmination of the US leg.</p>

<p>“This was a plan from the beginning. When we come to the US, four players will come together. After that two will be released and two will travel with us to West Indies," Rathour said in the press conference as India's final match of the group stage against Canada was abandoned due to rain.</p>

<p>"So, this plan was made from the beginning since the team was selected. This was planned so we are just following that,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India have another opener in Yashasvi Jaiswal in the wings while spin will be the priority in the Caribbean, which explains Avesh's exclusion from the squad. India will square off against Afghanistan in the first match of the Super 8 on Thursday (Jun 20) in Barbados.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India squad for Super 8:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>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</p>

<p><strong>Reserves:</strong>&nbsp;Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed</p>

<p><em>(More to follow)</em></p>


Amid reports that Shubman Gill was being sent back to India by the team management over 'disciplinary' issues, the star cricketer has responded on social media in a rather cheeky manner.

Amid reports that Shubman Gill was being sent back to India by the team management over 'disciplinary' issues, the star cricketer has responded on social media in a rather cheeky manner. The batter shared a couple of pictures with Rohit Sharma before he flies back home while the Indian captain departs for the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage. On Sunday (Jun 16) afternoon, Gill posted a story on Instagram with Rohit's daughter Samaira and captioned it as saying: “Sammy and I learning the art of discipline from @rohitsharma45." The use of 'discipline' was a subtle dig at media reports that claimed that Gill had not been travelling with the team during the US leg of the T20 World Cup and was rather focused on side projects. The reports stated that the team was miffed and decided to send Gill home on disciplinary charges. Another report added that Gill had unfollowed Rohit on social media in the aftermath of the alleged fallout. Also read | T20 World Cup 2024: Shubman Gill unfollows Rohit Sharma on Instagram, but no disciplinary issues Vikram Rathour clears the air However, all the rumors were quashed by Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour who said it was always the plan to send Gill and Avesh Khan back home after the culmination of the US leg. “This was a plan from the beginning. When we come to the US, four players will come together. After that two will be released and two will travel with us to West Indies," Rathour said in the press conference as India's final match of the group stage against Canada was abandoned due to rain. "So, this plan was made from the beginning since the team was selected. This was planned so we are just following that,” he added. India have another opener in Yashasvi Jaiswal in the wings while spin will be the priority in the Caribbean, which explains Avesh's exclusion from the squad. India will square off against Afghanistan in the first match of the Super 8 on Thursday (Jun 20) in Barbados. India squad for Super 8: 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: Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed (More to follow)

Shubman Gill poses with Rohit Sharma in cheeky response to 'disciplinary issue' rumours

<p>Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan could return home following the USA leg of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas. Picked as part of a four-member travelling reserve, Gill and Khan have travelled with the team to Florida in a chartered flight for both Indian and USA players, where the Men in Blue face Canada in their last group match on Saturday (June 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After India’s third group game against the co-hosts USA at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, both teams flew to the other part of the country for their final league game, with the USA facing Ireland on Friday (June 14).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Gill and Khan were just part of the squad till the first round and expected to stay back in case of an injury. However, considering Fort Lauderdale will host India’s last group match and the city is flooded with consistent rains, India’s game might get washed out, leaving Gill and Khan with no option but to head back home.</p>

<p>While the seamers seem to be doing fine thus far in three matches, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will come into the picture once India get&nbsp;into the Super 8 mode in the Caribbean, where the pitches are likely to assist the spinners.</p>

<p>Despite Gill and Khan leaving the Indian camp, the Men in Blue would have two backups in Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, with rookie opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also waiting in the wings to get a chance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-beat-png-to-book-super-8-berth-as-new-zealand-crash-out-of-t20-world-cup-731607">Afghanistan beat PNG to book Super 8 berth as New Zealand crash out of T20 World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>With India leading Group A, their Super 8 schedule looks set. India will face Afghanistan on June 20 in the first game in Barbados, most likely Bangladesh two days later on June 22 in Antigua and the mighty Aussies in their final Super 8 match on June 24 in St. Lucia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should they win at least two of their three matches or all three, India will qualify for the semis, where they will play in Guyana on June 27, and if they win the semis clash, India will be in the final that will take place in Barbados on Sunday (June 29).</p>

<h2>India face Canada next</h2>

<p>Although the weather could play spoilsport in India’s last league game against Canada, they are still the favourites in case the match gets underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With them already sealing the Super 8 spot, India could make changes to their XI, giving a chance&nbsp;to the benched players, including the spin duo of Chahal and Kuldeep.</p>

<p>India could also try Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top by probably resting Captain Rohit or out-of-touch veteran Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan could return home following the USA leg of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas. Picked as part of a four-member travelling reserve, Gill and Khan have travelled with the team to Florida in a chartered flight for both Indian and USA players, where the Men in Blue face Canada in their last group match on Saturday (June 15).

Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan could return home following the USA leg of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas. Picked as part of a four-member travelling reserve, Gill and Khan have travelled with the team to Florida in a chartered flight for both Indian and USA players, where the Men in Blue face Canada in their last group match on Saturday (June 15). After India’s third group game against the co-hosts USA at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, both teams flew to the other part of the country for their final league game, with the USA facing Ireland on Friday (June 14). Meanwhile, Gill and Khan were just part of the squad till the first round and expected to stay back in case of an injury. However, considering Fort Lauderdale will host India’s last group match and the city is flooded with consistent rains, India’s game might get washed out, leaving Gill and Khan with no option but to head back home. While the seamers seem to be doing fine thus far in three matches, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will come into the picture once India get into the Super 8 mode in the Caribbean, where the pitches are likely to assist the spinners. Despite Gill and Khan leaving the Indian camp, the Men in Blue would have two backups in Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, with rookie opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also waiting in the wings to get a chance. ALSO READ: Afghanistan beat PNG to book Super 8 berth as New Zealand crash out of T20 World Cup With India leading Group A, their Super 8 schedule looks set. India will face Afghanistan on June 20 in the first game in Barbados, most likely Bangladesh two days later on June 22 in Antigua and the mighty Aussies in their final Super 8 match on June 24 in St. Lucia. Should they win at least two of their three matches or all three, India will qualify for the semis, where they will play in Guyana on June 27, and if they win the semis clash, India will be in the final that will take place in Barbados on Sunday (June 29). India face Canada next Although the weather could play spoilsport in India’s last league game against Canada, they are still the favourites in case the match gets underway. With them already sealing the Super 8 spot, India could make changes to their XI, giving a chance to the benched players, including the spin duo of Chahal and Kuldeep. India could also try Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top by probably resting Captain Rohit or out-of-touch veteran Virat Kohli. (With inputs from agencies)

Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan could return home after US leg at T20 World Cup

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidCYXD5FFK91EI" /></p>

<p>India crawled to a seven-wicket win against USA to secure their second win of ICC T20 World Cup and a place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The win also provides&nbsp;breathing space to Pakistan who would have exited the tournament had India lost the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surkyakumar Yadav (50*) and Shivam Dube (31*)&nbsp;forged a 72-run partnership to ensure India got over the winning line after USA pegged them back in the first half of the chase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting on a sticky pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, in front of a divided house, SKY and Dube had to bide their time in the middle. SKY, whose form in the ICC tournaments has been shaky at best, was&nbsp;given a reprieve during the innings but&nbsp;utilised it to full effect to see the chase through.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dube, who had a forgettable passage in the IPL and in the first match against Pakistan, got some adequate batting time under his belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a tricky target of 111, India lost Virat Kohli in the first over on a golden duck, courtesy of Saurabh Netravalkar. The left-arm seamer, who works&nbsp;for Oracle forced Kohli, the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cups to edge one straight back to the keeper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma did not last long either and perished against&nbsp;Netravalkar again by chipping a straight delivery down to mid off. However, the middle order managed to hold its own with Rishabh Pant (18) also absorbing some of the US pressure efficiently.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-sri-lankas-hilarious-equations-to-qualify-for-t20-world-cup-super-8-stage-731088"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained: Sri Lanka's hilarious equations to qualify for T20 World Cup Super 8 stage</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>India opt to bowl first</strong></h2>

<p>Opting to bowl first, India struck gold on the first ball as Arshdeep Singh bowled a peach of a delivery to trap&nbsp;Shayan Jahangir who could not deal with the late inswinging delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wicketkeeper&nbsp;Andries Gous departed in the same over after being rushed into a shot, with the ball ballooning straight up in air to Hardik Pandya who zipped across at mid off to take a good catch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hero of the previous two matches, Aaron Jones did put up a brief fight but could not over deal with the short-pitch bowling of Pandya. Lower down the order, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh played little cameos but never really threatened to disturb the Indian bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh was at his pristine best as he finished with the best figures for an Indian bowler in the T20 World Cups (2-0-9-4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The team always shows belief in me and keeps backing me, I had to deliver for them. The wicket is very conducive to fast bowlers and it's helping us get some seam movement. The plan was simple, pitch it in the wicket and let the ball do the talking," said Singh who won the Player of the Match award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win concludes India's campaign in the US as the team flies to Miami later tonight and from there to the Caribbean where sterner challenges await the Men-in-Blue.&nbsp;</p>


India crawled to a seven-wicket win against USA to secure their second win of ICC T20 World Cup and a place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The win also provides breathing space to Pakistan who would have exited the tournament had India lost the match.

India crawled to a seven-wicket win against USA to secure their second win of ICC T20 World Cup and a place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The win also provides breathing space to Pakistan who would have exited the tournament had India lost the match. Surkyakumar Yadav (50*) and Shivam Dube (31*) forged a 72-run partnership to ensure India got over the winning line after USA pegged them back in the first half of the chase. Batting on a sticky pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, in front of a divided house, SKY and Dube had to bide their time in the middle. SKY, whose form in the ICC tournaments has been shaky at best, was given a reprieve during the innings but utilised it to full effect to see the chase through. Meanwhile, Dube, who had a forgettable passage in the IPL and in the first match against Pakistan, got some adequate batting time under his belt. Chasing a tricky target of 111, India lost Virat Kohli in the first over on a golden duck, courtesy of Saurabh Netravalkar. The left-arm seamer, who works for Oracle forced Kohli, the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cups to edge one straight back to the keeper. Skipper Rohit Sharma did not last long either and perished against Netravalkar again by chipping a straight delivery down to mid off. However, the middle order managed to hold its own with Rishabh Pant (18) also absorbing some of the US pressure efficiently. Also read | Explained: Sri Lanka's hilarious equations to qualify for T20 World Cup Super 8 stage India opt to bowl first Opting to bowl first, India struck gold on the first ball as Arshdeep Singh bowled a peach of a delivery to trap Shayan Jahangir who could not deal with the late inswinging delivery. Wicketkeeper Andries Gous departed in the same over after being rushed into a shot, with the ball ballooning straight up in air to Hardik Pandya who zipped across at mid off to take a good catch. Hero of the previous two matches, Aaron Jones did put up a brief fight but could not over deal with the short-pitch bowling of Pandya. Lower down the order, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh played little cameos but never really threatened to disturb the Indian bowling attack. Singh was at his pristine best as he finished with the best figures for an Indian bowler in the T20 World Cups (2-0-9-4). "The team always shows belief in me and keeps backing me, I had to deliver for them. The wicket is very conducive to fast bowlers and it's helping us get some seam movement. The plan was simple, pitch it in the wicket and let the ball do the talking," said Singh who won the Player of the Match award. The win concludes India's campaign in the US as the team flies to Miami later tonight and from there to the Caribbean where sterner challenges await the Men-in-Blue.

T20 World Cup: India crawl to win against USA to give Pakistan a chance at survival

<p>Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh accepted apology from his Pakistani counterpart Kamran Akmal after the latter made a racist joke on Arshdeep Singh. The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, called Akmal 'worthless' for making such statement in the first place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harbhajan cautioned the former Pakistan wicketkeeper that such transgressions should never be repeated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is an utterly absurd statement and an incredibly childish act that only a 'Nalaayak' (worthless)&nbsp;individual can perpetrate. Kamran Akmal must comprehend that there is no necessity to comment on or mock anyone's religion," Harbhajan was quoted as saying by news agency <em>ANI.</em></p>

<p>"It is commendable that he swiftly realised his error and apologised, but he should never again attempt to offend any Sikh or any religion. We hold all religions in high regard, be it Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, or Christianity...," Harbhajan added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shame-on-you-harbhajan-singh-slams-pakistans-kamran-akmal-for-racist-joke-on-arshdeep-singh-730604"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Shame on you': Harbhajan Singh slams Pakistan's Kamran Akmal for racist joke on Arshdeep Singh</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What did Kamran do?</strong></h2>

<p>Akmal, who is currently part of&nbsp;a Pakistani channel's cricket panel for the ICC T20 World Cup, made fun of Arshdeep as the Indian pacer prepared to bowl the final over of the India vs Pakistan match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kuch bhi ho sakta hai...12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen, it's 12 already),” Akmal said laughing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over when it is 12)," another guest on the show could be heard adding to Akmal's joke.</p>

<p>While Akmal made racial jokes about Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer went on to bowl an excellent last over that helped India win the match, despite posting a modest target of 120.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the video clip of Akmal's inappropriate joke went viral, Harbhajan posted a message on his X account and slammed the Pakistani ex-cricketer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal (Shame on you Kamran Akmal).You should know the history of Sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth," wrote Harbhajan.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you guys.. Have some Gratitude <a href="https://twitter.com/KamiAkmal23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamiAkmal23</a> 😡😡🤬 <a href="https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f">https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f</a></p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1800218303010582824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

<p>After getting lashed by the Indian cricketer, Akmal promptly released an apology statement and owned up his mistake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to @harbhajan_singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #Respect #Apology," wrote Akmal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akmal is not the first Pakistani cricketer to have made controversial statements, Last year, Abdul Razzaq was caught in hot waters for making sexist remarks on Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh accepted apology from his Pakistani counterpart Kamran Akmal after the latter made a racist joke on Arshdeep Singh. The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, called Akmal 'worthless' for making such statement in the first place.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh accepted apology from his Pakistani counterpart Kamran Akmal after the latter made a racist joke on Arshdeep Singh. The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, called Akmal 'worthless' for making such statement in the first place. Harbhajan cautioned the former Pakistan wicketkeeper that such transgressions should never be repeated. "This is an utterly absurd statement and an incredibly childish act that only a 'Nalaayak' (worthless) individual can perpetrate. Kamran Akmal must comprehend that there is no necessity to comment on or mock anyone's religion," Harbhajan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. "It is commendable that he swiftly realised his error and apologised, but he should never again attempt to offend any Sikh or any religion. We hold all religions in high regard, be it Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, or Christianity...," Harbhajan added. Also read | 'Shame on you': Harbhajan Singh slams Pakistan's Kamran Akmal for racist joke on Arshdeep Singh What did Kamran do? Akmal, who is currently part of a Pakistani channel's cricket panel for the ICC T20 World Cup, made fun of Arshdeep as the Indian pacer prepared to bowl the final over of the India vs Pakistan match. "Kuch bhi ho sakta hai...12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen, it's 12 already),” Akmal said laughing. “Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over when it is 12)," another guest on the show could be heard adding to Akmal's joke. While Akmal made racial jokes about Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer went on to bowl an excellent last over that helped India win the match, despite posting a modest target of 120. As the video clip of Akmal's inappropriate joke went viral, Harbhajan posted a message on his X account and slammed the Pakistani ex-cricketer. "Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal (Shame on you Kamran Akmal).You should know the history of Sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth," wrote Harbhajan. Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you guys.. Have some Gratitude @KamiAkmal23 😡😡🤬 https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 10, 2024 × After getting lashed by the Indian cricketer, Akmal promptly released an apology statement and owned up his mistake. "I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to @harbhajan_singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #Respect #Apology," wrote Akmal. Akmal is not the first Pakistani cricketer to have made controversial statements, Last year, Abdul Razzaq was caught in hot waters for making sexist remarks on Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. (With inputs from agencies)

Harbhajan Singh calls Kamran Akmal 'worthless' despite apology from ex-Pakistan cricketer for racist joke

<p>The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC. The latest reports suggest that this high-voltage game will be among the last league games in the 15-match competition that will run from&nbsp;February 19 to March 19.</p>

<p>Hours after India and Pakistan faced off in a low-scoring thriller at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup, their next match’s schedule started making headlines. With the eight-team tournament almost eight months away, fans from both countries remain eager for yet another blockbuster tie.</p>

<p>Per Cricbuzz, India's participation remains subject to approval from the Indian government to allow the team to travel to Pakistan for the first time in around 15 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-india-floor-arch-rivals-pakistan-in-low-scoring-thriller-730354">T20 World Cup: Bumrah's heroics help India floor arch-rivals Pakistan in low-scoring thriller</a></strong></p>

<p>Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, the BCCI denied sending its team across the border, proposing a hybrid model instead. Later, Sri Lanka and Pakistan co-hosted the six-team tournament, with India playing all its games in Sri Lanka, including the final. Though UAE also emerged as the second option for&nbsp;Asia Cup, harsh weather conditions during those months saw it getting ruled out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite BCCI’s stance of not sending the Indian Team to Pakistan for any series or a tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been&nbsp;told to begin with the preparations. As things stand, neither the ICC nor the hosting board PCB are considering a hybrid model, with all eyes now on the Indian Cricket Board and the ruling government to take the&nbsp;final call.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, of&nbsp;the three venues, Lahore will host seven matches, including all India matches, while Rawalpindi will host five and Karachi only three. If India qualifies for the semis, it will play its semi-final match at the Gaddafi Stadium.</p>

<h2>India beats Pakistan in New York</h2>

<p>The Men in Blue were victorious in their latest T20 WC game against Pakistan in New York, beating them by six runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India batted first and scored 119 runs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a gritty 42, while seamers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah returned with three wickets each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a modest total, Pakistan lost their captain, Babar Azam, inside the Powerplay. Although they were placed well during the ten-over stage, the Indians made a stunning comeback, restricting Pakistan within the asked target.</p>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India, picking three wickets for just 14 runs.</p>

<p>While India sits in the top two with four points, Pakistan tumbled to the fourth position with no wins in two matches played thus far.&nbsp;</p>


The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the marquee India vs Pakistan game during Champions Trophy 2025 and the grand finale, while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the opening game, per the draft schedule submitted to the ICC. The latest reports suggest that this high-voltage game will be among the last league games in the 15-match competition that will run from February 19 to March 19. Hours after India and Pakistan faced off in a low-scoring thriller at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup, their next match’s schedule started making headlines. With the eight-team tournament almost eight months away, fans from both countries remain eager for yet another blockbuster tie. Per Cricbuzz, India's participation remains subject to approval from the Indian government to allow the team to travel to Pakistan for the first time in around 15 years. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Bumrah's heroics help India floor arch-rivals Pakistan in low-scoring thriller Last year, when Pakistan was supposed to host the Asia Cup, the BCCI denied sending its team across the border, proposing a hybrid model instead. Later, Sri Lanka and Pakistan co-hosted the six-team tournament, with India playing all its games in Sri Lanka, including the final. Though UAE also emerged as the second option for Asia Cup, harsh weather conditions during those months saw it getting ruled out. Despite BCCI’s stance of not sending the Indian Team to Pakistan for any series or a tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been told to begin with the preparations. As things stand, neither the ICC nor the hosting board PCB are considering a hybrid model, with all eyes now on the Indian Cricket Board and the ruling government to take the final call. Meanwhile, of the three venues, Lahore will host seven matches, including all India matches, while Rawalpindi will host five and Karachi only three. If India qualifies for the semis, it will play its semi-final match at the Gaddafi Stadium. India beats Pakistan in New York The Men in Blue were victorious in their latest T20 WC game against Pakistan in New York, beating them by six runs. India batted first and scored 119 runs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a gritty 42, while seamers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah returned with three wickets each. Chasing a modest total, Pakistan lost their captain, Babar Azam, inside the Powerplay. Although they were placed well during the ten-over stage, the Indians made a stunning comeback, restricting Pakistan within the asked target. Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India, picking three wickets for just 14 runs. While India sits in the top two with four points, Pakistan tumbled to the fourth position with no wins in two matches played thus far.

Champions Trophy 2025: Lahore to host India-Pak game and final, Karachi gets opener in proposed schedule

<p>Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Harbhajan Singh has slammed ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for making racial joke against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harbhajan took to social media to school Akmal who was heard in a viral video, making the racial dig at Arshdeep who is a Sikh by religion.</p>

<p>"Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal (Shame on you Kamran Akmal).You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth," wrote Harbhajan on X (formerly known as Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude @KamiAkmal23," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude <a href="https://twitter.com/KamiAkmal23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamiAkmal23</a> 😡😡🤬 <a href="https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f">https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f</a></p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1800203683038445847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 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>

<p>Akmal is currently part of a Pakistani&nbsp;channel's cricket panel for the ICC T20 World Cup. During the India vs Pakistan match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (Jun 9), Akmal made fun of Arshdeep as the pacer prepared to bowl the final over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kuch bhi ho sakta hai...12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen, it's 12 already),” Akmal said laughing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over when it is 12)," another guest on the show could be heard adding to Akmal's joke.</p>

<p>While Akmal made racial jokes about Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer went on to bowl an excellent last over that helped India win the match, despite posting a modest target of 120.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-terrible-thing-to-say-abdul-razzaq-slammed-for-controversial-remarks-on-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-658481">Also read | 'What a terrible thing to say': Abdul Razzaq slammed for controversial remarks on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Harbhajan takes down Inzamam</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Harbhajan has slammed an ex-Pakistan cricketer for making racial and radical statements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Harbhajan took down former Pakistan skipper&nbsp;Inzamam-ul-Haq over the latter's comments that the ex-Indian spinner was close to converting his religion after meeting a Muslim scholar.</p>

<p>Inzamam alleged that Muslim players in the India squad&nbsp;(referring to Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif and Zaheer Khan) used to join the Pakistan players for prayers. During the prayers, Harbhajan indicated that he wanted to follow one of the Muslim scholars, added Inzamam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Harbhajan did not take kindly to Inzamam's allegations&nbsp;and gave a strong reply.</p>

<p>"What is he drinking before speaking such nonsense? I am a proud Indian and a proud Sikh...these worthless people speak anything (Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh..yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai)," posted Harbhajan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Harbhajan Singh has slammed ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for making racial joke against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Harbhajan Singh has slammed ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for making racial joke against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh. Harbhajan took to social media to school Akmal who was heard in a viral video, making the racial dig at Arshdeep who is a Sikh by religion. "Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal (Shame on you Kamran Akmal).You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth," wrote Harbhajan on X (formerly known as Twitter). "We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude @KamiAkmal23," he added. Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before u open ur filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved ur mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time invariably was 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude @KamiAkmal23 😡😡🤬 https://t.co/5gim7hOb6f — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 10, 2024 × Akmal is currently part of a Pakistani channel's cricket panel for the ICC T20 World Cup. During the India vs Pakistan match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (Jun 9), Akmal made fun of Arshdeep as the pacer prepared to bowl the final over of the match. "Kuch bhi ho sakta hai...12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen, it's 12 already),” Akmal said laughing. “Kisi Sikh ko nahi dena chaiye 12 baje over (No Sikh should be given the over when it is 12)," another guest on the show could be heard adding to Akmal's joke. While Akmal made racial jokes about Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer went on to bowl an excellent last over that helped India win the match, despite posting a modest target of 120. Also read | 'What a terrible thing to say': Abdul Razzaq slammed for controversial remarks on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Harbhajan takes down Inzamam Notably, this is not the first instance when Harbhajan has slammed an ex-Pakistan cricketer for making racial and radical statements. Last year, Harbhajan took down former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq over the latter's comments that the ex-Indian spinner was close to converting his religion after meeting a Muslim scholar. Inzamam alleged that Muslim players in the India squad (referring to Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif and Zaheer Khan) used to join the Pakistan players for prayers. During the prayers, Harbhajan indicated that he wanted to follow one of the Muslim scholars, added Inzamam. However, Harbhajan did not take kindly to Inzamam's allegations and gave a strong reply. "What is he drinking before speaking such nonsense? I am a proud Indian and a proud Sikh...these worthless people speak anything (Yeh kon sa nasha pee kar baat kar raha hai? I am a proud Indian and proud Sikh..yeh Bakwaas log kuch bi bakte hai)," posted Harbhajan. (With inputs from agencies)

'Shame on you': Harbhajan Singh slams Pakistan's Kamran Akmal for racist joke on Arshdeep Singh

<p>Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup were dealt a huge blow on Sunday (Jun 9) after an embarrassing defeat against India. The tame manner in which Pakistan went down against their arch-rivals&nbsp;came days after USA handed them a drubbing in the Super Over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having lost the two opening matches, Pakistan's fate in the tournament where they were the finalists two years ago, depends on a series of events that need to fall in their favour.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how Pakistan can still qualify:</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan have zero points after two matches and even if they win the remaining matches, their total points tally will only reach four. India and USA already have four points in their bag and thus Pakistan will be hoping that either of them lose their remaining matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India face USA in their next match on June 12 and the matchup will be crucial from Pakistan's point of view. A win for either of the two teams will secure a Super 8 berth. India are the heavy favourites but even if USA suffer a loss, they will still have the destiny in their own hands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In case USA loses both matches and Pakistan wins out, it will all boil down to the Net Run Rate. Currently, Pakistan have a negative run-rate (-0.150) while India (+1.455) and USA (+0.626) boast of healthy scoring rate. Hence, Pakistan will not only have to win but win heavy in the remaining matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, if any of USA's match is washed out, Pakistan will automatically exit the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>June 11: Canada vs Pakistan - Pakistan need to hold their own by winning the match<br />
<br />
June 12: USA vs India — Given India is unlikely to drop points against other teams, Pakistan would hope for an India&nbsp;win&nbsp;<br />
<br />
June 14: USA vs Ireland — A USA win secures a Super 8 spot for hosts. Pakistan need USA to lose<br />
<br />
June 15: Canada vs India — Another win for India is needed<br />
<br />
June 16: Ireland vs Pakistan — Pakistan need a big win if there is question of NRR</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/legendary-pacer-wasim-akram-goes-on-explosive-rant-against-pakistan-players-after-capitulation-vs-india-730513"><strong>Also read | Legendary pacer Wasim Akram goes on explosive rant against Pakistan players after capitulation vs India</strong></a></p>

<h2>Pakistan lose against India</h2>

<p>Pakistan lost the match in front of a packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium crowd after failing to chase a lowly target of 120. Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, produced a masterclass in how to defend a total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It feels really good. We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good. Tried to hit the seam as much as I could, tried to be as clear as I could with my execution and it all came out well so I felt happy," said Bumrah after the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The biggest turning point in the match came in the 15th over when Bumrah came in for his second spell and castled Rizwan on the first ball. Pakistan capitulated after Rizwan's wicket and ultimately fell short by six runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup were dealt a huge blow on Sunday (Jun 9) after an embarrassing defeat against India.

Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup were dealt a huge blow on Sunday (Jun 9) after an embarrassing defeat against India. The tame manner in which Pakistan went down against their arch-rivals came days after USA handed them a drubbing in the Super Over. Having lost the two opening matches, Pakistan's fate in the tournament where they were the finalists two years ago, depends on a series of events that need to fall in their favour. Here's how Pakistan can still qualify: Pakistan have zero points after two matches and even if they win the remaining matches, their total points tally will only reach four. India and USA already have four points in their bag and thus Pakistan will be hoping that either of them lose their remaining matches. India face USA in their next match on June 12 and the matchup will be crucial from Pakistan's point of view. A win for either of the two teams will secure a Super 8 berth. India are the heavy favourites but even if USA suffer a loss, they will still have the destiny in their own hands. In case USA loses both matches and Pakistan wins out, it will all boil down to the Net Run Rate. Currently, Pakistan have a negative run-rate (-0.150) while India (+1.455) and USA (+0.626) boast of healthy scoring rate. Hence, Pakistan will not only have to win but win heavy in the remaining matches. However, if any of USA's match is washed out, Pakistan will automatically exit the tournament. June 11: Canada vs Pakistan - Pakistan need to hold their own by winning the match June 12: USA vs India — Given India is unlikely to drop points against other teams, Pakistan would hope for an India win June 14: USA vs Ireland — A USA win secures a Super 8 spot for hosts. Pakistan need USA to lose June 15: Canada vs India — Another win for India is needed June 16: Ireland vs Pakistan — Pakistan need a big win if there is question of NRR Also read | Legendary pacer Wasim Akram goes on explosive rant against Pakistan players after capitulation vs India Pakistan lose against India Pakistan lost the match in front of a packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium crowd after failing to chase a lowly target of 120. Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, produced a masterclass in how to defend a total. "It feels really good. We felt we were a little under and the wicket got a little better after the sun came out. We were really disciplined so it feels good. Tried to hit the seam as much as I could, tried to be as clear as I could with my execution and it all came out well so I felt happy," said Bumrah after the match. The biggest turning point in the match came in the 15th over when Bumrah came in for his second spell and castled Rizwan on the first ball. Pakistan capitulated after Rizwan's wicket and ultimately fell short by six runs. (With inputs from agencies)

T20 World Cup: How Pakistan can still qualify for Super 8 after loss against India

<p>Indian batting great Virat Kohli is the most recognisable cricketer worldwide, with his popularity breaking barriers across borders. Currently in the USA for the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli is not only praised and worshipped by billions in his country but looked up to as a cult figure in Pakistan also, with former captain Rashid Latif admitting that Virat's popularity in his country is at par with the late Hindi cinema veteran Dilip Kumar and star celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.</p>

<p>Considering social media’s rise in the past decade, Virat’s popularity on top applications like Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) has gone off the roof, with more than 380 million followers combined on these three platforms.</p>

<p>Outside of these numbers, the legacy he carved with unparalleled numbers and unmatched success as a batter is grander than one thinks.</p>

<p>Amid India gearing up to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the marquee T20 World Cup clash in New York, two former Pakistan captains, Azhar Ali and Latif, explain Virat’s craze across the border.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">ویرات کولی ءِ اکس گْوادر ءِ تیاب ءَ<br />
<br />
ساچان بلوچ ءِ سینڈ آرٹ، ویرات کولی ءِ اکس۔ گْوادر ءِ تیاب دپ ءَ۔ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gwadar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gwadar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> @AsiaCup_23 <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://t.co/MIvvNNkI53">pic.twitter.com/MIvvNNkI53</a></p>
— Gwadar_e_Tawar (@gwadar_e_tawar) <a href="https://twitter.com/gwadar_e_tawar/status/1698205982600401023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</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>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-focus-remains-on-real-time-action-as-rohit-kirsten-play-it-simple-ahead-of-india-pakistan-match-730093">T20 WC: Focus remains on real-time action as Rohit, Kirsten ‘play it simple’ ahead of India-Pakistan match</a></strong></p>

<p>In an exclusive chat with the Indian Express, Latif said despite several differences on countless grounds, Pakistani fans love Virat Kohli like anything.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s not like that Virat is the first one with such a big fan base in Pakistan,” Latif said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If you go back, Dilip Kumar had a massive fan following in Pakistan. Sunil Gavaskar became a cult in Pakistan. Young batsmen were told to copy Gavaskar Saab’s technique. Then Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Angry Young Man’ movies used to get sold out. Then came Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni. When Dhoni came here his long locks became a trend.</p>

<p>“But Virat’s popularity in Pakistan is on par with Dilip Saab, Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh. Like in India, you guys loved our bowlers – Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar became household names. Here in Pakistan, we adored Gavaskar Saab, Tendulkar, then Dhoni and now Kohli – they are all icons. Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag too have a good fan following in Pakistan,” Latif added.</p>

<h2>Virat led a fitness revolution</h2>

<p>Although Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni are considered two great Indian captains who changed their cricket for good, Azhar Ali said how Virat led the fitness revolution among the Asian fraternity is fantastic. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“First and foremost, he has changed Indian cricket. You can debate that Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni have also played a role. But when it comes to fitness, there is no one like Virat Kohli. He has led by example. He is a role model to all the youths.</p>

<p>“Now, in our part of the world, we have someone who is the most fit athlete. Earlier, we used to give examples of athletes from the West. Now Virat has set that bar. The Pakistani youths are fascinated by the sacrifices he has made. You see his interviews where he is talking about how he quit having his favourite food (Chole Bhature) for cricket,” Azhar continued.&nbsp;</p>


Indian batting great Virat Kohli is the most recognisable cricketer worldwide, with his popularity breaking barriers across borders. Currently in the USA for the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli is not only praised and worshipped by billions in his country but looked up to as a cult figure in Pakistan also, with former captain Rashid Latif admitting that Virat's popularity in his country is at par with the late Hindi cinema veteran Dilip Kumar and star celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Indian batting great Virat Kohli is the most recognisable cricketer worldwide, with his popularity breaking barriers across borders. Currently in the USA for the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli is not only praised and worshipped by billions in his country but looked up to as a cult figure in Pakistan also, with former captain Rashid Latif admitting that Virat's popularity in his country is at par with the late Hindi cinema veteran Dilip Kumar and star celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Considering social media’s rise in the past decade, Virat’s popularity on top applications like Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) has gone off the roof, with more than 380 million followers combined on these three platforms. Outside of these numbers, the legacy he carved with unparalleled numbers and unmatched success as a batter is grander than one thinks. Amid India gearing up to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the marquee T20 World Cup clash in New York, two former Pakistan captains, Azhar Ali and Latif, explain Virat’s craze across the border. ویرات کولی ءِ اکس گْوادر ءِ تیاب ءَ ساچان بلوچ ءِ سینڈ آرٹ، ویرات کولی ءِ اکس۔ گْوادر ءِ تیاب دپ ءَ۔ #Gwadar #Balochistan #ViratKohli𓃵 @imVkohli @AsiaCup_23 @ICC pic.twitter.com/MIvvNNkI53 — Gwadar_e_Tawar (@gwadar_e_tawar) September 3, 2023 × ALSO READ: T20 WC: Focus remains on real-time action as Rohit, Kirsten ‘play it simple’ ahead of India-Pakistan match In an exclusive chat with the Indian Express, Latif said despite several differences on countless grounds, Pakistani fans love Virat Kohli like anything. “It’s not like that Virat is the first one with such a big fan base in Pakistan,” Latif said. “If you go back, Dilip Kumar had a massive fan following in Pakistan. Sunil Gavaskar became a cult in Pakistan. Young batsmen were told to copy Gavaskar Saab’s technique. Then Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Angry Young Man’ movies used to get sold out. Then came Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni. When Dhoni came here his long locks became a trend. “But Virat’s popularity in Pakistan is on par with Dilip Saab, Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh. Like in India, you guys loved our bowlers – Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar became household names. Here in Pakistan, we adored Gavaskar Saab, Tendulkar, then Dhoni and now Kohli – they are all icons. Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag too have a good fan following in Pakistan,” Latif added. Virat led a fitness revolution Although Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni are considered two great Indian captains who changed their cricket for good, Azhar Ali said how Virat led the fitness revolution among the Asian fraternity is fantastic. “First and foremost, he has changed Indian cricket. You can debate that Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni have also played a role. But when it comes to fitness, there is no one like Virat Kohli. He has led by example. He is a role model to all the youths. “Now, in our part of the world, we have someone who is the most fit athlete. Earlier, we used to give examples of athletes from the West. Now Virat has set that bar. The Pakistani youths are fascinated by the sacrifices he has made. You see his interviews where he is talking about how he quit having his favourite food (Chole Bhature) for cricket,” Azhar continued.

Virat Kohli’s fan following in Pakistan is on par with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, says Rashid Latif

<p>India captain Rohit Sharma and newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten insist on keeping it simple as cricket’s biggest rivalry resumes in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ahead of the marquee game at the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium, Rohit and Kirsten backed the players to play their natural game and avoid taking any pressure in what is said to be the most-watched cricket match in this tournament.</p>

<p>Unlike in the past decade when India and Pakistan faced each other once in two years or more (in the ICC events and Asia Cups), the arch-rivals have played three times since last year.</p>

<p>Asked how he will approach this game, Rohit said as a captain, he approaches this as any other T20 WC match, adding nothing changed much in their preparations for the Pakistan tie.</p>

<p>Addressing the media in the pre-match presser, the veteran India batter said, “Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-pakistan-at-2024-t20-world-cup-match-preview-and-result-prediction-730069">India vs Pakistan at 2024 T20 World Cup – Match preview and result prediction</a></strong></p>

<p>“Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it's a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now,” the India captain said.</p>

<p>Detailing his thought process during such matches, Rohit explained, "So, for me, I think nothing changes. I want to approach this as another international game where I get myself collected and make those decisions on the field. I am sure everyone will have their own way of dealing with games like these, but I have my process.”</p>

<h2>‘It’s different this time’ – Kirsten</h2>

<p>Having coached India to a world title 13 years ago, Kirsten knows more about the dressing room culture than others. Fast forward to 2024, he now coaches the Pakistan Cricket Team. Besides, with his experience of coaching T20 WC-bound Indian players like Hardik Pandya in the IPL, Kirsten sits in a better position to prepare the Men in Green for this headline-making clash.</p>

<p>However, even without spilling any beans, Kirsten said with players playing against each other every now and then, they are aware of each other’s game already.</p>

<p>"I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play," Kirsten said in the pre-match presser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the end, we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that's going to be a big day tomorrow."</p>

<p>Unlike Rohit, who called this tie just another game, Kirsten differed, saying, “Well, not to hide from the fact that it's a big game, but to treat cricket like cricket should be treated.”</p>

<p>“Every game you need to play well, you need to hit the ball in the right areas, you need to score enough runs, you need to take your catches and field well. I don't think it's ever changed the game. It changes a little bit because of the formats, but that's certainly what we're going to go out and try to do tomorrow. If we play a really good game of cricket with our abilities, we have a good chance of winning the game,” he concluded.&nbsp;</p>


India captain Rohit Sharma and newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten insist on keeping it simple as cricket’s biggest rivalry resumes in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

India captain Rohit Sharma and newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten insist on keeping it simple as cricket’s biggest rivalry resumes in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ahead of the marquee game at the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium, Rohit and Kirsten backed the players to play their natural game and avoid taking any pressure in what is said to be the most-watched cricket match in this tournament. Unlike in the past decade when India and Pakistan faced each other once in two years or more (in the ICC events and Asia Cups), the arch-rivals have played three times since last year. Asked how he will approach this game, Rohit said as a captain, he approaches this as any other T20 WC match, adding nothing changed much in their preparations for the Pakistan tie. Addressing the media in the pre-match presser, the veteran India batter said, “Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup." ALSO READ: India vs Pakistan at 2024 T20 World Cup – Match preview and result prediction “Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it's a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now,” the India captain said. Detailing his thought process during such matches, Rohit explained, "So, for me, I think nothing changes. I want to approach this as another international game where I get myself collected and make those decisions on the field. I am sure everyone will have their own way of dealing with games like these, but I have my process.” ‘It’s different this time’ – Kirsten Having coached India to a world title 13 years ago, Kirsten knows more about the dressing room culture than others. Fast forward to 2024, he now coaches the Pakistan Cricket Team. Besides, with his experience of coaching T20 WC-bound Indian players like Hardik Pandya in the IPL, Kirsten sits in a better position to prepare the Men in Green for this headline-making clash. However, even without spilling any beans, Kirsten said with players playing against each other every now and then, they are aware of each other’s game already. "I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play," Kirsten said in the pre-match presser. "In the end, we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that's going to be a big day tomorrow." Unlike Rohit, who called this tie just another game, Kirsten differed, saying, “Well, not to hide from the fact that it's a big game, but to treat cricket like cricket should be treated.” “Every game you need to play well, you need to hit the ball in the right areas, you need to score enough runs, you need to take your catches and field well. I don't think it's ever changed the game. It changes a little bit because of the formats, but that's certainly what we're going to go out and try to do tomorrow. If we play a really good game of cricket with our abilities, we have a good chance of winning the game,” he concluded.

T20 WC: Focus remains on real-time action as Rohit, Kirsten ‘play it simple’ ahead of India-Pakistan match

<p>India captain Rohit Sharma suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting in the nets ahead of the India-Pakistan marquee 2024 T20 World Cup clash in New York. While facing throw-down specialist Nuwan Seneviratne during an extended training session, the ball bounced a tad extra from the good length area, hitting Rohit on his thumb, resulting in a cut. The veteran batter was seen in discomfort before dismissing any scare, continuing with batting and practice drills.</p>

<p>Following India’s tournament opener against Ireland on June 5 at the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium, where bowlers had a field day, dismissing Ireland on a mere 96, the batters couldn’t get ample time in the middle. To compensate for that, and knowing whom they face next, the Indian batters spent long hours training in the nets.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-indians-vs-india-in-new-york-usas-netravalkar-opens-up-on-facing-men-in-blue-729846">T20 World Cup: Indians vs India in New York - USA's Netravalkar opens up on facing Men in Blue</a></strong></p>

<p>While they shared the space with the South African players at the Cantiague Park in Long Island, who were also training for their second game of the tournament against the Netherlands on Saturday (June 8), the Indian Team left no stone unturned in preparing full-throttle for the marquee clash on Sunday.</p>

<p>Star batters Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant were the first to reach the nets, facing Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohammed Siraj.</p>

<p>Considering how the drop-in pitches in New York have behaved in four contested matches thus far, where teams batting first have struggled to put runs on the board, the Indian batters practiced accordingly.</p>

<h2>Kuldeep to hog all the limelight</h2>

<p>After his shock omission from the Ireland game, Kuldeep could return to the playing XI against Pakistan, more so for his numbers against their captain and star batter Babar Azam. Already under pressure over his team’s loss to the co-hosts USA, Azam is not the best batter against left-arm spinners in this format, striking at over 100.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four spinners, including Kuldeep, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal had long net sessions too, with Shivam Dube and Jadeja spotted playing cross-batted shots in the nets. Batting great Kohli joined them soon after for his second stint of the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after the training, the players engaged in a friendly game of football before calling it a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India captain Rohit Sharma suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting in the nets ahead of the India-Pakistan marquee 2024 T20 World Cup clash in New York. While facing throw-down specialist Nuwan Seneviratne during an extended training session, the ball bounced a tad extra from the good length area, hitting Rohit on his thumb, resulting in a cut.

India captain Rohit Sharma suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting in the nets ahead of the India-Pakistan marquee 2024 T20 World Cup clash in New York. While facing throw-down specialist Nuwan Seneviratne during an extended training session, the ball bounced a tad extra from the good length area, hitting Rohit on his thumb, resulting in a cut. The veteran batter was seen in discomfort before dismissing any scare, continuing with batting and practice drills. Following India’s tournament opener against Ireland on June 5 at the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium, where bowlers had a field day, dismissing Ireland on a mere 96, the batters couldn’t get ample time in the middle. To compensate for that, and knowing whom they face next, the Indian batters spent long hours training in the nets. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Indians vs India in New York - USA's Netravalkar opens up on facing Men in Blue While they shared the space with the South African players at the Cantiague Park in Long Island, who were also training for their second game of the tournament against the Netherlands on Saturday (June 8), the Indian Team left no stone unturned in preparing full-throttle for the marquee clash on Sunday. Star batters Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant were the first to reach the nets, facing Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohammed Siraj. Considering how the drop-in pitches in New York have behaved in four contested matches thus far, where teams batting first have struggled to put runs on the board, the Indian batters practiced accordingly. Kuldeep to hog all the limelight After his shock omission from the Ireland game, Kuldeep could return to the playing XI against Pakistan, more so for his numbers against their captain and star batter Babar Azam. Already under pressure over his team’s loss to the co-hosts USA, Azam is not the best batter against left-arm spinners in this format, striking at over 100. All four spinners, including Kuldeep, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal had long net sessions too, with Shivam Dube and Jadeja spotted playing cross-batted shots in the nets. Batting great Kohli joined them soon after for his second stint of the day. Meanwhile, after the training, the players engaged in a friendly game of football before calling it a day. (With inputs from agencies)

T20 WC: Rohit Sharma hit on thumb in nets, dismisses injury scare ahead of marquee Pakistan clash

<p>A dominant India kickstarted their T20 World Cup with a eight-wicket win over Ireland after skittling the opposition on a paltry total of 96. Skipper Rohit Sharma (52), who retired hurt late in the innings, anchored the chase on a tricky pitch at the Nassau County&nbsp;International Cricket Stadium in New York where a slow outfield made run-making even more difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With all eyes on what opening combination India were going to field in the&nbsp;World Cup, Rohit walked in alongside Virat Kohli (1) to face the opening Irish attack. While Rohit had a reprieve in the first over where a regulation take was dropped by the second slip, Kohli departed trying to manufacture shots on the tacky track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian team management pushed Rishabh Pant (36*) at no. 3 to join forces with Rohit. The pair took a circumspect route after the initial wicket before Rohit got the hang of the pitch and started hitting his strokes. He reached his half century in 36 balls before retiring hurt after being hit flush on the shoulder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav, in at no. 4 attempted to keep up with the scoring rate but miscued a tossed up delivery from Benjamin White straight to deep&nbsp;midwicket for an easy catch. However, Pant completed the formalities by reverse whipping a length ball on the stumps straight behind the wicketkeeper's head for a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-pakistan-dealt-huge-blow-before-india-contest-as-imad-wasim-gets-ruled-out-of-usa-clash-728899"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan dealt huge blow before India contest as Imad Wasim is ruled out of USA clash</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>India keep Ireland in check</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Rohit won the toss and elected to bowl first in&nbsp;the overcast conditions. While pundits anticipated some seam and swing, the dual nature of the pitch came as a mild shock to both sides as the ball took off from length on multiple occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yeah, just a little sore (the arm). I said it at the toss as well. Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that's five months old," said Rohit at the post-match presentation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers."</p>

<p>India struck early in the third over as Arshdeep Singh sent opposition captain Paul Stirling back to the hut who miscued a pull shot straight up in the air. Rishabh Pant, playing his first match in Indian colours after 17 months, pouched the difficult catch without any fuss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only four Irish batters were able to get into double figures as Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings.&nbsp;If it wasn't for the pyrotechnics from&nbsp;Gareth Delany and Joshua Little at the back end of the innings, the Irish scorecard could've worn an even more sorry look.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-this-is-ea-cricket-pitch-fans-angry-over-pitch-and-outfield-used-in-india-vs-ireland-match-729147"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup: ‘This is EA Cricket pitch’ - Fans angry over pitch and outfield used in India vs Ireland match</strong></a></p>

<p>While India played a thorough all-round game, the fans were still disappointed by the management for not picking Kuldeep Yadav in the squad. Additionally, fans online were not happy with ICC for conducting match on a ground where the conditions did not encourage proper contest between both facets of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Nassau County Stadium was developed from scratch in the last few months, drop-in pitches that were prepared in Australia and later curated in Florida have been used for the two matches. The outfield has also been laid down artificially which means the ball cannot zip through the surface when the batter strokes it.&nbsp;</p>


A dominant India kickstarted their T20 World Cup with a eight-wicket win over Ireland after skittling the opposition on a paltry total of 96. Skipper Rohit Sharma (52), who retired hurt late in the innings, anchored the chase on a tricky pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York where a slow outfield made run-making even more difficult.

A dominant India kickstarted their T20 World Cup with a eight-wicket win over Ireland after skittling the opposition on a paltry total of 96. Skipper Rohit Sharma (52), who retired hurt late in the innings, anchored the chase on a tricky pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York where a slow outfield made run-making even more difficult. With all eyes on what opening combination India were going to field in the World Cup, Rohit walked in alongside Virat Kohli (1) to face the opening Irish attack. While Rohit had a reprieve in the first over where a regulation take was dropped by the second slip, Kohli departed trying to manufacture shots on the tacky track. The Indian team management pushed Rishabh Pant (36*) at no. 3 to join forces with Rohit. The pair took a circumspect route after the initial wicket before Rohit got the hang of the pitch and started hitting his strokes. He reached his half century in 36 balls before retiring hurt after being hit flush on the shoulder. Suryakumar Yadav, in at no. 4 attempted to keep up with the scoring rate but miscued a tossed up delivery from Benjamin White straight to deep midwicket for an easy catch. However, Pant completed the formalities by reverse whipping a length ball on the stumps straight behind the wicketkeeper's head for a six. Also read | T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan dealt huge blow before India contest as Imad Wasim is ruled out of USA clash India keep Ireland in check Earlier, Rohit won the toss and elected to bowl first in the overcast conditions. While pundits anticipated some seam and swing, the dual nature of the pitch came as a mild shock to both sides as the ball took off from length on multiple occasions. "Yeah, just a little sore (the arm). I said it at the toss as well. Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that's five months old," said Rohit at the post-match presentation. "I don't think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers." India struck early in the third over as Arshdeep Singh sent opposition captain Paul Stirling back to the hut who miscued a pull shot straight up in the air. Rishabh Pant, playing his first match in Indian colours after 17 months, pouched the difficult catch without any fuss. Only four Irish batters were able to get into double figures as Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings. If it wasn't for the pyrotechnics from Gareth Delany and Joshua Little at the back end of the innings, the Irish scorecard could've worn an even more sorry look. Also read | T20 World Cup: ‘This is EA Cricket pitch’ - Fans angry over pitch and outfield used in India vs Ireland match While India played a thorough all-round game, the fans were still disappointed by the management for not picking Kuldeep Yadav in the squad. Additionally, fans online were not happy with ICC for conducting match on a ground where the conditions did not encourage proper contest between both facets of the game. Since the Nassau County Stadium was developed from scratch in the last few months, drop-in pitches that were prepared in Australia and later curated in Florida have been used for the two matches. The outfield has also been laid down artificially which means the ball cannot zip through the surface when the batter strokes it.

T20 World Cup: India sink Ireland to kickstart tournament with dominant win

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) will not be moving any of the T20 World Cup matches out of New York, despite growing fears over substandard pitches and outfield. Instead, ICC is reported to analysing data from previously abandoned games to establish how&nbsp;it need to act, <em>BBC </em>has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Nassau County Stadium was developed from scratch in the last few months, drop-in pitches that were prepared in Australia and later curated in Florida have been used for the two matches. The outfield has also been laid down artificially which means the ball cannot zip through the surface when the batter times it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the two matches so far, no team has been able to cross the three figure mark as stroke-making remains difficult.&nbsp;According to a BCC report, after India played their first match against Ireland, the team management privately voiced their unhappiness with the unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the strips.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-this-is-ea-cricket-pitch-fans-angry-over-pitch-and-outfield-used-in-india-vs-ireland-match-729147"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup: ‘This is EA Cricket pitch’ - Fans angry over pitch and outfield used in India vs Ireland match</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Ex-players criticise the pitch</strong></h2>

<p>Former Indian cricketer-turned-pundit, Irfan Pathan did not mince any words in criticising the pitch. Pathan said if such pitches were used in India, the stadiums would not be allotted another match.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Look, we definitely want to promote cricket in America, but this pitch is not safe for players. If we had a pitch like this in India, a match would never be played there again for a very long time. This pitch is definitely not good. I mean, we are talking about the World Cup here, not even a bilateral series," Pathan stated on <em>Star Sports</em>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-india-sink-ireland-to-kickstart-tournament-with-dominant-win-729181"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup: India sink Ireland to kickstart tournament with dominant win</strong></a></p>

<p>Wasim Jaffer, another former Indian cricketer, took a jab at ICC by suggesting that the pitch seemed more suited for Test cricket than T20. "This is an excellent pitch in New York. Provided the idea was to get the American audience hooked on to Test cricket disguised as T20," Jaffer posted on X.</p>

<p>The concerns are legitimate as India square up against Pakistan in their next match at the same stadium. The uneven bounce could prove&nbsp;the undoing of a contest that has been billed as the biggest match of the tournament for months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


International Cricket Council (ICC) will not be moving any of the T20 World Cup matches out of New York, despite growing fears over substandard pitches and outfield.

International Cricket Council (ICC) will not be moving any of the T20 World Cup matches out of New York, despite growing fears over substandard pitches and outfield. Instead, ICC is reported to analysing data from previously abandoned games to establish how it need to act, BBC has claimed. Since the Nassau County Stadium was developed from scratch in the last few months, drop-in pitches that were prepared in Australia and later curated in Florida have been used for the two matches. The outfield has also been laid down artificially which means the ball cannot zip through the surface when the batter times it. In the two matches so far, no team has been able to cross the three figure mark as stroke-making remains difficult. According to a BCC report, after India played their first match against Ireland, the team management privately voiced their unhappiness with the unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the strips. Also read | T20 World Cup: ‘This is EA Cricket pitch’ - Fans angry over pitch and outfield used in India vs Ireland match Ex-players criticise the pitch Former Indian cricketer-turned-pundit, Irfan Pathan did not mince any words in criticising the pitch. Pathan said if such pitches were used in India, the stadiums would not be allotted another match. "Look, we definitely want to promote cricket in America, but this pitch is not safe for players. If we had a pitch like this in India, a match would never be played there again for a very long time. This pitch is definitely not good. I mean, we are talking about the World Cup here, not even a bilateral series," Pathan stated on Star Sports. Also read | T20 World Cup: India sink Ireland to kickstart tournament with dominant win Wasim Jaffer, another former Indian cricketer, took a jab at ICC by suggesting that the pitch seemed more suited for Test cricket than T20. "This is an excellent pitch in New York. Provided the idea was to get the American audience hooked on to Test cricket disguised as T20," Jaffer posted on X. The concerns are legitimate as India square up against Pakistan in their next match at the same stadium. The uneven bounce could prove the undoing of a contest that has been billed as the biggest match of the tournament for months. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC not in favour of shifting matches from Nassau County Stadium despite pitch concerns

<p>As Rishabh Pant went across the crease and scooped Ireland's Barry McCarthy out of the ropes to register an eight-wicket win on Wednesday (Jun 5) in its first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, one thing became clear: India aren't as bad as many thought for many weeks leading up to the tournament.</p>

<p>When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the squad for the tourney in the USA and the West Indies, it felt like India were stomping on an axe. The team looked dull. Not one member of the first 15 reached the IPL 2024 final, which seemed symbolic of the team being behind the needs of the hard-hitting, defensive-bowling T20 era.</p>

<p>Pant was in the middle of it. A batter with a T20I average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 126.38 was reportedly the first-choice wicketkeeper over Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, who had just had his best-ever season in the IPL with a strike rate of 153.47.</p>

<p>To be clear, that concern, along with the worry about the seemingly conservative selections (like Rohit Sharma, who doesn’t have the T20 numbers to back him) and the exclusion of Rinku Singh were not wrong. They made complete sense at the time and still do.</p>

<p>However, from the evidence of the conditions we have seen so far in both host countries, the squad doesn’t look as out of place as it would have been otherwise.</p>

<p>Both Pant and Rohit like to take their time at the start of the innings. It wasn’t possible during IPL 2024 because on tracks as flat as those in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, wasting deliveries to understand the bounce meant pulling your team behind. In the US, with uneven bounce and turn, and in the West Indies, with slow turn and low bounce, taking time is excusable.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-rohit-sharma-surpasses-ms-dhoni-to-become-indian-captain-with-most-t20i-wins-after-ireland-tie-729219"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;T20 WC: Rohit Sharma surpasses MS Dhoni to become Indian captain with most T20I wins after Ireland tie</strong></a></p>

<p>Here, it’s important for the set batters to take responsibility and finish the game because unlike in the IPL, wickets can quickly fall in the middle overs when the ball gets old.</p>

<p>“It's going back to the old T20, with someone needed to bat through [the innings],” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said on Thursday after his side recovered from 50/3 against Oman to win the game by 39 runs in Barbados.</p>

<p>This “old T20” suits India well. Apart from Pant and Rohit, Virat Kohli at the top can always drop into the anchor role, despite leveling up his big-hitting game in IPL 2024.</p>

<p>The finishing concerns about Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya can also rest as their weakness — hard-length at pace — seems to be slightly less effective on the slowish tracks. The abundance of spin throughout the tournament will also favour the move to bring Shivam Dube (who strikes at 158.80 against spin in the IPL since 2022) over Rinku (110.65).</p>

<p>Finally, India’s bowling attack, which initially seemed over-dependent on Jasprit Bumrah, looks much better. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled on flat tracks in India, are enjoying the seam movement available in the US while Jadeja and Axar Patel’s Test-match style bowling is much more difficult to get away here than in India.</p>

<p>A bit like how Australia performed better than India in the 2023 World Cup final thanks to the helpful pitch, despite being a weaker team on paper, the Men in Blue can get the best out of their playing 11 to beat stronger, more balanced opponents with the help of the conditions.</p>

<p>It might be a well-thought-out move from the selectors or just a happy coincidence — and a bigger test awaits against Pakistan on June 9 still — but so far, it’s working and India is thriving.</p>


As Rishabh Pant went across the crease and scooped Ireland's Barry McCarthy out of the ropes to register an eight-wicket win on Wednesday (Jun 5) in its first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, one thing became clear: India aren't as bad as many thought for many weeks leading up to the tournament.

As Rishabh Pant went across the crease and scooped Ireland's Barry McCarthy out of the ropes to register an eight-wicket win on Wednesday (Jun 5) in its first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, one thing became clear: India aren't as bad as many thought for many weeks leading up to the tournament. When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the squad for the tourney in the USA and the West Indies, it felt like India were stomping on an axe. The team looked dull. Not one member of the first 15 reached the IPL 2024 final, which seemed symbolic of the team being behind the needs of the hard-hitting, defensive-bowling T20 era. Pant was in the middle of it. A batter with a T20I average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 126.38 was reportedly the first-choice wicketkeeper over Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, who had just had his best-ever season in the IPL with a strike rate of 153.47. To be clear, that concern, along with the worry about the seemingly conservative selections (like Rohit Sharma, who doesn’t have the T20 numbers to back him) and the exclusion of Rinku Singh were not wrong. They made complete sense at the time and still do. However, from the evidence of the conditions we have seen so far in both host countries, the squad doesn’t look as out of place as it would have been otherwise. Both Pant and Rohit like to take their time at the start of the innings. It wasn’t possible during IPL 2024 because on tracks as flat as those in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, wasting deliveries to understand the bounce meant pulling your team behind. In the US, with uneven bounce and turn, and in the West Indies, with slow turn and low bounce, taking time is excusable. Also read | T20 WC: Rohit Sharma surpasses MS Dhoni to become Indian captain with most T20I wins after Ireland tie Here, it’s important for the set batters to take responsibility and finish the game because unlike in the IPL, wickets can quickly fall in the middle overs when the ball gets old. “It's going back to the old T20, with someone needed to bat through [the innings],” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said on Thursday after his side recovered from 50/3 against Oman to win the game by 39 runs in Barbados. This “old T20” suits India well. Apart from Pant and Rohit, Virat Kohli at the top can always drop into the anchor role, despite leveling up his big-hitting game in IPL 2024. The finishing concerns about Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya can also rest as their weakness — hard-length at pace — seems to be slightly less effective on the slowish tracks. The abundance of spin throughout the tournament will also favour the move to bring Shivam Dube (who strikes at 158.80 against spin in the IPL since 2022) over Rinku (110.65). Finally, India’s bowling attack, which initially seemed over-dependent on Jasprit Bumrah, looks much better. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled on flat tracks in India, are enjoying the seam movement available in the US while Jadeja and Axar Patel’s Test-match style bowling is much more difficult to get away here than in India. A bit like how Australia performed better than India in the 2023 World Cup final thanks to the helpful pitch, despite being a weaker team on paper, the Men in Blue can get the best out of their playing 11 to beat stronger, more balanced opponents with the help of the conditions. It might be a well-thought-out move from the selectors or just a happy coincidence — and a bigger test awaits against Pakistan on June 9 still — but so far, it’s working and India is thriving.

T20 World Cup: Why the tough conditions in the US and West Indies are a blessing in disguise for India

<p>India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant enjoyed his new role, batting at number three during the India vs Ireland tie in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, hitting two biggies and three fours; however, the highlight was his match-winning reverse-sweeping six off Barry McCarthy to help India complete a run chase with eight wickets remaining.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the Video here –</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C716sioo7bM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C716sioo7bM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C716sioo7bM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C716sioo7bM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Returning to play for India for the first time since suffering multiple injuries in a car crash in December 2022, Pant batted at number three against Bangladesh in the lone warm-up tie earlier, completing a fifty. With Rohit Sharma picking him over Sanju Samson for India's first game of the tournament, the attacking batter continued from where he had left. Although India chased a modest total of 97 runs, Pant’s exploits at three silenced his critics.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-why-the-tough-conditions-in-the-us-and-west-indies-are-a-blessing-in-disguise-for-india-729314">T20 World Cup: Why the tough conditions in the US and West Indies are a blessing in disguise for India</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, that match-winning six reminded fans of an almost exact shot he played against James Anderson in a home Test a few years back. Known for his counter-attacking style of play, Pant cleared fences back then, and against Ireland at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, he delivered the same.</p>

<h2>India on top in New York</h2>

<p>The Men in Blue began their T20 WC campaign in the Americas by convincingly beating Ireland in the one-sided contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, India reduced Ireland to 36 for four inside eight overs. Seamers continue to make merry, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya bagging three wickets for 27 in four overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gareth Delany tried saving the sinking ship with his gritty 26 but failed to hold onto it for long, as Ireland got bundled out for a mere 96 in 16 overs.</p>

<p>On a tricky track, the Indian batters struggled too, with Virat Kohli, who opened alongside Captain Rohit Sharma, departing on just one. While Rohit retired hurt after completing his fifty, Suryakumar Yadav got out on just two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pant, who also took two catches in the game, brought joy to the fans watching in attendance and countless at home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Against Pakistan in the next match at the same venue on Sunday (June 5), Pant at three would be exciting to watch.&nbsp;</p>


India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant enjoyed his new role, batting at number three during the India vs Ireland tie in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, hitting two biggies and three fours; however, the highlight was his match-winning reverse-sweeping six off Barry McCarthy to help India complete a run chase with eight wickets remaining.

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant enjoyed his new role, batting at number three during the India vs Ireland tie in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, hitting two biggies and three fours; however, the highlight was his match-winning reverse-sweeping six off Barry McCarthy to help India complete a run chase with eight wickets remaining. Watch the Video here – View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × Returning to play for India for the first time since suffering multiple injuries in a car crash in December 2022, Pant batted at number three against Bangladesh in the lone warm-up tie earlier, completing a fifty. With Rohit Sharma picking him over Sanju Samson for India's first game of the tournament, the attacking batter continued from where he had left. Although India chased a modest total of 97 runs, Pant’s exploits at three silenced his critics. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Why the tough conditions in the US and West Indies are a blessing in disguise for India Meanwhile, that match-winning six reminded fans of an almost exact shot he played against James Anderson in a home Test a few years back. Known for his counter-attacking style of play, Pant cleared fences back then, and against Ireland at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, he delivered the same. India on top in New York The Men in Blue began their T20 WC campaign in the Americas by convincingly beating Ireland in the one-sided contest. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, India reduced Ireland to 36 for four inside eight overs. Seamers continue to make merry, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya bagging three wickets for 27 in four overs. Gareth Delany tried saving the sinking ship with his gritty 26 but failed to hold onto it for long, as Ireland got bundled out for a mere 96 in 16 overs. On a tricky track, the Indian batters struggled too, with Virat Kohli, who opened alongside Captain Rohit Sharma, departing on just one. While Rohit retired hurt after completing his fifty, Suryakumar Yadav got out on just two. Pant, who also took two catches in the game, brought joy to the fans watching in attendance and countless at home. Against Pakistan in the next match at the same venue on Sunday (June 5), Pant at three would be exciting to watch.

T20 World Cup: Rishabh Pant rolls back years with ‘reverse sweep six’ against Ireland – Watch

India won the toss in their opening T20 World Cup match and put Ireland in to bat first. With the conditions overcast, both sides anticipated swing initially but the pitch and outfield at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York surprised the players as well as the fans.

India won the toss in their opening T20 World Cup match and put Ireland in to bat first. With the conditions overcast, both sides anticipated swing initially but the pitch and outfield at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York surprised the players as well as the fans. India struck early in the third over as Arshdeep Singh sent opposition captain Paul Stirling back to the hut who miscued a pull shot straight up in the air. Rishabh Pant, playing his first match in Indian colours after 17 months, pouched the difficult catch without any fuss. Prior to Stirling's dismissal, the ball had taken off after pitching on length on multiple occasions - sowing seeds of doubts in the batter's minds. Notably, in the previous match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, similar grievances were made by both teams as the uneven bounce did not allow for a fair competition between the bat and ball. Since the Nassau County Stadium was developed from scratch in the last few months, drop-in pitches that were prepared in Australia and later curated in Florida have been used for the two matches. The outfield has also been laid down artificially which means the ball cannot zip through the surface when the batter times it. Consequently, India managed to skittle off Ireland on the paltry total of 96 in only 16 overs. Only four batters were able to get into double figures as Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings. Here are some of the best posts related to the match: Seeing the pitches in the USA, no wonder they only allow bowling full tosses in baseball. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 5, 2024 × Me to ICC watching this pitch and outfield: pic.twitter.com/eUwgK7PCL4 — Abhinav Singh (@Singh_abhinav02) June 5, 2024 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by CRICKET | TROLL | HUMOUR (@worldofcricketmemes_) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by RVCJ Sports (@rvcjsports) × Also read | T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan dealt huge blow before India contest as Imad Wasim is ruled out of USA clash They will play against India on this same pitch 🥶 pic.twitter.com/SPBoE5Xv8O — TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 5, 2024 × You can love your low scoring thrillers but this deck is a disgrace. Ireland are a miles better team than this. The lazy analysis will see stories written about this now. This gimmick of creating awareness at the cost of not even having half decent cricket decks is not gonna end… — Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) June 5, 2024 × This is EA Cricket 07 green pitch under overcast conditions. Neither the batter nor keeper would have an idea — Karthik Raj (@kartcric) June 5, 2024 × Teams: India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Benjamin White

T20 World Cup: ‘This is EA Cricket pitch’ - Fans angry over pitch and outfield used in India vs Ireland match