In a significant move for Indian cricket, Gautam Gambhir, the former opener and ex-MP, has taken the reins as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. This transition comes after Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure, which culminated with India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gambhir’s appointment marks a new chapter for the team, and his first press conference was a blend of insight, humor, and a nod to the team’s illustrious past.

Gambhir, known for his strategic acumen and persistent efforts to nurture talent, expressed confidence in the team’s future. “These are big shoes to fill,” Gambhir stated during the press conference, acknowledging the legacy left by his predecessors. However, he was quick to add, “I am confident that we have the talent and the mindset to continue our success.”

Gautam Gambhir Addresses the Media

One of the highlights of the press conference was Gambhir’s relationship with Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket captain. When asked about his relationship with Kohli, Gambhir responded with a touch of humor, “My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRPs.” This light-hearted comment not only diffused any potential tension but also highlighted Gambhir’s ability to handle sensitive topics with ease.

Gambhir also touched upon the importance of a secure dressing room, a factor that he believes is crucial for the team’s success. “A secure dressing room is like a fortress. It’s where the team comes together, plans, strategizes, and builds camaraderie,” he noted.

A Test of Leadership

As India prepares for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, Gambhir’s leadership will be put to the test. The tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, will be his first assignment as head coach. However, with his wealth of experience and his ability to connect with the players, Gambhir seems more than ready to take on this challenge.

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Gambhir’s appointment as head coach marks a new era for Indian cricket. With his strategic acumen, his ability to nurture talent, and his focus on a secure dressing room, he seems poised to lead the team to new heights. As the team embarks on their journey under Gambhir’s leadership, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.

The T20 World Cup, a thrilling cricket extravaganza, ignites passion and excitement across the globe. This biennial tournament, launched in 2007, revolutionized the sport with its fast-paced, electrifying format. Teams from cricketing powerhouses to emerging nations converge, showcasing their talent in intense clashes. Moreover, the rapid-fire nature of T20 cricket amplifies the drama, where every ball carries immense significance. Spectators are treated to breathtaking displays of power-hitting, cunning bowling, and acrobatic fielding. With its short duration and high stakes, the T20 World Cup produces moments of sheer brilliance and heartbreak, etching memories that endure. From the inaugural victory of India to the emergence of new contenders, each edition adds chapters to cricketing folklore.

Team India Squad T20 World Cup 2024

The squad of Team India for the T20 World Cup 2024, led by Rohit Sharma, is as follows.

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.

One of the highlights of this squad is the inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson, as well as the much-talked-about return of Rishabh Pant to international cricket. These selections have sparked a wave of curiosity and optimism among fans, as they look forward to seeing their favourite players in action on the global stage.

However, the squad announcement also brought attention to some notable omissions, with KL Rahul being left out despite his impressive performance in the IPL. The selection committee’s decision to include Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper, alongside Pant, has also been a topic of debate. However, it is a testament to Samson’s consistent performance and his ability to thrive under pressure.

Virat Kohli Returns To The Team India T20 Squad

Virat Kohli, a veteran of the game, will once again don the blue jersey, adding experience and stability to the batting lineup. Moreover, his presence in the team is expected to be a significant factor in India’s quest for T20 glory.

With the T20 World Cup set to kick off on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies, all eyes will be on this talented Indian squad. The team will look to make a strong statement from their first match against Ireland on June 5. The marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, promising to be a thrilling encounter.

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As the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2024 begins, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the performances of their favourite teams and players. The stage is set for an exhilarating tournament, and the Indian cricket team, with its blend of experience and youth, seems well-prepared to take on the challenge.

The ODI Cricket World Cup is a premier international tournament showcasing one-day cricket’s pinnacle. Teams from around the world compete fiercely for the prestigious trophy, demonstrating their skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. Australia is the most dominant team in the tournament, winning the title 5 times. However, India and West Indies have witnessed the glory twice so far. Whereas Pakistan, England, and Srilanka have won the cup once.

Five Players Who Might not get a Place in the World Cup Squad of Team India

As the World Cup event is just a few months away and all the contractual players under the BCCI contract wish for a place in the World Cup squad, Let’s look at a few who might never get a call in Indian cricket team for the 2023 edition.

1. Deepak Chahar
   

   Major concern with CSK pacer Chahar is his physical fitnes. Chahar has been out of action in the international stage for quite some time. However, he’s not just a good bowler but also a handy batsmen in lower down the order. His last appearance in ODI’s was last year against Bangladesh. However, he did not finish his spells and left mid innings due to injury.

2. Deepak Hooda
   

   Debuting for team India in 2022, Hooda made 10 appearances in the limited over cricket. With an average of 25 he could manage just 153 runs. However, in IPL 2023 season the alrounder had a lackluster performance. So it is pretty much sure that we wont see him in the ODI squad for the World Cup.

3. Avesh Khan
   

   Many fans and ex cricketers pick for One of the hot prospects for Indian pace attack is Avesh Khan. However, excluding his domestic career, the young lad does not has a dream run so far. Playing for team India he has 3 wickets in 5 outings and in 15 T20I’s has an economy of over 9 runs per over. Considering his stats, It is next to impossible to imagine his inclusion in the squad.

4. Washington Sundar
   

   Sundar in 16 One Day Internationals has 16 wickets and 233 runs. The lad is a good and vible option lower down the order and has got handsome opportunities due to the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. However, Jadeja is back in the playing XI and presence of Axar Patel in the squad is making things difficult to the SOuthers Superstar.

5. Vijay Shankar
   

   Vijay Shankar and World Cup event have a very unique relationship. Sankar was picked over Rayudu in the 2019 edition of the tournament. However, the selectors justified his selections as an option of a 3 Dimenssional player. Shankar is a key player in the Gujrat Titans line up as he solidies the teams performance in middle and lower order. HE has had some good innings for the GT team but a selection in the World Cup squad is still looking blurry.

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Here is our pick of the players who might miss their call for the Worl Cup. Is there any player you feel who should have made it to this list? Drop your comments below in the comment section.

In the 3rd and final ODI of the three-match series, India scored a mere 219 runs in 47 overs. The men in blue scaped a shameful defeat as the rain suspended the play, and the match was called off. New Zealand scored 104 in 18 overs before rain abandoned the game. Furthermore, One person who is under severe scrutiny in the entire series is none other than Rishabh Pant.

Saba Karim has a suggestion for Rishabh Pant.

Despite strong backing from management and the team, Pant has been unable to deliver on the ground. The left-handed wicketkeeper scored 25 runs in two outings in the ODI series. The swashbuckler had a disappointing performance in T20Is as well. Pant scored 17 runs in the entire T20 series, leaving him at the receiving end of the fan’s criticism.

Speaking to one of the Indian Sports channels, Karim said, “Rishabh Pant has failed to score runs despite getting a lot of opportunities. He has also been tried out at several positions in the batting order. He has said that he wants to play at No. 4 or No. 5 in this format. But you have to score runs in order to retain your place in the team. The competition is getting very tough.”

In a pre-match presentation, Pant said, “I would choose to bat in the top order in the ODIs, number 4-5 in ODIs, and in tests I’m batting at 5″. 

The time is ticking for the left-handed wicketkeeper, and if such form continues, this might force management to look into other options.

Sanju Samson is still waiting to be a part of the playing XI.

If you’ve been an avid follower of Indian cricket, then Sanju Samson is a familiar name. The Rajasthan Royal captain is a big talking point on the internet, as fans have been questioning his absence from the playing eleven.

He is a hot prospect as a replacement for out-of-form Rishabh Pant. Samson has had a decent record in the recent past compared to Pant.

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Pant is a part of the national team for the Bangladesh tour. The three-match ODI series will commence on December 4. The opening game will take place in the Shere Bangla National Stadium. 

1st Innings.

India won the toss and choose to bat first on what was a slow wicket. It was a sight of nostalgia for cricketing fans as they get to see elite legends of the cricketing world. Sachin and Naman Ojha start the Innings in a blistering manner scoring at a run rate of 10+ runs per over. However, it was Stuart Binny who really set the tone of the Indian batting Innings.

Once Sachin and Ojha went back to the pavilion, It was recently retired Suresh Raina and Stuart Binny who balanced out the loss of wickets. Raina scored 33 runs off 22 balls, his knock includes four 4’s and one 6. On the other hand, Stuart Binny was in sublime form. His innings of 82 runs off 42 balls gave India much-needed support to post a big total.

Binny was soon joined by Yusuf Pathan. Pathan added quick-fire 35 runs off 15 balls with one 4 and four 6’s. Following the star batting performance, India posted a daunting total of 217 runs in 20 overs. South Africa Legends need 218 from 120 balls.

2nd Innings.

South Africa, new to the conditions took time to understand the slow Kanpur wicket. However, unaware of the playing conditions, Africa Legends lose their 1st wicket at the score of 43. The middle order fell like a deck of cards and, South Africa lost 5 wickets for 95 runs in 12 overs.

The slow nature of the wicket helped team India get a strong grip on the game. The South African team never got a chance to make a comeback. However, captain Jonty Rohdes gave a late Innings glimmer.

Lone Warrior

Jonty Rohdes was the lone warrior in the South African Innings. The legend scored an unbeaten 38 of 27 balls with five 4’s and one 6. Although, It was too late to turn the innings upside down.

India easily beat South Africa by 61 runs to start their campaign on a high note. Moving on to Day two, the 2nd game will be held in the same stadium. The match will be between Bangladesh and West Indies.

India will play West Indies on 14th September and South Africa will face Newzeland on 12th September. However, both the games will be played in Green Park Stadium Kanpur.

Who all are you guys excited to watch play? Drop in your favorite legends in the comment section below. Also, keep following Sports Pandora to get all the updates.

Pakistan won the toss and elect to bowl first given the superficial belief of winning the toss and bowling to win the game.

1^st Innings

India batting first, the hitman Rohit and KL Rahul cleared their intent to go against the Pakistan pace attack from the first ball itself. The duo took charge in their hands and hammered the bowlers all across the park. India batted at a sublime run rate of more than 12 per over, scoring 50 0f 26 balls. It is for the first time since the T20 inception India played so well in the first six overs.

In the following over Rahul ran down the wicket, taking on Shadab, but found Nawaz at the long on. India was soon reduced to 62 for 2 with both openers back in the stands. Following the loss of 2 quick wickets, Virat Kohli and Surya Kumar Yadav tried to balance the innings but Surya gave away his wicket cheaply. India kept losing wickets from one end and Kohli held his ground firmly from the other side. After losing Pant and Hooda, Kohli had to take charge of his hands. Kohli manages to score 60 of 44 balls with 2 sixes and 8 fours, helping India reach a fighting total of 181 with the loss of 7 wickets.

India was flying well until the 6^th over began when Rohit chipped one in the air off Rauf. It was Khushdil at mid-wicket who took the catch and sent Indian Skipper back to the Pavilion.

2nd Innings

Pakistan start their innings with a boundary given a bigger required run rate from the start. Rizwan played an aggressive knock, whereas Babar went slowly from the other end. India soon got their 1^st wicket in the face of Babar who departed for 14 off 10 balls. Soon Fakhar Zaman got tricked into Chahal’s spin and gets caught at the boundary ropes by Virat Kohli. India kept Pakistan hitting around the bush, and did not let them surpass the required run rate.

After losing 2 quick wickets Pakistan also needed to balance their innings. Incomes Nawaz, Rizwan, and Nawaz cumulatively added runs from both ends. Rizwan went to bring up his half-century. Whereas Nawaz played the most important cameo in the Pakistan Innings. Nawaz added 42 off 20 balls with 2 sixes and 6 fours, scoring 36 of 42 runs in boundaries.

The games swung like a pendulum until Bishnoi sent off Nawaz breaking the partnership and denting Pakistan’s hopes of clinching a win over arch-rivals India. Soon Rizwan slogged a ball wide of the off stump in the Bhuvneshwar’s over his wicket shifting the momentum in India’s favor. Things look good for men in blue until Arsh dropped a dolly from Asif in the 18^th over. It was at this moment fans knew that India has messed up the opportunity. Following this incident, Asif went on to score a crucial knock of 16 0ff 10 balls. Two 4’s and a 6’s added salt to injury to Indian wounds at it brought down the equation to 7 required of the last 6 balls.

The thing even turned ugly when the team was penalized for slow over-rate. As a result, 0ne extra fielder has to stay inside the 30-yard circle. As it is said, consequences were bound to occur. Asif Ali smashed Arshdeep straight down the wicket for four runs. While Pakistan looed to stretch for the home run, Arshdeep dented the party with a slow Yorker. As a result, the umpire declared Asif Ali LBW. But the train had already left the station in the pin ultimate ball of the match Iftikhar scored a couple to see Pakistan home and beat India by five wickets. With this win, Pakistan registered their 1st win and increase their chances of qualifying for the finals.

Next, India will play Sri Lanka on the 6th of September at the Dubai International Stadium. While Sri Lanka would look to book a place in the final, India is on a must-win road to survive in the competition to reach the finals.