Month: April 2024

Lewandowski rises above the chaos
Barcelona beat Valencia 4-2 on Monday night in a wild game at Montjuic that featured goals, big mistakes, a penalty, a red card and three points for Xavis side.
The Barca boss resisted calls to rotate his squad for this one and saw his team win in the first game since he had announced hed be staying. They now sit second ahead of a trip to Girona at the weekend.
A mad start saw Barca take the lead, go behind after poor errors from Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo, and then be handed a lifeline when Giorgi Mamardashvili saw red for another moment of madness.
The one player who profited enormously from all of the nonsense was Lewandowski who grabbed his first ever La Liga hat-trick thanks to two headers and a lovely free-kick.
Lewandowski had dismissed speculation of an exit before the game and then let his football do the talking. Hes now won Barca 17 points with his goals in LaLiga this season – more than any other player in Spains top flight.
Error count totting up for Araujo
Valencia took the lead against Barcelona after Araujo conceded a penalty for a foul on Peter Gonzalez in the box.
The defender has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, following his red card against PSG and his rather disappointing reaction to Ilkay Gundogans comments, and this was another error to add to his growing collection.
Araujo certainly wont enjoy reading this stat:
6 – Ronald Araujo has been shown two red cards, conceded two penalties and made two errors leading to goals this season in all competitions, the most of any LaLiga player in total (six). Strange. pic.twitter.com/loP6uzYH2g
OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 29, 2024
The Uruguayan hasnt suddenly become a bad player, far from it, and Barca really wouldnt be better off without him right now. However, he does need a good coach to help him learn from his errors.
Fermin deserves a bigger role next season
Barcelonas opening goal came from the head of the effervescent Fermin Lopez who really does deserve a bigger role next season. Fermin has been promoted to the first team this season and has proven to be a really useful asset.
The midfielder netted his eighth goal of the season at Montjuic with a fine header. Hes now Barcas fourth-highest scorer this season even though hes only played a total of 1406 minutes in all competitions.
24 – Fermín López’s goal against Valencia came after a sequence of 24 passes, the longest prior to a @FCBarcelona goal in LaLiga since February 2021 (35 passes in Trincão’s goal v Alavés). Combination. pic.twitter.com/bOej6XdpNs
OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 30, 2024
Fermin may not quite be ready for a regular role as a starter next year but he does a lot of things very well indeed and has a unique profile in the squad. He is full of energy, has bags of talent and offers a very real goal threat.
The 20-year-old is also a smart cookie with a real determination to succeed. Dont forget he was playing on loan at Linares last year before coming back to Barcelona and forcing his way into the first-team squad.

Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje, who missed out on CSA”s central contract and are undergoing underwhelming campaigns in the ongoing IPL, have been selected for the World Cup ©Getty
No to Rassie van der Dussen, Matthew Breetzke and Lungi Ngidi. Yes to Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen. If you didn’t know whether Rob Walter was a gambler, you do now.
The experienced and respected Van der Dussen was among the top 10 run-scorers in this year’s SA20 and CSA T20 Challenge. Only Babar Azam has made more runs in the format in the world this year. But Van der Dussen has not cracked Walter’s nod for the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean in June.
Neither has Breetzke, who was the third-highest runscorer in the SA20 and the highest in the T20 Challenge. Nor Ngidi, despite taking more wickets than all but five other fast bowlers in the SA20.
But De Kock has been included even though he looks jaded and is having an under-par IPL, where he is 27th on the run-scoring charts. Nortje is also at the tournament, and has an economy rate of 13.36 – maybe because he was sidelined by a lumbar stress fracture from last September to March this year. Jansen, too, is at the IPL, although you might not have noticed considering he has played only one match.
Walter denied, during a press conference on Tuesday, that his squad was the product of a long night at the roulette wheel: “I’m definitely not a betting man, never have been. But I trust the quality of the players. Anrich has another month before the World Cup starts, so no doubt he’ll hit his straps. It’s good to see that his speed is up and, with playing and more time training, he’ll start to get his feel back. It’s the same with Marco. Again, Quinny is a quality cricketer. We’ve seen him do the job time and time again for us.”
How did Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach and so the sole selector in those formats, go about making up his mind? “There are various criteria – performances this year, performances over the last year, historical performances further back than that, the make-up of squads, the potential conditions that we are going to have to balance. And then there’s the good old-fashioned coach’s gut feeling.”
There’s also subjectivity, to which all of us are prone. It’s easy to look past the fact that 18 players in the SA20 and 22 in the T20 Challenge scored faster than Van der Dussen. And that while Ngidi was ruled out of the IPL with his own lumbar problem, he doesn’t offer Nortje’s ability to bowl at 150 kilometres an hour. And that De Kock, even though he is out of sorts, has passed 50 three times in nine innings at the IPL.
Taking aim at individuals in a squad isn’t difficult. Making an alternative case that takes into account a side’s balance, the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents and the likely conditions is a stiffer challenge.
“I’ve chatted to probably 30-plus players in the last three days around selection and non-selection,” Walter said. “We do our best to communicate with those who we feel were in the mix and who were close to selection but didn’t quite get there. As much as it’s nice to make good phone calls, I really feel for the guys who miss out. You’ve got really good people working hard on their games to live their dream of going to a World Cup. I’m the one who has to tell them that’s not going to happen. It’s not easy for me but it’s a lot harder for them to deal with that reality.”
The squad to play three T20Is against West Indies in the Caribbean before the World Cup was also named, pending changes that could depend on which South Africans are available after the league stage of the IPL. This squad includes Van der Dussen, Ngidi and Nqaba Peter, the 21-year-old leg spinner who lit up an otherwise dowdy T20 Challenge by taking 20 wickets in 10 games at an average of 9.50 and an economy rate of 5.84.
Walter is allowed to make changes to the World Cup squad until May 25. That seems unlikely, but those who have missed out and will be part of the Windies series wouldn’t be human if they didn’t hope something happens to change the coach’s mind.
More criticism is sure to come Walter’s way because the World Cup 15 includes only six players of colour, just one of them black – a situation exacerbated by the exposure of Temba Bavuma’s unsuitability to the demands of batting in the format. Bavuma, who is black, was South Africa’s captain during their disastrous 2022 T20 World Cup campaign.
Remedies are not easy to see. Rivaldo Moonsamy and Sibonelo Makhanya were among the top 10 runscorers in the T20 Challenge, but how do they win a place if Van der Dussen doesn’t? Simu Simetu was the leading wicket-taker in that competition, and like Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, he is a left-arm orthodox spinner.
“My number one imperative is to create a winning Proteas team,” Walter said. “In order to do that, every time I pick a side I’ve got to pick the best team at the time that I think will give us a chance of doing that. That said, the [domestic] system needs to up the ante so that in six months, 12 months or two years’ time, and in particular when we reach the 2027 World Cup at home, the demographics of our team are different.
“Outside of the World Cup we’ll continue to use our bilateral series to do exactly that – to grow our base of players, to create international opportunity, to give opportunity for players to take their skills to a higher level, and make sure that we’ve bought into and are delivering on a process that’s going to change what our team looks like as we move forward.”
Walter is white, which in racially riven South Africa will increase scrutiny of his decisions. But even though the buck stops with him, it first has to get past CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, who is black. “No squad that I pick is selected without discussion with the director of cricket; it’s as simple as that,” Walter said.
It isn’t that simple, of course. South Africa’s World Cup squads in 1992, 1996 and 1999 each included one brown but no black players. Five black and brown players were picked for the 2003 ODI World Cup and the 2010 version of what is now called the T20 World Cup. The 2011 World Cup squad and the 2009, 2012 and 2016 T20 selections featured six black and brown players each. There were seven at the 2007 and 2015 World Cups, and at the 2007, 2021 and 2022 T20 versions. Eight made it to the 2014 T20 tournament, and to the 2019 and 2023 World Cups; the latter also chosen by Walter.
Not one of those squads, staffed by South Africa’s finest players, all of them – whatever their race – among the best in the global game, won a trophy. So maybe Walter should be taken seriously when he says he’s not a gambler. What is he?
A clue could be seen on the wall behind Walter’s right shoulder as he spoke to reporters from New Zealand, where he and his family live, on Tuesday. It was a wooden sign, and it read: “Dream big.”
South Africa men’s squads: T20 World Cup: Aiden Markram (capt), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs. Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
T20I against West Indies: Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

Chennai Super Kings(CSK) continue their ongoing IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 by taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS). Both sides will lock horns at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, in the 49th game of the tournament on Wednesday, May 1. With nine games played, CSK has won five games and lost the remaining four. Still in the race for the playoffs, CSK will aim to register their sixth win of the season and stay in contention for the knockout rounds.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings have had a forgettable campaign in the IPL 2024 so far. With just three wins in nine matches, Punjab sits in eighth place in the standings with six points to their names. 
Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap
CSK vs PBKSMatch Details:

Match	Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2024
Venue	MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
Date & Time	Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 pm (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details	Star Sports Channels, Jio Cinema App

Pitch Report: 
The surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is one that is preferred by the spinners. With a slow-turning surface, a low-scoring encounter could be quite the possibility, and opting to bowl first after winning the toss could prove to be a viable decision. 
Also Check: CSK vs PBKS Live Score, Match 49
Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played	28
Chennai Super Kings won	15
Punjab Kings Won	13
No Result	00
First Played	19 April, 2008
Last Played	30 April, 2023

Also Check:What’s New in Betting Laws in India?
CSK vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings:
Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (WK), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Player: Shardul Thakur
Also Check:CSK vs PBKS MPL Opinio Prediction: Who will win?
Punjab Kings:
Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada
Impact Substitute: Arshdeep Singh 
Probable Best Players of the Match
Probable Best Batter:
Ruturaj Gaikwad: He could be the best batter in the upcoming game against Punjab Kings. With a century and a knock of 98 runs in his last two matches, Gaikwad has been in exceptional form, and he will aim to continue his form against Punjab as well.
Probable Best Bowler:
Matheesha Pathirana: He could be the best bowler in the upcoming game against Punjab Kings. With 15 wickets in his last seven games, Pathirana has been in exceptional form, and his spell could be key in the upcoming game as well.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap
Scenario 1  
Chennai Super Kings win the toss and bowl
Power Play score 55-65
First Innings Score – 180-190
Chennai Super Kings win the match
Scenario 2
Punjab Kings win the toss and bowl
Power Play score – 40-50
First Innings Score – 170-180
Chennai Super Kings win the match
Also Check:CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Real Madrid have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals.
Real Madrid starting XI: Lunin, Vazquez, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Bayern Munich starting XI (TBC): Neuer, Kimmich, Kim, Dier, Mazzraoui, Goretzka, Laimer, Sane, Geurreiro, Musiala, Kane.
Getting a good result out of the Allianz Arena would be huge for Real Madrid, who will have the opportunity to fight for a ticket to the Final in the return leg in front of the Santiago Bernabeu fans next week.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Date: 04/30/2023
Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany.
Available TV: Movistar Liga Campeones, Paramount
Available Streaming: Paramount+, Fubo.TV
Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live Updates: Virat Kohli, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh were some of the names included in India’s 15-member T20 World Cup 2024 squad announced by the BCCI on Tuesday. The selection panel has also chosen four reserve players which include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.  
The selection meeting for India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup has ended on Tuesday. The meeting between BCCI secretary Jay Shah and Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel was held in Ahmedabad to decide on the selection for the 15-player squad for the marquee event which is set to begin on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies. All teams have to submit their 15-player squad till May 1. 
Many former cricketers have been giving their pick on whom the BCCI should pick for the upcoming tournament. Irfan Pathan stated that India must have five good bowlers. He prefers having two wrist spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav in the team. BCCI selection committee source earlier told ANI that Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are likely to get selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad as wicketkeepers. Shivam Dube is also likely to get picked in the squad. According to ESPNcricinfo, Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson is also likely to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the tournament. Apart from them, Rishabh Pant, who made his return to competitive cricket this IPL after a car accident in 2022 and Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan are among other players in contention for the spot primary keeper-batter for the tournament.
Catch all the LIVE Updates here on India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Selection.
30 Apr 2024, 10:50:59 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Mohammed Shami question
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami ruled ODI World Cup 2023 as he clinched maximum wickets for India. The pacer was ruled out of IPL 2024 due to ankle injury and maybe he has still not recovered. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh found their name in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad and they will support Jasprit Bumrah
30 Apr 2024, 10:18:26 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: No changes in squads after.
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: The 15-member Indian squad can still witness some changes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given May 25 as the deadline to submit final squad.
30 Apr 2024, 09:36:35 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Rohit-Ajit presser 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and head of the selection panel Ajit Agarkar will address a press conference and take questions related to the announcement of India’s T20 World Cup squad.
30 Apr 2024, 09:17:13 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Impact Player ruled reduced Rinku Singh’s chances 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: “No doubt, Rinku paid the price for the Impact Player Rule. He is plain and simple unlucky. Hardik might be in poor form, but he is still India’s best seam bowling all-rounder, and it would have been a risk dropping him considering he is the only one who has bowled,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
30 Apr 2024, 08:56:59 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: 5 major exclusions 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which will kick off on June 1 in the United States. The Rohit Sharma-led team witnessed many surprises, like Hardik Pandya’s return as vice-captain and the inclusion of players like Shivam Dube and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Moreover, some notable exclusions were also observed in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Read More
30 Apr 2024, 07:52:34 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Biggest setbacks 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Absence of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the list of reserve players are the two biggest surprises from India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad announced on Tuesday. The BCCI has chosen two wicketkeepers in the 15-member squad- Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson.
30 Apr 2024, 06:58:42 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Hardik Pandya back as vice-captain
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Despite a poor-run in IPL 2024, where Hardik Pandya is leading Mumbai Indians, the BCCI has decided to back the player. Hardik Pandya will continue as the vice-captain of India’s World Cup team.
30 Apr 2024, 06:34:00 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Shivam Dube secures a place in 15-member squad
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: After some brilliant knocks for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, Shivam Dube has made it to the 15-member India’s T20 World Cup squad. The seam bowling all-rounder will provide India with a good option in case Hardik Pandya faces any issue during the World Cup.
30 Apr 2024, 06:12:54 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: BCCI still upset with Ishan Kishan?
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan has shown explosive innings in IPL 2024, but BCCI still seems upset with the player for missing domestic tournaments. Ishan Kishan’s exclusion comes months after the BCCI excluded him from the central contracts.
30 Apr 2024, 06:00:38 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Crucial press conference 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and head of the selection panel Ajit Agarkar will address a press conference and take questions related to the announcement of India’s T20 World Cup squad. 
30 Apr 2024, 05:44:51 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Shashi Tharoor’s special mention for Sanju Samson
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: “Congratulations to the @BCCI selectors on picking an excellent team for the #T20WorldCup2024. Delighted that my constituency will finally be represented at a cricket World Cup with @IamSanjuSamson finally getting a much-deserved break! This team will bring back the trophy!!” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said. 
30 Apr 2024, 05:32:13 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Where is Mohammed Shami?
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami ruled ODI World Cup 2023 as he clinched maximum wickets for India. The pacer was ruled out of IPL 2024 due to ankle injury and maybe he has still not recovered. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh found their name in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad and they will support Jasprit Bumrah
30 Apr 2024, 05:19:02 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Deadline for final squad
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: The 15-member Indian squad can still witness some changes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given May 25 as the deadline to submit final squad. 
30 Apr 2024, 05:03:11 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Irfan Pathan unhappy with exclusion of world’s no 6th T20 bowler
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: “If I am Sitting pretty at 6th in the ICC T20i rankings, but not in the World Cup lineup, its a tough pill to swallow,” Irfan Pathan posted on X while referring to Ravi Bishnoi
30 Apr 2024, 04:45:23 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: A fresh chance for Yuzi
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Yuzvendra Chahal, who went through a difficult phase may look to capitalize on the T20 World Cup opportunity and support Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel well to make an impact in the tournament. 
30 Apr 2024, 04:32:46 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Rinku Singh as reserve. Internet express unhappiness 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: India’s young batter Rinku Singh has impressed a lot of people in a short while, so much that people express anger when they saw Rinku Singh’s name in the Reserve players list for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The users on social media expressed that the batter has given everything for the team and he should be respected more
30 Apr 2024, 04:22:37 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Shivam Dube’s maiden World Cup call
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: After some brilliant knocks for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, Shivam Dube has made it to the 15-member India’s T20 World Cup squad. The seam bowling all-rounder will provide India with a good option in case Hardik Pandya faces any issue during the World Cup. 
30 Apr 2024, 04:17:36 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: BCCI not giving up on Hardik Pandya
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Despite a poor-run in IPL 2024, where Hardik Pandya is leading Mumbai Indians, the BCCI has decided to back the player. Hardik Pandya will continue as the vice-captain of India’s World Cup team. 
30 Apr 2024, 04:11:28 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Two biggest surprises!!
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Absence of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the list of reserve players are the two biggest surprises from India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad announced on Tuesday. The BCCI has chosen two wicketkeepers in the 15-member squad- Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. 
30 Apr 2024, 04:05:00 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: BCCI promo for T20 World Cup 2024
30 Apr 2024, 03:51:08 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: India’s squad announced 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj 
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan
30 Apr 2024, 03:48:42 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Sanju Samson should be first choice for wicketkeeper, says Sidhu 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson. If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, they you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant. He is coming out of an injury. Now, do you consider him as a white-ball specialist? His form is a bit patchy and scratchy, but he has survived the test so far. My preferences are these three,” former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu said. 
30 Apr 2024, 03:35:44 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: BCCI’s crucial press conference 
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: The Board for Control of Cricket in India is expected to convene a press conference on May 1 or May 2 and it is not clear that the squads will be announced before that or during the press conference. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set May 1, as the deadline to submit final squads for the T20 World Cup 2024. 
30 Apr 2024, 03:21:53 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Meeting ends
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary meeting with head of selection panel Ajit Agarkar ended Hotel ITC Narmada, Ahmedabad and India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup can be announced soon. 
30 Apr 2024, 03:18:11 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Visuals before the meeting
30 Apr 2024, 03:05:39 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: 5 reserve players
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: As per Hindustan Times, it is expected the BCCI might pick 5 reserve players along with the 15-member squad. It is to be noted that the expenditure of the reserve players will be borne by BCCI or either the ICC. 
30 Apr 2024, 02:55:35 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: ENG’s provisional squad
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
30 Apr 2024, 02:39:19 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: South Africa announces their T20 World Cup squad
India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: South African cricket team has announced their T20 World Cup 2024 squad, which is going to be led by Aiden Markram. 
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs. 
Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi.
30 Apr 2024, 02:28:13 PM IST’Ek set batsman’ : Axar Patel reminds Navjot Singh Sidhu of  Bishan Singh Bedi
Here’s what he said.
30 Apr 2024, 02:13:26 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Aakash Chopra picks his Team India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024
The announcement of India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is imminent and anticipation is high on who will make the cut. Experts and fans alike have made their choices on who should be in the squad. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his squad for the T20 World Cup on his Youtube channel. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were his picks for openers with Virat Kohli as an option for both opening and no. 3 spot. Suryakumar Yadav was his next pick followed by Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. Aakash Chopra stated it could become a fight amongst the three for a spot as Yadav made his return to competitive cricket this season after a lengthy injury and Rinku Singh has not hit the same high as his previous seasons. The next name mentioned in the squad might probably be the most unpopular choice right now in Hardik Pandya, but Aakash backed his choice stating that Hardik is the only batter out there who provides an option as a fast bowler as well. Ravindra Jadeja was his second choice as the second all-rounder in the team. Moving on to the wicket-keepers, Aakash surprised most fans by selecting Rishab Pant and KL Rahul over Sanju Samson. Rishabh is playing some of his best cricket after returning from a career-threatening injury and is in contention for the orange cap as well. For options as spinners, he went ahead with Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav but he did state that he would not be surprised if Axar Patel made it into the actual squad instead of Chahal.
30 Apr 2024, 02:07:52 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Yuzvendra Chahal likely has less support for inclusion: Report
As per ANI sources, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken 13 wickets so far in IPL 2024 and is a veteran spinner for India as well, has received less support for inclusion as compared to Axar Patel, who gets the advantage due to his all-round abilities.
30 Apr 2024, 02:06:22 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Will Shubman Gill feature in the playing eleven?
As per sources, it is unlikely that star batter Shubman Gill will feature in the playing eleven. His IPL 2024 form has not been at its best, with him getting 320 runs in 10 matches at an average of 35.55 with two half-centuries. He does have 335 runs along with a century and fifty in 14 T20I matches, but he has also scored nine one-digit scores.
30 Apr 2024, 02:05:10 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Hardik’s T20 WC ticket hinges on his IPL form: Sources
Ahead of the much-awaited selection of the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, there are ongoing discussions over star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s place in the squad of 15 on the basis of his current form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to sources from Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI). Hardik is currently captaining MI in IPL 2024. The team finds itself at the bottom half of the table, with three wins and six losses at the ninth spot. Pandya has not been at the best form either, scoring just 197 runs in nine games at an average of 24.62 and a strike rate of over 151. His best score is 46. He has just bowled 19 overs in the tournament, taking four wickets at an average of 56.75 and an economy rate of 11.94. There is a three-way fight for the wicketkeeper’s slot among Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and KL Rahul, with Pant and Rahul having an edge over the Rajasthan Royals skipper, said the sources.
30 Apr 2024, 01:51:11 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Jay Shah, Ajit Agarkar arrive at a hotel in Ahmedabad
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar arrive at a hotel in Ahmedabad to attend the T20 World Cup team selection meeting.
30 Apr 2024, 01:12:29 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Selection meeting underwa in Mumbai: Report
As per RevSports report, BCCI selection meet is underway in Mumbai. Ajit Agarkar and the rest of the panel have assembled in Mumbai and discussions are currently underway. 
30 Apr 2024, 01:11:08 PM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Delhi’s Kuldeep Yadav registers 2nd highest score by batter at number nine or below in IPL history
Ace India and Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner Kuldeep Yadav registered the second-highest score by a player batting at number nine or lower in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. Kuldeep accomplished this feat during his side’s IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. In the game, Kuldeep came with DC in deep trouble at 101/7 in 13.3 overs. He managed to deliver a decent cameo of 35 runs in 26 balls, with five fours and a six. His strike rate was over 134. He managed to stay unbeaten till the end and took DC to a modest total of 153 runs.
30 Apr 2024, 11:52:28 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Sanju Samson preferred to KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant for T20 World Cup squad: Navjot Singh Sidhu explains his choice
In an interaction with Star Sports, Sidhu said, No. 1 is Sanju Samson, on form. This is a different Samson. If India finds themselves in situations where they need a spare opener or No. 4 batter or at No. 6, they you have KL Rahul, who is also in form. But I will still prefer Samson, followed by Rishabh Pant. He is coming out of an injury. Now, do you consider him as a white-ball specialist? His form is a bit patchy and scratchy, but he has survived the test so far. My preferences are these three,”
30 Apr 2024, 11:45:47 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Will Dinesh Karthik be included in the squad? 
During the recent IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, India captain and MI batsman Rohit Sharma was seen taking a dig at Dinesh Karthik. Hinting at the batsman’s T20 World Cup chances, Rohit said, “Shabash DK! Dimagh mein chal raha hai iske World Cup. (Well done DK! He is pushing for a place in the T20 World Cup. His mind is preoccupied with the thought of the World Cup)”.
30 Apr 2024, 11:43:51 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Will KL Rahul be kept out of the squad?
According to a report in the Indian Express, with the selectors looking for specialist options for the No. 5, 6 and 7 role, Rahul, who has opened for LSG in IPL 2024 so far, is out of reckoning for a spot in the World Cup squad.
30 Apr 2024, 10:45:27 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube among 3 players likely to find a place in India T20 World Cup squad 
Ahead of the official announcement of the World Cup squad by the BCCI, a recent report by news agency ANI, citing sources within the cricket board, suggests that three key IPL performers are likely to find a place in the 15-member squad, including Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube and KL Rahul. The ANI report while citing BCCI selection committee source stated, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are likely to get selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad as wicketkeepers. Shivam Dube is also likely to get picked in the squad,”
30 Apr 2024, 10:05:37 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Will Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal be the openers for India ?
As per EspnCrickinfo, Rohit Sharma (capt) and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likley to be the openers followed by Virat Kohli at number 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at the 4th spot.
30 Apr 2024, 10:03:52 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Who could be selected as India’s probable fast bowlers ? 
As per EspnCrickinfo, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Siraj are likely to be selected fast bowlers for the squad
30 Apr 2024, 10:01:20 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Who are in the race for wicketkeeping?
Six players have been in race to grab the two possible spots in the Indian World Cup squad – Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Jitesh Sharma. 
30 Apr 2024, 09:29:15 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Virendra Sehwag wants Virat Kohli to sacrifice his slot, says, ‘I’ll play him at 3’
With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meeting Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, several former Indian cricketers and critics have suggested their list of players to be included in the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Apart from players, one primary debate gaining momentum is who will open for IndiaVirat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal? Virendra Sehwag suggested that Kohli should continue to bat at No.3. He also provided an example of India’s batting great, Sachin Tendulkar, who sacrificed his opening spot unwillingly but gave his best effort in ODIs
30 Apr 2024, 08:53:05 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Will Hardik Panya be part of 15-member WC team?
Hardik Pandya who switched to the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 has not been up to his expectations. The all-rounder continues to suffer from poor form, and the franchise is lingering at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table. His bad form in the cash-rich league has raised questions about his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but a PTI report mentioned the TINA factor working in the Mumbai Indians skipper’s favour. TINA, or there is no alternative, is expected to boost Hardik Pandya’s chances of making the 15-member T20 World Cup squad. Hardik Pandya is the only seam-bowling all-rounder option with Team India. While Shivam Dube is doing great for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the report added, the selectors need to consider him for the T20 World Cup 2024
30 Apr 2024, 08:50:20 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: Sanju Samson likely to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup
Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson is likely to be India’s first choice wicketkeeper-batter for the ICC T20 World Cup this year, taking place in West Indies and USA from June 1, ESPNCricinfo reported on Monday. Rishabh Pant, who made his return to competitive cricket this IPL after a car accident in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul and Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan are other players in contention for the spot the primary keeper-batter for the tournament.
30 Apr 2024, 08:32:48 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: My personal wish is that Rinku Singh makes it to T20 World Cup: Shah Rukh Khan
Kolkata Knights Riders principal owner Shah Rukh Khan has endorsed the inclusion of his left-handed power-hitter Rinku Singh in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, terming it his “personal wish”.  Shah Rukh said during an interview on Star Sports, “Such amazing players are playing for the country. I am really looking forward to Rinku, Inshallah being in the World Cup Squad and some other youngsters from other teams also. “Some of them deserve it so much, but my personal wish is that Rinku makes it to the team. I will be so happy. That will be the high point for me.”
30 Apr 2024, 08:29:30 AM ISTIndia T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Live: BCCI selectors likely to discuss India’s T20 World Cup squad
The selection for India’s squad for the upcoming World Cup is likely to be discussed on Tuesday in Ahmedabad, Gujarat according to sources. The BCCI selectors are currently in Ahmedabad and will discuss the 15-player squad for the marquee event which will begin on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies on Tuesday. All teams have to submit their 15-player squad till May 1.
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