LATEST ARTICLES

Australia Becomes No. 1 Test Cricket Team Leaves India Behind

Recently, there’s been a big change in cricket. Australia has moved ahead of India and is now the top team in Test cricket. This is a big deal because it shows how teams can change and become better.

Australia’s Winning Streak

Australia did really well in their recent matches, especially against Pakistan. They won all their games, showing they’re a strong team. Their hard work and great playing made them reach the top.

India’s Tough Time

India used to be number one, but they had a tough time in their latest series against South Africa. They couldn’t win all their games, which meant they lost their top spot.

Why This Matters

This change is important because it shows that any team can get better and be the best. It’s exciting for cricket fans because it means more great games to watch.

Australia’s Great Year

The last year was really good for Australia. They won big championships like the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. This shows they’re good at different types of cricket.

What’s Next

The competition between Australia and India is going to be exciting. They both want to be the best, so their future games will be really interesting to watch.

Mighty Australia

Australia being at the top now is a big moment for cricket. It shows how the game keeps changing and getting more exciting. We can’t wait to see what happens next in cricket!

Cricket Fever Mounts as India and Pakistan Gear Up for World Cup Showdown in Ahmedabad

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A tangible wave of excitement has enveloped Ahmedabad, with the arrival of the Pakistan cricket team, all set for a riveting 2023 Cricket World Cup encounter with arch-rivals India. Greeted warmly upon their arrival, the buoyant Pakistani players navigated their way to their accommodation, heralding the onset of one of cricket’s most eagerly anticipated matches.

In a unique show of sportsmanship amidst the charged atmosphere, “Bashir Chacha,” a dedicated Pakistan team supporter, extended his goodwill towards Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, expressing his belief in their run-scoring abilities against Pakistan to ANI, saying, “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will score runs against Pakistan.”

Pakistan’s Celebrated Victory Streak: A Historic Win Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan, basking in the glory of their triumphant run in the World Cup, recently scripted history against Sri Lanka by chasing down a daunting 344-run target, the highest in World Cup history. The spectacular pursuit was led by centurions Abdullah Shafique and Mohammed Rizwan, who scored 113 and an unbeaten 131 runs respectively, while Iftikhar Ahmed’s dynamic cameo helped seal the victory with 10 balls to spare.

The historic match also witnessed a record four centuries, elevating Pakistan’s confidence as they head into the electrifying clash with India. Having suffered a substantial 228-run defeat to India in the Asia Cup Super Four Stage, Pakistan is on the hunt for redemption, poised to bring their A-game to the forthcoming World Cup match.

Conversely, Team India, buoyed by a resilient win against Australia, seeks to extend their winning streak, having also clinched a victory against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

As the world of cricket fans holds its collective breath, the stage is set for an epic face-off between India and Pakistan, promising an indelible spectacle in the upcoming World Cup clash.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Shame that Rohit Sharma does not look fit on TV, says Kapil Dev

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Under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is currently playing the home Test series against Australia. In this four-match Test series, Team India has taken a 2-0 lead in the series by winning the first two Tests.

Rohit Sharma performed brilliantly in the first Test match played in Nagpur. He is the only player to score a century in this series

But former Indian team captain Kapil Dev has expressed concern about Rohit Sharma’s fitness. He said that Rohit needs to focus on his fitness. Kapil also said that Rohit looks overweight on the field.

Talking to ABP News, Kapil Dev said, “It is very important (to be fit). More so for a captain. It’s a shame if you are not fit. Rohit needs to put some hard work on it. He is a great batter but when you talk about his fitness, he looks a bit overweight, at least on TV,”

Kapil Dev further said, “Yes, it’s different when you look at someone on TV and then in real life. But from whatever I see, Rohit is a great player and a great captain, but he needs to get fit,”

“Look at Virat, whenever you see him, you say, ‘that’s some fitness!’,” Kapil Dev concluded.

Rohit Sharma has returned to the Indian Test team after about 11 months. He played the last Test against Sri Lanka in March last year, then tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out of the final Test against England and the two-Test series against Bangladesh with a finger injury.

Aiden Markram To Lead SRH in IPL 2023

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has appointed South African batsman Aiden Markram as the new captain of their franchise for the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sunrisers Hyderabad retained 12 players before the mini-auction last year, and Aiden Markram was one of those 12.

Before the mini-auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad dropped their key player and former captain Kane Williamson from the team. After a disappointing performance last season, Hyderabad took such a drastic decision. The captaincy of the group fell vacant after Williamson.

In the mini-auction, Hyderabad bought Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal to strengthen the batting department of the team. Although there were rumors of Mayank Agarwal being given the command of the team, but finally putting an end to all the speculations, the Hyderabad team has handed over the big responsibility to Markram.

Markram was bought by SRH during the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 2.60 Crore. Last season, he was impressed with the bat, scoring 381 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.63, and a strike rate of 139.05 including three half-centuries.

This Year, Markram has captained SRH’s associate franchise, Sunrisers Eastern Cape. With his outstanding contribution Sunrisers was crowned champions in the first edition of the SA T20.

He played 14 matches for SRH this season and scored 381 runs. He scored a wonderful century against Joburg Superkings in the semi-finals & helped his team to enter the finals and later won the title by defeating Pretoria Capitals in the finals.

What are the Chances of India Qualify for the World Test Championship

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After winning the second test match against Australia, the probability of Team India gaining the ticket to the final of WTC 2023 is increased. Let’s have a closer look.

Scenario number 1: India needs to win 1 match and draw the remaining one.

Scenario Number 2: India needs to Win 1 match and if India lost the last match of the series then they have to rely on SL vs NZ Series.

Scenario Number 3: If India lost or Australia levels the series then NZ needs to win two matches against SL.

India defeated Australia by six wickets on Sunday, moving one step closer to securing their spot in the June 7 match at The Oval, changing the course of the fight for qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final. 

The second Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy epitomised the ebb and flow that has been present throughout the World Test Championship (WTC 2 )’s years of intense competition in the longest format, with both sides vying for control of the match before Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed on a dramatic day in Delhi.

The outcome nevertheless ensures that Australia and India control their own destiny as they advance to the June Final as the top two teams in the WTC rankings.

Meanwhile, Team India won the second test match by 6 wickets against Australia. The match was played in Delhi, where Australian Captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first. Usman Khawaja and Peter Handcomb’s partnership assist the Aussie to reach the target of 264. Shami Got 4 wickets as well as Jadeja and Ashwin 3 wickets each respectively. After that Indian superstar batsman, Virat Kohli showed a great batting display and scored a crucial 44 Runs for his team. Axar Patel scored 74 and got India close to Australia’s 1st Innings Score. India Bowled out Australia on 115 in the second innings and won the test match by 6 wickets.

IPL 2024: CSK vs LSG Match 39 – Optimal Fantasy Lineup

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Game 39 brings us to the clash between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Head-to-Head Stats: Total Matches: 4 LSG Wins: 2 CSK Wins: 1 No Result: 1 Noteworthy Stats:
  • MS Dhoni achieves the milestone of 5000 runs as a wicket-keeper in the IPL.
  • KL Rahul surpasses MS Dhoni in the number of fifties scored as a designated wicket-keeper:
    • KL Rahul: 25 fifties
    • MS Dhoni: 24 fifties
Pitch Analysis: The pitch is anticipated to be sluggish, favoring spinners. The expected average score hovers around 158-160. Historical Win Ratio (at this venue):
  • Teams batting first have won 47% of matches.
  • Teams batting second have won 32% of matches.
Probable Playing XI: CSK:
  1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
  2. Rachin Ravindra
  3. Ajinkya Rahane
  4. Daryl Mitchell
  5. Sameer Rizvi
  6. Ravindra Jadeja
  7. MS Dhoni (w)
  8. Shardul Thakur
  9. Mustafizur Rahman
  10. Tushar Deshpande
  11. Maheesh Theekshana
LSG:
  1. Quinton de Kock
  2. KL Rahul (w/c)
  3. Deepak Hooda
  4. Ayush Badoni
  5. Marcus Stoinis
  6. Nicholas Pooran
  7. Krunal Pandya
  8. Ravi Bishnoi
  9. Mohsin Khan
  10. Shamar Joseph
  11. Yash Thakur
Winning Prediction: CSK: 60% LSG: 40% Fantasy XI: Wicket-Keeper: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c), Nicholas Pooran Batsmen: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Rachin Ravindra (vc) All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Ravindra Jadeja Bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman, Maheesh Theekshana

Harshit Shokeen and Riyansh Yadav Illuminate U-12 First Summer Cup League Match

In a thrilling showdown at the GRM Cricket Ground, New Delhi, the last league match of the U-12 First Summer Cup unfolded with a remarkable display of all-around talent from Harshit Shokeen and Riyansh Yadav. Their stellar performances propelled the Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy to a resounding victory over the Super Star Cricket Club by a commanding margin of 139 runs. Harshit Shokeen, earning the well-deserved title of Man of the Match, showcased exceptional prowess with both bat and ball. He amassed an unbeaten 128 runs off just 76 deliveries, peppered with an impressive tally of 21 boundaries and 4 sixes. Furthermore, Shokeen’s bowling prowess came to the fore as he scalped five wickets, restricting the opposition’s scoring opportunities with a spellbinding performance. Not to be outdone, Riyansh Yadav exhibited his batting prowess by contributing a vital 101 runs to the team’s total. His innings, crafted with finesse, comprised 14 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, thereby bolstering the Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy’s formidable scoreline of 268/8 in their allotted 30 overs. In response, the Super Star Cricket Club faltered in their chase, succumbing to the formidable bowling duo of Shokeen and Yadav. Krishang Barry’s valiant effort of 32 runs off 15 balls and Akshat Bharadwaj’s resilient 24 runs off 41 deliveries were not enough to stem the tide of wickets falling at regular intervals. Ultimately, the Super Star Cricket Club could only manage a total of 129/9 in 26.3 overs, falling short by a significant margin. Harshit Shokeen continued his bowling masterclass, securing five wickets for a mere 29 runs, including an economical maiden over. Meanwhile, Riyansh Yadav contributed with two crucial wickets, conceding just 20 runs, and impressively delivering two maiden overs. With their exceptional performances, Harshit Shokeen and Riyansh Yadav not only secured a remarkable victory for the Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy but also etched their names as standout performers in the annals of the U-12 First Summer Cup league.

Potential Absences in T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Due to Injury Concerns

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  As the T20 World Cup 2024 draws near, the anticipation is palpable among cricket enthusiasts. However, this excitement is tempered by the looming specter of injuries that could sideline some of the game’s top players. The absence of key individuals could significantly alter team dynamics and impact their chances of clinching the coveted title. Consequently, teams are wary of selecting players with a history of injuries, prioritizing fitness and reliability in their squad selection process. Several nations find themselves grappling with injury concerns ahead of the tournament. In India’s camp, the fitness of stalwarts such as Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna hangs in the balance due to various ailments. Similarly, Sri Lanka faces uncertainties surrounding the availability of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madushanka, both nursing injuries that could sideline them for the World Cup campaign. Meanwhile, Australia’s hopes are clouded by the recurring hamstring troubles of Mitchell Marsh. Below is a comprehensive list of players from various nations whose participation in the T20 World Cup 2024 is in jeopardy due to injury:
Player IPL Team Nation Injury Type
Wanindu Hasaranga SRH Sri Lanka Foot
Mayank Yadav LSG India Hip
Devon Conway CSK New Zealand Thumb
Mitchell Marsh DC Australia Hamstring
Mohammed Shami GT India Achilles Tendon
Prasidh Krishna RR India Proximal Quadriceps Tendon
Dilshan Madushanka MI Sri Lanka Hamstring
Mujeeb Ur Rahman KKR Afghanistan Right Phalanx Sprain
Lungi Ngidi DC South Africa Lower Back
These potential absences due to injuries add an element of uncertainty to the T20 World Cup landscape, underscoring the importance of fitness management and contingency planning for participating teams.

Shaurya’s Stellar Century Leads Telefunken U-17 to Victory in First Summer Cup Encounter

In the First Summer Cup U-17 league match at the Charlie Cricket Ground in New Delhi, Telefunken U-17 secured a commanding victory, thanks to an outstanding performance by Shaurya, who was awarded the Man of the Match for his splendid century scoring 151 runs. Additionally, Abhishek Prajapati’s excellent bowling spell of 4 wickets for just 20 runs played a significant role in Telefunken’s triumph, restricting Ace Cricket Academy to 195/10, thus clinching the win by a margin of 87 runs. Telefunken U-17 posted a formidable total of 282/10 in 39.3 overs, led by Shaurya’s remarkable innings, which included 16 boundaries and 7 sixes. Karan Mankas also contributed with a solid 24 runs. Ace Cricket Academy’s Gurjas Singh showcased commendable bowling prowess, claiming 4 wickets for 46 runs, while Kabeer Juneja also took 4 wickets, conceding 54 runs. In response, Ace Cricket Academy fought hard but fell short, managing to score 195/10 in 35.1 overs. Reyansh Malhotra and Suryaveer Maggo displayed resilience with scores of 53 and 51 runs respectively. However, they were unable to counter Telefunken’s bowling attack, with Abhishek Prajapati being the standout bowler with figures of 4/20, ably supported by Yash Dwivedi who claimed 2 wickets for 32 runs.

GRM Cricket Academy Clinches Victory with Stellar Bowling Performance: Praveen and Deepanshu Shine

In a thrilling league match of the First Summer Cup U-17 tournament at Charlie Cricket Ground, New Delhi, GRM Cricket Academy secured a commanding victory over Airliner Bharti College by six wickets. The standout performers of the match were Praveen and Deepanshu, who showcased their bowling prowess by collectively bagging three crucial wickets for GRM. The match’s turning point came through the lethal bowling spells delivered by Praveen, who was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match for his exceptional performance, claiming three wickets. Additionally, Koman Sharma’s impressive batting display, scoring a resilient 54 runs, significantly contributed to GRM’s triumph. Airliner Bharti College, batting first, posted a total of 113 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 37.4 overs. Anubhav Gangoria played a noteworthy innings, scoring 37 runs off 62 balls, supported by Utkarsh Chauhan’s contribution of 18 runs. However, the relentless bowling attack led by Praveen and Deepanshu restricted Airliner Bharti College’s batting lineup. In response, GRM Cricket Academy chased down the target with ease, reaching 114 runs for the loss of four wickets in just 19 overs. Apart from Koman Sharma’s brilliant half-century, Harsh Tripathi also played a crucial role, scoring 31 runs, ensuring GRM’s victory. Ansh Pal of Airliner Bharti College displayed commendable bowling skills, claiming three wickets, but it wasn’t enough to thwart GRM Cricket Academy’s determined pursuit of victory. The match showcased an exciting display of talent and competitive cricket, with GRM Cricket Academy emerging as the deserving winners.

Resilience Rewarded: The Dinesh Karthik Story

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Emerging as a promising 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman in 2004, Dinesh Karthik aimed to carve his niche on the international cricket stage. However, his journey faced a formidable obstacle with the emergence of MS Dhoni from Ranchi in 2005. Dhoni’s meteoric rise led India to numerous victories, relegating Karthik to the sidelines. Despite sporadic opportunities, Karthik struggled to establish himself amidst Dhoni’s dominance. Yet, in 2018, Karthik seized the spotlight with a stellar performance in T20 cricket, showcasing his ability to finish matches with composure. His standout IPL season saw him amass 498 runs at a staggering strike rate of 147.77, earning him a spot in India’s squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup. However, his innings in the crucial semi-final ended disappointingly, leading to his exclusion from the team. Fast forward to 2022, Karthik’s resurgence in the IPL earned him a recall to the Indian T20I squad. Despite a lackluster T20 World Cup campaign, Karthik continued to defy odds with his performances, earning praise for his batting prowess. Now, in his farewell IPL season in 2024, Karthik has once again turned heads with his explosive batting displays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite his regular stint as a commentator, Karthik’s passion for batting remains undiminished, evident in his aggressive approach on the field. With 226 runs in seven games at a staggering strike rate of 205.45, the 38-year-old has reignited discussions about his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Dinesh Karthik’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination, making him a symbol of perseverance in the cricketing world. As he prepares for one final shot at glory, Karthik proves that age is just a number and that true champions never back down from a challenge. In every sense, he truly deserves the title of the ‘Comeback King’.

Aayan Secures Five Wickets in Thrilling Victory

In a riveting league match of the 2nd K.K. Tiwari Memorial U-14 Cricket Tournament at Shakurpur Cricket Ground, New Delhi, Aayan Arora’s exceptional five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match title. Alongside, a stellar performance from Piyush Goyal, scoring 83 runs, propelled West Delhi Academy to a thrilling 9-run victory over City Cricket Council. Tarun, with three crucial wickets, was awarded the Best Bowler of the Match, while Shivam Chowdhary, contributing with both bat and ball, received the Fighter of the Match accolade. The scoreboard reflected: West Delhi Academy: 243/8 in 40 overs: Piyush Goyal 83 (94b, 11×4), Anurag Yadav 77 (81b, 9×4, 2×6); Tarun (3/33), Shivam Chowdhary (2/31). City Cricket Council: 234/9 in 40 overs: Jayant Saini 64 (70b, 10×4), Shivam Chowdhary 50 (36b, 6×4, 1×6); Aayan Arora (5/21-1 maiden), Krishna Rathore (2/41). Gurjas Singh Excels in Opening Encounter In the inaugural match of the First Summer Cup U-17, held at Charlie Cricket Ground, New Delhi, Gurjas Singh’s formidable bowling, securing three wickets, earned him the Man of the Match award. Suryaveer Maggo’s commendable knock of 37 runs guided Ace Cricket Academy to a comfortable 5-wicket victory over Airliner Bharti College. Notable contributions also came from Ishant Sain, with two crucial wickets. The scoreboard revealed: Airliner Bharti College: 118/10 in 34 overs: Harsh Dubey 18 (19b, 1×4, 1×6), Ansh Tiwari 15 (41b, 2×4); Gurjas Singh (3/11-2 maiden), Ishant Sain (2/21-2 maiden). Ace Cricket Academy: 120/5 in 27 overs: Suryaveer Maggo 37 (51b, 3×4, 2×6); Vidit Chhabra (1/6), Ansh Tiwari (1/12-1 maiden).

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli’s Impressive Track Record Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

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  As the Indian Premier League gears up for its 30th match, pitting Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, April 15th, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes are on the formidable Virat Kohli. Kohli, currently leading the charts as the top run-scorer in IPL 2024, has amassed an impressive 319 runs in 6 matches, including one century and two half-centuries. His standout performance of 113 runs off 72 balls against Rajasthan Royals underscores his formidable presence on the field this season. As RCB prepares to clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kohli’s form will be crucial in maintaining their momentum at the Chinnaswamy. Kohli’s legacy in the IPL is illustrious, especially against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Holding the record for the most fifty-plus runs against them, Kohli stands as the second-highest run-scorer with 669 runs in their encounters. VIRAT KOHLI’S RECORD AGAINST SRH: TOTAL MATCHES: 20 RUNS: 569 AVERAGE: 31.61 STRIKE RATE: 136.77 4s: 66 6s: 25 As Royal Challengers Bengaluru braces for their upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the home advantage at Bengaluru’s fortress is expected to play a role in their strategy. Having suffered setbacks with four losses, RCB is eager for a resurgence. Kohli, donning the Orange Cap after 6 matches, holds the key to their aspirations for lifting the trophy this season. His consistent contribution will be pivotal in shaping their campaign. The challenge for the former RCB captain lies in asserting his dominance over SRH bowlers with his bat. Fans eagerly anticipate Kohli’s stellar performance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, anticipating a memorable innings from the cricket maestro.

Dominant Performances by Attharv and Aayushmaan Lead Airliner Bharti College to Victory

In the latest showdown of the 1st Summer Cup U-12 league, hosted at the prestigious GRM Cricket Academy in New Delhi, Airliner Bharti College secured a resounding victory thanks to stellar displays by Attharv N Adhikari with the ball and Aayushmaan N Adhikari with the bat. Their exceptional performances paved the way for a commanding win over Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy. Aayushmaan N Adhikari claimed the spotlight as the Man of the Match for his brilliant innings, scoring an impressive 90 runs off just 74 balls, adorned with 18 boundaries. Meanwhile, Attharv N Adhikari showcased his bowling prowess, taking four crucial wickets to dismantle the opposition’s batting lineup. Batting first, Airliner Bharti College posted a formidable total of 225/8 in their allotted 30 overs. Apart from Aayushmaan’s heroics, Aarav Singh contributed significantly with a well-crafted 56 runs off 45 deliveries. The bowlers from Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy, notably Shivam Sharma and Harshit Shokeen, tried to contain the opposition with three and two wickets respectively. In response, Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy faced a daunting chase and struggled to build partnerships against Airliner Bharti College’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite valiant efforts from Harshit Shokeen, who top-scored with 38 runs, and Riyansh Yadav, who contributed 33 runs, they fell short of the target. Ultimately, Cricket Coaching Upadhaya Academy was bundled out for 123 runs in 29.4 overs, handing Airliner Bharti College a convincing victory by a margin of 102 runs. Attharv N Adhikari’s exceptional bowling spell of 4/17, supported by Love’s contribution of 2/16, played a pivotal role in restricting the opposition’s batting lineup. In summary, it was a memorable outing for Airliner Bharti College, with Attharv and Aayushmaan’s standout performances ensuring a dominant display and a well-deserved triumph in the 1st Summer Cup U-12 league match.

IPL 2024: Dube vs Pandya Showdown for T20 World Cup 2024

On April 14th, Sunday, the 29th match of the IPL season will unfold at the Wankhede Stadium between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. Amidst the action at the Mumbai Wankhede Stadium, a captivating duel awaits. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube will vie for a coveted spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians aim to extend their winning streak at home while halting the Chennai Super Kings’ winless streak away from Chepauk. Before this pivotal match, former CSK coach Stephen Fleming weighed in, offering notable insights into Dube’s potential inclusion over Hardik. Dube’s consistent performances over the past two IPL seasons have been commendable. In the previous season, he amassed 418 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 38.00, including three half-centuries. In the ongoing IPL season, Dube has showcased his prowess with the bat, tallying 176 runs in five matches at an average of 44.00, including a well-deserved half-century. On the flip side, Hardik, Mumbai Indians’ new skipper, has faced challenges in the current IPL campaign. He has managed just 129 runs in five matches without a fifty and has claimed only one wicket in eight overs so far. Questions arise regarding Hardik’s role in the team, particularly considering his limited contributions with the ball, bowling only one over in the last three matches. In a pre-match statement, Fleming expressed his partiality towards Dube, citing his explosive power as a valuable asset. He emphasized the importance of aligning India’s game plan with the team’s strengths, especially in away conditions. Fleming suggested that rather than focusing solely on player selection, India should first define their strategic approach for the format. He advised, “Instead of simply picking players and then shaping a game plan around them, India should establish the style of play they intend to adopt and then select players who fit that mold and are in-form. It’s undoubtedly one of the toughest tasks in world cricket, being an Indian selector. As a New Zealander, I can’t help but be envious of the wealth of talent India possesses, with new players emerging in every game.” As the IPL drama unfolds, the showdown between Dube and Pandya intensifies, with much at stake for both players in their quest for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.