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"Love To Look At Things In Positive Manner": Sanju Samson Ahead Of ICC T20 WC 2024 Opener

Ahead of their opener against Ireland in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said that he positively looks at things while reflecting on failures and successes in his career.

Samson, who made his international debut in 2014 in a T20I match, has had ups and downs, having played just 25 T20Is and 16 ODIs for India over the last decade.

His T20 stats have been disappointing as he has scored just 374 runs at an average of 18.70 with one half-century. a strike rate of 133.09 and the best score of 77.

Samson has made his way into the T20 WC squad after a career-best Indian Premier League (IPL) which helped take Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the playoffs. He scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46, with five half-centuries. His best score was 86*.

The Kerala-born cricketer asserted that at the time when a cricketer is young and successful, he tries to skip a few lessons.

"I love to look at things in a more positive manner. If it's a failure or setback, you learn through it. When you are young and successful, you skip a few lessons. I am blessed with my talent, which comes naturally to me as a batter" Samson said in a video posted by BCCI.

The 29-year-old further stated that right from the moment he arrived in the United States, he had taken out all the things regarding Indian Premier which is in his mind.

"Right from the moment I landed here, IPL has been away from my mind. I tell myself that I am somewhere where people dream of going. Then I was like, what else do I need to do? Mentally I did not have to motivate myself. Things happen automatically. When you meet Rohit and Virat, you get inspired and there is no looking back. How can Sanju help India win more games, what it is like to be a WC player for India? I am very grateful for the support wherever I go," the wicketkeeper added.

In the end, Samson said that he loves to change and adapt according to the conditions.

"The biggest lesson as a cricketer and human is that the change is constant. You cannot say that this is the only way to play. I love to change and adapt as per conditions. You can't be the same Sanju Samson," the right-hand batter concluded.

India will start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will take place on June 9. India will later play tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to wrap up their Group A matches.

In the tournament, India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a big ICC trophy.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. SirajReserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan. 

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"Match Against Pakistan Will Decide India's Momentum In T20 WC": Mohammad Kaif

Former India all-rounder Mohammad Kaif said the much-awaited high-volage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on June 9 will decide Men in Blue's momentum in the ICC T20 World Cup.

The extravagant tournament will begin on June 1 in the United States and the West Indies. India and Pakistan, one of cricket's greatest foes, will square off on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

"The match between India and Pakistan is always big. The real competition is always between Pakistan's fast bowlers and India's top-order batters. Whenever we lost in the World Cup, be it losing to England last T20 WC or first to Pakistan in 2021 our top order Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were not able to give a good start. The match against Pakistan will decide India's momentum in the WC," Kaif told ANI.

Under the seasoned leadership of Rohit Sharma, who is in his second T20 World Cup as captain, the side features a dangerous top-order lineup that includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.

The intensity of strain on the players, as well as the emotional connection of the fans, were evident during the arch-rivals' most recent World Cup match. Fans will expect an equally fierce fight between the two Asian Giants, keeping them on the edge of their seats, with their extravagant heroics.

In the last T20 World Cup, India won in a nail-biting thriller thanks to Virat Kohli's heroics at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian batting sensation produced an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls to steal the victory from the jaws of defeat.

Kaif said captain Rohit has changed his intent in the powerplay and advised that India need to play in an "attacking manner" without fear.

"I feel that there has been a change in the Indian cricket's approach. Rohit's intent in the power play has changed. Rohit has found a way to play against the fast bowlers of Pakistan, we have to play in an attacking manner without any fear. I think Rohit will play attacking in this World Cup too and this is a good formula because you have to play aggressively against Pakistan," Kaif added.

India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

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Indian Cricket Team members receive 'Team of the Year caps ahead of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

Ahead of their start of the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the West Indies and the United States, Indian Cricket Team members received ICC awards and Team of the Year caps for their outstanding performance for their national side in recent times.

World No. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav was facilitated with ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year and T20I Team of the Year cap. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was given the ICC Test Team of the Year cap. Men in Blu skipper Rohit Sharma along with Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj received the ICC ODI Team of the Year caps and the left-arm spinner Arshdeep Singh got the ICC T20I Team of the Year cap.

India will start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Meanwhile, the most-awaited blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will take place on June 9. They will later play tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to wrap up their Group A matches.

In the tournament, India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a big ICC trophy.

India will be aiming to win their first T20 WC title since they won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. In the last edition held in Australia in 2022, India lost to England by 10 wickets in the semifinals.

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

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

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Rishabh Pant Enjoys First Nets Session In Indian jersey After 16 Months, Gears Up For T20 WC

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had his first nets session for Team India after at least 16 months, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, scheduled for June 5.

The ICC T20 World Cup will be played in the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to 29. The Men in Blue will also play Bangladesh in their only warm-up game on June 1 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Pant, who returned to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year following a life-threatening road accident in December 2022, will be making his much-awaited return to the blue colours of the Indian jersey.

In the recently concluded IPL 2024, Rishabh's team Delhi Capitals finished in the sixth spot with seven wins, seven losses and 14 points and failed to move to playoffs. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of over 155 with three half-centuries and emerged as the team's top run-getter.

Pant looked in great shape while practicing, having lost a lot of weight, and sported a much leaner look ahead of the tournament.

In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant said, "This is one thing I missed a lot (practicing with the Indian team and playing for them). Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it is a different feel altogether and this is something I missed a lot. I think seeing the teammates and meeting them again, spending time, having fun with them, enjoying having conversations, really enjoying it."

Pant said that playing in the USA is a different prospect and it has opened a whole new channel for the sport.

"We are used to playing in certain countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the US and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket as well as USA cricket I guess," he said.

He said he is getting used to the conditions and the sun shines a little brighter here in the US and there are new pitches.

"So just getting used to conditions over here and let us see how it goes. Hopefully, I make it count and make it more better from here," he concluded.

In seven T20 WC matches and five innings, he has scored 87 runs at an average of 21.75 across 2021 and 2022 editions, with the best score of 39.

India will start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Meanwhile, the most-awaited blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will take place on June 9. They will later play tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to wrap up their Group A matches.

In the tournament, India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a big ICC trophy.

India will be aiming to win their first T20 WC title since they won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. In the last edition held in Australia in 2022, India lost to England by 10 wickets in the semifinals.

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

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A look At Team India's Form, Top Performances, Key Talking Points Ahead Of T20 WC

Despite the talks around strike rate and lack of great pace bowling options, Team India is heading into the ICC T20 World Cup starting from June 1 with the most series wins and fine performances under their belt.

India will start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Here is a look at Men in Blue's form and statistics, since their T20 WC semifinal loss to England by 10 wickets in November 2022, ahead of the campaign:

-India tour of New Zealand (2022)

India won the rain-effected three-match T20I series under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya by 1-0, with the highlight being a knock of 111* in 51 balls by Suryakumar Yadav in the second T20I and four-wicket hauls by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj in the third rain-affected T20I.

-Sri Lanka tour of India (January 2023)

India won this three-match T20I series by 2-1 to kickstart the home season with a bang. The highlight of this series was once again, a knock of 112* in 51 balls by Suryakumar in the third T20I and some fine all-round performances by Axar Patel.

-New Zealand tour of India (January-February 2023)

Yet another fine series win for India by 2-1, coming back after being 1-0 down in the series. The highlight of this series was a fine 126* in 63 balls by Shubman Gill, the batters' first T20I century in the third T20I and a fine show by Indian pacers that skittled NZ out for just 66 in pursuit of 235 run target set after Gill's ton, including Hardik Pandya's four-wicket-haul.

-India tour of West Indies (July-August 2023)

This is the only blip in India's T20I resume after the T20 WC. After securing the Test and ODI series, India was expected to win the T20I series as well, with a young Team India around. However, West Indies players fought really well in what was a tight, back-and-forth series to win it 3-2, winning the fifth and decider T20I match.

A major taking point of this series was the emergence of Tilak Varma, who batted with maturity and elegance beyond his age, top scoring for India with 173 runs in five matches at an average of 57.67, with a half-century.

-India tour of Ireland (August 2023)

This series served as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's comeback to the national side after battling injuries and he was appointed as a captain of a young Indian side in the absence of Hardik Pandya. India won the series 2-0. This series saw the international debut of India's newest finisher and sensation, Rinku Singh.

-Asian Games Hangzhou (September 2023)

India secured a gold medal at the event, winning the gold on the basis of their seeding as their final with Afghanistan did not go further due to rain. A 49-ball century by Yashasvi Jaiswal was the big highlight from the competition.

-Australia tour of India (November-December 2023)

The series was conducted after India's loss to Australia in the World Cup finals, with both teams fielding a young side, with the main squads being rested after the tournament. India won the series 4-1, with some fine performances from youngsters like Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, skipper Suryakumar Yadav etc. Gaikwad was the top run-scorer for India, with 223 runs in five matches with a century and fifty. Spinners Ravi Bishnoi (9 wickets) and Axar Patel (6 wickets) also delivered some fine performances.

-India tour of South Africa (December 2023)

Team India travelled to South Africa under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The series ended with a 1-1 draw as one match could not be played due to rain. A fine 68 by Rinku Singh in the first T20I and a fourth T20I century by Surya in the second T20I along with a five-wicket haul from Kuldeep Yadav were major highlights, performance-wise.

-Afghanistan tour of India (January 2023)

Afghanistan's first international series against India marked the return of veterans Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma to the T20Is after the team's loss in the 2022 WC semis. India won the series 3-0. The highlights of the series were twin half-centuries from Shivam Dube, a scorching fifth T20I century by Rohit, a knock of 121* in 69 balls, with 11 fours and eight sixes in the final game, some stunning fielding by Virat and a cameo of 29 in 16 balls that displayed his new, attacking attitude.

Some talking points for India heading into the tournament:

-Red-hot form of Virat Kohli (741 runs in 15 games), Jasprit Bumrah (20 wickets in 13 matches) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the rise in former's strike rate and six-hitting being a big highlight.

-Poor form of all-rounder Hardik Pandya (216 runs and 11 wickets in 14 games) in the IPL and diminishing of his finishing/six-hitting abilities

-Skipper Rohit Sharma's (417 runs in 14 games) disappointing strike rate of just 127.84 against spin in IPL 2024 and six dismissals in the tournament. He also had a very inconsistent run in the tournament.

-Bowlers like Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh (19 wickets each), and Mohammed Siraj (15 wickets) are among the wickets in IPL 2024, delivering some fine performances but are prone to inconsistency and erratic line and lengths.

-Absence of a proper, consistent finisher in Rinku Singh in the squad of 15.

Top performers for India during this phase:

Suryakumar Yadav: 857 runs in 20 matches and 19 innings at an average of 53.56 and a strike rate of 161.39, with three centuries and five fifties, best score of 112*.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: In 17 T20Is for India, Jaiswal scored 502 runs in 16 innings at an average of 33.46 and a strike rate of 161.93, with a century and four half-centuries. His best score was 100.

Arshdeep Singh: Leading wicket-taker for India, with 33 wickets in 25 matches at an average of 23.09 and an economy rate of 9.10, with a best of 4/37.

Kuldeep Yadav: 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 14.33 and an economy rate of 13.50, with a best of 5/17.

Rinku Singh: 356 runs in 15 matches and 11 innings at an average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 176.24, with two half-centuries and best score of 69*.

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

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

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ICC T20 WC, Group A Preview: Two Asian Arch-Rivals Placed With Three Sides Aiming To Make Mark In In

The Group A teams in the ICC T20 World Cup feature two of the biggest rivals in sport's history and three teams, including the hosts USA, who are out to prove themselves once again on the biggest stage in cricket.

The group features India, Pakistan, Canada, Ireland and the USA. A total of 20 teams, divided into four groups of five, are battling it out in the T20 WC.

Let us dive into what Group A is offering at the upcoming tournament:

-India

It is yet another tournament for India where they enter with a burning desire to end a streak of near misses at ICC tournaments and secure their first big title since ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Men in Blue field a formidable squad, backed by experienced superstars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Youngers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson add some audacious energy to the squad.

The top order is extremely strong, featuring Virat, Rohit, Jaiswal and Suryakumar. Wicketkeepers Sanju and Rishabh are both in fine form which they displayed in the recently-concluded IPL 2024 and the all-rounders Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, provide depth and versatility to the squad. Bumrah will lead the pace battery while Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep could be the key spinners.

India takes on Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5 before the epic clash against Pakistan on June 9 in New York.

Squad

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

Fixtures

vs Ireland - Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan - Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs USA - Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada - Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player - Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah's return serves as a huge boost for India. In their semifinal exit in T20 WC 2022 in Australia, India had suffered a lot due to his absence and the bowling lacked an X Factor. Since his comeback to the national side last year after an injury, Bumrah's form has been sensational, picking up 20 wickets each in the 50-over World Cup last year and the IPL this year for Mumbai Indians. His variety of deliveries, pace, and scorching yorkers will be crucial in deciding how India's campaign moves.

-Pakistan

Pakistan, just like India, have had their share of near misses in T20 WC since years, having reached the semifinals in 2021 and reached the finals of the next one in Australia back in 2022. Skipper Babar Azam is tasked with leading his men out of these heartbreaks and towards the trophy. He will be well supported by experienced stars like Mohammed Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman. Young hard-hitting batter Saim Ayub also adds some power and X Factor to the side despite his inconsistency. The bowling attack has been boosted by the return of all-rounder Imad Wasim and pacer Mohammed Amir. With Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan has a solid pace and spin battery alike.

Pakistan will play co-hosts USA in their opening clash on June 6 before facing off against India in a much-awaited clash on June 9.

Squad

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Fixtures

vs USA - Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

vs India - Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada - Tue, 11 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Ireland - Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player - Babar Azam

It has been a tough few months for Babar, starting with his side's poor 2023 50-over World Cup campaign, where the team could get only four wins in nine games and exited in group stages, that led to his ouster as captain. Later, he was restored as a white-ball captain after the failure of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the New Zealand series this year.

Babar has been consistent as a player, scoring 3,987 runs in 118 matches at an average of over 41 and a strike rate of almost 130. He has taken Pakistan to the knockout stages in the last two T20 WCs as well. Questions have been raised about his strike rate and this tournament would be his chance to silence his critics.

-Ireland

Ireland has earned their eighth consecutive spot in the T20 WC, highlighting their evolution and commendable journey since their days as an associate member of ICC. Instead of Andy Balbirnie who led the country in the last T20 WC, veteran opener Paul Stirling is stepping up as a captain.

The batting features a solid opening pair of Stirling and Balbirnie, supported by exciting talents like Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair and Curtis Campher. The pace attack is led by experienced Mark Adair and Josh Little and will be complemented by Graham Hume, Campher, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young. The spin-bowling duties are with the duo of Ben White and Gareth Delany.

Ireland's first game will be against India on June 5 and a win in this match could boost their morale.

Squad

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Fixtures

vs India - Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada - Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs USA - Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan - Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player - Paul Stirling

Stirling has been a pillar of Ireland Cricket since the late 2000s as a player and a leader too. Since 2009, the year of his T20I debut, he has made 3589 runs in 142 matches at an average of 27.60, with a striking rate of 135.43. He is the leading run-getter in T20Is for Ireland and the only player who boasts of 3,000 runs in the format. His explosive batting and partnership with Balbirnie will be crucial in determining how far Ireland goes.

-USA

This tournament is a historic one for the US as it is their maiden appearance at a men's ICC T20 World Cup, having earned their spot as the co-hosts. This is their first major IPL tournament since 2004 when they played the ICC Champions Trophy.

Monank Patel will be the USA's skipper in this campaign and forms the backbone of the batting line-up along with Aaron Jones and Steven Taylor.

The inclusion of former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson shots up depth and experience in the line-up multifolds. The pacer Ali Khan, who has returned from injury, serves as the biggest asset of the team's bowling attack and gets support from Saurabh Netravalkar and Milind Kumar.

USA will kickstart their campaign against neighbours Canada on June 1, aiming to set the stage for a successful tournament with a victory in the opening match.

Squad

Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir

Fixtures

vs Canada - Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

vs Pakistan - Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

vs India - Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Ireland - Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player - Ali Khan

Ali Khan missed the recent five-match T20I series against Canada due to injury, but returned to star in USA's historic 2-1 series win over Bangladesh, taking four wickets in two games. Ali has travelled the globe as a T20 specialist, having played in the Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League. He burst onto the scene in the USA back in 2015 and his shot to fame was by dismissing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara off the very first ball he bowled for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL.

Despite being hit by injuries, Ali has taken nine wickets in eight matches at a fine economy rate of 7.69 and has a lethal yorker in his ammunition.

-Canada

This tournament marks Canada's maiden appearance in the T20 WC, which comes years after playing the 50-over World Cup in 1979, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

The veteran Saad Bin Zafar will be leading a side that features only four players under the age of 30. The returns of pacer Jeremy Gordon and seasoned 39-year-old all-rounder Junaid Siddiqui further add depth to the squad.

Canada start their campaign on June 1 against co-hosts USA in Dallas.

Squad

Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi

Fixtures

vs USA - Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

vs Ireland - Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan - Tue, 11 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs India - Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player - Saad Bin Zafar

Saad is the cornerstone of Canada's success, juggling multiple hats as a captain, batter and bowler. The 37-year-old has played 38 T20Is for the team and the second-most capped player of all time in the format for Canada. He brings a lot of experience with both bat and ball, having scored 272 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.66 at a strike rate of 133.99 and taken 43 scalps.

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IPL 2024: SRH, RR Face-Off To Seal Final Date Against Kolkata Knight Riders

Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns against Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Qualifier 2 match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already reached the final of the 17th season of the IPL, and whichever franchise wins today's match will lock horns against the Kolkata-based franchise at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

The Hyderabad-based franchise is in their top form in the IPL 2024 and etched their name on the record book by breaching the highest team total in the IPL three times this season. Earlier, it was Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) 263/5 in the 2013 season which held the landmark of the highest team total in the history of the IPL.

With the likes of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi in the top batting order, SRH have successfully entered the T20 tournament with an aggressive approach. They are the only side to score 100 or more runs in the powerplay this season.

The Rajasthan-based franchise started the season on a good note and kept a four-match winning streak two times in the tournament. However, as time passed and we came into the second half of the IPL 2024, the Royals started to maintain their consistency. In May, RR's first win came in the Eliminator round when they beat RCB to book their place in the Qualifier 2 match.

The Royals don't have a destructive batting lineup as compared to the Sunrisers but they have a fiery bowling attack with the likes of Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Nandre Burger, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The Qualifier 2 match will be an interesting clash as the best bowling attack will take on a destructive batting lineup to book their place in the final match of the IPL 2024.

Hyderabad finished the league stage of the T20 tournament in second place with 17 points and a net run rate of +0.414 after winning 8 of 14 matches. While the Rajasthan concluded their league matches in third place with 17 points and a net run rate of +0.273 after winning 8 of 14 matches.

The Royals are coming into today's match after beating RCB by four wickets in the Eliminator round of the IPL

2024. On the other hand, SRH conceded an 8-wicket loss against KKR in the Qualifier 1 match of the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson (Wk/C), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shimron Hetmyer, Nandre Burger, Shubham Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Donovan Ferreira, Navdeep Saini, Keshav Maharaj, Kuldeep Sen, Abid Mushtaq, Kunal Singh Rathore.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (Wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan, Sanvir Singh, Umran Malik, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Anmolpreet Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Markande, Jhatavedh Subramanyan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen, Akash Maharaj Singh.

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Virat Kohli Continues With Blockbuster Performances In Big Tournaments, Encouraging Signs For India Ahead Of T20 WC

Following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the biggest positive for the franchise and Team India is the form of batter Virat Kohli, who reinvented himself with a more attacking gameplay, especially against spin and once again delivered in a big tournament.

After 15 matches, Virat has ended his IPL campaign as the Orange Cap holder for the most runs in the season. He has scored 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, with a century and five half-centuries. His best score is 113*.

What stands out is his strike rate of 154.69, his best-ever in an IPL season and the total of 38 sixes that he has hit, equalling his six-tally of 2016 IPL in which he had blasted 973 runs in 16 matches with four centuries and seven fifties at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of over 152.

Heading into the ICC T20 World Cup, Virat is the most in-form player in the national side and him playing all games is a no brainer. In the 2023 season of the IPL, he scored 639 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82, with two centuries and six fifties. His best score was 101*.

Combining his statistics across both seasons, he has scored 1,380 runs in 29 innings at an average of 57.50 and a strike rate of 147.43, with three centuries and 11 fifties, best score of 113*. This makes him the most consistent batter across both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, which he has played after India's loss to England in the ICC T20 WC 2022 semifinal by ten wickets, after which, India moved on to youngsters. Virat was only recalled for the series against Afghanistan this year in January, where he scored 29 and 0 in two games.

Virat has also been magnificent for India across all big tournaments, ever since he returned from a break back in August 2022 during the Asia Cup. He had taken a break after months of poor, inconsistent returns with the bat and made an immediate impact in the Asia Cup, scoring 276 runs in five games at an average of 92.00, with a century, two fifties and best score of 122*, then his first century in three years. He ended as the second-highest run-getter in the season.

The 35-year-old took his brilliant form to ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, which he kickstarted with an incredible 82* in 53 balls against Pakistan at a jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a tough 160-run chase. He stood tall at the top of the batting charts with 296 runs in six games, average of 98.66 and a strike rate of over 136. Four half-centuries came out of his bat, but he still could not take his team to the title.

After some fine performances across bilateral cricket, Virat proved his undeniable mettle in T20 cricket with 639 runs in IPL 2023, ending as the fourth-highest run-getter even though his side could not make it to the playoffs.

As the focus shifted towards the ODI World Cup in India that year, Virat scored a century in the Asia Cup against Pakistan, ending the tournament with 129 runs in three games at an average of 64.50 and the trophy in his hands.

The Cricket World Cup in India saw Virat delivering an all-time great campaign, smashing records everyday match-day, including breaking his idol Sachin Tendulkar's record of most runs in a single World Cup and 49 ODI tons. In 11 matches, he scored an unbelievable 765 runs at an average of 95.63, with three centuries and six fifties. His best score was 117, but even then, the gold went to Australia in the final.

Now with a 741-run IPL, Virat has proved himself as a batter to watch out for in the T20 World Cup. Across these big tournaments, he has made 2,846 runs at an average of 71.15, with eight centuries and 23 fifties. His best score has been 122*, which came against Pakistan in the Asia Cup last year.

Since his comeback in Asia Cup 2022, he has scored 3,007 runs in 59 international matches at an average of 58.96, with 10 centuries and 17 fifties. His best score is 186. Including his IPL numbers, he has made 4,387 runs in 88 matches and 92 innings, at an average of 58.49, with 13 centuries and 28 fifties.

With T20 WC coming up, Virat's numbers across all the format look encouraging and all hopes are on him to deliver a title-winning campaign for India.