While Afghanistan just completed their close T20I series victory against the hosts Zimbabwe, they are now ready for the ODI series. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the Test squad for the upcoming Test series against the hosts Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe are set to host a two-match Test series against Afghanistan. While the Test series opener has been set for Boxing Day, the second Test will be the New Year Test. Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) will host both the Test matches. 

Afghanistan lost both Tests in 2024

Afghanistan have played two Tests this year, where they suffered defeats against the hosts Sri Lanka and against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. They also had another Test scheduled against New Zealand at Greater Noida, which was completely washed out without a toss. Out of their nine overall Tests, Afghanistan won three games and lost six Tests. 

In March 2021, Afghanistan hosted two Tests against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. After losing the first Test by 10 wickets, the Afghans beat the Chevrons by six wickets in the next Test.

Seven uncapped players in the Afghanistan Test squad

The ACB has announced an 18-member full squad for the upcoming away Test series against Zimbabwe. Seven uncapped players have been named in this squad. 

Allrounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and left-arm quick Bashir Ahmad Afghana are the fresh names in the Afghanistan national team squad. Meanwhile, the other four uncapped Test players are Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, who have white-ball experiences for the national team. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah achieves new Test milestone after a six-fer in Brisbane

Rashid Khan last played a Test in March 2021

Rashid Khan, who has played five Tests, is returning to the longer format after more than three years. He last played a Test match in March 2021 when they beat Zimbabwe for the first time. 

Afghanistan's complete Test squad for Zimbabwe tour

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Ahmad Malik

While Afghanistan and New Zealand are frustrated with the ongoing Noida Test, which hasn’t seen the toss yet at the end of the fourth day, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the 17-member ODI squad for their three-match ODI series against South Africa. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has returned to the squad for the upcoming ODI series.

Afghanistan and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series in Sharjah, starting on September 18. It will be their first ODI series, as they have only met twice in the ODIs during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournaments. 

It will be the first ODI series for Afghanistan since last March when they hosted a three-match ODI series against Ireland in Sharjah. On the other hand, South Africa are also ready for their first ODI in 2024, as they last played a three-match home ODI series against India last December. 

SEE ALSO: ACC launches new Women's U19 tournament

Rashid Khan played his last ODI during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023

Rashid Khan has been named in the Afghan ODI squad. He last played an ODI match during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. 

Mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is still recovering from his index finger injury on the right hand. Meanwhile, the wrist-spinner Noor Ahmed has also missed out on the ODI squad for the forthcoming ODI series. Off-spinner AM Ghazanfar has been selected in the 17-member Afghan squad. 

On the other hand, Ibrahim Zadran has also been ruled out from the upcoming ODI series against South Africa due to an ankle sprain.

ACB named three uncapped ODI players

The ACB has named three uncapped ODI players for the upcoming ODI series. These three players are medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami and top-order batters Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik. Malik has played two Tests and Rasooli has played seven T20Is, while Sami is yet to play his first international match. 

Afghanistan's full squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad

India’s cricket team ended a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. This victory made India only the third team after the West Indies and England to win two titles in men’s T20 World Cup history. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India had a perfect campaign, finishing unbeaten and showcasing their dominance on the world stage.

See Also: No congratulatory post from Shubman Gill after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win; Fans react

India’s journey through the T20 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The team won every match leading up to the final, displaying a blend of tactical brilliance, skill, and resilience. Key victories against top teams set the tone for their successful campaign, culminating in the final against South Africa.

Top 5 captains of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma led India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy. His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his team were key factors in India’s unbeaten run.

Rohit took over India’s captaincy in the shortest format after the underwhelming outing from the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup. In his first outing as captain in T20 World Cup, Rohit had led the team to the semifinal in Australia two years back. It was a campaign that ended with a comprehensive defeat against England.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership was instrumental in India’s triumph. Rohit led with a calm demeanor and strategic acumen. His ability to inspire the team and make crucial decisions under pressure was evident throughout the tournament. Rohit’s record as a captain is impressive, with 50 wins from 62 T20I matches, including the World Cup final.

2. Adien Markram

Markram’s leadership saw South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup final in men’s cricket. His calm demeanor and strategic acumen were instrumental in their campaign.

Adien Markram’s captaincy was pivotal to South Africa’s success in the tournament. His leadership style, characterized by calmness and strategic thinking, helped the team navigate challenging situations. Markram’s own performances with the bat and in the field were crucial, as he led from the front and inspired confidence in his teammates.

South Africa had a commendable campaign, reaching the final after several impressive performances. The team showed resilience and skill, particularly in the knockout stages.

As a captain, Markram’s record is stellar. It goes back before the eight wins at T20 World Cup 2024, two wins in as many starts as skipper in the absence of injured Temba Bavuma at ODI World Cup 2023, having also gone six from six 10 years ago as the Proteas won the 2014 edition of the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal, showcasing resilience and skill. His performances with the ball and as a leader were exceptional.

Afghanistan’s journey to the semifinals was one of the tournament’s highlights. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, the team defeated top-ranked sides, including New Zealand and Australia. Afghanistan’s rise in cricket has been remarkable, and their performance in this World Cup was a testament to their growth and potential.

4. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s England reached the semifinals, where they were outplayed by India. Despite the loss, Buttler’s leadership and England’s journey were noteworthy.

England’s campaign in the T20 World Cup had its ups and downs. After a shaky start, the team found their rhythm and made it to the semifinals. However, India outplayed them in the crucial match. Jos Buttler’s leadership was commendable, and England’s journey was filled with valuable lessons and experiences.

5. Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell’s West Indies had a mixed campaign, starting strong but faltering in key matches. Powell’s leadership helped the team progress, but they ultimately missed out on the semifinals.

The West Indies, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024, had a promising start but faltered in key matches. Under Rovman Powell’s captaincy, the team showed glimpses of their potential but ultimately missed out on a semifinal berth. Powell’s leadership saw the team make progress, but there were areas that needed improvement.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has wrapped up, leaving cricket fans across the globe in awe of the stunning performances and nail-biting matches. Among all the excitement, India emerged victorious, lifting the trophy for the second time. While the Indian team’s brilliance was evident, several players from different countries showcased exceptional skills. Here, we look at the best playing XI of the tournament, highlighting the standout performers.

See Also: Rohit Sharma’s unique celebrations after winning T20 World Cup 2024; FIFA and Wimbledon acknowledge

Take a look at best playing of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

This best playing XI, featuring a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging stars, exemplifies the spirit and excitement of T20 cricket. Each player brought something unique to the table, contributing to memorable performances and unforgettable matches. As we celebrate India’s victory, let’s also appreciate the remarkable efforts of these individuals who made the tournament a spectacular event.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive run in the tournament. The Afghan opener’s stats speak volumes: 8 matches, 281 runs, an average of 35.12, and a strike rate of 124.33.

Gurbaz’s role as the steady opener ensured that Afghanistan often had a solid start. His ability to build an innings and set a foundation for a competitive total made him an invaluable asset.

2. Rohit Sharma (IND) (C)

Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, had a fantastic tournament with the bat. Scoring 257 runs in 8 matches with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.70, Rohit led by example.

His captaincy was a masterclass in strategy. Utilizing four spinners effectively and adapting to match situations, Rohit showcased why he is considered one of the best captains in modern cricket.

3. Andries Gous (USA) (wk)

The USA’s wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous made a significant impact. With 219 runs in 6 matches at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 151.03, Gous was a pillar for the USA team.

Gous’s ability to handle pressure and perform in tricky conditions earned him a spot as the keeper-batter in this elite XI.

4. Suryakumar Yadav (IND)

Suryakumar Yadav continued to shine in the T20 format, scoring 199 runs in 8 matches with an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 135.37.

His knack for adapting to different playing conditions and match situations made him a crucial player for India. Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational catch on the boundary to dismiss David Miller and help India win the T20 World Cup 2024.

5. Marcus Stoinis (AUS)

Marcus Stoinis lived up to his ‘Hulk’ nickname with powerful performances. In 7 matches, he scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 164.07 and took 10 wickets.

His dual capabilities as a hard-hitting batter and reliable bowler made him indispensable to the Australian squad. In the match against Namibia, Stoinis scored 59 runs in just 29 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 203.44.

6. Hardik Pandya (IND

Hardik Pandya bounced back from a tough IPL season with a stellar World Cup performance. He scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets, showcasing his all-round prowess.

Pandya was particularly effective in the US leg of the tournament, where he emerged as a top wicket-taker for India. Hardik defended 16 runs in the final over to ensure a famous win for his team.

7. Axar Patel (IND)

Axar Patel demonstrated his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. He took 9 wickets and scored 92 runs, contributing significantly in all departments.

Axar’s presence added depth to the Indian lineup, providing both offensive and defensive options. Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls crucial knock should not be overlooked. Following the loss of three wickets for 34 runs in final match against South Africa, Axar was promoted up the order as a circuit-breaker.

8. Rashid Khan (AFG)

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan with distinction. His 14 wickets in 8 matches, with an economy rate of 6.17, underlined his importance.

Rashid’s best performances came in high-pressure matches, where he delivered critical breakthroughs. He made history in a match against Bangladesh, becoming the first spinner to surpass 150 wickets in T20I cricket and the fourth bowler to record three four-wicket hauls in the tournament.

9. Anrich Nortje (SA)

Anrich Nortje marked his return to international cricket with a bang. He took 13 wickets in 8 matches, with an average of 13.46 and a best of 4-7.

Nortje’s lethal bowling in the powerplay and death overs made him a standout performer for South Africa. The speedster made the most of spicy wickets in USA, kickstarting his campaign with a 4-7 against Sri Lanka.

He’s also been effective in the West Indies, bowling a brilliant final over to secure a close win against England and getting 2-7 in the semi-final against Afghanistan.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

Jasprit Bumrah was the tournament’s best bowler, with 15 wickets in 8 matches and an economy rate of 4.17. His average of 8.26 reflects his dominance.

As if making up for the fact that he missed the last edition of the tournament due to an injury, Jasprit Bumrah has shown peak form in the tournament.Bumrah’s ability to take wickets in all phases of the game was instrumental in India’s success.

This was most visible against Pakistan in New York, where the irrepressible pacer bamboozled the opposition in each of his short spells, and guided India to a six-run win with his 3-14.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Fazalhaq Farooqi was a revelation for Afghanistan. With 17 wickets in 9 matches and an economy rate of 6.31, he was a consistent threat to opposition batters.

Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan’s charge in the group stages with his scintillating new ball display, picking 12 wickets from his first three games, including a career-best 5-9 versus Uganda and 4-17 in his side’s historic win over New Zealand. Farooqi’s impressive performance earned him a well-deserved place in this best XI.

12th Man: Saurabh Netravlakar (USA)

Saurabh Netravalkar’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of inspirational. He played a crucial role in USA’s surprising run to the Super Eights.

His ability to bowl effectively in both powerplays and death overs, including a memorable Super Over against Pakistan, highlighted his skill and composure.

Following the nine-wicket defeat to South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed disappointment with the loss but happiness with the team’s overall campaign, pointing to the success of pacers and spinners in this “great learning experience.”

The big match inexperience of Afghanistan was visible as their batting line-up folded for just 56 runs, thanks to fiery spells from pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in the powerplay and Tabraiz Shamsi’s spin.

See Also: “It is an opportunity we have never had,” Aiden Markram after beating Afghanistan in 1st Semi-final of T20 World Cup 2024

Rashid Khan’s leadership

Rashid Khan’s journey as captain has been nothing short of inspirational. Leading a young and relatively inexperienced side, Rashid has been the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s cricketing resurgence. His tactical acumen, combined with his ability to motivate and lead by example, has had a profound impact on the team’s performance throughout the tournament.

Semi-Final match against South Africa

In the semi-final clash against South Africa, Afghanistan faced a stern test. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled against South Africa’s fierce bowling attack. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada quickly dismantled the top order, reducing Afghanistan to 28/6.

Despite a brief counterattack by Karim Janat and skipper Rashid Khan, Afghanistan was bowled out for a paltry 56 runs in 11.5 overs. The Proteas chased down the target with ease, losing only one wicket in the process.

Post-Match reactions

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Rashid Khan highlighted the challenging conditions and praised the South African bowlers for their exceptional performance.

“It was tough, tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions did not allow us to do what we wanted. That is how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” Rashid remarked.

Despite the loss, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance and the valuable lessons learned.

Bowling success

Afghanistan’s campaign saw standout performances from their seamers and spinners. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi were instrumental in providing early breakthroughs, while Rashid Khan himself was a consistent threat with the ball.

The skipper praised his bowlers, stating, “I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners.”

Batting struggles

The semi-final highlighted Afghanistan’s struggles with the bat, particularly on challenging pitches. The top-order collapse against South Africa underscored the need for greater resilience and adaptability in difficult conditions. Rashid acknowledged this, pointing out the need for improvement in the middle-order to take the innings deep and handle pressure situations better.

“We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations. There is some work to be done, especially in the middle, in order to take the innings deep. As I said, it is always learning for our team, and we have achieved good results so far, but we come back doing more hard work, especially in the batting department,” he added.

Team belief and confidence

Despite the semi-final loss, Rashid Khan emphasized the belief and confidence gained from their performances. Reaching the semifinals for the first time is a significant achievement for Afghanistan cricket, and it has instilled a sense of belief that they can compete with the best teams in the world.

“We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes going.” Rashid Khan added.

Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan’s Men’s National Cricket Team, had a clear strategy during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He wanted his team to stay in the game as long as possible, making sure they played deep into the match. This approach worked well for Afghanistan. Their batting lineup consisted of players who preferred to take their time and bat through the innings. This style suited players like Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah perfectly, as they thrived on playing long innings.

Afghanistan’s spinners played a crucial role later in the matches, as they usually do. Their effective bowling helped the team achieve their best-ever World Cup performance. The combination of patient batting and strategic bowling showcased the strength of the Afghan team and highlighted their improvement on the world stage.

Afghanistan has had a poor record in T20 World Cups, winning only one out of 15 matches against top 10 ranked teams despite their talented players. However, in 2024, as the World Cup moves to the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), they are well-positioned to improve that record. The team selection has been better this time. While Afghan spinners have always been their strong suit, their anchor-heavy batting has been a weakness.

This year, Afghanistan’s batting lineup shows improvement with some solid hitters, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi. Additionally, captain Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are capable of big hits down the order. With these changes, Afghanistan hopes to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

What can win them the trophy?

Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi are standout spinners who feature prominently in T20 leagues worldwide. Their names frequently appear on the wicket-takers list, known for their economical spells and ability to baffle batters with their high-quality spin. This quartet, likely to play in Afghanistan’s first tournament game, brings a remarkable variety to the table: a left-arm wrist spinner, an orthodox off-spinner, a right-arm wrist spinner, and an off-break bowler who can drift the ball.

In addition to these four, Afghanistan also boasts Nangeyalia Kharote, a left-arm orthodox spinner who has taken five wickets in just three T20Is for his country. This diverse and talented spin attack positions Afghanistan as a formidable opponent in the upcoming T20 tournaments. When comparing the performance of Afghan spinners with those from other top spin nations, it’s clear they excel in both economy and wicket-taking.

Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Afghan spinners have boasted the best economy rates while also being among the top wicket-takers. In T20 cricket, the ability to contain runs is crucial, often leading to more wickets. Afghanistan’s success and their potential qualification for the Super Eights will again depend heavily on their spinners, who have proudly represented the nation since Afghanistan’s entry into international cricket.

Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan’s batters have had the lowest combined strike rate among all teams, just 121.5. This highlights their struggles on the big stage. Significant improvements were needed, and the current squad appears to be a much better hitting team than previous versions. While Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah still play as anchor batters, with T20I strike rates of 107.23 and 113.83 respectively, the batters around them are known for their aggressive hitting.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has gained a reputation for quick starts in T20 leagues worldwide. Najibullah Zadran’s six-hitting ability, though underrated, is crucial for Afghanistan, providing the team with much-needed big shots. Additionally, players like Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan are dynamic batters capable of changing the game’s course with just a few deliveries.

The Indian Premier League 2024 has come to a close, marking a season filled with incredibly high scores and numerous records being broken. This year, the batters thrived on pitches that were perfect for scoring, leading to an astonishing total of 1260 sixes, the highest ever in a single IPL season. While many players, both international stars and domestic talents, performed exceptionally well, some experienced players surprisingly failed to make an impact despite the favorable conditions.

In a season where batters dominated and runs flowed freely, a few seasoned players did not meet the high expectations set by their previous performances and the pre-season excitement. These players struggled to find their form and could not capitalize on the batter-friendly pitches. Their inability to contribute significantly was in stark contrast to the overall trend of spectacular batting displays seen throughout the tournament.

As we reflect on IPL 2024, it’s clear that while many players enjoyed a standout season, others found themselves unable to deliver when it mattered most. Despite the numerous opportunities presented by the favorable conditions, these players were unable to help their teams in the quest for victory, highlighting a disappointing and unexpected aspect of this otherwise record-breaking season.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK Review: What factors contributed to the Yellow Army’s inability to retain the IPL title?

Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians

Taking on the role of captain with great expectations, Hardik Pandya experienced a dismal season. Leading the Mumbai Indians, his performance with both bat and ball was disappointing. Over the course of 14 matches, Hardik scored just 216 runs, averaging a modest 18.00. Although his strike rate of 143.05 was decent, it couldn’t hide his failure to deliver big scores. With the ball, he took 11 wickets but struggled with his economy rate, conceding runs at 10.75 per over.

Hardik’s lackluster performance significantly contributed to the Mumbai Indians’ poor season, ending with them at the bottom of the table. Fans had hoped for much more from their captain, but his inability to consistently perform with either bat or ball was a major reason for the team’s last-place finish. This season, Hardik’s struggles were a glaring weakness in a team that otherwise had potential but couldn’t translate it into success.

Ajinkya Rahane – Chennai Super Kings

Ajinkya Rahane, expected to be a crucial player at the top of the order, struggled significantly this season. In 13 matches, he managed to score only 242 runs at an average of 20.16, with a strike rate of 123.46. These numbers fell well short of the expectations for a player of his calibre.

Rahane’s inability to provide a strong start contributed to frequent top-order collapses for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This inconsistency at the top was a major factor in CSK’s disappointing exit before the playoffs, as they failed to build the solid foundations needed for competitive totals.

Liam Livingstone – Punjab Kings

Liam Livingstone, once celebrated as Punjab Kings’ dynamic finisher, experienced a disappointing season. In 7 matches, he scored only 111 runs at an average of 22.20 and a strike rate of 142.31, a stark contrast to his usual IPL performance.

Livingstone’s slump in form significantly weakened PBKS’s lower-order firepower. His inability to provide effective finishing touches led to crucial losses in games that might have been won with better performances. This dip in his contributions was a key factor in the team’s struggles this season.

Rashid Khan – Gujarat Titans

Renowned for his magical spells, Rashid Khan had a season to forget. Across 12 matches, he managed to take only 10 wickets at an inflated average of 36.70 and an economy rate of 8.40. His inability to secure crucial middle-over wickets significantly contributed to the Gujarat Titans’ disappointing finish in eighth place.

After Hardik Pandya’s departure, much was expected from Rashid to lead the team’s bowling attack, but his lackluster performance left a void. His struggles were a major factor in the team’s poor showing, dashing their hopes and aspirations for the season.

Gujarat Titans faced a challenging Indian Premier League season in the post-Hardik Pandya era, managing only 12 points from 14 games, with their last two matches washed out due to rain. Hardik Pandya, who had led them to the championship in 2022, departed to join his former team, Mumbai Indians. This left a significant void in the team’s leadership and overall dynamic. Shubman Gill was entrusted with the captaincy, a considerable responsibility for the young cricketer, especially in a season marked by the absence of star pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury.

The team’s struggles were compounded by other issues. Rashid Khan, a key player for GT, was returning from an injury and was not at his best for a significant part of the tournament. His usual dominance with the ball was visibly lacking, which affected the team’s overall bowling performance. Additionally, GT’s middle-order batting appeared weak and inconsistent, failing to provide the necessary stability and firepower in crucial moments. Their fielding efforts also left much to be desired, often falling short of the high standards required in a competitive league like the IPL.

With their season now concluded, it’s time to reflect on what went wrong for Gujarat Titans. The absence of experienced players like Hardik and Shami left a leadership and performance vacuum that the team struggled to fill. Injuries to key players further hampered their campaign, while the middle-order batting woes and subpar fielding added to their troubles. As GT looks ahead, addressing these issues will be crucial for a stronger comeback in future seasons.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK Review: What factors contributed to the Yellow Army’s inability to retain the IPL title?

The Hardik Pandya void

Filling the void left by their former title-winning skipper Hardik Pandya was always going to be a monumental task for the Gujarat Titans. Hardik was not only an inspirational leader but also a match-winner whose presence instilled confidence in his teammates. His departure left a significant gap, both in leadership and performance, that the team struggled to fill. The players’ strong faith in Hardik made it even more challenging to move on without him, as his contributions on and off the field were irreplaceable.

In Hardik’s absence, the responsibility of captaincy fell on Shubman Gill. While Gill is a talented player, his tenure as skipper was a mixed bag. He faced the daunting task of stepping into Hardik’s shoes, which proved difficult given Hardik’s unique influence and match-winning abilities. The Titans struggled to find a player of Hardik’s calibre to consistently win matches, which significantly impacted their performance throughout the season.

Rashid Khan, David Miller not up to the best

The lack of balance in the Gujarat Titans setup was not solely due to Hardik Pandya’s exit. Key players’ form and fitness issues exacerbated their challenges. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, coming off a back injury, struggled to regain his usual effectiveness. One of his most forgettable spells came against RCB, where he endured figures of 0/51. Overall, Rashid managed to take only 10 wickets in 12 matches, marking his lowest-ever wickets tally in the IPL.

Similarly, David Miller’s contribution was limited this season. He played just nine matches and scored 210 runs, with his highest score being 55 against DC. Miller’s reduced role and lack of impactful performances further highlighted the imbalance in the team. These issues, combined with the absence of their former inspirational skipper, left the Titans struggling to find their footing throughout the season.

Rashid Khan, the star spinner from Afghanistan and a pivotal player for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), faces an uncertain future. His concerns stem from repeated postponements and cancellations by Cricket Australia of their scheduled matches with Afghanistan, citing deteriorating conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan as the cause.

Rashid Khan’s Background

Rashid Khan has emerged as one of the most exciting and effective spin bowlers in the world of cricket. From his debut in 2015, Rashid’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, highlighting his significant impact in T20 leagues around the globe, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the BBL.

See Also: [Watch] Ponting challenges his son to bowl against Tewatia before GT vs DC match

Afghanistan Cricket on the Rise

Despite the political and social challenges in Afghanistan, its cricket team has shown remarkable progress and resilience. Their performances in recent international fixtures, especially in limited-overs formats, have earned them respect and admiration on the global stage.

The Australia-Afghanistan Controversy

In March 2023, Australia withdrew from a planned one-off Test and a one-day international series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The official stance pointed to worsening conditions for women under Afghanistan’s current regime as the reason.

This decision by Cricket Australia has visibly upset Rashid, who values the competition and learning that comes from playing against top-tier cricket nations. He expressed his disappointment, stating it diminishes his and his countrymen’s contributions and opportunities.

Significance of Bilateral Series

Bilateral series are crucial for the growth and competitiveness of emerging cricket nations like Afghanistan. These matches provide invaluable experience and exposure that cannot be replicated in other formats or competitions.

Potential Consequences for BBL

Rashid’s potential departure from the BBL would be a significant blow to the league, given his popularity and skill level. This scenario underscores the broader implications of geopolitical issues on international sports leagues.

“It does hurt you. You do want to play against the best teams and that’s where your cricket is going to improve more and more. You only get the opportunity playing against them [Australia] in the World Cups, but not in bilateral series. You don’t want to play with my colleagues and you want to play with me. So what’s the difference? It means I’m putting my colleagues down as well. My country down as well,” he said.

Star spinner of Gujarat Titans, Rashid Khan has stated that he isn’t “happy” with his wickets tally in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League but he is happy to play “little” roles, which helps his side to claim victories as well. However, Rashid has had a poor season for his side as in six matches, he has six scalps to his name at an economy of 7.96 and an average of 31.83 as well.

Rashid Khan opened up about his struggle in the ongoing season and vowed to pick up more wickets in the next eight matches as well.

“In the first three games, I struggled a bit coming after the surgery; it wasn’t easy to get back to my own rhythm. I am so happy in the last two to three games, I have played how my body allowed me to enjoy my bowling and I am quite happy with that. Wicket wise, I am not happy with that but that is what T20 cricket is all about. Sometimes you need to play a little role, which helps the team to win the game and I am trying my best to play that little role. In any part where I can change the momentum of the game, I try my best. I will do my best to take more wickets in the last eight games,” Rashid told ANI.

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Rashid Khan has been out of form in IPL 2024

However, Gujarat Titans made it to two consecutive finals of the IPL under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya and even lifted the title in their debut season as well. After Hardik returned to his former franchise, the Mumbai Indians, Shubman Gill was appointed as the captain. Rashid also praised Gill’s performance as a captain and his commitment to deliver his best.

“He has been great since Day 1. It is so good to see him; he is leading from the front. The way he has been delivering with the bat even though he has captaincy on his shoulders. He is someone who tries to do his best as well, doesn’t matter what the condition or situation is. He is delivering the best for the team and I think he has been delivering the best in captaincy as well. He is helping the guys in the right way to perform, which is so pleasing to see,” Rashid further added.

GT are currently in the sixth place with six points and a negative net run rate of 0.637 as well. However, Rashid Khan believes that they have done well and played amazing cricket. They will play against Delhi Capitals in their next game on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

“It has been great so far as a team. We have done so well so far. Yeah, we lost three games. If you look at those games, we lost them, like mostly we were there. Overall, we have played amazing cricket,” Rashid concluded.