Varun Chakravarthy made a significant impact in his return to T20I cricket, delivering an impressive performance against Bangladesh. After a two-year hiatus from the format, he took three wickets for 31 runs in his four overs, demonstrating his skill as a spinner. Chakravarthy's ability to break crucial partnerships was vital, especially as he contained the Bangladeshi batters, preventing them from building any momentum. His spell, combined with Arshdeep Singh's exceptional bowling, stifled Bangladesh's innings, leading to their total of 127 runs.

India's victory in the first T20I against Bangladesh was a comprehensive display of their batting and bowling prowess. Chasing a modest target of 128, the Indian side showcased an aggressive approach from the outset, though a mix-up led to the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma. However, the rest of the batting lineup responded well, with Hardik Pandya anchoring the innings with a blistering 39 not out. His explosive finish, capped off with a six, exemplified the team's confidence and intent. Ultimately, India clinched the match by seven wickets with 49 balls to spare, taking a crucial lead in the three-match T20I series.

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Varun Chakravarthy's Journey Back to T20I Glory

Varun Chakravarthy's journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past four years has been nothing short of remarkable. Making his debut in 2020, he quickly established himself as a potent force in the bowling department. In 2021, Chakravarthy played 17 innings, bowling 68 overs and taking 18 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.6. His performances helped his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), reach the finals that year. His ability to control the game and take crucial wickets earned him a reputation as a mystery spinner, setting the stage for his future exploits.

However, 2022 proved to be a challenging season for Chakravarthy. With 11 innings under his belt, he took only 6 wickets, and his economy rate soared to 8.51. Despite the downturn in his performance, he managed to impress with his ability to generate turn and deceive batsmen, showcasing glimpses of his potential. The struggles of the previous season did not deter him; instead, they became a catalyst for his determination to improve and reclaim his position as a key player in the IPL.

Chakravarthy bounced back in 2023, delivering a stellar performance that underscored his status as one of the leading spinners in the league. With 14 innings, he claimed 20 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 8.15. His ability to take wickets consistently, coupled with his growing experience, helped him regain the spotlight and firmly establish his credentials as a premier bowler. His strong performance in 2023 was a turning point, reinvigorating his career and setting him on the path to international recognition.

In 2024, Chakravarthy continued to shine, playing another 14 innings and taking 21 wickets, with a commendable economy rate of 8.04. His ability to strike at crucial moments and contain runs made him an invaluable asset to his team. The addition of 26 sixes hit by opponents over the four years indicated his capacity to force errors from batsmen, making him a feared competitor. With each passing year, Chakravarthy refined his skills, solidifying his place in the hearts of fans and critics alike.

Chakravarthy's consistent performances in the IPL did not go unnoticed, leading to his call-up to the Indian national team. His impactful spell in the league, particularly in 2023 and 2024, showcased his growth as a bowler capable of handling pressure at the highest level. The selectors recognized his potential, and he received his first call-up to represent India in T20 internationals. His successful IPL journey not only marked his rise in the league but also paved the way for his international debut, allowing him to showcase his talent on a global stage.

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Ace Indian batter Shubman Gill is set to be a key figure in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. However, the senior selection committee has decided to rest Gill, alongside other key Test players, from the three-match T20I series as part of their workload management strategy. This decision is aimed at ensuring that India's top players remain fresh and injury-free for the busy Test schedule ahead.

Shubman Gill rested for Bangladesh T20I series

Shubman Gill, who has recently cemented his position as India's number three in the Test lineup, will be rested during the Bangladesh T20I series. The three T20I matches are scheduled for October 7, 10, and 13 in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad, respectively. With a short turnaround between the T20I series and India's first Test against New Zealand, which starts on October 16, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen to prioritize player workload management. A BCCI source stated, “It is important to give Gill a break before the rigorous Test season, which includes 10 Tests, including series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.”

It has been confirmed that most of the players who are part of the Test setup, including pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will also be rested from the T20I series. This move comes in light of the team's focus on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, with the goal of reaching the final at Lord's in June 2025.

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Ishan Kishan set for a return after long absence

As Rishabh Pant continues to be an integral part of India's red-ball setup, his involvement in the shorter formats remains uncertain. In Pant's potential absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to make a comeback to international cricket. Kishan, who last represented India in November, could rejoin the squad for the Bangladesh T20Is, marking his return after nearly nine months away from the international scene.

The T20I series will provide Kishan with a crucial opportunity to showcase his skills, as he looks to regain his spot in the Indian team amidst tough competition. Meanwhile, India’s main focus remains on preparing their key players for the crucial Test series ahead.

With 10 Tests lined up in the current season, including the highly anticipated tours of Australia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, India is aiming to manage player workload carefully to stay on track for their World Test Championship aspirations.

South Africa remains uncertain about Quinton de Kock's availability for the national team as the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman continues to prioritize league cricket over international duty. Although de Kock has not officially retired from international cricket, his absence from recent series raises questions about his future in the format.

After excelling for South Africa in the T20 World Cup, de Kock has opted out of consecutive series. The national team continues to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup without him, investing in other players like Reeza Hendricks and Kyle Verreynne in his absence.

De Kock missing, door still open for return

De Kock, who retired from Test cricket in 2021 and ODIs after the 2023 World Cup, has not been in the national team setup for recent T20 matches. He missed the three-game series against West Indies and will be absent from the upcoming matches against Ireland. White-ball coach Rob Walter acknowledged that there is no clear timeline for de Kock's return but emphasized that the door remains open for him.

Walter stated, "I’ve left the door open for Quinny to approach me if and when he wants to return. That might never happen."

South Africa looks ahead with new faces

In the meantime, South Africa is exploring other options, with Hendricks continuing to establish himself as an opener and Klaasen as a wicketkeeping option. With the T20 World Cup still a few years away, the team is focused on developing talent while leaving space for de Kock if he chooses to return.

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While de Kock's focus remains on franchise leagues such as the IPL and SA20, South Africa’s team management underlined that performance will be a key factor if he decides to come back to international cricket.

Star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career as he completed 350 wickets in T20 cricket. This exceptional feat further solidifies his position as one of the premier spin bowlers in the game.

Chahal’s Journey to 350 Wickets

Chahal’s remarkable journey to 350 T20 wickets reached a historic milestone in Match 56 of IPL 2024, where he scripted history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat. The match against Delhi Capitals witnessed Chahal’s exceptional bowling prowess as he reached the coveted milestone.

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Dismissing Rishabh Pant: A Landmark Moment

Chahal’s journey to 350 wickets was highlighted by his dismissal of Delhi Capitals’ skipper Rishabh Pant, marking a significant moment in T20 cricket history. This landmark wicket further underscores Chahal’s proficiency and effectiveness as a match-winning bowler.

With this achievement, Chahal has etched his name in Indian cricketing folklore, joining the elite company of players with over 300 wickets in T20 cricket. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination have made him a vital asset for the Indian cricket team.

T20 International Success

Chahal’s success extends beyond domestic leagues, as he boasts an impressive record in T20 Internationals, having taken 96 wickets for India at an average of 25.09. His remarkable performances have played a crucial role in India’s success in the shortest format of the game.

Most wickets in T20s among Indians

Yuzvendra Chahal – 350 wickets in 301 matches

Piyush Chawla – 310 in 293 matches

R Ashwin – 306 in 318 matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 297 in 281 matches

Spinners with 350-plus wickets in Men’s T20 cricket
572 – Rashid Khan
549 – Sunil Narine
502 – Imran Tahir
482 – Shakib Al Hasan
350 – Yuzvendra Chahal

Records and Milestones

Chahal’s dominance in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular, as he became the first bowler to surpass 200 wickets in the tournament earlier this season. His consistent performances and ability to outsmart batters have made him a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.

Chahal’s rise to prominence has seen him surpass cricketing legends such as Shane Watson to become the second-highest wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. His remarkable achievements have solidified his status as one of the premier spin bowlers in the IPL.

Punjab Kings etched their name in cricketing history on April 26th, 2024, with an unprecedented feat in T20 cricket.The match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) witnessed a historic chase, as PBKS successfully pursued a formidable target of 262 runs, clinching victory with eight wickets in hand. This remarkable achievement secured a crucial win and set a new benchmark in the world of T20 cricket.

The Record-Breaking Chase

Jonny Bairstow emerged as the match’s hero, delivering a masterful century that propelled Punjab Kings to victory. Bairstow’s exceptional batting prowess and aggressive intent were on full display as he dominated the opposition bowlers with remarkable strokeplay and precision timing.

See Also: Punjab Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets

Bairstow’s Century

Bairstow reached his century milestone in the 16th over, displaying exceptional timing and power in his stroke-play. It took him 45 deliveries to achieve this feat, showcasing his aggressive intent immediately. Bairstow’s century was complemented by a blistering partnership with Shashank Singh, who played a pivotal role in accelerating the run rate with a quickfire 68 runs off just 28 balls.

High-Scoring Match

The match witnessed a flurry of runs and sixes, with 523 runs scored from both teams, aided by an astounding 42 sixes. This staggering display of power hitting not only enthralled cricket fans but also showcased the sheer entertainment and excitement that T20 cricket has to offer.

Fan Reactions and Criticisms

After witnessing such a high-scoring and thrilling encounter, cricket fans took to social media to express their reactions. Some hailed the match as one of the greatest in IPL history, praising the players for their exceptional performance. However, there were also criticisms, with some fans expressing disappointment and comparing the IPL unfavorably to other cricket leagues, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The journey to finalizing India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad is heating with debates over several critical spots, including the opener’s slot, wicket-keeper selections, the leading and backup spinner, and the quest for a middle-order power hitter. As the squad gears up for the big event in the USA and the West Indies, let’s dive into the dynamics shaping the final 15-man team.

The team management is grappling with a few crucial decisions that could significantly impact India’s game-play and strategy in the tournament. The selection debates concern the player’s current form and suitability in the unique conditions expected in the West Indies and the USA.

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Top 10 Players

Performances in the IPL and recent international matches are pivotal, providing the selectors with fresh insights into the players’ current form and adaptability to various game situations.

Certain stalwarts are set to be on the flight to the USA, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, pacers Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Siraj. These 10 names, if fit, will be on the flight across the Atlantic. These players form the team’s backbone, offering experience and explosive talent.

Each of these players brings unique skills to the table, making them indispensable. For instance, Rohit’s leadership, explosive batting, and Bumrah’s death bowling expertise are vital for India’s success.

The Debate Over the Opener’s Slot

With reports suggesting Kohli might open the batting cage, a strategic shift could be on the cards to accommodate a middle-order power hitter. Kohli’s success as an opener in T20Is makes this a tempting prospect. Virat Kohli may be asked to open with Rohit in the T20 World Cup, allowing India to play a power hitter in the middle overs. Kohli is the reigning orange cap holder of IPL 2024 and has been opening for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the last few seasons.

Wicket-keeper Conundrum

With consistent performances, Rishabh Pant has likely sealed his spot as the primary wicket-keeper. However, the selection of a backup keeper remains open, with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma in contention. While Kishan and Rahul have yet to bat in the middle order in T20s, Samson’s current form and versatility make him a strong candidate for the backup role.

The Search for a Middle-Order Power Hitter

The selectors might look at IPL 2024 performances to choose the right fit for this role. Players like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube are on the radar, depending on how the opener’s slot pans out. Only three, among Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube, will be picked in the squad. If Kohli opens, Rinku and Dube will likely get the nod.

The trio of Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi are contenders, each bringing a different style. Axar’s all-round abilities might give him an edge.

How IPL 2024 Affects Selection

The ongoing season will determine who can handle pressure and perform in crucial situations, which is key for a middle-order hitter. Selection will likely hinge on IPL performances and the perceived conditions in the West Indies and the USA, which may favor certain types of spin bowling.

With a balanced squad, India will aim to compete and dominate. The blend of experience, youth, and strategic choices in player roles could be the key to a successful campaign.

The probable squad

Batters: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube

Spinners : Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

Wicketkeeper-batter : Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul

Pacers : Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

Md. Shami (subject to fitness)*

Traveling Reserve: Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan

The latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac has crowned Australian skipper Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt as the leading cricketers of the world. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional performances through the 2023 season, marking significant milestones not only in their careers but also in cricket history.

Test Championship and World Cup Success

Pat Cummins led Australia to historical victories in 2023, securing their maiden ICC World Test Championship against India and capturing their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in Ahmedabad. As a pace spearhead and astute leader, Cummins’ role was pivotal in navigating his team through the high stakes of international cricket.

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Cummins is the first Aussie since Michael Clarke to secure the top honour and he has succeeded Ben Stokes, the English skipper who won the honour three times in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 11 Tests last year, he took 42 wickets and scored 254 crucial runs at an average of 15.87. Across 24 international games, he took 59 wickets and made 422 runs at an average of 21.10. Within these 422 runs were many small, but impactful batting contributions throughout the Ashes and Cricket World Cup.

Key Performances in the Ashes

Beyond the global tournaments, Cummins also played a crucial part in the Ashes, where Australia defended the urn in a challenging away series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His leadership was particularly notable in maintaining team morale and strategy across different formats.

Overview of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Stellar Year

Nat Sciver-Brunt shone brilliantly in the women’s Ashes, contributing significantly to England’s victories. Her back-to-back centuries in the ODIs underscored her critical role in the lineup, making her one of the most formidable batters of the year.

Sciver-Brunt’s prowess wasn’t limited to ODIs. In T20 internationals, she maintained an impressive batting average and took multiple wickets, highlighting her versatility and consistency as an all-rounder. Her rapid century against Sri Lanka set a new record for the fastest ODI hundred by an England woman, further cementing her status in international cricket.

Highlights from Other Prominent Cricketers in 2024

Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and Ashleigh Gardner were also recognized for their performances. Starc’s bowling was instrumental in both the Ashes and the World Cup, while Khawaja topped the run charts in the Ashes. Gardner’s all-round abilities were crucial in Australia’s strategies and victories across formats.

Harry Brook and Mark Wood made significant impacts for England. Brook’s resilient batting helped turn around the Ashes series, while Wood’s fast bowling dismantled key partnerships during crucial matches.

The Wisden Awards hold a prestigious place in cricket, acknowledging individual excellence and influence on the sport’s landscape. These accolades not only highlight outstanding performances but also inspire upcoming talents across the globe.

This year’s Wisden also highlighted other cricketers like Hayley Matthews, who excelled in T20 cricket, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and skill in the women’s game.

The achievements of these cricketers in 2023 have not only enriched their personal careers but also significantly influenced cricket strategies and fan engagement worldwide. The rise of aggressive playing styles, often referred to as “Bazball,” promises to reshape future approaches to cricket, particularly in Test formats.

Dipendra Singh Airee, a standout cricketer for Nepal, recently carved his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the third player ever to hit six sixes in a single over during an international T20 match. This extraordinary feat occurred in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup against Qatar, catapulting Airee into a prestigious group of cricketing legends.

The Historic Match

The match took place at the picturesque Al Amerat ground, where Nepal faced off against Qatar. Entering the last over of Nepal’s innings, the scoreboard read 174 for 7, with Airee at 28 runs from 15 balls.

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The Record-Breaking Over

Facing medium pacer Kamran Khan, Airee unleashed a barrage of sixes, sending each delivery soaring over the boundary. The over transformed his score from 28 to 64 off just 21 balls, pushing Nepal’s total to an imposing 210 for 7.

Prior to Airee, only Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard had achieved the six-sixes feat in T20 internationals. In ODI cricket, Herschelle Gibbs and Jaskaran Malhotra have also reached this milestone, showcasing the rarity and difficulty of such a performance.

Dipendra Singh Airee’s Cricketing Profile

At just 24 years old, Airee has already represented Nepal in 60 T20Is and 55 ODIs. His aggressive batting style and ability to finish games have made him a key player for the national team.

Airee’s explosive over not only secured a commanding total for Nepal but also boosted the team’s morale. His performance significantly elevated Nepal’s stature on the international stage.

Teammates, coaches, and fans erupted in celebration at Airee’s historic achievement. Cricket legends and analysts also took to social media to commend his performance, recognizing its significance in cricket history.

Comparison with Other Legendary Performances

Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in the 2007 T20 World Cup and Kieron Pollard’s in 2021 are some of the most iconic moments in cricket. Airee’s inclusion in this elite list highlights his potential to rise to cricketing stardom.

Hitting six sixes in an over is one of cricket’s most challenging feats, requiring impeccable timing, power, and a bit of luck. Airee’s ability to do this under pressure speaks volumes about his skill and mental fortitude.

After Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir has come out of his retirement and after positive discussions with the PCB, is now available to play for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir took to social media to announce the same and wrote, “I still dream to play for Pakistan!”

Amir comes out of retirement

Mohammad Amir took to social media to inform that he would be available to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. According to him, after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, he decided to do this for his country.

Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer in 3 T20 World Cups and India’s leading run-scorer in four of the last five, is now left with questions over his place. Are the questions justified, though? T20 has long been moving towards big-hitting, with strike rates growing in importance.

The question is regarding Virat Kohli‘s ability to win games through his batting style. The Virat Kohli template has been used on many occasions. Starting patiently, Virat Kohli has often focussed on running between wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The question of his style, though has come up on numerous occasions. After the 2021 World Cup, concerns about the need for an anchor came in. Virat Kohli’s strike rate against spin further turned out to be a point of discussion. Is his ability against spin really a cause of concern, though? Despite the numbers, Virat Kohli has shown that he can bat with intent when needed. He took on the likes of Keshav Maharaj and Adam Zampa in 2022 when they were seemingly getting the better of him. This was proof that he has the extra gear for the middle overs.

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Again, his shots may not carry the same muscle, but on countless occasions, Virat Kohli has shown that timing can cover up for muscle. His knocks against the West Indies in 2019 or his century against Afghanistan were proof that timing alone can help accelerate an innings.

Following the 2022 T20 World Cup, India has gone with the likes of Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan at number three. Down the order, they are nurturing batters like Rinku Singh who are capable of taking on pace. At the top, Yashashvi Jaiswal competes with Shubman Gill while Rohit Sharma is certain of his spot. Does that leave space for Virat Kohli? Is the question even required.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup, it was Virat Kohli himself who consistently stood up when the team was in trouble. His knock against Pakistan was vintage Virat Kohli following the Virat Kohli template. He took his time to get going with wickets falling at the other end. Mid-way through his innings looked like it was going nowhere with Virat Kohli focusing on survival and sticking with quick ones and twos. He bided his time and went after the bowlers at the right moment to prove his value as a master chaser.

That tournament turned out to be a really good one for him as he led the run-scoring charts. Unfortunately, Virat Kohli would not play another T20I until January 2024. He had a great tournament but was criticized despite a decent knock in the Semi-Finals of that World Cup. Scoring 50 off 40, Virat Kohli’s intent came into question as it had through the IPL Seasons in 2020 and 2021.

In both those tournaments, Virat Kohli raced off the blocks and then struggled against spin as mentioned. His struggles to score quick in the middle overs were looked at as a massive concern. After being dropped following the World Cup though, Virat Kohli seems to have made some initiation to fix his strike-rate concerns.

He was close to his best in 2023 during the IPL with 639 runs. In what was a good here, he shelved his approach of slowing down in the middle overs to show that he was capable of going long while ensuring the scoreboard stays ticking through the middle. He struck well against spin as well, finishing the tournament with a strike-rate of 130, his best since 2019.

His approach stuck with his usual style of playing traditional shots, but Virat Kohli ensrued that he can strike without having to bat like some of th big hitters. His approach worked in the World Cup too when he held one end while maintaining a strike-rate as he was back to his prime form.

His performance in the 2023 World Cup is further evidence of his ability to bat big when it matters. With a big T20 World Cup coming up as India look to save face after losing a World Cup Final at home, Virat Kohli remains tough to look past. He continues to prove that T20 has space for stroke-makers like him and remains the best option when India are in trouble. How India fit him in is a question, but the requirement is aplenty for sure.