Shubman Gill Named Vice Captain for Sri Lanka Tour

In a surprising move, the selectors have named Shubman Gill as the vice captain for both the T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour. This comes after Gill’s successful stint leading India in the recent Zimbabwe series.

This decision is significant considering Hardik Pandya was the designated vice captain for both the ODI World Cup 2023 and the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Recent reports suggested concerns about Hardik’s fitness might be delaying his elevation to captaincy. Additionally, Hardik is not included in the ODI squad for Sri Lanka.

Gambhir’s First Assignment Gets Boost with Rohit, Kohli Return

There were initial doubts about the availability of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, good news for new coach Gautam Gambhir as both stalwarts will be present to bolster the batting lineup in his first assignment with the team.

KL Rahul, who missed out on the T20 World Cup squad, retains his place in the ODIs alongside Shreyas Iyer. However, there are some changes in the all-rounder department. Ravindra Jadeja is not included in the ODI squad, making way for the inclusion of Washington Sundar and the young Riyan Parag.

Surprise Omissions: Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Samson Miss Out

The ODI squad for Sri Lanka sees some surprise omissions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma, who impressed in the recent Zimbabwe T20I series, haven’t been included. Another notable absentee is Sanju Samson, who scored a century in India’s last ODI and has shown promise in limited opportunities. However, Samson does find a place in the T20I squad for Sri Lanka.

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Rounding Out the Squad: Pace, Spin, and Itinerary Details

The ODI squad sees Harshit Rana join the pace attack, providing depth alongside Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. Rishabh Pant, fresh off a successful return in the T20 World Cup, strengthens the batting and wicket keeping for the ODIs.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel lead the spin department for the ODIs, with Kuldeep also featuring in the T20I squad. Ravi Bishnoi will be India’s wrist-spin option in the T20Is, with Yuzvendra Chahal missing out after his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

The Sri Lanka tour kicks off on July 27th with the T20I series in Pallekele. The teams will then move to Colombo for the ODI leg.

India’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

Captain: Suryakumar Yadav

Vice Captain: Shubman Gill

Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube

Spinners: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi

Pacers: Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj

India’s ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

Captain: Rohit Sharma

Vice Captain: Shubman Gill

Batsmen: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel

Pacers: Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana

Note: Suryakumar Yadav is not included in the ODI squad, but will lead the T20I team. Ravindra Jadeja is also absent from the ODI squad, while Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag have been included.

Sharma’s 92 dismantles Australia as India marches to Semis!

India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, smashed a dominant 92 runs in the T20 World Cup match against Australia, with a whopping 76 coming from boundaries!  His aggressive batting dismantled the Australian bowling attack, leaving them with little defense.  Sharma’s brilliance even forced Australia into costly mistakes.  India’s final score of 205 proved insurmountable, built on a foundation of record-breaking individual contributions. This strong total provided a crucial buffer against a late fightback from Travis Head, something rarely seen against Australia in recent times.  While India has secured their semi-final spot, Australia’s fate now hangs in the balance.  They require Bangladesh to defeat Afghanistan in the later match today, but with a margin that doesn’t completely eliminate them from contention (avoiding a “colossal” defeat for Afghanistan).

Rohit Sharma’s Heroics After Kohli Wicket Power India to Monster Total in T20 World Cup

In a crucial T20 World Cup match, Rohit Sharma displayed remarkable resilience after the early dismissal of his opening partner, Virat Kohli.  Despite the setback (Kohli fell for a duck on June 24th), Rohit defied expectations and launched a blistering attack against Mitchell Starc, scoring a staggering 29 runs in a single over.  This aggressive display propelled him to a 50 off just 19 balls in the fifth over, a remarkable feat considering India’s score at that point was a mere 52 – the lowest recorded total for any player achieving a half-century in T20Is with available ball-by-ball data.

Rohit Feasts on Short Balls, Takes Apart Australia’s Bowling Attack

Australia‘s bowling strategy against Rohit Sharma backfired spectacularly in the T20 World Cup match.  While bowlers like Mitchell Starc persistently delivered full tosses, aiming for swing and wickets, this approach played right into Rohit’s hands.  He thrives on attacking deliveries like these.

In contrast, Josh Hazlewood showcased a more effective tactic, pitching the ball up only twice in his entire spell, both being well-directed yorkers.  The rest of his deliveries were on a shorter length, limiting Rohit’s scoring opportunities.  He ultimately conceded only 14 runs and picked up a wicket.

This highlights the contrasting strategies: Starc’s full tosses gifted Rohit easy scoring opportunities, resulting in 71 runs, including seven sixes and five fours, all from deliveries inviting his powerful front-foot shots.

Rohit’s Masterclass: A Symphony of Power and Innovation

Rohit Sharma turned the T20 World Cup match into his personal playground. In a blistering display of power and innovation, he feasted on bowling throughout his 11-over stay at the crease.  Each ball seemed an invitation for another boundary, with six of his overs yielding double-digit scores.

His stroke play was reminiscent of his dominant ODI batting. Imagine Rohit at 200 not out, unleashed in a T20 format. He launched a monstrous slog sweep off Pat Cummins, the in-form bowler with consecutive hat-tricks, sending the ball crashing onto the stadium roof. Another delivery saw him charge down the track with fluid grace, reminiscent of water cascading down a cliff, and dispatch Marcus Stoinis’ delivery over extra cover.

Innovation wasn’t lacking either.  A miscued scoop found a new life as a powerful pull shot, adding a novel entry to his repertoire.  Even his “defensive” pushes carried such power that Australian fielders were caught off guard, resulting in overthrows and stolen runs.  Everything Rohit touched that day turned to gold.

Starc Curbs the Onslaught, But India Rallies for Big Total

Rohit Sharma‘s explosive innings, studded with 10 fours and 10 sixes, propelled India to a strong start. However, after his dismissal, the Indian run rate dipped significantly. Credit must be given to Mitchell Starc for his strategic adjustment. Returning in the 12th over, he shifted his bowling angle, restricting Rohit’s freedom of movement. While he maintained full tosses, he cleverly reduced pace, creating a noticeable difference. This tactic paid off, as Rohit’s bat missed the ball completely, leading to his dismissal.

Starc’s slower delivery proved equally effective against the in-form Suryakumar Yadav, who was dismissed at the peak of his unconventional yet successful knock. Even Josh Hazlewood found some luck, with a near-wide delivery finding its way to the boundary off Suryakumar’s bat.

Despite facing a boundary drought between the 15th and 18th overs, India managed a crucial late surge. Hardik Pandya‘s powerful hitting, including three sixes in the final two overs, helped push the total beyond the 200-run mark.

Warner Falls Early, But Marsh & Head Put Australia in Strong Position (Axar’s Stunning Catch, Kuldeep’s Googly Seal Win for India)

Australia‘s chase in the T20 World Cup match started shaky with David Warner dismissed for just 6 in the first over. However, seasoned campaigners Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head steadied the ship. Marsh took on Arshdeep Singh, smashing boundaries and a six, while Head countered Jasprit Bumrah‘s new-ball threat with his signature clean hitting. This forced India to switch tactics, resorting to yorkers. Under pressure, Bumrah missed his mark, bowling a full toss that propelled Australia to a strong position, finishing the powerplay at 65/1, exceeding India’s score.

The turning point arrived with a sensational catch by Axar Patel. With Marsh looking dangerous on 42, he launched a powerful slog sweep towards the deep square leg boundary. Despite the distance and difficulty, Axar Patel leaped with incredible athleticism, securing a crucial catch with his right hand just before it reached the ropes. This brilliant dismissal broke the crucial 81-run partnership between Marsh and Head, shifting momentum back to India.

Further damage was inflicted by Kuldeep Yadav‘s magical googly. Glenn Maxwell, threatening to take the game away, miscalculated a googly that dipped and turned away dramatically. Completely deceived, Maxwell was bowled, leaving his stumps shattered. This dismissal, along with another by Bumrah’s off cutter, put India firmly back in control.

With 53 runs needed off the final 18 deliveries, Australia could only manage to minimize the defeat.

Brief scores:

• India: 205/5 (20 overs)
  • Rohit Sharma: 92 (highest scorer)
  • Suryakumar Yadav: 31
  • Mitchell Starc: 2-45 (best bowling for Australia)
• Australia: 181/7 (20 overs)
  • Travis Head: 76 (highest scorer)
  • Mitchell Marsh: 37
  • Kuldeep Yadav: 2-24 (best bowling for India)
    

India Sets Up Rematch with England in T20 World Cup Semis!

India has secured their spot in the T20 World Cup semifinals! They’ll be heading to Guyana for a highly anticipated rematch against England, a repeat of the thrilling 2022 semi final clash.