Arshdeep Singh's Test debut in England was delayed due to injury and team selection, testing his patience. Punjab's bowling coach, Gagandeep Singh, believes Arshdeep should have been given a chance, given his swing bowling ability.
Ravichandran Ashwin has cautioned Gautam Gambhir's new support staff against abrupt changes to the Indian team's fitness regimes. He highlighted potential harm to players due to frequent alterations in training methods and testing parameters, referencing his own past struggles.
Virender Sehwag recounted a tense exchange with former coach Greg Chappell, who criticized his footwork despite his impressive record. This led to a heated argument, with Rahul Dravid intervening. Fueled by Chappell's warning, Sehwag responded with a brilliant 184-run innings, proving his mettle and solidifying his place as a dominant force in Indian cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah's dedication to cricket is evident in his disciplined lifestyle. Former bowling coach Bharat Arun highlighted Bumrah's instant commitment to healthy habits, forsaking junk food to enhance his bowling. This sacrifice, coupled with his unique action, has made him a crucial asset for India, carefully managed to ensure his availability for major tournaments like the Asia Cup.
T20 cricket has undergone a six-hitting revolution, transforming batting from risk-averse accumulation to power-driven aggression. India, once lagging behind, now match the world’s best with a six every 12 balls in 2024. With IPL and internationals fuelling the trend, six-hitting is now the currency of modern T20 cricket.
Despite earlier uncertainties due to India-Pakistan tensions, the Asia Cup is likely to commence around September 10 in the UAE, although official confirmation is pending. The ACC might release the schedule for the six-team T20 format tournament in early July, featuring India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE.
Riyan Parag, the emerging Indian all-rounder, considers Virat Kohli his cricketing inspiration, fondly calling him "The king who gave me my India cap." Kohli presented Parag with his ODI cap in August 2024, acknowledging his potential as a match-winner. Despite a modest debut, Parag's IPL performances and Kohli's encouragement have fueled his international aspirations.
In 2024, Team India secured a memorable T20 World Cup victory, ending a decade-long drought in ICC knockouts. They remained unbeaten, defeating strong teams like Australia, Pakistan, and England. The final against South Africa saw India defend a total of 176, winning by seven runs.
Greg Chappell lauded Rishabh Pant's explosive batting in the recent Test match against England, comparing his game-changing impact to that of former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist. Pant's twin centuries at Headingley, a feat matched only by Andy Flower previously, showcased his fearless approach and ability to keep bowlers on their toes.