The T20 World Cup 2024 progresses into the highly anticipated Super Eight stage following an? intense group phase. This stage will feature eight powerhouse teams vying for the coveted spots in the semi-finals, promising thrilling encounters and fierce competition among cricketing giants.

Group divisions and teams

In Group 1, teams include India, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, setting the stage for high-stakes battles among cricketing powerhouses. Meanwhile, Group 2 comprises the West Indies, South Africa, England and the USA, ensuring competitive matches that will shape the tournament’s future trajectory.

India, Australia, Afghanistan?, West Indies, and South Africa have all advanced to the Super Eight stage unbeaten, underscoring their dominance and readiness for the challenges ahead. These teams have showcased formidable performances in the group stage, setting high expectations for their Super Eight campaigns.

Key matches and schedule

The Super Eight stage will k?ick off on June 19 in Antigua, with the USA taking on South Africa in an early clash of titans. Simultaneously, hosts West Indies face off against England in Gros Islet, marking the start of intense battles that will determine the semi-finalists.

On June 20, Group 1 action commences as India, led by Rohit Sharma, will lock horns against the Afghanistan in Barbados. This match holds particular significance as it will mark India’s debut in the West Indies leg of the tournament, promising an exciting start to their Super Eight campaign.

Also READ: T20 Worl?d? Cup 2024: Michael Vaughan selects India’s top order for the Super 8 stage

Match of the Tournament in T20 World Cup 2024

Speaking to Star Sports, former Indian cricketers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Harbhajan Singh have identified the clash between India and Australia as the standout fixture of the tournament. Scheduled for June 24, this match carries immense significance as India will seek redemption following their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final.

Harbhajan emphasized that this encounter surpasses traditional India vs Pakistan rivalries due to the balanced strengths of both teams in batting, bowling, and fielding. He highlighted the critical role of handling pressure and performing consistently across all departments to emerge vi??ctorious in this crucial encounter.

On the other hand, Sidhu provided strategic insights, noting the potential impact ??of Indian spinners in potentially turning the tide against Australia. However, he cautioned against underestimating Australia, acknowledging their resilience and capabilities to perform under pressure?. Sidhu underscored the need for India to execute their game plan meticulously and capitalize on key moments to secure a pivotal victory.

Also READ: Not Babar Azam! Actress ??Kubra Khan picks the best player in Pakistan cricket team

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In a stunning display of prowess, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have continued their impressive streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, securing a spot in th??e playoffs ahead of any other team thi??s season. Their recent victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Eden Gardens showcased their unwavering determination and skill. Contrasting starkly with their previous season’s performance, where they languished at seventh place on the points table, the Knight Riders have undergone a remarkable transformation this year.

Displaying a newfound vigor and unity, they have emerged as a formidable force in the league stage. Leading the points tally with an impressive 19 points from 13 matches, the team’s resurgence has drawn praise from none other than former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu. He attributes this remarkable turnaround to the astute leadership of Gautam Gambhir from the dugout.

Navjot Singh Sidhu praises Gautam Gambhir

Observing the remarkabl?e transformation, Sidhu stepped up to commend Gambhir, expressing his view that when fac??ed with challenges, Gambhir consistently elevates his performance.

“I have seen Gautam Gambhir gets inspired when the situation gets tough. He starts advising and that’s how it should be. Anybody can be a pilot when the sea is calm but you only learn when in adverse situations,” Sidhu said on Star Sports.

Also READ: Fans react a??s GT faces eliminat?ion from the IPL 2024 Playoffs after rain foils game with KKR

Gambhir’s influence on KKR legacy in IPL

KKR clinched the IPL title in 2012 and 2014, both times under the captaincy of Gambhir. He joined KKR in the 2011 edition and led the team to victory by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the following season. After a one-year interval, the Knight Riders emerged victorious once more, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.

Gambhir’s leadership acumen, paired with his batting mastery, propelled him to amass 3035 runs and 27 half-centuries in 108 appearances for the franchise, cementing his enduring influence on KKR’s IPL legacy.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir reveal??s his biggest regret as KKR captain

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set May 1st as the deadline for all cricket boards to announce their squads for the T20 World Cup, slated to be?? held in the USA and West Indies this year. As anticipation and speculation mount among fans regarding India’s squad for the tournament, numerous cricket experts, former players, and sports commentators have weighed in with their opinions and recommendations on the type of squad the BCCI should assemble for this prestigious T20 cricket event.

Joining them, former Indian cricketer and current member of the Hindi commentary panel of Star Sports for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Navjot Singh Sidhu, has offered his insights on the matter.

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s key advice to Rahul Dravid

During the #AskStar segment on Star Sports, Sidhu responded to a fan’s question about what suggestion he would offer to India’s Head Coach, Rahul Dravid, to end the Indian cricket team’s 11-year trophy drought. Sidhu emphasized that if Dravid aims for Team India to secure the title, the Board must form a team consisting of five specialist bowlers capable of taking wickets. He stressed that his advice was straightforward and urged Dravid not to compromise on the team’s bowling unit while selecting the squad.

“My straight advice to Rahul Dravid is that if you want to win this tournament, have five wicket-taking specialist bowlers, simple. The collapse of a team’s character stems from the compromise column. Your character takes a hit when you compromise. You have three spinners â€?Bishnoi, Kuldeep and Jadeja picks himself. And play three fast bowlers,” said Sidhu on the #AskStar segment on S??tar Sports.

Sidhu later named pacers who should be included in India’s squad for the World Cup. He named Mayank Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan, and Mukesh Kumar as potential representatives of India in the?? tourna??ment.

“Mayank Yadav, if fit, walks into the side. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan. And Delhi Capitals have Mukesh Kumar. I feel that the Indian team has so many options that if they take wicket-taking bowlers and do not compromise â€?thinking that this guy can bat a bit, bowl a bit. These bits-and-pieces things,” the 60-year-old stated.

Here is the video:

The winning formula for India in the World Cup should be by playing 5 regular wicket-taking bowlers' – @sherryontopp has his say on India's potential bowling lineup & recommends @hardikpandya7 as the 6th bowling option for the World Cup!

Do you agree with the bowlers he named�pic.twitter.com/kcmXzOuCv1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2024

Also READ: Ambati Rayudu picks his India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024; Shivam Dube, Riyan P??arag gets the nod

BCCI to announce Indian squad soon

Reports suggest that the selectors, headed by Ajit Agarkar, are set to meet with the India Head Coach and captain, Rohit Sharma, over the upcoming weekend to deliberate and finalize the T20 World Cup squad before its ?official announcement. This development signifies that the intense anticipation among Indian cricket team fans regarding the squad selection for the epic tournament will soon come to an end.

Also READ: Virender Sehwag picks his India’s ultimate playing ?XI for the T20 World Cup 2024; Hardik Pandya mis?ses out

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India‘s last triumph in an ICC Trophy dates back to 2013, when MS Dhoni‘s team clinched the ICC Champions Trophy in England. Since then, the Indian team has endured an 11-year-long wait for another ICC title, marked by a series of disappointments and missed opportunities. Despite reaching the pinnacle stages of major tournaments, including four World Cup semifinals and two finals, along with setbacks in the Champions Trophy final 2017 and consecutive World Test Championships (WTC), India’s trophy cabinet remains bare.

Ideal bowling combination for T20 World Cup 2024

In 2023, India came tantalizingly close to breaking the drought when they hosted the World Cup, only to falter in the final against Australia. As another World Cup approaches, this time in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies in the form if T20 global showpiece event, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has offered some advice to Rahul Dravid, the current head coach rega??rding the bowling combination with which India could enter the upcoming tournament.

Sidhu, Dravid’s former teammate, cautioned against compromising on the team composition, urging Dravid to maintain a balance of five specialist bowlers-either two spinners and three pacers or vice versa, depending on the conditions-regardless of the circumstances.

“My straight advice to Rahul Dravid is that if you want to win this tournament, have five wicket-taking specialist bowlers, simple. The collapse of a team’s character stems from the compromise column. Your character takes a hit when you compromise,” Sidhu said to Star Sports.

Also READ: Virender Sehwag picks his India’s ultimate playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2024; Hardik Pan?dya misses out

Spin department and pace arsenal

Regarding the spin department, Sidhu advocated for the inclusion of the promising leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi alongside the seasoned duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. On the pace front, he suggested considering Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav, provided the latter regains full fitness.

“You have three spinners – Bishnoi, Kuldeep and Jadeja picks himself. And play three fast bowlers. Mayank Yadav, if fit, walks into the side. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohsin Khan. And Delhi Capitals have Mukesh Kumar. I feel that the Indian team has so many options that if they take wicket-taking bowlers and do not compromise – thinking that this guy can bat a bit, bowl a bit. These bits-and-pieces things,” the 60-year-old concluded.

Group stage battles: India’s path

India’s group stage fixtures in the upcoming World Cup promise intrigue, with matches against Ireland, Pakistan, USA and Canada. The highly anticipated showdown against Pakistan on June 9 in New York is po??ised to captivate fans worldwide. Each match presents unique challenges, emphasizing the need for India to approach every game with unwavering focus and determination to secure their berth in the knockout stage.

Also READ: Sir Viv Richards predicts the winner of T20 World Cup 20??24

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After India‘s commendable yet ultimately fruitless performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, where they fell short against Australia in the final, speculation swirled around Rohit Sharma‘s leadership role in the Indian team across all formats. However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah promptly quashed all uncertainties by reaffirming Rohit’s captaincy for the imminent T20 World Cup 2024 set to unfold in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), commencing on June 1.

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s endorsement for Rohit Sharma’s heir

Former Indian opening batter Navjot Singh Sidhu has thrown his support behind star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to assume the mantle of full-time captaincy for the national team once Rohit decides to step down. Currently leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Pandya has already captained India on several occasions, having taken over from Rohit as skipper before the auction. Sidhu is convinced that Pandya represents the future of Indian cricket and commended the BCCI’s decision to groom him for leadership.

Describing Pandya as the embodiment of India’s cricketing future, Sidhu highlighted Rohit’s exemplary leadership qualities while acknowledging his remarkable skill as a player. Despite Rohit’s prowess, Sidhu emphasized the need to look ahead and pave the way for the next generation of leaders, with Pandya emerging as a prime candidate for the role.

“Hardik Pandya is the future. Rohit is now around 36-37. He has a couple more years left. He is a superb captain and a wonderful player. If you ask me, he is poetry in motion. Whenever I see him, it looks like time stops. But, you have to actually look forward and prepare the ground for someone to take over,” Sidhu was quoted as saying by the NDTV.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma teases Dinesh Karthik with T20 World Cup jibe during MI vs RCB clash in IPL 2024, video goes vi??ral

Recognition of leadership potential

Sidhu, who is commentating in the IPL for the Star Sports, reiterated that he isn’t proposing Hardik for Test match captaincy. Nevertheless, he emphasized Pandya’s role as the team’s vice-captain, noting his experience leading India in T20Is for nearly a year in Rohit’s absence. Sidhu asserted that Pandya’s appointment as vice-captain by the BCCI is a testament to his suitability for leadership roles. He highlighted the extensive planning and consideration involved in such decisions, affirming Pandya’s natural aptitude for white-ball captaincy.

“I am not advocating Hardik Pandya for Test match captaincy. But, he is your vice-captain. He has captained India in T20Is for close to a year when Rohit was not there. Hardik is your natural choice. That’s why BCCI has named him the team’s vice-captain. There’s a lot of planning, lot of consideration that goes in before BCCI takes a call. Hardik is a natural choice for white-ball captaincy,” the 60-year-old said concluded.

Under Pandya’s leadership, the Gujarat Titans (GT) experienced significant success, achieving their maiden title triumph in their inaugural season in 2022. Pandya continued to steer the team admirably,?? guiding them to yet another final appearance in the subsequent edition.

Also WATCH: R???eece Topley grabs a blinder to dismiss Rohit Sharma in MI vs RCB match

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Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is a part of Hindi commentary panel on Star Sports for IPL 2024, has compared the wristwork of a star Indian batter with that of legendary cricketers Mohammad Azharuddin and Zaheer Abbas.

Despite India’s rich history of producing exceptional batters, the unique finesse in this particular batter’s wrist work captivated Sidhu so much that he couldn’t control his emotions and expressed his admiration.

Only three batters used their wrists with perfection: Sidhu

This statement came from the commentator during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 2 in Chinnaswamy Stadium. Sidhu lauded ace Indian batter Virat Kohli for hi?s wristwork and compared him to Azharuddin and Zaheer Abbas after seeing some of his top-class shots against LSG bowlers.

“What a good use of the wrist by Virat Kohli. I have seen only three batters using their wrist to perfection. Mohammad Azharuddin, Zaheer Abbas and Virat Kohli. Virat knows how to send the ball for a four using his wrist,” Sidhu said on Star Sports.

In the match? against Luck??now, Virat scored 22 runs off 16 balls, but his knock was laced with some quality shots.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma unhappy with Hardik Pandya’s decisions- to leave MI after IPL 2024? Deta??ils Inside

Sidhu demands quick debut of Mayank Yadav

While talking further on Star Sports, Sidhu urged that the selectors should not delay giving Mayank Yadav an international opportunity. He also gave the example of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who handed debut caps to Wasim Akram and Inzamam Ul Haq during the 1992 World Cup and eventually em??erged victorious.

“I am not a selector, but this guy deserves to play for India. The decision-makers shouldn’t wait as he is in red-hot form with the ball. His pace, line, and length do not allow the batters to score runs. Mayank is putting the ball in the right areas, which a batter doesn’t like. Pakistan debuted Wasim Akram and Inzamam Ul Haq when they were raw and had hardly any experience. The two won the 1992 World Cup,” added Sidhu.

The Punjab-lad also remarked that fast bowler Mayank Yadav has proved his skills in the ongoing IPL, so now he doesn’t need anyone’s approval to play for India.

“A talent doesn’t need a stamp of approval. Mayank has done enough to play for the Indian team in the upcoming matches and the selectors should take his performance into account,” Sidhu concluded.

Also WATCH: Kavya Maran’s delightful reaction following SRH’s thumping win over CSK | IPL 2024

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Hardik Pandya, the new skipper of Mumbai Indians, is facing the wrath of Mumbai Indians fans both online and offline. Even after requests from cricketers like Ashvin and celebs like Sonu Sood, fans are showing no mercy on Hardik.

The Wankhede stadium in Mumbai saw the same scenario. Spectators started booing Pandya when he came for the toss. The situation got so intense that Sanjay Manjrekar had to urge the public to “Behave.” Not only Indian cricketers but also ?foreign cricketers reacted to the hatred Hardik was facing.

Sanjay Manjrekar asking Wankhede crowd to behave. pic.twitter.com/rxLRSO33yN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2024

Hardik Pandya, who received sympathy from his cricketing mates, also received vital advice from others. One such advice has now been given by veteran Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu. He advised Hardik Pandya to focus on team combination; later, he also advised Pandya to take some ?lessons from MS Dhoni.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Shane Bond draws comparison ?between Riyan Parag’s style and India’s notab??le T20 batter

“There is nothing that succeeds like success.”

While talking to Star Sports, he said no one would hate or criticize Pandya if Mumbai won the matches. He said, “There is nothing that succeeds like success. If Mumbai Indians had won the last two games, everyone would have been silent. I think he (Hardik Pandya) should focus on the team combination. When you concede 277 runs, everyone screams that your bowling is not good enough. How could a team score 277 when it was unprecedented in the tournament? The other game (against Gujarat Titans) was a close one. They were defeated, not disgraced.”

While talking about Dhoni, Sidhu said, “Look at what Dhoni does. When Devon Conway, who was the leading run-getter for him last season, got injured, he got in Rachin Ravindra, who is similar and somewhat better. He needs to find that kind of replacements or he will be exposed.”

Poor form and Poor luck

The lack of form of MI skipper Hardik Pandya has added fuel to the fire. In the last three matches, Hardik has not scored any good runs nor made any impact with his bowling. He and the entire team are looking out of class in the IPL this season. In their match against SRH, the Mumbai bowlers failed terribly and conceded 277 runs. Similarly, in their last mast against RR, the Mumbai batters failed to stand against Rajasthan’s bowling and managed to give a target of only 126 to chase.

Surprisingly, MI’s top order performed the worst and suffered three golden ducks. These miserable instances have kept the five-time IPL champions last on the points table, with three out of three losses.

Also READ: Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh and others relive India’s 2011 ??World Cup? triumph

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The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise’s decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season marked an emotional moment for the fans, considering Rohit Sharma’s remarkable tenure, during which the team clinched the IPL ??title five?? times.

Hardik Pandya’s struggles and Mumbai Indians’ batting collapse

However, Pandya faced a challenging test in the match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday, where he struggled to make an impact. Upon entering the crease, he fell victim to Umesh Yadav after scoring just 11 runs off 4 balls. Consequently, Mumbai could only muster a total of 162 runs, losing 9 wickets in the process, falling six short of the 169 runs target set by the opposition. Rohit, the former captain, emerged as a beacon of hope for Mumbai with his blazing innings of 43 runs off just 30 balls, but after his dismissal, the team’s batting line-up collapsed.

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s views on Rohit Sharma’s transition

In a conversation with Star Sports, Navjot Singh Sidhu, who made a commentary comeback after 10 years, lauded the legendary captaincy skills of Rohit. Sidhu expressed confidence that Rohit’s transition from captain to player would not hinder his performance in any way. Drawing from his own experience, Sidhu cited instances where he played alongside multiple former captains in the Indian team, emphasizing that such scenarios are not unprecedented.

“Rohit Sharma is playing as a player, this is not the first time. I have played in such an Indian team where there are five former captains. He was playing with me, I have played among captains like Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Srikkanth, in which I have seen five captains playing together on the field. But no problem happened at that time as we all were playing for the country,” said Sidhu.

Also READ: IPL 2024 – GT pacer Spencer Johnson reveals his chat with coach Ashish Nehra amid MI clash

Leadership legacy and transition

Furthermore, Sidhu highlighted that players like MS Dhoni have relinquished their captaincy to others, showcasing the dynamic nature of leadership transitions in cricket. He suggested that Mumbai could have considered making Pandya the captain, similar to Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s case, but opted for a change after evaluating Rohit’s tenure, which didn’t yield an IPL title in three years.

“MS Dhoni has also given his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Mumbai franchise could also have made Pandya the captain like Ruturaj Gaikwad but no, the franchise saw that Rohit could not get the team any IPL title in three years, he made Pandya the captain. He also said that one has to work hard to become a player like Rohit,” the 60-year-old concluded.

"Devta firr bhi devta hai, chahe woh kuwe ki gehraayi mai khada ho" – @sherryontopp

The commentary legend praises the legendary captain, #RohitSharma, and believes his captainc?y switch will not hamper him in any possible way! 💙

Watch more of #Sidhuism on Star Sports! 🤌�pic.twitter.com/LfGfgLjBcK

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 24, 2024

Mumbai’s chance for redemption against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Looking ahead, Mumbai are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium o?n March 27. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Mumbai to bounce back and secure a victory against Hyderabad on their home turf.

Also READ: Dates of IPL ?2024 playoffs co??nfirmed, final in Chennai on May 26

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Following a decade-long absence, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu is poised to make a comeback to the commentary box for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Joining the Star Sports broadcasting team, Sidhu will bring his wealth of experience to the role after establishing himself as a prominent figure in cricket broadcasting. Renowned for his illustrious playing career, Sidhu will lend his voice from the inaugural match of the 17th edition, featuring the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s insights

In an interview with PTI, Sidhu shared his insights, addressing topics ranging from the international cricket to one of the most significant captaincy debates witnessed in the IPL’s history. This debate revolves around Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma vying for the title of the most successful captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise.

Mumbai Indians’ leadership transition

The period between 2013 and 2020 marked a glorious era for Mumbai, ?as they clinched the IPL title five times in just eight attempts under the leadership of Rohit. However, in recent years, they have faced challenges in securing the championship. To revive their former glory, Mumbai has undergone significant transformations, notably passing the captaincy baton to Hardik.

Hardik, a pivotal figure in MI’s previous triumphs, led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to victory in his inaugur??al att??empt in 2022 and steered them to the final in 2023.

Also READ: ‘Old days are back� Fans sh??ower love as ??Navjot Singh Sidhu makes a comeback to commentary for IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya vs Rohit Sharma

While Hardik demonstrated his mettle as a captain, Rohit struggled to lead his team to the playoffs in the last three seasons. Even with the bat, Rohit’s performance has not been up to par. The past two seasons have been disappointing for Rohit Sharma compared to the high standards he has set for himself. Since the 2019 season, when he scored 405 runs in Mumbai’s fourth IPL-winning campaign, he has yet to surpass the 400 runs mark.

Sidhu’s perspective on MI captaincy debate

Sidhu expanded on the Mumbai’s captaincy transition, highlighting how Hardik Pandya’s ascendancy over Rohit signifies a shift in the traditional approach, where leadership roles are now determined primarily by outstanding on-field performances. He indicated that this change represents a departure from the previous conventions, suggesting that established norms must evolve to make way for new approaches.

“In my time, people would carry on despite bad form because there were no replacements. Now, Hardik Pandya is replacing the Indian captain as captain at Mumbai Indians because he has performed so well. Not that it is derogatory to Rohit but it is just a thought process. The old order must change yielding place to the new,” Sidhu said.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts th?e player to watch out for in IPL 2024

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