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2022 T20 World Cup: Tricky yet golden chance for Team India to clinch title

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The T20 World Cup in 2022 gets underway in less than a year in Australia, and India will have a tricky yet golden chance to win the title under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and Rahul Dravid’s coaching, giving the fans an opportunity to celebrate sometime big after eight long years.

It was back in 2013 when the MS Dhoni-led Team India won the ICC Champions Trophy after beating hosts England in the final. Since then, the ‘Men in Blue’ have participated in many ICC events, but have failed to get the silverware.

Fans have seen individual brilliance by the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Hardrik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and others in bilateral series, but somehow these ‘superstars’ haven’t done justice with their talent when the team required it the most, i.e., at mega ICC events.

India entered the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai as one of the favourites, but failed to make the semifinals because of a combination of factors, including a flawed team, poor luck and many external factors as well.

The last month of the year also saw many off-field controversies, which can definitely affect the team’s dressing room environment, as well as the future of Indian cricket.

However, as it is often said, ‘let bygones be bygones’, and Team India will exactly need to do that.

Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will have to make sure that the players focus on the bright future ahead, rather than living in the past.

India have a very good record in T20 cricket in Australia and everyone, including the BCCI and fans, have huge expectations from the experienced duo of Dravid-Sharma to end the title drought next year.

Here are a few things which will be crucial for India going into the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be played in October and November in Australia:

Rohit Sharma – The Batter and the Captain

Rohit has been one of the best white ball cricketers in the world in the past decade or so, and he will have to carry forward the golden run in the World Cup in Australia as well. Not only he needs to concentrate on his batting, but the skipper also needs to fix with whom he is going to team up at the top of the order.

As of now, K.L. Rahul looks certain, but things change very quickly in Indian cricket, considering the talent pool the country has. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan and Prithvi Shaw have consistently done well and are waiting in the wings for the much-needed break.

Sharma (34) has proven his mettle as an IPL captain by winning five titles with Mumbai Indians. He has also led India to series victories in Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup when regular skipper Virat Kohli was on a break. However, this is going to be the biggest challenge for the experienced campaigner, as he has very less time to prepare a solid team while trying various things prior to the mega event.

Virat Kohli 2.0

India Test skipper Kohli hasn’t been at his absolute best with the bat in the last two years. But if India wants to lift the trophy in Australia, they need their premier batter in red-hot form.

Over the years, Kohli has taken the Aussie challenge very well and produced exceptional results for the team, whether its white ball or red ball cricket.

The Australian pitches also go well with the batting style of Virat and Indian cricket fans will love to see him excel with the bat in the T20 World Cup next year.

Clarity in Roles and Security

Since the beginning of T20 cricket, it has seen players do well when they are given clear roles and are allowed to perform those roles – repeatedly – without the fear of failure. Nobody becomes an expert overnight. They perform the same task repeatedly across conditions and situations to master the art.

Likewise, to believe that one can defend 10 runs from the last over or score 30 runs in the last two overs requires a player to have performed that role repeatedly.

If a player has been selected to make the most of the Powerplay, or be a defensive bowler, or bowl yorker after yorker at the death, he needs to fail in that role for 10-odd matches before being axed. The duo of Dravid and Rohit needs to provide that space to the Indian players. The management needs to identify the right players and their back-ups, define the roles well, and stick to that plan till the end of the World Cup.

Capitalising on IPL Performances

The IPL is a great place for young cricketers to show their talent against quality opposition and under pressure. Over the years, the cash-rich league has produced some exceptional cricketers, but many of them have failed to deliver the goods at the international stage.

India last won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, one year before the start of the IPL. Somehow, the Indian think-tanks have not been able to capitalise on the brilliant performances by players in the IPL. And for that to change, the selection policy needs to alter. Numbers in the IPL should not be the sole criteria for selection to the national team.

The roles they play, the conditions and the quality of opposition vary at different levels. If a player performs the same role for both his IPL team and the national team, his chances of success are much higher. And, it is also a good idea to give talented young cricketers a second year in the IPL to see how they cope against better plans by the opposition, which they will face in international cricket.

Studying Playing Conditions in Advance

Unlike Test series or ODI World Cups, the T20 World Cup does not offer one too many opportunities to come back after a loss. So, it would be a good idea from the Indian team management to send scouts and analysts to study the conditions in Australia during the Big Bash League and other international matches, and understand the specific skills required to succeed Down Under.

This information gained could prove valuable in terms of team selection and preparation for the big tournament.

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PM Narendra Modi Departs For 5-Day Tour Of Nigeria, Brazil, & Guyana

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. He will be on his three-nation tour from November 16 to 21, where he will be attending the G20 Summit in Brazil.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit, PM Modi stated that he would be first visiting Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a focus on reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The Prime Minister will also be meeting with the Indian community in Nigeria during his visit. He will be there in the African nation from November 16 to 17.

“At the invitation of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” the statement read.

About PM Modi’s Visit To Brazil

Following this, he will be travelling to Brazil to attend the 19th G20 Summit as a member of the Troika. PM Modi stated that after India’s successful presidency in the G20 Summit last year, Brazil is expected to continue efforts to advance the Global South’s priorities. He will be there in the South American nation from November 18 to 19.

“In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful presidency elevated the G-20 to people’s G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders,” the statement added.

About PM Modi’s Visit To Guyana

In the final leg of the trip, PM Modi will be going to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This marks the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years.

In addition, the Prime Minister will attend the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, where he will meet with leaders from the Caribbean nations to renew historical ties and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.

“My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of H.E. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy as I address their Parliament,” the statement read.

“During this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” it added.

During his visit to Guyana, PM Modi will receive the highest national award from the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Caribbean nation will bestow the Dominica Award of Honour, on PM Narendra Modi, in recognition of his contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between India and Dominica.

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₹136 Crore Per Year To Luxury Suite At Training Ground: All About Kylian Mbappe’s Bumper Deal At Real Madrid

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In a move that has captivated football enthusiasts worldwide, Kylian Mbappe has officially transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid as of Tuesday.

This long-anticipated switch concludes months of speculation and excitement among fans.

Real Madrid’s Exciting Acquisition

Real Madrid announced on Monday that they had secured a deal with the French superstar for the next five seasons, merging one of football’s brightest talents with its most illustrious club.

This deal follows years of interest from Madrid, eager to bring in the player seen as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne in the sport.

Financial Details of Mbappe’s Move

The 25-year-old Parisian will reportedly earn 15 million Euros net per season at Real Madrid, translating to over ₹136 crores annually. This figure breaks down to an impressive ₹2.6 crore per week.

While this is a significant reduction from the €75 million net per year he received at PSG, the shortfall will be offset by a massive signing bonus. The bonus, around €150 million, will be disbursed over the course of his contract.

Perks and Anticipated Debuts

Aside from his substantial salary, Mbappe will enjoy a private luxury suite at Real Madrid’s training facility and will sport the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by legendary striker Karim Benzema.

His anticipated debut for Real Madrid will occur during the preseason, with their first friendly against AC Milan at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 31.

His competitive debut is expected in the UEFA Super Cup, where Real Madrid will take on Europa League winners Atalanta in Warsaw, Poland, on August 14.

Mbappe’s Stellar PSG Legacy

Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 for €180 million and has since become the club’s all-time leading scorer.

Throughout his seven-year tenure in Paris, he consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess, netting at least 30 goals in six of those seasons. His move to Real Madrid marks the next chapter in an already illustrious career, as he aims to further his legacy at one of the world’s most storied football clubs.

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ENG vs ESP, Euro 2024 Final: Spain Become The 1st Four-Time Champions Of Europe After Beating England 2-1 In Berlin

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Match Result:

Spain triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final, held in Berlin, becoming the first team to win the championship four times.

The match saw a tense first half ending goalless, but Spain took the lead shortly after the break. Williams Jr. netted the opener in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by England.

England fought back, with Palmer leveling the score in the 73rd minute, igniting hopes for the Three Lions. However, Spain maintained their pressure, and in the 86th minute, Oyarzabal clinched the winner with a decisive strike.

This historic win cements Spain’s status as Europe’s most successful team, while England’s wait for a major international trophy continues. The final was a showcase of high-quality football and strategic mastery, ultimately seeing Spain emerge as deserved champions.

This historic win cements Spain’s status as Europe’s most successful team, while England’s wait for a major international trophy continues. The final was a showcase of high-quality football and strategic mastery, ultimately seeing Spain emerge as deserved champions.

Preview of Euro 2024 Cup final:

A strong Spanish outfit will meet a pesky England side in the final of Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Spain battled France and defeated them by 2-1 in the semi-final, while England overcame the Netherlands by the same margin.

However, it wasn’t without a contentious penalty call that went in England’s favour. Despite not starting the contest as favourites, England’s ability to hang in there could work against Spain, who are seeking a 4th Euro title. By contrast, England are yet to lift the trophy.

A crucial stat which is in favour of England is the head to head battle, which the former lead by 13-10 against Spain in 27 outings.

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