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India-Pak World Cup Match Under ISIS-K Threat

Additional police officers will be mobilised at the cricket stadium at Eisenhower Park…reports Arul Louis

ISIS-K has called for a “Lone Wolf” attack on the India-Pakistan World Cup Cricket match here next month, a top police official has warned while putting security on high alert.

In a video that has gone global, the terror group is “calling for that ‘Lone Wolf’ to act out”, said Patrick Ryder, the Police Commissioner of Nassau County where the match is scheduled for June 6.

“Lone Wolves” are members or sympathisers of terrorist organisations who take cues from the organisations and operate independently by themselves making it more difficult to track them down.

On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that she has “directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes”.

Bruce Blakeman, the head of Nassau County bordering New York City, said at a news conference, “We make sure that we are on top of every situation that could potentially arise. Now to that end, we have taken many many precautions.”

Additional police officers will be mobilised at the cricket stadium at Eisenhower Park, Ryder said at the news conference.

“We will go to every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here,” he added.

Earlier there had been some ambiguity about the level of the threat posted in a chat group by ISIS-Khorasan, the offshoot of the Islamic State terrorist organisation operating in South and Central Asia.

Before the news conference by Nassau officials, Hochul had said that “there is no credible public safety threat at this time,” but added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely.”

“My administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe,” she said.

Blakeman said at the news conference, “We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat. We don’t minimise threats. We track down all of our leads.”

Ryder said, “When you have a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible.”

He said they had received threats starting in April “where it was a global and international style threat from what’s called ISIS-K”.

“Then it got a little bit more specific towards the actual game of India versus Pakistan but did not name the place,” he said.

“And then yesterday, you all saw the video that went global, and they are calling for that ‘Lone Wolf’ to act out.”

He was referring to a video with “an image of the cricket stadium at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County with drones flying over it showing the date, “9/6/2024”, when the India-Pakistan match, that was posted by ISIS-K on a British chat site.

With the display of drones as attack vehicles, NBC New York TV reported that county officials “say they’ve requested the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to make Eisenhower Park a no-fly zone for drones”.

ISIS-K has carried out attacks in Pakistan and has threatened terror strikes on India.

In March, ISIS-K terrorists attacked a concert hall in Moscow killing about 130 people adding gravity to the latest threat.

The World Cup Cricket stadium, which has a 30,000-capacity, was built specially for the tournament and will share the fixtures in the US with the arena in Dallas.

It will kick off on June 1 with an exhibition match between India and Bangladesh and will be followed by regular tournament matches starting on June 3, pitching India against Sri Lanka, and running till June 12 with an India vs US match.

NBC New York TV said that the security preparations for the World Cup event were the largest that Nassau County has undertaken and it is being treated on par with presidential debates.

As part of the safety precautions, it said, “Local hospitals also involved just in case they’re needed.”

The British newspaper Express first reported on the threat, which it said was also directed against sporting venues in Europe, including the Wembley Stadium.

It said that ISIS “followers are encouraged to target major events” including the Cricket World Cup.

“There were also extensive discussions on the forum as to how the terror group should use drones laden with explosives to murder civilians at major sporting events across Europe,” the Express said of the postings on a chat group posted on the British website Matrix.

The Express said, “Chat room members who shared the stadium threats listed their terror skills, including firing AK-47 rifles, and discussed sums of money in pound Sterling, suggesting some might be based in Britain.”

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)

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T20 WC: Young Guns Ready to Shine

Get ready for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where emerging talent and seasoned stars collide in a whirlwind of excitement…reports Asian Lite News

The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is all set to bring the heat and a wave of exciting new talent ready to make their mark on the global stage. The young faces alongside the superstars will be vying for T20 glory when the T20I showpiece begins on June 1 in the West Indies and the United States.

Here’s a look at some fresh faces who can bring out some thrilling action in the T20 World Cup with their outstanding abilities:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Batter)

Yashaswi Jaiswal is a promising young batsman who has shown remarkable consistency in matches — both domestic and international. His aggressive batting and ability to build innings under pressure have earned him a reputation as a reliable player.

Yashaswi’s technical prowess and maturity at such a young age make him one of Team India’s most exciting prospects to watch out for in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

England: Harry Brook (Batter)

The 23-year-old batter has taken the County Championship by storm with his aggressive batting style. He’s known for his ability to score quickly and play audacious shots, making him a potential future star for England.

Afghanistan: Noor Ahmad (Spin bowler)

The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has already impressed everyone with his explosive batting style in domestic tournaments. He’s known for his fearless hitting and clean six-hitting abilities, making him a potential game-changer.

Bangladesh: Tawhid Hridoy (Batter)

The young left-handed batter has been in perfect form in the recent Bangladesh Premier League season. He’s known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to play big innings, making him a future batting mainstay for Team Bangladesh.

Canada: Kanwarpal Tathgur (Pace bowler)

The right-arm fast bowler has grabbed attention with his raw pace and swing bowling. He can unsettle batters with his express deliveries and could be a surprise weapon for Canada in this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

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Dharamsala Sees Pro-Khalistan Graffiti Ahead of World Cup

The police have erased the slogans and started taking legal action against the matter…reports Asian Lite News

Leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 matches in this Himachal Pradesh town, vandals have defaced a government building’s walls with the slogan “Khalistan Zindabad,” according to the local police on Wednesday. This town is also renowned as the residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

The police have erased the slogans and started taking legal action against the matter, officials told IANS.

Earlier, posters of Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign state, surfaced in May last year at the main entrance of the state legislative Assembly campus here.

Dharamsala is some 250 km from the state capital.

The police said investigations were on and also asked the locals not to feel threatened by the posters.

“It is an act of mischievous elements. We are taking legal action against this,” a senior police official told IANS.

“Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) released footage of the inscription which were defaced with a pro-Khalistan slogan,” said the official.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) will be hosting Bangladesh vs Afghanistan on Saturday, followed by England vs Bangladesh on October 10, South Africa vs Netherlands on October 17, India vs New Zealand on October 22 and Australia vs New Zealand on October 28.

The HPCA Stadium, one of the newest stadiums in the country with the mighty Dhauladhar range in the backdrop, is located in the Kangra district of Dharamsala.

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ODI World Cup Build-Up: Rashid Khan vs. Shafiq Stanikzai

Rashid urged Stanikzai to refrain from disseminating inaccurate information about the team and asserted that Afghanistan currently possesses its most physically fit squad ever for the upcoming ODI World Cup….reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, Afghanistan’s premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan has lashed out at former Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai over ‘past compromises’.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, Rashid also asked Stanikzai to stop spreading false information about the team, while claiming that Afghanistan is having its fittest squad till date for the upcoming ODI World Cup happening in India from October 5 to November 19.

“I think it’s the best and one of the most fit teams we have ever had for any of the mega events so far and I believe we can deliver to the best this time. Many compromises have been done during your management @ShafiqStanikzai in the past while selecting the teams for the Wold Cups which has costed the nation many important games.”

“Instead of spreading false information it should be better to support this bunch of great and best guys,” wrote Rashid. Stanikzai was the ACB Chief Executive from 2014-2019 and had also founded the T20 franchise tournament named ‘Afghanistan Premier League’. In his response, Stanikzai admitted to being “bewildered” by Rashid’s claims.

“My Dear Champ @rashidkhan_19 Your tweet has left me somewhat bewildered. It appears to be at odds with the sentiments you’ve previously expressed. Do you recall your past tweets where you lauded me, dedicating victories to my contributions to the ACB after my tenure?”

“Initially, I had no intention of responding to your tweet; I thought I’d save the ear-twitching for our next meeting. However, since you’ve accused me falsely and given your global star status, with millions of fans worldwide, and my own cricket administration role, with admirers across the globe, I feel compelled to set the record straight and remind you of my achievements for Afghan Cricket.”

Stanikzai went on to list what all was done in his tenure with ACB. “1. I meticulously crafted the team for the 2016 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan won four games, including a victory against the reigning champions, West Indies.”

“2. I nurtured our U19 team, which clinched the Asia Cup and reached the World Cup semi-finals. 3. Every Afghan player recognized as a test cricketer owes their success to my dedication. 4. The domestic cricketers who hold the title of First-class cricketers are products of my management and compromises.”

“5. Your and Nabi’s IPL selections, without prior exposure, were orchestrated and the result of my management. 6. The presence of 14 standard cricket stadiums in Afghanistan stands as a testament to my management.”

Stanikzai concluded by saying he hasn’t ever criticised Afghanistan or Rashid. “I still vividly recall our last phone conversation, your words of admiration for me, and concerns with the current system. Please understand, I haven’t criticized you or the team. Nevertheless, I do possess profound insights into preparing a team and players for mega events.”

“My champion, your tweet did disappoint me, but rest assured, I still hold you in high regard and remain immensely proud of you and the entire team. I am, and will forever be, an ardent admirer of you and the Blue Tigers. With respect and best wishes,”

Afghanistan will open its 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup campaign against Bangladesh at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on October 7.

ALSO READ: Broad Tips India as Strong Contenders For World Cup

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Broad Tips India as Strong Contenders For World Cup

Broad, who played 2011 Men’s ODI World Cup, feels England, the defending champions, will be at a disadvantage due to constant traveling for playing matches in India…reports Asian Lite News

Legendary England fast-bowler Stuart Broad reckons India are overwhelming favorites to win the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and added that if everything goes according to the plan for the hosts’ in the tournament, then they will be very difficult to stop.

India last won the Men’s ODI World Cup when they were co-hosts of the tournament in 2011, after winning the 1983 edition in England. Since winning the 2013 Champions Trophy, a global title has eluded them.

But with the trend of hosts’ winning the last three Men’s ODI World Cups and India winning Asia Cup last month has led to a sense of optimism around their chances this time. India will open their 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

“If England manage to retain their World Cup title, it will be a phenomenal effort but my overriding feeling is that if India play their perfect tournament, they are going to be very difficult to stop.”

“Jos Buttler certainly has the team to challenge, one with the ability to post high totals, but I just think India, as hosts and the top-ranked ODI side, will be a hugely difficult proposition to get past.”

“Recent history shows you that home teams tend to prosper in 50-over World Cups: it was in India in 2011, and India won; the final was in Australia in 2015, Australia won the trophy; England won in 2019. So, on that basis alone, India would have to be huge favourites,” wrote Broad in his column for the Daily Mail on Sunday.

Broad, who played 2011 Men’s ODI World Cup, feels England, the defending champions, will be at a disadvantage due to constant traveling for playing matches in India. “Then take into account that they’re playing pretty decent cricket, and their key fast bowling star Jasprit Bumrah is coming back to full fitness.”

“Contrast to England. Without sounding like I am giving them excuses, they have got a pretty tough draw, to be honest. They do not play two games in the same location, instead travelling from city to city.”

“Others have the luxury of being able to book somewhere for a week and play two games. They do not. But the fact every team plays everyone else in the round robin stage means England would be absolutely distraught not to make the semis and final.”

Broad also thinks two-time runners-up New Zealand and 1992 champions Pakistan have it in them to be semi-finals contenders in 2023. “As for the other semi-finalists? Pakistan will be a threat. Their bowling is full of natural wicket-takers and is their huge strength. In players like Babar Azam they have some high quality batters but Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi can blow opponents away.”

“I’d then probably say New Zealand over Australia. Why? Because, New Zealand are the ultimate tournament team. Put their team sheets next to each other and you’d always lean towards the Aussies with Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, but New Zealand just find a way.”

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Praggnanandhaa sets up Chess World Cup final clash with Carlsen  

For Praggnanandhaa, giant slaying is not new in this tournament. He had earlier defeated far more higher-rated players, including US GM Hikaru Nakamura, world No. 2 by rating…reports Asian Lite News

India’s 18-year old Grandmaster (GM) R. Praggnanandhaa (ELO 2,707) on Monday entered the FIDE World Cup final after defeating world No. 3 by rating, American GM Fabiano Caruana (2,782), in the semifinal tie-break games played at Baku, Azerbaijan.

The final score stood at 3.5-2.5 in favour of the Chennai youngster. After drawing the first two tie-break games, the Indian slayed Caruana in the third game and drew the next one.

The match went into tie-breaker after the players drew their two classical games earlier. In the tie-breaker, the first two games had ended in draw. The young Indian then won the third game.

Praggnanandhaa will now cross swords with world No. 1 and former world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the final.

Having already defeated world No. 2 and world No. 3 in the tournament, will Praggnanandhaa be able to defeat the world No.1 is the question doing the rounds in chess circles now.

With this win, Praggnanandhaa also qualified to play in the Candidates Tournament, the winner of which will be the challenger to Chinese GM Liren Ding, the reigning world champion.

As per the International Chess Federation or FIDE’s rules, the top three players in the World Cup qualify for the Candidates Tournament.

For Praggnanandhaa, giant slaying is not new in this tournament. He had earlier defeated far more higher-rated players, including US GM Hikaru Nakamura, world No. 2 by rating.

India has never performed so well in the World Cup Open Category, though former world champion GM Viswanathan Anand had won the tournament earlier when it was held under a different format.

At Baku this time around, four Indian GMs — Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi — made it to the quarterfinals in a field of over 250 players.

Apart from Praggnanandhaa, there was one more giant slayer from the Indian side. And that was Gujrathi who had humbled world No. 5 GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2779) of Russia.

All is not lost for the other three Indian players — Gujrathi, Gukesh and Erigaisi — to take a shot at the world champion’s title.

“There are a couple of other tournaments the Indian players can play and get qualified for the Candidates Tournament. The other three players reached the quarterfinals in this strong tournament. Hence, they can still qualify for the Candidates.

“That said, the Indian government and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) should provide all kinds of assistance to the youngsters to become the world champion,” International Arbiter and chess coach R.R. Vasudevan said.

Kasparov hails Indian prodigy

Former World Chess Champion and Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov has congratulated Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa who stormed into the final of the FIDE World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Praggnanandhaa defeated World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana to reach the final of the FIDE World Cup, and his mother was also present at the event to witness her son’s triumph.

Kasparov called his mother’s support “a special kind of support” and extended wishes to the Indian Grand Master for his exceptional performance. 

“Congrats to @rpragchess —and to his mother. As someone whose proud mama accompanied me to every event, it’s a special kind of support! The Chennai Indian defeated two New York cowboys! He has been very tenacious in difficult positions,” Kasparov wrote in his tweet.

The Indian chess prodigy managed to beat the American player 3.5-2.5 after tiebreaks. He will face World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the title clash.

Earlier, Praggnanandhaa beat compatriot Arjun Erigaisi 5-4 in a sudden death tie-break to book a place for himself in the semifinals on Thursday. The 17-year-old Praggnanandhaa has already secured a spot in next year’s Candidates event.

Praggnanandhaa created history by advancing to the final of the FIDE World Cup, his coach RB Ramesh expressed his immense pride in Praggnanandhaa’s exceptional performance in the global tournament and said that he is optimistic about Prags chances in view of the openings strategies discussed.

“I am extremely proud that he has been doing phenomenally well in this World Cup and he qualified for the World Cup final. And what I hear is he is the youngest to do so. And also he is the only Indian to qualify for the final,” coach Ramesh told ANI.

The final matches of the FIDE World Cup will begin on Tuesday. (ANI)

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Rohit has some plans for World Cup

Although India hasn’t progressed beyond the semi-final stage in the previous two Men’s Cricket World Cups, the captain holds the belief that his team can replicate the achievement of his fellow countrymen in 2011…reports Asian Lite News

India captain Rohit Sharma has reflected on ODI World Cup memories and looked ahead optimistically to a home campaign beginning in October, saying that the team needs to play well the entire month, month and a half, and be consistent to win the mega event.

While India may not have advanced past the semi-final stage in the last two Men’s Cricket World Cups, the skipper believes his side can emulate the 2011 success of his compatriots.

On hand during the Barbados leg of the Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour, posing with the prize on offer come November 19, Rohit expressed the importance of measure and patience in India’s preparation.

“We are back home again this year, so hopefully we can turn things around. It’s still a long way to go and we know you can’t win the World Cup in one or two days, you’ve got to play well the entire month, month and a half, and be consistent,” the India captain was quoted as saying by ICC.

“We are trying everything we can from our perspective to make sure we are ready for that World Cup,” he added.

For many, Rohit’s input with the bat will be vital during the tournament. Not only did he top the runs tally at the 2019 event (648 runs at 81) — he plundered five centuries at the tournament — and is under no illusions that for India to fire, he must go close to emulating his success four years ago even in the maelstrom of fanfare and pressure that comes with a home campaign.

“I was in a good mind space (in 2019), I was feeling really good about my cricket, prepared really well before the World Cup and when you’re heading into a tournament like that, all you want to do is start well, mentally and physically fresh and then everything falls into place,” Rohit added.

“I started really well in that tournament, got a hundred in the first game, and then for me, it was all about carrying that forward. Obviously you take a lot of confidence about what you’ve done in the past, but starting afresh and starting new was very important. I was in a great mind space at that point in time and looking forward to creating that again,” he added.

To find inspiration for the upcoming tournament, the 36-year-old reflected on some of his early World Cup memories, first citing Ajay Jadeja’s catch of Allan Border in 1992.

Running and diving to remove the dangerous left-hander, the catch to Rohit symbolises India’s move into modern-day limited overs cricket, evolving into the work of Sachin Tendulkar into the early 2000s.

“I remember famously, Ajay Jadeja’s catch. I remember that because that actually is stuck in everyone’s mind, even now. It took our fielding to the next level,” Rohit noted.

“I remember every little moment of all the World Cups. 1999 as well, the first thing that comes to mind is that Herschelle Gibbs catch which cost them the World Cup I believe. And then 2003 where India played really well up until the finals. Sachin Tendulkar was amazing with the bat,” he added.

As for India’s victorious 2011 campaign, the victory was somewhat bittersweet for the now-skipper, having to watch from home. He admits he debated watching the campaign at all after the disappointment of missing out on squad selection, but u-turned knowing how significant a global tournament victory would be for his country and colleagues.

“2011 was the memorable one for all of us, I remember watching it from home, every single match.There were two kinds of emotions. One obviously I was not part of it so I was a little disappointed and I decided I was not going to watch the World Cup,” Rohit said.

“But again the second memory I remember was that India was playing so well. Quarter-finals and onwards, the big quarter-final was against Pakistan and I know how much pressure is on the players when you play all these games, so I can only imagine what each player must have gone through in that time.

And then the semi-final against Australia, it was a brilliant finish by Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) and (Suresh) Raina at the back,” he added.

As for how India will get behind his men, and with a twinkle in his eye glancing at the Cricket World Cup trophy, the experienced batter knows his side will have the support of an entire nation.

“I know for a fact that every ground, every venue that we will be travelling to will get massive support,” Rohit said.

“It’s the World Cup, so everyone is looking forward to this and the World Cup coming back to India after 12 years. People are quite excited and we can see the buzz already back home. I’ll be looking forward to playing in all venues.

I have never seen this trophy from this close. When we won in 2011, I was not a part of the squad, but it is beautiful and has so many memories behind it. Hopefully we can lift it, fingers crossed,” he added.

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Pakistan sets aside bilateral tensions, joins World Cup in India

Pakistan further hopes that India will ensure full-proof security for the Pakistan cricket team during its visit to India, it said…reports Asian Lite News

The Pakistan government has decided to send its national cricket team to India to participate in the ICC ODI World Cup (October 5 to November 19), emphasising that the stretched state of bilateral relations between the two countries should not become a hurdle in fulfilling international sporting obligations.

A statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office said that while the national cricket team will travel to India for the World Cup, concerns over the security of the players remain a serious and major issue. 

“Pakistan believes that the state of bilateral relations with India should not stand in the way of fulfilling its international sports-related obligations. Pakistan’s decision shows its constructive and responsible approach vis-a-vis India’s intransigent attitude, as the latter had refused to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup,” the statement read. 

“Pakistan, however, has deep concerns about the security of its cricket team. We are conveying these concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian authorities,” it added. 

Pakistan further hopes that India will ensure full-proof security for the Pakistan cricket team during its visit to India, it said. 

Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf had maintained that the cricket team will only be allowed to travel to India after getting the necessary approval from the government. 

The PCB had also maintained that it will send a security team to India first, which will ensure safety arrangements for the team. 

PCB’s recommendations were discussed in detail during a meeting of the special committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India. 

The decision to send the team to India for the World Cup is most certainly wonderful news for cricket fans, who would start gearing up for an India-Pakistan showdown on October 15 in Ahmedabad.  

India-Pakistan cricket match is considered as by far the biggest sporting event in the cricketing world. And when that is going to be happening on India’s home ground, the excitement and intensity around it would certainly multiply among the fans on either side of the border. 

Pakistan are scheduled to play a minimum of nine matches in the World Cup in India scheduled in different stadia across the neighbouring country. 

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Spain’s historic quarterfinals in Women’s World Cup

Bonmati’s early opener in the match was canceled out by an own goal from Laia Codina, but Alba Redondo restored Spain’s lead and Bonmati scored again to make it 3-1….reports Asian Lite News

Aitana Bonmati played an important role with a brace and two assists as Spain swept past Switzerland 5-1 here on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.

Bonmati’s early opener in the match was canceled out by an own goal from Laia Codina, but Alba Redondo restored Spain’s lead and Bonmati scored again to make it 3-1.

Codina then made up for her error by scoring her team’s fourth before the break, and Jennifer Hermoso made it 5-1 in the second half in front of 43,217 fans, a new record crowd for a football match in New Zealand, Xinhua reported.

After the terrible 4-0 defeat to Japan in group stage, the 25-year-old Bonmati has vowed to try her best in the campaign.

“I’m here at the World Cup and I want to win. I don’t care if we play badly, just as long as we win. Sometimes you play well and keep the ball, but it’s not enough. We’re going to compete, stop the opposition from scoring goals, and we’ll take it from there,” Bonmati said before the match against Switzerland.

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‘Not playing only to seal a spot in WC’

On Tuesday, Thakur showcased his prowess with a remarkable spell, taking four wickets for 37 runs….reports Asian Lite News

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur said he is not among those who play for a spot in the World Cup but remains committed to making a significant impact in helping the team win.

On Tuesday, Thakur showcased his prowess with a remarkable spell, taking four wickets for 37 runs. His performance played a crucial role in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up as India secured a massive 200-run victory in the final ODI, ultimately clinching the three-match series 2-1.

“I don’t think that way, I am not playing only to seal a spot in the World Cup. I am not that type of a player. If I keep that (World Cup spot) in mind and play, I won’t be able to play well,” Shardul told reporters after the match.

“If I don’t get picked for the World Cup, it’s their (selectors) call. I can’t do much about it. Very wrong of me to think that I should play to seal a spot, I will do just enough and go. I want to perform for the team, perform according to the situations. Whatever happens, I will always play to help the team win and make an impact in helping the team win,” he added.

Speaking about his bowling performance, the all-rounder said he is determined to live up to the team’s belief in his abilities and continue to deliver strong performances.

“I have never thought about people watching my performances and judging me. Many times it will happen that on certain surfaces, spinners will get help and fast bowlers will be rested and vice-versa. I just want to keep contributing towards my team’s performance and make those contributions impactful.”

“I have been a part of the squad over the past two years. The team expects something from me, so they are confident in me and I want to keep delivering the goods,” said Shardul, who was also adjudged Player of the Match.

The 31-year-old also emphasised that the entire team is placing significant importance on each and every game leading up to the ODI World Cup.

“I think with the World Cup coming up, every game is going to be important. Whether it is the batting department or the bowling department or for that matter, fielding also. You are going to judge yourself, you are going to score some marks for yourself.

“Also, the team management is going to look at you as a player. There would be a few players who would be looking at the selection as well. All the games before the World Cup are important, no doubt about it,” he added.

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