File picture of Hardik Pandya holding the T20 World Cup trophy at the felicitation ceremony for the team at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai
| Photo Credit: PTI

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to lead India in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka starting July 27.

However, one of the heroes of India’s T20 World Cup victory last month will take a break during the three-match ODI series, which is scheduled in August, due to “personal reasons”.

“Hardik Pandya was India’s T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Rohit retired from T20 Internationals at the end of the World Cup.

The T20Is against Sri Lanka will run from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The squad for the series is expected to be announced in the next couple of days.

While there is still no clarity on who would be Pandya’s deputy, the toss-up is between Shubman Gill, who recently captained India to a 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who led the side during the T20Is against South Africa last year.

About the ODIs, the official confirmed that Pandya has asked for leave and has already communicated this to regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break from this series.

“The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn’t have any fitness issue as is being floated in the media,” the official said.

For the ODIs, KL Rahul, who led in the last ODI series in South Africa, and Gill are in contention for the leadership role.

Thrust on domestic availability

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are free from national duty. But exceptions will be made for the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

The BCCI would, however, want all the other Test specialists to play at least one if not a couple of Duleep Trophy games in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

“This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.

“All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” the source added.

Indian contingent seen boarding a chartered flight to New Delhi after India won the T20 World Cup 2024, in Barbados, on July 3, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

India men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad will have an extended celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai on July 4, upon its arrival from Barbados through a chartered flight.

Having been stuck in Barbados due to a hurricane, India’s contingent boarded a chartered flight on Wednesday afternoon. The Hindu understands that the squad will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in New Delhi on Thursday morning before boarding a chartered flight for Mumbai. 

An encore of the celebrations after the 2007 World T20 triumph has been planned, albeit on a smaller scale. The squad will display the trophy to the fans during a short kilometre-long symbolic open-top bus parade on the iconic Marine Drive. The parade is likely to start at the National Centre for Performing Arts and culminate at the Wankhede Stadium. 

The Wankhede Stadium will witness a function with the squad and the BCCI office-bearers in attendance. It is yet to be confirmed whether the doors of the Wankhede Stadium will be thrown open to the public. 

In 2007, the open-top bus parade started at the Mumbai airport and all through the 25-km stretch en route Wankhede Stadium, thousands of fans cheered for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men.

Sai Akash with his award
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sai Akash proudly holds up a medal, the blues of his cricket jersey matching the bright blue skies in Birmingham, United Kingdom. While the entire country erupted in joy a few days ago when the Indian Men’s Cricket team lifted the T20 World Cup in Barbados, Sai Akash was part of a team that was also scripting their own success story. 

In the Bilateral International Deaf Series, the Indian Deaf Men’s team which he is the vice captain of, emerged victorious, winning five out of the seven matches they played. For this Chennai-based cricketer, the joy was double — having also been named the player of the series. He scored 271 runs, and was the highest run scorer of the series.

“While I struggled in the first match because I didn’t know how the English cricket pitch would be, I scored four half centuries in the remaining matches. I was extremely happy with the encouragement from the ECB (England Cricket Board) and the British commentators regarding my batting,” Sai says, in a text interview. 

For the 28-year-old cricketer, cricketing aspirations slowly began to take shape from the time he was a child playing street cricket . He dreamt about playing for the country. “The thrill of the game and the sheer joy of playing cricket kept me going. Over time, my passion for cricket only grew stronger, leading me to pursue it at the highest level,” he says. 

A lack of specialised coaches for players who are hearing-impaired meant that Sai initially did not have a formal coaching set up to hone his skills. “I learned a lot from YouTube and from my seniors. I also had part-time coaching through friends, playing matches, and net practice,” he says. Citing Suresh Raina as a particularly important inspiration, Sai says he shares the same birthday and jersey number with the former cricketer. “I admired his attitude, humble dedication, first-ever T20 century, and sportsmanship. His example motivated me to take the game seriously.” 

In the run up to the series in the UK, the team, comprising players from across the country met for practice camps. Sai, and his teammate, all-rounder E Sudarsun were the only two players from Tamil Nadu. With his experience of playing to the sunny climes of India, Sai says he found the weather in Birmingham “cold and awesome.’

“Our Deaf Team India that won this series has dedicated and passionate players from various parts of the country. Despite the challenges, we come together to train and prepare at different local academies and grounds. Many of us use online resources and rely on support from local coaches, friends, and senior players,” Sai says, heaping praise on his teammates through this successful tour.  

Reflecting on his own journey, Sai says that aspiring deaf cricketers should not let any challenges deter them from pursuing their passion for the sport. “Embrace your unique journey and use it as motivation to excel. Seek out opportunities to learn and improve, whether through online resources, local coaching, or support from fellow players,” he says. 

Sai Akash with his award
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sai Akash proudly holds up a medal, the blues of his cricket jersey matching the bright blue skies in Birmingham, United Kingdom. While the entire country erupted in joy a few days ago when the Indian Men’s Cricket team lifted the T20 World Cup in Barbados, Sai Akash was part of a team that was also scripting their own success story. 

In the Bilateral International Deaf Series, the Indian Deaf Men’s team which he is the vice captain of, emerged victorious, winning five out of the seven matches they played. For this Chennai-based cricketer, the joy was double — having also been named the player of the series. He scored 271 runs, and was the highest run scorer of the series.

“While I struggled in the first match because I didn’t know how the English cricket pitch would be, I scored four half centuries in the remaining matches. I was extremely happy with the encouragement from the ECB (England Cricket Board) and the British commentators regarding my batting,” Sai says, in a text interview. 

For the 28-year-old cricketer, cricketing aspirations slowly began to take shape from the time he was a child playing street cricket . He dreamt about playing for the country. “The thrill of the game and the sheer joy of playing cricket kept me going. Over time, my passion for cricket only grew stronger, leading me to pursue it at the highest level,” he says. 

A lack of specialised coaches for players who are hearing-impaired meant that Sai initially did not have a formal coaching set up to hone his skills. “I learned a lot from YouTube and from my seniors. I also had part-time coaching through friends, playing matches, and net practice,” he says. Citing Suresh Raina as a particularly important inspiration, Sai says he shares the same birthday and jersey number with the former cricketer. “I admired his attitude, humble dedication, first-ever T20 century, and sportsmanship. His example motivated me to take the game seriously.” 

In the run up to the series in the UK, the team, comprising players from across the country met for practice camps. Sai, and his teammate, all-rounder E Sudarsun were the only two players from Tamil Nadu. With his experience of playing to the sunny climes of India, Sai says he found the weather in Birmingham “cold and awesome.’

“Our Deaf Team India that won this series has dedicated and passionate players from various parts of the country. Despite the challenges, we come together to train and prepare at different local academies and grounds. Many of us use online resources and rely on support from local coaches, friends, and senior players,” Sai says, heaping praise on his teammates through this successful tour.  

Reflecting on his own journey, Sai says that aspiring deaf cricketers should not let any challenges deter them from pursuing their passion for the sport. “Embrace your unique journey and use it as motivation to excel. Seek out opportunities to learn and improve, whether through online resources, local coaching, or support from fellow players,” he says. 

Indian contingent seen boarding a chartered flight to New Delhi after India won the T20 World Cup 2024, in Barbados, on July 3, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

India men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad will have an extended celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai on July 4, upon its arrival from Barbados through a chartered flight.

Having been stuck in Barbados due to a hurricane, India’s contingent boarded a chartered flight on Wednesday afternoon. The Hindu understands that the squad will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in New Delhi on Thursday morning before boarding a chartered flight for Mumbai. 

An encore of the celebrations after the 2007 World T20 triumph has been planned, albeit on a smaller scale. The squad will display the trophy to the fans during a short kilometre-long symbolic open-top bus parade on the iconic Marine Drive. The parade is likely to start at the National Centre for Performing Arts and culminate at the Wankhede Stadium. 

The Wankhede Stadium will witness a function with the squad and the BCCI office-bearers in attendance. It is yet to be confirmed whether the doors of the Wankhede Stadium will be thrown open to the public. 

In 2007, the open-top bus parade started at the Mumbai airport and all through the 25-km stretch en route Wankhede Stadium, thousands of fans cheered for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men.

New Delhi:

The Lok Sabha congratulated the Indian cricket team on Monday for winning the T20 World Cup. Speaker Om Birla said the country’s youngsters and sportspersons would derive inspiration from the victory.

Mr Birla congratulated the team led by Rohit Sharma on the feat.

India lifted the T20 World Cup after a 17-year gap, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final on June 29. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Updated – July 03, 2024 04:59 pm IST

Published – July 01, 2024 12:32 pm IST

Indian team celebrates with the trophy after defeating South Africa in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.
| Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

The Indian cricket team won the ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup with a narrow win over South Africa in Barbados on June 29, 2024. It was the national team’s second T20 World Cup title, and the first in 17 years.

Also Read:New beginnings: On India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 win

As the dust settles around the the famous victory, The Hindu delves into the performance of the winning side and the legacy of key individuals, some of whom have left the team.

Virat Kohli celebrates with the Indian flag after the team defeated South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29, 2024
| Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

Virat Kohli’s first T20I came more than 14 years ago on the tour of Zimbabwe. He made an unbeaten 26 off 21 in Harare to see India home in a 112-run chase. He batted at No. 5 then.

Fast forward to 2024 and Kohli has decided to hang up his boots from the shortest format after becoming one of the most influential No. 3 batters in the game. He had endured a difficult World Cup in the Americas, with only 75 runs in seven innings before his 76 in the final lifted India to 176 for seven. He made sure India had enough to put up a fight. Like he did all those years ago, as a 21-year-old.

Kohli not only had the runs but also the artistry. He always had an aggressive body language and a defiant shrug in the face of the most hostile bowling, riling up the opposition further. His tenure in T20Is, both as a batter and as a captain, symbolised India’s transformation.

Kohli’s greatest asset in white-ball cricket was his ability to break down targetss, earning him the sobriquet of ‘ultimate chase master’.

But the rapid evolution of T20st caught up with him. The demand for higher strike-rates and a less risk approach meant his recent years were a slow burn; it had occasional sparks of brilliance like his 53-ball 82 against Pakistan in Melbourne (2022) and the 59-ball 76 against South Africa in Barbados on Sunday.

At 35, he relentlessly pushed himself to meet modern T20 demands, showcasing his hunger to be the best. This relentless pursuit will be his lasting T20 legacy.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah with India’s head coach Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024
| Photo Credit: ANI

The Indian cricket team will have a new head coach from the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka starting later this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Monday but did not reveal who has been finalised to succeed the outgoing Rahul Dravid.

Former opener Gautam Gambhir is expected to succeed Dravid as the India head coach. The Cricket Advisory Committee has also conducted the interviews for the high-profile job and short-listed Gambhir and former India women’s coach W.V. Raman.

The appointment of a selector will also be made soon, said Shah, who is in the Caribbean with the India squad that won the T20 World Cup title on Saturday, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final.

“Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. V.V.S. Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series,” Shah tld select media, referring to the Zimbabwe tour beginning July 6.

The Indian team is due to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.

Seniors’ presence helped India

Shah showed his elation after India won an ICC title after 11 years here on Saturday. He praised the efforts of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who played a match-winning knock in the final.

Both the stalwarts announced their retirement from T20Is after the triumph and were joined by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in saying goodbye to the format a day later.

“It was same captain last year and same here in Barbados. We won all games except the final in 2023 as Australia played better. This time we worked even harder and played better to win the title.

“If you look at other teams, experience counts. From Rohit to Virat, all excelled. Experience makes a lot of difference, in World Cups you can’t experiment much also.

“A good player knows when to say goodbye to the game, we saw that yesterday. You look at Rohit’s strike rate, it is better than a lot of young players,” he said.

How does he see the transition panning out following the retirement of Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja?

“Transition has already happened with three greats retiring,” Shah said.

India, who had built a reputation of losing the big finals over the past decade, finally ended their title drought after losing two ICC finals over the last 12 months and Shah hoped the winning run will continue.

“I would want India to win all the titles. We have the biggest bench strength, only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if the need arises.

“The way this team is progressing, our target is to win World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there,” said Shah.

On Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance in the World Cup and chances of him taking over captaincy from Rohit, Shah said: “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them. You asked about Hardik, there were lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself.”

India A to tour Australia

Shah also confirmed that an A team will be travelling to Australia later in the year ahead of the five Tests Down Under.

The BCCI is planning a felicitation after reaching India but the Hurricane warning has shut down the airport in Barbados indefinitely, leaving the victorious squad stranded.

“Like you we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” said Shah.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to the Indian Cricket Team on the phone to congratulate the players for their T20 World Cup win against South Africa, officials said.

The Prime Minister thanked coach Rahul Dravid , whose two-and-a-half-year-long tenure as Team India’s Head Coach came to a close after yesterday’s match, for his contribution to Indian cricket. Under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, India’s 11-year ICC title drought ended with Team India’s triumph in yesterday’s match.

Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket.

His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team.

India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are… pic.twitter.com/8MKSPqztDV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024

PM Modi congratulated Rohit Sharma for his “splendid captaincy” and praised Virat Kohli for his performance in the final match.

Dear @ImRo45,

You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy has given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly. Delighted to have spoken to you earlier today. pic.twitter.com/D5Ue9jHaad

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – announced their T20I retirements yesterday. While Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the triumph, India captain Rohit Sharma announced it in the official post match press conference.

Dear @imVkohli,

Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players. pic.twitter.com/rw8fKvgTbA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024

PM Modi also praised Hardik Pandya for his final over and Suryakumar Yadav for his splendid catch on the boundary line to dismiss David Miller.

Home Minister Amit Shah also called Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to congratulate them on the win.

In a video message, PM Modi yesterday had said that the team won the World Cup and also the “hearts of crores of Indians”. No small achievement that they did not lose a single match, he said.

“Champions! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in style! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X – earlier known as Twitter.

The country witnessed euphoric celebrations last evening as Team India won the T20 World Cup, with fans flooding the streets carrying the Tricolour in their hands.

Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages and images of celebratory scenes as India edged past South Africa by seven runs in the final match of T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval, Barbados to clinch an ICC title after 11 years.