ZIMBABWE'S ELTON CHIGUMBURA RESIGNS FROM CAPTAINCY

Zimbabwe captain, Elton Chigumbura, has resigned from his post in order to focus his own form as a batsman.

While talking to the media, the Rhodesian skipper said, “Chigumbura told local newspaper Newsday on Friday that "I have thought long and hard about the job since my return from the World Cup and I have consulted my family and friends about it.”

Chigumbura is of the view that captaincy is a job which requires concentration and responsibility. He said that he could not focus on his batting while leading the side, which is affecting his performances in the game.

The 25-year-old Rhodesian all-rounder became Zimbabwe’s skipper in May 2010, in place of Prosper Utseya. He said that he enjoyed leading the team but his performance is getting weaker with every game, due to the pressure of captaincy.

He expressed that he had to face massive criticism for the team’s weak performance in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2011. The disappointing performance by the Kenyan team in the tournament caused him serious mental pressure and he decided to resign from the captaincy.

Chigumbura said that his decision has disappointed a few team members, as they think that he should continue with the leadership. However, he added that the team has agreed with his decision of resigning, as they know that it is very hard to concentrate on the game, when one is leading the entire team.

He said, “While some still think I should have stayed on, others agreed with me that I needed to concentrate on my own game and let somebody else lead the team.”

According to reports, Zimbabwe’s opener, Hamilton Masakadza or Brendan Taylor are considered to replace Chigumbura for the captaincy position.

Elton Chigumbura is one of the best all-rounder in the Zimbabwe cricket team. He started his International cricket career in 2004 against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo. In his 128 One Day Internationals, he has scored 2557 runs at an average of 23.89. The right-hander has so far struck 205 fours and 75 sixes. He has scored 13 half centuries, in 128 ODI matches.

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Kapil Dev lauds Mahendra Singh Dhoni for leadership skills

Former Indian captain, Kapil Dev, is of the view that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the present Indian skipper has some amazing qualities in his leadership.
Kapil Dev admired Dhoni for his audacious and fearless attitude, whenever he is playing in a game.
He exclaimed, “It is very difficult to speak about my qualities but I think Dhoni's approach to the game is very simple and straight. The one quality that I admire about him is his willingness to take risks”.
While attending an awards ceremony in Dubai, Kapil said that he loves Dhoni’s passion for cricket and the way he creates magic in the ground. He added that Dhoni has the audacity to take risks for the team.
Kapil Dev is one of the most energetic and finest players of the Indian cricket team. He led the team in 1983 and also won the title of World Champions by winning the World Cup in 1983.
He started his international cricket career in 1978 against Pakistan. He is still regarded as one of the most finest and remarkable all-rounders in Indian cricket history. In his exuberant 225 One Day Internationals (ODI), he has scored 3783 runs at an average of 23.75 and in bowling took 253 wickets in ODIs at an average of 27.45.
The 52-year old veteran cricketer praised the current Indian skipper for his outstanding leadership and performance in the recently ended ICC World Cup 2011. He congratulated and conveyed his heartiest wishes to all the members of the team, at the award ceremony in U.A.E
Kapil stated, “When you take risks and things don't go your way, you can be heavily criticised by the media. One ball or a decision can change the life of a sportsmen but it is the people, who have the courage to do it that comes out victorious”.
The present Indian captain, MS Dhoni, has risen up the ranks in a very short period of time. He started his ODI cricket in 2004 against Bangladesh at Chittagong. He has played in a total of 186 One Days and has scored 6049 runs at an average of 48.78. He has so far scored seven centuries and 38 fifties.
His extraordinary efforts and dynamic leadership has led the Indian team win the coveted trophy of the World Cup 2011. His strategies and management as a captain has always proved useful for the team. Even in the recently concluded World Cup, he maintained the consistency and momentum of the team and performed remarkably in the entire tournament.

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WIPA condemns dropping experienced trio for Pakistan serie

The dismissal of West Indies former skippers Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been condemned by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).
The three players were not selected for the first T20 International against Pakistan as well as the first two One Day Internationals (ODI) against the Men in Green.
West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Chief Executive Officer, Ernest Hilaire said that they selectors had not told them why they had dropped the trio.
Ottis Gibson, coach of the West Indies side, criticised the performance of the trio at the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2011. The new inductions include Anthony Martins, Krishmar Santokie, Danza Hyatt, Ashley Nurse and Christopher Barnwell.
West Indies Players Association says that they want to see young players in the side but this should not hamper the overall performance of the side. WIPA stated, “While WIPA wants to see that young players with potential are incorporated into the team and blooded, this should not be at the expense of the overall team performance or of the obligation owed to the players to deal with them fairly and justly.”
The statement by WIPA added, “While WIPA is clear that teams should be picked on performance, potential, playing conditions and preparedness, it is concerned that there may be an appearance that there were other unknown factors being taken into account.”
The association also criticised the replacement of the Windies captain, Chris Gayle, by Darren Sammy, as the WICB Chief had initially stated in 2009 that Gayle’s leadership from the team should be dissolved as it was not at all guaranteed.
However, this made Gayle infuriated and he refused to accept the year-long contract issued by WICB, and consequently Sammy was given the captaincy of the Windies cricket team.
West Indies will host Pakistan for a T20, 5 ODIs and 2 Test matches. The tour begins with the only T20 in the Beausejour Stadium in St. Lucia on Thursday, 21 April. The 5-match ODI series will begin on 23 April while the first Test match would be held from 12 May - 16 May at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

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