Cricket news roundup – 2nd March 2019: Kohli assures IPL won’t impact World Cup selection

In the pre-series press conference, Virat Kohli assured that performances in the upcoming IPL will not be a criterion for being selected in India’s World Cup squad. Elsewhere, New Zealand crossed the 700-mark for the first time in their history; Steven Smith returned to nets; and Team India unveiled their new jersey.

IPL not a criterion

Virat Kohli has assured that the IPL, set to begin on March 23, will not have an impact on the selection of India’s World Cup squad: “Before we head into the IPL, we need be absolutely clear of what team we want for the World Cup … If one or two players don’t have a good IPL season, it doesn’t mean that they are out of the picture for the World Cup. Those things are not going to matter.”

Indian coach Ravi Shastri and chief selector MSK Prasad have already let know that India’s World Cup squad was more or less in place. However, the return to form of KL Rahul and the rise of Vijay Shankar might have made the selectors take a couple of last-minute decisions.

New heights for New Zealand

Against Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand crossed the 700-mark for the first time in their history. New Zealand raced to 715/6 – a 481-run lead – when Kane Williamson declared the innings closed.

New Zealand’s top three totals have all come since 2014: they had scored 680/8 against India at Wellington in 2014, and beat that with 690 against Pakistan at Sharjah later that year.

Williamson himself led the charge with an unbeaten 200 after openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham both scored hundreds.

Smith returns

It has been almost a year since Steven Smith (and David Warner) last played international cricket. Both men are now approaching the end of their stipulated one-year bans.

In the interim period, Smith played a few matches for T20 franchises. However, he had to leave Bangladesh for a “major elbow surgery” in January, leaving his BPL stint for Comilla Victorians unfinished. Interestingly, Warner had to undergo an elbow surgery as well.

Months ahead of the World Cup in the UK, Smith finally returned to nets. “The elbow is feeling good,” he posted on Instagram.

Australia are currently touring India, and will tour the UAE to play 5 ODIs against Pakistan next.

India’s new Nike jersey

Team India will don a new jersey for the 2019 World Cup. The salient features of this jersey include a strategic sweat zone for breathability and an Indian flag tape on the back neck.

In a press release, sponsors Nike mentioned: “Taking inspiration from the stadiums and the three historic wins in 83’ 07’ And 11’, the inner pride print pays tribute to the 3 India victories.”

The jersey was lauded by both Kohli and India Women T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur.