The Times of India

Abhishek Sharma is back and India to unravel a mystery slinger

India Playing XI: Suryakumar Yadav drops big hints on Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav

Aiden Markram's explosive 86 powered South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, bringing them closer to the Super 8s. Markram's dominant chase, supported by quick starts and a solid finish from David Miller, saw South Africa comfortably reach their target of 176. This win marks their third consecutive victory in the T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan

After a health scare threatened to derail his World Cup campaign, Abhishek Sharma returns to the spotlight in Colombo. It will be the first time his father Raj Kumar Sharma watches him play a World Cup match from the stands. India will take on Pakistan on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

England's Jos Buttler has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter to score 4,000 T20 International runs, doing so in a record 2,670 balls. This remarkable feat occurred during England's T20 World Cup match against Scotland. Buttler also marked his 150th T20I appearance, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the format.

Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha remained non-committal on whether India and Pakistan players would shake hands before or after their T20 World Cup clash. Both leaders suggested waiting until match day for a decision, emphasizing their focus on playing good cricket. This follows a history where India did not shake hands with Pakistan in previous encounters.

England secured a vital five-wicket victory against Scotland, keeping their T20 World Cup Super Eights hopes alive. Adil Rashid's crucial middle-overs spell and Tom Banton's unbeaten 63 guided England to the target after a shaky start. This win propels England to second in Group C, setting up a decisive clash.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha hopes India's Abhishek Sharma recovers for their World Cup clash, stating they wish to compete against a full-strength Indian side. India's Suryakumar Yadav responded humorously to the sentiment. Sharma, a top-ranked T20I batter, has a strong record against Pakistan, making his potential return significant for the highly anticipated match.

The BCCI selection committee initiated the captaincy change from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli in 2017. Former selector Jatin Paranjpe revealed Dhoni accepted the decision respectfully. Dhoni assured full support to Kohli, offering his experience. This transition occurred after Dhoni had already achieved significant white-ball success for India.

Ahead of the India-Pakistan blockbuster, the spotlight has shifted from rivalry to scrutiny, with Usman Tariqs bowling action dominating discourse and unsettling both batters and press rooms in Colombo.

T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan

The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on February 15 will be played on a used surface at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a factor that could significantly influence conditions and strategy in the marquee T20 World Cup encounter.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed spinner Usman Tariq has been cleared by the ICC, dismissing concerns over his bowling action ahead of the India clash. Agha emphasized Tariq's importance as a rump card and stated the player remains unaffected by the debate.

Cricketer Hardik Pandya celebrated his love for girlfriend Mahieka Sharma with a unique tattoo featuring two leopards, symbolizing their strength and partnership. This meaningful ink, conceptualized with artists, marks a special Valentine's surprise. Pandya also showcased his prowess on the field, delivering a stellar performance against Namibia with both bat and ball, earning him Player of the Match.

Salman Agha press conference: Pakistan captain on hand shake, India and Playing XI

Ireland crushed Oman by 96 runs after captain Lorcan Tucker smashed 94 off 51 balls to lead his side to a tournament-high 235/5. Gareth Delany and George Dockrell added quick runs as Ireland dominated the final overs. Omans chase faltered after half-centuries from Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza, with Josh Little taking 3/16 as Oman were bowled out for 139.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reignited the handshake controversy ahead of the India clash, saying he hopes for sportsmanship but adding, Well find that out tomorrow. India arrived in Colombo to a festive welcome and will train separately from Pakistan. Key Indian players are set to feature, with spin expected to play a big role. Agha had earlier criticised Indias past handshake refusal, calling it bad for the game and young fans.

Dance, drums and fun! Team India land in Colombo | Hardik Pandya with Mahieka Sharmaindia arrival-

Shadley van Schalkwyk has been the standout bowler at the T20 World Cup 2026, leading the wicket charts with 11 wickets in three matches. The USA all-rounder impressed against India and Pakistan, using smart variations to pick key wickets. His resurgence comes after years of struggles, injuries, and career setbacks, which shaped his mental toughness. Now 37, Schalkwyk is enjoying peak form and inspiring USAs strong campaign.

Hours before kickoff, FanCode officially sub-licensed ISLs TV rights to Sony Sports Network, opting for wider reach over exclusivity. The Dream Sports-owned digital-first platform prioritised accessibility and collaboration, ensuring broader audience coverage. The move underlines a growing trend of partnerships, not competition, may be key to expanding sports viewership in India.

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali warned Pakistan that Indias spinners, especially Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, could be a major threat in the T20 World Cup clash. India received a festive welcome in Colombo, with Arshdeep Singhs dance going viral. The team will rely on key batters like Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, while Varun could be crucial on spin-friendly pitches.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir mocked Abhishek Sharma ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, calling him a slogger and questioning his technique. Abhishek is recovering from a serious stomach infection, with India captain Suryakumar Yadav giving a cautious fitness update, while Varun Chakravarthy sounded optimistic. Abhishek has travelled to Colombo and will undergo final fitness tests before the match.

Pakistans five-prong spin attack will be a challenge for India on a double-paced pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan are likely to go with an all-spin attack against India. In that case, Sundays fixture will be crucial for Shivam Dube, who has been included in the side to take down spinners.

Team India received a colourful welcome in Colombo ahead of the T20 World Cup clash with Pakistan, with Arshdeep Singhs dance going viral and Hardik Pandya arriving with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma. India will rely on key players like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Hardik, while Varun Chakravarthy could be crucial on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches.

After months of administrative chaos, legal battles and uncertainty, the 202526 Indian Super League (ISL) season finally begins five months late. Despite disputes over league structure and governance, clubs, players and stakeholders ensured the competition survived. Yet unresolved issues, including relegation and ongoing legal challenges, mean the drama off the pitch may continue alongside the football.

India and Pakistan will train at different times in Colombo before their T20 World Cup clash, with both teams also holding media interactions. Team India received a festive welcome, with Arshdeep Singhs dance going viral. India will rely on key players like Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, while Varun Chakravarthy could be crucial on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh backed India to beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup but warned they must play spinner Usman Tariq carefully. Tariqs bowling action has sparked controversy despite his strong T20 record. Nayan Mongia also predicted an India win, citing team confidence and Pakistans pressure, and backed Hardik Pandya to perform well in big matches.

Following his match-winning knock against Namibia, Ishan Kishan revealed Hardik Pandya's advice to focus on domestic cricket after losing his BCCI contract. Pandya urged Kishan to let his bat do the talking, a sentiment echoed by Pandya's own experience with fan backlash.

Following a stellar ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 victory, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is now preparing for his Class 10 board examinations. The 14-year-old batting sensation, who set multiple records during the tournament, will sit for his exams at Podar International School, where he will receive no special treatment.

What will be Indias playing XI against Pakistan?

The United States achieved a historic 93-run victory over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, powered by Saiteja Mukkamalla's brilliant 79 and Harmeet Singh's exceptional 4-wicket haul. Mukkamalla's stellar batting anchored USA's 196/6, while Singh's bowling dismantled the Dutch chase, restricting them to 103. This marks USA's maiden T20I win against the Netherlands.

Sohaib Khans 51 off 29 anchored UAEs chase against Canada, but the innings was more than numbers. Born in Bihar and shaped in Delhis Jamia, he moved to the UAE during COVID, working as a financial consultant while chasing cricket at night. On a World Cup stage in Delhi, the late bloomer proved a boy from Gaya could become a hero for UAE.

I think that's just the nature of cricket. You get a sub-continent team come to Australia and you don't get them complaining about the bounce or the pace, Renshaw said at post-match press conference

Star India opener Abhishek Sharma has been discharged from the hospital after recovering from a stomach infection. He missed the game against Namibia due to illness but shared a positive fitness update, indicating he is on the mend. Sharma's return will be a boost for the Indian team.

Sohaib Khan's press conference after UAE's win over Canada in T20 World Cup

'We weren't good enough,' says Australia's Matt Renshaw after 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup

Arch-rivals are set for a high-stakes cricket clash in Colombo, with tickets sold out and anticipation at fever pitch. However, a 65 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms on Sunday looms, threatening to disrupt the highly anticipated match and potentially impact the qualification race.

UAE secured their first T20 World Cup win, defeating Canada by five wickets. Junaid Siddique's five-wicket haul restricted Canada to a modest total, while Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan's crucial partnership guided UAE to a successful chase. The duo's aggressive batting in the death overs sealed the victory.

Zimbabwe secured a significant 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, marking their second-ever win against the former champions in this format. This historic upset echoes past tournaments where Zimbabwe's triumph over Australia preceded an Indian World Cup title win, adding an intriguing historical parallel to the current event.

Zimbabwe secured a significant victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup. They posted 169 runs and successfully defended the total. Australia's captain Travis Head remained optimistic, referencing their 2023 ODI World Cup comeback. Injuries have also affected Australia's squad. This marks a rare World Cup absence of key pacers Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc together.

Rajasthan Royals have appointed Riyan Parag as their captain for IPL 2026, a significant step for the all-rounder. Parag, who previously served as vice-captain, expressed his excitement and commitment to leading the team with fearless, smart cricket. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara praised Parag's composure and cricketing acumen, expressing confidence in his leadership.

Thailand cricketer Natthakan Chantham is diligently practicing Suryakumar Yadav's signature 'Supla shot', enduring numerous hits in her pursuit of mastering the stroke. She aims to showcase this fearless batting style, inspired by Yadav, at the upcoming ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 in Bangkok.

Zimbabwe secured a historic 23-run victory over former champions Australia in the T20 World Cup. Opener Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64 anchored Zimbabwe's competitive 169/2, while Blessing Muzarabani's career-best 4/17 sealed the stunning upset. This marks Zimbabwe's second T20 World Cup win against Australia.

When will Team India reach Colombo, update about Abhisek Sharma

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar suggests a tactical shift for India's T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, hinting at Kuldeep Yadav replacing Arshdeep Singh. Gavaskar noted Arshdeep's incomplete overs and Sri Lankan pitches favoring spinners as reasons for this potential change. He also commented on Sanju Samson's batting, identifying a technical flaw.