Zeeshan Ansari set to return to UP Ranji squad after six-year gap
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) After years of being on the fringes of Uttar Pradesh cricket, Zeeshan Ansari is set to make his return to the Ranji Trophy squad after a gap of six years, marking another significant chapter in the leg-spinners remarkable resurgence. The 26-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match for Uttar Pradesh in 2020, has been named in the state squad for the upcoming season after forcing his way back into the reckoning with a standout domestic campaign. IANS has learned that the selectors have shown faith in him and the squad will be officially announced soon. The squad, led by Karan Sharma, includes Rinku Singh, Aradhya Yadav, Aryan Juyal (WK), Madhav Kaushik, Adarsh Singh, Sidharth Yadav, Prashantveer, Kartik Yadav, Ansari, Vansh Choudhary, Yash Dayal, Kunal Tyagi, Priyam Garg, Abhinandan Singh and Kartik Tyagi. Abhishek Goswami and Chikara have been named as stand-by players. It makes Ansaris return even more remarkable considering the way his career seemed to drift following his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Railways on October 6, 2017. Ansari was considered a promising young leg-spinner, as he was part of Indias squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup along with Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. State-level opportunities were few, his progress stagnated, and he had to look elsewhere. Beyond regular play in local tournaments in Lucknow, Ansari also played league cricket in Kolkata and was often seen around the Uttar Pradesh dressing room as a net bowler. Until the beginning of 2025, his proximity to the state team rarely translated into opportunities on the field. Ansari's big breakthrough came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he proved to be one of the most effective bowlers for Uttar Pradesh. A leg-break and googly bowler, he took 21 wickets in eight matches at a stunning 16.52 apiece, always the man to break partnerships and come through in pressure situations. He was a constant threat with his ability to change pace and flight and bowl the googly at opportune moments, especially on surfaces that were becoming more batsman-friendly. Interestingly, despite making his state debut in the 2017-18 season, the last Vijay Hazare Trophy was Ansaris first domestic 50-over competition. His white-ball emergence therefore came relatively late in a career that had begun nearly a decade earlier. The 21-wicket campaign not only revived his Uttar Pradesh career but also pushed him into the national selectors vision. He was subsequently fast-tracked into the India A squad for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month. That call-up highlighted the unusual trajectory of Ansaris career. While he has attracted significant attention through white-ball cricket in the last three years, his red-ball credentials remain relatively limited. Ansari has played only five first-class matches, including Ranji Trophy appearances for Uttar Pradesh, and has taken 17 wickets. His best figures are 3/33, which came against Tripura. His return also comes at a time when the pool of specialist wrist-spinners available for red-ball cricket has become relatively thin. A look at the leading wicket-takers from the last Ranji Trophy season underlines the selectors dilemma. Mayank Mishra, Siddharth Desai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Sharma, Vishal Jayswal and Saurabh Kumar - all slow left-arm orthodox bowlers - featured among the top 10 wicket-takers, with J&K seamer Auqib Nabi leading the charts with 60 wickets. There was only one leg-break bowler among the top 10: Karnataka veteran Shreyas Gopal, who finished third with 48 wickets. The scarcity of wrist-spinners becomes even more evident when the next group of leading wicket-takers are considered. Between 11 and 20, there were two off-spinners - 33-year-old Saransh Jain, who is with India A, and domestic stalwart Jalaj Saxena - alongside pace bowlers Mohammed Nidheesh of Kerala and Sunil Kumar of J&K. The remaining names in that bracket were left-arm orthodox spinners Sagar Udeshi, Shams Mulani, Amit Shukla, Nachiket Bhute, Parth Rekhade and Anukul Roy. In all, 13 of the 20 bowlers in that broader group were left-arm spinners, while the only leg-break bowler in the top 10 was no longer in contention for India. That shortage has created an opening for a bowler like Ansari, whose ability to turn the ball both ways and operate as an attacking wrist-spinner offers a different dimension. For Ansari, however, the journey back to the Ranji setup is about much more than filling a statistical gap. His career appeared to be losing momentum after his early promise with Indias Under-19 team, but his persistence through local cricket, league cricket, net-bowling opportunities and limited state chances eventually brought him back into the spotlight. The 21 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy became the catalyst. Now, after six years away from the Ranji fold, Ansari has another opportunity to establish himself in the red-ball format that once provided his first platform in senior cricket. His inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh squad, followed by the India A call-up, represents a rapid rise for a player who only recently found himself outside the states immediate plans. From an India Under-19 prospect in 2016 to a net bowler struggling for a state opportunity, and now an India A-bound leg-spinner preparing for a Ranji return, Ansaris career has taken an unexpected turn. The next challenge will be to translate his white-ball resurgence into sustained success with the red ball -beginning with Uttar Pradesh, where his first-class journey started on October 6, 2017.
McSweeney hits century as Australia A rout India A
Nathan McSweeney's century and Mahli Beardman's four-wicket haul led Australia A to a commanding 125-run victory over India A in the first one-dayer of their three-match series.
Dreams Do Come True: Shreyas Iyer After Scoring Maiden T20I Ton
Shreyas Iyer overcame fatigue and jet lag to score his maiden T20I hundred and said he did not want to use the travel exertions as an excuse, terming his match-winning knock that gave India a dominant eight-wicket win over West Indies a dream come true.
V V S Laxman to attend all Indian team selection meetings: BCCI
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman will now attend all future senior selection panel meetings to improve communication between selectors and the CoE.
Nathan McSweeney, Mahli Beardman Set Up Big Australia A Win Over India A In First One-Dayer
Nathan McSweeney hit a century and medium pacer Mahli Beardman ripped open India A's top order with a 4-23 haul as Australia A won by 125 runs in the first of the three-match 'One-day' series at the Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on Tuesday.
Injured Cameron Green ruled out of first Test vs South Africa
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the first Test against South Africa after failing to recover from an abdominal strain, coach Andrew McDonald said on Tuesday.
Maiden T20I Ton! How Shreyas Iyer Turned Jetlag Into Jet Power
Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden T20I hundred, leading India to a dominant eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening match of the five-match series. Despite recent travel and jet lag, Iyer's unbeaten 102, alongside a strong bowling performance including Naman Dhir's three wickets, ensured India chased down West Indies' total of 171 with ease. West Indies captain Shai Hope lamented his team's chaotic batting and lack of runs.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a maiden T20I century after all-rounder Naman Dhir made a dream debut with three wickets as India comfortably defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first match on Tuesday.
BCCI Announces Vice-Captains In Women's ODIs, T20Is After Smriti Mandhana Becomes Skipper
Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were on Tuesday named vice-captains for India's T20I and ODI squads respectively, with both set to serve as deputies to newly-appointed captain Smriti Mandhana for the home series against Zimbabwe.
Keith Dudgeon joins Sussex on two-year deal
South African seamer signs after previous county experience with Kent
Mandhana to Begin India Captaincy Reign with Zimbabwe Series
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team for both T20I and ODI formats, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma named vice-captains respectively. This follows Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down. The squads for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe have also been announced, featuring new inclusions and notable exclusions due to injury.
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women's captain: Career, net worth, family, personal life
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as India's women's cricket captain across all formats after a decade in leadership. From her early days in Moga to leading India to its maiden Women's ODI World Cup title, here is a look at her cricket journey, family background, personal life and estimated net worth.
KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant Headline Star-Studded India A Squad For New Zealand Tour
Senior team vice-captain KL Rahul, his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, and No. 3 batter Devdutt Padikkal are among 11 Test players picked in the 15-member India A squad that will play three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A starting October 24.
1st T20I: Shreyas Iyers Historic Ton, Naman Dhirs Three-for Power India To An Eight-wicket Win
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a historic unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, and Naman Dhir made an impressive impact on debut as India thrashed West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday. Chasing 172, India completed a dominant victory in just 14.4 overs, with Iyer smashing his maiden T20I century and his highest score in the format. His sensational knock included a century off just 42 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred against West Indies in T20Is, behind only Australias Tim David, who reached the landmark in 37 balls in 2025. Iyers century was also the fastest by an Indian against West Indies in T20Is, bettering KL Rahuls 46-ball hundred in Lauderhill in 2016. The India captain became only the third Indian captain to score a century in mens T20Is, joining Rohit Sharma, who has three, and Suryakumar Yadav, who has one. The 102 not out also surpassed Iyers previous best T20I score of 80 not out against England in Bristol earlier in 2026. Iyer brought up his 11th T20I fifty in just 28 balls, and it was only his second half-century since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav. He received a loud ovation from the Ekana crowd as he took control of the chase following the early loss of both Indian openers. India raced to 62/2 after six overs, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 21 and Sanju Samson making 11 before departing. Rather than allowing the early setbacks to slow the chase, Iyer continued to attack and found boundaries with regularity. Ishan Kishan provided excellent support, scoring 37 off 27 balls as the pair stitched together a match-winning partnership of 137 off 68 balls. Kishan also completed 3,000 runs in international cricket during the chase. India were 102/2 at the halfway stage, needing 70 from 60 balls, but the equation quickly became academic as Iyer accelerated. He reached his hundred from 42 balls and remained unbeaten on 102 from 43, while Kishan fell after making 37. West Indies had a chance to break the partnership when Iyer clipped a Shamar Springer delivery towards square leg, and Matthew Forde came charging in from deep cover. Forde dived forward and appeared to have taken a low catch, but the on-field decision remained not out, and TV umpire Rohan Pandit reviewed the effort. Replays showed the ball touching the ground between Fordes fingers, confirming that the catch had not been completed. The decision left the West Indies camp frustrated, with Shai Hope and Akeal Hosein sharing smiles while head coach Daren Sammy was visibly unhappy in the dugout. Earlier, Dhir, making his T20I debut, returned the third-best bowling figures by an Indian spinner on debut, claiming 3/31 from four overs as India bowled out West Indies for 171. The visitors were given a brisk start by skipper Shai Hope, who took 16 runs off Mayank Yadav in the second over. India, however, responded strongly during the powerplay through Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel. Kamil Pooran was the first wicket to fall for 12 before Shimron Hetmyer was run out for five and Rovman Powell was dismissed for a duck. The three wickets left West Indies struggling at 44/3 after six overs. Hope then steadied the innings alongside Sherfane Rutherford, with the pair adding an unbeaten 38-run stand to take West Indies to 82/3 at the drinks break. Rutherford was unbeaten on 18, while Hope continued to anchor the innings. Powells dismissal extended his struggles against Axar. In T20 matches against the India all-rounder, Powell has now been dismissed twice, scoring only 17 runs off 13 balls. Hetmyers run-out also saw him move to the top of West Indies list for most run-outs in T20Is, with seven, ahead of Andre Fletchers six. Axars excellent opening spell further strengthened his place among Indias leading bowlers for maiden overs in T20Is. His sixth maiden moved him behind only Jasprit Bumrah (13) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (10), while his four wicket-maidens in overs 1-6 put him level with Bumrah and behind Bhuvneshwars six. Hope continued to anchor the innings and brought up his 13th T20I fifty from 36 balls. However, the West Indies captain fell immediately after reaching the milestone, caught by Axar off Dhir for 52, ending a 63-run partnership with Rutherford. Kuldeep Yadav then struck in successive overs, trapping Roston Chase for 5 before dismissing Matthew Forde for 2. Ishan Kishan produced a spectacular catch at deep midwicket to complete Fordes dismissal, running to his left and holding on despite losing his balance. Romario Shepherd briefly threatened to revive the innings with a six but was dismissed for 7 after slicing Dhirs delivery to Tilak Varma at long-off. Dhir then completed his third wicket when Shamar Springer holed out to Axar after hitting the debutant for a maximum. Rutherford remained the main source of resistance and smashed a brisk 56 off 31 balls for his seventh T20I fifty. His knock kept West Indies in the hunt after the visitors lost a flurry of wickets to Indias spinners through the middle overs. Mayank eventually ended Rutherfords stay, claiming his first wicket of the match, before Axar completed his second wicket to bowl West Indies out for 171. Dhir finished with impressive figures of 3/31 from four overs, while Axar returned 2/26 from 3.1 overs and Kuldeep took 2/33 from four overs. Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav also claimed a wicket each. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, but it was Iyers remarkable innings and Dhirs memorable debut that provided the defining moments of a one-sided contest. Brief scores: The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, but it was Iyers remarkable innings and Dhirs memorable debut that provided the defining moments of a one-sided contest. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Prasad, Kalita and Nandani the new faces in Mandhana-led white-ball sides
Shafali Verma has been elevated to the vice-captaincy of the T20I side, while Deepti Sharma will do the job in the ODI side for the games against Zimbabwe
Veteran Star Returns To Indian Team After 4 Years, BCCI Drops Shocker For T20I Squad vs New Zealand
Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes comeback as BCCI announces India's T20I squad for series against New Zealand
Rahul and Jaiswal in India A squad for red-ball matches in New Zealand
Dhruv Jurel has been named the captain of the side, while Rishabh Pant has been picked but his participation will be subject to fitness
Jurel to Lead India A in Test Series vs New Zealand A
The BCCI has announced a 15-member India A squad for three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A, starting October 24. The squad includes senior players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rishabh Pant (subject to fitness), raising questions about their availability for all 'A' matches due to overlapping ODI commitments.
All-Rounder Naman Dhir Picks Three Wickets On Debut As India Bowl Out West Indies For 171
All-rounder Naman Dhir had a dream debut, picking up three wickets with his off-spin to India help bowl out West Indies for 171 in the first T20 International of the five-match series on Tuesday.
Smriti Mandhana To Lead As BCCI Announces Squads For Zimbabwe Series
Asia Cup Rising Stars: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced Indias squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Smriti Mandhana set to lead the womens team as full-time captain for the first time. Mandhanas appointment as captain was announced by the BCCI earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role across formats. Mandhana, who has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will now begin her full-time tenure with the Zimbabwe series. Opener Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the three-match T20I series, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma will serve as Mandhanas deputy in the ODI format. Harmanpreet remains part of both squads. The T20I squad includes maiden call-ups for Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita, while Anushka Sharma, Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat have returned to the setup after missing out in the recent assignments. Niki has been part of Indias A setup and impressed in domestic cricket, while Jintimani has also featured for India A. Both were part of the India A group that faced England A earlier this year. Prema, a leg-spinner, has also represented India at the international level and was brought into the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out with injury. However, she didn't get many chances after the tournament. Prema had previously impressed for India A, including an eight-wicket haul in five matches during Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign. The series will be Indias first assignment after their womens cricket team retained the Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. India had entered the Games as defending champions, having won the womens cricket gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Compared to the T20I squad that was part of Indias gold-medal-winning campaign, there are five changes. Niki, Anushka, Jintimani, Prema and Minnu have come into the squad, replacing Bharti Fulmali, Pratika Rawal, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil. For the ODI series, Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have been recalled. The duo was part of India. A side that toured England earlier this year, with Hasabnis scoring an unbeaten 57 in a one-day match against England A. Mandhanas appointment also marks the beginning of a new leadership phase for Indian womens cricket. The left-handed opener has been part of the national team since 2013 and has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Womens Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. India will play the three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28. Squads: Indias T20I Squad: Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma [VC], Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh [WK], G Kamalini [WK], Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani Squads: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Shreyas Iyer smacks 42-ball century, India thrash West Indies by eight wickets to win first T20I
India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Captain Shreyas Iyer played a phenomenal knock, smacking an unbeaten 101 runs off 43 balls as India...
McSweeney, Sutherland and Beardman do the star turn as Australia-A goes one up
The home side gets bundled out for 149 in pursuit of 275
Smriti Mandhana Takes Over From Harmanpreet Kaur As India Women's Cricket Captain
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as India's new women's cricket captain, following Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down from the role in all formats.
NZ T20Is: How Agarkar's Exit Opened Door for Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to the national T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, marking his return after nearly four years. His inclusion comes after a strong IPL performance and the departure of former chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The squad also sees Varun Chakravarthy's return and features a mix of experienced and young talent, with the series scheduled from October 22 to November 1.
McSweeney, Beardman set up big Australia A win over India A in first one-dayer
Digital Desk | Puducherry, Oct 6 (IANS) Nathan McSweeney hit a century and medium pacer Mahli Beardman ripped open India As top order with a 4-23 haul as Australia A won by 125 runs in the first of the three-match 'One-day' series at the Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on Tuesday. McSweeney struck 123 off 135 balls, studded with 13 boundaries, recording his second List A hundred. He put on 141 for the sixth wicket in 23.2 overs with skipper Will Sutherland (77, 68b, 2x4, 4x6) to lift the visitors to a competitive 274 all out in 48.2 overs. Opting to bat first, Australia A were reeling at 87/5 before McSweeney and Will Sutherland got into the rescue act. Defending a modest total, the 21-year-old Beardman, who returned his career-best figures, dismissed Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh to push India A onto the back foot at 24/3 by the fourth over. Soon, left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson scalped skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to make it 58/4 to scupper the home sides chances of a strong fightback. India A were bowled out for 149, with Rajat Patidar top-scoring with 53 (51b, 5x4, 1x6) for his 14th List A fifty. The visitors lost half their side by the 17th over to some top-drawer bowling before a dominant McSweeney-Sutherland stand turned it around, with the latter also blasting three successive sixes off left-arm spinner Anukul Roy. Re-introduced into the attack in the 40th over, young medium-fast bowler Suryansh Shedge, who was called up as an injury replacement for Hardik Pandya, broke the stand by dismissing Sutherland, who recorded his fifth List A fifty, clean bowled. In his following over, Shedge dismissed Todd Murphy and Spencer Johnson off successive deliveries, both caught behind, to record his second List A four-wicket haul. McSweeney fell to Thakur, caught behind for Prabhsimrans fourth catch of the match. The second One-Day will be played on Oct 9 and the final match on Oct 11. Brief scores: Australia A 274 all out in 48.2 overs (Nathan McSweeney 123, Will Sutherland 77; Suryansh Shedge 4-40, Arshad Khan 2-48, Yash Thakur 3-47) beat India A 149 all out in 31.4 overs (Rajat Patidar 53, Nishant Sindhu 31, Spencer Johnson 2-36, Mahli Beardman 4-23) by 125 runs.
Smriti Mandhana Replaces Harmanpreet As All-format Captain Of Indian Womens Cricket Team
BCCI President Mithun Manhas: With Harmanpreet Kaur deciding to quit captaincy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday night announced that Smriti Mandhana will take over from her on a permanent basis. Mandhana has led India in different formats earlier. While she will be the full-time white-ball captain from now on, Smriti has led India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs. Smriti has been one of the leading figures in Indian women's cricket over the years and has played a key role in the team's progress across formats. An experienced international cricketer, she has also demonstrated her leadership qualities in domestic and franchise cricket, most recently leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. Having been part of the Indian team since 2013, Smriti brings considerable experience into the role. She will now take on the responsibility of leading the side, with the team entering a new phase and continuing to build on the progress made in recent years, the BCCI said in a release on Tuesday. Speaking on her appointment, Smriti Mandhana said: To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply. I am grateful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me. I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey. I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward, she added. BCCI President Mithun Manhas said: I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Womens Cricket Team. She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility. The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti, and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter, he said. Devajit Saikia, BCCI Honorary Secretary, said: Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian womens cricket. She understands what it means to represent India, and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain. The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti, and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bhuvneshwar back after 4 years! Picked in Indian team for New Zealand T20Is
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand starting later this month.
1st T20I: Debutant Dhir Stars as India Restrict West Indies to 171
All-rounder Naman Dhir made a sensational debut, claiming three wickets to help India bowl out West Indies for 171 in the first T20 International. Supported by Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, India successfully restricted the West Indies despite strong innings from Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope.
IND vs WI first T20I: Naman Dhir shines on debut as India bowls out West Indies for 171
Dhir finished with impressive figures of 3/31, while Kuldeep Yadav also scalped 2 for 33 to help India restrict West Indies to a manageable total
Smriti Mandhana appointed India captain across formats
Mandhana, who has been part of the side since 2013, has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns As BCCI Announces T20I Squad For New Zealand Tour
T20 World Cup: Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has earned a recall to Indias T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, marking his return to the national side after nearly four years, as the BCCI announced the Shreyas Iyer-led team on Tuesday. The 36-year-old last represented India in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Adelaide Oval in November 2022. A strong run in the Indian Premier League over the last two seasons has helped the experienced seamer force his way back into the national setup. Bhuvneshwar claimed 45 wickets across the last two IPL editions for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and played an important role in the franchises title-winning campaigns. His consistency with the new ball and wealth of experience have now earned him another opportunity in Indias T20I setup. The pacer had recently been named captain of Indias squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, but his inclusion in the T20I squad means he will miss the tournament. Apart from Bhuvneshwars return, the other notable change is the inclusion of Varun Chakaravarthy, who returns after recovering from the side strain that ruled him out following the first T20I against Afghanistan last month. Ravi Bishnoi, who was part of the previous squad, has been left out. India's prime pacer Jasprit Bumrah is also not included in the team, as he is expected to play a major role in the ODI and Test assignment. India will begin the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 22, with the second match also scheduled at the same venue on October 24. The teams will then move to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27, followed by matches in Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1. The BCCI is yet to announce the squads for the ODI and Test legs of the tour. India are scheduled to play five ODIs and two Tests against New Zealand after the T20I series. Meanwhile, the selectors have also picked a 15-member India A squad for three multi-day matches against New Zealand A, providing several players with an opportunity to gain valuable red-ball exposure in conditions similar to those they could encounter during the Test leg. Dhruv Jurel has been named captain, while Rishabh Pant's availability is subject to fitness. India A will play their first multi-day match against New Zealand A in Lincoln from October 24 to 27. The second match will be held in Christchurch from October 31 to November 3, while the third is scheduled in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. Squads: Indias T20I Squad: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson [WK], Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav. Squads: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India vs New Zealand T20I series: Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns after four-year gap
India will be playing New Zealand in the five-match T20I series from October 22, 2026.
India recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar for New Zealand T20Is
Varun Chakravarthy is also back for India after missing the Asian Games, while Ravi Bishnoi has been left out
BCCI announces Smriti Mandhana as India's new all-format captain after Harmanpreet Kaur steps down
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the womens team. After the announcement, she thanked the BCCI officials, selectors, teammates and also her former captain Harmanpreet for her years of contribution to the growth of Indian cricket.
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the Indian T20I team after four years. Despite impressive showings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he failed to break into the scheme of things. However, for the...
ICC Receives Over 100,000 Ticket Applications For India vs Pakistan ODI World Cup Match
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday said it has received more than 100,000 ticket applications from fans for the India-Pakistan clash on October 10 at the ODI World Cup next year.
Australia Dealt Huge Blow As Cameron Green Ruled Out Of Durban Test
ICC World Test Championship: Australia have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the opening Test against South Africa, with head coach Andrew McDonald confirming that Cameron Green will miss the first match of the series at Kingsmead, Durban. Green sustained an abdominal strain while playing a hook shot during the third ODI against South Africa and has been racing against time to regain full fitness. He was absent from Australias two-day warm-up fixture in Potchefstroom and has been restricted to minor physical conditioning work on the sidelines. Speaking ahead of Australias first full training session at Kingsmead, McDonald said Green was progressing well but would not be available for the Durban Test. Hes progressing pretty well, all things considered. Hes still here for a reason, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Itll just be a matter of going through the rehab, McDonald said, as quoted by Cricinfo. Hes got a pretty demanding week as he reintroduces a few activities, and youll see that probably play out in the net situation and during lunchtime, in and around the game. Its a bit of an unknown, but theres still optimism that he will take part in the series at some point, he added. Greens absence is a significant setback for Australia, particularly with the 27-year-old having been in fine form with the bat. He scored a Test century against Bangladesh in Darwin and emerged as one of the standout batters in the series alongside Steve Smith. He had also been Australias leading run-scorer in the ODI series against Bangladesh in August and appeared to have settled into the No. 5 position after being shuffled around during last seasons Ashes. It was great to see him sort of bounce back after last summer, and sometimes thats the moment when players do start to really believe in themselves. I mean, we continually believe in our players and trust what theyve got, but sometimes that sort of internal belief and trust in their games doesnt shine through until they have that sort of breakthrough moment, McDonald said. We felt like that was it for Cam, in terms of breaking through. Now hes got a rehab to go through, but hes a quality player, he added. Greens latest injury is particularly frustrating for Australia after he had also been managing a sore shoulder during the recent ODI series, which limited his bowling workload. McDonald said the team would not rush Green back as a bowler, with his return likely to focus solely on his batting. Thats highly unlikely. I think with where he was with his shoulder injury, he missed a fair bit of work there. Wed be solely focused on getting him to return as a batter. We wouldnt be putting that demand on him to return as a bowler. I think that would be too high a risk, as the information that I have, he said. Greens absence also affects Australias balance, although McDonald believes Beau Webster can provide a similar option with the ball if required. Its the flexibility of what he gives us in terms of the ball, which was something were looking forward to, but Beau Webster can arguably do a similar role if called upon with the ball, he said. The Test series is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban, with the second Test to be played in Gqeberha from October 18 and the third in Johannesburg from October 27. Greens absence also affects Australias balance, although McDonald believes Beau Webster can provide a similar option with the ball if required. Its the flexibility of what he gives us in terms of the ball, which was something were looking forward to, but Beau Webster can arguably do a similar role if called upon with the ball, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India-Pakistan Clash Tops Record ODI World Cup Ticket Demand
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has received over one million ticket applications for the ODI World Cup 2027, with the India vs. Pakistan match being the most sought-after, attracting over 100,000 applications. Other high-demand matches include South Africa vs. India and India vs. Australia. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 2 to November 21 next year.
BCCI Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Outgoing Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, a decision acknowledged by the BCCI which lauded her leadership, particularly the 2025 Women's World Cup victory and Asian Games gold medals. Kaur expressed her commitment to continue playing for India, contributing as a senior player.
BCCI invites applications for one position on mens selection committee
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for one position on its Mens Selection Committee, with the successful candidate set to be responsible for selecting the Senior National Mens Team across Tests, ODIs, T20Is and other formats. The one position is reportedly likely to be aimed at finding a replacement for chief selector Ajit Agarkar from the West Zone, although the BCCI has not officially specified which vacancy the appointment is intended to fill. Agarkars tenure was set to officially end on October 4, and he was also not present at Tuesdays meeting to select the squads for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and the India A series. The new selection committee member will be tasked with identifying talent, assessing players through domestic and international matches, and helping build a strong bench strength for the senior national team. The responsibilities will also include attending team meetings, travelling to watch domestic and international matches as required, preparing quarterly evaluation reports on the teams performance for the BCCI Apex Council and addressing the media on team selection. The committee member will also be responsible for appointing the captain of the team in each format. As per the eligibility criteria laid down by the BCCI, candidates must have played a minimum of seven Test matches, or 30 First-Class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class matches. Applicants must have retired from the game at least five years ago. The BCCI has also stated that anyone who has been a member of any Cricket Committee, as defined under its Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, for a cumulative period of five years will not be eligible for the position. Agarkar took over as the chairman of the Mens Selection Committee in 2023. During his tenure, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and went on to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup.
Virender Sehwag: The entire credit for making team India fearless should go to Sourav Ganguly
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who hosts the streaming reality show Rise & Fall, has credited the former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly for instilling fearlessness in the Indian cricket team. Virender Sehwag spoke with IANS during the promotions of the show at a 5-star property in the city, and shared that Sourav Gangulys line of thought was simple, play the game the opponent plays, nothing more, nothing less. He shared that dada told the team to reflect their opponents conduct on field. He told IANS, I would say the entire credit should go to Dada for making a fearless team. When he took over the reins as the captain, he clearly told us that we will play the game that opponent plays. If the Australians sledge us, we will also sledge back. If someone shows us love and respect on the field, we will reciprocate that. So, I would say dada is one of the chief architects of the Indian cricket team, he added. Earlier, Virender Sehwag spoke about the philosophy of team India under the leadership of its arguably the best skipper, Sourav Ganguly. He said that during Dadas era, team India focused on winning as many matches as they could on the International soil. Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag took over the hosting duties from Ashneer Grover for the 2nd season of Rise & Fall. The reality series features 15 contestants competing over 42 days in a game built around power, strategy, alliances and shifting fortunes. The contestants are divided between the Rulers, who control the game from the Tower, and Workers, who live in the Basement and fight for opportunities to move up. Season 2 introduces an additional layer of audience participation, with viewers getting the power to influence who becomes a Ruler or Worker. Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.
Too Late, Perhaps, But Mandhana Finally Set to Lead India
Smriti Mandhana is widely expected to take over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.
BCCI Sets Criteria For Ajit Agarkar's Replacement As Selector After Tenure Officially Ends
The BCCI on Tuesday invited applications for one position in the men's selection committee following the exit of the chairman of selector Ajit Agarkar.
Paul Farbrace leaves Sussex to join Lancashire as director of cricket
Former head coach at Hove had initially agreed to remain at club on part-time basis to aid transition
BCCI Begins Search for Agarkar's Successor
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for a position on the men's selection committee. This follows the departure of former chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, whose tenure ended on October 4. Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as the interim chairman.
India vs West Indies 1st T20I LIVE Score Updates: West Indies's Powerplay has taken a disastrous turn. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel have combined to reduce them to 3 down in the first T20I in Lucknow
The 5 most economical and effective powerplay bowlers in T20 cricket
Dot ball specialists. The post The 5 most economical and effective powerplay bowlers in T20 cricket appeared first on Cricket365 .
BCCI president Manhas, secretary Saikia hail Harmanpreets leadership after captaincy exit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) BCCI president Mithun Manhas and secretary Devajit Saikia have lauded Harmanpreet Kaurs contribution to Indian womens cricket after she stepped down as captain across formats, bringing an end to a leadership tenure that culminated in Indias historic Womens Cricket World Cup triumph in 2025. The BCCI confirmed that Harmanpreet will continue to represent India as a player, with the 36-year-old deciding to hand over the captaincy after more than a decade of involvement in the teams leadership setup. Harmanpreet Kaurs contribution as captain will always hold a special place in the history of Indian Cricket. She took on the responsibility at an important stage in the growth of womens cricket and helped the Indian team build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before her. Over the years, she led India through some very important moments and helped the team compete with confidence against the best in the world, Manhas said. The BCCI president described Indias 2025 World Cup triumph as the defining achievement of Harmanpreets captaincy while also highlighting her two Asian Games gold medals and the teams progress during her tenure. The World Cup victory in 2025 will undoubtedly be the defining achievement of her captaincy. It was the culmination of years of progress, hard work and belief. Her Asian Games gold medals and the many important victories during her tenure further underline the contribution she has made. On behalf of the BCCI, I thank Harmanpreet for her leadership and the responsibility she has shown throughout her tenure as captain. I am pleased that she will continue to represent India as a player. Her experience, understanding of the game, and presence in the dressing room will remain valuable to the Indian team, he stated. Saikia also praised Harmanpreet for remaining committed to the team through its setbacks and eventual breakthrough at the 2025 World Cup. Harmanpreet, you can be immensely proud of what you have achieved as captain of India. You embraced the responsibility from the very beginning and went on to lead India through some of the most important moments in its journey, while playing an important role in the growth of Indian womens cricket, he said. You experienced the disappointment of falling short, but continued to believe in the team and its ability to achieve more. That is what made the World Cup victory in 2025 so special. You had been part of the journey for many years and eventually had the opportunity to lead India to its first Womens Cricket World Cup title. That will always remain one of the great moments in Indian Cricket, Saikia said. Saikia also backed Harmanpreets decision to relinquish the captaincy while continuing as a player, saying her experience would remain important to the team. I also appreciate the thought and consideration with which you have taken this decision. You have chosen to hand over the responsibility at a time when you believe the team is ready for a new chapter, while continuing to contribute as a player. Your experience and the example you set for the younger players will remain important to this team. Thank you for everything you have given Indian Cricket as captain, and I look forward to seeing you continue your journey in the India jersey, he added. Harmanpreets leadership journey began in 2012, when she was handed the captaincy for the Womens T20 Asia Cup final after Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami were ruled out through injury. She led India to an 18-run win over Pakistan and the inaugural title. She became Indias regular T20I captain in 2016 and took charge of the ODI and Test sides in 2022 following Mithalis retirement. Her tenure included Indias run to the 2020 Womens T20 World Cup final, silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the countrys first Asian Games gold in womens cricket. India successfully defended that Asian Games title under her leadership in Nagoya, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final. The defining moment came in 2025, when Harmanpreet became the first Indian womens captain to lift the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup. She scored 89 in the semifinal against Australia and shared a crucial 167-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues as India chased down 339 before defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final in Navi Mumbai. Her captaincy exit also comes after a year of remarkable individual longevity. Harmanpreet became the most-capped international player in womens cricket, the first player to feature in 200 T20Is and the first to captain in 150 T20Is. In her communication to the BCCI, Harmanpreet said the decision was taken after careful consideration but stressed that her international career was not over. Leading India has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life. The responsibility of wearing the India jersey and, above all, having the opportunity to lead my country has given me some of the most cherished moments of my cricketing journey. I would like to sincerely thank the BCCI, the selectors, the coaching staff, support staff, my teammates, and everyone who has stood by me throughout my tenure as captain. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that was placed in me and for the opportunities I have received to serve Indian cricket in this role. After careful consideration, I believe that this is the right time for me to hand over the responsibility of captaincy and allow the team to move forward under new leadership. However, my commitment to Indian cricket remains as strong as ever. I would like to continue representing the Indian Womens Cricket Team as a player and contribute to the teams success in every way I can. I remain fully committed to giving my best on the field and supporting the team, the new leadership and the younger players with the same passion and dedication. I look forward to continuing this journey in the India jersey and contributing to Indian cricket with the same pride, humility and commitment that I have always carried, she said.
Naman Dhir and Kamil Pooran debut in Lucknow after India opt to bowl
India, who played all three of Kishan, Sooryavanshi and Samson at the Asian Games, went in with an extra middle-order batter in Dhir
Sooryavanshi Dropped as Gambhir Prefers Samson's Experience
India dropped teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite his impressive Asian Games run, preferring Sanju Samson as Gautam Gambhir backed experience and resisted pressure to alter the winning combination.
1st T20I: Naman Dhir debuts as India elect to bowl against WI in Lucknow
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 5 (IANS) India won the toss and elected to bowl against the West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday. After making his ODI debut on September 27, Naman Dhir is set to make his T20I debut in the series opener. He received his maiden T20I cap from Arshdeep Singh. It will also be a special game for Akeal Hosein, who will play his 100th T20I for the West Indies. India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the challenge posed by a formidable West Indies side but backed his team to settle quickly despite a hectic travel schedule following their Asian Games campaign. Iyer also confirmed that Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Reddy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav were left out of the playing XI. We are going to bowl first; it's a mixed surface. There will be some dew as well. Travel was pretty hectic. Came last night; today we have turned up for the game, but we are in the zone. They have been fabulous; they have dominated T20 cricket in the last few years. They have got brilliant batting and all-rounders. Looking forward to the contest. Ravi, Nitish, Vaibhav and one more is sitting out, Prince. West Indies skipper Shai Hope said, We would have bowled first as well. In India, it's always good to chase. We need to adapt to the conditions; it's different. We have new guys coming and some going out. We just got to play our best cricket. Six bowling options for us, some all-rounders as well. Playing XIs: West Indies: Shai Hope (wk/c), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav
India vs West Indies Free Live Telecast, 1st T20I Free Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
India vs West Indies, 1st T20I Free Live Streaming: India are ready to take on West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series on Tuesday in lucknow.
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing India vs West Indies 1st T20I in Lucknow?
India have once again dropped Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the playing XI in the first T20I against West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The 15-year-old was adjudged the Player of the Series against...
Pakistan Cricket Board Silent On Central Contracts As Delay Extends Beyond Two Months
More than two months after player central contracts expired on July 31, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce the new list of contracted cricketers or clarify whether it will be made public.
Youth Test: Baloda Scalps 10, Puts India In Command Vs Australia
Tanmay Baloda's exceptional 10-wicket match haul has put India in a commanding position against Australia in their second Youth Test in Ahmedabad. Baloda followed his first innings 6/32 with 4/26 in the second, leaving Australia U-19 trailing by 55 runs. Half-centuries from Yashbardhan Chauhan and Abhipray Biswas also contributed to India's strong first innings total.
6 huge questions South Africa need to answer during Test series against Aussies
What is in the pace tank beyond Kagiso Rabada? The post 6 huge questions South Africa need to answer during Test series against Aussies appeared first on Cricket365 .
Youth Test | Baloda puts India in control despite Greens seven-for
Suryakumar Yadav Skipped Training, Didn't Respond To Mumbai Selectors' Approach: Report
PTI reported that Suryakumar was also non-responsive about 10 days ago when he was approached for Mumbai squad selection and made himself available at a later stage.
ODI WC 2027 Ticket Demand Crosses One Million Applications In Three Days
Local Organising Committee CEO Qondisa: Demand for the 2027 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup has surged past one million ticket applications less than three days after the ballot opened, underlining the global anticipation for the tournament in Africa. More than 320,000 fans have already registered for the ticket ballot, with applications submitted for over 1.1 million tickets for matches to be played across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the ICC informed on Tuesday. The India-Pakistan clash is currently the most sought-after fixture, attracting more than 110,000 applications. The India-South Africa match follows with over 92,000 applications, while more than 86,000 applications have been made for Indias meeting with Australia. The pre-seeded Super 7 fixture between India (A1) and Pakistan (A3), scheduled for November 7, has received almost 78,000 applications and ranks as the fourth most in-demand match. The November 21 final has already drawn close to 69,000 applications. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the early response reflected the scale of the tournament and its appeal beyond traditional cricketing markets. One million ticket applications in just over 48 hours of opening the ticket ballot is a demonstration of the attention, stature and affiliation for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. ICC events are now spectacles which transcend cultural and geographic boundaries and serve as platforms to widen and deepen fandom for the sport. This is also Africas moment to shine as an ICC marquee mens event is returning to the continent after two decades and brings with it the attention of 2.5 billion cricket fans across 120+ countries. We aim to make the circle bigger, for fans, for the athletes, for the game, and for communities who will gather to celebrate the competition and the culture. The ballot is open, and we cant wait to host the world, so get in if you havent already, Gupta said. The tournament will mark the return of an ICC mens marquee event to the African continent after a two-decade gap, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia set to host the competition. ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2027 Local Organising Committee CEO Qondisa Ngwenya said the early ticket response demonstrated the scale of interest in the tournament. To see more than one million tickets already applied for is a major statement by global fans and shows the extraordinary appetite to be part of this tournament. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to open their doors to the world and deliver a World Cup that is memorable both on and off the field. This is an opportunity to bring new audiences into the game and showcase the passion, diversity and hospitality of our region to a global audience. We cannot wait to welcome fans from across Africa and around the world to experience a World Cup as it has never been seen before with us, he said. The ticket ballot will remain open until 23:59 CAT on November 21, allowing fans worldwide to register for tickets to the 2027 World Cup. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to open their doors to the world and deliver a World Cup that is memorable both on and off the field. This is an opportunity to bring new audiences into the game and showcase the passion, diversity and hospitality of our region to a global audience. We cannot wait to welcome fans from across Africa and around the world to experience a World Cup as it has never been seen before with us, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
IND vs WI 1st T20I LIVE Score: India host West Indies in Lucknow, Naman Dhir makes debut
After winning the gold medal in the Asian Games 2026, the Indian team is now set to take on West Indies in a five-match T20I series, starting today. Notably, the gold-medal triumph came only three days before the opening T20I, while the five-match series will be followed by Indias tour of New Zealand just five days after the final game in Bengaluru. Thus, the Indian team management will surely be concerned about managing the workload of certain players in the series.
Which batters have been the most successful against India?
Two Sri Lankan greats in this mix. The post Which batters have been the most successful against India? appeared first on Cricket365 .
India vs West Indies Live Streaming, 1st T20I Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
India vs West Indies, 1st T20I Live Streaming: India are ready to take on West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series on Tuesday in lucknow.
South Africa To Wait Till Last Moment On Kagiso Rabada's Availability Ahead Of Australia Test
South Africa will delay a decision on Kagiso Rabada's availability for the first Test against Australia, with batting coach Ashwell Prince indicating that the fast bowler will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before the series opener on Friday.
Biswas, Chauhan, Baloda hand India Under-19 advantage on day two
Chauhan and Biswas hit fifties to hand India Under-19s a 141-run first-innings lead before Baloda's four-for caused Australia Under-19s to slide to 86 for 4 in response
Industrialist Anand Mahindra has praised Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal days after his gold-medal-winning performance in the men's 65kg freestyle event at the 2026 Asian Games.
Play Less, Earn More: MCC Chief Explains Why Cricketers Are Quitting Tests Early
Cricketers retiring early from Tests to pursue franchise-based T2-0 leagues is a worry but they can't really be blamed for wanting to earn more by playing less, says Fraser Stewart, Head of Cricket at MCC -- the global guardian of the Laws and Spirit of the game.
Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson Brings Back Experienced Players For Upcoming Matches
Pakistan's white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has recalled all the tried-and-tested players for the T20 International series against Sri Lanka and the triangular ODI series, also involving England, at home this month.
When and where to watch India vs West Indies 1st T20I live on TV and stream online?
India return to T20I action against West Indies, starting October 6 in Lucknow. They had little time to recover from a demanding international schedule as the series begins only three days after securing Asian Games...
Cameron Green ruled out of first South Africa Test
Green suffered the injury during Australia's third ODI against South Africa
Not Expansion, Not Rankings: What SA20's Real Goal Actually Is
On Wednesday, SA20 will hold its fifth player auction ahead of the fifth season of the T20 league, starting in January
'Harmanpreet, you gave Indian cricket everything as captain'
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, stating she is now 'ready to play for the love of the game again.' Tributes have poured in from former and current players, including Yuvraj Singh and Shafali Verma, acknowledging her significant contributions to Indian cricket.
'She Inspired Countless Young Girls': Shukla Congratulates Harmanpreet On Captaincy Stint
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla: BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla hailed Harmanpreet Kaur as a 'true inspiration' for Indian womens cricket after she stepped down as captain across all formats on Tuesday. Shukla said Harmanpreets leadership, particularly Indias historic 2025 Womens World Cup triumph, had inspired a generation of young girls to take up cricket and pursue their dreams. Harmanpreet Kaur has been a true inspiration for Indian womens cricket. As captain, she led India to the historic 2025 Womens World Cup title and inspired countless young girls across the country to take up cricket and pursue their dreams, Shukla wrote on X. As she steps down as captain, wishing Harmanpreet Kaur the very best for the journey ahead, he added. Harmanpreet announced her decision to relinquish captaincy across all formats on Tuesday, bringing an end to a leadership tenure in which she guided India to several landmark achievements. The 37-year-old took over as Indias full-time T20I captain in 2018 and became the ODI captain in 2022 after succeeding legendary batter Mithali Raj. Her biggest achievement as captain came in 2025 when she became the first woman to lead India to a senior ICC Womens Cricket World Cup title, with the team defeating South Africa in the final on home soil. Harmanpreet also guided India to four Asia Cup titles as captain in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026. Under her leadership, India won consecutive Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026. During her captaincy, India also recorded their first bilateral Womens ODI series win in England since 1999 in 2022, secured a historic Test victory against Australia in 2023 and registered a breakthrough T20I series win against England in 2025. Harmanpreet also became the first cricketer to captain a side in more than 150 T20 matches, surpassing leading mens captains, including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Earlier this year, she led India to a historic 270-run victory over England in the first-ever womens Test played at Lords Cricket Ground. Announcing her decision, Harmanpreet said stepping down was an emotional call after years of memories, sacrifices and responsibility. Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Womens Cricket Team across all formats. This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, she wrote on Instagram. I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions but also with PEACE. Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of, she added. Harmanpreet, however, made it clear that her international career will continue and she remains committed to Indian cricket. Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never will. Thank you to every teammate, coach, support staff, management, BCCI, family members, and every single fan who stood by me through the highs and lows, she wrote. Harmanpreet, however, made it clear that her international career will continue and she remains committed to Indian cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Harmanpreet Kaur Was Offered By BCCI To Retain Captaincy In 1 Format. She Refused, Resigned: Report
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India's women's cricket captain from all three formats, but she was reportedly given a choice of partial captaincy by the BCCI.
Gill, Abhishek, Charani, Shafali in ICC Player of the Month Shortlist
Indian cricketers Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sree Charani, and Shafali Verma have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month awards for September, recognising their exceptional performances in recent international matches.
Pakistan's merry-go-round with captaincy continue, appoint eighth T20I captain in three years
Pakistan have brought their established white-ball core back into the national setup for the upcoming home assignments against Sri Lanka and the ODI tri-series featuring England. Head coach Mike Hesson believes that an experienced group...
Why Suryakumar Yadav was left out of Mumbai's Ranji squad
Suryakumar Yadav's Ranji Trophy comeback has hit a roadblock after he missed Mumbai's pre-season camp and lacked recent red-ball experience.
Shoaib Bashir Set To Retain Central Contract Despite Curtailed Role In Test Side
Shoaib Bashir: England spinner Shoaib Bashir is in line to retain his central contract despite having had a limited role in the Test team in the last year. Bashir has played only two Test matches since July 2025 and had not bowled in one of them. He was their lead spinner before, but his place in the Playing XI remains further in question, especially since the retirement of Ben Stokes, as England would now want an all-rounder in the team. Bashir was an unused member in the squad for the 3-0 Pakistan win. He played only two matches since England's home Test series against India in 2025, and that came against New Zealand in June. The off-spinner broke his finger during the India series. He did not bowl in the Lord's Test against the Blackcaps and was used only for the Nottingham game. According to Cricinfo, Bashir is set to retain his contract despite being given limited opportunities with the Test team. He made his debut against India in 2024 and has 71 wickets in 21 Tests since then. His chances of playing the upcoming series in South Africa remain unclear, as the Three Lions can go with an all-pace attack. That series is scheduled to take place in December-January. Meanwhile, Bashir can be crucial for England's away series against Bangladesh in February next year as they will bank on him for the frontline spin option. The ECB is set to name the central contracts, and there are expected to be new additions. Ben Stokes and Mark Wood have retired, which would free the purse for England, as they were among the highest-paid cricketers for them. The report added that the likes of Jordan Cox, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence and Ollie Robinson are likely to get the deals after being into the England Test side. Rehan Ahmed might also get an extension after missing out on the ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series. The ECB is set to name the central contracts, and there are expected to be new additions. Ben Stokes and Mark Wood have retired, which would free the purse for England, as they were among the highest-paid cricketers for them. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Kagiso Rabada's race against time for Australia Test opener
South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada is in contention to play in the first Test against Australia, starting Friday, despite a recent hamstring injury, with a final decision expected at the last minute.
Abhishek, Shubman, Shafali and Charani nominated for ICC player of the month award
Besides the Indian quartet, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu have also been named in the men's and women's shortlist respectively
Is Kagiso Rabada fit to play first Test vs Australia in Durban? Batting coach Ashwell Prince answers
South Africa management has kept the door open for Kagiso Rabada to gain full fitness and feature in the opening Test against South Africa, slated to begin on Friday in Durban. Batting coach Ashwell Prince...
ICC ODI Rankings: Hayley Matthews Reaches New Career-high After Zimbabwe Heroics
The West Indies: West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has achieved career-best positions in the latest ICC rankings following her outstanding performances in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Matthews, who was named player of the series, amassed 326 runs across the three games in the ongoing Women's Championship. Her performances have helped her reach new career-high ratings in both the ODI batting and all-rounder rankings. The 28-year-old has climbed to fourth place in the ODI batting rankings with a career-best 731 rating points. Indias Smriti Mandhana leads the list with 790 points, followed by South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt (782) and Australias Beth Mooney (744). Matthews has also reached a new career-best rating of 467 points in the ODI all-rounder rankings. She remains second behind Australias Ash Gardner, who leads the list with 497 points, leaving Matthews just 30 points behind the top-ranked player. The West Indies skipper was in exceptional form throughout the ODI series, with her biggest contribution coming in the opening match in Harare, where she struck a career-best 182. Her performances played a key role in the West Indies securing a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe. Other West Indies players also made significant gains in the latest rankings. Shemaine Campbelle climbed 15 places to 74th in the ODI batting rankings, while Afy Fletcher moved up two spots to 17th among ODI bowlers. Aaliyah Alleyne gained eight places to reach 49th in the ODI bowling rankings, while Ashmini Munisar climbed 11 positions to 70th. Despite Zimbabwe losing the ODI series 2-1, Josephine Nkomos consistent performances with the bat earned her a notable rise in the rankings. The right-hander scored 114 runs across the three matches and moved up 12 places to 49th in the ODI batting rankings. The West Indies and Zimbabwe are currently engaged in a three-match T20I series, with the Hayley Matthews-led side leading 2-0. Despite Zimbabwe losing the ODI series 2-1, Josephine Nkomos consistent performances with the bat earned her a notable rise in the rankings. The right-hander scored 114 runs across the three matches and moved up 12 places to 49th in the ODI batting rankings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Australia women's cricketers want more games in peak summer
They are concerned the national team are at risk of being out of sight and out of mind, stunting momentum after another T20 World Cup win
SA To Wait Till Last Moment On Rabada's Availability Ahead Of Australia Test
Indian Premier League: South Africa will delay a decision on Kagiso Rabadas availability for the first Test against Australia, with batting coach Ashwell Prince indicating that the fast bowler will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before the series opener on Friday. Rabada has not played competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League in May and has been recovering from an aggravated hamstring injury that also ruled him out of South Africas recent ODI series. The fast bowler returned to action in a two-day intra-squad match on Sunday and Monday, completing his first meaningful workload in several months. He came through quite nicely and bowled really well, Prince told reporters here in Durban. Hell continue to be involved in training over the next few days leading up to the match. Rabada was named in South Africas extended 18-man squad and is now part of a 17-player group after Tony de Zorzi was withdrawn with a hamstring problem of his own. The Proteas had initially planned to reduce the squad to 15 but opted to retain the larger group, particularly to ensure they have enough fast-bowling options available, as seven quicks now remain within the squad. From the bowlers point of view, domestically theres T20 cricket going on at the moment so we feel that theyll be better served here, where they will bowl more red balls in training, Prince said. And if theyre not in the Test lineup, then they can continue bowling during the Test match in the nets, just to get the loads up. The greater concern surrounding Rabada is not simply the hamstring but his lack of sustained red-ball cricket. His last Test appearance came on South Africas tour of Pakistan almost a year ago. He subsequently missed the series against India because of a rib injury and has not played first-class cricket since. South Africa therefore want to be certain that Rabada can handle the demands of a Test match, particularly the workload involved in bowling long spells. Fair to say that hes obviously not going to be at 100% straight away, but he is looking good, Prince said. He will train with the squad for the rest of the week, and we will leave a call to be made as late as possible. South Africa are similarly keeping their batting combination under wraps. Prince said the team has largely settled on its top six but refused to reveal the final composition. The No. 3 position remains of particular interest, with Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder and David Bedingham among the possible options. Uncapped batter Marques Ackerman has also emerged as a contender after a strong domestic season. Hes obviously played really well in that position (No. 3) as well, and can bat in that position. We have a very good idea of whos going to slot in there, Prince said. Ive always been a fan of his. And to his credit, hes done what any player who wants to play Test cricket needs to do: bang the door down by weight of runs. Hes an attacking player. He likes to move the game along. Hes played very well, hes got a lot of experience and theres an appetite, not just for him but for a lot of players within our domestic structures to want to be involved in the Test squad. Hes obviously played really well in that position (No. 3) as well, and can bat in that position. We have a very good idea of whos going to slot in there, Prince said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Spoiling Young Players: Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill Blasted In Brutal Verdict By Ex-India Star
The former cricketer said that the team management's approach could hurt the team in the long run.
Shoaib Bashir set to retain ECB contract despite limited England Test role
Spinner played just twice in Tests this summer, and did not bowl in one of those matches
Harmanpreet Kaur loved to lead, and did so from the front
It is over: the reign of the most successful captain in Indian womens cricket
When Jeffrey Archer lay on the floor: The interview that turned into an argument
With British best-selling novelist Jeffrey Archers death sending shockwaves, we look back at a memorable interview with him in Chennai in 2013 that had him arguing on a cricket match
World No. 1 Jannik Sinners 2026 season ends with knee injury
Sinners absence could open the door for Alexander Zverev to finish the year at the top of the world rankings
'He Is A Player's Captain': VVS Laxman Lauds Shreyas Iyer After Asian Games Glory
Korogi Sports Park: India's head coach for the Asian Games, VVS Laxman, has heaped praise on skipper Shreyas Iyer, calling him a player's captain after India defended their gold medal in the Asian Games 2026. India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final at Korogi Sports Park on Saturday to retain the Asian Games mens cricket gold, with Abhishek Sharmas 61 off 28 balls and Tilak Varmas unbeaten 51 off 22 setting up a formidable 211/6. Pakistan fought back strongly through Hasan Nawazs 96 off 51, but Indias all-rounders and spinners held their nerve to restrict them to 192/6, with Shivam Dube dismissing Nawaz off the final ball to seal the gold. Reflecting on the campaign, Laxman was particularly impressed with the way Iyer handled his first major assignment as captain and praised his preparation, tactical awareness and ability to bring the best out of his players. Its just the start of his captaincy career, but Im sure that hell actually get a lot of success. And hes a players captain. He makes everyone very, very comfortable and leads by example, whether with the bat or on the field, Laxman said in a BCCI video. Even before the team meetings, he sits down with the plans and the strengths and the weaknesses of the opposition, and hes very thorough in the way he prepares and puts a lot of emphasis on fitness, he added. Laxman also highlighted Iyers tactical understanding, particularly his ability to assess opponents and stay ahead in the fast-moving T20 format. Im sure that hell have a very successful career as a captain. Hes a fabulous leader of players, tactically very, very smart, and very sharp. He understands the strengths of each and every player of his team, and he knows to get the best out of them, he said. And especially in T20, I think youre required to be one or two steps ahead of the opposition, and the way he assesses the oppositions strengths and weaknesses prepares him really well. And thats something which I am very happy about, he added. Laxman said Indias adaptability had been one of the biggest positives from the campaign, especially after the squad had to deal with difficult weather, travel and limited practice opportunities after arriving in Japan. Right from the time we came to Japan, we were challenged by weather, travel, lack of good practice sessions and preparation. But not even once I felt that the team, all the players in the squad were not eager to get ready for the big matches, he said. I felt that they were all well prepared, even though we were indoors. Everyone did their fitness sessions, and whenever we got an opportunity to go and practise at the venue, we did that. So, overall, I'm really happy with the way the outcome has come, he added. The former India batter said the teams flexibility in adapting to different playing conditions was another major reason behind their success. And one thing which Im really proud of is the adaptability theyve shown. Because irrespective of challenging conditions or circumstances, not once were they not flexible in the way they approached both the games. We know that the semi-finals were on a tough wicket, but they showed positive intent, and again in the finals, with the bat, with the ball, I thought they were very professional, he said. Laxman also praised the organisers for ensuring the knockout matches went ahead despite heavy rain and difficult weather conditions. The amount of rain we experienced right from the time we came to the venue, for them to have two good days of cricket, shows that the organisers worked really hard, worked tirelessly to make this tournament a success, he said. Laxman believes the success of Indias Asian Games campaign also underlines the depth available in Indian cricket, with the teams pathway programmes continuing to produce players capable of performing on the international stage. The collective effort of the selection committee, the team management, the Centre of Excellence, and above all, BCCI, for giving us all the opportunity to have various camps and various pathway and development programmes where we can nurture the future of Indian cricket. If the bench strength is strong, it will only add to the depth of our national team, he said. Laxman added that Indias performances across formats and age groups, along with the womens teams success, showed the country was in a strong position. Weve got an abundance of talented players who will get a lot of laurels for our country, not only now but going forward over the next 5-10 years. Its how we mentor them, its how we groom them, and it's how we get the best out of them thats in our hands, he said. Laxman added that Indias performances across formats and age groups, along with the womens teams success, showed the country was in a strong position. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
After Rishabh Pant, Sourav Ganguly Returns To Delhi Capitals As Head Coach For IPL 2027
Sourav Ganguly will take charge as Delhi Capitals' head coach for the 2027 IPL season, with the former India captain replacing Hemang Badani. Ganguly has a long association with the franchise, having joined DC as an Advisor in 2019. Since
