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Harbhajan Singh argues that selection for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should rely on their performance rather than age. He highlights that both players have the potential to be key contributors in the upcoming World Cup, assuming they maintain their fitness. Drawing inspiration from Lionel Messi, Harbhajan emphasizes that it’s their fitness and performance that should influence their places on the ODI team.
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma could join the Mumbai Indians franchise after his playing career concludes. He suggests Virat Kohli might prefer a break from cricket before considering coaching roles. The former spinner sees growing franchise cricket creating specialist positions for retired players. Roles like mentor and director of cricket will become increasingly common for successful cricketers. Ashwin feels Rohit's tactical acumen makes him invaluable for Mumbai Indians post-retirement.
Harbhajan Singh suggests bowlers must attack Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to succeed. He believes containing the young batter is not an effective strategy. Sooryavanshi's aggressive style forces elite bowlers to reconsider their approach. The former spinner emphasises taking wickets over defensive bowling tactics. Accepting boundaries is part of the risk when facing this talented player.
After a difficult two-year injury battle, Mayank Yadav is quietly rebuilding his body and bowling workload in Chandigarh. The tearaway quick is now consistently touching 150kph in training, with his team focusing on workload management and longer-format readiness. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, the priority is staying fit and bowling long spells without losing pace.
The West Indies captain wants to see the progress some of his more inexperienced team-mates make on their first tour to India
"We have set a standard as a team, and we must try to transcend that in every match," Shreyas Iyer says of his goal as India's T20I captain
Visitors were 135 for 0 in the 20th over but finished with 295 for 7
The 23-year-old from Gajuwaka shares the new ball with Prasidh Krishna, recovers from an 18-run first over and takes a wicket in the final over
Rishabh Pant has not donned the ODI jersey for India in more than two years, leaving his international career in limbo. Although he has shone in Test matches, fierce competition for the wicketkeeper role in ODIs and T20s looms large. After a year lost to injury, players like KL Rahul have seized their chance.
Shubman Gill conveyed his strong commitment to addressing unfinished goals in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recognising the scarcity of opportunities for World Cup participation, he underscored the importance of guidance from seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Furthermore, Gill shared that he is prioritising team achievements over personal accolades, viewing captaincy as a pivotal duty rather than a burden.
With Cameron Green a potentially doubtful starter at Kingsmead, Webster's adaptability may have to come to the fore
Gill’s first year as ODI captain has exposed India’s lack of settled resources ahead of next year’s World Cup. With injuries and form issues affecting the pace attack, he wants his strongest combination finalised soon, despite a disrupted New Zealand series. Gill is also assessing No. 8 options while demanding improvement in India’s fielding and bowling discipline.
KL Rahul is sharpening his batting techniques against an older ball, focusing on his contributions during the middle overs. After an impressive 129 runs, he shared insights about the challenges faced with a softer ball that begins to reverse swing. With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, he emphasizes the need for India's middle order to elevate their scores to over 350.
Ravichandran Ashwin asserts that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s display in New Zealand might have a significant impact on his chances for World Cup selection. Having last participated in an ODI in 2022, Bhuvneshwar is set to make his return to international cricket. His capacity to swing the ball could enhance India's bowling lineup for next year’s championship.
The BCCI's Centre of Excellence reported a rise in rehabilitated players, with 32 men undergoing treatment recently. A budget increase of nearly Rs 35 crore was allocated for injury management and rehabilitation. Soft-tissue injuries predominated among the cases, with notable players affected. Communication issues between Team India and the CoE's Sports Science Medicine team have been highlighted.
Blair Tickner and Josh Clarkson have been brought into the squad for the five-match series against India starting later this month
New Zealand have made two changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against India after Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were ruled out with injuries. Allrounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been called up to replace the injured players. The series is scheduled to begin on October 22.
India are on a ten-match winning streak in T20Is
In a candid interaction, Kuldeep Yadav opened up about his feelings on surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal's T20I wicket tally. While proud, he wishes to collaborate with Chahal for more unforgettable records. Reflecting on his adaptation to T20 cricket post-hiatus, Kuldeep outlined his game plan for the West Indies, emphasising control and limiting aggressive strokes. Ultimately, he remains focused on the collective success of the team over individual achievements on the field.
In the thrilling second T20I against West Indies, Sanju Samson showcased his batting talent with a blistering fifty, equaling Virat Kohli's record for the fastest fifty by an Indian against this rival. This explosive performance helped propel India's stellar powerplay score in T20Is. Teaming up with Abhishek Sharma, he set a strong foundation for India, continuing their successful momentum after a prior victory in the series.
India showcased their batting prowess against the West Indies, amassing an unprecedented T20I total of 249 runs. The highlight of the match was Sanju Samson, who electrified the crowd with an explosive 82 runs from 41 balls. Significant input from Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, alongside Tilak Varma's not-out 44, fortified India's position.
India scored their highest-ever T20I total against West Indies, reaching 249 runs in 20 overs. Mayank Yadav played a critical role by taking three wickets during the powerplay. His impressive bowling performance included a remarkable delivery clocked at 149.5kmph. West Indies struggled to respond and were left reeling early in their chase.
Hope and Sherfane Rutherford turned the match on its head with a 120-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rutherford smashed 84 off 37 balls, while Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 as the West Indies chased down India's 250-run target with nine balls to spare.
India put up 249 for 5 but without Jasprit Bumrah the bowlers couldn't defend it
India captain Shreyas Iyer blamed heavy dew and the batting-friendly pitch for his team's six-wicket defeat against West Indies despite scoring 249. He praised Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford for their match-winning partnership. Hope, who scored an unbeaten 102, said partnerships and calculated risks were crucial to completing the challenging chase after West Indies lost two early wickets.
West Indies captain Shai Hope became only the second player after Australia's Shane Watson to score centuries in all three formats against India. Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, helping West Indies chase 250 to win by six wickets in Ranchi. The victory marked their highest successful T20I chase and levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
The New Zealand quick is being rested as a precautionary measure with one eye on the four-Test tour of Australia in December-January
India's head coach reiterated his concern for pitches in white-ball cricket after the run-fest in Ranchi
The West Indies chased down a target of 250 in just 18.3 overs to register their highest successful T20I chase against India and level the five-match series 1-1. Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 102, while Sherfane Rutherford made 84 to lead the visitors to victory.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the decision to promote Shivam Dube to No. 4 despite the all-rounder failing to make an impact in the second T20 International against the West Indies in Ranchi. Dube scored seven off 10 balls before being dismissed by West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase. However, Gambhir said India would continue to change their batting order according to the match situation, adding that only the opening positions are fixed in T20 cricket.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned India's bowling choices after their six-wicket defeat to the West Indies in Ranchi. He felt Mayank Yadav or Arshdeep Singh should have bowled the 18th over instead of Axar Patel. Gavaskar also suggested Kuldeep Yadav would have been a better option than Shivam Dube earlier, as India failed to defend 249 runs.
Wasim Jaffer has raised eyebrows over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s late venture into wicketkeeping practice as he gears up for the Ranji Trophy. Jaffer pointed out the difficulty of mastering wicketkeeping, particularly without foundational training. He recommends that Jaiswal focus on his batting skills instead, especially since he aims to secure a spot on India's white-ball teams.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are on a roll, showcasing their exceptional talent and form as the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches. Robin Singh emphasizes that their vast experience and top-notch fitness could be game-changers for India. The selectors are currently testing different player combinations, while seasoned bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami are also in the selection spotlight.
In a recent T20 match, India managed to score 249 runs against the West Indies but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Yuzvendra Chahal raised concerns regarding the playing conditions, noting that bowlers are facing significant challenges due to smaller boundaries and the Impact Player rule from the IPL.
As the Indian team prepares for the next match, attention turns to finalising its squad for the highly anticipated 2028 T20 World Cup. Players like Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are under scrutiny to deliver strong performances, especially with fierce competition emerging. The team will also assess the potential of newcomers like Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. With high-scoring pitches expected, strategies will adapt accordingly.
After 501 runs were scored in Ranchi in just 38.3 overs, the two teams will be put to the sword in another batting paradise
The cricketer who helped popularise women’s cricket in India has stepped down as captain but will continue to play for the national team
Suresh Raina expressed optimism about Mohammed Shami's potential return to the national team. After Bhuvneshwar Kumar's successful comeback, Raina highlighted Shami's strong domestic performances. Despite concerns regarding Shami's IPL statistics, Raina remains confident in his abilities. Bhuvneshwar's recent contributions illustrate how discipline can lead to opportunities in international cricket. Raina noted that Shami is closely following Kumar's path to making a return.
On an Indore pitch whose low bounce made big hitting difficult, Abhishek Sharma's 30-ball 69 ended up giving India an above-par total
Murphy says one of the highlights was "the ball speed from the quicks and how exciting they were and how threatening they looked"
Nathan McSweeney used YouTube videos of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to prepare for the challenge of batting against spin in India. His preparation proved effective as the Australia A batter topped the run charts in the one-day series against India A, helping his team secure a 2-1 win in Puducherry.
Due to an unfortunate injury obtained in the Irani Cup, Rishabh Pant will miss the first two matches of India's tour to New Zealand. Kumar Kushagra has stepped in as his substitute. Starting October 24, India will engage in three multi-day matches against New Zealand A. Captain Dhruv Jurel will helm the squad, filled with experienced talent.
Pant continues to recover from a left side strain and could still feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A
Mhatre damaged his right hamstring while opening the batting for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh on Sunday
"Whatever the team needs, I want to step into that role," the batter says as he adapts to bat at No. 5, sometimes even No. 6
The third T20I against the West Indies was another milestone match for Abhishek Sharma. He became the sixth Indian men's cricketer to score 2,000 runs in T20 internationals. He also became the fastest batter in men's cricket to reach the milestone in terms of balls faced.
Mumbai: Cricket endorsements are holding up despite the slowdown in celebrity-led advertising, even as brands shift spending towards digital creators and Bollywood stars face growing competition for marketing budgets, industry sources said.The sports celebrity endorsement market was valued at ₹1,350 crore in 2025, with cricketers accounting for almost 90% of it, according to industry estimates. The market is expected to cross ₹1,500 crore in 2026, with almost a dozen endorsement deals in the pipeline as brands look to sign cricketers for upcoming festive campaigns, multiple industry sources sa
Parthiv Patel's decision to opt out has given rise to speculation that the head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), VVS Laxman, may have a greater say in selection affairs, with Pragyan Ojha continuing as the interim chairman of the selection committee. With the ODI World Cup less than a year away, will the BCCI choose to continue with the two?
At 26, Prithvi Shaw is focused on rebuilding his cricket career after years of setbacks, criticism and limited international opportunities. He is prioritising cricket, family and discipline while avoiding public attention. Despite being dropped by Mumbai and missing IPL 2025, Shaw has regained form in domestic cricket. His ultimate ambition remains returning to India’s national team through consistent performances.
The Pragyan Ojha-led selection committee has already picked India’s T20I squad for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, which will start from Oct 22. The five-match ODI series will start on Nov 4 in Auckland. It's understood that Ojha met Team India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, celebrating his 45th birthday, in Hyderabad on Wednesday, for the first time since the BCCI asked him to take over as the interim chairman of the national selection committee.
Virat Kohli made his debut on LinkedIn, emphasizing his ambition to enhance Indian sports culture and brands. He announced his role as Investor in Agilitas and Co-founder of one8world. Kohli aims to create a comprehensive sports business model in India, involving manufacturing and distribution. Satya Nadella welcomed Kohli, recognizing the significance of this new chapter in his career. Kohli's vision reflects a commitment to building a lasting legacy in sports.
Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature in India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand as the team management prioritises his red-ball workload. The pace spearhead could play one India A match before joining the Test squad. India's ODI and Test squads are likely to be announced in the next few days.
The 37-year-old represented India in four Tests, 73 ODIs and 35 T20Is between 2009 and 2021.
For over a year, attention has centered on the struggling No. 8 batting position, an area that has failed to deliver consistent results. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir have been experimented with, yet their talents remain largely untapped. The team grapples with achieving the right balance due to the lack of a competent all-rounder.
India has added veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to their lineup for the upcoming T20I match. This decision follows an injury sustained by Arshdeep Singh during the fourth match of the series. The final T20I will be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with the series tied at 2-2. India's selection committee hopes to finalize Arshdeep's participation before the match based on his recovery.
Yuzvendra Chahal revealed his struggles with alcohol following his divorce and the importance of rehabilitation. He checked into a rehab centre for 26 days to regain control over his life. Chahal emphasized that he recognized the need to stop drinking to protect his cricket career. While he has faced personal challenges, he remains a leading wicket-taker in the IPL. His experiences have contributed to his emotional maturity and overall well-being.
India's men's cricket team has announced its line-up for the upcoming New Zealand tour, revealing the ODI and Test squads. The tour will host five ODIs followed by two Tests after the T20I series wraps up. Shubman Gill is set to captain the ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer stepping in for the last two.
India will have two captains during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill will lead the team in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will take over for the final two games.
Bumrah is not part of the ODI squad, but will return to lead the attack in the two-match Test series
If selected, Jaffer would be the chair of the selector's committee by virtue of having played the most Tests (31)
Indian cricketers have had a busy couple of months, playing several bilateral series as well as competing at the Asian Games in Japan.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticised the BCCI for excluding Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s ODI squad against New Zealand, calling the decision "unfair and unfortunate". He believes Jaiswal deserved an opportunity in the final two matches while Shubman Gill rests. Ashwin warned that limited game time could damage Jaiswal’s confidence and urged selectors to support the talented batter ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.
Ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, India's cricket selectors have enacted significant squad changes. Notable absentees from the first trio of matches include Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel. Axar Patel is brought in to replace Jadeja, and both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are welcomed back into the mix.
Mumbai Indians and head coach Mahela Jayawardene have mutually decided to part ways before the upcoming IPL season. The team management aims to bring in a new head coach for fresh perspectives. Candidates for the position are being interviewed with a decision expected soon. After a disappointing season, the franchise aims to improve performance going into the new cycle.
AB de Villiers initially viewed Virat Kohli as someone who exuded an air of arrogance and cockiness in their first encounters. Kohli's early confidence, evident even as a young player, was frequently misread by many. However, as time passed, De Villiers observed a remarkable evolution in Kohli, leading to a more balanced demeanor.
Gill is understood to be keen to get some match practice in the red-ball format ahead of his departure to New Zealand for the ODI series in November
In their last 15 innings, Shafali’s strike rate exceeded 170 and Mandhana’s 150, career highs over any 15-innings stretch
Ravichandran Ashwin voices his disappointment over Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion from the Indian cricket team, arguing that a single bowler shouldn't bear the brunt of criticism when conditions are tough. He predicts that Varun Chakravarthy may be favored for the New Zealand series instead of Kuldeep. Ashwin raises concerns about India prioritizing batting strength over specialized bowlers, stressing the importance of having real wicket-takers if four seamers are in play.
Aakash Chopra is voicing his concerns about the absence of Ravindra Jadeja from India's ODI series against New Zealand, suggesting a preference for Axar Patel that contradicts previous commitments made by management regarding Jadeja's future. Additionally, the exclusion of Manav Suthar from the Test squad is puzzling, considering his stellar debut. Chopra advocates for selectors to openly discuss the reasons behind such omissions with players to foster transparency.
With the IPL season looming, the chatter about Hardik Pandya's future at Mumbai Indians is heating up. Renowned former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that a move to Chennai Super Kings could be advantageous for CSK, though he doubts its likelihood anytime soon. Ashwin sees Rajasthan Royals as a more realistic contender for Hardik's next signing. Additionally, Mumbai Indians face a critical juncture after losing head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
Shubman Gill scored just one run for Punjab against Chhattisgarh in his Ranji Trophy return ahead of India’s Test series against New Zealand, starting November 19. Ajay Mandal dismissed him after five deliveries. Gill will play the first three New Zealand ODIs before preparing for the Tests. Despite the setback, he has scored 1,095 international runs this year, including four centuries.
Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Sanju Samson's continued exclusion from the ODI squad. Despite impressive ODI statistics, Samson was overlooked for the New Zealand series. Chopra highlighted that multiple other wicketkeeper-batters were not selected either, indicating a possible decision on Samson's future. He compared performance metrics between Samson and other T20I players to support his point. This scrutiny comes as discussions around Samson's place in the team continue.
Nayar believes Samson’s ability to respond to criticism with a big score makes it difficult for the team management to move on from him.
"He is never out of form. The kind of player Sanju Samson has been in the T20 format; his form fluctuates. But it is always a matter of one innings. He plays one good innings, and he is back in form."
Mohammed Shami's omission from India's Test lineup against New Zealand has stirred controversy and prompted questions regarding the selectors' judgment. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif is advocating for clarity, highlighting Shami’s impressive domestic performances. Having excelled as the top wicket-taker in the recent ODI World Cup, his lack of inclusion raises concerns about his fitness and bowling workload. Amid ongoing discussions, Shami's role remains critical to India's aspirations in international cricket.
Abhimanyu, 31, was part of the India Test squad on the tour of England in 2025 but has not been picked since
Aakash Chopra expressed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may not find a place in India's T20I squad soon. He noted the lack of available spots due to consistent performances from established top-order batters. Chopra suggested releasing Sooryavanshi for the Ranji Trophy if he continues to sit on the bench. He also defended Tilak Varma, stating that critiques of his performance are not justified.