5 Indian players who might have a change of fate under new coach Gautam Gambhir

Ankaj Jha
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Gautam Gambhir has been in the buzz since he won the IPL 2024 with his former team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, as their mentor. He was hence appointed the successor to departing Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, and Gambhir has been anticipated by cricket legends as one of the finest ever reactors in the modern game.

Among several tasks left with the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir’s priority will be to have the best of teams across all formats. As per reports, the ex-KKR mentor has already asked for different teams in different formats, and even the BCCI has agreed to the same.

Let’s have a look at who the probable superstars of the Indian team are who might see a change in fortune under the new head coach.

5 Players Indian coach Gambhir might look to use differently

KL Rahul

Rahul
KL Rahul expected to be back in action for the Men in Blue (Image: The Indian Express)

The LSG skipper was earlier dropped from Tests and was seen representing India only in white-ball cricket. However, owing to his weak performance, he was not a part of the team that played for India in the T20 World Cup.

Gautam might see Rahul as a great asset in the ODI format and will be looking to use his expertise in the longest format of the game as well. Hence, Rahul can be expected to never be seen in the shortest format for India, as the format often demands more younger players.

Shreyas Iyer

India’s most static young performer was denied an annual contract by the BCCI earlier this year; however, under the ex-KKR mentor, Iyer might be seen representing the men in blue across all three formats. Iyer, who has immense potential in white-ball cricket, lost his place in the T20 team despite winning the IPL trophy.

However, with his experience, Iyer might make his way into the shortest format soon under Gambhir. He is a constant for India in ODIs and has shown his caliber in the longest format of the game. Especially if Kohli discontinues test cricket, he will be the ideal player to replace him at No. 4.

Rishabh Pant

India’s soon-to-be all-format hero was chosen for all formats until his injury ruled him out. After his return, he was soon selected to feature in the T20 World Cup and was an inevitable part of the World Cup-winning squad.

Pant might be called back to feature for the Men in Blue across all formats, as in T20s and tests, India does not have many options other than the left-handed wicketkeeper batter. Pant might be doubted in the ODI format, as KL Rahul has shown some great resolve at No. 5, and Gambhir would not look to have the young wk-bat so early in the ODI format, especially marking that he needs to revive form after his not-so-worthy performance in the T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav

SKY was the man of the moment for India in the final of the T20 World Cup. Though the wicket of David Miller went into the bag of Pandya, it was the solo work of the Mumbai batter on the boundary line that changed India’s fortunes.

WHAT a CATCH
SKY’s catch earns India a World Cup title (Image: Times Now)

However, the man has only been stunning in the shortest format of the game, as he is now India’s official third-highest scorer in the format. Experimented in ODI and Test formats, Gambhir might not be including the Mumbai Indians star in those two formats, while he will be seen playing a few T20 World Cups for the Men in Blue.

Hardik Pandya

From woes all around India to emerging as their World Cup hero, this man has seen it all. Yes, none other than Hardik Pandya is largely considered India’s best prospect for the future in white-ball cricket.

Pandya might also be replacing World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma as the next skipper of the Indian team before the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026. The brilliant all-rounder has been an ace performer for India with both bat and ball.

After being ruled out of the CWC 2023, India faced immense concern over his position, and hence Gambhir would like to give him some time off whenever he needs it, though foreseeing him as an all-format cricketer for India and also looking to project him as a pace bowling all-rounder and recalling him in tests.

ALSO READ: IND vs SL: The BCCI has released the schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Sri Lanka

Signed till 2027: What are the new Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir’s, biggest targets in the near future

Ankaj Jha
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The world of cricket has been buzzing since the BCCI appointed veteran Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach. Gautam Gambhir replaced the successful legacy of Rahul Dravid after the former coach’s success at the T20 World Cup.

The ex-KKR mentor has been appointed for the role of Indian head coach for the next few years up to 2027. And with India expecting results from the new coach and his tactical brilliance, Gambhir has many recent tasks under his belt. From building a solid lineup in the ICC tournaments to implementing the results, all are on the cards for the legendary man.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The BGT is scheduled to be held in 2024–25, which will be Gambhir’s first assignment against a major team. India looks to keep up their good work on Australian soil, however, this time against a firm Aussie side. This will be their retention of the cup for the fifth time in a row if India can manage a win.

Champions Trophy 2025

India, after their win in the Champions Trophy under World Cup-winning skipper MS Dhoni, went on to secure their title as defending champions before they lost to arch-rivals Pakistan. Since then, this would be the first time the ICC has organized the Champions Trophy, which is to be held in Pakistan. If India participates in the tournament, the Men in Blue will be the favorites, and this will be Gambhir’s first major ICC tournament as team India head coach.

Champions Trophy
India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy with a bunch of Youngsters (Image: Scroll.in)

World Test Championship 2025

India under Gambhir would eye the WTC 2025, as the Men in Blue seem to be in the hunt for their third consecutive World Test Championship final. However, the adamant Gambhir would not only settle with his rather splendid job but would also look to win the WTC for the first time in the third consecutive final, in case they secured a spot.

India’s Tour of England in 2025

India has never won against England on English soil in the longest format of the game, ever since 2007. With MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, India’s most successful test captains, having failed to do it, will skipper Rohit Sharma, under Gambhir’s guidance, pull off this stellar task against the Bazball?

T20 World Cup 2026

The newly crowned World Champions of the shortest format of the game await their title defense under Gambhir in the upcoming T20 World Cup. And with the veterans having left out and several changes needing to be made, Gambhir has a lot to do with setting up a new promising team that can keep up India’s legacy in the tournament, especially with no team having defended their title in the ICC T20 World Cup before.

ALSO READ: With India losing two consecutive WTC finals, what changes should Gambhir try in the double home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand for WTC 2025?

World Cup 2027

World Cup 2011 jpg
Gambhir with Sachin Tendulkar in World Cup 2011 (Image: The Statesman)

Though India has several times been the best-placed team in the longer format of limited-overs cricket, they have faced some major backlashes in the tournament. Losing to Australia twice in the World Cup finals, dating back to 2003 and 2023. Since 2011, India has awaited their World Cup title for the third time, and Gambhir, who tasted the glory of the Cup as a player back in 2011, will look to reminisce about his brilliance in the upcoming installment of the tournament in 2027, especially with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma standing at the footstep of retirement.

Probably the finest innings played in a World Cup final
Gambhir’s 97 – still remains to be one of the finest innings in the history of World Cup final’s (Image: Times of India)

With India losing two consecutive WTC finals, what changes should Gambhir try in the double home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand for WTC 2025?

Ankaj Jha
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India has been the most consistent team in both WTC cycles and is the only team to play in consecutive finals, losing both against different opponents and this will be their third turn with Gambhir. The World Test Championship was one of the most highly anticipated plans of the ICC, which was started in 2019.

Mostly played over the different test series, played by all mainstream teams in the world, over a period of two years, the top two teams of the WTC table qualify to play in the finals, held in England.

India’s history in the tournament

India played their first WTC final back in 2021, as they were already crowned the No. 1 test side, leaving behind the greatest of teams in the longest format of the game. To quite a surprise, neither England, South Africa, nor Australia could make it to the finals, as India and New Zealand played the first-ever WTC final held at the Rose Bowl.

After India lost the first WTC final to the Kiwis, they once again led the table to enter the second WTC final in 2023, as they played it against Australia at the Oval. This was India’s second consecutive final and the first under skipper Rohit Sharma.

An account of India’s WTC final performance

First WTC final: IND vs. NZ, Rose Bowl, Southampton

The first-ever finals of the World Test Championship were played between the Men in Blue, led by Virat Kohli, and New Zealand, played by Kane Williamson. This was Williamson’s third straight entry into the finals of an ICC tournament, after Williamson led them to the ICC 2019 World Cup and the ICC 2021 T20 World Cup, losing both.

What India lacked was prowess in the batting department, as Indian pacers Md. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishant Sharma were equally convincing as the bowlers of the winning side. India could post a target of 140, which was chased by the Kiwi captain alongside veteran Ross Taylor, as New Zealand won their only cup in any major ICC tournament.

WTC 2021
New Zealand won the WTC 2021 (Image: ESPNcricinfo)

Second WTC final: IND vs. AUS, The Oval, London

The second final was played between the two top sides of recent test cricket as India took on Australia, led by Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins for the first time. Cummins hence started his winning streak, as he won the World Test Championship with a resilient performance from veteran batter Steven Smith and Australia’s rescue star Travis Head, both scoring 100+ totals to give the Aussies the lead.

WTC 2023
Rohit led India play against Australia in WTC 2023 (Image: myKhel)

On the other hand, India faced a batting crisis, as they could only manage a few runs in both innings, and Australia won comfortably with over 209 runs to spare.

ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir Suggests Morne Morkel as India’s Bowling Coach

What can be new head coach Gautam Gambhir’s antics for the WTC 2025?

BCCI has appointed Gambhir as India’s head coach for the next 3 years, and one of his major targets will be success in the World Test Championship. India is leading the WTC table once again with their sight at yet another World Test Championship final, which is scheduled to be played at the iconic Lord’s Stadium.

With two home series awaited against Bangladesh and New Zealand, India will have many chances to cater to their needs for building a perfect team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be played between India and Australia as the last test series before the WTC.

A new opening pair

India, for the first time, will play the WTC, with Rohit Sharma and Yashahvi Jaiswal being the probable openers. Shubman Gill has not shown much consistency in the format and was dropped off, while the two openers will be the new coach’s first-choice replacement.

The return of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya

Rahul to be back
Will KL Rahul be back in Tests for India under new coach Gambhir (Image: Scroll.in)

KL Rahul was dropped from the longest format before the WTCs; however, he has been known to excel in the format, and with Gambhir stepping in, the ex-LSG mentor might recall his former skipper for better stability in the middle-order.

Hardik Pandya, who made a start to his test career long ago but has never played in the format since 2018, might be recalled by the new coach. As India lacks a potent pace-bowling all-rounder in the format, Pandya, who has now evolved to be a much more mature batter, might look to step in.

The return of Rishabh Pant

India’s test cricketer of the year and one of the players who has entertained people in the format by changing the tempo has been India’s wicketkeeper batter. Though he couldn’t deliver in the WTC final of 2021, he has always played a good hand in India’s fightbacks at tests in England.

Pant’s return might be better off, as India is in the quest for a batter at No. 5.

Will the KKR captain find himself among the Men in Blue?

Pant or Iyer jpg
Pant or Iyer who should come at no.5 for India (Image: India Today)

KKR’s IPL-winning skipper, Shreyas Iyer, was not offered an annual contract by the BCCI, which was disheartening after his splendid performance in the World Cup 2023. Iyer has also been stable for India at No. 5, and including him alongside Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will only strengthen India’s middle order. Gambhir, knowing of Iyer’s capability during the middle phases, might look to include him for WTC 2025.

Playing Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah together

India will have the likes of Jadeja and Ashwin in the bowling department, as the duo has had immense success for the Men in Blue, with this being their last probable WTC.

However, with the WTC awaited to be played at the Lord’s, veteran pacers Shami and Bumrah will be seen playing the most vital roles. They can be shepherding India’s attack with the new ball and allowing the free swing and wind conditions in England. Though the quest for an optional backup for these two remains a tough choice for Gambhir and co.

With all this, Gambhir might look to avoid the third major upset for India if they go through to the third consecutive final of the WTC. Even skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran Kohli might draw curtains to their careers in the longest format after they have a successful end to their WTC campaign.

3 All-time Records by James Anderson which can never be broken in Cricket

Karan Rawat
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3 All-time Records by James Anderson which can never be broken in Cricket

James Anderson made his international debut for England way back in December 2002. Since then, he has been performing consistently for England. His longevity as a fast bowler has been incredible, and he gave his 22 years and led the English bowling attack from the front. He had a tremendous career.

James Anderson is the only third bowler to take 700 or more wickets in Test cricket. The English pacer had many golden moments in his career, which can be regarded as the highlights of his international career. Hence, we will talk about three such records which Anderson holds in international cricket, which are very hard to break.

3 Records of James Anderson who can’t be broken in cricket

1. Only Pacer to take 700+ Test Wickets

James Andeson
3 All-time Records by James Anderson which can never be broken in Cricket 12

James Anderson has retired as one of the best pacers of all time. He retired on a high, and he is at the top of the list in many records. Overall, Anderson picked up 704 wickets in 187 Tests with a best of 7/42. He is the third-highest wicket taker in Tests after Muttaih Muralidaran (800) and Shane Warne (708). But these two are spinners, and one can expect spinners to take more wickets in Tests. Hence, James Anderson is the only pacer with 700+ wickets in Tests.

2. Most Matches by a bowler in Tests

As a batter, it is still easy to play for 15-20 years in cricket because batters tend to get less injury, but for a fast bowler, playing for a long period of time is very impossible. Fast bowlers generally suffer from knee injuries, which end their careers. But James Anderson played international cricket for 22 years and played 188 Tests for England. These are the second-most Test matches for cricket and the most by a bowler ever. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top with 200 Tests.

3. Most ball bowled by a Bowler in Tests

James Anderson ENG
3 All-time Records by James Anderson which can never be broken in Cricket 13

When you play more than 20 years of cricket, you tend to have many records. That’s where the longevity of a bowler comes from. James Anderson is also such a bowler. He becomes the fourth bowler after Warne, Muralidaran, and Anil Kumble to bowl over 40,000 balls in the longest format. He is also the only pacer on this list. James Anderson bowled 40037 balls and took 704 wickets.

Also Read: 3 Venues that can host Indian matches if they don’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

3 changes India should make to their playing XI for 4th T20 to increase player’s pool

Karan Rawat
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3 changes India should make to their playing XI for 4th T20 to increase player’s pool

IND vs ZIM: Team India have two consecutive games in the ongoing five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. They have a 2-1 lead, and one more win will bag yet another T20 series for them. The next game will be played on Saturday at Harare Sports Club, and the way India have won the last two matches, it looks like they will win the fourth one as well.

Zimbabwe need something special to turn the table, which looks difficult. Hence, India will start the game as favorites. That’s where India should use this opportunity to increase the player’s pool. India have some players sitting on the bench so far. So if India can make some changes to their playing XI for the IND vs ZIM clash, then they have a chance to increase the pool.

IND vs ZIM: Three Players who deserve a chance in the Playing XI for the fourth T20

3. Tushar Deshpande

The Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande was picked for the series, but he hasn’t gotten a chance to make his debut so far in the series. India are already in a dominant position and have rotated the bowlers except Deshpande. So the management can give him a chance to make his debut in place of one pacer. It can help him gain confidence, and if he bowls well, it might help India in the future.

2. Dhurv Jurel

Dhurv Jurel IND vs ZIM
IND vs ZIM

India are currently playing with four openers, and everyone has done a decent job. But India need someone in the middle order or as a finisher. It is very important to increase the pool. Hence, Dhurv Jurel can be given a chance in the playing XI. This can help India have a backup for wicketkeeping. Jurel is a pretty handy player and can grow into a good batter in the middle order.

1. Riyan Parag

IND vs ZIM Riyan Parag
IND vs ZIM

There is no doubt that with Virat Koli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is, India will need a solid middle order. India have a number of options to choose from for the opening slot, but not many for middle orders. That’s where you need to give the game to players like Riyan Parag. He played the first two games but didn’t get many opportunities. Hence, India should pick him in the playing XI for the fourth IND vs ZIM clash. Sanju Samson or Shivam Dube can rest to give Parag a chance.

Also Read: 3 Key Player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM 4th T20

Gautam Gambhir Suggests Morne Morkel as India’s Bowling Coach

Aryan Thakur
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Gautam Gambhir Suggests Morne Morkel as India’s Bowling Coach

After the coaching tenure of coach Rahul Dravid ended, BCCI has appointed former Indian team star batsman Gautam Gambhir as the head coach. The name of former African bowler Morne Morkel is coming up for the bowling coach position.

Morne Morkel has great coaching experience, he was the bowling coach of the Pakistani team in the World Cup held in India. However, after Pakistan’s poor performance, he resigned from the post of Pakistani bowling coach prematurely.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Gautam Gambhir has suggested Morne Morkel’s name to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the bowling coach position. The African fast bowler has played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20 matches for South Africa between 2006 and 2018.

Gautam Gambhir Suggests Morne Morkel as India's Bowling Coach
Gautam Gambhir & Morne Morkel

Gambhir and Morkel have a long-standing coaching relationship. Both have worked for Lucknow Super Giants for two years when Gambhir was the team’s mentor and Morkel was the team’s bowling coach. Even after Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders, Morkel remains the bowling coach of LSG.

Earlier also it was reported that the responsibility of bowling coach can be given to Lakshmipathy Balaji or Vinay Kumar. According to the same reports, BCCI has also turned towards Zahir Khan. However, BCCI has not yet announced its decision.

Read: 3 Changes India should make for 4th T20 for a more convincing result

Source: Cricbuzz

Women’s Asia Cup T20 Schedule, Teams and Squads, Venues, Match Timing, and More Details | Full Details of ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024

Rahul Chaube
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Women’s Asia Cup T20 Schedule, Teams and Squads, Venues, Match Timing, and More Details | Full Details of ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024

Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024: From the men’s action, the attention now shifts to Women’s cricket and it is a big event of ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Sri Lanka is set to host the tournament this year and the tournament is set to commence on 19th July 2024. Here we are with the Women’s Asia Cup T20 Schedule, Teams, Venues, Match Timing, and More Details.

Starting with just two teams in 2004 (India and Sri Lanka), eight teams are taking part in the 2024 event with Nepal Women’s being the new entry.

India Women eye Asia Cup title defence with consistent team selection—full squad analysis
India Women (Image: The Statesman)

Indian Women have dominated the Asian countries in Cricket and this is pretty evident with India winning seven out of the eight editions played till now. This will be the ninth edition of the tournament and Sri Lanka is all set to host the 8-team competition in T20 format.

The eight teams of Asia are divided into two groups- GROUP A and GROUP B. Let’s take a look at the two groups and the teams divided:

Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024: Groups and Teams

GROUP A

PAKISTAN WOMEN
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES WOMEN
INDIA WOMEN
NEPAL WOMEN

GROUP B

MALAYSIA WOMEN
THAILAND WOMEN
BANGLADESH WOMEN
SRI LANKA WOMEN

Among those eight teams, a sum of 15 matches will be played including three knockout matches. Each team will play three matches in the group stage and the top two teams from each group will play in the semifinals.

All the competitions will be played at a single venue, i.e., Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

Women’s Asia Cup T20 Schedule

Date MatchVenueTime (IST)
July 19 ’24UAE vs NepalRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 19 ’24India vs PakistanRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 20 ’24Malaysia vs ThailandRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 20 ’24Sri Lanka vs BangladeshRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 21 ’24India vs UAERangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 21 ’24Pakistan vs NepalRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 22 ’24Sri Lanka vs MalaysiaRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 22 ’24Bangladesh vs ThailandRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 23 ’24Pakistan vs UAERangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 23 ’24India vs NepalRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 24 ’24Bangladesh vs MalaysiaRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 24 ’24Sri Lanka vs ThailandRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 26 ’24Semi-final 1Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla2:00 PM
July 26 ’24Semi-final 2Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM
July 28 ’24FinalRangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla7:00 PM

Women’s Asia Cup T20 Squads

India Women Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan
Traveling reserves: Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh

Pakistan Women Squad: Nida Dar (c) Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

UAE Women Squad: Esha Oza (c), Emily Thomas (wk), Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kavisha Kumari, Khushi Sharma, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Rinitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Rishitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper), Vaishnave Mahesh.

Nepal Women Squad: Indu Barma (c), Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Samjhana Khadka, Kajol Shrestha, Sabnam Rai, Rajmati Airee, Mamta Chaudhary, Kritika Marasini, Roma Thapa, Dolly Bhatta.

Malaysia: Winifred Duraisingam (c), Nur Aishah, Aisya Eleesa, Mas Elysa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Elsa Hunter, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Wan Julia (wk), Suabika Manivannan, Dhanusri Muhunan, Irdina Beh Nabil, Aina Najwa (wk), Nur Arianna Natsya, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa

Thailand: Thipatcha Putthawong (c), Nattaya Boochatham, Kanyakoran Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto (wk), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Chanida Sutthiruang, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Koranit Suwanchonrathi

Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Shorifa Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin. 
Travelling Reserves: Taj Nehar, Fahima Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Puja Chakrabortty

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani

READ: ICC T20 Player Rankings; Hardik Pandya Dethroned, and Gains for Ruturaj | Full Latest Updated T20I Player Standings

SOURCE- ICC OFFICIAL WEBSITE

3 Key Player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM 4th T20

Karan Rawat
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3 Key Player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM 4th T20

IND vs ZIM: The young Team India have a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. They have won the last two games by a pretty decent margin and outplayed the hosts in both departments. Now it is time to win the series. The fourth IND vs ZIM clash is all set to take place on July 13 (Saturday).

This match will be played at Harare Sports Club, and India can win the series here. This game will also be very important for the hosts to stay alive in the competition. Hence, we expect some fights from them as well. There will be some key battles between the players as well. Hence, we will talk about the three key player battles in the IND vs ZIM fourth match.

3 Key Battles to Watch Out for in IND vs ZIM 4th T20

1. Shubham Gill vs Blessing Muzarabani

Shubman Gill played an important inning in the third match after failing in the first two. He scored a 49-ball 66 and was mostly in control. The Indian captain will look to take the momentum in the next game.

But his numbers against Zimbabwe’s ace pacer, Blessings Muzarabani, are very poor. Gill has only scored 25 runs off 26 balls from Muzarabani at a strike rate of 96.2 and the pacer has dismissed Gill twice in three matches.

2. Abhishek Sharma vs Sikandar Raza

3 Key Player battles to watch out for in IND vs ZIM 4th T20
IND vs ZIM

Abhishek Sharma has been on and off in the series. He scored a duck in the first game, then smashed a 46-ball ton and then got out for 10 runs in the third game. He got out while playing big shots. So it is important to dismiss him early, or else, he can take the game away from Zimbabwe.

Abhishek is excellent against spin and has hit the ball long. But Sikandar Raza is someone who is very hard to hit. He bowls at a different pace and has a few good balls to deceive the batters. Raza dismissed Abhishek in the second IND vs ZIM as well.

3. Dion Mayers vs Washington Sundar

Dion Mayers has been the best batter for Zimbabwe in the IND vs ZIM so far. He has played the spinners with caution and has been more aggressive against the pacers. He has scored 88 runs so far and scored an unbeaten 65 off 49 in the third game. So he will be confident enough to score big in the fourth IND vs ZIM game.

So in the middle overs, it is important for India to dismiss him. That’s where Washington Sundar will be crucial. The all-rounder dismissed him once in the second game and is the leading wicket-taker in the series. This will be a good player battle in 4th IND vs ZIM clash.

Also Read: Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team

IND vs SL: The BCCI has released the schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Sri Lanka

Ankaj Jha
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IND vs SL: The India vs. Sri Lanka series is highly talked of, as this would mark several watch-worthy changes to the cricketing future of either side. India has been crowned the World Champions and will look to retain their prowess while the Lankans look to revive from a humiliating group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.

The BCCI has recently appointed Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach, and this will be the well-known mentor’s first outing as the guru of the boys in blue shirts. Gambhir would face his first challenge in leading a young Indian team, who are supposed to cover the legacy left by the two mammoths of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

gautam gambhir as India coach
Gambhir as new India head coach (Image: The New Indian)


The Indian skipper and Virat stepped down from international T20s after triumphing in the USA World Cup last month. Even if it is highly anticipated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be rested for even the ODI series in Sri Lanka to be played in the upcoming month, something official has yet to be issued by the BCCI.

However, it is in the news that, in the absence of the Indian skipper in ODIs and after his retirement from T20Is, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya are to replace him in the role.

New bunch of Skippers
The two probable new skippers for the Men in Blue (Image: Cricket Addictor)

Next, talking of the Lankan side, the coach and consultant both resigned after their humiliating 1-match victory exit in the World Cup. Now added to this has been Hasaranga’s statement issued on his stepping down from captaincy.

ALSO READ: Gambhir demands an assistant coach of his choice for Team India


Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya has been given the role of interim coach for the Lankan side, and he will look to bounce back with a whole bunch of talented cricketers.

Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya as Sri Lankan coach(Image: The Hindu Business Lines)


Amidst all this, the BCCI has come up with a confirmation on India’s fixtures for the upcoming white-ball series in both formats that are to be played between the two neighboring nations.

The Indian team will start with the shortest format, as they play their first three games, which are the T20Is, at the Pallekele International Stadium. Next, they head away to Colombo to feature in the 3-match ODI series at the R. Premadasa International Stadium.

Starting from the 26th of July, the series extends up to the 7th of August, with 3 T20Is and ODIs to be played between both sides.

The fixture is as follows:

  • First T20I: July 26th, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
  • Second T20I: July 27th, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
  • Third T20I: July 29th, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
  • First ODI: August 1st, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium
  • Second ODI: August 4th, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium
  • Third ODI: August 7th, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium

Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team

Rahul Chaube
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Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team

Former Indian opener batter Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team and the globe is reacting in their own way. Amid the proceedings, Shaheen Afridi and Dale Steyn have also come up with their view on Gambhir’s appointment.

The left-handed batter Gautam Gambhir is infamous for his sharp, unfiltered, and strong opinions. Renowned for his ruthless and ferocious approach on the field, he marks the dawn of a new era in Indian Cricket History. The declaration came on Tuesday from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, following the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure after India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir's Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team
Gambhir-Afridi Face-off

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir and ex-Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi clashed fiercely in their 2007 showdown between India and Pakistan. The first chapter of their heated rivalry ignited in the Kanpur game, where both were fined for their notorious spat. For nearly a decade, Gambhir and Afridi’s competitive fire burned brightly, fueling one of cricket’s most intense and relentless rivalries.

Sharing his thoughts on Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, former Pakistan skipper Afridi said that the two-time World Cup winner has earned a big opportunity.

Talking to Star Sports, Shahid Afridi said, “I think it’s a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward.”

Shahid Afridi, Steyn Reacted On Gambhir's Appointment as Head Coach of India Cricket Team
Steyn Reacted On Gambhir’s Appointment

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn enthusiastically expressed his happiness and support for Gambhir’s appointment. Having shared the field with Gambhir on numerous occasions, Steyn lauded the former Indian opener’s aggression and fierceness, qualities he feels are sorely missing in modern-day cricket.

Steyn emphasized that the rise of franchise T20 leagues has led to players developing friendships across teams, diluting the intense competitive spirit that Gambhir embodies.

“I am a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He is one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that. I think he is going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as big a part anymore. I am not too sure. Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder,” Steyn told Star Sports, as quoted by ANI.

READ: “NO BLAME GAME”- Says Wahab Riaz After Being Sacked From Cheif Selector Post

SOURCE- ANI and STAR SPORTS

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