SA vs IND: 2 Changes India can make for 2nd Test against South Africa: After going down in the first test at the SuperSport Park in Centurian, the stage is all set for the 2nd game of the series between India and South Africa. This time the contest will be held at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, starting January 03.



Team India couldn't match the competition which South Africa posted in the first test. The game was wrapped up by the Proteas inside three days and handed a defeat to Team India by an innings and 32 runs.



Following the first test loss, Team India has significantly worked harder on their skills. The team conducted a couple of optional practice sessions during the breaks to mend the flaws. The Indian side is likely to undergo another training session today - January 02 - before they turn up for the 2nd test on January 03.



The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shardul Thakur, R Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal among others were in attendance during the optional session at the SuperSport Park and Newlands Stadium. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SA vs IND: 2 Changes India can make for 2nd Test</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/01/Mukesh-kumar-1.jpg" alt="SA vs IND: 2 Changes India can make for 2nd Test against South Africa suggested by Irfan Pathan" class="wp-image-101717" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Source: Google.com</figcaption></figure>



Team India is very likely to make changes to the playing11 for the second test against South Africa. The team felt the need for a decent batter down the order at number 7, a place which is usually owned by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder is expected to back into the side after missing out on the first test against South Africa due to back spasms. 



"Ravindra Jadeja, if fit, should come back in the team. Ashwin did bowl well from what was expected out of him on that pitch but we missed Jadeja's control while batting at number 7 in Centurion,? Pathan told Star Sports.?



In another change indicated by Irfan Pathan, the Indian side can look towards Mukesh Kumar in the pace bowling department if they don't feel confident going with Prasidh Krishna, who made his test debut in the last game. 



Prasidh Krishna didn't have a memorable outing in his debut match. The pacer conceded runs at an economy of 4.70 and could only pick a solitary wicket.



"If you're Rohit Sharma and you want to go with the same bowling attack, that's also fine. But if you're thinking of making a change, Mukesh Kumar could come in for Prasidh Krishna. But if you feel Prasidh is confident in the nets, then he should be backed for the second Test," he added.



Below is Team India's likely playing11 for the 2nd test against South Africa:



India's Playing11: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumarh, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Mukesh Kumar.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-virat-kohli-smashes-huge-six-to-r-ashwin-in-nets-ahead-of-india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test/">Watch: Virat Kohli smashes huge six to R Ashwin in nets ahead of India vs South Africa 2nd test</a>



For more details head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC?s&nbsp;</a>official website.

SA vs IND: 2 Changes India can make for 2nd Test against South Africa suggested by Irfan Pathan

sa-vs-ind-2-changes-india-can-make-for-2nd-test-against-south-africa-suggested-by-irfan-pathan

IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: 2 Changes Team India can make in 2nd T20I against Afghanistan: After comfortably winning the 1st T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali, Team India is now all set to lock horns for the 2nd fixture of the three-match T20I series. The India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I will be held in Indore's Holkar Stadium on 14th January, starting at 7:00 PM IST.



Rohit Sharma-led Team India won the 1st T20I comfortably in Mohali owing to the team's complete performance. For the most part of the innings, the Indian bowlers were disciplined and made the batters do extra work for every single run. 



On a good batting surface, the Afghans were restricted to a meagre score of 158 runs, thanks to the Indian bowlers who kept run-scoring under control. 



On the batting front as well, though, not many batters could muster high scores, but decent partnerships were always there. Young Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube were engaged in a 44-run partnership followed by another 45-run partnership between Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma. To end the fixture on a winning note, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh stitched a 42-run partnership.



Batting all-rounder Shivam Dube was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' for his sublime 60 runs unbeaten knock in Mohali. 



Team India had made a couple of changes walking into the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I. Veteran batter Virat Kohli was unavailable for the fixture. Furthermore, left-arm opener Yashasvi Jaiswal wasn't completely fit and was not available. The BCCI in a statement during the match informed that Jaiswal has a sore right groin and hence not playing the game.



Both the players are likely to be available for the India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I in Indore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: 2 Changes Team India can make in 2nd T20I</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/08/Yashasvi-Jaiswal-Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Shubman Gill OUT, Virat Kohli IN, 2 Changes Team India can make in 2nd T20I against Afghanistan" class="wp-image-117676" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AFP via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>



It seems like Shubman Gill isn't India's first-choice player to open the innings along with captain Rohit Sharma. The team has preferred to go with Yashasvi Jaiswal. It can be noted that the Indian side is also looking to have a left-hand right-hand opening combination and Jaiswal fits into that criteria well.



If fit and available, Yashasvi Jaiswal could replace Shubman Gill in the opening place and open the innings with captain Rohit Sharma in the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan.



Seasoned batter Virat Kohli is also expected to be fit for the game and hence he would be India's first-choice player to hold the number 3 position. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">India's Playing11 for 2nd T20I against Afghanistan</h2>



Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli/Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-greatest-swing-bowler-fans-react-as-bhuvneshwar-kumar-picks-5-wickets-in-ranji-trophy-comeback/">Watch: ?Greatest Swing Bowler? Fans React as Bhuvneshwar Kumar picks 5 wickets in Ranji Trophy Comeback</a>



For more details head to BCCI?s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official&nbsp;</a>website.

IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Shubman Gill OUT, Virat Kohli IN, 2 Changes Team India can make in 2nd T20I against Afghanistan

ind-vs-afg-2nd-t20i-shubman-gill-out-virat-kohli-in-2-changes-team-india-can-make-in-2nd-t20i-against-afghanistan

Rishabh Pant, who was struggling throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, went on to slam a 29-ball fifty in the second innings of the fifth test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His innings gave India a massive chance to stick into the game and have some hopes going into the third day. This is not new that Pant has slammed a quickfire knock.
Even in the past, he has played some blazing innings. India have a rich history of batsmanship. Over the years, there have been many Indian flamboyant batters who have made the world notice the game. This article will include some of those batters, where we will talk about the top five fastest half-centuries in test cricket for the Indian cricket team.
<h2>Top Five Fastest Half-Centuries for Team India in Test Cricket</h2>
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (31 balls) vs Bangladesh, 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal is among the new generation of batting stars for India. He has already shown that he is a special talent. He slammed the joint-fourth fastest test fifty for India. He slammed a 31-ball fifty against Bangladesh in Kanpur in September 2024. India declared 285/9 in just 34.4 overs. Jaiswal also scored 51 not out in the second innings and won the MOTM award.
4. Shardul Thakur (31 balls) vs England, 2021
Shardul Thakur is known for his bowling ability, but he knows how to use the long handle. He has shown that time to time that he is capable with the bat as well. Shardul has twin half-centuries at the Oval against England in 2021. He made 57 and 60 in the game, and India won that by 157 runs. The fifty in the first innings came off just 31 balls. He made 57 off 36 balls, with 7 fours and three sixes.
3. Kapil Dev (30 balls) vs Pakistan, 1982
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev was a swashbuckling cricketer who had the ability to win games with bat and ball both. He played many game-changing innings in his career. One of those came against Pakistan in 1982 in Karachi. Though India lost that game, Kapil was at his best. He slammed a 30-ball fifty in the first innings and made 73 off 53, with 12 fours and one six.He also took 5/102 with the ball.
2. Rishabh Pant (29 balls) vs Australia, 2025
Pant is among the fearless cricketers in modern-day cricket. He has played some game-changing knocks, and one came in the New Year test against Australia at SCG. India were down and out after losing their top order. That's when he came out and slammed a 29-ball fifty and scored 61 off 33 balls, with six fours and four sixes. His innings helped India to get back into the game.
1. Rishabh Pant (28 balls) vs Sri Lanka, 2022
Pant also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty for India. It came against Sri Lanka in 2022 in Bengaluru. Pant scored 39 off 26 in the first innings. He carried on in the second innings and slammed a 28-ball fifty. He made 50 off 31 balls, with seven fours and two sixes to register the fastest fifty for India. The hosts won the game by 238 runs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-next-to-be-dropped-virat-averages-less-than-burmah-in-first-innings-since-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli next to be dropped? Virat averages less than Burmah in First Innings since 2024</a>

Rishabh Pant slammed a 29-ball fifty in the second innings of the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored 61 runs off 33 balls.

List of Fastest Half-Centuries for India in Test Cricket

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India suffered a massive blow when ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the field on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On the second day, Bumrah only bowled 8 more overs and was seen in discomfort.
He left the field just after lunch on day 1 after bowling one over. He had a word with Virat Kohli, who led the team in his absence. Later he was seen going to the hospital for precautionary scans and left SCG with security liaison officer Anshuman Upadhyay and the team doctor.
It left India with no choice, and the other pacers had to share the workload. However, the Indian bowlers bowled pretty well and dismissed Australia for 181 runs in 51 overs, giving a four-run lead to India, but Bumrah's injury became the talking point of the town.
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah's injury update: Pacer returns to SCG after undergoing scans</h2>
It came as a body blow to the touring team, who were already struggling to survive in the series, when Jasprit Bumrah had to leave the ground. After a wait of a couple of hours, the pacer returned at the venue around 11:15 AM IST on Saturday. However, he was in discomfort when he left the field, but when he came back, he looked pretty relaxed.
It can be a confidence booster for Team India and fans, as Bumrah's body language indicated that there is no sign of worry. Notably, India will be bowling in the fourth innings, and they need their best bowler at his full throttle. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series. He has taken 32 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.05.
Even on Day 2, he took an important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. In his absence, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj stepped up and bowled pretty well. Both pacers took three wickets each, and Nitish Kumar Reddy also supported them with two vital wickets.
At the stumps on Day 2, India finished at 141/6, and they have a lead of 145 with four wickets in hand. Ravindra Jadeja (8 off 39) and Washington Sundar (6 off 17) are at the crease. The Indian top order failed once again, but it was Rishabh Pant who slammed India's second-fastest fifty off 29 balls.
He scored 61 off 33 balls, with six fours and four sixes to bring back India into the game. However, India lost a couple of wickets at the very end, which has made the game pretty even. But India would hope to have a sizable lead of around 200 runs, and with Bumrah completely fit, they will fancy their chances on this tough pitch.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-players-who-can-replace-rohit-sharma-at-the-top-if-he-announces-his-retirement-after-the-scg-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test</a>

Jasprit Bumrah left Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 2 after feeling discomfort. He went for scans with the doctor and has returned back.

Jasprit Bumrah's Injury Update: Pacers Returns to SCG after Precautionary Scans

jasprit-bumrah-s-injury-update-pacers-returns-to-scg-after-precautionary-scans

The South Africa vs Pakistan Test series continues with the second match at Newlands, Cape Town from January 3–7, 2025. If you want to watch the match, here’s where you can catch all the action.
<h4>Match Details</h4>
<ul>
<li>Dates: January 3–7, 2025</li>
<li>Venue: Newlands, Cape Town</li>
<li>Start Time: 2:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to Watch the Match in India</h2>
<ol>
<li>
On TV: You can watch the match live on Sports18 SD/HD channels.
</li>
<li>
Online Streaming: The match will also be available for live streaming on JioCinema, which you can access through the app or website.
</li>
</ol>
<h4>South Africa's Big News</h4>
<ul>
<li>
South Africa's Big Win: South Africa has already qualified for the World Test Championship final after winning the first Test. The team is in great form, making this second Test even more exciting.
</li>
<li>
Pakistan’s Fight: Pakistan will be looking to make a comeback, which should make for a thrilling match.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>Live Score Updates</h4>
If you can't watch the match live, you can follow the scores on:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/" title="CRICKBUZZ " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRICKBUZZ</a> for real-time updates.</li>
</ul>
<h3>South africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team Results for this series: </h3>
<ul>
<li>1st T20I (Dec 10, 2024) - Durban: South Africa won by 11 runs, scoring 183/9, while Pakistan made 172/8.</li>
<li>2nd T20I (Dec 13, 2024) - Centurion: South Africa won by 7 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 206/5 with 210/3 in 19.3 overs.</li>
<li>3rd T20I (Dec 14, 2024) - Johannesburg: Match abandoned without a ball bowled.</li>
<li>1st ODI (Dec 17, 2024) - Paarl: Pakistan won by 3 wickets, chasing down South Africa’s 239/9 with 242/7.</li>
<li>2nd ODI (Dec 19, 2024) - Cape Town: Pakistan won by 81 runs, setting 329 and restricting South Africa to 248.</li>
<li>3rd ODI (Dec 22, 2024) - Johannesburg: Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS method), scoring 308/9, while South Africa managed 271.</li>
<li>1st Test (Dec 26-29, 2024) - Centurion: South Africa won by 2 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 211 &amp; 237 with 301 &amp; 150/8.</li>
<li>2nd Test (Jan 3-7, 2025) - Cape Town: Day 1 - South Africa is batting with 316/4 in 80 overs.</li>
</ul>

South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team

Where to watch South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team. Check the SA vs PAK 2024/25 - Schedule & Results so far!

Where to Watch South Africa vs Pakistan Cricket Match (January 2025)

where-to-watch-south-africa-vs-pakistan-cricket-match-january-2025-

RCB fans are crazy, aren’t they? While the BCCI is working with the IPL administration team to finalize the IPL 2025 schedule, we’ve been busy discussing what could be the possible combinations of the playing XI for the best RCB team, based on the pitch and opponent strengths.
Let’s first take a look at the full squad. Then, we’ll explore the Balanced XI, Spin-Heavy XI, and Pace-Dominant XI combinations. Finally, we’ll determine the best possible playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025.
So, friends, what do you say—shall we get started?

<h3>RCB Full Squad for IPL 2025</h3>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player Name</th>
<th>Role</th>
<th>Price</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virat Kohli</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Patidar</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yash Dayal</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Liam Livingstone</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹8.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Salt</td>
<td>Wicketkeeper-Batsman</td>
<td>₹11.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jitesh Sharma</td>
<td>Wicketkeeper-Batsman</td>
<td>₹11 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Hazlewood</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹12.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rasikh Dar</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹6 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Suyash Sharma</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹2.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krunal Pandya</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹5.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bhuvneshwar Kumar</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹10.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swapnil Singh</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹50 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim David</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹3 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Romario Shepherd</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹1.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nuwan Thushara</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹1.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manoj Bhandage</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacob Bethell</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹2.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devdutt Padikkal</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>₹2 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swastik Chhikara</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lungi Ngidi</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹1 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abhinandan Singh</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mohit Rathee</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>Combination 1: Balanced XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt (WK), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
<h3>Combination 2: Spin-Heavy XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Bethell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar
<h3>Combination 3: Pace-Dominant XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt (WK), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara
<h2>Best Playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025 [Predicted]</h2>
Virat Kohli Devdutt Padikkal Liam Livingstone Phil Salt (WK) Jitesh Sharma Tim David Krunal Pandya Bhuvneshwar Kumar Josh Hazlewood Yash Dayal Suyash Sharma

Best Playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025 [Predicted]

Predicting the top 3 playing XI combinations for RCB in IPL 2025—Balanced XI, Spin-Heavy XI, and Pace-Dominant XI—and revealing the best XI for ultimate success!

IPL 2025 RCB Playing 11: Top 3 Combinations Predicted, See the Best

IPL 2025: Predicted RCB Playing XI and Top 3 Combos

ipl-2025-predicted-rcb-playing-xi-and-top-3-combos

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays. During the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the fans in Sydney didn't go easy on the Indian players as they made life tough for them. 
During the last Test between India and Australia, Indian players in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were at the receiving end of racial slurs. The players of the team were abused by the fans, and it turned out to be a big controversy, with Sydney Cricket management banning the particular section of the ground. 
A similar kind of thing unfolded on Day 1 of the ongoing match between India and Australia. Again, a particular section of the crowd came under the radar. The fans were abusing Indian fans in the stadium as they were seen chanting, "Where is your visa?". The video went viral on the internet with many lashing out at fans. 
The people at the Sydney Cricket Ground were also seen booing Indian players as well. They had a go at Virat Kohli and then later Jasprit Bumrah, who was involved in a massive fight with Sam Konstas during the last over of Day 1 of the ongoing Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Coming to the match, Australia started the last day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on a dominating note. The visitors carried their good form and put India under massive pressure at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The start with the bat didn't go the way India would've wanted as both the openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were back early. Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma, played a decent hand of 20 runs off 64 balls with two boundaries. 
He, along with Virat Kohli (17), added 40 runs for the third wicket. But both the batters couldn't bat for long as India was left tottering at 72 for four. Rishabh Pant (40) batted with great grit and looked solid before he yet again perished to a wild shot. Ravindra Jadeja (26), too, had a start, but he too couldn't get going for long as India was reduced to 148/8. Captain Jasprit Bumrah (22) hit some shots in the end and took the team to a total of 185. 
Australia, in response, lost Usman Khawaja as Jasprit Bumrah bagged his 31st wicket of the series. At stumps, Australia was 9 for one with 176 runs behind.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/clouds-looming-over-virat-kohli-batter-s-retirement-date-gets-finalised-/">Clouds looming over Virat Kohli! Batter's retirement date gets finalised</a>
<h2>Watch: Australian fans  humiliate Indians at SCG</h2>

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays