IND vs NZ: The stage is all set for India to take on New Zealand in the 21st match of ICC World Cup 2023 on 22 October at the Picturesque HPCA Stadium in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Dharamshala. With slight chances of rain at Dharamshala, the Men in Blue will be keen to quench their thirst for an ICC win against the Blackcaps. In this post, we present you the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Dharamshala, and Pitch Report.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-nz-weather-forecast">IND vs NZ Weather Forecast</a></li><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-nz-rain-prediciton">IND vs NZ Rain Prediciton</a></li><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-nz-pitch-report-of-hpca-stadium-dharamshala">IND vs NZ: Pitch Report of HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala</a></li></ul></nav></div>



India and New Zealand have been the only undefeated and undisputed teams in this World Cup to date but the dominance of one will end today. One of the teams will remain at the top with 0 losses and the other will have 1 loss in their kitty. It is the toughest contest and one of the most important contests for team India in this tournament for the position of the team as well as the morale of the individuals.



There are a few injury concerns for both teams. For India, Hardik Pandya went through an ankle injury in the last game, Ishan Kishan is unavailable, and Surya Kumar got a forearm injury. Now Rohit and Dravid have a puzzling situation where they have to fill Pandya's spot when there is no like-for-like replacement for him. There aren't much of options available for them.



DON'T MISS: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-nz-more-injuries-for-india-after-hardik-suryakumar-ishan-kishan-feared-injured-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-clash/">More Injuries for India, after Hardik, Suryakumar, Ishan Kishan feared injured</a>



Ashwin is the only choice left for the selectors as Surya and Ishan won't be able to play. Given that the New Zealand XI is predicted to have five left-handers, Rohit may have thought about using his best off-spinner in this match. But if Ashwin were to replace Thakur, India would only have a 2-3 seam-spin assault, which might not be the best choice in Dharamsala.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/10/ashwin.jpg" alt="IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Dharamshala, and Pitch Report. Will Rain Interrupt India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023?" class="wp-image-121690" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India vs New Zealand: Ashwin likely to get a slot</figcaption></figure>



Kane may not be ready for this match as well, so they are unlikely to welcome Kane Williamson back just yet. The Blackcaps' bowling lineup and batting order are both fairly consistent. Though Tim Southee is ultimately fit, will New Zealand offer him a spot? But if they do, he will bring an impressive record in one-day internationals against Rohit (dismissed 5 times) and Kohli (dismissed 6 times).



Overall, it is going to be a neck-to-neck match. New Zealand have never lost against India since 2003 in any ICC event and this time again it is the stage of the World Cup if they can do the same. Down below is the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Dharamshala, and Pitch Report.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-nz-weather-forecast">IND vs NZ Weather Forecast</h2>



<a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/plugins/gumlet/assets/images/pixel.png"></a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/10/IND-vs-NZ-dharamshala.png" alt="IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Dharamshala, and Pitch Report. Will Rain Interrupt India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023?" class="wp-image-121689" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IND vs NZ Weather Forecast of Dharamshala (<a href="https://weather.com/en-IN/weather/hourbyhour/l/14d7d427390755914121eef95074f8ce4035f9c03a585828d33ec489537c33a5">www.weather.com</a>)</figcaption></figure>



A cool and overcast day in Dharamshala City. As winter has hit the Northern Himalayas, Dharamshala has very dynamic kind of weather in this part of the year. Today, on 22 October 2023, the temperature of Dharamshala City is expected to peak at 19?C in the afternoon and drop as low as 14?C further as the sun goes down.



Humidity is predicted to hover between 60-70% in the match hours and winds will gust towards the Northeast at a speed of ~8Kmh during the day. Tom Latham revealed that Dew had begun to form as early as 5:00 PM in the days leading up to the game, so batting second might just continue to be an advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-nz-rain-prediciton">IND vs NZ Rain Prediciton</h2>



There are moderate chances of rain in Dharamshala City of Himachal Pradesh. The rain possibility is 20% during the match hours, however, there will be more than 60% of the sky covered under clouds. An overcast day for India vs New Zealand is what weather.com predicts. Though, as it is aforementioned, the weather here in Dharamshala is very dynamic. It can rain anytime when it is Dharamshala but we must hope for a full 100-over game.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-nz-pitch-report-of-hpca-stadium-dharamshala">IND vs NZ: Pitch Report of HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala</h2>



In the first three games, the HPCA Stadium's surface did its job well. Only one of the three matches has been a day/night game, with the other two all taking place during the day. In the first day-night game, the swing and aid the bowlers received in the evening were noticeably different from the daytime games.



Dharamsala has been a site where the fast bowlers have found a degree of joy, though the batch of white balls used in the World Cup hasn't swung much anywhere else. It is also anticipated today. The bowling will be pretty exciting thanks to the top swing bowlers like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-world-cup-2023-india-vs-new-zealand-head-to-head-odi-records-and-stats/">India vs New Zealand Head to Head ODI Records and Stats</a>



Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>&nbsp;for more recent updates.

IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Dharamshala, and Pitch Report. Will Rain Interrupt India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023?

ind-vs-nz-rain-prediction-weather-forecast-of-dharamshala-and-pitch-report-will-rain-interrupt-india-vs-new-zealand-icc-world-cup-2023

IND vs NZ: The stage is all set for the first knockout game of the ICC World Cup 2023 where India will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal. The contest is slated to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai starting at 2:00 PM. Good weather and a clear sky are expected for India vs New Zealand. This post reads the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, the Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and the Pitch Report for the 1st Semifinal.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-nz-weather-forecast">IND vs NZ Weather Forecast</a></li><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-nz-rain-prediciton">IND vs NZ Rain Prediciton</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pitch-report-of-wankhede-stadium-mumbai">Pitch Report of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai</a></li><li class=""><a href="#who-will-win-ind-vs-nz">Who will win IND Vs NZ?</a></li></ul></nav></div>



India have enjoyed their journey in the World Cup this year as they are the only team to be undefeated. They ended the group stage at the top of the World Cup 2023 points table with 18 points. India have displayed a perfect example of the team game and the environment of the dugout has been excellent.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/01/IND-vs-NZ-3rd-T20I.jpg" alt="IND vs NZ 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Team, Playing11, Pitch Report, Where to Watch New Zealand tour of India 2023?" class="wp-image-101813" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Associated Press</figcaption></figure>



Getting to this stage has not been easy for New Zealand; in fact, they have lost four games in a row, all against teams who are in the top half of the rankings. And yet, here they are?for the ninth time?in a World Cup semifinal.



On Wednesday, Kane Williamson's team will face off against their rivals on an equal footing at the historic grounds of Indian cricket. Although they have happily accepted the label of underdogs for the majority of their cricketing careers and have even relished the freedom it entails, they are by no means inferior.



India has endured four years with the memories of Manchester and much longer without a victory in the ICC tournament's knockout stage. It's perhaps for the best that they have a brief and quick two-day break before this match in Mumbai so they don't overthink the situation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/11/IND-vs-NZ-2019-Semi-Final.jpg" alt="IND vs NZ: Team India's performance in the World Cup Semi-Finals over the years, ODI World Cup Stats, Results" class="wp-image-122600" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India vs New Zealand 2019 World Cup Semi-final. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



New Zealand is aware that India would be under a lot of pressure to meet all the expectations placed on them, to break the curse of the elimination round, and to maintain the legends of their superstars. While the opponent faces several challenges, New Zealand can focus on perfecting their one-percenters, matching up effectively in one-on-one contests, and caring about the little things to find a spark.



Down below is the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, the Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and the Pitch Report for the 1st Semifinal:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-nz-weather-forecast">IND vs NZ Weather Forecast</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/11/ind-vs-nz.png" alt="IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and Pitch Report for 1st Semifinal. Will Rain Interrupt India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023?" class="wp-image-122608" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Mumbai (<a href="https://weather.com/en-IN/weather/hourbyhour/l/7ae663abcfc2467b23c1c2c6fd09778abd7adff6948a0138a3a7fb96336e00c5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather.com</a>)</figcaption></figure>



A hot but overcast day in Mumbai City. Mumbai has very ?stable but dynamic? kind of weather throughout the year. Today, on 15 November 2023, the temperature of Mumbai City is expected to peak at 34?C in the afternoon and drop further as the sun goes down.



Humidity is predicted to hover between 40-60% in the match hours and winds will gust towards the Northwest at a speed of ~14Kmh during the day. A clear sky means a hot and dry day at the Wankhede Stadium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-nz-rain-prediciton">IND vs NZ Rain Prediciton</h2>



There are zero chances of rain in Mumbai City of Maharashtra. The rain possibility is nearly nil during the match hours, however, there will be ~10% of the sky covered under clouds. An overcast day for India vs New Zealand is what weather.com predicts. Though, as it is aforementioned, the weather here in Mumbai is very dynamic. It can rain anytime when it is Mumbai but we must hope for a full 100-over game.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pitch-report-of-wankhede-stadium-mumbai">Pitch Report of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai</h2>



It is said that Wankhede Stadium is a batting nirvana. It is well known that the pitch allows batters to hit the ball across its line and is batting-friendly throughout the game. This match is expected to be highly scoring. A few reports were out that Indian management asked pitch curators to razer out all the grass and prepare a slow pitch.



The sample size of the ground is adequate, as there are only 26 ODIs being played here. These games often end with a first-inning score of 256, with the team batting first holding a 14?12 advantage over the team batting second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="who-will-win-ind-vs-nz">Who will win IND Vs NZ?</h2>



Although India emerged as the best side in the World Cup 2023, they are in the side having most of the pressure. India is the stronger side on head-to-head comparison but their 9-year knockout jinx will be on their mind. 



Ignoring the previous records, India are looking the strongest and they are the favorites to win the match.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-odi-world-cup-2023-players-with-best-batting-average-rankings-1-10-virat-kohli-tops-the-chart/">ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Players With Best Batting Average Rankings 1 ? 10; Virat Kohli Tops The Chart</a>



Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>&nbsp;for more recent updates.<a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/plugins/gumlet/assets/images/pixel.png"></a><a href="https://www.cricketworldcup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/plugins/gumlet/assets/images/pixel.png"></a>

IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and Pitch Report for 1st Semifinal. Will Rain Interrupt India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023?

ind-vs-nz-rain-prediction-weather-forecast-of-mumbai-and-pitch-report-for-1st-semifinal-will-rain-interrupt-india-vs-new-zealand-icc-world-cup-2023

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the next designation of all top teams and their fans. The tournament is all set to kick off in Pakistan on February 19. India are part of Group A, which also has Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Team India will play their first match on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
The provisional squad for the ICC event is likely to be announced on or before January 12. There are a number of names that have been considered, and some players might get a nod in the squad. However, there will be some unlucky players who will not be able to make the cut. In this article, we will talk about three big names who might not be picked for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
<h2>Three big stars who might be dropped from rh ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad </h2>
3. Arshdeep Singh 
Indian fans can't forget the performance that Arshdeep Singh delivered in the T20 World Cup 2024. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker and helped India win the long-awaited ICC title. Though Arshdeep has only played 8 ODIs so far. But with his ability to swing the new ball and then contain batters in the end, it makes him a complete white-ball bowler. However, India will already have the option of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya in a 15-member squad.
2. Sanju Samson 
Sanju Samson finished 2024 as India's top scorer in T20Is. He slammed three centuries in just 12 innings and is someone who can bat anywhere and also is a keeper. But despite his batting form, Samson might not be able to make the cut. India will go with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as wicketkeepers, and the top order is already packed. Hence, Samson might not be able to make it into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
1. Suryakumar Yadav 
India's T20I captain and one of the key members of the team in the shortest format has been in and out of the ODI squad. He played an important role in India winning the T20 World Cup 2024. He is also in good form as compared to some other Indian seniors. But he won't get a chance as India might back Rahul, Pant, and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-to-miss-jasprit-bumrah-in-icc-champions-trophy-2025-ace-pacer-to-travel-to-new-zealand-to-undergo-scans-reports/">India to miss Jasprit Bumrah in ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Ace pacer to travel to New Zealand to undergo scans - Reports</a>

India are likely to announce provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on January 12.

India's provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be revealed on January 12. We might see some big names missing out a spot in the squad.

India will play their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 20 in Dubai.

3 Indian Stars who might be dropped from India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: As the days go by, the buzz around speculations and predictions continues to intensify. For Team India, squad predictions have become a hot topic of discussion, sparking debates everywhere—from cricket fanatics on social media to casual conversations on the streets. Amid this growing excitement, one key question stands out: who will don the wicketkeeping gloves for India in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With numerous cricket experts and pundits making bold predictions about India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a common thread runs through most discussions: the inclusion of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson.
However, opinions are far from unanimous. While some former cricketers have opted to leave Rishabh Pant out of their squads, others argue for his inclusion at the expense of Sanju Samson, fueling a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Let's discuss all three options one by one:
<h2>KL Rahul Frontrunner to Keep Wickets?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677fef7181149.jpg" alt="">
KL Rahul has made a compelling case to be India’s primary wicketkeeping option in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Rahul’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure, highlighting his crucial contributions at No. 5 and his knack for scoring vital runs when the team needed them most.
Rahul’s reliability behind the stumps was further cemented by his record-breaking performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. With 17 dismissals, including 16 catches and one stumping, he surpassed Rahul Dravid’s 2003 record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in a single World Cup edition.
These achievements underscore his dual efficiency with both the gloves and the bat, solidifying his place as a frontrunner for the role in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
<h2>Is Rishabh Pant Ready for ODI Format?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b385bc4.jpg" alt="">
Rishabh Pant has proven his mettle in the Test format, but his performances in white-ball cricket have been inconsistent, as highlighted by his ODI stats: 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21. Despite his potential, these numbers suggest he lacks the maturity required for high-pressure limited-overs cricket.
However, Pant’s wicketkeeping skills set him apart. Among the three contenders, he is the most agile and reliable behind the stumps, with quick reflexes, sharp accuracy, and adaptability to various conditions. While his batting in ODIs needs improvement, his exceptional glove work makes him a strong contender for a spot in the squad.
<h2>Can Sanju's Form Secure Him a Spot?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b73d5fc.jpg" alt="">
Sanju Samson’s impressive ODI stats—510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60—underscore his potential as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, including a century and three fifties, makes him a strong contender for the squad.
Sanjay Bangar also stated, “You have to give a place to Sanju Samson because he averages above 50 in ODI cricket. Add to that, he is a man in form as well.”
When compared to Rishabh Pant, Samson’s batting stats are significantly better, highlighting his consistency in white-ball cricket. Moreover, Samson’s wicketkeeping skills are nearly on par with Pant’s, making him a well-rounded option. His current form further solidifies his chances of overtaking Pant in the race for the role.
<h2> Who Will Keep Wickets?</h2>
KL Rahul, with his record-breaking wicketkeeping performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and consistent contributions as a batter, emerges as the frontrunner for India’s primary wicketkeeper role. Sanju Samson, backed by Sanjay Bangar for his stellar ODI average of 56.66 and solid form, is a strong contender for the backup spot.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s exceptional wicketkeeping skills and proven Test success make him a valuable asset, though his inconsistent white-ball batting leaves room for improvement. Together, these options reflect India’s enviable depth in the wicketkeeping department heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The weight is on KL Rahul to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Shreyas Iyer is fit and actively playing cricket to provide a good balance in the team and in his presence, KL Rahul would be the best option. Sanju Samson would be a better batter and wicketkeeper in the backup if we take Stats into account. Rishabh Pant might have to wait for a while in the white ball cricket.

With KL Rahul’s consistency, Sanju Samson’s form, and Rishabh Pant’s agility, who should India trust as their wicketkeeper in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? The race is closer than ever.

India’s wicketkeeping dilemma: Rahul’s reliability, Samson’s form, or Pant’s agility? A tough decision awaits ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Who Will Keep Wickets for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul?

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The last few months have been below par for Team India in terms of performances. They didn't enjoy much time on the field. But everything can change as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is coming up, and India will be one of the favorites teams entering the tournament.
But can they do it without Jasprit Bumrah? Well, not many will give the Indian cricket team a chance if Bumrah doesn't take part in the upcoming event. That is the reason Rohit Sharma and his men are currently in big confusion over Bumrah's participation.
Notably, the pacer didn't bowl in the final innings of the fifth test at the SCG due to a fitness issue. Though it wasn't serious and we might see the name of Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, it will come with one condition.
<h2>Will Jasprit Bumrah be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?</h2>
Notably, the last date to submit the provision squad for all teams is January 12. There is no doubt Bumrah will be part of the squad, but his participation in the tournament will be subject to his fitness. As reported by Hindustan Times, the pacer will only step on the field when he feels pain-free.
The report indicates that the pacer has reached New Zealand to consult Dr. Rowan Schouten, who is an orthopedic surgeon. He was the one that treated Bumrah back in 2023, when he suffered from a back injury. The report quoted, "The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team, and the selectors are expected to be informed.”
India are all set to host England for five T20Is and three ODIs before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tour will begin on January 22 and will conclude on February 12, a week before India will play their first game of the Champions Trophy 2025. India will start their campaign with a game against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
India are already struggling with the bad form of the batters. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going through rough patches. Adding to that, there is no clarity over Mohammed Shami's return. The pacer has been playing at the domestic level, but he is not getting clearance from the NCA to play for India. And if Bumrah doesn't play, India will be under immense pressure.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/australia-suffered-a-massive-blow-after-josh-hazlewood-captain-pat-cummins-is-also-likely-to-miss-icc-champions-trophy-due-to-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia suffered a massive blow; after Josh Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins is also likely to miss ICC Champions Trophy due to injury</a>

Jasprit Bumrah didn't bowl in the second innings of the fifth test against Australia at the SCG. He will be rested for the England series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

India to miss Jasprit Bumrah in ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Ace pacer to travel to New Zealand to undergo scans - Reports

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just a month away, and the two-time champion, Australia, have been hit with a couple of massive injury-related blows. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, might not take part in the upcoming mega event, and now, there is another massive injury concern.
ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the coming event. This news has certainly hit the team and Australian fans, as the captain is a key member of the squad and has been nursing an ankle injury. His participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is hanging by a thin thread.
Notably, Australia are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for two test matches ahead of the coming ICC event. Cummins has been rested, and Steve Smith has been given the captaincy duties for the upcoming series. Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final, which is why the coming tests don't hold much value and their result won't affect anything. Hence, Cricket Australia decided to give Cummins a rest.
<h2>Pat Cummins might miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury</h2>
The captain, Pat Cummins, played a crucial role in helping Australia win the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He finished with the second-most wickets in the series after Jasprit Bumrah (32). Cummins took 25 wickets at an average of 21.36. He also scored 159 runs with the bat in this low-scoring series.
However, playing all five tests on the trot has seemed to have affected him, and the captain has sustained an ankle soreness. Meanwhile, the captain is on leave because of the birth of his second child, which was also one key reason for him missing the Sri Lanka tour. That's what George Bailey, the chief selector of Australia, also confirmed in one of his statements.
But the recent news has not just raised questions about his availablity but also his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He is set to undergo scans for his sore ankle. Bailey said, "We’ll have to wait and see when the scan comes back and see how it's tracking. There’s a little bit of work to do.”
That indicates that the two-time Champions Trophy winner are in jeopardy. If Cummins couldn't make it in time, then Mitchell Marsh is likely to lead Australia in the mega event, which will begin on February 19. Australia are placed in Group B, and they will begin their campaign on February 22 against England.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a>

Pat Cummins led Australia to to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy win after a wait of ten years. Cummins is likely to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury.

Australia suffered a massive blow; after Josh Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins is also likely to miss ICC Champions Trophy due to injury

australia-suffered-a-massive-blow-after-josh-hazlewood-captain-pat-cummins-is-also-likely-to-miss-icc-champions-trophy-due-to-injury

Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025: Australia, after having a dominating Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, are all set to tour Sri Lanka for a red-ball series. Cricket Australia have announced the squad for the tour today and Steve Smith is named captain of the side as Pat Cummins is rested.
Australia won the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade this year. The series started with Perth's loss for them and many ruled them out as a competition against India this time as well. But, they owned strong character and won three out of four test matches clinching the series 3-1. 
The entire bowling department was thoroughly in the best of their forms, the batting looked damped in the first two tests but by the end of BGT 2025, the entire batting lineup got some runs from their bat. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e141bad740.jpg" alt="">
Now, Australia has unveiled a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, with a few surprising changes. Skipper Pat Cummins will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave to welcome his second child while continuing to recover from an ankle issue that plagued him throughout the home season.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, who was part of the team that triumphed over India, has been left out. Adding to the injury concerns, Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable due to the setback that sidelined him during the latter stages of the India series. These adjustments set the stage for an intriguing challenge as Australia gears up for the Sri Lankan Tests.
<h2>Australia Squad for Sri Lanka Tour</h2>
Steve Smith (C), Travis Head(VC), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott
Australia's squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka signals a clear strategy to tackle spin-friendly conditions. With only two frontline pacers, Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott, the focus has shifted firmly to spin.
Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann join the experienced Nathan Lyon, creating a strong spin arsenal designed for the turning tracks of Galle. This balanced mix of experience and fresh talent shows how the selectors are adapting to the challenges of playing conditions in Sri Lanka.
On the batting front, Nathan McSweeney has earned a spot in the squad despite falling out of favor during the India series. Adding a fresh spark, young Cooper Connolly, a left-handed batter who can also bowl orthodox spin, has received his first-ever Test call-up. His inclusion not only reflects Australia’s faith in young talent but also highlights their intent to embrace versatility.
Sam Konstas also retained his spot in the side. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are two wicket-keeping options and the presence of Vice Captain Travis Head provides an absolute balance to the squad. With these selections, Australia seems ready to take on the Sri Lankan conditions with both skill and strategy.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a> 
SOURCE- <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1877160916057313759">CRICKET AUSTRALIA</a>

Australia's squad for the Sri Lanka Tests emphasizes spin with Lyon, Murphy, and Kuhnemann. McSweeney returns, while debutant Connolly adds versatility. Starc and Abbott lead a trimmed-pace attack.

Australia strengthens spin options for Sri Lanka Tests, recalls McSweeney, and includes debutant Connolly. Starc, Abbott lead reduced pace lineup.