<p><strong>IPL 2024, RCB vs KKR:</strong> Faf Du Plessis's Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to lock horns against the 2012 and 2014 IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB are coming into this game on the back of a nail-biting victory of four wickets against the Punjab Kings, thanks to the finishing touches of Dinesh Karthik (28 runs in 10 balls) and a Virat Kohli masterclass (77 runs in 49 balls).&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, KKR secured a narrow victory of four runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad thanks to the heroics of Andre Russell (64 runs in 25 balls) and Harshit Rana (3-33). Russell's unbeaten knock consisted of three fours and seven monstrous sixes, and he completely toyed with the SRH bowling unit. Phil Salt (54 runs in 40 balls) provided a good start to KKR as an opener. Ramandeep Singh played a good cameo with 23 runs in 15 balls as well.?</p>



<p>Andre Russell contributed with the ball as well; he took two wickets in two overs, and Harshit Rana's brilliant 20th over allowed KKR to defeat SRH.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The game between RCB and KKR is going to be highly exciting and entertaining, as both teams have good seamers and raw power hitters in their squads. This article will provide detailed information regarding three player battles to watch out for:</p>



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><div><div class=""><a href="#mitchell-starc-vs-virat-kohli">Mitchell Starc vs Virat Kohli</a></div><div class=""><a href="#yash-dayal-vs-rinku-singh">Yash Dayal vs Rinku Singh</a></div><div class=""><a href="#mohammed-siraj-vs-phil-salt">Mohammed Siraj vs Phil Salt</a></div></div></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="mitchell-starc-vs-virat-kohli">Mitchell Starc vs Virat Kohli</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/03/Mitchell-Starc-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-128649" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mitchell Starc vs Virat Kohli</figcaption></figure>



<p>Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli is back in his red-hot form, and in the RCB KKR game, he won't hold back the assault against KKR's 24.75 crore rupee signing Mitchell Starc. The 34 year-old, who is renowned for his inch-perfect yorker deliveries and skull-crushing short-pitched balls, will be looking forward to yet another on-field battle against Virat Kohli. Both the players are the best in their departments and with the presence of Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of the Knight Riders, the battle between the two is going to become even more intense.?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="yash-dayal-vs-rinku-singh">Yash Dayal vs Rinku Singh</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/03/Yash-Dayal-vs-Rinku-Singh-1024x672.jpg" alt="IPL 2024, RCB vs KKR" class="wp-image-128650" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yash Dayal vs Rinku Singh</figcaption></figure>



<p>Yash Dayal and Rinku Singh are all set to face each other once again on the field. Rinku has the advantage against Dayal, as the five sixes that he hit against him last year are still fresh in the memories of a lot of people. It will be interesting to watch what kind of an approach Yash Dayal is going to adopt this time around against Rinku.?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="mohammed-siraj-vs-phil-salt">Mohammed Siraj vs Phil Salt</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/03/Mohammed-Siraj-vs-Phil-Salt-2.jpg" alt="IPL 2024, RCB vs KKR" class="wp-image-128652" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Siraj vs Phil Salt</figcaption></figure>



<p>Phil Salt is someone who likes to attack from the word go, and he did exactly that against Pat Cummins-led SRH in the previous match as he smashed three back-to-back sixes against Marco Jansen. He loves to bat against fast bowlers, and he would be looking to go after RCB's lead bowler, Mohammed Siraj. Siraj has improved a lot over the years as a bowler, and he can be extremely dangerous with his swing deliveries and his short-pitched balls. The battle between Salt and Siraj is definitely going to be one to watch out for.</p>



<p><strong>Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rajasthan-royals-vs-delhi-capitals-dream11-prediction-rr-vs-dc-dream11-team-must-pick-players-playing-11-head-to-head-record-check-all-match-related-details/#google_vignette">Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals Dream11 Prediction: RR vs DC Dream11 Team, Must Pick Players</a></p>



<p></p>

IPL 2024, RCB vs KKR: Three Players battle to Watch out for

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<p><strong>IPL 2024</strong>: The league phase of the 2024 Tata Indian Premier League has crossed the halfway mark and the battle to secure qualification for the playoffs has begun. Table Toppers Rajasthan Royals led by Sanju Samson (16 points in nine games) have pretty much qualified for the playoffs but the other three spots are still up for grabs. No team from the current season has been eliminated yet and even bottom-of-the-table franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (six points from 10 games) have the opportunity to qualify for the playoffs.</p>



<p>The first six days of week seven will feature evening matches and all ten IPL teams will be playing matches against each other in the seventh week of IPL 2024, starting with a clash between two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) at Kolkata's Eden Gardens stadium on Monday, 29th April. In their previous meeting, the Shreyas Iyer-led team destroyed the Delhi Capitals having posted 272 runs on the board thanks to some phenomenal knocks of Sunil Marine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Andre Russell. In their second meeting of the season, Rishabh Pant and his troops will be seeking revenge for their previous defeat against KKR.</p>



<p>The second match of this week will be between KL Rahul's Lucknow Super Giants and Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians. The match will take place tomorrow at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium and this game will see both of these teams playing their first game against each other in IPL 2024. LSG are currently at the fifth spot in the points table and a win against MI will see them enter the top four again. Mi on the other hand have not had a good season under the leadership of Hardik Pandya and they have to win every remaining game if they want to qualify for the playoffs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/Mumbai-Indians-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-133503" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Mumbai Indians | Pic: IPL20.com</figcaption></figure>



<p>Post the LSG MI game, CSK will lock horns against the Punjab Kings for the first time this season on Wednesday. It will be a home game for the five-time champions and the Men in Yellow will be entering the game on the back of a solid win against Hyderabad and they will be looking to continue their winning momentum by defeating the Punjab-based team.</p>



<p>2nd May 2024 will see the Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on the Rajasthan Royals for the first time this season in Hyderabad. It will be a battle between the strong batting unit of SRH and the mighty bowling unit of RR and it remains to be seen which team will end up finishing out on top in this encounter.</p>



<p>After the game against LSG, MI will return to Mumbai for an intense clash against Kolkata Knight Rider on 3rd May 2024. MI KKR matches have proven to be intense and nail-biting in the last few years and this year's clash also promises to be a really exciting encounter as Kolkata?s strong batting unit will be looking to go nuts on the flat pitch of the Wankhede Stadium.</p>



<p>The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also be in action this week as they will lock horns against the Gujarat Titans on 4th May for the second time in this year's IPL. In their previous match, the duo of Virat Kohli and Will Jacks helped their side chase down a target of 201 runs in just 16 overs and GT will be looking to take revenge for that defeat.</p>



<p>5th May, Sunday will witness yet another doubleheader as Chennai will be playing their second game of this season against Punjab in the afternoon while Lucknow will also be locking horns against KKR on the same day in the evening.</p>



<p>All in all, the seventh week of IPL 2024 promises to be a highly exciting and entertaining one.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>IPL 2024 7th Week Full Schedule from Monday to Sunday</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/Kolkata-Knight-Riders.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-133505" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kolkata Knight Riders | Pic: ipl20.com</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Match No.</th><th>Match</th><th>Date</th><th>Venue</th><th>DAY/Time</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Match 47</td><td>KKR vs DC</td><td>29th Apr 2024</td><td>Eden Gardens, Kolkata</td><td>Monday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 48</td><td>LSG vs MI</td><td>30th Apr 2024</td><td>Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow</td><td>Tuesday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 49</td><td>CSK vs PBKS</td><td>1st May 2024</td><td>MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai</td><td>Wednesday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 50</td><td>SRH vs RR</td><td>2nd May 2024</td><td>Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad</td><td>Thursday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 51</td><td>MI vs KKR</td><td>3rd May 2024</td><td>Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai</td><td>Friday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 52</td><td>RCB vs GT</td><td>4th May 2024</td><td>.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru</td><td>Saturday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 53</td><td>PBKS vs CSK</td><td>5th May 2024</td><td>Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala</td><td>Sunday I 3:30 pm (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Match 54</td><td>LSG vs KKR</td><td>5th May 2024</td><td>Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow</td><td>Sunday | 7:30 pm (IST)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2024-points-table-updated-csk-vs-srh-april-29-ipl-teams-standings-after-chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad/"> </a></mark></strong><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2024-points-table-updated-csk-vs-srh-april-29-ipl-teams-standings-after-chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad/">IPL 2024 Points Table [Updated] CSK vs SRH</a></p>



<p>For More Visit Official Site of the <a href="https://www.iplt20.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.iplt20.com/">IPL-2024</a></p>

IPL 2024 7th Week Full Schedule from Monday to Sunday (29 April-5 May)

ipl-2024-7th-week-full-schedule-from-monday-to-sunday-29-april-5-may

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Three big stars who might be dropped from rh ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad </h2>
<p><strong>3. Arshdeep Singh</strong> </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>2. Sanju Samson</strong> </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>1. Suryakumar Yadav</strong> </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>

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

3-indian-stars-who-might-be-dropped-from-india-s-squad-for-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025

<p><strong>ICC Champions Trophy 2025: </strong>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<h2><strong>KL Rahul Frontrunner to Keep Wickets?</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677fef7181149.jpg" alt=""></strong></p>
<p><strong>KL Rahul </strong>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong>Is Rishabh Pant Ready for ODI Format?</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b385bc4.jpg" alt=""></strong></p>
<p><strong>Rishabh Pant </strong>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong>Can Sanju's Form Secure Him a Spot?</strong></h2>
<p><strong><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b73d5fc.jpg" alt=""></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong> Who Will Keep Wickets?</strong></h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.<strong><br></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>

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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<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Will Jasprit Bumrah be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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, "<strong>The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team, and the selectors are expected to be informed.”</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>

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

india-to-miss-jasprit-bumrah-in-icc-champions-trophy-2025-ace-pacer-to-travel-to-new-zealand-to-undergo-scans-reports

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Pat Cummins might miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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, "<strong>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.”</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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></p>

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

<p><strong>Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025: </strong>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e141bad740.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong>Australia Squad for Sri Lanka Tour</strong></h2>
<p><em><strong>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</strong></em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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><br></strong></p>
<p><strong>SOURCE- <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1877160916057313759">CRICKET AUSTRALIA</a></strong></p>

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.