IPL 2024 Breaking News: The preparations for the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League are moving at a breakneck pace. The next season's auction will take place on December 19th in Dubai. Kolkata Knight Riders have made a critical decision just before the IPL 2024. Shreyas Iyer has been re-appointed captain of the team. Iyer was unable to play last season due to an injury. Nitish Rana was appointed as the captain in his absence. Gautam Gambhir has also returned to his former franchise as a mentor.



Nitish Rana will be the vice captain of the Knight Riders ahead of the upcoming season of the IPL. Earlier this year, Shreyas had undergone back surgery, and he made his comeback with the Indian team in the Asia Cup 2023. The 29-year-old was in the best form of his life in the recently concluded ODI World Cup but was not able to help India lift their third ICC World Cup Trophy.



Regarding Shreyas Iyer?s comeback as the captain for KKR, Ceo Venky Mysore, in a press release for the Knight Riders on X, said, It was pretty unfortunate that Shreyas missed IPL 2023 due to an injury, and we are glad that he?s back and at the helm as captain. The way he has worked hard to recover from his injury and the form he has displayed is a testament to his character. ?



"We are also grateful that Nitish agreed to step into Shreyas?s shoes last season and did a great job. There?s no doubt Nitish, as vice captain, will support Shreyas in every possible way for the benefit of Team KKR.?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/02/Nitish-Rana-press-conference.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83518" /></figure>



Skipper Shreyas Iyer praised Nitish Rana and said, ?I believe the last season presented us with several challenges, including my absence due to injury. Nitish did a great job, not only filling in for me but also with his commendable leadership. I am delighted that KKR has named him vice captain. No doubt it will strengthen the leadership group.?



The Knight Riders would be hoping that Skipper Shreyas Iyer can help the team lift their 3rd IPL trophy in 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players retained by KKR for the IPL 2024</h2>



Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Nitish Rana (Vice-Captain), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jason Roy, Anukul Roy, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshith Rana, and Vaibhav Arora.



Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-auction-budget-retained-players-released-players-and-targeted-players-for-ipl-2024-auction/">IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings: Auction Budget, Retained Players, Released Players and Targeted Players for IPL 2024 Auction</a>



For more, Check the Official Page of<a href="https://www.iplt20.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">?IPL</a>

IPL 2024 Breaking News: Shreyas Iyer returns as the captain of KKR for IPL 2024, and Nitish Rana set to become the?vice?captain

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KKR Breaking News: The Indian Cricket Team's middle-order batsman, Shreyas Iyer, has been given clearance to feature in the upcoming season of the IPL after he faced discomfort in his back during the recently concluded Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. The KKR skipper missed out on a well-deserved ton in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy Final, but he didn't come out to field on the final two days of the match. The 29-year-old joined the KKR camp on March 16 and even participated in an intra-squad match on Sunday.



According to a news report from the Indian Express, Iyer met a spine specialist doctor in Mumbai, and then he went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, where the NCA doctors gave him clearance to play. However, the spine specialist advised him that he needs to be careful when he stretches his leg while defending the ball.?



?He (Shreyas Iyer) is fit enough to play. He consulted a spine specialist doctor in Mumbai, and he advised him not to stretch his leg too much while defending the ball. He has joined the KKR camp, and he is fit enough to participate in the matches of IPL 2024,? a BCCI said to Indian Express.?



Shreyas Iyer has been facing a lot of issues with his back, and his back issues have forced him to miss important matches. His back issues started last year during the Border Gavaskar Trophy matches against Australia. He then underwent back surgery, which forced him to miss the entire IPL in 2023.



He made a comeback to international cricket during last year's Asia Cup 2023 and found his form and rhythm just before the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Iyer scored 530 runs, and the Men in Blue finished as the runner-up.?



Post-World Cup, Iyer performed really well in the five match T20i series against Australia and in the white ball games on the tour of South Africa, but he then faced some discomfort once again during the England Test series. He was ruled out of the Indian squad after the second test match in Vizag.?



After getting dropped from the Indian Cricket Team's test squad, the BCCI instructed the 29 year old to play in the quarterfinal matches of the Ranji Trophy, but the Mumbai batter didn't follow the instructions of the BCCI and complained of issues with his back despite receiving a full fitness clearance from the NCA. He had to face the consequences of denying the instructions of BCCi as he was removed from the list of annually contracted players.?



Shreyas then corrected his mistake as he rejoined Mumbai's squad for the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy and even participated in the final. However, apart from his knock of 95 runs in the final against Vidarbha, he struggled a lot against the seamers in the domestic tournament. The fast bowlers constantly got the better of him by bowling short-pitched deliveries, which is a major weakness of Shreyas Iyer.?



The KKR skipper missed the entire IPL 2023 due to his back issues, and once again, his back issues have created doubts regarding his participation in the upcoming season of the IPL. But the fitness clearance from the doctors and the NCA comes as a huge relief for Iyer and KKR.



Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rcb-performance-analysis-of-previous-three-years-rcb-squad-analysis-ipl-2024/">RCB Performance Analysis of Previous Three Years?</a>

KKR Breaking News: Shreyas Iyer declared fit to play in IPL 2024 but his participation comes with a twist

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Australia Cricket Team has faced a massive blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out the entire tournament with a back injury, and there are chances that he might miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. 
Mitchell Marsh has been struggling with his back ever since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 started. The pacer looked in pain but continued playing for Australia before he was dropped from the team as Beau Webster replaced him for the last match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
Following that, Mitchell Marsh played a single game in the Big Bash League, and after that,t, he was rested from the last three matches of the BBL season to mentally and physically refresh ahead of the ICC  Champions Trophy 2025. However, it came as a big surprise that selectors ruled him out. 
<h2>Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction - Cricket Australia </h2>
Cricket Australia released the official statement, saying that the all-rounder has been ruled out with lower back pain and dysfunction. The statement added that they made the decision, keeping in mind the long-term plan, adding that they will be naming a replacement soon. 
"Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champion's Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction. The National Selection Panel and Australian men's medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation. 
"His lower back pain flared in recent weeks, leading the NSP to make the longer-term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return-to-play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course." Statement from Cricket Australia read. 
Mitchell Marsh getting ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 comes as a huge blow. The all-rounder has been the key member of the team in the white-ball cricket. Since 2023, he has been sensational with the bat, as he has averaged 44.54 in ODIs with a strike rate of 109.13. Along with this, he also has been handy with the ball. 
Cricket Australia are also mulling over the fitness of captain Pat Cummins as well. The pacer has been struggling with the ankle injury and there is no clarity over him as well. If both Marsh and Cummins get ruled out, then there will be headaches for the management as they won't have a captaincy option. 
Steve Smith and Travis Head might be asked to take over the role then. Josh Inglis also is there as he recently led the team in home summer, both in T20Is and ODIs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-india-to-travel-to-dubai-on-this-date-unlikely-to-play-warmup-game-/#google_vignette">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India to travel to Dubai on this date; unlikely to play warmup game</a>

Mitchell Marsh has been struggling with his back ever since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 started.

T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a back injury, and there are chances that he might miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. 

Australia shocked! Captain ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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IND vs ENG 4th T20I: With the scoreline of 2-1, India and England are now going to play the fourth T20I of the series at the MCA Stadium, Pune. There is a lot at stake for England, but India has some breathing space. 
England have lost all three tosses so far and still managed to secure a win while batting first on a batting paradise. Meanwhile, India, who were used to winning series with a clean sweep, have lost one match in the series but can still wrap up the series in their favor today in Pune.
Let's take a look at the squads and strongest Playing11 possible for India and England in the 4th T20I:
<h2>IND vs ENG 4th T20I Squads</h2>
England Squad: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler(c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith(w), Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed
India Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana
<hr>
<h2>Playing11 and Strategies</h2>
INDIA: Rinku Singh has returned to contention after recovering from his injury. On Thursday, India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed that he is fully fit. His extended net session further hinted at his potential inclusion in the playing XI for the upcoming match.  
When it comes to strategy, India relied heavily on spin in the previous game, fielding five spinners—Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Abhishek Sharma—alongside just two pacers, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_67950e34bd1be.jpg" alt="">
However, the pitch in Pune is unlikely to offer much assistance to spinners. With Rinku Singh, a reliable left-handed batter, back in the mix, India could consider making a tactical adjustment by replacing Washington Sundar with an additional pacer, Arshdeep Singh, to strengthen their pace attack.
*India Playing11: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
ENGLAND: England might go with the same playing11 as in the 3rd T20I. There isn't any solid reason for them to make any changes only if there is a forced one. Jamie Smith(if not available) might get replaced by Jacob Bathell if needed.
*England Playing11: Ben Duckett, Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith/Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
<hr>
<h2>Pitch Report of Pune's MCA Stadium</h2>
The MCA Stadium in Pune is known for its batting-friendly conditions, making it a prime venue for high-scoring encounters. With short square boundaries and a true surface, batters often enjoy their time in the middle, and big totals are a common sight. If the scores don’t breach the 200-run mark, as was frequently seen in the last IPL, it would likely be due to disciplined bowling rather than any assistance from the pitch.
 <img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679c4dfe0bbbc.jpg" alt="">
Unlike some other venues in India, dew is not a significant factor here, ensuring that both innings are played under fairly consistent conditions. Additionally, the pitch tends to remain firm throughout the game, offering good bounce for stroke play and providing some assistance to pacers who hit the deck hard. With these factors in play, the MCA Stadium is set to witness a thrilling contest filled with raining boundaries and aggressive stroke-making.
<hr>
<h2>IND vs ENG 4th T20I Dream11 Team and Fantasy Tips</h2>
Pune's MCA Stadium is a batting paradise, and unless we witness any sort of collapse, it will be a high-scoring game. Anything under 170 would be below-par. We will make our team based on this, and not to mention, there will be a risk factor. 
For Wicketkeeper, Jos Buttler is going to be the first choice for everyone and he is a must-pick player. Sanju Samson is our second pick as he is not much picked, and he is due for a good performance. There couldn't be a better ground other than MCA Stadium for him to get his form back. He is even a choice for captain if you can take extra risks. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6798f7b286b99.jpg" alt="">
Tilak Verma is in great form and Ben Duckett is a good player of spin. With not much grip off the surface, these two batters are expected to fire to a good extent. SKY is under the radar and this Pune surface suits him so he is going to be in the team considering of what he can do when is in form. Tilak Verma or Ben Duckett can be another option for the captain and probably the safer option.
There are a lot of options in this section for both teams. Hardik Pandya and Liam Livingstone are two must-pick players and besides them, Overton might prove to be a good option. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_67990b84a34e9.jpg" alt="">
Arshdeep Singh, if plays the match, must be in the dream11 team. Replace him with Mohammed Shami if Arshdeep doesn't play. Varun Chakravarthy and Mark Wood would be the two other bowlers. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6798f7b59f608.jpg" alt="">
This makes a strong team, more focused on the batting side as the pitch will favor the batters more. The bowling options are those who are most likely going to take wickets on such a surface. 
<h2>Dream11 Team- Grand League</h2>
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(C1) Batters: Surya Kumar Yadav, Den Duckett, Tilak Verma(C2) Allrounders: Hardik Pandya (VC), Liam Livingstone, J Overton Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, V Chakravarthy, Mark Wood  
*- These are predictions and they might go wrong. Play at your own risk.

India and England are set to lock horns in the Fourth T20I at MCA Stadium, Pune and a lot is at stake for England. We have picked up the top 11 players for our grand league team in this post.

This post covers the best dream11 team prediction for IND vs ENG 4th T20I. The fourth T20I between India and England is set to be played at MCA Stadium, PUNE.

IND vs ENG 4th T20I Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Best Grand League Team Prediction and Strongest Playing11 Prediction

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The wait for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be over. The tournament will begin on 19th February, and the final will take place on 9th March. The India team, no doubt, will be one of the hot favourites to win the tournament, which will be played in a hybrid model. 
India will be playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be beginning their campaign against Bangladesh on 20th February, and, after that, will be playing Pakistan on 23rd February, followed by New Zealand on 2nd March. 
The departure date of India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 also has been revealed. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that the Rohit Sharma-led side will be travelling to Dubai on 15th February. The reports added that more clarity on the same will come in the coming days. 
<h2>India won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Not only this, it is learned that India also won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because all the teams will be in Pakistan, and hence, it will be difficult for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to arrange the warmup match. 
The reports added that India team management is happy with the net session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because they will be playing the three-match ODI series against England, which will begin on 6th February across three venues in India. 
Apart from this, it is reported that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 won't be having a captain photoshoot because of the different challenges along with the different arrivals of the team. This means that Rohit Sharma won't be travelling to Pakistan for this and will be staying in Dubai with the team. 
The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Lahore. There were talks of having the event in Karachi but the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to host it in Lahore.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-babar-azam-s-batting-position-decided-selectors-not-in-favour-of-giving-him-this-role-/#google_vignette">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam's batting position decided; selectors not in favour of giving him this role</a>

India will be playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai.

It is learned that India also won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India to travel to Dubai on this date; unlikely to play warmup game

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India batter Shubman Gill has started his preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The premier batter has returned to nets for the white-ball practice as he was named in the Indian team for the ODI series against England and the ICC tournament. 
Shubman Gill has been under a lot of pressure for his poor outings with the bat, especially in Test cricket. With the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who delivered consistent performances, there were a lot of questions about the place of Gill, even in the ODIs. 
Several fans and experts also have backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 along with Rohit Sharma. However, amid all this Shubman Gill is making sure that he gives his best to train for the tournament. 
With England ODIs and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Shubman Gill was seen batting in the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. He was seen batting with the white-ball ahead of the tournament and the video can be seen at the end of the article. 
Shubman Gill looked in golden touch with the bat as he played a pull towards the four before blocking the balls. The batter would be eager to make a strong comeback and reply to all the criticism in style with his performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
Shubman Gill recently played the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 for Punjab. The batter was the lone warrior for his team as he hit a magnificent century and returned to form after having a poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he played just three games. 
Shubman Gill would want to carry on his form and help a team win. He has been one of the best batters for India in ODIs. He also has been named as the vice-captain of the team for the tournament and with added responsibility under his belt, a lot will be reliant on him.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-dewald-brevis-turns-into-superman-as-he-takes-a-stunner-in-sa20-2025-/#google_vignette">Watch: Dewald Brevis turns into ‘SUPERMAN’ as he takes a stunner in SA20 2025</a> 
<h2>Watch: Shubman Gill begins preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:</h2>

Shubman Gill gets ready for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 {PC:X}

India batter Shubman Gill has started his preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Shubman Gill has been under a lot of pressure for his poor outings with the bat, especially in Test cricket.

Watch: 'Under pressure' Shubman Gill looks solid in nets ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been in the news for the last few days, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner. The batter's name has been discussed a lot related to making him open, especially with no clarity over Saim Ayub. 
Pakistan is the only team that has yet to announce the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since the last few days, he has been in the news as there have been a lot of reports that have suggested that there are chances that he might open the innings for the team. 
However, the fresh reports in Cricket Pakistan have revealed that there are no plans to make Babar Azam open the innings. The reports added that the selection committee has not given the green signal to the development as they feel that batter will be best suited in the middle order. 
<h2>Selectors want a proper opener in the role; Babar Azam to at in middle-order</h2>
The reports claimed that selectors want a proper opener in the role. One of the openers that has been finalized by the management is Fakhar Zaman. However, with Saim Ayub likely to miss out, it is learned that Imam-ul-Haq is also in contention to take the role. 
Babar Azam has been the best batter for Pakistan in ODIs. The batter has mustered truckloads of runs for the team in the format while batting at No.3 and he will be extremely crucial for his team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan with India games to be played in India. 
Babar Azam also has been a decent opener as well. He has been opening for the team in T20Is and has achieved massive success as well. He also opened in Test cricket during the recent South Africa series and aced that challenge as well, slamming two half-centuries in two innings. 
But, in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam has been criticised a lot for opening in T20Is. This is because he has failed to maximise the powerplay and has been batting with a low strike rate. It remains to be seen where he will be batting for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-dewald-brevis-turns-into-superman-as-he-takes-a-stunner-in-sa20-2025-/#google_vignette">Watch: Dewald Brevis turns into ‘SUPERMAN’ as he takes a stunner in SA20 2025</a>

Babar Azam has been the best batter for Pakistan in ODIs.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been in the news for the last few days, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner.