Australia vs India: Rahane would not be under real pressure, Gavaskar.



Australia vs India: Former Indian batsman and renowned commentator, Sunil Gavaskar backed Ajinkya Rahane for the leadership role for the last three test games against Australia. Gavaskar showed faith in the dependable batsman to prove himself without any second thoughts.



Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the Men in Blues against Australia in the test series. Virat Kohli will be leading the side for the first game only then he will leave Australia as he is granted paternity leave by the BCCI. In his absence, Rahane will take charge of the team in the remaining Test games.



Gavaskar feels, Rahane will not be under any pressure to lead the side against Australia.



<h2>There will not be any pressure, Gavaskar:</h2>



?There will not be any pressure on Ajinkya Rahane because he has done it in past. Both the times in the past he led the team, he has won. He led India against the Aussies at Dharmshala and India emerged as winners. Apart from that, he led against Afganistan and India won there too,? Gavaskar said on Star Sports show Game Plan.



?As far as his captaincy is concerned, I don?t think he will feel pressurized because he knows he is at the moment, only leading team for the three test games,? further added.



Ajinkya Rahane will focus more on his batting aspects. He had already begun that with the unbeaten ton in the first warm-up game against Australia A. It will be important for Rahane to score runs along with Cheteshwar Pujara to keep batting deep in absence of Virat Kohli.



?...I don?t think he will be thinking about his captaincy role right now. He must be focused to score big in the tour to grab the series.?



?Rahane would do his job perfectly, he knows the conditions as we saw his form in the first practice game. Both Pujara and Rahane will be keen on grinding the opposition as much as they can.?



India and Australia will begin the test tour on 17th December with the pink ball Day/Night game at Adelaide.&nbsp;



<h2>Indian Test Squad:</h2>



Virat Kohli(Captain), Mayank Agarwal,?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/prithvi-shaw/">Prithvi Shaw</a>, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara,?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ajinkya-rahane/">Ajinkya Rahane</a>(Vice-Captain),?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/hanuma-vihari/">Hanuma Vihari</a>, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha(Wicket-keeper),?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant/">Rishabh Pant</a>, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami,?Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav,? Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Mohd. Siraj, Rohit Sharma.



<h2>Australia Test Squad:?</h2>



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/david-warner/">David Warner, Will Pucovski, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (captain),?Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc,?Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson, Sean Abbott.</a>



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Australia vs India: Rahane would not be under real pressure, Gavaskar

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Australia vs India: I won?t comment on Rahane?s captaincy, Sunil Gavaskar.



Australia vs India 2nd Test: Former Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar refrain to comment on Rahane?s captaincy during the talk show in Sony. I won?t comment on Rahane?s captaincy says Sunil Gavaskar.



Team India in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli bowled out Australian on 195 in the first innings of the second test match. Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane rotated his resources well to keep the pressure on Aussies batsmen which eventually helped the bowlers to deliver upfront.



Sunil Gavaskar looked pretty impressed by Rahane?s captaincy but refrain to say any word as he would be accused of backing fellow Mumbaikars.



<h2>I will be accused, Sunil Gavaskar:</h2>



?From what I have examined and seen in the last 2 tests and ODIs he led, he has got a good sense of field placement. It is very important for any captain to use the right bowler for specific batsmen. Having said that, it is crucial for bowlers to bowl according to the field placement. If bowlers pitch in right areas and bowl according to the field the captain eventually looks good,? Gavaskar said on Sony Network.



?Importantly, let?s not jump to the conclusions too quickly as these are early days and anything can happen. If I say I am impressed by his captaincy and he has been outstanding, I will be accused of supporting a Mumbai boy and all kinds of things will happen.?



The bowlers did their job nicely. Bumrah and Ashwin picking initial wickets were more important. However, let?s not forget Siraj who impressed with his lengths and took two wickets in his debut match.



<h2>Siraj's Bowling:</h2>



?It is important to think beyond Rahane?s captaincy. The way Bumrah and Ashwin were controlled. The way Siraj made completed his spell is outstanding. I mean imagine, being a new ball bowler and not getting a single over in the opening hour. You get to bowl in the second session when the ball is old and tired but the intent was clear. Siraj took two crucial wickets and made his debut memorable.?



After bowlers steal the show against Australia, another debutant Shubman Gill has been equally impressive. Gill scoring with that confidence in his debut game is phenomenal.



India are 36/1 at the stumps of Day 1 while Australia batting first has been restricted to 195 runs.



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Australia vs India: I won?t comment on Rahane?s captaincy, Sunil Gavaskar

australia-vs-india-i-wont-comment-on-rahanes-captaincy-sunil-gavaskar

Australia vs India: Sunil Gavaskar comes up with new opening pair for India in the 3rd Test.



Australia vs India 3rd Test: Indian former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar who is known for his unique team selection skills, now feels Shubman Gill to be pushed to the middle order. Gavaskar in the talk show told that he would pick Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal as his opener in the upcoming Sydney Test.



?I would go with Mayank Agarwal. Everyone saw he was not in good touch and doesn?t look good in the previous two games but he is a quality player of red ball/pink ball. I would probably keep him along with Rohit Sharma,? Gavaskar said in the talk show on Sony Sports Network.



Rohit Sharma has completed his 14 days of mandatory isolation and has joined the squad yesterday. Sharma has been fine now and is 100% recovered from his injury.



Shubman Gill was the stand-out player in the previous test game having scored 45 and 35* in his debut game.



<h2>Gill should bat at number 5, Gavaskar:</h2>



?Despite he showed some good skills top the order. I looked in solid touch and scored some good runs for the side. I would rather love to see him bat at number 5 for India. With his batting style and approach, he might not be successful at the opening areas but at U19 level he batted down the order at number 5,? Gavaskar added.



The former cricketer feels that Gill must play in Hanuma Vihari?s place while Rohit Sharma should open with Mayank Agarwal.



Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal opened the innings for India in the Test against South Africa. Both the openers in South Africa series provided a solid start and even scored their double hundreds in the same series.



The third test will begin on 07th January at Sydney Cricket Ground. Right now the series is leveled at 1-1 after India clinched 8 wickets victory at Melbourne.



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Australia vs India: Sunil Gavaskar comes up with new opening pair for India in the 3rd Test

australia-vs-india-sunil-gavaskar-comes-up-with-new-opening-pair-for-india-in-the-3rd-test

Rohit Sharma can get 3 Tons in five games against England, says Sunil Gavaskar.



Legendary former Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar backed dashing opener Rohit Sharma to score at least three tons in the five games test series against England during August-September. Gavaskar who will be doing commentary along with wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik in the ICC World Test Championship final and the subsequent India-England five games test series reckons, if Rohit Sharma can somehow resist the early overs threat, where he is most vulnerable, he can easily overcome the English threat.



The Indian squad has landed in England and has begun the preparations for the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against New Zealand, starting June 18.



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During the live podcast on The Analyst Inside, Gavaskar was asked by a fan that he is still not confident enough on the performance of opener Rohit Sharma against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad in green top, to which Gavaskar showed faith on the Indian batting unit and said the test series will be played during August-September where there won't be much of green grass as it can backfire the English side.



The former cricketer reckons that if Sharma escapes the early two-three overs threat, he can easily succeed in the test series against England.



On Rohit Sharma's struggle with the bat during his early innings, Sunil Gavaskar said, "In his case, it is always first two-three overs that is nervous for everybody because those are the overs when his front foot is not getting to the pitch of the ball but you know a couple of overs down the road when his front foot starts getting to the pitch of the ball and then he is very good," said the former skipper.



"Even in Australia, he didn't score too many runs but the time he had to play their fast bowlers was amazing. His thing is that all the time he is looking to attack so sometimes the shot selection can be where he gets out but if he gets that right then he can get as many as three hundred these five-Test loops."?



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Rohit Sharma can get 3 Tons in five games against England, says Sunil Gavaskar

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ENGvsIND: Rohit Sharma could replicate his 2019 Heroics in Test series, predicts Sunil Gavaskar.



ENGvsIND: Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels senior Indian opener Rohit Sharma will have a big role to play in upcoming India vs England five games test series, starting August 4 in Nottingham.



The former cricketer expects Sharma to replicate his 2019 ODI World Cup, England heroics again but this time in test cricket.



?We saw Rohit Sharma score five incredible hundreds in the World Cup in England two years back,? Sunil Gavaskar told PTI.



?The century he got against South Africa was on a tough pitch and cold conditions and he made the adjustments beautifully. Now two years later he is even more experienced so don?t be surprised if he repeats that performance in this series too,? he added.



The dashing Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, notably, slammed a record 648 runs in nine matches of the 2019 ODI World Cup, which was held in England. Taking his scintillating form a step forward, he scored these runs with the help of five centuries and a half-century.?



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Sharma scored tons against South Africa, England, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.



The opener also looked in good control in whatever time he spent at the crease in the recent ICC World Test Championship final. He scored 34 and 30 runs in two respective innings against New Zealand.



<h2>Mayank Agarwal to open with Rohit Sharma:</h2>



Following Shubman Gill?s injury, Rohit Sharma is likely to open with Mayank Agarwal in the forthcoming five-test series against England.



Both the openers had a sensational partnership in the last South Africa home series. Agarwal and Sharma scored double hundreds in the matches against South Africa and took India to a confident position.



Shubman Gill earlier sustained a shin stress injury due to which he will have to sit out for at least eight to ten weeks. The opener is ruled out of the entire test series against England.



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ENGvsIND: Rohit Sharma could replicate his 2019 Heroics in Test series, predicts Sunil Gavaskar

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Sunil Gavaskar backs Rohit Sharma to be India?s T20I captain for T20 World Cup 2022.



Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has put his hat under Rohit Sharma?s name to be team India?s T20I skipper once Virat Kohli steps down from the roles and responsibilities of the shortest format.



The Indian regular skipper, Virat Kohli, has of late decided to leave all sorts of T20 captaincy taking in mind his workload management. He, earlier, announced to step down from Indian T20I captaincy following the completion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE and later also announced that he will no longer hold the reins of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next season onwards.



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Ever since Kohli?s announcement, the discussions over his successor in the T20Is are taking rounds on social media. The fans and pundits are doing their permutation and combinations to foresee the next T20I skipper for India.



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However, most of the discussions and debates end with Rohit Sharma?s name, all thanks to his stature in Indian cricket and well-proven T20 records. The Mumbai Indians skipper is the frontrunner in the race while wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are also in the contention.



In the Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected', Sunil Gavaskar reckoned Rohit Sharma should definitely lead the team, especially, when there is one more T20 World Cup lined ahead for next year.



"Definitely, Rohit Sharma for the next World Cup. With World Cups back-to-back, you don't want too many changes in captaincy."



Gavaskar, also, didn?t rule out the chances of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. He stated that Rahul should be given deputy roles for the format and kept Rishabh Pant at the back of his mind.



"I am looking at KL Rahul as the vice-captain of the Indian team. I would also keep Rishabh Pant in mind," said Gavaskar.



The 72 years old former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator heaped praises on Pant?s leadership skills during the IPL 2021. He is leading the likes of Anrich Nortje, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Shreyas Iyer in the ongoing season and kept his team at the summit of the rankers table.



Gavaskar asserted that Pant?s tactics in the recent IPL matches show that he is a street-smart cricketer with a cunning brain.



"The way he led a star-studded Delhi Team, the bowling changes he is making in T20 format particularly using (Anrich) Nortje and (Kagiso) Rabada in such a clever manner that actually shows a street smart captain.



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Sunil Gavaskar backs Rohit Sharma to be India?s T20I captain for T20 World Cup 2022

sunil-gavaskar-backs-rohit-sharma-to-be-indias-t20i-captain-for-t20-world-cup-2022

Sunil Gavaskar defends BCCI on lack of communication with Virat over captaincy issue: Former Indian captain and renowned commentator Sunil Gavaskar has defended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following Virat Kohli?s remarks of lack of proper communication on the captaincy issue of the team.



Virat, during the recently organised press conference before the tour of South Africa, said that he was not asked to not leave the T20I captaincy. Not even by the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who earlier claimed that he personally asked Virat not to step down from the T20I leadership.



Kohli has also revealed that the chief selector contacted him 1.5 hours ahead of India's test squad selection meeting on 8th December. At the end of the call, Virat was told that five of the selectors didn?t want him as the ODI captain following which Rohit Sharma was appointed the new Indian white-ball skipper.



Gavaskar commenting on the discrepancy around the ODI captaincy, said that BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is the right person to clear all the fuzz created.



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?I think it (Kohli?s comments) actually doesn?t bring the BCCI into the picture. I think it?s the individual who has to be asked where he got the impression he had conveyed such a message to Kohli. So that?s the only thing. Yes, he is the BCCI president and surely he should be asked why there is this discrepancy. He is probably the best person to ask about the discrepancy in what you seem to have to say and what the Indian captain has said,? said Sunil Gavaskar defending BCCI as a whole organisation.



He further stressed the idea of having clear cut communication between the board and its players to prevent speculations and rumours floating around.?



?Yes, it always helps to have a clear line of communication so that there is no speculation. So from now, from what has happened, there should be a clear line of communication, and the chairman of the selection committee can come down and say why he has been picked and why he has not been picked. Sometimes, even if that is not needed, a press release is also good enough. A good press release giving all the reasons makes life a lot easier,? Gavaskar told India Today.



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Sunil Gavaskar defends BCCI on lack of communication with Virat over captaincy issue

sunil-gavaskar-defends-bcci-on-lack-of-communication-with-virat-over-captaincy-issue

Comeback after 36-all out is the biggest highlight of Ravi Shastri?s tenure: Sunil Gavaskar.



Team India?s former batting stalwart Sunil Gavaskar in his recent interaction with Star Sports points out Ravi Shastri?s biggest highlight as the Indian head coach. Gavaskar believes team India?s astonishing comeback against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 after the infamous 36-all out at Adelaide should be at the top of the list.



Team India was dismantled by Australians for mere 36 runs in the pink ball Test at Adelaide in the second innings. Despite taking a good lead, India slipped off its shoe and lost the match owing to the embarrassing debacle.



Following the test, Virat Kohli had returned home for the birth of his child, while the Indian test mainstays were getting ruled out one by one with their share of injuries. The Indian management drafted in the fringe players, who wouldn?t have got the opportunity in the tour, had the regular players been fit.



The Ajinkya Rahane-led depleted team India scripted an unforgettable history to retain the renowned Border Gavaskar Trophy which will be remembered for the ages to come as the most dramatic win for the Indians.



Team India thrashed the Aussies in their own backyard not once but twice in the test series consecutively.



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Gavaskar, in conversation with Star Sports, recalled Shastri's famous words - "wear this 36 like a badge" - before outlining the role he played in India's dominating series win the absence of some of their top players.



?It obviously has got to be the way India bounced back earlier this year after being dismissed for 36 (in Adelaide Pink Ball Test). Because when something like that happens, the team tends to lose belief in itself, there is a sense of disappointment and there is a sense of giving up. And that is where Shastri played a huge role because from what I've read, is that he said that 'you wear this 36 like a badge'.?&nbsp;



The regular players such as Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari and Jasprit Bumrah became unavailable. Besides these Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant sustained bruises in the matches, but still, both of them continued to provide their services.



"And then Ajinkya Rahane, the way he led the side in the three Tests, and of course everyone stepped up. We played almost like an A team not even the regular team. But every player who played in that, every replaced player came in and did well. And that is again tells you the kind of influence and input that Ravi Shastri had on the younger players and the fringe players who are waiting for their opportunities," said Gavaskar.



Ravi Shastri joined the Indian management as head coach back in 2017 and gave up his role after team India?s early exit in the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2021.



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Comeback after 36-all out is the biggest highlight of Ravi Shastri?s tenure: Sunil Gavaskar

comeback-after-36-all-out-is-the-biggest-highlight-of-ravi-shastris-tenure-sunil-gavaskar

SA vs IND 2nd Test: Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar reckons Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane might have just one inning left in their test career to save it. Gavaskar said it while doing the commentary in the 2nd test match between South Africa and India.



Team India?s test number 3, Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for 3 runs in 33 deliveries while Ajinkya Rahane went back for a first-ball duck. The two batters departed in consecutive deliveries to force India on backfoot against South Africa on day one of the second test matches at Johannesburg.



With the dismissals, both of them again found themselves amidst the fan?s rage who demanded the management to replace both of them from the test team. Moreover, the fans asked to include Shreyas Iyer in the team, who had recently debuted in the test.



"After those two dismissals one can say that they probably have just the next innings, both Pujara and Rahane, to save their Test careers," Gavaskar said after the early dismissals of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.



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"There have been questions asked about their place in the team and now with these two dismissals they have just one innings left. If there is another innings and the way India is going, it looks like there will be another for them to score something and maybe keep their place in the team," the former India captain further added.



The form of Ajinkya Rahane has been poor lately. His dismal performance continued as he only scored 48 &amp; 20 in the two innings of the 1st test against South Africa.&nbsp;



Cheteshwar Pujara is not having a memorable time either. The test mainstay hasn?t scored a century since January 2019. Moreover, in the first test against South Africa could only manage a golden duck and 16 compounding on his batting woes. 



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SA vs IND 2nd Test: Pujara and Rahane have just one inning left in their test career: Sunil Gavaskar

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Sunil Gavaskar Slams Rishabh Pant for throwing away his wicket against South Africa: Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has bashed young wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, for throwing away his wicket in the ongoing test series against South Africa. Adding on to his criticism, Gavaskar said that ?Rahul Dravid must have given him a bamboo.?



Pant charged down against Lungi Ngidi in the second innings of the second test match at the Wanderers Johannesburg and got himself out caught behind. Pant was dismissed for a three balls duck and left everyone speechless with his audacious approach to charge at the beginning of the innings.



It must be noted that Rishabh Pant hasn?t contributed much to the team?s success since the conclusion of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. He did score a few acceptable knocks every now and then, however, consistently hasn?t been there.



A fan on social media raised a query whether why everyone?s targetting Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane when Rishabh Pant too hasn?t contributed much since the test series against Australia?



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Replying to the fan?s query, Gavaskar replied, ?It's a valid question. This is something one could understand if Rishabh Pant had been batting on 30 and 40. This is something he had not done in Australia. There he applied himself, recognised that there will be hard times at the beginning when you come in to bat and then battling through the hard times, he got set and got to know how the pitch is. And then he played the big shots. That's what he did in Australia.?



Everyone was mesmerised with the way Pant charged down the wicket and smacked James Anderson for a six during the England tour of India, last year. He took that as a trademark for himself to put the bowler under pressure, but that hasn't worked for the cricketer in the recent past.



Gavaskar reckons that the stumper batsman can?t lean on a similar approach every time he comes out to play, at least not at the beginning of his innings.



"This is something we saw against England, at the start of the series. When England came to India, he was jumping down the pitch and trying to hit James Anderson? he did that so well. But after that he seems to think that is the only way to play. That is not the way to play and I am pretty certain that in the change room, Rahul Dravid would have given him a hearing, or as they say in cricket, Dravid must have given him a 'bamboo'," added Gavaskar.



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Sunil Gavaskar Slams Rishabh Pant for throwing away his wicket against South Africa

sunil-gavaskar-slams-rishabh-pant-for-throwing-away-his-wicket-against-south-africa

IND vs ENG: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his playing XI for the first T20I against England. The match between the two teams is all set to take place on Wednesday (22nd January) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
India and England will be locking horns with each other in the five-match T20I series. Both teams have a mixed combination of seniors and youngsters in the team, and with the way they have played of late, it's fair to say that it will be an exciting series to watch. 
Coming to the first T20I, Ravichandran Ashwin backed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to open the innings for the team. The duo has been doing a decent job together as an opener and would be hoping to carry on the same form in the upcoming first match. 
Sanju Samson was at his exceptional best in the T20Is last year as he slammed three tons. While on the other hand, Abhishek Sharma hasn't been able to maintain consistency. Hence the series will be extremely important for him with the bat. 
At No.3, Ravichandran Ashwin picked Tilak Varma. The left-hander oozed his class with the bat in the last series against South Africa. He batted at No.3 and slammed two back-to-back centuries. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, as per Ashwin, will bat at No.4.
Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel are the three all-rounders picked by Ravichandran Ashwin in his Indian XI for the first IND vs ENG T20I. They are expected to play a major role with the bat and ball. 
Rinku Singh also has been picked by Ravichandran Ashwin in his Indian XI for the first IND vs ENG team. He will be taking the role of finisher while there was no place for Ravi Bishnoi, who hard has put a foot wrong in his T20I career. Varun Chakravarthy will be there as per Ashwin. 
Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh are the two fast bowlers picked by Ravichandran Ashwin for the first IND vs ENG XI. Shami will be making his comeback to the team after a year, while Arshdeep will be keen to make an impact. 
<h2>IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin's Indian XI for the first T20I </h2>
Here's Ravichandran Ashwin's Indian XI for the first T20I 
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/arshdeep-singh-on-the-verge-become-the-greatest-indian-fast-bowler-in-t20is-/#google_vignette">Arshdeep Singh on the verge become the greatest Indian fast bowler in T20Is</a>

Ravichandran Ashwin names India XI for first IND vs ENG T20I {PC:X}

India and England will be locking horns with each other in the five-match T20I series

IND vs ENG: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his playing XI for the first T20I against England.

IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin picks his Indian XI for the first T20I against England, no place for Ravi Bishnoi

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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali talked about the delay in the squad of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the Pakistan team. He said that it might look like they are scared of announcing the team, but it seems that they don't know what to do. 
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner and all the teams have named their squad for the tournament except the hosts Pakistan. The Men in Green are yet to announce the team even though the deadline of 12th January has already been surpassed by a long margin. 
India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have all revealed their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This has made many speculate about why Pakistan isn't announcing their squad for the tournament, which is less than one month away. 
There have been several reports that Pakistan will be announcing their squad for the tournament soon. They are awaiting the fitness of a few players, and hence, they will soon be naming the team. Some reports also have revealed the players who will be playing, but an official announcement is yet to come. 
<h2>Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai - Basit Ali </h2>
Amid all this, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali commented on the same, saying that no one knows what is happening. He speculated that they might be waiting for the fitness report on Saim Ayub. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained: 
"Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai -- karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad? No, it isn't, just unsure what to do and what not). The biggest issue is whether Saim Ayub can return fit or not. It's still not clear." 
It remains to be seen when will Pakistan announce the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is all set to take place from 19th February, with the final all set to be played on 9th March.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/can-delhi-capitals-win-ipl-2025-kl-rahul-or-axar-patel-who-could-be-the-next-leader-of-capitals-/#google_vignette"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/can-delhi-capitals-win-ipl-2025-kl-rahul-or-axar-patel-who-could-be-the-next-leader-of-capitals-/#google_vignette">Can Delhi Capitals win IPL 2025? KL Rahul or Axar Patel, who could be the Next Leader of Capitals?</a>

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be announced {PC:X}

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali talked about the delay in the squad of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the Pakistan team.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner and all the teams have named their squad for the tournament except the hosts Pakistan.

"Pakistan darr gaya"- PCB attacked as they are yet to announce ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the jersey controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This comes after the Indian governing body refused to write 'Pakistan' on their kits for the tournament. 
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is all set to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is scheduled to begin on 19th February. The preparations for the tournament are on, and the ICC and the PCB are taking every step possible to make sure that everything is right on track. 
However, a controversy recently erupted after BCCI refused to write Pakistan on their jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, every participating nation, as per the ICC policy, has to write the name of the host nation below the logo of the tournament on their jersey. 
After BCCI refused to sport it, Pakistan Cricket Board officials made a strong statement, saying that BCCI is trying to use politics in every matter. He, however, mentioned that they are hopeful that ICC will support them and India will be asked to write the name of the jersey on their kits for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
<h2>It is the responsibility of every team to add the tournament logo to their jerseys - ICC official </h2>
Following this, BCCI also reacted, and the insider from the governing body said that since they are playing in Dubai, it isn't mandatory for them to wear the 'Pakistan written jersey'. The BCCI also stressed that they didn't write Pakistan's name on the podium of the Trophy tours as well. 
Amid all this, ICC has come up with a strong response for the BCCI. An ICC official mentioned that it is the responsibility of the host nation to add the tournament logo to their jersey. He stated: 
"It is the responsibility of every team to add the tournament logo to their jerseys. All teams are obligated to comply with this rule," an ICC official said as per A-Sports, as quoted by NDTV. 
Not only this, it is learned that the ICC also warned BCCI that they would be taking strict action if they didn't wear the Pakistan-written jersey during the tournament.
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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is all set to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is scheduled to begin on 19th February.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the jersey controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC launches attack at BCCI over jersey controversy, gives 'Strict action' warning for not wearing 'Pakistan' printed kits

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India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is all set to achieve the most massive feat in the history of T20I cricket in the upcoming T20I series against England. The series between the teams will begin on 22nd January at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 
Arshdeep Singh is just 5 wickets away from becoming the first Indian bowler to pick 100 wickets in the T20Is. With India set to play a five-match T20I series against England, it is expected that the pacer will be achieving the feat in the upcoming series. 
This comes as a remarkable feat because Arshdeep Singh made his debut during 2022, and to reach to 100 wickets within the span of around 2 years is staggering. The left-arm pacer has been nothing short of exceptional in the T20 format and is one of the most consistent performers with the ball for the team. 
Arshdeep Singh has been sensational with the new ball as well as in death. In the last few years, he has proved to be the biggest match-winner for India in T20Is. The pacer has won many games for the team on his own and will be keen to carry on the same form in the upcoming series. 
<h2>Arshdeep Singh was one of the major reasons behind India winning the T20 World Cup 2024</h2>
Arshdeep Singh was one of the major reasons behind India winning the T20 World Cup 2024.  He was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 17 wickets to his name as he oozed his class with both new ball and old ball, helping India to end their title drought.
Arshdeep Singh will be extremely important for India in the upcoming T20I series against England. The pacer will be key for the team alongside Mohammed Shami, who will be making his comeback to the team after a long injury break. The duo will be leading the attack for the team. 
With the kind of performances that he has displayed, Arshdeep Singh is likely to play all five games in the series. It won't be a surprise if he gets to 100 wickets in the first two games of the series against England.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/from-virat-kohli-to-shubman-gill-check-when-big-indian-players-played-the-last-domestic-match/">From Virat Kohli to Shubman Gill: Check when big Indian players played the last domestic match</a>

Arshdeep Singh is just 5 wickets away from becoming the first Indian bowler to pick 100 wickets in the T20Is.

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is all set to achieve the most massive feat in the history of T20I cricket in the upcoming T20I series against England.

Arshdeep Singh on the verge become the greatest Indian fast bowler in T20Is

arshdeep-singh-on-the-verge-become-the-greatest-indian-fast-bowler-in-t20is-

The India and Pakistan rivalry has been a great contest on the cricket field, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marked by intense competition between the neighbouring nations and passionate fan engagement. It has often been seen that ever since the two teams have stopped playing bilaterals against eachother, these two are featured in every ICC tournament, which draw millions of spectators.  
The rivalry only intensifies, every time the two nations play against eachother, be it the Cricket World Cup or the ICC Champions Trophy. Such has been India’s domination in the ICC events, that they claimed successive wins in both the One-Day as well as the T20 World Cup. However, the Champions Trophy results have been contrasting with Pakistan’s infamous victory in the CT 2017 final against India, as well as their memorable 10-wickets win against India in the T20 World Cup of 2021.    
Clearly, the India vs Pakistan games are celebration of cricket to its peak, where every ball, every run, and every wicket carries the weightage of national pride.
<h2 dir="ltr">Here’s the strongest combined playing XI from the current squads of India and Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">1: Rohit Sharma (C)</h3>
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Rohit Sharma - The Indian skipper at the top (Image Credit: X)
Indian captain and opener Rohit Sharma will be a part of the India-Pakistan combine playing XI. The right-handed batter has exceptional records and stats in ICC tournaments for the Indian Cricket Team.
As of now, Rohit Sharma has scored a total of 10,866 runs with an average of 49.16, including 31 centuries and 57 fifties in ODIs. Sharma has this ability to score quick runs and introduce the x-factor of the game for his side. 
<h3 dir="ltr">2: Babar Azam</h3>
Former Pakistan captain and top-order batter Babar Azam would also be a part of the combined ODI playing XI. Though he has been scorched off form recently and has faced sheer criticism, however, the players great antics cannot be overlooked owing to his sudden dip in form. 
As of now, Babar Azam has managed to score 5,957 runs with an average of 56,73, including 19 centuries and 34 fifties.
<h3 dir="ltr">3: Virat Kohli</h3>
One of the greatest players when it comes to limited overs cricket, Virat Kohli is considered the greatest in the format, while his fearless approach often frightens any bowling attack in the world. 
As of now, Virat Kohli is nearing the great landmark of 14000 ODI runs in international cricket, as he for now has a total of 13,906 runs to his name with an average of 58.18, including 50 centuries and 72 fifties.
<h3 dir="ltr">4: Shreyas Iyer</h3>
Indian middle-order batter <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shreyas_Iyer">Shreyas Iyer </a>has been a consistent player for the men in blue in the ODI format for a long time. Iyer has been a crucial asset to the India middle-order while delivering match-winning performances in the CWC 2023 as well as the Asia Cup. This is the reason he finds himself in place of Indian star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant.  
As of now, Shreyas Iyer has put on a total of 2,421 runs with an average of 47.47, including 5 centuries and 18 fifties.
<h3 dir="ltr">5: Mohammad Rizwan</h3>
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New Pakistan skipper - Mohammad Rizwan (Image Credit: X)
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan fins his name in this combined playing XI for India and Pakistan. The currently named skipper of the Pakistan limited-overs side, has produced results after his immediate effect.  
As of now, Mohammad Rizwan has scored a total of 2,352 runs with an average of 41.26, including 3 centuries and 15 fifties, however, he is one of the most standout players for Pakistan in the middle-order. 
<h3 dir="ltr">6: Hardik Pandya</h3>
Indian all-rounder <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardik_Pandya">Hardik Pandya</a> has been the asset for the Indian side, winning matches on several occasions. Pandya has been a responsible batsman down the order with an exemplary record against Pakistan. He on several occasions has won matches for India single-handedly, be it with the bat or with the ball. 
As of now, Hardik Pandya has scored 1769 runs and has taken 84 wickets for the Indian side in the 50-over format.
<h3 dir="ltr">7: Shadab Khan</h3>
Shadab Khan, the Leg-spin bowling all-rounder has been a crucial player for the Pakistan cricket team in recent times.Though Shadab Khan has not featured much for Pakistan in recent times, his services have been relished by the nation when it comes to limited-overs cricket. 
As of now, Shadab Khan has 855 runs and 85 wickets for the Pakistan side to his name.
<h3 dir="ltr">8: Kuldeep Yadav</h3>
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Kuldeep Yadav: The wizard for India in the sub-continent (Image Credit: X)
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm Chinaman bowler, has had an immense impact on India’s performances under sub-continent conditions. He is known for his standout services in the ODI format and hence features as the only main spin bowling option in the 11.
As of now, Kuldeep Yadav has taken 172 wickets for the Indian side with an economy of just 4.99.
<h3 dir="ltr">9: Shaheen Shah Afridi</h3>
Shaheen Shah Afridi has seemingly restored his form after his work stress was reduced, as the pacer has this supreme ability to swing the new ball on both sides. For Pakistan, Shaheen has been a proven matchwinner in several high-profile games in ICC tournaments.
As of now, Shaheen Shah Afridi has picked 119 wickets for the Pakistan Cricket Team with an economy of 5.49.
<h3 dir="ltr">10: Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
India’s most deadliest fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most feared bowlers in the world currently. Bumrah is an exceptional pacer in all phases of the game, and he can deliver the maximum impact with the new ball as well as in the death overs. Bumrah has not played many ODIs owing to his frequent injuries and still remains doubtful for the Champions Trophy 2025. 
As of now, Jasprit Bumrah has taken a total of 149 wickets with an economy of 4.59 for the Indian side.
<h3 dir="ltr">11: Mohammed Shami</h3>
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Mohammed Shami's return to the Indian side for the Champions Trophy (Image Credit: X) 
Mohammed Shami, the most experienced right-arm fast bowler for India, is set to feature in the upcoming Champions Trophy, as he has never featured for the Indian team ever since the last Cricket World Cup in 2023, where he was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. 
As of now, Mohammed Shami has clinched a total of 195 wickets for the men in blue with an economy of 5.55.
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India and Pakistan's combined strongest probable 11 picked from their squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Sighting India vs Pakistan rivalries over ICC events, here is a combined playing 11 from the current squad of both the teams for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.