The T20 format is meant to be played the Caribbean way. It is a game filled with slam-bang hitting and electric fielding. The West Indies Cricket team is hence very successful in this format. It is the only team that has won the T20 world cup 2 times. They won their 1st ICC T20 World Cup in 2012, in Sri Lanka. The second win came in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup which was held in India. The West Indies Cricket team is always filled with T20 superstars. So, what does the team shape up like before the ICC T20 World Cup? Here is an in-depth look:?



<h2>West Indies Cricket Team Schedule for ICC T20 World Cup:&nbsp;</h2>



**The West Indies have to play the initial part of the tournament to qualify for the Super 12s**&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date&nbsp;</td><td>Match Between&nbsp;</td><td>Venue&nbsp;</td><td>Timing&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>17th October 2022&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>West Indies VS Scotland&nbsp;</td><td>Bellerive Oval, Hobart&nbsp;</td><td>15:00hrs (Australian Local Time)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>19th October 2022&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>West Indies VS Qualifier 1&nbsp;</td><td>Bellerive Oval, Hobart&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>19:00hrs (Australian Local Time)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>21st October 2022&nbsp;</td><td>West Indies VS Qualifier 4&nbsp;</td><td>Bellerive Oval, Hobart&nbsp;</td><td>15:00hrs (Australian Local Time)&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>West Indies Team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:&nbsp;</h2>



The following is the probable squad to be picked by the West Indies Cricket Team:?



Probable Playing XI:?



<ol><li>Shai Hope&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Ewin Lewis&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Lendl Simmons&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Nicholas Pooran (C and WK)&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li>Roston Chase&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="6"><li>Andre Russell&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="7"><li>Jason Holder&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="8"><li>Odean Smith&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="9"><li>Akil Hossein ?</li></ol>



<ol start="10"><li>Alzarri Joseph&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="11"><li>Obed McCoy&nbsp;</li></ol>



Bench Strength:?



<ol><li>Brandon King (Back-Up Opener)&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Romario Shepherd (Back-Up All Rounder)&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Hayden Walsh Junior (Back-Up Spinner)&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Darren Bravo (Back-Up Middle Order)&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2>Nicholas Pooran to lead the West Indies Cricket Team:&nbsp;</h2>



Nicholas Pooran will be leading the West Indies Cricket Team for the first time in his career. The reason this gets a special mention is that Nicholas is relatively a less-experienced player. The team is filled with Superstars like Russell, Holder, Lendl Simmons, and Odean Smith. It will be a tough task for Nicholas to manage all these superstars. Kieron Pollard announced his international retirement and as a consequence, this role has been given to Nicholas Pooran. ?



<h2>West Indies to Reach the Super 12s:&nbsp;</h2>



The West Indies are expected to easily make it to the Super 12s. But to go a step further they will have to play out of their skins. ?



To read more go to<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-2022-schedule-announced-matches-venues-ind-vs-pak-on-23-october/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-t20-world-cup-2022-schedule-announced-matches-venues-ind-vs-pak-on-23-october/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Schedule Announced. Matches, Venues, Ind VS Pak on 23 October!?</a>



Read more such articles at<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-england-test-series-quick-recap-of-the-first-4-tests-india-leads-2-1/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-england-test-series-quick-recap-of-the-first-4-tests-india-leads-2-1/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> India VS England Test Series: Quick Recap of the First 4 Tests. India Leads 2-1.?</a>



To read more go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/england-cricket-team-icc-t20-world-cup-2022-best-playing-xi-squad-schedule-venues-timings-predictions/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/england-cricket-team-icc-t20-world-cup-2022-best-playing-xi-squad-schedule-venues-timings-predictions/" rel="noreferrer noopener">England Cricket Team: ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Best Playing XI, Squad, Schedule, Venues, Timings, Predictions.?</a>



To know more go to the <a href="https://www.t20worldcup.com/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.t20worldcup.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">official website of the ICC T20 World Cup.</a>

West Indies Cricket Team: ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Best Playing XI, Squad, Schedule, Venues, Timings, Predictions.&nbsp;

west-indies-cricket-team-icc-t20-world-cup-2022-best-playing-xi-squad-schedule-venues-timings-predictions

West Indies Cricket has been evolving from a position off-late. They were at their lowest in the early 2010s but have improved in the mid-2010s. Currently, West Indies Cricket is doing average. The team is highly ranked by the ICC at number 9?but that doesn?t overshadow the fact that the team was once an unbeatable force to reckon with. So, what happened to the West Indies Cricket Team that sent chills down the spine of the opposition just by mere presence? Where are those dynamic and dominant players? Here is an in-depth look:?



<h2>West Indies Cricket Performance Declined in the 1990s:?</h2>



The first and foremost reason was that the quality of their game declined. Big names like Sir Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, and Desmond Haynes, who were the backbone of the Caribbean batting left the squad due to retirement. Inspirational figures like Clive Llyod, who had elite leadership qualities also retired. The quartet that sent chills down the spine of the opposition also was on the verge of their decline. So, the quality of cricket that the team played all-in-all declined. ?



<h2>West Indies Government Shifted the Finances to Basketball:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Ewing-min.jpg" alt="West Indies Cricket" class="wp-image-91935" width="700" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: NBA.com</figcaption></figure>



The West Indies Cricket Team is a combination of players from all over the Caribbean Islands. So, Jamaica doesn?t have a cricket team at the national level. Barbados doesn?t have a team at the national level. But the players from all these islands are playing for Caribbean Islands in the name of the West Indies. ?



So, for the West Indies cricket board to get finances, they have to approve it from all the national associations. These government flaws delayed the process of financing. Also, the finances were shifted from cricket to basketball. Caribbean players?like Patrick Ewing, Tim Duncan, and Carl Herrera played in the NBA. The government felt NBA in the future but that wasn?t the case.?



So, when finances dry up, no one wants to play the sport. Imagine if you are a worker and don?t get paid well, will you work with all your heart? The same was the case with West Indian players. They were always in turmoil with the association to get a higher pay scale.?



<h2>West Indies Cricket Players Lacked Nationalism:&nbsp;</h2>



Aakash Chopra pointed out a fact very precisely in one of his YT channel videos. He said that the West Indies team does not have a national anthem as the players come from a group of nations. They have a cricket anthem that plays before every game. How many players know and sing along with the cricket anthem? Of the 11 only a few, countable on fingers do! This was pointed out by Chopra. Now, this doesn?t have anything to do with the game that the boys play as they do play it very well. But are the players committed? ?



The Indians have a feeling of nationalism while playing for India. South Africans have that for South Africa, Australians for Australia, and so on. But is that the case with the West Indian players? That is the point to ponder upon!?



To know more go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-why-are-players-getting-frequently-injured-ravindra-jadeja-injury-2022-update/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-why-are-players-getting-frequently-injured-ravindra-jadeja-injury-2022-update/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Cricket: Why Are Players Getting Frequently Injured? Ravindra Jadeja Injury 2022 Update.</a>



Read more at<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-west-indies-1st-odi-preview-prediction-playing-xi-venue-pitch-timings-all-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-west-indies-1st-odi-preview-prediction-playing-xi-venue-pitch-timings-all-you-need-to-know/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> India VS West Indies: 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction, Playing XI, Venue, Pitch Timings. All You Need to Know.</a>



To know more go to the official website of the <a href="https://www.windiescricket.com/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.windiescricket.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Indies Cricket Board.</a>

West Indies Cricket: A&nbsp;Dominant Force in 80s, Struggling to Win Games in 2000s. What Happened?&nbsp;

west-indies-cricket-a-dominant-force-in-80s-struggling-to-win-games-in-2000s-what-happened

The Men in Maroon from the Caribbean have made the T20 game their very own. The West Indies will come to the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 not as favorites but as strong competition. The team doesn?t have regular senior players. But the presence of fresher faces who are T20 specialists can help the team. Also, names like Russell and Narine will get a wake-up call. Here is an in-depth look at the team:?



<h2>ICC T20 World Cup 2022: West Indies Squad:&nbsp;</h2>



Nicholas Pooran (capt), Rovman Powell, Yannic Cariah, Johnson Charles, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith.&nbsp;



<h2>Expected Playing XI:&nbsp;</h2>



Evin Lewis, Brandon King (WK), Kyle Mayers, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hossien, Obed McCoy.&nbsp;



<h2>Strengths of the West Indies Cricket Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/09/Nicholas-Pooran-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="ICC T20 World Cup 2022" class="wp-image-94387" /><figcaption>The strength of this team lies in its senior players like Pooran and Holder. IMG SRC: The Indian Express.</figcaption></figure>



The biggest strength of the West Indies cricket team is the presence of T20 specialists. The team is loaded with specialist players. These are players who have played the format all over the globe and have a good experience. So, even young players like Hetmyer and Pooran have a truckload of experience. The next strength is similar to that of Australia. West Indies also has multi-dimensional players. ?



<h2>Weakness of the West Indies Cricket Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:&nbsp;</h2>



The evident weakness is the spin bowling department and the opening combination. The spin bowling department just has one established name and that is Akeal Hossien. Hossien is not a very lucrative name on the list but the West Indies do not have any other option. At the opening position it is a fight between 3 players. Ewin Lewis, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, and Kyle Mayers will fight for the 2 positions. But none of the batters looks at the song.?



<h2>Opportunities for the West Indies Cricket Team:&nbsp;</h2>



With many new faces, there are a whole lot of opportunities. One cannot forget that it is also an opportunity for Nicholas Pooran to effectively lead the West Indies team. The spin department relies on Hossien so he is bound to get many games at the ICC t20 World Cup 2022.?



<h2>Threats:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/09/Shimron-Hetmyer-min.jpg" alt="ICC T20 World Cup 2022" class="wp-image-94388" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: TOI</figcaption></figure>



The threat is the ability of the West Indies to spoil their party. West Indies lose a game due to one big reason. It is a fact that they spoil their own game because of their ?SLAMBANG? approach. They need to be a little more thoughtful and need to plan out how to deal with situations. The team doesn?t lack in ability. It is just about the mindset.?



<h2>Prediction:</h2>



The West Indies will be unfortunately knocked out in the group stage because their group has England and Australia. ?



To know more go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mohammed-shami-indian-pacer-tests-covid-positive-will-miss-3-t20i-series-vs-australia-umesh-named-replacement/" target="_blank" data-type="post" data-id="94374" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mohammed Shami: Indian Pacer Tests Covid Positive. Will Miss 3 T20I Series VS Australia. Umesh Named Replacement.</a>



Read more such articles at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-top-3-things-to-watch-out-for-in-australia-tour-of-india-2022/" target="_blank" data-type="post" data-id="94345" rel="noreferrer noopener">India VS Australia: Top 3 Things to Watch Out for in Australia Tour of India 2022.</a>



To know more go to the <a href="https://www.windiescricket.com/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.windiescricket.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">official website of the West Indies Cricket Board</a>.?

ICC T20 World Cup 2022: West Indies&nbsp;Team&nbsp;Best SWOT Analysis, Squad, Predictions, Schedule. All You Need to Know.&nbsp;

icc-t20-world-cup-2022-west-indies-team-best-swot-analysis-squad-predictions-schedule-all-you-need-to-know

The <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/">ICC T20 World Cup 2024</a> will now host the Super 8 stage. 8 out of 20 participating teams have made it to this round. There will be two groups of four teams each in the Super 8, and two teams from either group will qualify for the semifinal. Group 1 has India, Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, while Group 2 has England, West Indies, <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/usa-vs-sa-dream11-prediction-south-africa-playing11-usa-playing11-t20-world-cup-2024-super-8-america-vs-south-africa-fantasy-team-sir-viv-richards-stadium-pitch-report/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/usa-vs-sa-dream11-prediction-south-africa-playing11-usa-playing11-t20-world-cup-2024-super-8-america-vs-south-africa-fantasy-team-sir-viv-richards-stadium-pitch-report/">South Africa, and United States</a>. The first game will be played on June 19 between USA and South Africa.



As the competition has its top 8 teams, there has been a buzz around who will be the semi-finalists in this competition. Well, there are some top contenders, but nothing can be said as bigger teams have found it hard to get going. So, many former cricketers and cricket pundits are giving their opinions on who could be the four semi-finalists in the tournament. Amid that, the South African spinner <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshav_Maharaj" data-type="link" data-id="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keshav_Maharaj">Keshav Maharaj</a>, who is part of the team and likely to be in action on Wednesday, comes up with his own prediction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">T20 World Cup 2024: Keshav Maharaj predicts four semi-finalists of the tournament</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/06/Keshav-Maharaj-on-T20-World-Cup-2024-1024x534.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-135886" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Google</figcaption></figure>



South Africa have been on a roll and won four consecutive games to make it to the <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2024-super-8-teams-and-key-matches-to-watch/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2024-super-8-teams-and-key-matches-to-watch/">Super 8</a>. They will be facing the co-host USA in the first game of the next round in Antigua. South Africa will be favourites heading into this game, but they can't write off USA, who beat teams like Pakistan and Canada. Meanwhile, in one of the videos shared by IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, Keshav Maharaj was seen naming four teams who could play in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.



He picked South Africa, India, Australia, and West Indies. Maharaj said, ?I wanna go with South Africa, I think we built on what we produced last year in 50 over World Cup. I think India is obviously one of the huge favourites in T20 World Cup 2024 from a balanced perspective; they are probably one of the better balanced teams. I will never write off Australia, so I?ll say they are one of the top candidates. And the fourth one, I?m gonna say West Indies." Surprisingly, Maharaj didn't name the defending champions, England.



Jos Buttler and co. have done a decent job when they needed to win the last two games by a big margin. They did it and qualified. They have momentum and are playing a good brand of cricket. Afghanistan can be a surprise, as they have beaten New Zealand, and the conditions in West Indies suit their team more. So, it will be interesting to see which team will qualify, but one thing is sure: the pitches in West Indies are better, and we see more interesting games here in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/">3 Reasons why India must stick with Virat Kohli as opener in Super 8 despite his recent failures</a>

Keshav Maharaj picks semi-finalists of T20 World Cup 2024; leaves out England|Keshav Maharaj picks semi-finalists of T20 World Cup 2024; leaves out England

Keshav Maharaj picks semi-finalists of T20 World Cup 2024; leaves out England

maharaj-picks-t20-world-cup-2024-semi-finalists

ODI Cricket: The first ever ODI game was played in January 1971, and since then it has overshadowed Test <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/what-is-rtm-card-ipl-2025-auction/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/what-is-rtm-card-ipl-2025-auction/">cricket</a>. Almost 30 countries have played this format overs, and only two countries have played over 1000 ODIs until date. Australia have been the World Champions in ODI cricket.



They have won six World Cup titles in their history. There have been only three teams that have won 500 or more ODIs overall, and this article is also related to such amazing stats. We will talk here about the top five teams with the most wins in ODI <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/news/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/news/">cricket</a> history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Five Teams with Most Wins in ODI Cricket</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. West Indies</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/West-Indies-ODI-Cricket-1024x532.jpg" alt="Most Wins in ODI Cricket History" class="wp-image-145175" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">West Indies ODI Cricket </figcaption></figure>



The Carribbean side used to be the team to beat back in the 1970s and 1980s. They won the first two editions of the ODI <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/t20/t20-world-cup/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/t20/t20-world-cup/">World Cup</a>. Though they have been poor for the last decade or so, in their prime, they were an unbeatable side. West Indies have played 873 games and won 420 of them with 412 defeats, 11 ties, and 30 no-results.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Sri Lanka</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Sri-Lanka-ODI-Cricket-1024x532.jpg" alt="Most Wins in ODI Cricket History" class="wp-image-145176" style="width:524px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sri Lanka ODI Cricket 
</figcaption></figure>



Sri Lanka rose to success in the early 1990s and started winning against all the teams. From 1996 and 2011, they made the finals in three of four ODI World Cups. Sri Lanka have a brilliant ODI record. They have played 920 matches so far and won 421 of these. 452 games have been lost, six have tied, and 40 ended in no results.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/pakistan/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/pakistan/">Pakistan</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Pakistan-ODI-Cricket-1024x576.jpg" alt="Most Wins in ODI Cricket History" class="wp-image-145177" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pakistan ODI Cricket </figcaption></figure>



Pakistan have always been a challenging team in white-ball formats. They are the champions of the 1992 ODI World Cup and the 2017 <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-sanctions-%e2%82%b9544-crore-budget-for-2025-champions-trophy/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-sanctions-%e2%82%b9544-crore-budget-for-2025-champions-trophy/">Champions Trophy.</a> They have played 970 ODIs so far and won 512, lost 428, tied nine, and 21 have ended without a result.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_national_cricket_team" data-type="link" data-id="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_national_cricket_team">India</a>?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/India-ODI-Cricket-1024x532.jpg" alt="Most Wins in ODI Cricket History" class="wp-image-145174" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India ODI Cricket</figcaption></figure>



India have always been a dominant team in ODI cricket. The Men in Blue have dominated not only at home but also in away games. They have won the second-most ODI games. India have played most ODIs in history (1057) and won 559, lost 443, tied 10, and 44 matches have ended without a result.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Australia</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Australia-ODI-Cricket-1024x576.webp" alt="Most Wins in ODI Cricket History" class="wp-image-145178" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Australia ODI Cricket </figcaption></figure>



It is not a surprise that Australia are at the top of the table. They have been the World Champions and have won six out of 13 ODI World Cups that have been played so far. Australia are the only team with more than 600 wins. They have played 1000 ODIs and have won 609 games, lost 348, and tied nine and 34 games with no result. Australia have the best win percentage of 1.750.



Also Read: <a href="What is RTM Card; Why is it important in IPL 2025 Mega Auction">Explained: What is RTM Card; Why is it important in IPL 2025 Mega Auction</a>

Most Wins in ODI Cricket History

most-wins-in-odi-cricket-history

The Men's National Cricket Team of the West Indies, under the captaincy of Kraigg Brathwaite are going to travel to Pakistan in order to take part in a two-match Test-Series with the opening encounter set to be played in the city of Multan from the 17th of January onwards while the second and the final one will also be played the same stadium and it will commence from the 25th of January onwards. 
The selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a 15-player squad of the National Team a few days ago for the West Indies Test-Series and seven players, who were included in the squad for the tour of South Africa have not been picked in the forthcoming series versus the Windies. 
25-year-old Abdullah Shafique, who was picked as an opening batter versus the Proteas, is not a part of the squad versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team due to his poor form with the bat while, explosive opening batter Saim Ayub misses out due to an ankle injury. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shakib-al-hasan-s-bowling-ban-set-to-continue-after-failing-in-reassessment-test-setback-for-bangladesh/" title="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shakib-al-hasan-s-bowling-ban-set-to-continue-after-failing-in-reassessment-test-setback-for-bangladesh/">Shakib Al Hasan's bowling ban set to continue after failing in reassessment test</a>
The PCB Selection Committee have instead decided to include experienced batter Imam-ul-haq and 22-year-old Mohammad Huraira in the team for the West Indies Series. Imam hasn't played Test Cricket for the Shaheens since being dropped in 2023 after the end of Pakistan's tour of Australia and this recall versus the Windies gives him a good opportunity to reclaim his spot in the team. 
Huraira on the other hand, was a part of the team for the England Test-Series but he didn't get a chance to feature in any game. He has taken part in 44 first class games and has eight fifties next to his name.
Now, the question which arises in the current situation is, who will come out to open the inning for the Green Shirts versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies? 
In the 2nd Test-Match versus the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa in New Lands, following the injury of Ayub, former skipper Babar Azam came out to open the inning alongside skipper Shan Masood in both the innings of the encounter. In the 2nd inning, with the visitors trailing by 421 runs, the duo of Azam &amp; Masood sitched a solid partnership of 205 runs for the first wicket. 
It's now being reported that the team management of Pakistan has decided that Babar will not be the opener in the Test-Series versus the Windies. The 30-year-old had played good knocks of 58 runs and 81 runs in both the innings of the Cape Town Test-Match and this call of not making him open is a surprising one. 
In the two-match Test-Series versus South Africa, Babar scored a total of 193 runs in four innings with three fifties next to his name. In 57 Test-Matches, the elite batter has managed to amass a total of 4,190 runs in 104 innings at a decent average of 44.10, with the help of nine hundreds &amp; 29 half-centuries. 
It's looking highly likely that the former captain will be coming out to bat at number three in the batting in the upcoming Test-Series versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team. In 21 test-innings at the number three spot, he has scored 564 runs at a not so impressive average of 29.68.
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-no-more-skipping-bilateral-series-bcci-set-to-take-action-against-seniors-who-take-unnecessary-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> "No more skipping Bilateral series" - BCCI set to take action against seniors who take unnecessary rest</a>

Babar Azam had a good run with the bat in the Test-Series versus South Africa | Image: AFP

Babar Azam who performed well as opener in the recently concluded Test-Series versus South Africa is set to be demoted to the number 3 position versus the West Indies

Babar Azam set to be handed a demotion in the batting order

Pakistan vs West Indies: Babar Azam to not open the inning versus the Windies, to bat at number 3

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India captain Rohit Sharma has been under the massive scanner for his leadership of late. This is because he looked extremely torrid as a leader in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which saw Australia winning the series by the margin of 3-1 and qualifying for the final of the ICC World Test Championship. 
Rohit Sharma, after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was seen attending the BCCI's review meeting in Mumbai. As per the reports in Dainik Jagran, it is learned that the captaincy of the team was one of the talking points of the meeting of the governing body. 
The reports claimed that Rohit Sharma, during the meeting, stood up for himself and told the selectors that he would continue coaching the team in the Tests and ODIs. However, he will lead the team till the time BCCI finds a successor for him in both formats.
<h2>Rohit Sharma to be captain until the board chooses the future captain</h2>
As per the reports, Rohit Sharma told BCCI: "he will remain the skipper for the next few months until the board chooses the future captain" and that whoever is picked will have his “full support.” 
Rohit Sharma will continue captaining the Indian team till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Till then, there will be no threat to his leadership. However, after the tournament, there will be a hunt for the new skipper of the team in both ODIs as well as the longest format of the game.
The reports added that Jasprit Bumrah's name as the Test captain was also discussed, but there were a lot of questions raised as well. The selectors believe that the only problem in giving captaincy to Bumrah is if the fast bowler will be able to manage the workload and play all games of the series. 
The future of Rohit Sharma as a batter, as well as the captain will be decided based on how he performs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the skipper fails to set the stage on fire, it won't be a surprise if the batter's career comes to an end, considering the amount of criticism he faced in Australia.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/rohit-sharma-and-virat-kohli-s-future-very-dull-both-to-get-one-final-chance-to-prove-themselves-/">Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future very dull; both to get one final chance to prove themselves</a>

Rohit Sharma will continue captaining the Indian team till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Rohit Sharma categorically tells selector he wants to captain India in Tests and ODIs till...

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India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be playing for long in Indian colours. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that fate of the both the stalwarts will depend on how they will perform in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played next month. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been under massive scanner for their poor performances of late. The duo, who carried the batting lineup of the team, are at the fag end of their career, and it's fair to say that runs are not coming for them, which has put them under the pump. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed in the entire Test season at home and, after that, failed to get going in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, this has put their career in white-ball cricket under the scanner as well, with youngsters consistently getting runs. 
The poor of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was discussed during the review meeting of the BCCI. It was learned that officials looked at why the batters were struggling to get going, especially with some quality players in the ranks. 
<h2>Everything depends on their performance in the Champions Trophy - BCCI source on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli</h2>
The focus was on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well. The reports claimed that a new captaincy option is being discussed after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is learned that if the results don't go their way then there will be massive changes in the team.
On Virat Kohli, it is learned that the batter needs to score runs, and if he fails to perform in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, then only there will be harsh calls. 
"As of now, nothing will happen, but the management is considering captaincy changes going forward after the Champions Trophy. If things do not change, steps may be taken regarding captaincy. 
"As far as Virat is concerned, he also needs to show some runs, but I don’t see either of them being removed from the Test team as we speak. Everything depends on their performance in the Champions Trophy," a source told India today. 
If the reports are to be believed, then the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a massive tournament for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both the players will be keen to make an impact, and if that doesn't happen, then we might see a new era in Indian cricket.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-unlucky-stars-who-are-dropped-from-the-squad-for-england-t20is-one-is-the-ipl-captain/"> 3 Unlucky stars who are dropped from the squad for England T20Is; one is the IPL captain</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be playing for long in Indian colours

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future very dull; both to get one final chance to prove themselves

rohit-sharma-and-virat-kohli-s-future-very-dull-both-to-get-one-final-chance-to-prove-themselves-

The review meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took place on Saturday (12th January), and it saw some harsh discussions taking place with BCCI President Roger Binny and other officials, Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar at the helm of things. 
As per the reports in Hindustan Times, it is learned that one of the major topics of the review meeting was the coaching staff of the Gautam Gambhir. This comes after the poor performances of the team in the Tests and the ODIs of late under the new coaching staff. 
Gautam Gambhir has been under the massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach, but nothing has gone in India's way. The coach reportedly was grilled during the review meeting and his coaching staff came under scanner as well. 
<h2>BCCI is unhappy with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate being the assistant coaches</h2>
BCCI is unhappy with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate being the assistant coaches. They are of the opinion that the duo lacks coaching expertise, especially in Test cricket. The source added that there are chances that more experienced coaching staff might come into place before England Tests. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he explained: 
"Except bowling coach Morne Morkel, who comes with a body of work as a Test player, there is a growing opinion within the team set-up that assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate are lacking in coaching expertise, particularly when it comes Test cricket.There is a possibility of more reinforcements in the coaching staff, those with technical expertise for the tour of England." 
The BCCI reportedly will be taking action after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the result doesn't go their way some of the massive steps will be taken in Indian cricket. With all the tides against him, Gautam Gambhir will now be hoping to silence all the critics and reply in style. 
It remains to be seen how the Indian team will be fair in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the results don't go their way then there are chances that Gautam Gambhir might be sacked as a coach. India, in the recent past, has lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka, the Tests against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-unlucky-stars-who-are-dropped-from-the-squad-for-england-t20is-one-is-the-ipl-captain/"> 3 Unlucky stars who are dropped from the squad for England T20Is; one is the IPL captain</a>

Gautam Gambhir has been under the massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach,

Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff set to be sacked? BCCI to take major call ahead of England Tests

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Fierce-Rivals India (IND) and England (ENG) are set to take on each other in a five-match T20 International series which will begin from the 22nd of January. The opening match of this series will be played at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced Team India's squad for the series and majority of the key players have picked in the team. 
Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian team selectors will be keeping an eye on the performance of certain players, one of whom is Fast Bowling All-Rounder Hardik Pandya, who performed exceptionally well in the shortest format of the game in 2024. The 31-year-old has a phenomenal record versus England in T20 Internationals with both bat &amp; ball and he will get a big opportunity to create a massive record in the forthcoming five-match T20 International series.
<h2>Junior Pandya needs to take just three more wickets to break this record</h2>
At present, the record for the highest number of wickets taken by an Indian in T20 Internationals versus England is held by leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He has dismissed 16 batters in 11 T20 matches versus the Three Lions at an average of 21.12. While Yuzi is not a part of the squad for the forthcoming series, Hardik is going to play and he has a chance to script history. 
In 15 T20i matches versus the Englishmen, the 31-year-old has 14 scalps next to his name with an average of 25.42. In such a situation, if Pandya manages to dismiss three more English batters in the upcoming five-match series, then he will become the highest wicket-taker for Team India in the shortest format of the game versus England.
<h2>Hardik Pandya's performance has been really good in T20 International matches</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6783b2ad34cc4.jpg" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Hardik is currently regarded as one of the best fast-bowling All Rounders in T20 Cricket. He has taken part in 109 T20i encounters so far and has amassed 1,700 runs at a decent average of 27.87, in which he has also hit four fifties at a really good strike-rate of 141.90.
With the ball, the Mumbai Indians skipper has dismissed a total of 89 batters with an economy rate of 8.17 and an average of 26.62. His best-figures with the ball currently stand at 4/16. 
The BCCI recently unveiled the Men in Blue's squad for the T20 International serias versus England and while Pandya is a part of the squad, he's no longer the vice-captain of the team and that responsibility has been handed over to Axar Patel.
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Hardik Pandya of India catches the ball | Image: Getty Images

Hardik Pandya has a massive opportunity to script history in the upcoming five-match T20 International series versus England

Hardik Pandya has massive chance of rewriting history in the T20I series versus England