Suryakumar Begins NCA Rehab After Surgery, Eyes Asia Cup Return

India’s dynamic T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has officially checked into the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. To commence a structured rehabilitation programme after undergoing successful sports hernia surgery in Munich. The objective: to return to full fitness in time to lead India in the Asia Cup 2025.

🩺 Suryakumar Surgery & Recovery Timeline

On June 26, 2025, the 34-year-old batter underwent surgery in Munich. Germany, to address a sports hernia in his lower right abdomen—his third operation in as many years following an ankle procedure in 2023 and a prior hernia in early 2024. Post-operation, Suryakumar expressed optimism, posting on social media:

“Underwent surgery for a sports hernia in the lower right abdomen. Grateful to share that after a smooth surgery, I’m already on the road to recovery. Can’t wait to be back.”

🔄 Rehab at NCA & Asia Cup Ambitions

Arriving at the Bengaluru CoE in early August 2025, Suryakumar is now undergoing comprehensive prep work. Including physiotherapy, strength conditioning, and fitness testing. All part of a tailored plan to ensure peak readiness for the Asia Cup. Scheduled in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Due to his ongoing rehabilitation, selectors excluded him from the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy. Which begins in late August under Shardul Thakur’s leadership. Officials confirm this decision was coordinated after Suryakumar communicated his need for focused recovery.

🌟 Career Momentum & Form

Suryakumar’s rehabilitation follows a standout campaign in IPL 2025, where as captain of Mumbai Indians, he amassed 717 runs in 16 innings, averaging over 65 with a strike rate exceeding 167—earning the Most Valuable Player award and setting a new benchmark for MI’s single-season run tally.

Since assuming India’s T20I captaincy after the 2024 World Cup. He has steered a potent lineup and redefined India’s limited-overs strategy, combining creativity with aggressive leadership.

Fitness Outlook & Team Strategy

Team insiders confirm that BCCI and CoE medical staff are optimistic about his recovery trajectory, anticipating full match fitness well ahead of Asia Cup kick off. The decision to limit his exposure in domestic cricket is calculated to ensure he leads from the front in the continental tournament.

Fellow India player Shreyas Iyer also visited CoE last week for routine fitness evaluations. But remains available for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy unless drafted late into the Asia Cup squad.

📊 What It Means for India’s Asia Cup Campaign

Should Suryakumar successfully complete his rehab, his return as captain would inject confidence and firepower into India’s T20 setup. Given his reputation for completing matches under duress and changing India’s batting philosophy. His involvement could be crucial to the country’s hopes of winning the crown in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

📅 Key Dates at a Glance

 

Milestone Date
Hernia surgery in Munich June 26, 2025
Check in at NCA CoE (Bengaluru) Early August 2025
Duleep Trophy (West Zone start) Late August 2025
Asia Cup 2025 (UAE) September 9–28, 2025

 

India’s management and fans alike will keenly monitor Suryakumar’s rehab progress over the coming weeks. If fit, his return may well be the turning point in India’s strategy in UAE. His final sprint to Asia Cup glory.

Abhishek Sharma replaces Head to take the No. 1 spot as a T20I batsman.

Abhishek Sharma of India overtook Travis Head, his opening partner for Sunrisers Hyderabad, to take the top spot in the T20I batting rankings.

Travis Head had maintained his top spot since defeating Suryakumar Yadav in June of last year, but after missing Australia’s five-match series in the West Indies and playing his last T20I in September 2024, he dropped a spot as Abhishek Sharma became the third Indian to top the T20I batting charts, behind Virat Kohli and Suryakumar.

Abhishek last played for India during the five-match Twenty20 International series against England in February. In the series’ last game, he scored 135 runs off of 54 balls.

Josh Inglis rose six spots to ninth in the rankings after scoring 172 runs in the five games against the West Indies, finishing as the series’ third-highest run scorer. Despite ranking second on the series’ run rankings after a century, Shai Hope remained in tenth place.

Cameron Green was the series’ greatest mover, leaping 64 spots to No. 24, while Tim David went up 12 spaces to 18th after scoring Australia’s quickest T20I century and Brandon King gained nine slots.

Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, moved up nine ranks to go joint-eighth among the bowlers.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who has been playing well in the current series between the two countries, is still at the top of the Test all-rounders’ ratings, while England skipper Ben Stokes moved up three spots to No. 3 after his century and five-wicket haul at Old Trafford.

After recording his first Test century in Manchester, Washington Sundar rose eight spots to share thirteenth place with a career-high 193 ranking points.

Jamie Overton’s recall to the England Test squad ahead of the Oval Test

England have made just one change to their squad for the decisive fifth Test of the 2025 series against India. All‑rounder Jamie Overton has been brought back into the 15‑member side for the match starting July 31 at The Oval. This is Overton’s first involvement in Test cricket since June 2022. When he played his only Test for England at Headingley scoring a magnificent 97 and taking two wickets during that lone appearance.

Standing at 6′5″, the Surrey paceman provides both batting depth and seam‑bowling options, making him an ideal candidate to help balance the injury‑stretched England seam attack. Skipper Ben Stokes had flagged the urgent need for fresh legs after the front‑line bowlers grinded through a gruelling 257 overs in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and returning pace spearhead Jofra Archer have carried a heavy workload through the series to date. Woakes alone has bowled 167 overs, while Archer just returning from a four‑year break has compiled his heaviest outing ever at Old Trafford with 49.1 overs. Stokes acknowledged that after their exertions, rotation or reinforcement may be essential ahead of the turnaround to Oval.

Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue already in the squad but unused at Old Trafford are the likely competition for places. Atkinson recently returned from hamstring injury with a strong outing in Surrey’s Second XI. While Tongue has taken 11 wickets in the series so far but has struggled with consistency.

The Oval Test

Overton’s inclusion is not only about workload management. As a local Surrey player, he brings familiarity with the conditions at The Oval. He rejoined Surrey permanently in 2021. After a loan spell, and has seen strong county form throughout the current season—and even featured for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Selectors have retained all 14 members from the squad that fielded at Old Trafford, with Overton being the single addition to the group. This inclusion reflects the confidence the selectors and Stokes have in his ability to contribute, despite his limited international exposure.

At 31 years old, Overton ticks the box of experience and readiness. His return underscores England’s urgent need for fresh pace support and batting flexibility in the middle to lower order. If he makes the XI, it could be a pivotal chance to shrug off the “one‑cap wonder” tag and establish himself firmly in the Test frame.

With the five‑match series poised at 2‑1 in England’s favour. The Oval Test promises to be the decider. Overton’s role whether as a squad reserve or a playing option will be pivotal in how England manage their pace resources with a tilt at sealing the series on home turf.

Abhishek Nayar: Coaching Evolution at UP Warriorz

Former India all-rounder and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has emerged as a key mentor figure within the UP Warriorz setup. During the Women’s Premier League (WPL), particularly in the franchise’s training camps and off-season programs.

Role within UP Warriorz Structure

Although Jon Lewis was officially the head coach for UP Warriorz through the 2025 season. Nayar joined the setup in unofficial yet influential capacities. He participated in the team’s off-season training camp at Bengaluru in 2023. Alongside Jon Lewis, assistant coach Anju Jain, and mentor Lisa Sthalekar. Nayar expressed his excitement at working with budding local talents like Parshavi Chopra, Yashasri and Shweta Sehrawat. While also interacting with veterans like Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad to understand and enhance their elite-level psychologies.

Within these camps, Nayar focused on player development and fostering coach‑player trust, stating: “You can’t ask a player to open up. Coaches must build that trust … players will trust you when they know you have their best interests in mind.” He emphasized developing clarity of roles and building connections that often get lost during result‑focused competitive seasons.

Coaching Philosophy & Player Development

Abhishek Nayar draws from successful stints in franchise cricket, notably with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, where he played a pivotal role in rejuvenating veterans like Dinesh Karthik and mentoring rising stars like Shubman Gill. On WPL dynamics, he shared that working with veterans involves challenging long-ingrained thought patterns, while working with youth is more about building their skillsets from scratch. His approach blends technical coaching with mental strengthening, especially in short‑term tournaments like the WPL.

Recent Coaching Appointments & Broader Trajectory

While Nayar was not formally titled head coach of UP Warriorz. He continues to be linked with high-profile coaching roles elsewhere. In early 2025, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching staff once again ahead of IPL 2025. Around the same time, the Mumbai Cricket Association appointed him as the mentor for the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the revived T20 Mumbai League scheduled from May 26 to June 8, 2025.

This came shortly after his departure as assistant coach of the Indian men’s cricket team following a disappointing Test tour in Australia, where BCCI terminated his role along with other support staff hired under Gautam Gambhir’s regime.

Implications for UP Warriorz

With Jon Lewis stepping down as head coach after UP Warriorz finished bottom in WPL 2025, the franchise is now in search of a new coach for the 2026 season. Nayar’s visible involvement in player camps and his success in nurturing young talent could position him as a potential candidate to take a more formal role in the franchise. Though no official confirmation has been made.

Summary

  • Primary head coach through 2023–25: Jon Lewis; Nayar was not officially in that role
  • Nayar’s actual role: Off‑season mentor and development coach in WPL camps with UP Warriorz, focusing on youth development and mental trust‑building
  • Current positions: Mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in T20 Mumbai League 2025; part of KKR’s IPL‑2025 coaching staff

In conclusion, while Abhishek Nayar is sometimes described as head coach in casual references. His official title with UP Warriorz has been mentor or development coach—working under head coach Jon Lewis—particularly during off-season camps. His expert guidance in player development, both technically and psychologically, has made a significant impact on the squad, and his broader movement in domestic leagues keeps him firmly in the limelight. If UP Warriorz leadership changes ahead of WPL 2026. Nayar’s past contributions may well position him for a formal leadership role. Though nothing has been confirmed publicly at this point.

In Australia, Markram and Bavuma are back to lead South Africa.

In August, South Africa is going on a white-ball tour to Australia. Which will be led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram was one of the few seniors given time off, while Bavuma has been sidelined since the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June due to a hamstring issue. They did not attend the two Test matches in Zimbabwe, and Markram did not play in the ensuing T20I tri-series there, which also featured New Zealand.

Head coach Shukri Conrad remarked, “It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final.” As we continue to develop a solid core in all forms, their expertise and caliber truly benefit the group. From now on, each series contributes to the development of our teams for the 2027 home 50-over World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Australia is a difficult country to visit. Their intensity and conditions will put us to the test in every department, and that’s precisely the kind of challenge we’re looking for.

South Africa T20I squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa ODI squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Prenelan Subrayen

Following his recent Test debut in Zimbabwe, South Africa has also called up Prenelan Subrayen for the first time in both ODI and T20I. The Dolphins won the One-Day Cup earlier in March under the leadership of the off-spinner.

Additionally, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was included in the ODI squad for the first time. Over the past month, the hard-hitting batter. Who attracted attention in the T20 circuit, made his Test and T20I debuts in Zimbabwe. Both squads have included Brevis, who also made his Test debut in Zimbabwe.

In addition to these two, both teams include players like Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.

The three 50-over matches on August 19, 22, and 24. Will come after the T20Is on August 10, 12, and 16.

The Champions League T20 will return after more than 10 years.

The Champions League T20 (CLT20) is about to make a reappearance. It will be even better and bigger this time. The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) members recently met in Singapore as part of the ICC Annual Conference. Formally decided to bring back the competition with teams from various domestic Twenty20 leagues. Assuming all proceeds as planned. The league might resume as early as the next year.

Cricbuzz understands that the international boards will meet soon to hash out the mechanics of the league. Particularly in view of the fact that many franchise owners have teams across many nations. Addressing this cross-team ownership structure will be a significant challenge for the authorities. Who are expected to set up a Governing Council (GC) or a Board to regulate the league.

The Champions League T20

Creating the league’s size and scope will be another significant obstacle for the regulators to overcome. In 2015, the Champions League T20 was discontinued, leaving. Just a few big Test-playing countries with franchise-based leagues. The T20 scene has changed significantly in the past ten years. With leagues springing up all over the cricketing ecosystem and even Associate nations like the USA and UAE hosting their own competitions. This technique has also been adopted by countries such as Canada and Nepal. Approximately eleven major franchise leagues, including The Hundred in England. Exist worldwide as of the most recent count.

Apart from deciding how clubs from different leagues will be distributed. The organizers will also need to locate a window in a busy calendar. Like in the previous edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its famous Indian Premier League (IPL) are likely to lead the planned leadership.

It is also expected that Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Which did not play in the previous league, will be active members. It’s unknown who else will be engaged. The framework could possibly include Cricket South Africa (CSA), one of CL T20’s three creators.

Launched in 2009, the CL T20 was shut down during the 2014 season. When broadcaster Star Sports proposed to dissolve the league. Which was agreed by the league’s original three members: the BCCI, CA, and CSA. In 2015, following major financial problems. Star offered a compensation proposal that was approved by all three boards.

Everything will therefore start where it finished. Before achieving anything else, the new members will need to submit a tender to bring on a broadcaster.

Pavan Rathnayake ton leads dominant Sri Lanka A batting display

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake. Australia A’s hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4.

At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series.

Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia. A was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game.

Pavan Rathnayake

When Rathnayake returned at 43. He took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team’s second century after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on the first day.

Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket.

Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh. Who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand.

Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs. When Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull.

The finest of the eight bowlers used was Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who had never participated in state cricket at the top level. Look a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners. The Queenslander was chosen for the first game from the left-field.

De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration. Being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more.

McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home team was led to victory by Weatherald and Patterson. Who added 44 without suffering any more losses.

🏏 Nitish Kumar Reddy Appointed Captain of Bhimavaram Bulls for APL 2025 🏆

In a significant move ahead of the Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 season. Dynamic all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named the captain of the Bhimavaram Bulls. The announcement was made on July 17. Sending waves of excitement among fans of Andhra cricket and followers of the domestic T20 scene.

Reddy has already garnered media attention for his outstanding domestic and international cricket performances. He is going to guide the Bulls into the APL’s fourth season. August 8–August 24, 2025 is the planned occurrence date at the Visakhapatnam-based Dr. YSR ACA–VDCA Stadium.

🌟 Rising Star Takes Charge – Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly climbed the cricketing ladder, with impressive displays across formats. His leadership appointment reflects the franchise’s vision to build a team around a young, aggressive, and tactically aware cricketer. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Reddy’s all-round skills are expected to bring a perfect balance to the Bulls’ strategy.

In 2024, he made his Test debut for India and delivered standout performances in T20 Internationals, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He is currently among the most promising cricket players coming out of Andhra Pradesh based on his career thus far.

🐂 Bhimavaram Bulls – A Team Reimagined

The Bhimavaram Bulls have also unveiled a strong 20-player squad for APL 2025 .With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters. The team looks well-equipped to challenge for the title this season. Key players alongside Reddy include Satyanarayan Raju, Hari Shankar Reddy, and Pinniti Tejaswi, among others.

This season, the Bulls are expected to adopt a fearless brand of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy bringing his aggressive mindset and calm leadership to the forefront.

🏆 APL 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

The Andhra Premier League has grown in popularity over the years and the 2025. Edition is set to feature seven teams for the first time, up from six in the previous season. The inclusion of top domestic stars and rising talents is a major attraction for fans.

The recent APL auction saw intense bidding, with top players like Paila Avinash and Satyanarayan Raju fetching high prices. Amidst this, Bhimavaram Bulls have quietly assembled a versatile squad, and with Reddy at the helm. They are tipped as serious contenders this season.

🔊 Reddy’s Reaction

Speaking after his appointment, Nitish Kumar Reddy expressed his gratitude and excitement:

“It’s a proud moment to lead Bhimavaram Bulls. I look forward to taking on this responsibility and helping our team play competitive and spirited cricket. We are ready to give our best and aim for the championship.”

📰 Final Take

All eyes will be on Nitish Kumar Reddy as he leads his side through the pressure of a high-stakes competition as the countdown to the APL 2025 gets underway. Reddy’s leadership, talent, and temperament could be the deciding factor that propels the Bhimavaram Bulls to victory.

Andre Russell will retire from international cricket, After the Jamaica T20Is

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket.

Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test.

There are no words to describe what that meant. “One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies,” Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve.

In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note.

Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.

In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey.

Andre Russell

Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.

In the meantime, 23-year-old Jediah Blades and adolescent Jewel Andrew received their first calls-ups to the West Indies T20I team. Andrew became the youngest West Indian and the second youngest player overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league in the 2024 CPL at the age of 17 years and 266 days. In Guyana’s current Global Super League (GSL), Andrew plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Blades has not yet participated in the CPL. But he made an impression with the new ball at the first West Indies breakout league. A competition recently established to find up-and-coming talent in the area. In addition to Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope will continue to captain the team.

“We have strategic plans and goals that are in line with winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy stated. As a team, we will continue to refine our style and brand in preparation for the World Cup. We have continuity in the roster from the previous series.

As we build momentum for next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic bunch of players. We aim to get back to our prior form at home, where we lost both of our previous T20 series. We start against Australia.

West Indies squad

Andre Russell, Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd

Jitesh Sharma moves to Baroda from Vidarbha to get ready for the domestic season in 2025–2026.

Vidarbha and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma will play for Baroda in the upcoming season.

The 31-year-old played second fiddle to captain and first-choice wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, and he did not appear in any games. He continued to play for Karun Nair’s Vidarbha white-ball teams.

It has been reported that the relocation to Baroda has been planned for some time. The close bond between Jitesh and Baroda captain Krunal Pandya is believed to be the cause. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate he was with. helped make the transfer possible after their initial IPL title win earlier this year.

The change might present Jitesh with a fresh chance to establish himself as a first-class cricket regular. Jitesh has only appeared in 18 first-class games in the last ten seasons since making his debut in 2015–16. He has four half-centuries and a modest average of 24.48. It has been over a year since his last first-class match.

Jitesh has proved himself in the shortest formats of cricket in recent years. While having little playing experience in red-ball cricket. In October of 2023, Jitesh made his India T20I debut in the Asian Games after making a breakthrough for Punjab Kings. He nine T20I matches are remarkable.

Jitesh Sharma

As RCB’s finisher at the IPL 2025 earlier this year. Jitesh was instrumental in helping them place in the top two by scoring their first half-century an unbeaten 85 against the Lucknow Super Giants. He served as Rajat Patidar’s deputy captain and took over as captain in the latter stages of the tournament after Patidar was hurt.

The only RTM (right to match) for RCB in the mega auction. Jitesh’s IPL teammate Swapnil Singh, is expected to relocate to Tripura. Swapnil played domestic cricket for Uttarakhand in 2024–25, taking 18 wickets in five games during the Ranji Trophy. However he did not play a single game for RCB. He had low white-ball stats.

In the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025, Swapnil, a regular in Chennai’s club cricket scene, most recently played for the Chepauk Super Gillies. Where he took three wickets in eight games and batted for 85 runs.