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No Gill, Jitesh for T20 World Cup; Ishan Kishan Returns to India T20I Squad

Posted on December 20, 2025 by [email protected]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s T20I squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the selection has already sparked widespread discussion among fans and experts. The biggest talking points from the announcement are the omission of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, while Ishan Kishan has made a notable return to the national T20I setup.

Key Omissions Raise Eyebrows

Shubman Gill’s absence has come as a surprise to many, given his reputation as one of India’s most technically sound batters across formats. While Gill has shown consistency in ODIs and Tests, selectors appear to have prioritised players with a stronger recent impact in the shortest format. His strike rate and role fit in high-pressure T20 World Cup conditions may have influenced the decision.

Similarly, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma misses out despite being seen as a promising finisher in recent seasons. Known for his aggressive batting in the middle and death overs, Jitesh’s exclusion suggests the selectors are leaning towards experience and versatility over experimentation as the tournament approaches.

Ishan Kishan’s Comeback

The return of Ishan Kishan marks a significant development in India’s T20 plans. After spending time out of the national side, the left-handed opener has worked his way back through consistent performances in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments. His ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order, combined with his experience as a wicketkeeper, makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.

Kishan’s inclusion also adds balance to the squad, offering a left-right opening combination and an aggressive approach in the powerplay—something India has often relied on in global tournaments.

Squad Strategy and Team Balance

The selected squad reflects a clear focus on power-hitting, all-round depth, and bowling flexibility. The management appears intent on building a side that can adapt to different conditions, whether it’s flat batting pitches or slower surfaces where variation and control become crucial.

Experienced campaigners form the backbone of the team, while a few dynamic players provide explosive options with both bat and ball. The emphasis seems to be on players who can contribute in multiple areas, reducing dependency on specialists.

What This Means for India

India’s squad selection indicates a shift towards form and role clarity rather than reputation alone. With the T20 World Cup known for its unforgiving nature, the team management has opted for players who fit specific tactical requirements.

For Gill and Jitesh, the door is not closed. Strong performances in upcoming series and leagues could quickly bring them back into contention. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan now has a crucial opportunity to cement his place and make a strong impact on the world stage.

Final Thoughts

Squad announcements are always subject to debate, and this one is no different. As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, the focus will now turn to execution on the field. With a blend of experience, firepower, and adaptability, the selected squad will aim to bring consistency and composure when it matters most. Only time will tell whether these bold selection calls pay off on the global stage.

Due to illness, Axar Patel is ruled out of the remaining SA T20Is.

Posted on December 16, 2025 by [email protected]

The BCCI announced on Monday (December 15) that India all-rounder Axar Patel will not play in the final two Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa. Due to illness, Axar Patel was unable to play in the third Twenty20 International in Dharamsala. The BCCI also disclosed that Axar, along with the rest of the team, will undergo additional evaluation in Lucknow.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been chosen by the selection committee as a like-for-like replacement. The 31-year-old has already participated in five international games for India, most recently in October 2023 during the Asian Games.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace leader, was also missing for the third match. It’s still not known. If the fast bowler would be available for the remaining two games because he had to return home for personal reasons.

India easily won the third Twenty20 International to grab a 2-1 series lead despite their absences. The series finale will take place in Ahmedabad on December 19. With the following match taking place in Lucknow on December 17.

Shubman Gill Poised for Vice-Captaincy Role in Asia Cup 2025

Posted on August 11, 2025 by [email protected]

Shubman Gill is reportedly being considered for a key leadership position in the upcoming Asia Cup. T20 competition following an outstanding spell as India’s Test captain. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s guidance. The Test captain is expected to take the role of vice-captain as expectations rise.

Media outlets are taking notice of Gill’s possible selection as vice captain. India’s cricket body (BCCI) is reportedly determined to reinstate him as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the 2025 Asia Cup. According to RevSportz sources. Which is scheduled for September 9–28 in the United Arab Emirates. The current deputy, Axar Patel, is probably going to resign.

The BCCI’s increasing faith in Gill’s leadership skills is reflected in this change in leadership. His leadership abilities were greatly enhanced by his dominant performance during the England tour, which included an incredible 754 runs in 10 Test innings.

In addition, Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I lineup signifies the conclusion of an extended absence. In July 2024, he played against Sri Lanka in the format for the final time. Given the upcoming Asia Cup, his explosive form is crucial. particularly in the 2025 Indian Premier League. When he scored 650 runs in 15 games, ranking second among the Gujarat Titans’ top scorers. He is a powerful inclusion.

As the Asia Cup begins, selectors are eager to strengthen India’s leadership structure before the hectic T20 schedule begins. Preparation preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. A crucial first step in preparing Gill for future all-format captaincy is the appointment of Gill as vice-captain.

Beyond debate about leadership, Gill’s changing role indicates a change in Team India’s strategy. He is already leading the Test team,. This move may indicate that he may eventually lead all formats. The shift appears more likely when older players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire or step down.

Gill’s leadership at home keeps him relevant. Additionally, he was just selected the North Zone’s captain for the Duleep Trophy. His qualifications are strengthened by this domestic leadership. Which also keeps him in the forefront of national selection judgments.

Key Highlights:

Shubman Gill is expected to be named vice-captain of India’s T20I team for Asia Cup 2025. Deputizing for Suryakumar Yadav.
His stellar performance as Test captain. Especially on the England tour, Reinforced his leadership credentials.
Gill is making a strong T20I comeback after a year, backed by impressive IPL form.
This move is part of a broader BCCI strategy to groom him as a future all-format captain. With current leaders transitioning out.
His leadership continues to shine through in domestic cricket as well. Having been appointed captain of the North Zone team in the Duleep Trophy.

Shubman Gill Breaks Sunil Gavaskar’s Record with 754 Runs as Captain in Test Series

Posted on August 5, 2025 by [email protected]

In a remarkable show of skill, consistency, and leadership. Shubman Gill has etched his name into Indian cricket history by scoring 754 runs in a single Test series. Surpassing the long-standing record of 732 runs set by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. This achievement not only highlights Gill’s prowess with the bat. But also marks a significant milestone as he now holds the record for the most runs by an Indian in a Test series as captain.

Gill, who was appointed as captain for the series following a phase of transition in Indian cricket, embraced the responsibility with remarkable maturity. His elegant strokeplay, tactical acumen, and relentless hunger for runs were on display throughout the series. From gritty knocks on difficult pitches to fluent centuries in pressure situations. Gill’s batting performance was a masterclass in adapting to conditions and taking on the opposition.

The record-breaking feat came during India’s recent Test series. Which saw them face a formidable opponent in a tightly contested battle. Gill opened the innings in each match and demonstrated his trademark composure and aggression. His standout innings included a scintillating double century in the second Test and back-to-back centuries in the fourth and fifth Tests. Performances that were pivotal in turning the tide of the series in India’s favor.

What makes this achievement even more special is the company Gill now shares in the record books. Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 732 runs in the 1971 series against the West Indies had stood tall for over five decades. Gavaskar’s dominance during that era laid the foundation for Indian batting legacy. Now, Gill has carried that baton forward in the modern era.

Cricket experts and fans alike have lauded Gill’s incredible feat. Former cricketers praised his technical finesse, temperament, and ability to lead from the front. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to rotate strike while accelerating. When needed were the hallmarks of his batting throughout the series.

Off the field, Gill’s leadership has also drawn applause. He showed great tactical awareness, backed his bowlers wisely, and made bold decisions that often paid off. His captaincy was defined by a calm confidence and a willingness to take calculated risks — traits that endeared him to teammates and supporters.

With this historic performance, Shubman Gill has not only set a new benchmark for Indian captains in Test cricket. But has also solidified his place among the brightest stars in world cricket today. At just 26, Gill’s hunger for excellence, adaptability across formats, and mental fortitude suggest that this is just the beginning of a glittering career.

As Indian cricket continues to evolve, Gill’s emergence as a dependable leader and a world-class batter bodes well for the team’s future particularly in the longest and most challenging format of the game.

Tilak Varma sets a new record with his third successive T20 hundred.

Posted on November 23, 2024 by [email protected]

In T20 cricket, Indian batsman Tilak Varma became the first player, male or female, to reach hundreds in three consecutive innings. He accomplished the milestone in Hyderabad’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 opening match against Meghalaya at Rajkot, scoring 151 off 67 balls.

Following back-to-back hundreds in South Africa 107 not out in Centurion and an undefeated 120 in Johannesburg Tilak, 22, entered the domestic T20 tournament. He became the first male cricketer from India to hit 150 or more runs in Twenty20 cricket with his knock for Hyderabad. In 2022, Kiran Navgire, who currently plays for Maharashtra, scored an undefeated 162 while representing Nagaland in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh.

Tilak Varma walked out in the first over, hammered 10 sixes and 14 fours before falling on the final ball of the innings. He batted at No. 3 against Meghalaya and finished with a strike rate of 225.37. He hit 50 runs off 18 balls with six fours and three sixes against medium pacer Dippu Sangma, whom he was harsh on. With just 48 balls, he scored 122 for the second wicket, which served as the foundation for Hyderabad’s highest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy score of 248 for 4. In addition, it is the fifth-highest total in the competition’s history.

Tilak, who has played for the Mumbai Indians for the last three seasons, was one of five players the team kept before the IPL 2025 auction.

Shafali Verma was left off of India’s ODI team for the match against Australia.

Posted on November 19, 2024 by [email protected]

India’s group for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia does not include the dynamic opener Shafali Verma. Following a poor run of play in which he amassed just 56 runs in the most recent home series against New Zealand, Verma was excluded. Verma’s four ODI half-centuries really ended in July 2022.

The highly regarded offspinner Shreyanka Patil is another interesting absent from the 16-man team. She missed the New Zealand series because of shin splints. She actually didn’t play in the T20 World Cup until after missing time due to a hand injury. Sayali Satgare, Uma Chetry, and D. Hemalatha were the other players left off of the team that defeated New Zealand.

Squad:

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Saima Thakor

Harleen Deol, who played her final game for India in December 2023. She will return to Australia as part of India’s touring contingent. Deol only participated in three WPL games this season due to a knee injury she sustained while playing for the Gujarat Giants, which required a protracted recuperation and rehabilitation period.

Richa Ghosh, who missed the New Zealand series because of her Grade 12 board examinations, returns to the team. Legspinner Asha Sobhana and seamer Pooja Vastrakar, who missed that series due to injuries sustained during the previous T20 World Cup, have not yet made a comeback.

Along with quick bowler Titas Sadhu, the selectors also decided to give Minnu Mani his first call-up to the ODI team. In the home series against Australia last year. Sadhu, 20, did not play in the ODI team. With an unforgettable 4 for 17. She left her imprint in the first Twenty20 Internationals against the same opponents in Navi Mumbai. Additionally, Sadhu played in two Twenty20 Internationals against Bangladesh in May of this year before suffering an injury that required time at the NCA.

Earlier this year, in August, Mani led the India A team to a 2-1 series loss to Australia A. In three games, she amassed 62 runs and claimed four wickets at a respectable economy rate, rewarding her for her useful contributions with the bat further down the order.

When India was in danger early in the first ODI against New Zealand, Tejal Hasabnis played a gutsy innings of 42. Which helped them achieve a competitive total and earn her a spot in the squad. The team has welcomed Priya Puniya back after she played with the ‘A’ team in Australia. After her previous appearance in a home ODI match against South Africa.

Series Schedule:

1st ODI – December 5, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

2nd ODI – December 8, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

3rd ODI – December 11, WACA, Perth

India vs South Africa 4th T20I Finebook247 Prediction

Posted on November 15, 2024 by [email protected]

India vs. South Africa Playing 11, 4th T20I: India leads the series 2-1 as South Africa and India get ready for their last match in the 4th Twenty20 International at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

India vs South Africa Match Prediction

Since the series is at line, both teams will want to give it their all. India will win the series 3-1, according to Finebook247. The win probability for Google also favors India (56%).

The Wanderers Stadium Pitch Report

The batters have a strong preference for the surface at The Wanderers Stadium. Given the chance of a high-scoring match, the team that wins the toss may decide to bat first and score an important number. Since the venue has never had an issue with scores over 200, the bowlers will need to adjust their strategies to avoid the the players from dominating.

India vs South Africa Head to Head Record:

Matches Played	India Won	South Africa Won	No Result
30	17	12	1

Match Information

Date: November 15, 2024, Friday

Time: 8:30 PM IST

Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Broadcast: Sports18 Network

Live Stream: JioCinema

South Africa:

Ryan Rickleton, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla

India:

Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy

In South Africa, India’s head coach will be VVS Laxman.

Posted on October 28, 2024October 28, 2024 by [email protected]

The head coach for India’s first white ball trip of South Africa will be VVS Laxman. Gautam Gambhir, the current national coach, will be traveling to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Therefore he will fill in.

A senior representative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the decision to Cricbuzz on Monday. At first, the four-match series was not planned. Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the BCCI recently made the arrangement.

India will participate in four Twenty20 Internationals on November 8, 10, 13, and 15 in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg, respectively. The group will leave on or around November 4. On November 10–11, the BGT Indian squad departs.

Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh, among other coaches and staff of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, will be a part of VVS Laxman coaching staff. Head coach Bahutule, batting coach Kanitkar, and fielding coach Ghosh were all members of the India Emerging team that competed in the Asia Emerging Cup in Oman. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India A squad is traveling to Australia with NCA members Sitanshu Kotak of Saurashtra and Mazhar Moidu of Kerala.

Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the 15-man team that the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI announced on Friday, October 25, for the four Twenty20 Internationals.

The decision to arrange the South African tour within India’s domestic season has drawn some criticism. “Before the trip to Australia, there is an unnecessary four-match T20 series in South Africa next month. “Approximately 50 to 60 players will not be available for their State teams in the premier national tournament. The Ranji Trophy, as a ‘A’ team will also be visiting Australia the following month. ” Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India, said in Sportstar.

T20I team:

Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), and Suryakumar Yadav (C).

“100%” pain-free Shami wants to show the health for Australia in home matches.

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 by [email protected]

Mohammed Shami, who had a setback in his recuperation. He said that he is “100%” pain-free and intends to play “one or two domestic matches” to demonstrate his match fitness for the Australia tour.

Following the completion of the first Test match between India and New Zealand on Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the 34-year-old pacer. Who hasn’t competed for India. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup reported that he bowled with a full run-up and was confident about his fitness.

“Yesterday felt fantastic. Prior to that, I had been bowling with a half run-up because I didn’t want to overtax my body,” Shami stated on Monday, October 21, on the fringes of an event in Gurgaon. “We made the decision yesterday to bowl at maximum effort for the previous two sessions. I gave it everything I had. It was satisfying, and the outcomes were positive. I’m hoping to get back on track quickly.”

Mohammed Shami

The knee issues compounded Shami’s problems. He had been sidelined during the World Cup due to an injury to his left Achilles heel. It was “very difficult” to make a decision on the fast bowler at the moment, according to Rohit Sharma. Who disclosed last week that Shami had a swollen knee after almost reaching 100% fitness. It won’t be the “right decision” for the squad, Rohit continued, to send a “undercooked” Shami to Australia.

“That series is still far away, but I know everyone has been thinking about whether or not I will go to Australia,” Shami remarked, adding that he is “100%” pain-free.

“I just want to concentrate on staying in shape and building up my strength in preparation for the tour. It would be preferable for me to focus on the finer points and spend a little more time on the ground before heading out because I know the style of attack we want for that Test series.

“It’s preferable that I play one or two home matches before traveling to Australia. If I become fit and have eight to 10 days off.

“I don’t know when I can play again, but I’ll try to play a match the day I feel confident bowling 20–30 overs and the doctors give me the all-clear. Prior to heading for the Australia series, I want to spend as much time as possible on the ground.”

On November 22 in Perth, Australia, the first Test match between Australia and India will begin precisely one month from now.

Rohit Sharma explains their reasons for not wanting to bring Mohammed Shami to Australia.

Posted on October 15, 2024 by [email protected]

Earlier to the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia, India’s captain for both Test and ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma, revealed some unsettling news regarding the health of pacer Mohammed Shami. Before the opening Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit told the media that he doubted Shami would make the trip to Australia for the five-match series. Shami has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite expectations that he will make a comeback.

Mohammed Shami is “undercooked,” according to Rohit, because of his extended layoff from cricket and his most recent knee problems. Shami’s knee swelling hindered his healing process and necessitated that he resume his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Where medical professionals and physiotherapists are assisting him. The decision to hold Shami out is to make sure he doesn’t return too soon. Rohit underlined, emphasizing how important it is for him to achieve full health before rejoining the team.

“We wish to avoid sending an undercooked Shami to Australia,” Rohit expressed. He went on to say that Shami’s level of readiness is questionable and that while he continues his rehabilitation under the team’s medical experts, the emphasis is on a full recovery to avoid any setbacks.

Tag: Team India

No Gill, Jitesh for T20 World Cup; Ishan Kishan Returns to India T20I Squad