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In a significant update ahead of India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi in the national squad as the team prepares for the home series starting January 21. The decision comes after injury setbacks for key players Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Sundar has been ruled out of the T20 international series due to a side strain sustained while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand, forcing the selectors to make changes to India’s plans. Ravi Bishnoi, the experienced leg-spinner, has been drafted in as Sundar’s replacement. Bishnoi’s ability to turn the ball both ways provide India with an additional spin option, an asset India will look to leverage in home conditions against the Black Caps. Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion is notable as it marks his return to the T20I set-up for the first time since late 2023. Iyer will feature in the first three matches of the ser...

Afghanistan have been dealt a major blow ahead of the T20 World Cup as fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The right-arm pacer, known for his effectiveness in the death overs, sustained the injury during recent competitive action, forcing the team management to prioritize his recovery over participation in the global event. In a parallel development, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the SA20 league to join the national squad in preparation for upcoming international commitments. Rashid’s decision underlines Afghanistan’s focus on strengthening their campaign for major ICC events, with team unity and preparation taking precedence over franchise commitments. Naveen’s absence will require Afghanistan to reshuffle their bowling attack, while Rashid’s return is a significant boost both in terms of leadership and on-field impact. His experience, match-winning ability, and tactical awareness will be crucial as Afghanistan aim to make...

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has been officially ruled out of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season, dealing a significant blow to her franchise, the Gujarat Giants, and leaving fans and teammates disappointed ahead of the tournament. Bhatia, who underwent ACL surgery in October 2025, had been carrying fitness concerns leading up to the season and was always considered a doubt for the campaign. The Gujarat Giants confirmed the news on January 10, 2026, with team head coach Michael Klinger addressing the situation in a video message shared on social media. Klinger extended his heartfelt support to the star batter, wishing her a strong and speedy recovery and expressing hope that she would return to competitive cricket fully fit in future seasons. Bhatia was picked by the Gujarat Giants at the WPL 2026 auction for ₹50 lakhs despite her ongoing injury doubts, after previously representing the Mumbai Indians in earlier seasons where she played an important role in t...

Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest chasers in modern cricket, delivering a masterclass in control and composure even without reaching a century. Anchoring the innings with precision, Kohli paced the chase to perfection, ensuring the team stayed on course despite mounting pressure. Rather than chasing personal milestones, Kohli focused on strike rotation, smart shot selection, and building partnerships. His calm presence at the crease allowed other batters to play freely, turning a potentially tricky run chase into a controlled pursuit. With every boundary and quick single, Kohli dictated the tempo, keeping the required run rate firmly in check. This innings highlighted Kohli’s maturity and game awareness — proving that impact matters more than numbers. Even without a hundred next to his name, his contribution was decisive, once again showcasing his ability to finish games and guide the team home with authority.

Cricket Australia has confirmed a major boost for the Big Bash League as the majority of Australia’s Test players have been made available for the BBL finals run-in. The decision comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, with franchises battling for playoff spots and momentum heading into the knockout phase. Following the conclusion of recent Test commitments, selectors and team management have opted to release several red-ball regulars to rejoin their respective BBL teams. This move is expected to significantly raise the quality and intensity of the competition, giving fans the chance to watch some of the country’s biggest names feature in high-pressure T20 matches. The availability of Test players will be a major lift for franchises that have struggled with player unavailability due to international duties. Experienced campaigners bring not only skill but also leadership and composure, traits that are invaluable during finals cricket. Younger players in the squads will also ben...

India’s young batting star Tilak Varma is reportedly a doubtful starter for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand , raising questions about India’s middle-order combination. The left-hander has been a consistent performer in the shortest format, but concerns over fitness and workload management may delay his return to the playing XI. Team management is said to be closely monitoring Tilak Varma’s condition after a demanding season of domestic and international cricket. While there is no major injury reported, selectors are keen to ensure he is fully fit before being thrown back into competitive action. As a result, India may opt to rest him for the opening game or two of the series. Tilak Varma has quickly become a valuable asset for India’s T20 setup, known for his calm temperament, ability to counter spin, and flexibility to bat at different positions. His absence, even temporarily, could open the door for other middle-order contenders to showcase their skills against a strong...

MI Cape Town finally opened their account with a memorable first win , overcoming persistent rain interruptions to seal a crucial victory. In a match dictated by weather and momentum shifts, MI Cape Town showed composure and clarity, making the most of shortened overs and revised targets. After rain delays disrupted the rhythm, MI Cape Town’s bowlers delivered disciplined spells, keeping things tight and forcing key breakthroughs at regular intervals. The batting unit then stepped up under pressure, pacing the chase smartly despite the uncertainty around conditions and DLS calculations. The win not only boosts MI Cape Town’s confidence but also revitalizes their campaign, proving their ability to adapt in challenging circumstances. Beating both the opposition and the weather, the side showcased resilience and tactical awareness—traits that could define their season going forward.