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The five Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals - have announced the list of players retained and released ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. The WPL 2027 auction will take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala. The upcoming season is scheduled to be played from January 14 to February 7. At the auction, 27 slots are open to be filled.<h2>List of players released and retained by WPL teams</h2>A franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in the squad, with the UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians having a maximum of 7 slots each to fill. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 5 slots each to fill, while Gujarat Giants have only three slots available to fill. Below is the list of players retained and released by all the WPL teams:

WPL 2027 mini-auction to take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala

<h3>Gujarat Giants</h3>Players released: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ayushi Soni, Titas Sadhu, Shivani Singh Players retained: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Tanuja Kanwer, Yastika Bhatia<h3>Royal Challengers Bengaluru</h3>Players released: Grace Harris, Linsey Smith, D Hemalatha, Gautami Naik Players retained: Ellyse Perry, Georgia Voll, Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Prathyoosha Kumar, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana<h3>Mumbai Indians</h3>Players released: Milly Illingworth, G Kamalini, Kranthi Reddy, Poonam Khemnar, Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vasistha Players retained: Melie Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur, Rahila Firdous, S Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Vaishnavi Sharma<h3>UP Warriorz</h3>Players released: Amy Jones, Charli Knott, Chloe Tryon, Deandra Dottin, Asha Sobhana, G Trisha, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, Suman Meena Players retained: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris, Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh<h3>Delhi Capitals</h3>Players released: Alana King, Lizelle Lee, Sneh Rana, Taniya Bhatia, Pragati Singh, Eddla Srujana Players retained: Annabel Sutherland, Chinelle Henry, Laura Wolvaardt, Lucy Hamilton, Marizanne Kapp, Deeya Yadav, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mamatha Madiwala, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Niki Prasad, Shafali Verma<h2>Purse and slots available for all teams</h2>UP Warriorz have the highest purse left - INR 3.65 crore, followed by Gujarat Giants (INR 1.25 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 1.15 crore), Delhi Capitals (INR 1.10 crore), and Mumbai Indians (INR 1 crore). Below are the slots available for each franchise for the WPL 2027 auction: UP Warriorz: 7 slots (2 overseas) Mumbai Indians: 7 slots (1 overseas) Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 5 slots (2 overseas) Delhi Capitals: 5 slots (1 overseas) Gujarat Giants: 3 slots (1 overseas)&nbsp;

Ahead of the WPL 2027 auction on Oct 27 in Kochi, 5 teams retained and released players. UPW has the highest purse (₹3.65 Cr). 27 total slots are open for the Jan 14–Feb 7 season.

The five Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals - have announced the list of players retained and released ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. The WPL 2027 auction will take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala. The upcoming season is scheduled to be played from January 14 to February 7. At the auction, 27 slots are open to be filled. List of players released and retained by WPL teams A franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in the squad, with the UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians having a maximum of 7 slots each to fill. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 5 slots each to fill, while Gujarat Giants have only three slots available to fill. Below is the list of players retained and released by all the WPL teams:

Ahead of the WPL 2027 auction on Oct 28 in Kochi, 5 teams retained and released players. UPW has the highest purse (₹3.65 Cr). 27 total slots are open for the Jan 14–Feb 7 season.

WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse & slot available

The countdown has begun as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) will jointly announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday (Oct 1) in Cape Town. The event, which also marks one year until the 14-team tournament, will kick off ticket ballot registrations. As previously reported, the World Cup will begin on October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, and conclude on November 21.&nbsp;Of the 14 participating teams in the ODI World Cup, 10 will be determined by September 30, the cut-off qualification date. While two of those 10 nations are the hosts – South Africa and Zimbabwe, the remaining eight will qualify based on the ICC ODI rankings. The four pending teams, however, will advance through the qualifying process and will be listed as Qualifier 1, 2, 3 and 4. Along with South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia is a joint host; however, unlike the other two, it does not qualify automatically and must earn its spot through the qualifiers.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-55th-odi-century-15k-runs-kevin-pietersen-genius-1790598883067">'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred</a>&nbsp;As things stand, eight teams that have qualified for the World Cup by virtue of their ODI rankings are India (1), New Zealand (2), Pakistan (4), Australia (5), England (6), Sri Lanka (7), Afghanistan (8) and Bangladesh (9). While Bangladesh, ranked ninth, has sneaked through, South Africa (3) earned their place as the tournament’s co-hosts.&nbsp;The West Indies, however, will have to qualify through the qualifiers, scheduled early next year.&nbsp;Although tickets will not be available for immediate purchase on Thursday, fans can register for the ticket ballot starting October 1.<h2>ICC ODI World Cup Schedule</h2>According to an ICC release, the next ODI World Cup will be divided into three rounds before the semifinals and final. The competition will begin with a Super Series featuring the three lowest-ranked of the 14 qualified teams (12th, 13th, and 14th) in a round-robin format. The top team will advance to the next stage.&nbsp;The next round will have 30 matches featuring 12 teams, divided into two groups of six, playing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, will advance to the Super 7 stage.&nbsp;The final stage (Super 7 stage), after which the knockouts begin, will consist of 21 round-robin matches, with the top four sides progressing to the semifinals. While the top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, the second-ranked side will meet the third-placed team. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the final for the coveted World Cup trophy.

The ICC and CSA will announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 in Cape Town. Get details on qualified teams, dates, and ticket ballot info.

The countdown has begun as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) will jointly announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday (Oct 1) in Cape Town. The event, which also marks one year until the 14-team tournament, will kick off ticket ballot registrations. As previously reported, the World Cup will begin on October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, and conclude on November 21. Of the 14 participating teams in the ODI World Cup, 10 will be determined by September 30, the cut-off qualification date. While two of those 10 nations are the hosts – South Africa and Zimbabwe, the remaining eight will qualify based on the ICC ODI rankings. The four pending teams, however, will advance through the qualifying process and will be listed as Qualifier 1, 2, 3 and 4. Along with South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia is a joint host; however, unlike the other two, it does not qualify automatically and must earn its spot through the qualifiers. Also read| 'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred As things stand, eight teams that have qualified for the World Cup by virtue of their ODI rankings are India (1), New Zealand (2), Pakistan (4), Australia (5), England (6), Sri Lanka (7), Afghanistan (8) and Bangladesh (9). While Bangladesh, ranked ninth, has sneaked through, South Africa (3) earned their place as the tournament’s co-hosts. The West Indies, however, will have to qualify through the qualifiers, scheduled early next year. Although tickets will not be available for immediate purchase on Thursday, fans can register for the ticket ballot starting October 1. ICC ODI World Cup Schedule According to an ICC release, the next ODI World Cup will be divided into three rounds before the semifinals and final. The competition will begin with a Super Series featuring the three lowest-ranked of the 14 qualified teams (12th, 13th, and 14th) in a round-robin format. The top team will advance to the next stage. The next round will have 30 matches featuring 12 teams, divided into two groups of six, playing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, will advance to the Super 7 stage. The final stage (Super 7 stage), after which the knockouts begin, will consist of 21 round-robin matches, with the top four sides progressing to the semifinals. While the top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, the second-ranked side will meet the third-placed team. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the final for the coveted World Cup trophy.

The ICC and CSA will announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 in Cape Town. Get details on qualified teams, dates, and ticket ballot info.

Countdown Begins: ICC, CSA to release 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 - Report

Seasoned English batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury he sustained midway through the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last Thursday. The latest injury also casts doubts over his participation in the white-ball series in Australia that follows. England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has handpicked Jordan Cox to replace Buttler with the gloves and in the middle order for England ODIs and T20Is for the next two months.&nbsp;Buttler pulled up his hamstring in England’s defeat in the second One-Dayer. Having retired hurt earlier, Buttler returned to resume his innings but failed to guide his team across the winning line. Although the ECB awaits the extent of his injury, McCullum wasted no time in revealing that Buttler would likely miss England’s next two white-ball assignments in October and November.&nbsp;"I thought it was quite a Jos Buttler innings today," McCullum said of Cox's 76 off 52 balls at The Oval in the final ODI, which England won by 223 runs to claim the three-match series 2-1.&nbsp;"He will get the opportunity in Pakistan, which is exciting for him. Whilst it's disappointing not to have Jos, it's going to be good for us to see where we're at, because between now and 14 months' time, lots of things are going to go wrong.&nbsp;"There's going to be lots of selections that you think would happen, and teams that you think will be the best teams to play against opposition, but someone will get injured, or there'll be a scheduling situation. You have to almost catastrophise these things a little bit in order to prepare yourself as best as possible for that World Cup in 14 months' time,” the head coach noted.&nbsp;Happy with the squad depth despite missing several first-team players out with respective injuries, including Jacob Bethell (knee), Sam Curran (groin), Adil Rashid (hand) and Buttler (hamstring), McCullum said, "Whilst you don't want those injuries to happen, it does give you a good line on where you're at with some of the depth in your squad.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-55th-odi-century-15k-runs-kevin-pietersen-genius-1790598883067">'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sunday’s ODI at The Oval brought England’s home season to a close, which McCullum called ‘eventful’. Barring the Test series loss to New Zealand at home, which also coincided with Ben Stokes’ international retirement, England tasted success against Pakistan in the Test series and Sri Lanka in the white-ball leg.&nbsp;"It's been eventful, but it's been a great summer in many respects," he said. "I genuinely feel right now, at the end of the summer, that English cricket is actually in a really good place. I'm biased because he's a great mate of mine, but I think he's a great coach and he's going to do an incredible job alongside Joe Root, in Stephen Fleming, [who is] now at the helm of the Test side.&nbsp;"And the performances and development of the ODI and T20 sides across the summer has been something which has been incredibly encouraging. Harry Brook's development as a leader on the field and his growth as a person off it has been superb, and overall, I feel as if while it's been an eventful few months, I feel like [English cricket] is in a really good space,” McCullum concluded.&nbsp;England will select their squad for the Pakistan tri-series on Monday (Sep 28), and announce it publicly later this week. England’s first match of the series will be against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20.

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox has been named as his replacement in the middle overs. Read details.

Seasoned English batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury he sustained midway through the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last Thursday. The latest injury also casts doubts over his participation in the white-ball series in Australia that follows. England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has handpicked Jordan Cox to replace Buttler with the gloves and in the middle order for England ODIs and T20Is for the next two months. Buttler pulled up his hamstring in England’s defeat in the second One-Dayer. Having retired hurt earlier, Buttler returned to resume his innings but failed to guide his team across the winning line. Although the ECB awaits the extent of his injury, McCullum wasted no time in revealing that Buttler would likely miss England’s next two white-ball assignments in October and November. "I thought it was quite a Jos Buttler innings today," McCullum said of Cox's 76 off 52 balls at The Oval in the final ODI, which England won by 223 runs to claim the three-match series 2-1. "He will get the opportunity in Pakistan, which is exciting for him. Whilst it's disappointing not to have Jos, it's going to be good for us to see where we're at, because between now and 14 months' time, lots of things are going to go wrong. "There's going to be lots of selections that you think would happen, and teams that you think will be the best teams to play against opposition, but someone will get injured, or there'll be a scheduling situation. You have to almost catastrophise these things a little bit in order to prepare yourself as best as possible for that World Cup in 14 months' time,” the head coach noted. Happy with the squad depth despite missing several first-team players out with respective injuries, including Jacob Bethell (knee), Sam Curran (groin), Adil Rashid (hand) and Buttler (hamstring), McCullum said, "Whilst you don't want those injuries to happen, it does give you a good line on where you're at with some of the depth in your squad.” Also read| 'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred Meanwhile, Sunday’s ODI at The Oval brought England’s home season to a close, which McCullum called ‘eventful’. Barring the Test series loss to New Zealand at home, which also coincided with Ben Stokes’ international retirement, England tasted success against Pakistan in the Test series and Sri Lanka in the white-ball leg. "It's been eventful, but it's been a great summer in many respects," he said. "I genuinely feel right now, at the end of the summer, that English cricket is actually in a really good place. I'm biased because he's a great mate of mine, but I think he's a great coach and he's going to do an incredible job alongside Joe Root, in Stephen Fleming, [who is] now at the helm of the Test side. "And the performances and development of the ODI and T20 sides across the summer has been something which has been incredibly encouraging. Harry Brook's development as a leader on the field and his growth as a person off it has been superb, and overall, I feel as if while it's been an eventful few months, I feel like [English cricket] is in a really good space,” McCullum concluded. England will select their squad for the Pakistan tri-series on Monday (Sep 28), and announce it publicly later this week. England’s first match of the series will be against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20.

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox has been named as his replacement in the middle overs. Read details.

Jos Buttler ruled out of ODI tri-series in Pakistan with hamstring injury

Virat Kohli unleashed his best in the ODI series opener against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), smashing an unbeaten 139 – his 55th One-Day century, and helping land the first punch in this three-match series. The talismanic batter also completed 15,000 runs in the 50-over format, becoming only the second batter after his idol and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and the quickest ever to do so (innings-wise). He broke several records in his match-winning outing in Thiruvananthapuram and won a million hearts, including that of the newly appointed England white-ball mentor, Kevin Pietersen.&nbsp;Having played against and alongside (in the IPL) each other back in the day, KP knows Kohli’s mettle and couldn’t help but shower praise on Kohli’s record knock.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets</a>&nbsp;“55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! &nbsp;&nbsp;55?!?!?!?!&nbsp;&nbsp;Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games.&nbsp;&nbsp;He Is A Genius, and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️” KP wrote on his X handle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! 55?!?!?!?! Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games. He Is A Genius and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️&mdash; Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://x.com/KP24/status/2104489360263672293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kohli was on song in his first ODI game since losing the Lord’s One-Day in July this year. Coming into bat following Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Kohli stitched a 151-run stand with captain Shubman Gill to keep India’s nose ahead in the run chase. While Gill also continued his rich vein of form with his 10th One-Day hundred, Kohli’s 55th ODI century stole all the limelight.&nbsp;Unlike how he used to shape his innings during run chases previously, Kohli hit fifth gear from the word go, smashing nine sixes and 10 fours in his breathtaking knock. He remained unbeaten on 139 off just 88 balls at a strike rate of 157.95.&nbsp;"I promised myself I'm going to play positively because I can," Kohli said in the post-match presser. "So I'm going to continue to play like that, but, you know, not be reckless. There is a fine line, which as a professional, as an experienced player, I should have the ability to execute in this way without, you know, playing reckless shots and get the team through."&nbsp;"I think to follow a free mind, you need a fit body. So for me, it works the other way around. I stay physically fit, and then I'm able to visualise the game in the way that I want to play, which allows me the best chance to go out there and execute in the way that I did tonight,” said Player of the Match Kohli.&nbsp;India and the West Indies will meet in the second ODI on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Guwahati.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 to complete his 55th ODI century and pass 15,000 runs against the West Indies. England mentor Kevin Pietersen dubbed him a 'genius.'

Virat Kohli unleashed his best in the ODI series opener against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), smashing an unbeaten 139 – his 55th One-Day century, and helping land the first punch in this three-match series. The talismanic batter also completed 15,000 runs in the 50-over format, becoming only the second batter after his idol and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and the quickest ever to do so (innings-wise). He broke several records in his match-winning outing in Thiruvananthapuram and won a million hearts, including that of the newly appointed England white-ball mentor, Kevin Pietersen. Having played against and alongside (in the IPL) each other back in the day, KP knows Kohli’s mettle and couldn’t help but shower praise on Kohli’s record knock. Also read| IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets “55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! 55?!?!?!?! Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games. He Is A Genius, and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️” KP wrote on his X handle.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 to complete his 55th ODI century and pass 15,000 runs against the West Indies. England mentor Kevin Pietersen dubbed him a 'genius.'

'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred

In a massive boost for South Africa, their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been included in the 18-man preliminary squad for the three-match Test series against Australia starting October 9 in Durban. Rabada is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during winter training, with his availability for the first Test to be determined after an intra-squad match next week.&nbsp;"We will give it [final decision on Rabada] as much time as humanly possible, but we also don't want to take a call based on desperation," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said on Monday. "Based on how the three-day match plays out, a day or two after that, I reckon we will make a call."&nbsp;Besides Rabada, fellow paceman Anrich Nortje has also earned a surprise recall to the squad, having last played a Test match three years ago, although Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka, all suffering from hamstring issues, have not been picked.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-aus-2nd-odi-pat-cummins-return-josh-inglis-finger-injury-1790490768208">SA vs AUS 2026: Pat Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes</a>&nbsp;"Anrich is as pedantic and professional as they come. He has got spreadsheets that detail all of the work that he has done. I'm very comfortable that he has done all the necessary work," Conrad said. "We've just got to look at the intensity that it's done in. We've got to look at whether a Test match is the best introduction back to the international fold."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, who returned to the South African colours for the recent ODI against Australia at Kingsmead last week, has also been picked for the red-ball leg, having last played a Test match in November 2024. Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Dane Paterson, all of whom were part of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, make up the rest of the fast-bowling department.<h2>Brevis Sidelined as 'Clay-Court Specialist</h2>The hosts, however, have retained their core batting group for the marquee Test series against the Aussies, the first on their soil since 2018. While Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped batter picked, Conrad shared his thoughts on Dewald Brevis missing the cut. Calling him the Rafael Nadal of South African cricket, Conrad was blunt in his assessment of the Baby AB, saying he is not the best Test batter as of now.&nbsp;"On the batting front, we've stuck with our core group," Conrad said. "It's great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA A side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity. We're looking forward to having him in the Test environment."&nbsp;On Brevis, the head coach said, "It's a long summer, so I am sure we will see [Brevis] at some stage. The blunt answer is that I don't think he is one of the best batters in Test cricket for us. I think there are other guys for us in South African conditions. Brevis is probably more suited to us playing in Test cricket in the subcontinent.&nbsp;"ODI cricket is a different story. You will see him at some stage. In Tests, he is a bit of a Rafael Nadal. He is a clay-court specialist,” he continued.<h3>South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for Australia Tests:&nbsp;</h3>Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have been named in South Africa's 18-man Test squad to face Australia, while coach Shukri Conrad addresses Dewald Brevis's omission.

In a massive boost for South Africa, their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been included in the 18-man preliminary squad for the three-match Test series against Australia starting October 9 in Durban. Rabada is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during winter training, with his availability for the first Test to be determined after an intra-squad match next week. "We will give it [final decision on Rabada] as much time as humanly possible, but we also don't want to take a call based on desperation," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said on Monday. "Based on how the three-day match plays out, a day or two after that, I reckon we will make a call." Besides Rabada, fellow paceman Anrich Nortje has also earned a surprise recall to the squad, having last played a Test match three years ago, although Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka, all suffering from hamstring issues, have not been picked. Also read| SA vs AUS 2026: Pat Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes "Anrich is as pedantic and professional as they come. He has got spreadsheets that detail all of the work that he has done. I'm very comfortable that he has done all the necessary work," Conrad said. "We've just got to look at the intensity that it's done in. We've got to look at whether a Test match is the best introduction back to the international fold." Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, who returned to the South African colours for the recent ODI against Australia at Kingsmead last week, has also been picked for the red-ball leg, having last played a Test match in November 2024. Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Dane Paterson, all of whom were part of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, make up the rest of the fast-bowling department. Brevis Sidelined as 'Clay-Court Specialist The hosts, however, have retained their core batting group for the marquee Test series against the Aussies, the first on their soil since 2018. While Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped batter picked, Conrad shared his thoughts on Dewald Brevis missing the cut. Calling him the Rafael Nadal of South African cricket, Conrad was blunt in his assessment of the Baby AB, saying he is not the best Test batter as of now. "On the batting front, we've stuck with our core group," Conrad said. "It's great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA A side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity. We're looking forward to having him in the Test environment." On Brevis, the head coach said, "It's a long summer, so I am sure we will see [Brevis] at some stage. The blunt answer is that I don't think he is one of the best batters in Test cricket for us. I think there are other guys for us in South African conditions. Brevis is probably more suited to us playing in Test cricket in the subcontinent. "ODI cricket is a different story. You will see him at some stage. In Tests, he is a bit of a Rafael Nadal. He is a clay-court specialist,” he continued. South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for Australia Tests: Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have been named in South Africa's 18-man Test squad to face Australia, while coach Shukri Conrad addresses Dewald Brevis's omission.

SA vs AUS: Rabada named in 18-man preliminary squad; Nortje in line for Test return

Virat Kohli is an enigma when it comes to chasing, and the veteran India batter showed his class once again on Sunday (Sep 27), scoring 139 not out off 88 balls in an 8-wicket win against the West Indies. Kohli broke multiple records during his innings, including scoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">most runs in a single country</a>. In his post-match presentation, Kohli, who has only played the 50-over format for India since retiring from Tests in May 2025, spoke about how he manages to score runs with ease even at the age of 37.<h2>How Kohli keeps scoring centuries for fun</h2>After winning the match for India with back-to-back sixes, Kohli spoke to the broadcaster at length. During the conversation, the batter revealed how he manages to deliver peak performance even in the late stage of his career. Since retiring from Tests in 2025, Kohli has played 20 ODIs and scored 1,174 runs - the third-most behind Joe Root (1,381) and Daryl Mitchell (1,234). Kohli's average during this period has been 73, along with 7 fifties and 5 hundreds - the most hundreds by any player.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-pakistan-through-to-semis-without-playing-a-ball-1790569585127">Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final?</a>"It's all about staying mentally fresh, in the present moment, expressing myself out there. To follow a free mind, you need a fit body. Then I can visualize my game and execute it the way I did tonight," Kohli said.Speaking on his 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Kohli added: "The World Cup is a year away; I know what my goal is. I just needed to work on different aspects of the game... Run from boundary to boundary, show intensity, keep ticking those boxes, I just want to enjoy every day."<h2>All milestones Kohli achieved during his century vs West Indies</h2>Kohli's ton against the West Indies was his 55th in ODIs - already the highest by any player in the format - and his 60th in List A cricket, joint-most along with Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli also crossed 15,000 ODI runs during the innings and became only the second player to do so besides Sachin, who leads the tally with 18,426 runs.The ton was also Kohli's 86th in international cricket, leaving him 14 short of Sachin's record of 100 international tons.

Virat Kohli’s 139* off 88 led India to an 8-wicket win over WI. He hit 9 sixes, passed 15k ODI runs, tied Sachin with 60 List A tons, & set a record with 7,006 ODI runs in India.

Virat Kohli is an enigma when it comes to chasing, and the veteran India batter showed his class once again on Sunday (Sep 27), scoring 139 not out off 88 balls in an 8-wicket win against the West Indies. Kohli broke multiple records during his innings, including scoring the most runs in a single country. In his post-match presentation, Kohli, who has only played the 50-over format for India since retiring from Tests in May 2025, spoke about how he manages to score runs with ease even at the age of 37. How Kohli keeps scoring centuries for fun After winning the match for India with back-to-back sixes, Kohli spoke to the broadcaster at length. During the conversation, the batter revealed how he manages to deliver peak performance even in the late stage of his career. Since retiring from Tests in 2025, Kohli has played 20 ODIs and scored 1,174 runs - the third-most behind Joe Root (1,381) and Daryl Mitchell (1,234). Kohli's average during this period has been 73, along with 7 fifties and 5 hundreds - the most hundreds by any player. Also Read - Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final? "It's all about staying mentally fresh, in the present moment, expressing myself out there. To follow a free mind, you need a fit body. Then I can visualize my game and execute it the way I did tonight," Kohli said. Speaking on his 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Kohli added: "The World Cup is a year away; I know what my goal is. I just needed to work on different aspects of the game... Run from boundary to boundary, show intensity, keep ticking those boxes, I just want to enjoy every day." All milestones Kohli achieved during his century vs West Indies Kohli's ton against the West Indies was his 55th in ODIs - already the highest by any player in the format - and his 60th in List A cricket, joint-most along with Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli also crossed 15,000 ODI runs during the innings and became only the second player to do so besides Sachin, who leads the tally with 18,426 runs. The ton was also Kohli's 86th in international cricket, leaving him 14 short of Sachin's record of 100 international tons.

Virat Kohli’s 139* off 88 led India to an 8-wicket win over WI. He hit 9 sixes, passed 15k ODI runs, tied Sachin with 60 List A tons, &amp; set a record with 7,006 ODI runs in India.

'I know what my goal is': Virat Kohli shares what keeps him going on at 37

India and Pakistan, two of the four seeded teams in Asian Games men's cricket, have made it through to the semis without having to bat or bowl a single ball. Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong in the quarter-final and India was up against Afghanistan on Monday (Sep 28) at Nisshin, but the matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Pakistan will now play the winners of the fourth quarter-final, to be played between Bangladesh and Malaysia, on Thursday (Oct 1), and India will play the winner of Nepal vs Sri Lanka, also on Thursday (Oct 1).<h2>Why India and Pakistan advanced after rain washed out Asian Games QFs</h2>Hong Kong made it to the quarter-finals after finishing in the top two of Group B, which also had Malaysia and Oman. Pakistan, meanwhile, was given direct entry into the QFs along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka based on their rankings. India, meanwhile, was scheduled to play Afghanistan, who qualified through Group A along with Nepal.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets</a>As per the Asian Games 2026 playing conditions, in case of a washout, the team with the higher ICC ranking advances to the next round; hence Pakistan, which ranks higher than Hong Kong, and India, which is placed above Afghanistan, made it to the semis despite the matches being abandoned without a ball being bowled.<h2>Will Pakistan face India in the Asian Games?</h2>India vs Pakistan is always a contest for which billions wait across the world. The scheduling of the Asian Games, however, leaves fans hoping for too many things to go their way for an India vs Pakistan match. The arch-rivals were given direct entry into the quarter-finals along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong and India was slated to play against Afghanistan.In the semis, Pakistan will play the winner of Bangladesh vs Malaysia, and India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Nepal. The two teams will face off in the final only if both of them manage to win their respective semis. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday (Oct 3).

India and Pakistan reached the Asian Games cricket semis after rain abandoned their QFs against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Higher rankings advanced both teams; they can only meet in the final.

India and Pakistan, two of the four seeded teams in Asian Games men's cricket, have made it through to the semis without having to bat or bowl a single ball. Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong in the quarter-final and India was up against Afghanistan on Monday (Sep 28) at Nisshin, but the matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Pakistan will now play the winners of the fourth quarter-final, to be played between Bangladesh and Malaysia, on Thursday (Oct 1), and India will play the winner of Nepal vs Sri Lanka, also on Thursday (Oct 1). Why India and Pakistan advanced after rain washed out Asian Games QFs Hong Kong made it to the quarter-finals after finishing in the top two of Group B, which also had Malaysia and Oman. Pakistan, meanwhile, was given direct entry into the QFs along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka based on their rankings. India, meanwhile, was scheduled to play Afghanistan, who qualified through Group A along with Nepal. Also Read - IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets As per the Asian Games 2026 playing conditions, in case of a washout, the team with the higher ICC ranking advances to the next round; hence Pakistan, which ranks higher than Hong Kong, and India, which is placed above Afghanistan, made it to the semis despite the matches being abandoned without a ball being bowled. Will Pakistan face India in the Asian Games? India vs Pakistan is always a contest for which billions wait across the world. The scheduling of the Asian Games, however, leaves fans hoping for too many things to go their way for an India vs Pakistan match. The arch-rivals were given direct entry into the quarter-finals along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong and India was slated to play against Afghanistan. In the semis, Pakistan will play the winner of Bangladesh vs Malaysia, and India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Nepal. The two teams will face off in the final only if both of them manage to win their respective semis. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday (Oct 3).

India and Pakistan reached the Asian Games cricket semis after rain abandoned their QFs against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Higher rankings advanced both teams; they can only meet in the final.

Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final?

Virat Kohli proved once again why he is called the ODI chase master as India beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing 296, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls and took the team home with a couple of sixes and 50 balls to spare. During the innings, Kohli, who plays mostly 50-over format cricket for India, crossed 15,000 ODI runs - only the second player ever to do so after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 55th ODI ton - already a record in the format - and he hit nine sixes in the innings, the highest for him in an ODI.<h2>Kohli masterclass thumps West Indies</h2>Chasing 296, India started strong with skipper Shubman Gill adding 74 runs for the first wicket with former skipper Rohit Sharma (32), who was the first wicket to fall. Gill and Kohli then added 151 runs for the second wicket before Gill got out for 110 - his 10th ODI hundred. Needing 71 runs off the last 16 overs, Kohli scored the bulk of the runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the other end, who remained not out on 13 off 16 balls.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-vs-afghanistan-quarterfinal-rain-washout-rules-predicted-xi-1790501105330">Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal?</a>Earlier, the West Indies were asked to bat first after losing the toss. The visitors started with a 135-run opening partnership between John Campbell (62) and Justin Greaves (101) before Kuldeep Yadav reeled them in. No other West Indies batter could cross the 25-run mark after the openers except Amir Jangoo, who scored an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls. Kuldeep finished with 4/40 in 10 overs, while Prasidh Krishna took 2/60 and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 1/45.<h2>Records Kohli broke with his hundred against West Indies</h2>After scoring the match-winning hundred, Kohli told broadcasters: "I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear higher and that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help, you know, anything that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL. It's really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that's what's working for me." Below are the records Kohli broke during his innings:Kohli's 7,006 ODI runs in India are the most for a player in a single country, going past Sachin Tendulkar's 6,976 runs, also in India.Kohli now has 60 List A tons, the same as Sachin Tendulkar.Kohli (15,080) is only the second player ever to score 15,000+ ODI runs, behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).This was Kohli's 10th ODI hundred against the West Indies, the joint-most by a player against a single country, equalling his own record of 10 ODI tons against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 (88) led India to an 8-wicket win over West Indies. He hit 9 sixes, completed 15,000 ODI runs, and logged his 55th ton as India chased 296 with 50 balls to spare.

Virat Kohli proved once again why he is called the ODI chase master as India beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing 296, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls and took the team home with a couple of sixes and 50 balls to spare. During the innings, Kohli, who plays mostly 50-over format cricket for India, crossed 15,000 ODI runs - only the second player ever to do so after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 55th ODI ton - already a record in the format - and he hit nine sixes in the innings, the highest for him in an ODI. Kohli masterclass thumps West Indies Chasing 296, India started strong with skipper Shubman Gill adding 74 runs for the first wicket with former skipper Rohit Sharma (32), who was the first wicket to fall. Gill and Kohli then added 151 runs for the second wicket before Gill got out for 110 - his 10th ODI hundred. Needing 71 runs off the last 16 overs, Kohli scored the bulk of the runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the other end, who remained not out on 13 off 16 balls. Also Read - Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal? Earlier, the West Indies were asked to bat first after losing the toss. The visitors started with a 135-run opening partnership between John Campbell (62) and Justin Greaves (101) before Kuldeep Yadav reeled them in. No other West Indies batter could cross the 25-run mark after the openers except Amir Jangoo, who scored an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls. Kuldeep finished with 4/40 in 10 overs, while Prasidh Krishna took 2/60 and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 1/45. Records Kohli broke with his hundred against West Indies After scoring the match-winning hundred, Kohli told broadcasters: "I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear higher and that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help, you know, anything that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL. It's really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that's what's working for me." Below are the records Kohli broke during his innings: Kohli's 7,006 ODI runs in India are the most for a player in a single country, going past Sachin Tendulkar's 6,976 runs, also in India. Kohli now has 60 List A tons, the same as Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli (15,080) is only the second player ever to score 15,000+ ODI runs, behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 10th ODI hundred against the West Indies, the joint-most by a player against a single country, equalling his own record of 10 ODI tons against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 (88) led India to an 8-wicket win over West Indies. He hit 9 sixes, completed 15,000 ODI runs, and logged his 55th ton as India chased 296 with 50 balls to spare.

11 days after their last T20I face-off in Delhi, India and Afghanistan meet again at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The two Asian T20 powerhouses will play in the second quarterfinal on Monday (Sep 28), with persistent rain in Japan threatening to wash out this knockout match.&nbsp;Rain has already hampered several results in the men’s competition and threatens to worsen during the four quarterfinals. Pakistan and Hong Kong will meet in the first quarterfinal before the India-Afghanistan match on Monday, and the remaining two quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday. Although the forecast remains the same for Tuesday, it is likely to change for the semifinals (Thursday) and the medal playoffs (Saturday).&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-cricket-quarterfinal-schedule-india-afghanistan-pakistan-hong-kong-1790418018707">Asian Games 2026: India face Afghanistan in quarterfinal on Sep 28; Pakistan clash with Hong Kong</a><h2>What Happens if Rain Washes out IND-AFG Match?</h2>If rain washes out the second Asian Games quarterfinal between India and Afghanistan, India will qualify for the semifinal, as the laws suggest the higher-ranked T20I team, per the ICC rankings, will advance through to the next round in such a case.&nbsp;India is atop the T20I team rankings with 269 rating points, and Afghanistan is 10th.<h3>Stark Difference in Squads</h3>While the BCCI men’s selection committee picked the first-team squad for the Asian Games competition, including T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and premium quick Jasprit Bumrah, Afghanistan has sent their second-string side for the continental tournament. 13 of the 15 squad members were not part of the concluded T20I series against India, with only two retained: Darwish Rasooli (captain) and Abdollah Ahmadzai.&nbsp;Afghanistan squad features six uncapped players and five others with fewer than 10 international appearances. Their combined T20I experience of 262 matches is only a fraction (30%) of India’s 872 games. There is no Rashid Khan, no Rahmanullah Gurbaz and no Mohammad Nabi, but Nabi's 20-year-old son Hassan Eisakhil is part of the squad.<h3>Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;Afghanistan - Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Ismat Alam, Nangeyalia Khan, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Arab Gul.

Rain threatens the India vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal in Japan. Check what happens if the match is washed out, squad details, and predicted XIs.

11 days after their last T20I face-off in Delhi, India and Afghanistan meet again at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The two Asian T20 powerhouses will play in the second quarterfinal on Monday (Sep 28), with persistent rain in Japan threatening to wash out this knockout match. Rain has already hampered several results in the men’s competition and threatens to worsen during the four quarterfinals. Pakistan and Hong Kong will meet in the first quarterfinal before the India-Afghanistan match on Monday, and the remaining two quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday. Although the forecast remains the same for Tuesday, it is likely to change for the semifinals (Thursday) and the medal playoffs (Saturday). Also read| Asian Games 2026: India face Afghanistan in quarterfinal on Sep 28; Pakistan clash with Hong Kong What Happens if Rain Washes out IND-AFG Match? If rain washes out the second Asian Games quarterfinal between India and Afghanistan, India will qualify for the semifinal, as the laws suggest the higher-ranked T20I team, per the ICC rankings, will advance through to the next round in such a case. India is atop the T20I team rankings with 269 rating points, and Afghanistan is 10th. Stark Difference in Squads While the BCCI men’s selection committee picked the first-team squad for the Asian Games competition, including T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and premium quick Jasprit Bumrah, Afghanistan has sent their second-string side for the continental tournament. 13 of the 15 squad members were not part of the concluded T20I series against India, with only two retained: Darwish Rasooli (captain) and Abdollah Ahmadzai. Afghanistan squad features six uncapped players and five others with fewer than 10 international appearances. Their combined T20I experience of 262 matches is only a fraction (30%) of India’s 872 games. There is no Rashid Khan, no Rahmanullah Gurbaz and no Mohammad Nabi, but Nabi's 20-year-old son Hassan Eisakhil is part of the squad. Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams – India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah Afghanistan - Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Karim Janat, Darwish Rasooli (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Ismat Alam, Nangeyalia Khan, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Arab Gul.

Rain threatens the India vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 quarterfinal in Japan. Check what happens if the match is washed out, squad details, and predicted XIs.

Asian Games: Rain threat looms over India-Afghanistan QF; what happens if match is washed out?

Indian captain Shubman Gill has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first ODI against the West Indies in Trivandrum on Sunday (Sep 27). India handed a debut cap to Punjab all-rounder Naman Dhir, with ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also returning to the playing XI for the first time in eight months. India picked two specialist pacers in Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin attack. India is also playing three all-rounders, including Nitish Kumar Reddy.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Toss 🚨<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> have won the toss &amp; will bowl first in the 1️⃣st <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> ODI. Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/O2cs86p4gq">https://t.co/O2cs86p4gq</a> <a href="https://t.co/8LiQXHqslM">pic.twitter.com/8LiQXHqslM</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2104120753524453556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Here are the playing XIs of both teams –</h2>India - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul(w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nothing tops this feeling 🤌💙 📸 Naman Dhir receives his maiden ODI cap from skipper Shubman Gill 🧢 Drop a 💙 in the replies to wish him the very best on his international debut 👇🇮🇳<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/qgCRZN7ujo">pic.twitter.com/qgCRZN7ujo</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2104123043157262459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

West Indies - John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(wk/captain), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales<h3>Check out what the two captains said at the toss –</h3>Shubman Gill, Indian Captain -&nbsp;“We’re gonna bowl first. Looks a pretty good surface. Looks like a decent surface, very hot, so I think it’ll come a little bit better under lights, so we’ll try to chase,” Gill said at the toss.&nbsp;Speaking on the 2027 ODI World Cup build-up, Gill said, “I think 20-odd matches to go before the World Cup starts, so I think this is the time to see what combination suits us the best and then give that combination as much time in the middle as possible.”&nbsp;“[On the playing XI] We are going with four bowlers and then two all-rounders with Reddy and Naman, who makes his debut.”&nbsp;Shai Hope, West Indies Captain -&nbsp;“Well, it (toss) doesn’t really matter now, does it? We’d have probably batted today,” Hope said after losing the toss.&nbsp;“It’s been a quick turnaround for us,” Hope said on the preparation. “We play a lot of cricket; different format from CPL, but it’s been going pretty well. I think the guys have been playing some good cricket in the last couple of years, just about for us now to come to India and try to replicate that.”&nbsp;On facing a potent Indian team, Hope said, “Yeah, for sure, and something I always mention, we want to play against the best teams in the world, and no better place to do it here in India. So, I think the guys are really looking forward to this challenge.&nbsp;Speaking on the playing XI, Hope noted, “We’ve got five bowlers: one all-rounder, three seam and two spin. So hopefully that combination is the right one for us today.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, a few of India’s ODI mainstays, including T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and keeper-batter Ishan Kishan, are away for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan. India will face Afghanistan in the second quarterfinal on Monday (Sep 28).

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first against West Indies in the 1st ODI at Trivandrum. Naman Dhir makes his debut; check full playing XIs.

Indian captain Shubman Gill has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first ODI against the West Indies in Trivandrum on Sunday (Sep 27). India handed a debut cap to Punjab all-rounder Naman Dhir, with ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also returning to the playing XI for the first time in eight months. India picked two specialist pacers in Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin attack. India is also playing three all-rounders, including Nitish Kumar Reddy.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first against West Indies in the 1st ODI at Trivandrum. Naman Dhir makes his debut; check full playing XIs.

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Naman Dhir debuts as India bowl first in Trivandrum; check playing XIs

After announcing that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-confirms-2027-odi-world-cup-last-tournament-for-india-1790412961801">2027 ODI World Cup will be his last tournament for India</a>, veteran batter Virat Kohli outlined the ideal scenario for the showpiece event in Africa in 2027. Kohli was instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph at home, and 16 years on, he wants to cap off his decorated international career with another title. With India set to begin its quest for cricket’s grandest event with the home ODI series against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli reveals his plans, painting the perfect picture.&nbsp;Drawing parallels with his maiden IPL win in 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli explained how, when he had not won an IPL title, he used to dream about doing it; similarly, having lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad three years ago, Kohli wants to make amends and pull off match-winning knocks in the knockouts of the 2027 World Cup.&nbsp;"Before we [Royal Challengers Bengaluru] won the IPL in 2025, I used to get flashbacks of the 2016 final [which they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad]. I feel the same about the World Cup final as well," Kohli said in a chat on JioStar.&nbsp;"I was playing on 54 and had set myself up for a big hundred; like, if I got 140-150, we would be in a great position to win that game, because you're getting 300-plus in a big final, and with our bowling, we will get them. But as soon as I played on [to Pat Cummins], it was very tough to process for many days. And you keep thinking about it,” he continued.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-sets-sights-on-2027-odi-world-cup-business-not-finished-1790414881759">‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup</a>&nbsp;Sharing his thoughts on the last ODI World Cup at home, where India were the frontrunners for the title, Kohli said the whole environment was phenomenal. Kohli added that the camaraderie inside the dressing room was commendable, and that unit looked poised to taste ultimate success, only to fall at the final hurdle.&nbsp;"That whole World Cup was great; the environment was phenomenal. Within the team, you could see the camaraderie; everyone was happy playing for each other. Even losing someone like Hardik [Pandya] early on [to injury], we never spoke about what would happen next, although it was a big loss in terms of what he brings. But [Mohammed] Shami came and tap-tap-tap [to indicate picking up wickets] - you know what he can do. So, everyone had a feeling that it was our World Cup. There was a different energy altogether, and then when the game shifts like that, it's very difficult to process,” he continued.<h2>Winning Final Knock is Ultimate Goal: Kohli</h2>Having finished countless matches in winning causes of his own, Kohli wants to do it on the biggest stage, when it matters the most.&nbsp;"I've always been someone who, every game that we play, I want to be the guy who wins us the game - so that's never going to go away from me. I am made that way. So, my goal [at the World Cup] is to win as many games as I can for the team - 60-70% of the games would be phenomenal. My dream is to play a match-winning, finishing knock in the finals, like chasing a score. That's the ideal scenario. If it happens, great. If it doesn't happen, we win the World Cup, I'll be as happy.&nbsp;"It's the last time you're getting to play a World Cup. So just getting that trophy is the most important thing. If I have the opportunity to do it as an individual, staying there out in the middle, there's nothing more satisfying as a batsman. That drives us - to be the guy who makes an impact. Situation difficult; you visualise yourself pulling the team out of trouble. And that's what makes you compete. So, I don't want to let go of that competitiveness,” he continued.

Virat Kohli outlines his dream for the 2027 ODI World Cup, targeting a match-winning knock in the final to cap off his decorated international career for India.

After announcing that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last tournament for India, veteran batter Virat Kohli outlined the ideal scenario for the showpiece event in Africa in 2027. Kohli was instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph at home, and 16 years on, he wants to cap off his decorated international career with another title. With India set to begin its quest for cricket’s grandest event with the home ODI series against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli reveals his plans, painting the perfect picture. Drawing parallels with his maiden IPL win in 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli explained how, when he had not won an IPL title, he used to dream about doing it; similarly, having lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad three years ago, Kohli wants to make amends and pull off match-winning knocks in the knockouts of the 2027 World Cup. "Before we [Royal Challengers Bengaluru] won the IPL in 2025, I used to get flashbacks of the 2016 final [which they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad]. I feel the same about the World Cup final as well," Kohli said in a chat on JioStar. "I was playing on 54 and had set myself up for a big hundred; like, if I got 140-150, we would be in a great position to win that game, because you're getting 300-plus in a big final, and with our bowling, we will get them. But as soon as I played on [to Pat Cummins], it was very tough to process for many days. And you keep thinking about it,” he continued. Also read| ‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup Sharing his thoughts on the last ODI World Cup at home, where India were the frontrunners for the title, Kohli said the whole environment was phenomenal. Kohli added that the camaraderie inside the dressing room was commendable, and that unit looked poised to taste ultimate success, only to fall at the final hurdle. "That whole World Cup was great; the environment was phenomenal. Within the team, you could see the camaraderie; everyone was happy playing for each other. Even losing someone like Hardik [Pandya] early on [to injury], we never spoke about what would happen next, although it was a big loss in terms of what he brings. But [Mohammed] Shami came and tap-tap-tap [to indicate picking up wickets] - you know what he can do. So, everyone had a feeling that it was our World Cup. There was a different energy altogether, and then when the game shifts like that, it's very difficult to process,” he continued. Winning Final Knock is Ultimate Goal: Kohli Having finished countless matches in winning causes of his own, Kohli wants to do it on the biggest stage, when it matters the most. "I've always been someone who, every game that we play, I want to be the guy who wins us the game - so that's never going to go away from me. I am made that way. So, my goal [at the World Cup] is to win as many games as I can for the team - 60-70% of the games would be phenomenal. My dream is to play a match-winning, finishing knock in the finals, like chasing a score. That's the ideal scenario. If it happens, great. If it doesn't happen, we win the World Cup, I'll be as happy. "It's the last time you're getting to play a World Cup. So just getting that trophy is the most important thing. If I have the opportunity to do it as an individual, staying there out in the middle, there's nothing more satisfying as a batsman. That drives us - to be the guy who makes an impact. Situation difficult; you visualise yourself pulling the team out of trouble. And that's what makes you compete. So, I don't want to let go of that competitiveness,” he continued.

Virat Kohli outlines his dream for the 2027 ODI World Cup, targeting a match-winning knock in the final to cap off his decorated international career for India.

‘Dream is to play match-winning knock in final’: Kohli outlines ultimate goal for 2027 World Cup

Australian ODI captain Pat Cummins is set to return to play his first 50-over match in two years. With the Aussies set to play South Africa in the second ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Johannesburg, where Cummins made his international debut as a teenager 15 years ago, the ace quick could return to the pitch for the must-win match. Cummins missed out on the playing XI in the series opener, which Australia lost in Durban, but could boost Australia’s pace attack with his possible inclusion at the Wanderers.&nbsp;Cummins sweated it out in training on the eve of the match with a lengthy, multi-effort session, indicating his participation in the remaining two ODIs. If not on Sunday, Cummins will be a sure starter for the final match on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Potchefstroom. Besides, pace bowler Xavier Bartlett is also in contention for a call-up to the playing XI, should Australia decide to manage Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-yashasvi-jaiswal-sitanshu-kotak-shubman-gill-1790480716632">‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs</a>&nbsp;However, the bigger concern for the visitors is keeper-batter Josh Inglis’ broken finger, which ruled him out of the final two ODIs and casts doubts over his participation in the Test series that follows.&nbsp;Australia’s best batter in the middle order since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Inglis scored a hundred against Zimbabwe last week, his second, and as many as the rest of the No. 3-7 batters have scored in this format in the past three years.&nbsp;Inglis’ absence leaves Australia without a member of their World Cup-winning squad in those positions in their middle order, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa also highlighting this weak link. He also emphasised how the opening pair, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, like to take the onus on them by providing blistering starts, making things easier for an inexperienced middle order.&nbsp;"When you look at our team from afar, it's still very inexperienced through the middle order in particular. There's no hiding behind the fact that Mitch and 'Heady' try and get off to a fast start. If that comes off, it obviously makes it easier for the middle order,” Zampa said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.&nbsp;Meanwhile, either Cameron Green or Matt Renshaw, who also scored a hundred on the Zimbabwe tour, will take up Inglis’ place at number four for the second ODI. In that case, Ollie Peake should return to the playing XI at number seven and bat over Jack Edwards, while Australia could also look at Joel Davis as a backup option.

Pat Cummins is set to return for Australia's must-win 2nd ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers, as Josh Inglis' broken finger exposes a green middle order.

Australian ODI captain Pat Cummins is set to return to play his first 50-over match in two years. With the Aussies set to play South Africa in the second ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Johannesburg, where Cummins made his international debut as a teenager 15 years ago, the ace quick could return to the pitch for the must-win match. Cummins missed out on the playing XI in the series opener, which Australia lost in Durban, but could boost Australia’s pace attack with his possible inclusion at the Wanderers. Cummins sweated it out in training on the eve of the match with a lengthy, multi-effort session, indicating his participation in the remaining two ODIs. If not on Sunday, Cummins will be a sure starter for the final match on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Potchefstroom. Besides, pace bowler Xavier Bartlett is also in contention for a call-up to the playing XI, should Australia decide to manage Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Also read| ‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs However, the bigger concern for the visitors is keeper-batter Josh Inglis’ broken finger, which ruled him out of the final two ODIs and casts doubts over his participation in the Test series that follows. Australia’s best batter in the middle order since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Inglis scored a hundred against Zimbabwe last week, his second, and as many as the rest of the No. 3-7 batters have scored in this format in the past three years. Inglis’ absence leaves Australia without a member of their World Cup-winning squad in those positions in their middle order, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa also highlighting this weak link. He also emphasised how the opening pair, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, like to take the onus on them by providing blistering starts, making things easier for an inexperienced middle order. "When you look at our team from afar, it's still very inexperienced through the middle order in particular. There's no hiding behind the fact that Mitch and 'Heady' try and get off to a fast start. If that comes off, it obviously makes it easier for the middle order,” Zampa said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. Meanwhile, either Cameron Green or Matt Renshaw, who also scored a hundred on the Zimbabwe tour, will take up Inglis’ place at number four for the second ODI. In that case, Ollie Peake should return to the playing XI at number seven and bat over Jack Edwards, while Australia could also look at Joel Davis as a backup option.

Pat Cummins is set to return for Australia's must-win 2nd ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers, as Josh Inglis' broken finger exposes a green middle order.

SA vs AUS 2026: Pat Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes

A day after the veteran batting pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli confirmed their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also brought Ravindra Jadeja’s name into the conversation, saying that the ace all-rounder remains ‘in the mix’ for the showpiece event in Africa 2027. With the three in their late 30s, questions were raised about their reflexes and ability to give 100% on the field in the lead-up to the World Cup, only for them to squash such chatter and put forward their ambitions to win the tournament.&nbsp;Having last featured in an ODI earlier this year, Jadeja was named in the squad for the three-match series against the West Indies starting in Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-yashasvi-jaiswal-sitanshu-kotak-shubman-gill-1790480716632">‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs</a>&nbsp;"I think he is obviously in the mix," Kotak said during a media briefing on the eve of the series opener on Sunday (Sep 27). "I am not part of the selection [committee], so I don't know what their thinking is. I just think whoever is coming and playing for India, they are obviously part of the 20-25 players who possibly can be in the team.&nbsp;"Jadeja is an outstanding all-rounder. We all know. You see his records. How the team will be set up and what kind of combination selectors, captain and head coach will go with is secondary. And there is time for that. But Jadeja, to me, is one of the best fielders we still have on a world level.&nbsp;"He bowls, he bats and the experience he has, and I actually firmly believe that experience is something you cannot beat. So, like we see Rohit, we see Virat, [the same way] we see Jadeja. And that brings a lot to the team. Jadeja is obviously a very useful member of the team,” Kotak continued.&nbsp;With the ODI World Cup almost a year away, India will begin its quest for their third world title with the West Indies ODIs, and Kotak looks forward to it.&nbsp;"West Indies as a team, they have skills," Kotak said. "There are some very good batters, some very good bowlers. So, it is a good series for us. For us, looking one year ahead, we have approximately about 30-31 One-Dayers. They are all important for us because we want to execute the way we want. Forget the opposition. If we can successfully do that, within a year's time, we should be ready for any challenges on any wicket,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja remains firmly "in the mix" for the 2027 ODI World Cup, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed ahead of the West Indies series opener.

A day after the veteran batting pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli confirmed their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also brought Ravindra Jadeja’s name into the conversation, saying that the ace all-rounder remains ‘in the mix’ for the showpiece event in Africa 2027. With the three in their late 30s, questions were raised about their reflexes and ability to give 100% on the field in the lead-up to the World Cup, only for them to squash such chatter and put forward their ambitions to win the tournament. Having last featured in an ODI earlier this year, Jadeja was named in the squad for the three-match series against the West Indies starting in Thiruvananthapuram. Also read| ‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs "I think he is obviously in the mix," Kotak said during a media briefing on the eve of the series opener on Sunday (Sep 27). "I am not part of the selection [committee], so I don't know what their thinking is. I just think whoever is coming and playing for India, they are obviously part of the 20-25 players who possibly can be in the team. "Jadeja is an outstanding all-rounder. We all know. You see his records. How the team will be set up and what kind of combination selectors, captain and head coach will go with is secondary. And there is time for that. But Jadeja, to me, is one of the best fielders we still have on a world level. "He bowls, he bats and the experience he has, and I actually firmly believe that experience is something you cannot beat. So, like we see Rohit, we see Virat, [the same way] we see Jadeja. And that brings a lot to the team. Jadeja is obviously a very useful member of the team,” Kotak continued. With the ODI World Cup almost a year away, India will begin its quest for their third world title with the West Indies ODIs, and Kotak looks forward to it. "West Indies as a team, they have skills," Kotak said. "There are some very good batters, some very good bowlers. So, it is a good series for us. For us, looking one year ahead, we have approximately about 30-31 One-Dayers. They are all important for us because we want to execute the way we want. Forget the opposition. If we can successfully do that, within a year's time, we should be ready for any challenges on any wicket,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja remains firmly "in the mix" for the 2027 ODI World Cup, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed ahead of the West Indies series opener.&nbsp;

'He's very much in our plans': Ravindra Jadeja ‘in mix’ for 2027 ODI World Cup, says batting coach

Yashasvi Jaiswal has to wait for his turn in the ODI team, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak suggested on the eve of the series opener against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (Sep 27). With One-Day captain Shubman Gill ‘good to go’ after being hit on the elbow several times during the nets on Saturday (Sep 26), Jaiswal’s chances of making a return to 50-over cricket are down to zero. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also set to be back for the first ODI, Jaiswal might have to wait longer for his chance.&nbsp;A Test mainstay, Jaiswal hasn’t been able to fix his spot in India’s white-ball sides due to intense competition at the top of the order. Even though he scored a hundred in his last ODI appearance against Afghanistan in June this year, the left-hander has been asked to wait for his turn in this format.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-sets-sights-on-2027-odi-world-cup-business-not-finished-1790414881759">‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup</a>&nbsp;"I think there is so much competition [for spots in the team] and so many players are performing. Jaiswal is one of the best, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. So, he is part of the team. As support staff, obviously we look after his skills, his practice and his mindset. But sometimes you see, say, there are three very good wicketkeepers in a team; only one will play.&nbsp;"So, it is not that somebody has been unfair to him. I just think it is part of the game. He should keep working hard and wait for his opportunity. And so far, whenever the team needed him, he has performed. But I think we do look after his skills and his practice. We follow up on where he is, how he is doing and when he is with the team. That's all we can do, and that's what we do,” he continued.&nbsp;Since making his ODI debut in 2025, Jaiswal has featured in only six One-Dayers, three of which were against Afghanistan this year. Kotak notes how challenging it is to juggle between handing game time to newcomers and getting the job done, for which the captain and team management step into the picture.&nbsp;"There is a very thin line between trying new players and trying to get the results," Kotak said. "It's the captain and head coach's job to give opportunities, but at the same time, we have to see that we get the desired results also."

Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to wait for his turn in the ODI team as Shubman Gill is fit for the 1st ODI vs WI. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addresses top-order competition.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has to wait for his turn in the ODI team, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak suggested on the eve of the series opener against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (Sep 27). With One-Day captain Shubman Gill ‘good to go’ after being hit on the elbow several times during the nets on Saturday (Sep 26), Jaiswal’s chances of making a return to 50-over cricket are down to zero. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also set to be back for the first ODI, Jaiswal might have to wait longer for his chance. A Test mainstay, Jaiswal hasn’t been able to fix his spot in India’s white-ball sides due to intense competition at the top of the order. Even though he scored a hundred in his last ODI appearance against Afghanistan in June this year, the left-hander has been asked to wait for his turn in this format. Also read| ‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup "I think there is so much competition [for spots in the team] and so many players are performing. Jaiswal is one of the best, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. So, he is part of the team. As support staff, obviously we look after his skills, his practice and his mindset. But sometimes you see, say, there are three very good wicketkeepers in a team; only one will play. "So, it is not that somebody has been unfair to him. I just think it is part of the game. He should keep working hard and wait for his opportunity. And so far, whenever the team needed him, he has performed. But I think we do look after his skills and his practice. We follow up on where he is, how he is doing and when he is with the team. That's all we can do, and that's what we do,” he continued. Since making his ODI debut in 2025, Jaiswal has featured in only six One-Dayers, three of which were against Afghanistan this year. Kotak notes how challenging it is to juggle between handing game time to newcomers and getting the job done, for which the captain and team management step into the picture. "There is a very thin line between trying new players and trying to get the results," Kotak said. "It's the captain and head coach's job to give opportunities, but at the same time, we have to see that we get the desired results also."

Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to wait for his turn in the ODI team as Shubman Gill is fit for the 1st ODI vs WI. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addresses top-order competition.

‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs

The men’s cricket competition is already underway at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, with four quarterfinal matches confirmed. Defending gold medalist India will face Afghanistan in a repeat of last time’s final on September 28, and medal contender Pakistan is ready to clash with Hong Kong in theirs on the same date. Nepal and Sri Lanka will take on each other in the third quarterfinal on September 29, and Bangladesh and Malaysia are scheduled for the fourth quarterfinal later in the day.&nbsp;<ul><li>1st Quarterfinal: Hong Kong vs Pakistan on September 28</li><li>2nd Quarterfinal: Afghanistan vs India on September 28</li><li>3rd Quarterfinal: Nepal vs Sri Lanka on September 29</li><li>4th Quarterfinal: Bangladesh vs Malaysia on September 29</li></ul>While Nepal and Afghanistan qualified for the quarterfinals from Group A, eliminating hosts Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong advanced through Group B, with Oman crashing out.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Saturday’s rain that prevented the Japan vs Nepal match and the Malaysia-Oman contest is also expected to be around the quarterfinal matches. The AccuWeather forecast for Monday mentions a 91% chance of rain during the match time, including a 22% chance of thunderstorms. The forecast is similar for Tuesday: 89% chance of rain and 18% chance of thunderstorms.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-sets-sights-on-2027-odi-world-cup-business-not-finished-1790414881759">‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup</a>&nbsp;Should rain play spoiler in a knockout game and the match is called off without a ball being bowled, the higher-seeded team, based on the ICC official T20I rankings, will advance through to the next stage. As things stand, the weather is expected to be favourable during the semifinals (Thursday) and medal playoffs (Saturday).&nbsp;The Men in Blue are defending Asian Games champions, having beaten Afghanistan in the gold medal match in Hangzhou in October 2023. Bangladesh finished third after beating Pakistan in the bronze-medal match.

Defending champions India face Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 quarterfinals on Sep 28, while Pakistan clash with Hong Kong. Read schedule & rules.

The men’s cricket competition is already underway at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, with four quarterfinal matches confirmed. Defending gold medalist India will face Afghanistan in a repeat of last time’s final on September 28, and medal contender Pakistan is ready to clash with Hong Kong in theirs on the same date. Nepal and Sri Lanka will take on each other in the third quarterfinal on September 29, and Bangladesh and Malaysia are scheduled for the fourth quarterfinal later in the day. 1st Quarterfinal: Hong Kong vs Pakistan on September 28 2nd Quarterfinal: Afghanistan vs India on September 28 3rd Quarterfinal: Nepal vs Sri Lanka on September 29 4th Quarterfinal: Bangladesh vs Malaysia on September 29 While Nepal and Afghanistan qualified for the quarterfinals from Group A, eliminating hosts Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong advanced through Group B, with Oman crashing out. Meanwhile, Saturday’s rain that prevented the Japan vs Nepal match and the Malaysia-Oman contest is also expected to be around the quarterfinal matches. The AccuWeather forecast for Monday mentions a 91% chance of rain during the match time, including a 22% chance of thunderstorms. The forecast is similar for Tuesday: 89% chance of rain and 18% chance of thunderstorms. Also read| ‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup Should rain play spoiler in a knockout game and the match is called off without a ball being bowled, the higher-seeded team, based on the ICC official T20I rankings, will advance through to the next stage. As things stand, the weather is expected to be favourable during the semifinals (Thursday) and medal playoffs (Saturday). The Men in Blue are defending Asian Games champions, having beaten Afghanistan in the gold medal match in Hangzhou in October 2023. Bangladesh finished third after beating Pakistan in the bronze-medal match.

Defending champions India face Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 quarterfinals on Sep 28, while Pakistan clash with Hong Kong. Read schedule &amp; rules.

Asian Games 2026: India face Afghanistan in quarterfinal on Sep 28; Pakistan clash with Hong Kong

The former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also set his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit and Virat, the two cornerstones of Indian cricket since the 2011 World Cup-winning campaign, are key to India’s chances in what will be their last appearance at the 50-over showpiece event. Kohli has also confirmed his participation, saying he will do whatever it takes to lift the trophy in Africa. Rohit also ruled out any retirement talks, saying he has ‘unfinished business’ with the One-Day World Cup.&nbsp;While Kohli was part of the triumphant squad in 2011, Rohit narrowly missed out on the cut. The two, however, have featured together in three ODI World Cups since, coming agonisingly close to winning it at home the last time around in 2023, only for Pat Cummins’ Australia to beat them by six wickets in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-confirms-2027-odi-world-cup-last-tournament-for-india-1790412961801">‘Goal is to win it’: Virat Kohli confirms 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final tournament for India</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, chatter around Rohit Sharma’s potential retirement did the rounds before the conclusion of the ODI series against England in July this year. With reports suggesting that Rohit could hang up his international boots following the third and final ODI at Lord’s, he shut all those rumours with a brilliant hundred at the Mecca of Cricket, although in a losing cause.&nbsp;Ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies, which starts on Sunday (Sep 27) in Trivandrum, Rohit shared his thoughts on cricket’s showpiece event, scheduled in Africa in October 2027. The right-handed opener said he always has something to look forward to as long as he is playing.&nbsp;"The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I'm looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me. When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues. So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way, and that is the challenge,” Rohit said in a chat with JioStar.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Rohit’s ODI numbers make him one of the format’s greatest batters. Having scored 11,895 runs in 288 appearances, Rohit averages 48.95 with the bat, with 34 ODI tons and three double hundreds to his name.

Rohit Sharma rules out retirement talks, setting his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup and declaring he still has unfinished business. Read more.

The former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also set his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit and Virat, the two cornerstones of Indian cricket since the 2011 World Cup-winning campaign, are key to India’s chances in what will be their last appearance at the 50-over showpiece event. Kohli has also confirmed his participation, saying he will do whatever it takes to lift the trophy in Africa. Rohit also ruled out any retirement talks, saying he has ‘unfinished business’ with the One-Day World Cup. While Kohli was part of the triumphant squad in 2011, Rohit narrowly missed out on the cut. The two, however, have featured together in three ODI World Cups since, coming agonisingly close to winning it at home the last time around in 2023, only for Pat Cummins’ Australia to beat them by six wickets in Ahmedabad. Also read| ‘Goal is to win it’: Virat Kohli confirms 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final tournament for India Meanwhile, chatter around Rohit Sharma’s potential retirement did the rounds before the conclusion of the ODI series against England in July this year. With reports suggesting that Rohit could hang up his international boots following the third and final ODI at Lord’s, he shut all those rumours with a brilliant hundred at the Mecca of Cricket, although in a losing cause. Ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies, which starts on Sunday (Sep 27) in Trivandrum, Rohit shared his thoughts on cricket’s showpiece event, scheduled in Africa in October 2027. The right-handed opener said he always has something to look forward to as long as he is playing. "The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I'm looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me. When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues. So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way, and that is the challenge,” Rohit said in a chat with JioStar. Meanwhile, Rohit’s ODI numbers make him one of the format’s greatest batters. Having scored 11,895 runs in 288 appearances, Rohit averages 48.95 with the bat, with 34 ODI tons and three double hundreds to his name.

Rohit Sharma rules out retirement talks, setting his sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup and declaring he still has unfinished business. Read more.

‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup

Indian cricket’s poster boy Virat Kohli has confirmed his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, saying it will be the last tournament he will represent India in, and that he aims to win it.&nbsp;Kohli is the only active member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, having played a handy role in the final against Sri Lanka. Kohli and India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir stitched a crucial 83-run stand for the third wicket, before Gambhir and then-Indian captain MS Dhoni clinched the world title for India with 97 and 91*, respectively. Sixteen years on, he wants to finish his career with another ODI World Cup to his name.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-ruled-out-new-zealand-tour-australia-a-series-shin-injury-1790402647648">Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Australia A series with shin injury</a>&nbsp;Kohli has been India’s standout batter alongside veteran opener and fellow former captain Rohit Sharma, with the two likely to carry the seasoned batting unit into the showpiece event in October 2027.&nbsp;Kohli has featured in four ODI World Cups since making his tournament debut in 2011, and will cap off his decorated One-Day career with his fifth appearance, one less than his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s appearance tally. With India’s home season beginning with the white-ball series against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli, who is part of the ODI squad, reflected on his thoughts of featuring in the 50-over World Cup.&nbsp;Known for expressing his passion for the game his way, Kohli said the intensity of an ODI World Cup is greater than everything else. Kohli confirmed he doesn’t see himself playing any tournament for India beyond this event, and winning it remains his final aim.&nbsp;"The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament, and the World Cup is a big deal. Also, now it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready,” Kohli said while speaking to JioStar ahead of the series opener against the West Indies in Trivandrum.&nbsp;Kohli has played 314 ODIs, scoring 14,941 runs at 58.59, including 54 hundreds.

Virat Kohli confirms the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last tournament for India, setting his sights on ending his career with a world title.

Indian cricket’s poster boy Virat Kohli has confirmed his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, saying it will be the last tournament he will represent India in, and that he aims to win it. Kohli is the only active member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, having played a handy role in the final against Sri Lanka. Kohli and India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir stitched a crucial 83-run stand for the third wicket, before Gambhir and then-Indian captain MS Dhoni clinched the world title for India with 97 and 91*, respectively. Sixteen years on, he wants to finish his career with another ODI World Cup to his name. Also read| Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Australia A series with shin injury Kohli has been India’s standout batter alongside veteran opener and fellow former captain Rohit Sharma, with the two likely to carry the seasoned batting unit into the showpiece event in October 2027. Kohli has featured in four ODI World Cups since making his tournament debut in 2011, and will cap off his decorated One-Day career with his fifth appearance, one less than his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s appearance tally. With India’s home season beginning with the white-ball series against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli, who is part of the ODI squad, reflected on his thoughts of featuring in the 50-over World Cup. Known for expressing his passion for the game his way, Kohli said the intensity of an ODI World Cup is greater than everything else. Kohli confirmed he doesn’t see himself playing any tournament for India beyond this event, and winning it remains his final aim. "The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament, and the World Cup is a big deal. Also, now it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you. For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready,” Kohli said while speaking to JioStar ahead of the series opener against the West Indies in Trivandrum. Kohli has played 314 ODIs, scoring 14,941 runs at 58.59, including 54 hundreds.

Virat Kohli confirms the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last tournament for India, setting his sights on ending his career with a world title.

‘Goal is to win it’: Virat Kohli confirms 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final tournament for India

Ace Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Australia A in Puducherry, and subsequently from the New Zealand T20Is, with a fresh shin injury. Pandya was set to return to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026 but experienced pain in his right shin earlier this week and underwent scans. The BCCI’s medical team monitored him and advised him to rest for three weeks.&nbsp;Just as he neared full fitness ahead of his anticipated India A call-up, the recurring shin issue derailed the progress he had made at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-could-not-sleep-gautam-gambhir-reveals-toughest-decision-to-pick-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-over-sanju-samson-1790335656692">'I could not sleep': Gautam Gambhir reveals 'toughest decision' to pick Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over Sanju Samson</a>&nbsp;A similar shin issue had previously delayed his return during the Afghanistan T20Is. Meanwhile, a Times of India (TOI) report claims the BCCI men’s selection committee also considered roping in Pandya for the Asian Games cricket competition, before an unfortunate turn of events closer to the selection date ruled out that possibility.&nbsp;With no cricket and minimal physical activity in the next two weeks, Pandya’s participation in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand is out of the question, forcing selectors to look at alternative all-round options. The selectors, however, would be careful in making calls on his selection for the five ODIs that follow.&nbsp;Although the BCCI hasn’t made it official yet, Suryansh Shedge, one of the two seam-bowling all-rounders alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, is currently training at BCCI’s CoE and could well be drafted in as Hardik Pandya’s replacement for the three A games against Australia A.<h2>Reddy Ready to Take All-Rounder’s Spot: Morkel</h2>Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel believes that Nitish Reddy could fight for that all-rounder’s spot in the Indian team. After impressing with his maiden Test hundred at the MCG in December 2024, Reddy began emerging as a prospect across formats, with his bowling building on that momentum.&nbsp;In Pandya’s absence, India is keen on having a seam-bowling all-rounder in their ranks, and Reddy’s gradual rise keeps him ahead of his contemporaries.&nbsp;"I think Nitish, if we just rewind to the T20s, the way he bowled in different situations has been very impressive," Morkel said of Reddy’s talent. "The message to him all the time is just to keep things simple and do the basics as well as possible. I think he's a very talented guy when it comes to bat, ball and field. He always wants to be the guy who wants to create opportunities, and having that mindset is fantastic."&nbsp;"I think the role that we want him to play in certain situations is: how can we ask him to be as consistent; how well can he fulfil just doing the basics as best as possible. I think that is another thing where we need to give him those opportunities to learn and grow.&nbsp;"Luckily, we do have a bit of time now, and it will be great for Indian cricket if we can keep on developing him and for him to compete for that allrounder spot. He's got all the talent and all the ability to do that, but for us it's just important to manage him quite well, to give him quite a simple role in terms of what he needs to do for the team,” he continued.

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of India's tour of New Zealand and Australia A series due to a shin injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy set to step up.

Ace Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Australia A in Puducherry, and subsequently from the New Zealand T20Is, with a fresh shin injury. Pandya was set to return to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026 but experienced pain in his right shin earlier this week and underwent scans. The BCCI’s medical team monitored him and advised him to rest for three weeks. Just as he neared full fitness ahead of his anticipated India A call-up, the recurring shin issue derailed the progress he had made at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). Also read| 'I could not sleep': Gautam Gambhir reveals 'toughest decision' to pick Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over Sanju Samson A similar shin issue had previously delayed his return during the Afghanistan T20Is. Meanwhile, a Times of India (TOI) report claims the BCCI men’s selection committee also considered roping in Pandya for the Asian Games cricket competition, before an unfortunate turn of events closer to the selection date ruled out that possibility. With no cricket and minimal physical activity in the next two weeks, Pandya’s participation in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand is out of the question, forcing selectors to look at alternative all-round options. The selectors, however, would be careful in making calls on his selection for the five ODIs that follow. Although the BCCI hasn’t made it official yet, Suryansh Shedge, one of the two seam-bowling all-rounders alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, is currently training at BCCI’s CoE and could well be drafted in as Hardik Pandya’s replacement for the three A games against Australia A. Reddy Ready to Take All-Rounder’s Spot: Morkel Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel believes that Nitish Reddy could fight for that all-rounder’s spot in the Indian team. After impressing with his maiden Test hundred at the MCG in December 2024, Reddy began emerging as a prospect across formats, with his bowling building on that momentum. In Pandya’s absence, India is keen on having a seam-bowling all-rounder in their ranks, and Reddy’s gradual rise keeps him ahead of his contemporaries. "I think Nitish, if we just rewind to the T20s, the way he bowled in different situations has been very impressive," Morkel said of Reddy’s talent. "The message to him all the time is just to keep things simple and do the basics as well as possible. I think he's a very talented guy when it comes to bat, ball and field. He always wants to be the guy who wants to create opportunities, and having that mindset is fantastic." "I think the role that we want him to play in certain situations is: how can we ask him to be as consistent; how well can he fulfil just doing the basics as best as possible. I think that is another thing where we need to give him those opportunities to learn and grow. "Luckily, we do have a bit of time now, and it will be great for Indian cricket if we can keep on developing him and for him to compete for that allrounder spot. He's got all the talent and all the ability to do that, but for us it's just important to manage him quite well, to give him quite a simple role in terms of what he needs to do for the team,” he continued.

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of India's tour of New Zealand and Australia A series due to a shin injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy set to step up.

Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Australia A series with shin injury

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about the emotional challenge of leaving Sanju Samson out of the playing XI during the T20I series in England, revealing that the decision kept him awake at night. Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, was dropped after the opening match of the five-game series in England in July. India lost the first T20I, after which teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was handed his international debut in Manchester.&nbsp;Gambhir admitted that the decision was particularly difficult because of Samson’s contribution to India’s World Cup-winning campaign. Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s home season against the West Indies, he explained the thinking behind the selection call.&nbsp;“In two years of my journey, that was the only night I could not sleep and I told this to Sanju because I knew that it was probably the toughest decision in my coaching tenure in a T20 format because someone who was player of the tournament, and then you have to leave him out after three or four games."&nbsp;And the reason was probably Vaibhav was in that kind of form as well and we had to win the series.&nbsp;“Because ultimately you are there and when you are playing for India, or when you are coaching India, you want to win each and every series possible. I had a very, very honest conversation with him and I told him that that is one of the reasons why, because Vaibhav was in that kind of form, and we needed someone to score runs at the top, we needed that little bit of a platform at the top as well. And he was fine with it. And that’s a conversation which me and Sanju had, and he took it in good spirits,” said Gambhir.&nbsp;The decision was later reversed when India returned home for their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Samson replaced Sooryavanshi and responded with back-to-back fifties as India completed a 3-0 series sweep.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-hockey-india-women-strengthen-semifinal-hopes-with-3-1-win-over-japan-1790332244850">Asian Games, Hockey: India women strengthen semifinal hopes with 3-1 win over Japan</a>&nbsp;Gambhir also explained why strong recent form does not always guarantee a player a place in India’s playing XI.&nbsp;“I know, it is (tough). But then, I made him understand that I know you’re in good form, but sometimes with the players who have done well for a long time, you will have to wait for your opportunity."&nbsp;“There’s one more thing - social media or outside noise doesn’t decide the playing eleven. Playing eleven who, in that dressing room, or who the coach and captain feel can win us the match, or what is the best playing eleven, and who have done well for such a long time because if Vaibhav plays today, then it’s going to be a tough conversation between me and whoever we leave out, whether it’s Abhishek or Sanju." he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-liverpool-forward-mohamed-salah-banned-from-driving-in-united-kingdom-for-six-months-1790323354898">Ex-Liverpool forward Salah banned from driving in United Kingdom for six months</a> &nbsp;Sooryavanshi’s emergence has added another challenge to India’s T20I selection plans. Although the teenager impressed on his international debut in Manchester, Gambhir stressed that India’s established combination cannot be changed simply because a young player is in good form.&nbsp;The India coach said continuity remains important given the team’s recent success. He also pointed to India’s quick turnaround between World Cup victories while urging the team not to overreact to a few poor performances. “For two years, imagine, you imagine we won the World Cup - which team in the history of sport has gone undefeated from one World Cup to the other and gone on to win the World Cup?&nbsp;“It didn’t take these guys 17 years to win the second World Cup. It took these guys only 17 months to win the third World Cup. Suddenly one bad series or three bad games here and there does not make them a bad player or does not make us a bad side. So it was very important for us to have that continuity," he concluded.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said dropping in-form opener Sanju Samson was the toughest decision of his coaching career and left him unable to sleep.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about the emotional challenge of leaving Sanju Samson out of the playing XI during the T20I series in England, revealing that the decision kept him awake at night. Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, was dropped after the opening match of the five-game series in England in July. India lost the first T20I, after which teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was handed his international debut in Manchester. Gambhir admitted that the decision was particularly difficult because of Samson’s contribution to India’s World Cup-winning campaign. Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s home season against the West Indies, he explained the thinking behind the selection call. “In two years of my journey, that was the only night I could not sleep and I told this to Sanju because I knew that it was probably the toughest decision in my coaching tenure in a T20 format because someone who was player of the tournament, and then you have to leave him out after three or four games." And the reason was probably Vaibhav was in that kind of form as well and we had to win the series. “Because ultimately you are there and when you are playing for India, or when you are coaching India, you want to win each and every series possible. I had a very, very honest conversation with him and I told him that that is one of the reasons why, because Vaibhav was in that kind of form, and we needed someone to score runs at the top, we needed that little bit of a platform at the top as well. And he was fine with it. And that’s a conversation which me and Sanju had, and he took it in good spirits,” said Gambhir. The decision was later reversed when India returned home for their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Samson replaced Sooryavanshi and responded with back-to-back fifties as India completed a 3-0 series sweep. Also Read - Asian Games, Hockey: India women strengthen semifinal hopes with 3-1 win over Japan Gambhir also explained why strong recent form does not always guarantee a player a place in India’s playing XI. “I know, it is (tough). But then, I made him understand that I know you’re in good form, but sometimes with the players who have done well for a long time, you will have to wait for your opportunity." “There’s one more thing - social media or outside noise doesn’t decide the playing eleven. Playing eleven who, in that dressing room, or who the coach and captain feel can win us the match, or what is the best playing eleven, and who have done well for such a long time because if Vaibhav plays today, then it’s going to be a tough conversation between me and whoever we leave out, whether it’s Abhishek or Sanju." he added. Also Read - Ex-Liverpool forward Salah banned from driving in United Kingdom for six months Sooryavanshi’s emergence has added another challenge to India’s T20I selection plans. Although the teenager impressed on his international debut in Manchester, Gambhir stressed that India’s established combination cannot be changed simply because a young player is in good form. The India coach said continuity remains important given the team’s recent success. He also pointed to India’s quick turnaround between World Cup victories while urging the team not to overreact to a few poor performances. “For two years, imagine, you imagine we won the World Cup - which team in the history of sport has gone undefeated from one World Cup to the other and gone on to win the World Cup? “It didn’t take these guys 17 years to win the second World Cup. It took these guys only 17 months to win the third World Cup. Suddenly one bad series or three bad games here and there does not make them a bad player or does not make us a bad side. So it was very important for us to have that continuity," he concluded.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said dropping in-form opener Sanju Samson was the toughest decision of his coaching career and left him unable to sleep.

'I could not sleep': Gautam Gambhir reveals 'toughest decision' to pick Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over Sanju Samson

Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan, who went viral for his AK-47 gun celebration in the Asia Cup against India, hopes to lead his team beyond the Asian Games. Farhan has been named captain of the Pakistan cricket team for the ongoing Asian Games in Japan, in which the Men in Green start their campaign on September 28 as one of the seeded teams. Apart from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will also start their campaigns directly from the quarter-finals. Pakistan has fielded a rather inexperienced side for the continental games, but Farhan isn't fazed by that and looks to lead by example.<h2>Farhan, who went viral for AK-47 celebration, speaks on leading Pakistan in Asian Games</h2>"It is quite a proud moment to be leading Pakistan," said Farhan while talking to reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan's preparatory camp in Karachi. "There is no pressure on me whether I play as a captain or a player and I will continue to bat how I usually do [in an aggressive manner] … The players observe what their captain does, so as a captain you have to lead by example, which I intend to do."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-coach-sammy-looking-at-india-series-as-opportunity-to-finetune-ahead-of-odi-world-cup-2027-qualifiers-1790305816922">West Indies coach Sammy looking at India series as opportunity to finetune ahead of ODI World Cup 2027 qualifiers</a>As for Pakistan's inexperienced side for the Asian Games, Farhan added: "It is not like the players who have been selected for the Asian Games are inexperienced. They have all played international cricket [or] came into the team after proving themselves in domestic cricket and the PSL. I have a lot of confidence in these players."<h2>Pakistan squad for Asian Games men's cricket</h2>Sahibzada Farhan (capt), Abdul Samad (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan, known for his AK-47 celebration in the Asia Cup, aims to lead his team at the Asian Games in Japan, starting September 28, despite an inexperienced squad.

Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan, who went viral for his AK-47 gun celebration in the Asia Cup against India, hopes to lead his team beyond the Asian Games. Farhan has been named captain of the Pakistan cricket team for the ongoing Asian Games in Japan, in which the Men in Green start their campaign on September 28 as one of the seeded teams. Apart from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will also start their campaigns directly from the quarter-finals. Pakistan has fielded a rather inexperienced side for the continental games, but Farhan isn't fazed by that and looks to lead by example. Farhan, who went viral for AK-47 celebration, speaks on leading Pakistan in Asian Games "It is quite a proud moment to be leading Pakistan," said Farhan while talking to reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan's preparatory camp in Karachi. "There is no pressure on me whether I play as a captain or a player and I will continue to bat how I usually do [in an aggressive manner] … The players observe what their captain does, so as a captain you have to lead by example, which I intend to do." Also Read - West Indies coach Sammy looking at India series as opportunity to finetune ahead of ODI World Cup 2027 qualifiers As for Pakistan's inexperienced side for the Asian Games, Farhan added: "It is not like the players who have been selected for the Asian Games are inexperienced. They have all played international cricket [or] came into the team after proving themselves in domestic cricket and the PSL. I have a lot of confidence in these players." Pakistan squad for Asian Games men's cricket Sahibzada Farhan (capt), Abdul Samad (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan, known for his AK-47 celebration in the Asia Cup, aims to lead his team at the Asian Games in Japan, starting September 28, despite an inexperienced squad.

Farhan, who went viral for AK47 celebration vs India in Asia Cup, hopes to lead Pakistan beyond Asian Games

West Indies coach Daren Sammy is looking at the upcoming ODI series against India as an opportunity to fine-tune the team ahead of their ODI World Cup 2027 qualifiers in February. The West Indies have failed to qualify directly for the ODI World Cup for the second time in a row, after only the top eight teams - apart from co-hosts South Africa - were given direct entry for the marquee event. Sammy, however, has accepted the reality and views the India series as a chance to measure the team and improve from there. The three-match ODI series between West Indies and India starts on Sunday, with the first match scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram.<h2>Sammy on what the India series means for the West Indies</h2>"It's been 24 years since we've won a series here in India," Sammy said on Thursday (Sept. 24) while talking to reporters. "So it's a great opportunity for us as a team to come out here, challenge ourselves, and measure where we are in ODIs. And I think it's a great opportunity for us, with the players that we have, to come and put on a good show against India and look to win a series — something we've not done in 24 years."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-aus-1st-odi-breetzke-maharaj-star-as-south-africa-beat-australia-by-67-runs-1790268316703">Breetzke, Maharaj star as South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs</a>"If you want to win a major ICC event, especially in the white-ball format, you have to beat India," he added. "And us playing them here at home in their conditions, performing well, and winning gives us a fair idea as to what we can do as a team and how capable we are of competing on the world stage. Heading into the qualifiers in February, you know, that is our No. 1 focus — continuing to fine-tune the team so that when we go to the qualifiers, we put ourselves in a position to book our ticket to South Africa."<h2>India looks to Virat and Rohit as countdown to ODI World Cup 2027 begins</h2>The hosts, India, who lost the last ODI World Cup final at home in 2023, will also be looking at the series as a key phase of preparation for the marquee event. The focus will be on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have faced constant scrutiny over their chances of playing in the ODI World Cup 2027 after retiring from T20Is and Tests.Along with them, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who also retired from T20Is along with Rohit and Virat in 2024, will be hoping to make his case for the 50-over World Cup.

West Indies view their upcoming ODI series in India as crucial prep for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, while India look to refine their squad around veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy is looking at the upcoming ODI series against India as an opportunity to fine-tune the team ahead of their ODI World Cup 2027 qualifiers in February. The West Indies have failed to qualify directly for the ODI World Cup for the second time in a row, after only the top eight teams - apart from co-hosts South Africa - were given direct entry for the marquee event. Sammy, however, has accepted the reality and views the India series as a chance to measure the team and improve from there. The three-match ODI series between West Indies and India starts on Sunday, with the first match scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram. Sammy on what the India series means for the West Indies "It's been 24 years since we've won a series here in India," Sammy said on Thursday (Sept. 24) while talking to reporters. "So it's a great opportunity for us as a team to come out here, challenge ourselves, and measure where we are in ODIs. And I think it's a great opportunity for us, with the players that we have, to come and put on a good show against India and look to win a series — something we've not done in 24 years." Also Read - Breetzke, Maharaj star as South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs "If you want to win a major ICC event, especially in the white-ball format, you have to beat India," he added. "And us playing them here at home in their conditions, performing well, and winning gives us a fair idea as to what we can do as a team and how capable we are of competing on the world stage. Heading into the qualifiers in February, you know, that is our No. 1 focus — continuing to fine-tune the team so that when we go to the qualifiers, we put ourselves in a position to book our ticket to South Africa." India looks to Virat and Rohit as countdown to ODI World Cup 2027 begins The hosts, India, who lost the last ODI World Cup final at home in 2023, will also be looking at the series as a key phase of preparation for the marquee event. The focus will be on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have faced constant scrutiny over their chances of playing in the ODI World Cup 2027 after retiring from T20Is and Tests. Along with them, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who also retired from T20Is along with Rohit and Virat in 2024, will be hoping to make his case for the 50-over World Cup.

West Indies view their upcoming ODI series in India as crucial prep for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, while India look to refine their squad around veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

West Indies coach Sammy looking at India series as opportunity to finetune ahead of ODI World Cup 2027 qualifiers

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa put in a strong all-round display to beat Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI in Durban on Thursday. It was the first ODI meeting between the two teams since Australia defeated South Africa in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.After opting to bowl following the toss, Australia struck early through Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, who dismissed Quinton de Kock for 18 with his first delivery in the eighth over to reduce South Africa to 29/2.&nbsp;Matthew Breetzke then steadied the innings and played a confident knock. He found the gaps well and went on to score his second ODI century. South Africa continued to lose wickets, with Bavuma making 30 and Ryan Rickelton scoring 27.&nbsp;Marco Jansen then changed the momentum with a quick 75 off 59 balls. His partnership with Breetzke helped South Africa move close to 300, but the hosts eventually finished on 297. Ellis was Australia’s best bowler with 3/57, while Adam Zampa took 2/50.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-day-5-seema-mixed-relay-shine-with-athletics-medals-roshibina-takes-wushu-silver-1790264307032">Asian Games 2026 Day 5: Seema, mixed relay shine with athletics medals, Roshibina takes Wushu silver</a>&nbsp;Australia started the chase strongly, with captain Mitchell Marsh attacking the bowlers. He scored 60 off 36 balls before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him in the 10th over, with Australia on 90.&nbsp;South Africa’s spinners then took control as Maharaj claimed 4/20, while Bjorn Fortuin picked up 2/34. Travis Head (36), Cooper Connolly (38) and Matt Renshaw (44) offered resistance, but Australia struggled against the spin and were bowled out.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tyson-fury-vs-anthony-joshua-british-heavyweight-showdown-set-for-dec-11-in-cardiff-1790255128282">Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: British heavyweight showdown set for Dec 11</a>&nbsp;The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, followed by the third match. The teams will then meet in an ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series.

Breetzke’s 112 helped South Africa post 297/8 before Keshav Maharaj’s four-wicket haul bowled Australia out for 230, securing a 67-run victory.

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa put in a strong all-round display to beat Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI in Durban on Thursday. It was the first ODI meeting between the two teams since Australia defeated South Africa in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. After opting to bowl following the toss, Australia struck early through Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, who dismissed Quinton de Kock for 18 with his first delivery in the eighth over to reduce South Africa to 29/2. Matthew Breetzke then steadied the innings and played a confident knock. He found the gaps well and went on to score his second ODI century. South Africa continued to lose wickets, with Bavuma making 30 and Ryan Rickelton scoring 27. Marco Jansen then changed the momentum with a quick 75 off 59 balls. His partnership with Breetzke helped South Africa move close to 300, but the hosts eventually finished on 297. Ellis was Australia’s best bowler with 3/57, while Adam Zampa took 2/50. Also Read - Asian Games 2026 Day 5: Seema, mixed relay shine with athletics medals, Roshibina takes Wushu silver Australia started the chase strongly, with captain Mitchell Marsh attacking the bowlers. He scored 60 off 36 balls before Keshav Maharaj dismissed him in the 10th over, with Australia on 90. South Africa’s spinners then took control as Maharaj claimed 4/20, while Bjorn Fortuin picked up 2/34. Travis Head (36), Cooper Connolly (38) and Matt Renshaw (44) offered resistance, but Australia struggled against the spin and were bowled out. Also Read - Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: British heavyweight showdown set for Dec 11 The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, followed by the third match. The teams will then meet in an ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series.

Breetzke’s 112 helped South Africa post 297/8 before Keshav Maharaj’s four-wicket haul bowled Australia out for 230, securing a 67-run victory.

SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Breetzke, Maharaj star as South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs

Mumbai Indians on Thursday (Sep 24) appointed Luke Williams as their new head coach for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), replacing former Australia cricketer Lisa Keightley. MI confirmed the change in a statement, saying, “Mumbai Indians have announced that Lisa Keightley has decided to move on from her role as Head Coach of Mumbai Indians, with Luke Williams appointed as her successor ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League season.”&nbsp;Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita M Ambani welcomed Williams and backed him to help the team achieve further success.&nbsp;“We are delighted to welcome Luke Williams to the Mumbai Indians family. Luke is a proven winner and brings with him rich experience, a deep understanding of the women’s game, and a strong commitment to developing players. Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Luke’s guidance and Harman’s leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. I wish Luke, and the entire team the very best as we begin this exciting new chapter together. I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-2026-series-schedule-dates-venues-live-streaming-and-all-you-need-to-know-1790244772328">IND vs WI 2026: Series schedule, dates, venues, live streaming and all you need to know</a>&nbsp;Williams said he was excited to join the franchise and work with its players and support staff.&nbsp;“I am really excited to be joining Mumbai Indians, a respected and successful organisation, and working with this talented group of players and support staff. We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-wants-to-race-in-middle-east-despite-not-knowing-what-risk-levels-are-1790232669764">Hamilton wants to race in Middle East despite not knowing 'what risk levels are'</a> &nbsp;Williams has nearly 20 years of coaching experience across Australia, England and India and has also worked as an assistant coach with the England Women’s team since 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is a three-time Bradman Medal winner in grade cricket, having received the award in the 2005/06, 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons.&nbsp;Mumbai Indians have won two of the four WPL editions, lifting the title in 2023 and 2025 under Harmanpreet Kaur. However, they finished fourth last season and missed out on the playoffs after recording three wins and five defeats.&nbsp;Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) eventually won the tournament for the second time.

Williams brings nearly two decades of coaching experience across Australia, England and India and has served as an assistant coach with the England Women’s team since 2025.

Mumbai Indians on Thursday (Sep 24) appointed Luke Williams as their new head coach for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), replacing former Australia cricketer Lisa Keightley. MI confirmed the change in a statement, saying, “Mumbai Indians have announced that Lisa Keightley has decided to move on from her role as Head Coach of Mumbai Indians, with Luke Williams appointed as her successor ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League season.” Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita M Ambani welcomed Williams and backed him to help the team achieve further success. “We are delighted to welcome Luke Williams to the Mumbai Indians family. Luke is a proven winner and brings with him rich experience, a deep understanding of the women’s game, and a strong commitment to developing players. Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Luke’s guidance and Harman’s leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. I wish Luke, and the entire team the very best as we begin this exciting new chapter together. I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future.” Also Read - IND vs WI 2026: Series schedule, dates, venues, live streaming and all you need to know Williams said he was excited to join the franchise and work with its players and support staff. “I am really excited to be joining Mumbai Indians, a respected and successful organisation, and working with this talented group of players and support staff. We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of.” Also Read - Hamilton wants to race in Middle East despite not knowing 'what risk levels are' Williams has nearly 20 years of coaching experience across Australia, England and India and has also worked as an assistant coach with the England Women’s team since 2025. He is a three-time Bradman Medal winner in grade cricket, having received the award in the 2005/06, 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons. Mumbai Indians have won two of the four WPL editions, lifting the title in 2023 and 2025 under Harmanpreet Kaur. However, they finished fourth last season and missed out on the playoffs after recording three wins and five defeats. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) eventually won the tournament for the second time.

Williams brings nearly two decades of coaching experience across Australia, England and India and has served as an assistant coach with the England Women’s team since 2025.

Mumbai Indians appoint Luke Williams as head coach for Women’s Premier League

The Indian men’s cricket team will host West Indies for a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series from Sep 27 to Oct 17, with all eight matches to be played at different venues across India. Shubman Gill will lead India in the ODI series, while Shreyas Iyer will captain the T20I team. Shai Hope will be West Indies’ captain in both formats.&nbsp;The ODI series will begin on Sept 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by matches in Guwahati on Sept 30 and New Chandigarh on Oct 3.&nbsp;The five-match T20I series will then be played in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru on October 6, 9, 11, 14 and 17, respectively.&nbsp;India have picked strong squads for both formats and will look to make the most of their home conditions before travelling to New Zealand for an all-format series.<h3>Venues for India vs West Indies 2026 series</h3><ul><li>&nbsp;Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram</li><li>Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati</li><li>Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh</li><li>Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow</li><li>JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi</li><li>Holkar Stadium, Indore</li><li>Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad</li><li>M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-coach-walter-wants-to-see-india-s-sooryavanshi-on-pacy-and-bouncy-wickets-1790239605694">New Zealand coach Walter wants to see India's Sooryavanshi 'on pacy and bouncy wickets'</a><h3>Match timings</h3><ul><li>All three ODIs will begin at 1:30 pm IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 pm.</li><li>The five T20Is will start at 7:00 pm IST, while the toss will take place at 6:30 pm.</li></ul><h3>Full schedule of India vs West Indies 2026 series</h3>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Day</td><td>Match</td><td>Venue</td><td>Start Time (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 27</td><td>Sunday</td><td>1st ODI</td><td>Thiruvananthapuram</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 30</td><td>Wednesday</td><td>2nd ODI</td><td>Guwahati</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 3</td><td>Saturday</td><td>3rd ODI</td><td>New Chandigarh</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 6</td><td>Tuesday</td><td>1st T20I</td><td>Lucknow</td><td>07:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 9</td><td>Friday</td><td>2nd T20I</td><td>Ranchi</td><td>07:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 11</td><td>Sunday</td><td>3rd T20I</td><td>Indore</td><td>07:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 14</td><td>Wednesday</td><td>4th T20I</td><td>Hyderabad</td><td>07:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 17</td><td>Saturday</td><td>5th T20I</td><td>Bengaluru</td><td>07:00 PM</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h3>India squads</h3>ODI: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC &amp; WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dhir&nbsp;T20I: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-benchmark-for-all-pakistani-teams-says-head-coach-mike-hesson-ahead-of-asian-games-1790224375215">'India benchmark for all Pakistani teams,' says head coach Mike Hesson</a><h3>West Indies squads</h3>ODI: Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Jayden Seales&nbsp;T20I: Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer<h3>Live streaming and telecast</h3>The India vs West Indies ODI and T20I series will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network in India. Fans can also watch all eight matches online through the JioHotstar app and website.

India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series across eight venues in India from Sep 27 to Oct 17.

The Indian men’s cricket team will host West Indies for a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series from Sep 27 to Oct 17, with all eight matches to be played at different venues across India. Shubman Gill will lead India in the ODI series, while Shreyas Iyer will captain the T20I team. Shai Hope will be West Indies’ captain in both formats. The ODI series will begin on Sept 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by matches in Guwahati on Sept 30 and New Chandigarh on Oct 3. The five-match T20I series will then be played in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru on October 6, 9, 11, 14 and 17, respectively. India have picked strong squads for both formats and will look to make the most of their home conditions before travelling to New Zealand for an all-format series. Venues for India vs West Indies 2026 series Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Holkar Stadium, Indore Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Also Read - New Zealand coach Walter wants to see India's Sooryavanshi 'on pacy and bouncy wickets' Match timings All three ODIs will begin at 1:30 pm IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:00 pm. The five T20Is will start at 7:00 pm IST, while the toss will take place at 6:30 pm. Full schedule of India vs West Indies 2026 series

India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI and five-match T20I series across eight venues in India from Sep 27 to Oct 17.

IND vs WI 2026: Series schedule, dates, venues, live streaming and all you need to know

India are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for a full-fledged tour comprising Tests, ODIs, and T20Is later this year. With the Test team still in transition and ODIs losing their sheen, the T20Is will get the most focus. India are three-time World T20 champions, with their last two titles coming in 2024 and 2026. The most exciting part of India's T20I team in recent times has been 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager made his India debut earlier this year against England, and Kiwi head coach Rob Walter wants to see how Sooryavanshi performs on New Zealand pitches.<h2>Kiwi coach Rob Walter waiting for Sooryavanshi to come to New Zealand</h2>"I’d love to see him on pacy and bouncy wickets and see how different that looks. But he’s an exciting player. You’ve seen him dominate against the world’s best bowlers in the IPL. I think the challenge is always to see how that translates to different conditions, and also how we bowl to him in our conditions,” Walter said during a media interaction.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-benchmark-for-all-pakistani-teams-says-head-coach-mike-hesson-ahead-of-asian-games-1790224375215">'India benchmark for all Pakistani teams,' says head coach Mike Hesson ahead of Asian Games</a>As for how he wants New Zealand to perform against Sooryavanshi and India, Walter added: "Again, secretly as a coach, you always want to see your players under a little bit of pressure and how we respond to that. So I am looking forward to it, if that is the case. If he’s not here, they do have a lot of very good players other than him."<h2>India tour of New Zealand</h2>India will play five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests on the tour, which will begin with the T20I series on October 22 in Christchurch. The next four matches of the T20I series will be played on October 24, October 27, October 30, and November 1 in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton, respectively.After the T20Is come the ODIs, with matches scheduled for November 4 in Auckland, November 7 in Wellington, November 10 in Hamilton, and November 13 and November 15 in Mount Maunganui. The first Test starts on November 19 in Wellington, and the second Test is scheduled from November 27 in Christchurch.

Kiwi coach Rob Walter challenged 15-year-old India phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to adapt to pacy NZ pitches during India's upcoming tour (5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, 2 Tests) starting Oct 22 in Christchurch.

India are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for a full-fledged tour comprising Tests, ODIs, and T20Is later this year. With the Test team still in transition and ODIs losing their sheen, the T20Is will get the most focus. India are three-time World T20 champions, with their last two titles coming in 2024 and 2026. The most exciting part of India's T20I team in recent times has been 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager made his India debut earlier this year against England, and Kiwi head coach Rob Walter wants to see how Sooryavanshi performs on New Zealand pitches. Kiwi coach Rob Walter waiting for Sooryavanshi to come to New Zealand "I’d love to see him on pacy and bouncy wickets and see how different that looks. But he’s an exciting player. You’ve seen him dominate against the world’s best bowlers in the IPL. I think the challenge is always to see how that translates to different conditions, and also how we bowl to him in our conditions,” Walter said during a media interaction. Also Read - 'India benchmark for all Pakistani teams,' says head coach Mike Hesson ahead of Asian Games As for how he wants New Zealand to perform against Sooryavanshi and India, Walter added: "Again, secretly as a coach, you always want to see your players under a little bit of pressure and how we respond to that. So I am looking forward to it, if that is the case. If he’s not here, they do have a lot of very good players other than him." India tour of New Zealand India will play five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests on the tour, which will begin with the T20I series on October 22 in Christchurch. The next four matches of the T20I series will be played on October 24, October 27, October 30, and November 1 in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton, respectively. After the T20Is come the ODIs, with matches scheduled for November 4 in Auckland, November 7 in Wellington, November 10 in Hamilton, and November 13 and November 15 in Mount Maunganui. The first Test starts on November 19 in Wellington, and the second Test is scheduled from November 27 in Christchurch.

Kiwi coach Rob Walter challenged 15-year-old India phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to adapt to pacy NZ pitches during India's upcoming tour (5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, 2 Tests) starting Oct 22 in Christchurch.

New Zealand coach Walter wants to see India's Sooryavanshi 'on pacy and bouncy wickets'

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has said that "India are the benchmark" when it comes to white-ball cricket. The statement came during a pre-departure camp for the Asian Games, where Pakistan is one of the four seeded teams along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. All four seeded teams will start their campaign in the quarter-finals. Pakistan is coming off a Test series whitewash against England in England, along with tour drama that involved seven players being dropped after the second Test and red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul being sacked.<h2>Pak coach Hesson sets India as benchmark in white-ball cricket</h2>"India are the benchmark in terms of white-ball cricket at the moment, and our challenge is to catch up to that," Hesson said at the training camp while talking to reporters.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2027-mini-auction-to-be-held-in-goa-in-december-confirms-bcci-secretary-saikia-1790220012165">IPL 2027 mini-auction to be held in Goa in December, confirms BCCI secretary Saikia</a>"We are preparing as best as we can and if we get an opportunity to play [India], we will certainly put them under pressure as we were able to do in the final of the Asia Cup. There is a lot of cricket to be played between now and the final for both sides, so we are not getting too far ahead of ourselves."In the Asia Cup last year, Pakistan won matches against all teams but lost to India three times, including in the final."We have lost to India on multiple occasions, and that is the benchmark for all the Pakistani teams, we understand that," acknowledged Hesson.<h2>Asian Games men's cricket schedule</h2>The four seeded teams—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—will start their campaign on September 28 in the quarter-finals. Pakistan will face the runners-up of Group B, which consists of Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Japan, on September 28 in the first quarter-final. &nbsp;Pakistan squad for Asian Games men's cricketSahibzada Farhan (capt), Abdul Samad (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson called India the benchmark ahead of the Asian Games quarter-finals on Sep 28. Pakistan enter the tournament following a 3-0 Test series defeat to England.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has said that "India are the benchmark" when it comes to white-ball cricket. The statement came during a pre-departure camp for the Asian Games, where Pakistan is one of the four seeded teams along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. All four seeded teams will start their campaign in the quarter-finals. Pakistan is coming off a Test series whitewash against England in England, along with tour drama that involved seven players being dropped after the second Test and red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul being sacked. Pak coach Hesson sets India as benchmark in white-ball cricket "India are the benchmark in terms of white-ball cricket at the moment, and our challenge is to catch up to that," Hesson said at the training camp while talking to reporters. Also Read - IPL 2027 mini-auction to be held in Goa in December, confirms BCCI secretary Saikia "We are preparing as best as we can and if we get an opportunity to play [India], we will certainly put them under pressure as we were able to do in the final of the Asia Cup. There is a lot of cricket to be played between now and the final for both sides, so we are not getting too far ahead of ourselves." In the Asia Cup last year, Pakistan won matches against all teams but lost to India three times, including in the final. "We have lost to India on multiple occasions, and that is the benchmark for all the Pakistani teams, we understand that," acknowledged Hesson. Asian Games men's cricket schedule The four seeded teams—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—will start their campaign on September 28 in the quarter-finals. Pakistan will face the runners-up of Group B, which consists of Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Japan, on September 28 in the first quarter-final. Pakistan squad for Asian Games men's cricket Sahibzada Farhan (capt), Abdul Samad (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson called India the benchmark ahead of the Asian Games quarter-finals on Sep 28. Pakistan enter the tournament following a 3-0 Test series defeat to England.

'India benchmark for all Pakistani teams,' says head coach Mike Hesson ahead of Asian Games

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SA vs AUS: Rabada named in 18-man preliminary squad; Nortje set for Test return

'I know what my goal is': Kohli shares what keeps him going on at 37

Asian Games 2026: India, Pak through to semis without playing a ball

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli's record-breaking 139 not out leads India to big win

Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal?

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Naman Dhir debuts as India bowl first; check playing XIs

‘Dream is to play match-winning knock in WC final’: Kohli outlines ultimate goal

SA vs AUS: Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes

'He's very much in our plans': Jadeja ‘in mix’ for 2027 World Cup, says Kotak

‘No Unfair Treatment’: Kotak tells Jaiswal to wait for his turn in IND vs WI ODIs

Asian Games: India face Afghanistan in QF; Pakistan clash with Hong Kong

‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup

‘Goal is to win it’: Kohli confirms 2027 ODI World Cup will be his final event

Pandya ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Australia A series with shin injury

'I could not..': Gambhir on 'toughest decision' to pick Sooryavanshi over Samson

Farhan, who went viral for AK47 gesture, hopes to lead Pak beyond Asian Games

WI coach Sammy looking at India series to finetune ahead of ODI WC qualifiers

Breetzke, Maharaj star as South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs

Mumbai Indians appoint Luke Williams as head coach for Women’s Premier League

IND vs WI 2026: Series schedule, venues, live streaming & all you need to know

NZ coach Walter wants to see India's Sooryavanshi 'on pacy and bouncy wickets'

'India benchmark for all Pakistani teams,' says head coach Mike Hesson