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India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a brief career that included seven Test appearances for the national side.The Andhra Pradesh cricketer made his Test debut in 2023 against Australia in Nagpur and played his final red-ball match against England in Visakhapatnam. Across 12 innings, he scored 221 runs at an average of 20.09.&nbsp;In a heartfelt message, Bharat called representing India the “greatest honour” of his career and looked back on the dedication, sacrifices and strong support system that helped him reach the international stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With a proud heart and sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket," Bharat wrote. “To play for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honour to represent India in Tests was worth every moment."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-2026-one-off-test-kuldeep-eyes-red-ball-redemption-after-underwhelming-ipl-2026-delhi-capitals-1780587026317">IND vs AFG, one-off Test: Kuldeep eyes red-ball redemption after underwhelming IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;The 31-year-old further expressed deep gratitude to his family, acknowledging the constant support of his parents and sister over a cricketing journey that lasted more than 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also extended thanks to the BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association, coaches, team management, teammates and ground staff for playing a role in his development as a player.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-must-have-quit-100-times-manchester-city-chairman-reveals-coach-meltdowns-before-leaving-club-1780578980578">Manchester City chairman reveals Pep Guardiola’s meltdowns before leaving club</a>&nbsp;Bharat also gave special credit to several key figures in his career, including Virat Kohli, who gave him his IPL debut and Rohit Sharma, under whom he earned his first Test cap for India. He further thanked former head coach Rahul Dravid for supporting his progression from the India ‘A’ team to the senior side.&nbsp;“My journey with BCCI and Test cricket may have come to an end, but my journey in the game continues," he said. “I will keep playing, contributing, and giving back to cricket by guiding, mentoring and coaching the next generation."&nbsp;“I love India and I love cricket. Thank you for everything," he concluded.

KS Bharat has retired from international cricket after playing seven Test matches for India. He thanked his family, BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association and his mentors for their support. 

India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a brief career that included seven Test appearances for the national side. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer made his Test debut in 2023 against Australia in Nagpur and played his final red-ball match against England in Visakhapatnam. Across 12 innings, he scored 221 runs at an average of 20.09. In a heartfelt message, Bharat called representing India the “greatest honour” of his career and looked back on the dedication, sacrifices and strong support system that helped him reach the international stage. “With a proud heart and sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket," Bharat wrote. “To play for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honour to represent India in Tests was worth every moment." Also Read - IND vs AFG, one-off Test: Kuldeep eyes red-ball redemption after underwhelming IPL 2026 The 31-year-old further expressed deep gratitude to his family, acknowledging the constant support of his parents and sister over a cricketing journey that lasted more than 20 years. He also extended thanks to the BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association, coaches, team management, teammates and ground staff for playing a role in his development as a player. Also Read - Manchester City chairman reveals Pep Guardiola’s meltdowns before leaving club Bharat also gave special credit to several key figures in his career, including Virat Kohli, who gave him his IPL debut and Rohit Sharma, under whom he earned his first Test cap for India. He further thanked former head coach Rahul Dravid for supporting his progression from the India ‘A’ team to the senior side. “My journey with BCCI and Test cricket may have come to an end, but my journey in the game continues," he said. “I will keep playing, contributing, and giving back to cricket by guiding, mentoring and coaching the next generation." “I love India and I love cricket. Thank you for everything," he concluded.

KS Bharat has retired from international cricket after playing seven Test matches for India. He thanked his family, BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association and his mentors for their support.&nbsp;

KS Bharat announces retirement from international cricket, expresses gratitude to Kohli & Rohit

India is gearing up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting in just two days, and Kuldeep Yadav, the ace spinner, admits feeling pressured switching from the IPL mode to red-ball cricket. Although ready and raring to go in his shot at redemption following an underwhelming IPL season, Kuldeep wants to get back to picking up wickets and feeling the same when he is at the top of his game.&nbsp;"It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket," Kuldeep said in a chat with PTI facilitated by JioHotstar. "Preparation becomes very necessary." &nbsp;Unlike a few of the other players, including his team captain Shubman Gill and his GT opening partner Sai Sudharsan, Kuldeep’s IPL franchise, the Delhi Capitals, failed to qualify for the playoffs; as a result, Kuldeep had ample time to get back into the Test Cricket zone. Revealing how he has been practising in the meantime, Kuldeep said,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball. In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time. &nbsp;"Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-odi-series-ruturaj-gaikwad-to-replace-virat-kohli-afghanistan-odis-rcb-captain-rajat-patidar-earns-india-a-call-up-for-sri-lanka-tri-series-1780570955915">Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs; RCB captain Patidar earns India-A call-up</a> &nbsp;For Delhi this season, Kuldeep returned with underwhelming numbers, picking just 12 wickets while averaging over 38 and an economy of 10.29. However, with him being the most senior spinner for this Test, Kuldeep also talked about comforting the newcomers, including Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar. &nbsp;"Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him. Over the last two years, these young players [Dubey and Suthar] have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly. &nbsp;"So, there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly,” he added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan gets underway in New Chandigarh and doesn’t fall under the current WTC cycle.&nbsp;

"It's a challenge," admits Kuldeep Yadav as he switches from IPL mode to red-ball cricket ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Read his thoughts on preparation, regaining his rhythm, and mentoring debutants Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar.

India is gearing up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting in just two days, and Kuldeep Yadav, the ace spinner, admits feeling pressured switching from the IPL mode to red-ball cricket. Although ready and raring to go in his shot at redemption following an underwhelming IPL season, Kuldeep wants to get back to picking up wickets and feeling the same when he is at the top of his game. "It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket," Kuldeep said in a chat with PTI facilitated by JioHotstar. "Preparation becomes very necessary." Unlike a few of the other players, including his team captain Shubman Gill and his GT opening partner Sai Sudharsan, Kuldeep’s IPL franchise, the Delhi Capitals, failed to qualify for the playoffs; as a result, Kuldeep had ample time to get back into the Test Cricket zone. Revealing how he has been practising in the meantime, Kuldeep said, "Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball. In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it's not like that. The batter has a lot of time. "Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don't have that much time. But I'm sure they have prepared well. So yes, it's a challenge, but I'm confident that everyone is preparing themselves well,” he added. Also read | Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs; RCB captain Patidar earns India-A call-up For Delhi this season, Kuldeep returned with underwhelming numbers, picking just 12 wickets while averaging over 38 and an economy of 10.29. However, with him being the most senior spinner for this Test, Kuldeep also talked about comforting the newcomers, including Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar. "Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him. Over the last two years, these young players [Dubey and Suthar] have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly. "So, there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly,” he added. Meanwhile, India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan gets underway in New Chandigarh and doesn’t fall under the current WTC cycle.

"It's a challenge," admits Kuldeep Yadav as he switches from IPL mode to red-ball cricket ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Read his thoughts on preparation, regaining his rhythm, and mentoring debutants Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar.

IND vs AFG, one-off Test: Kuldeep eyes red-ball redemption after underwhelming IPL 2026

After Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first batter in all of international cricket to be ‘timed out’ during the 2023 World Cup clash against Bangladesh, Bhutan batter Ritshi Choden became the first women’s cricketer to be dismissed similarly. Choden took more than 90 seconds to arrive at the crease during a T20I against Nepal, with the fielder’s appeal upheld by the on-field umpires. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), however, apologised for the decision, saying that despite this falling within the rule books, it does not reflect the ‘spirit of the game’.&nbsp;This instance occurred in the first over of the run chase during an ACC Premier Cup tie between the two teams in Malaysia. After opener Ngawang Choden departed for a golden duck, Ritshi, who was supposed to walk in next, was likely not ready to come out. She, however, jogged in with gloves and a helmet in her hand and was seen chatting with the square-leg umpire.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-2026-assistant-coach-ryan-ten-doeschate-on-india-number-3-test-selection-sai-sudharsan-devdutt-padikal-1780576704272">‘Could have handled it better’: Ryan ten Doeschate on India’s number 3 Test selection</a> &nbsp;Soon after, the Nepalese fielders appealed as soon as Choden reached the batting crease. Nepal’s Puja Mahato ran across to have a word with the umpire and began celebrating, after which the umpire informed the Bhutan women’s batter that she was dismissed ‘timed out’. She walked back without any hesitation, leaving Bhutan 0 for 2 after just one ball. &nbsp;Meanwhile, after the game, CAN issued an apology to Bhutan Cricket, the player involved and all stakeholders in a presser, as the incident was not in line with the spirit of cricket the board strives to uphold.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/mUgXdgqr4x">pic.twitter.com/mUgXdgqr4x</a>&mdash; CAN (@CricketNep) <a href="https://x.com/CricketNep/status/2062467774639927483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The incident involving the timed-out dismissal of a Bhutanese batter during today's match does not reflect the values and spirit of cricket that the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) strives to uphold," CAN said. "On behalf of the Cricket Association of Nepal, we extend our sincere apologies for the actions of our Women's National Team in this matter. While the dismissal was effected within the Laws of Cricket, we recognise that the spirit of the game extends beyond the written laws and must remain central to our conduct at all times. &nbsp;"As a developing cricketing nation, we place the utmost importance on sportsmanship, mutual respect, and fair play. We acknowledge that this incident has fallen short of those standards and regret any disappointment it may have caused. We convey our sincere apologies to Bhutan Cricket, the player concerned, and all relevant stakeholders. CAN remains firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and the spirit of cricket, both on and off the field.”

Bhutan's Ritshi Choden creates unwanted history as the first women's cricketer to be 'timed out' during an ACC Premier Cup clash against Nepal, prompting an official apology from CAN.

After Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first batter in all of international cricket to be ‘timed out’ during the 2023 World Cup clash against Bangladesh, Bhutan batter Ritshi Choden became the first women’s cricketer to be dismissed similarly. Choden took more than 90 seconds to arrive at the crease during a T20I against Nepal, with the fielder’s appeal upheld by the on-field umpires. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), however, apologised for the decision, saying that despite this falling within the rule books, it does not reflect the ‘spirit of the game’. This instance occurred in the first over of the run chase during an ACC Premier Cup tie between the two teams in Malaysia. After opener Ngawang Choden departed for a golden duck, Ritshi, who was supposed to walk in next, was likely not ready to come out. She, however, jogged in with gloves and a helmet in her hand and was seen chatting with the square-leg umpire. Also read | ‘Could have handled it better’: Ryan ten Doeschate on India’s number 3 Test selection Soon after, the Nepalese fielders appealed as soon as Choden reached the batting crease. Nepal’s Puja Mahato ran across to have a word with the umpire and began celebrating, after which the umpire informed the Bhutan women’s batter that she was dismissed ‘timed out’. She walked back without any hesitation, leaving Bhutan 0 for 2 after just one ball. Meanwhile, after the game, CAN issued an apology to Bhutan Cricket, the player involved and all stakeholders in a presser, as the incident was not in line with the spirit of cricket the board strives to uphold.

Bhutan's Ritshi Choden creates unwanted history as the first women's cricketer to be 'timed out' during an ACC Premier Cup clash against Nepal, prompting an official apology from CAN.

Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden becomes first batter to be ‘Timed Out’ in Women’s T20Is

India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan is now just a couple of days away and ahead of the red-ball contest, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has offered key insights into the team’s possible playing XI, along with an update on Mohammed Siraj’s fitness. The match is scheduled to be held from Jun 6 to Jun 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh and there is growing curiosity around India’s selection calls given the presence of several new faces in the squad.<h3>Ryan Ten Doeschate on Mohammed Siraj</h3>Ten Doeschate also addressed concerns around Siraj, sharing that the fast bowler is recovering well and remains in contention despite his recent workload and a strain picked up during the IPL.&nbsp;This comes as a significant boost for the hosts, especially with Jasprit Bumrah being rested from the series. Siraj’s experience and leadership within the pace unit will be important for the Shubman Gill-led side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-afghanistan-2026-complete-schedule-squads-live-streaming-more-1780558218309">India vs Afghanistan 2026: Complete schedule, squads, live streaming &amp; more</a>&nbsp;Doeschate also indicated that either Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey is likely to be included in the XI, alongside the experienced pair of Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Siraj bowled yesterday, he looked absolutely fine. As far as two new spinners (Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey) are concerned, there is small chance that both will play. We haven't finalised who among the two will play alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar," said India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate in the pre-match press conference.<h2>IND vs AFG Test Squad</h2>India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (Vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishan and Gurnoor Brar&nbsp;Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi

Ahead of the Test match against Afghanistan, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered hints about the possible playing XI while also providing an update on Mohammed Siraj’s fitness.

India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan is now just a couple of days away and ahead of the red-ball contest, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has offered key insights into the team’s possible playing XI, along with an update on Mohammed Siraj’s fitness. The match is scheduled to be held from Jun 6 to Jun 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh and there is growing curiosity around India’s selection calls given the presence of several new faces in the squad. Ryan Ten Doeschate on Mohammed Siraj Ten Doeschate also addressed concerns around Siraj, sharing that the fast bowler is recovering well and remains in contention despite his recent workload and a strain picked up during the IPL. This comes as a significant boost for the hosts, especially with Jasprit Bumrah being rested from the series. Siraj’s experience and leadership within the pace unit will be important for the Shubman Gill-led side. Also Read - India vs Afghanistan 2026: Complete schedule, squads, live streaming & more Doeschate also indicated that either Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey is likely to be included in the XI, alongside the experienced pair of Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. "Siraj bowled yesterday, he looked absolutely fine. As far as two new spinners (Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey) are concerned, there is small chance that both will play. We haven't finalised who among the two will play alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar," said India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate in the pre-match press conference. IND vs AFG Test Squad India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (Vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishan and Gurnoor Brar Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi

Ahead of the Test match against Afghanistan, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered hints about the possible playing XI while also providing an update on Mohammed Siraj’s fitness.

'He looked absolutely fine': India coach provides fitness update on Mohammed Siraj

Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit from India’s Test side, the two-time WTC Final runners-up have failed to find a replacement for the crucial number three spot. Even though India tried several newcomers, including Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair and even Washington Sundar, nothing has worked yet. Currently sitting sixth in the WTC standings and needing to win at least seven of the remaining nine matches in this cycle, barring this Afghanistan Test, Team India needs to address this quickly. Speaking on the same, India's assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, said the management could have done better in nailing the number three spot.&nbsp;The potent number three position is perhaps the most significant in the batting lineup, with countless legends embracing it over the years. Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirements, the management has made a few forced changes, including bringing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, and pushing the newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill at number four, leaving the number three spot vacant.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-odi-series-ruturaj-gaikwad-to-replace-virat-kohli-afghanistan-odis-rcb-captain-rajat-patidar-earns-india-a-call-up-for-sri-lanka-tri-series-1780570955915">Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs; RCB captain Patidar earns India-A call-up</a> &nbsp;"Yeah, look, there's been a lot of changes in that spot, and that's not ideal. I think you need to look at the incumbents for that role and maybe stick with someone. It's a difficult position to bat and a very important position to bat," ten Doeschate said as Team India prepares for a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6.<h3>‘Whoever plays will be given an extended run’</h3>Without spilling the beans on who could seal the number three spot in Tests between Padikkal and Sudharsan, Ryan said both are coming off tremendous tournaments. While Padikkal starred for Karnataka in the domestic, scoring heaps of runs, Sai continues to massively score for his IPL franchise, the Gujarat Titans.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ryan said that regardless of who is picked to bat at number three, the management will back the batter regardless of the lack of Tests in the upcoming months.&nbsp; &nbsp;After India hosts Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, they will travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests in August, with the next assignment against New Zealand at the end of November. &nbsp;"Dev [Devdutt Padikkal] comes in with a ton of runs in domestic cricket across all the formats, and obviously Sai's got a nice IPL with Gujarat, so they're both in good form. I think whoever plays, they'll be given a bit of rope. It's quite difficult with one Test match now, and then we don't play a Test match for another two months, and then you play two Test matches, and then you don't play for a while. &nbsp;"So, we need to factor that in, but I think the main point around is we want to make a decision and then trust that person to grow into the role and ideally quickly because where we find ourselves in the WTC table, it's obviously we don't have time to bet in now. It's probably something we could have done better leading up to this is nailing down that number 3 spot," Ryan continued.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admits the management could have handled the Test number three selection better, promising an extended run for either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal ahead of the Afghanistan clash.

Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit from India’s Test side, the two-time WTC Final runners-up have failed to find a replacement for the crucial number three spot. Even though India tried several newcomers, including Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair and even Washington Sundar, nothing has worked yet. Currently sitting sixth in the WTC standings and needing to win at least seven of the remaining nine matches in this cycle, barring this Afghanistan Test, Team India needs to address this quickly. Speaking on the same, India's assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, said the management could have done better in nailing the number three spot. The potent number three position is perhaps the most significant in the batting lineup, with countless legends embracing it over the years. Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirements, the management has made a few forced changes, including bringing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, and pushing the newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill at number four, leaving the number three spot vacant. Also read | Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs; RCB captain Patidar earns India-A call-up "Yeah, look, there's been a lot of changes in that spot, and that's not ideal. I think you need to look at the incumbents for that role and maybe stick with someone. It's a difficult position to bat and a very important position to bat," ten Doeschate said as Team India prepares for a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6. ‘Whoever plays will be given an extended run’ Without spilling the beans on who could seal the number three spot in Tests between Padikkal and Sudharsan, Ryan said both are coming off tremendous tournaments. While Padikkal starred for Karnataka in the domestic, scoring heaps of runs, Sai continues to massively score for his IPL franchise, the Gujarat Titans. Ryan said that regardless of who is picked to bat at number three, the management will back the batter regardless of the lack of Tests in the upcoming months. After India hosts Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, they will travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests in August, with the next assignment against New Zealand at the end of November. "Dev [Devdutt Padikkal] comes in with a ton of runs in domestic cricket across all the formats, and obviously Sai's got a nice IPL with Gujarat, so they're both in good form. I think whoever plays, they'll be given a bit of rope. It's quite difficult with one Test match now, and then we don't play a Test match for another two months, and then you play two Test matches, and then you don't play for a while. "So, we need to factor that in, but I think the main point around is we want to make a decision and then trust that person to grow into the role and ideally quickly because where we find ourselves in the WTC table, it's obviously we don't have time to bet in now. It's probably something we could have done better leading up to this is nailing down that number 3 spot," Ryan continued.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admits the management could have handled the Test number three selection better, promising an extended run for either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal ahead of the Afghanistan clash.

‘Could have handled it better’: Ryan ten Doeschate on India’s number 3 Test selection

Ruturaj Gaikwad would likely replace Virat Kohli in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series starting June 14, with Kohli’s RCB teammate and franchise captain Rajat Patidar likely to be called up to the India-A squad for the away tri-series in Sri Lanka. The BCCI’s men’s selection committee would need to make the last-minute change for the three-match ODI series after Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final last Sunday (May 31).&nbsp;The latest report suggests that Kohli is advised to have a two-week rest. Although he should be fit in time for India’s first ODI against England on June 20, the selectors are unlikely to push for his selection for Afghanistan ODIs. Dharamsala to host the ODI series opener against Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-ruled-out-of-afghanistan-odi-series-with-hamstring-injury-report-1780550854358">Big blow for India! Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury: Report</a> &nbsp;Earlier, Gaikwad was added as a replacement for injured Riyan Parag to the India-A squad for the ODI tri-series after the vice-captain was ruled out with an injury. Patidar, on the other hand, is rewarded for his form with an India-A call-up.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, midway through the run chase during the IPL 2026 final, Kohli is understood to have felt discomfort in his hamstring and needed medical attention. Though he continued to score runs, later also helping his team defend its IPL crown, tests revealed a hamstring injury.&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides Kohli, the selectors would also take a call on Rohit Sharma’s availability, considering his lingering hamstring issue, which kept him on the sidelines for a few Mumbai Indians’ games this season. The chief selector Ajit Agarkar has mentioned that Rohit’s selection would depend on him clearing the fitness test. Per a Times of India (TOI) report, Rohit hasn’t reported at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). However, should Rohit fail to clear the test, the selectors might call up Yashasvi Jaiswal as his replacement.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the meantime, the selectors will meet on Saturday (Jun 6) to pick squads for Ireland and England T20Is. After the home series against Afghanistan, including a one-off Test and three ODIs, India will travel to the UK to face Ireland for two T20Is and England for five T20Is and three ODIs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to replace the injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan ODIs, while RCB captain Rajat Patidar earns an India-A call-up. Get the latest on Rohit Sharma's fitness and India's squad updates.

Ruturaj Gaikwad would likely replace Virat Kohli in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series starting June 14, with Kohli’s RCB teammate and franchise captain Rajat Patidar likely to be called up to the India-A squad for the away tri-series in Sri Lanka. The BCCI’s men’s selection committee would need to make the last-minute change for the three-match ODI series after Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final last Sunday (May 31). The latest report suggests that Kohli is advised to have a two-week rest. Although he should be fit in time for India’s first ODI against England on June 20, the selectors are unlikely to push for his selection for Afghanistan ODIs. Dharamsala to host the ODI series opener against Afghanistan. Also read | Big blow for India! Virat Kohli ruled out of Afghanistan ODI series with hamstring injury: Report Earlier, Gaikwad was added as a replacement for injured Riyan Parag to the India-A squad for the ODI tri-series after the vice-captain was ruled out with an injury. Patidar, on the other hand, is rewarded for his form with an India-A call-up. Meanwhile, midway through the run chase during the IPL 2026 final, Kohli is understood to have felt discomfort in his hamstring and needed medical attention. Though he continued to score runs, later also helping his team defend its IPL crown, tests revealed a hamstring injury. Besides Kohli, the selectors would also take a call on Rohit Sharma’s availability, considering his lingering hamstring issue, which kept him on the sidelines for a few Mumbai Indians’ games this season. The chief selector Ajit Agarkar has mentioned that Rohit’s selection would depend on him clearing the fitness test. Per a Times of India (TOI) report, Rohit hasn’t reported at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). However, should Rohit fail to clear the test, the selectors might call up Yashasvi Jaiswal as his replacement. In the meantime, the selectors will meet on Saturday (Jun 6) to pick squads for Ireland and England T20Is. After the home series against Afghanistan, including a one-off Test and three ODIs, India will travel to the UK to face Ireland for two T20Is and England for five T20Is and three ODIs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to replace the injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan ODIs, while RCB captain Rajat Patidar earns an India-A call-up. Get the latest on Rohit Sharma's fitness and India's squad updates.

Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli for Afghanistan ODIs; RCB captain Patidar earns India-A call-up

From Chris Gayle to Shaun Marsh, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 4,000 runs in T20s. This list also includes Babar Azam, Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad

From Chris Gayle to Shaun Marsh, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 4,000 runs in T20s. This list also includes Babar Azam, Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 4,000 runs in T20s

Emilio Gay received his debut England Test cap by former captain Alastair Cook on Thursday (Jun 4) ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The left-hander becomes the 720th player to represent England in men’s Test cricket and is set to open the batting with Ben Duckett as England look to establish a settled opening combination following the departure of Zak Crawley.&nbsp;Gay, who studied at Bedford School, began his cricket journey early and joined the Northamptonshire academy at under-15 level. He was named academy player of the year in 2018, earning his first professional contract.&nbsp;The 26-year-old made his first-class debut for Northamptonshire in Sep 2019 and gradually built a reputation as a dependable top-order batter. One of the standout moments of his county career came in Apr 2024 when he scored a career-best 261 against Middlesex County Cricket Club, setting a new Northamptonshire record for the highest individual score against Middlesex.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/desperate-to-win-england-skipper-ben-stokes-ahead-of-new-zealand-test-1780564117270">'Desperate to win': England skipper Ben Stokes ahead of New Zealand Test</a>&nbsp;In Aug 2024, he moved to Durham County Cricket Club on a three-year deal. Before coming into the England setup, Gay also represented Italy in T20 internationals during the 2025 European regional qualifying campaign.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-cricket-teams-will-be-worth-billions-of-dollars-in-15-years-says-former-ipl-chairman-lalit-modi-1780568010836">'Women's cricket teams will be worth billions of dollars in 15 years', says former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi</a>&nbsp;His first-class record underlines his consistency, with 4,702 runs from 73 matches at an average of 39.84, including 13 centuries and 18 fifties. In List A cricket, he has amassed 1,182 runs at 36.93 with a strike rate of 92.77, including two hundreds.&nbsp;Although he has had limited opportunities in T20 cricket, featuring in only 16 matches overall, including three T20 internationals, Gay has shown his attacking ability with a strike rate of 143.31.&nbsp;&nbsp;His consistent domestic performances eventually earned him a call-up to the England Test squad ahead of the much-anticipated series against New Zealand.<h3>England XI for first Test against New Zealand</h3>Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir

Emilio Gay made his Test debut as England’s 720th player, opening the innings with Ben Duckett against New Zealand at Lord’s.

Emilio Gay received his debut England Test cap by former captain Alastair Cook on Thursday (Jun 4) ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The left-hander becomes the 720th player to represent England in men’s Test cricket and is set to open the batting with Ben Duckett as England look to establish a settled opening combination following the departure of Zak Crawley. Gay, who studied at Bedford School, began his cricket journey early and joined the Northamptonshire academy at under-15 level. He was named academy player of the year in 2018, earning his first professional contract. The 26-year-old made his first-class debut for Northamptonshire in Sep 2019 and gradually built a reputation as a dependable top-order batter. One of the standout moments of his county career came in Apr 2024 when he scored a career-best 261 against Middlesex County Cricket Club, setting a new Northamptonshire record for the highest individual score against Middlesex. Also Read - 'Desperate to win': England skipper Ben Stokes ahead of New Zealand Test In Aug 2024, he moved to Durham County Cricket Club on a three-year deal. Before coming into the England setup, Gay also represented Italy in T20 internationals during the 2025 European regional qualifying campaign. Also Read - 'Women's cricket teams will be worth billions of dollars in 15 years', says former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi His first-class record underlines his consistency, with 4,702 runs from 73 matches at an average of 39.84, including 13 centuries and 18 fifties. In List A cricket, he has amassed 1,182 runs at 36.93 with a strike rate of 92.77, including two hundreds. Although he has had limited opportunities in T20 cricket, featuring in only 16 matches overall, including three T20 internationals, Gay has shown his attacking ability with a strike rate of 143.31. His consistent domestic performances eventually earned him a call-up to the England Test squad ahead of the much-anticipated series against New Zealand. England XI for first Test against New Zealand Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir

Emilio Gay made his Test debut as England’s 720th player, opening the innings with Ben Duckett against New Zealand at Lord’s.

Who is Emilio Gay? Former Italy opener makes ENG Test debut vs NZ at Lord’s

As England gear up for their return to the ICC World Test Championship, skipper Ben Stokes believes the team remains highly motivated to achieve success in the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on Jun 4. Ahead of the opening Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Stokes emphasised that England’s hunger for victory remains as strong as ever, adding that the side is fully focused on winning the series.&nbsp;"You'll be seeing an England team go out there that's still desperate to win. We'll go out there, and we'll try to win the series," Stokes said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The England captain enters the series after recovering from a facial injury suffered during a training session, which caused a fractured cheekbone and required surgery. Reflecting on the setback, Stokes said his recovery went well and expressed excitement about returning to competitive cricket after a long absence.&nbsp;England announced a 12-player squad for the first Test earlier this week, with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir earning a place after missing the team’s previous Test series against Australia.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-u-turn-reusable-water-bottles-no-longer-allowed-at-world-cup-2026-stadiums-1780562236648">FIFA U-turn: Reusable water bottles no longer allowed at World Cup 2026 stadiums</a>&nbsp;Stokes believes Bashir deserves to be in contention for the upcoming series, having earned his spot in the 12-member squad. "The thing with Bashir was, it was his first time since he has been in the England team where he has been able to go away for a long period of time and play for Derby[shire]," he said. "He has worked on some technical things, which you can see he has worked very hard on. We are very happy with the progression he has made. He has been bowling overs for Derby, and he is someone who we see having a very long career for England as a spinner," he added. "He is in a great place, he is excited. Obviously, Australia didn't go how he imagined it would have done for him, but he went away, worked hard, and has become a better bowler from it. He deserves to be in the 12."&nbsp;Another notable inclusion is fast bowler Ollie Robinson, who has not featured in a Test match since England’s tour of India in 2024. Stokes spoke highly of Robinson’s abilities and indicated that the seamer could play an important role during the three-match series against New Zealand.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have spoken to Ollie, and he knows the reason he has found himself back here is that he has done what we wanted to see from him," he said. "You guys all know that when he is operating at that level, he is world-class." "His Test matches that he has played in so far - his numbers are up there with the very best. For him, the easy part was always getting back in because he is that good. Now he is here, it is about staying here for as long as he can. I think the time away from the team, as frustrating as it was for him, hopefully we see Ollie Robinson in an England shirt for the next four, five, six years," Stokes said.&nbsp;England currently sits seventh in the WTC Standings after 10 matches in the ongoing cycle. New Zealand, on the other hand, is the second-ranked team, with two wins from their three outings so far.&nbsp; England Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue

England captain Ben Stokes has backed his team to stay motivated and clinch a series win against New Zealand in the three-match ICC World Test Championship series, starting Jun 4 at Lord’s.

As England gear up for their return to the ICC World Test Championship, skipper Ben Stokes believes the team remains highly motivated to achieve success in the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on Jun 4. Ahead of the opening Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Stokes emphasised that England’s hunger for victory remains as strong as ever, adding that the side is fully focused on winning the series. "You'll be seeing an England team go out there that's still desperate to win. We'll go out there, and we'll try to win the series," Stokes said. The England captain enters the series after recovering from a facial injury suffered during a training session, which caused a fractured cheekbone and required surgery. Reflecting on the setback, Stokes said his recovery went well and expressed excitement about returning to competitive cricket after a long absence. England announced a 12-player squad for the first Test earlier this week, with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir earning a place after missing the team’s previous Test series against Australia. Also Read - FIFA U-turn: Reusable water bottles no longer allowed at World Cup 2026 stadiums Stokes believes Bashir deserves to be in contention for the upcoming series, having earned his spot in the 12-member squad. "The thing with Bashir was, it was his first time since he has been in the England team where he has been able to go away for a long period of time and play for Derby[shire]," he said. "He has worked on some technical things, which you can see he has worked very hard on. We are very happy with the progression he has made. He has been bowling overs for Derby, and he is someone who we see having a very long career for England as a spinner," he added. "He is in a great place, he is excited. Obviously, Australia didn't go how he imagined it would have done for him, but he went away, worked hard, and has become a better bowler from it. He deserves to be in the 12." Another notable inclusion is fast bowler Ollie Robinson, who has not featured in a Test match since England’s tour of India in 2024. Stokes spoke highly of Robinson’s abilities and indicated that the seamer could play an important role during the three-match series against New Zealand. "We have spoken to Ollie, and he knows the reason he has found himself back here is that he has done what we wanted to see from him," he said. "You guys all know that when he is operating at that level, he is world-class." "His Test matches that he has played in so far - his numbers are up there with the very best. For him, the easy part was always getting back in because he is that good. Now he is here, it is about staying here for as long as he can. I think the time away from the team, as frustrating as it was for him, hopefully we see Ollie Robinson in an England shirt for the next four, five, six years," Stokes said. England currently sits seventh in the WTC Standings after 10 matches in the ongoing cycle. New Zealand, on the other hand, is the second-ranked team, with two wins from their three outings so far. England Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue

England captain Ben Stokes has backed his team to stay motivated and clinch a series win against New Zealand in the three-match ICC World Test Championship series, starting Jun 4 at Lord’s.

'Desperate to win': England skipper Ben Stokes ahead of New Zealand Test

Chhattisgarh’s premier batter and domestic captain Amandeep Khare announced his arrival in style at the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League (CCPL) Season 3, smashing a magnificent century to power Raipur Rhinos to a commanding 90-run victory over Rajnandgaon Panthers in the tournament opener at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur.&nbsp;Leading from the front, Khare produced a captain’s knock of 102 runs off just 55 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and three sixes. His explosive innings set the tone for the tournament and reaffirmed his status as one of Chhattisgarh’s most accomplished cricketers.&nbsp;Amandeep, who captains Chhattisgarh across all major domestic formats, the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, once again showcased his ability to perform on the big stage. As captain of Raipur Rhinos, he combined aggression with composure to anchor a massive first-innings total.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-u-turn-reusable-water-bottles-no-longer-allowed-at-world-cup-2026-stadiums-1780562236648">FIFA U-turn: Reusable water bottles no longer allowed at World Cup 2026 stadiums</a>&nbsp;Opening the batting, Khare stitched together a crucial 147-run partnership for the first wicket with Amit Kumar Yadav, who contributed a brilliant 85 runs. Their stand propelled Raipur Rhinos to an imposing 228/6 in 20 overs.&nbsp;In reply, Rajnandgaon Panthers struggled against disciplined bowling from the Rhinos. Despite a fighting 74 from captain Ajay Mandal, the Panthers were bowled out for 138 in just 16 overs. Gaurav Chaturvedi starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Ashish Chouhan and Prashant Sai Painkra chipped in with two wickets each.&nbsp;For his match-winning century and inspirational leadership, Amandeep Khare was named Player of the Match.&nbsp;With CCPL Season 3 underway, Khare’s emphatic hundred has already set the benchmark for the tournament. The innings not only handed Raipur Rhinos a perfect start but also reinforced why he remains one of the most consistent and influential figures in Chhattisgarh cricket.&nbsp;As the league progresses, all eyes will be on the Chhattisgarh skipper, whose opening-night heroics have added another memorable chapter to his growing cricketing legacy.

For his match-winning century and inspirational leadership, Amandeep Khare was named Player of the Match.

Chhattisgarh’s premier batter and domestic captain Amandeep Khare announced his arrival in style at the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League (CCPL) Season 3, smashing a magnificent century to power Raipur Rhinos to a commanding 90-run victory over Rajnandgaon Panthers in the tournament opener at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur. Leading from the front, Khare produced a captain’s knock of 102 runs off just 55 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and three sixes. His explosive innings set the tone for the tournament and reaffirmed his status as one of Chhattisgarh’s most accomplished cricketers. Amandeep, who captains Chhattisgarh across all major domestic formats, the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, once again showcased his ability to perform on the big stage. As captain of Raipur Rhinos, he combined aggression with composure to anchor a massive first-innings total. Also Read - FIFA U-turn: Reusable water bottles no longer allowed at World Cup 2026 stadiums Opening the batting, Khare stitched together a crucial 147-run partnership for the first wicket with Amit Kumar Yadav, who contributed a brilliant 85 runs. Their stand propelled Raipur Rhinos to an imposing 228/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Rajnandgaon Panthers struggled against disciplined bowling from the Rhinos. Despite a fighting 74 from captain Ajay Mandal, the Panthers were bowled out for 138 in just 16 overs. Gaurav Chaturvedi starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Ashish Chouhan and Prashant Sai Painkra chipped in with two wickets each. For his match-winning century and inspirational leadership, Amandeep Khare was named Player of the Match. With CCPL Season 3 underway, Khare’s emphatic hundred has already set the benchmark for the tournament. The innings not only handed Raipur Rhinos a perfect start but also reinforced why he remains one of the most consistent and influential figures in Chhattisgarh cricket. As the league progresses, all eyes will be on the Chhattisgarh skipper, whose opening-night heroics have added another memorable chapter to his growing cricketing legacy.

For his match-winning century and inspirational leadership, Amandeep Khare was named Player of the Match.

Amandeep Khare smashes century in CCPL season 3 opener, guides Raipur Rhinos to big win

India will begin their 2026-27 campaign with a home series against Afghanistan, featuring a one-off Test and three ODIs. Afghanistan’s historic multi-format tour starts with the Test in Mullanpur from Jun 6-10, followed by the first bilateral ODI series ever contested between the two nations. Afghanistan will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi in both the formats, while premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been included in the ODI squad, he has been rested for the Test match after claiming 21 wickets for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026.&nbsp;Even without Rashid, the visitors have assembled a competitive red-ball squad for the Mullanpur Test. Alongside captain Shahidi, the lineup includes Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai.&nbsp;India, meanwhile, will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, however, the squad still boasts several key players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indonesia-open-2026-pv-sindhu-suffers-another-defeat-to-se-young-ends-campaign-1780556001743">Indonesia Open 2026: PV Sindhu suffers another defeat to Se Young, ends campaign</a><h2>IND vs AFG series schedule</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Day</td><td>M</td><td>Venue</td><td>Start Time (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 6-10</td><td>Saturday-Wednesday</td><td>1st Test</td><td>Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh</td><td>09:30 AM</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 13</td><td>Saturday</td><td>1st ODI</td><td>Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 17</td><td>Wednesday</td><td>2nd ODI</td><td>Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 20</td><td>Saturday</td><td>3rd ODI</td><td>MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai</td><td>01:30 PM</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2>When and where to watch Afghanistan’s tour of India</h2>Afghanistan’s historic tour of India will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-has-the-talent-but-not-yet-the-system-coach-sandeep-sejwal-s-honest-verdict-on-indian-swimming-1780553486219">'India has the talent, but not yet the system': Coach Sandeep Sejwal's honest verdict on Indian swimming</a><h2>IND vs AFG Test Squad</h2>India: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey&nbsp;Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi<h2>IND vs AFG ODI Squad</h2>India: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey&nbsp;Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami

The Afghanistan men's cricket team is set to play one Test and three ODIs against India in June 2026.

India will begin their 2026-27 campaign with a home series against Afghanistan, featuring a one-off Test and three ODIs. Afghanistan’s historic multi-format tour starts with the Test in Mullanpur from Jun 6-10, followed by the first bilateral ODI series ever contested between the two nations. Afghanistan will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi in both the formats, while premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been included in the ODI squad, he has been rested for the Test match after claiming 21 wickets for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026. Even without Rashid, the visitors have assembled a competitive red-ball squad for the Mullanpur Test. Alongside captain Shahidi, the lineup includes Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai. India, meanwhile, will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, however, the squad still boasts several key players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Also Read - Indonesia Open 2026: PV Sindhu suffers another defeat to Se Young, ends campaign IND vs AFG series schedule

The Afghanistan men's cricket team is set to play one Test and three ODIs against India in June 2026.

India vs Afghanistan 2026: Complete schedule, squads, live streaming & more

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav could miss BCCI’s next selection meeting amid reports of the board sacking him from his position. Having led the Men in Blue to their record third T20 World Cup crown in March this year, SKY underwent a lean patch during and even after the tournament, stretching it through the concluded IPL 2026 for the Mumbai Indians. His poor run with the bat and also his age forced the selectors to look beyond him in the shortest format, with several names emerging as contenders.&nbsp; However, with the latest reports suggesting that the time is up for Suryakumar Yadav in India’s T20I setup, both as captain and player, the selectors are now keen on appointing a new leader.&nbsp;The meeting, however, is supposed to take place either in Chandigarh or Mumbai midway through the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting June 6, with Suryakumar Yadav’s fate likely to be discussed on the sidelines of BCCI’s apex council meeting on Thursday (Jun 5).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajit-agarkar-gautam-gambhir-divided-over-india-next-t20i-captain-as-suryakumar-yadav-exit-most-likely-shreyas-iyer-sanju-samson-ishan-kishan-1780501596441">Agarkar, Gambhir divided over India’s ‘next T20I captain’ as SKY’s exit ‘most likely’ – Report</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, earlier reports hinted at Suryakumar’s exit from India’s T20I side, with the board already looking at several options. A few names popped up, including Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, Chennai Super Kings' latest recruit Sanju Samson, SunRisers Hyderabad’s gloveman Ishan Kishan, Mumbai Indians’ mainstay Tilak Varma and India’s T20I vice-captain and Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel. &nbsp;With Tilak already leading India-A in the forthcoming ODI tri-series, the selectors would keep a keen eye on all possible candidates. Iyer, on the other hand, is busy with Mumbai T20 League commitments, but could earn a call-up to the T20I side for the away UK tour; India will face Ireland for two T20Is and five against England. &nbsp;The BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee will sit to pick the squads for the two T20I series.&nbsp;

Is the SKY era over? Following a lean patch in IPL 2026, Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss the next BCCI selection meeting amid reports of him being sacked as India’s T20I captain. 

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav could miss BCCI’s next selection meeting amid reports of the board sacking him from his position. Having led the Men in Blue to their record third T20 World Cup crown in March this year, SKY underwent a lean patch during and even after the tournament, stretching it through the concluded IPL 2026 for the Mumbai Indians. His poor run with the bat and also his age forced the selectors to look beyond him in the shortest format, with several names emerging as contenders. However, with the latest reports suggesting that the time is up for Suryakumar Yadav in India’s T20I setup, both as captain and player, the selectors are now keen on appointing a new leader. The meeting, however, is supposed to take place either in Chandigarh or Mumbai midway through the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting June 6, with Suryakumar Yadav’s fate likely to be discussed on the sidelines of BCCI’s apex council meeting on Thursday (Jun 5). Also read | Agarkar, Gambhir divided over India’s ‘next T20I captain’ as SKY’s exit ‘most likely’ – Report Meanwhile, earlier reports hinted at Suryakumar’s exit from India’s T20I side, with the board already looking at several options. A few names popped up, including Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, Chennai Super Kings' latest recruit Sanju Samson, SunRisers Hyderabad’s gloveman Ishan Kishan, Mumbai Indians’ mainstay Tilak Varma and India’s T20I vice-captain and Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel. With Tilak already leading India-A in the forthcoming ODI tri-series, the selectors would keep a keen eye on all possible candidates. Iyer, on the other hand, is busy with Mumbai T20 League commitments, but could earn a call-up to the T20I side for the away UK tour; India will face Ireland for two T20Is and five against England. The BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee will sit to pick the squads for the two T20I series.

Is the SKY era over? Following a lean patch in IPL 2026, Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss the next BCCI selection meeting amid reports of him being sacked as India’s T20I captain.&nbsp;

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav set to miss BCCI selection meeting amid sacking reports

T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly being removed from his position, with the BCCI selectors and head coach looking at his replacement. Who are the five names leading the race to become India’s next T20I captain? Let’s check out.

T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly being removed from his position, with the BCCI selectors and head coach looking at his replacement. Who are the five names leading the race to become India’s next T20I captain? Let’s check out.

Who next after Suryakumar Yadav? 5 candidates for India’s T20I captaincy

Suryakumar Yadav’s time as Team India’s T20I captain seems to be up. After a horror IPL 2026 with the bat, SKY, who earlier became only the third Indian captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lift a T20 World Cup, would be the topic of discussion when the BCCI selectors and the head coach Gautam Gambhir sit to pick the squad for the Ireland and England T20Is. At 35 and with an extended lean patch of runs, SKY’s exit looks imminent, with all stakeholders needing to pick his replacement and India’s new T20I captain.&nbsp;A few names popped up midway through the recently concluded IPL 2026, with the Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer leading the race. Although his team failed to reach the playoffs, Iyer’s captaincy style, batting form and history of working with Gambhir (at KKR) during their 2024 triumph campaign press his case as SKY’s replacement at number four in the T20Is. But is he an automatic choice? Perhaps not!&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-effect-india-a-odi-tri-series-to-be-broadcast-live-here-is-how-to-watch-sony-sports-network-1780492263509">The ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Effect’: India-A tri-series to be broadcast live; here’s how to watch</a> &nbsp;The latest report suggests that despite BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s vision of picking a team for the future, as he is often known for, head coach Gambhir could have his reservations. Their disagreements over several topics, including squad selections and playing XIs, have often made headlines, which is healthy if the team benefits from it, but the two are not on the same page on this.&nbsp; &nbsp;With Agarkar wanting to pick a new captain, keeping an eye on the 2028 Summer Games and the T20 World Cup the same year, Gambhir wishes to have more options up his sleeve.<h3>So, what are the options?</h3>A source close to the information revealed several names are being discussed internally to replace SKY, including Sanju Samson, T20I vice-captain Axar Patel and even Ishan Kishan, who impressed with his leadership skills in Pat Cummins’ absence this season. &nbsp;"Ajit is a very strong chief selector, one of the strongest to have been in charge. He has taken some tough calls with an eye on the future, and he, along with his panel, has a plan in place for the T20I captaincy and the way forward. That's the reason Shreyas was appointed vice-captain in ODIs and was in the squad for the last bilateral series India played before the T20 World Cup," the source revealed in a chat with the Times of India (TOI).&nbsp; &nbsp;"Now is he the coach's choice? Or he has someone else in mind? And will that someone be the selectors' choice? These are the important points of discussion. Axar Patel was the vice-captain for the World Cup; Ishan Kishan has age, form and leadership credentials, and then there is Sanju Samson's name doing the rounds. Samson has recency bias on his side, but his inconsistency has not pleased key stakeholders," the source added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s next assignment is a home series against Afghanistan, starting with a one-off Test on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with the three ODIs to follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Who will replace SKY? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir are reportedly divided over India's next T20I captain as the Suryakumar era nears its end.

Suryakumar Yadav’s time as Team India’s T20I captain seems to be up. After a horror IPL 2026 with the bat, SKY, who earlier became only the third Indian captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lift a T20 World Cup, would be the topic of discussion when the BCCI selectors and the head coach Gautam Gambhir sit to pick the squad for the Ireland and England T20Is. At 35 and with an extended lean patch of runs, SKY’s exit looks imminent, with all stakeholders needing to pick his replacement and India’s new T20I captain. A few names popped up midway through the recently concluded IPL 2026, with the Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer leading the race. Although his team failed to reach the playoffs, Iyer’s captaincy style, batting form and history of working with Gambhir (at KKR) during their 2024 triumph campaign press his case as SKY’s replacement at number four in the T20Is. But is he an automatic choice? Perhaps not! Also read | The ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Effect’: India-A tri-series to be broadcast live; here’s how to watch The latest report suggests that despite BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s vision of picking a team for the future, as he is often known for, head coach Gambhir could have his reservations. Their disagreements over several topics, including squad selections and playing XIs, have often made headlines, which is healthy if the team benefits from it, but the two are not on the same page on this. With Agarkar wanting to pick a new captain, keeping an eye on the 2028 Summer Games and the T20 World Cup the same year, Gambhir wishes to have more options up his sleeve. So, what are the options? A source close to the information revealed several names are being discussed internally to replace SKY, including Sanju Samson, T20I vice-captain Axar Patel and even Ishan Kishan, who impressed with his leadership skills in Pat Cummins’ absence this season. "Ajit is a very strong chief selector, one of the strongest to have been in charge. He has taken some tough calls with an eye on the future, and he, along with his panel, has a plan in place for the T20I captaincy and the way forward. That's the reason Shreyas was appointed vice-captain in ODIs and was in the squad for the last bilateral series India played before the T20 World Cup," the source revealed in a chat with the Times of India (TOI). "Now is he the coach's choice? Or he has someone else in mind? And will that someone be the selectors' choice? These are the important points of discussion. Axar Patel was the vice-captain for the World Cup; Ishan Kishan has age, form and leadership credentials, and then there is Sanju Samson's name doing the rounds. Samson has recency bias on his side, but his inconsistency has not pleased key stakeholders," the source added. Meanwhile, India’s next assignment is a home series against Afghanistan, starting with a one-off Test on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with the three ODIs to follow.

Who will replace SKY? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir are reportedly divided over India's next T20I captain as the Suryakumar era nears its end.

Agarkar, Gambhir divided over India’s ‘next T20I captain’ as SKY’s exit ‘most likely’ – Report

England Test captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer for his absence from the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s due to IPL commitments. Speaking to the media ahead of the series opener starting Thursday (Jun 4), Stokes warned that leading England players like Archer could be driven away from international cricket if the ECB attempts to limit their IPL commitments.&nbsp;Months after the Ashes embarrassment (1-4), England resumes Test cricket duties, with the home summer getting underway at the Home of Cricket in London. However, the hosts would be without Archer for the first Test, who was part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad, which was beaten by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh. &nbsp;Currently in Barbados, the country of his birth, Archer’s availability for the second Test also remains uncertain.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-effect-india-a-odi-tri-series-to-be-broadcast-live-here-is-how-to-watch-sony-sports-network-1780492263509">The ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Effect’: India-A tri-series to be broadcast live; here’s how to watch</a> &nbsp;Although New Zealand’s cricketer-turned-broadcaster Simon Doull called Archer’s absence (due to IPL commitments) ‘absolutely ludicrous’, Stokes commented on the same, saying that the top white-ball players could lose to Tests if they were to make themselves available for every match. &nbsp;"I totally understand people's frustrations around it, but there is another side to it," Stokes said. "A lot of it has to do with the landscape of cricket and where it is at the moment. &nbsp;"A lot of points people are making around Jof and that situation are to do with the landscape when they were playing. But it's completely different now. There are opportunities for cricketers now that there were not 10, 15, 20 years ago." &nbsp;Stokes said Archer's desire to play for his country was unquestionable, warning against a hardline approach. &nbsp;"There is a situation where it could get messy, and players like Jofra might not play for England again if you handle it in a different way, and that is not good for there anyone," he said. "Jofra has shown that he's committed and loves playing for England. Just because he's not available for this first Test match does not change that." &nbsp;On the other hand, Jacob Bethell, who also represented the eventual IPL 2026 winners, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is with the England team at Lord's, having played no meaningful red-ball cricket since his stunning Ashes century in Sydney in January. &nbsp;"It's just one of those things. You have your number three (Bethell), he has a great couple of games out in Australia, then he spends nine or 10 weeks out in India, and you are seeing him two days before a Test match," said Stokes. "That is almost becoming the norm. The game is changing all the time. There are some things you have to roll with and accept; it is what it is."&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Ben Stokes defends Jofra Archer’s absence from the New Zealand Test series opener following backlash over his extended IPL commitments.

England Test captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer for his absence from the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s due to IPL commitments. Speaking to the media ahead of the series opener starting Thursday (Jun 4), Stokes warned that leading England players like Archer could be driven away from international cricket if the ECB attempts to limit their IPL commitments. Months after the Ashes embarrassment (1-4), England resumes Test cricket duties, with the home summer getting underway at the Home of Cricket in London. However, the hosts would be without Archer for the first Test, who was part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad, which was beaten by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh. Currently in Barbados, the country of his birth, Archer’s availability for the second Test also remains uncertain. Also read | The ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Effect’: India-A tri-series to be broadcast live; here’s how to watch Although New Zealand’s cricketer-turned-broadcaster Simon Doull called Archer’s absence (due to IPL commitments) ‘absolutely ludicrous’, Stokes commented on the same, saying that the top white-ball players could lose to Tests if they were to make themselves available for every match. "I totally understand people's frustrations around it, but there is another side to it," Stokes said. "A lot of it has to do with the landscape of cricket and where it is at the moment. "A lot of points people are making around Jof and that situation are to do with the landscape when they were playing. But it's completely different now. There are opportunities for cricketers now that there were not 10, 15, 20 years ago." Stokes said Archer's desire to play for his country was unquestionable, warning against a hardline approach. "There is a situation where it could get messy, and players like Jofra might not play for England again if you handle it in a different way, and that is not good for there anyone," he said. "Jofra has shown that he's committed and loves playing for England. Just because he's not available for this first Test match does not change that." On the other hand, Jacob Bethell, who also represented the eventual IPL 2026 winners, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is with the England team at Lord's, having played no meaningful red-ball cricket since his stunning Ashes century in Sydney in January. "It's just one of those things. You have your number three (Bethell), he has a great couple of games out in Australia, then he spends nine or 10 weeks out in India, and you are seeing him two days before a Test match," said Stokes. "That is almost becoming the norm. The game is changing all the time. There are some things you have to roll with and accept; it is what it is." (With inputs from AFP)

Ben Stokes defends Jofra Archer’s absence from the New Zealand Test series opener following backlash over his extended IPL commitments.

‘It is what it is’: Ben Stokes defends Archer’s Test absence due to IPL duties

Has India found its new cricketing superstar? Perhaps! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at 15, is doing wonders. Not only is he making headlines for all the right reasons, but he is also forcing broadcasters to chase him, even if it is for an India-A tour. After owning IPL 2026, the 15-year-old prodigy will don the India jersey for the ODI tri-series (A-tour), including hosts Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. His inclusion in the side sparked significant interest, with the authorities deciding to broadcast the whole series on a full-fledged scale.&nbsp;After his over-the-top IPL 2026, where Vaibhav won as many as five awards, including the MVP, Super Striker and three more, the Sony Sports Network, which holds broadcasting rights for India’s tours of Sri Lanka, will telecast the tri-series, starting June 9. After missing out on broadcasting the ICC tournaments and IPL, with rivals JioHotstar televising all major action lately, Sony holds the rights to showcase Vaibhav’s talent worldwide.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-2026-full-schedule-2-wtc-tests-5-odis-t20is-india-set-for-marathon-new-zealand-tour-this-winters-shubman-gill-wtc-final-cycle-1780487709956">2 WTC Tests, 10 white-ball games: India set for marathon New Zealand tour this winter | Check full schedule</a> &nbsp;Although not new to the praises, Vaibhav earned widespread pats on his back for his scintillating performance in the past year. Since making his IPL debut in the 2025 edition, Vaibhav has won several accolades, including winning the Under-19 ODI World Cup early this year. His second IPL season saw him break an array of records.&nbsp; &nbsp;The left-handed opener scored the most runs by an uncapped player in an edition in the tournament history, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches and winning the Orange Cap for that. He also broke Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes hit in a season, surpassing Gayle’s tally of 59 (in 2012), clobbering 72 in his second season. His exploits in the Eliminator against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the internet, as he smashed 97 off just 29 balls, his 90-plus score in this season, excluding a hundred. &nbsp;Such was his craze that when he departed on a brilliant 96 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2, the crowd at the New Chandigarh Stadium in Mullanpur went silent, reminding everyone of early Sachin Tendulkar days in Indian Cricket.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Dambulla will host all matches.&nbsp;

After a historic, record-breaking season, 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gears up for India A's tour of Sri Lanka. Catch the live action on Sony!

Has India found its new cricketing superstar? Perhaps! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at 15, is doing wonders. Not only is he making headlines for all the right reasons, but he is also forcing broadcasters to chase him, even if it is for an India-A tour. After owning IPL 2026, the 15-year-old prodigy will don the India jersey for the ODI tri-series (A-tour), including hosts Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. His inclusion in the side sparked significant interest, with the authorities deciding to broadcast the whole series on a full-fledged scale. After his over-the-top IPL 2026, where Vaibhav won as many as five awards, including the MVP, Super Striker and three more, the Sony Sports Network, which holds broadcasting rights for India’s tours of Sri Lanka, will telecast the tri-series, starting June 9. After missing out on broadcasting the ICC tournaments and IPL, with rivals JioHotstar televising all major action lately, Sony holds the rights to showcase Vaibhav’s talent worldwide. Also read | 2 WTC Tests, 10 white-ball games: India set for marathon New Zealand tour this winter | Check full schedule Although not new to the praises, Vaibhav earned widespread pats on his back for his scintillating performance in the past year. Since making his IPL debut in the 2025 edition, Vaibhav has won several accolades, including winning the Under-19 ODI World Cup early this year. His second IPL season saw him break an array of records. The left-handed opener scored the most runs by an uncapped player in an edition in the tournament history, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches and winning the Orange Cap for that. He also broke Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes hit in a season, surpassing Gayle’s tally of 59 (in 2012), clobbering 72 in his second season. His exploits in the Eliminator against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the internet, as he smashed 97 off just 29 balls, his 90-plus score in this season, excluding a hundred. Such was his craze that when he departed on a brilliant 96 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2, the crowd at the New Chandigarh Stadium in Mullanpur went silent, reminding everyone of early Sachin Tendulkar days in Indian Cricket. Meanwhile, Dambulla will host all matches.

After a historic, record-breaking season, 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gears up for India A's tour of Sri Lanka. Catch the live action on Sony!

The ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Effect’: India-A tri-series to be broadcast live; here’s how to watch

The IPL 2026 is over, and Team India will be back playing international cricket, with the first goal being to qualify for the WTC Final next year. Currently sixth on the WTC table for the 2025-27 cycle, India will play nine scheduled Tests, including two against New Zealand later this winter. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced its schedule for the home summer, with the Men in Blue slated to play five T20Is and as many ODIs in the 12-match full-fledged tour from October to December.&nbsp;India will begin its tour with five T20Is, starting with the first two at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22 and 24. Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton will then host the remaining three T20Is on October 27, 30 and November 1, respectively. Following a two-day window, Auckland will host the ODI series opener on November 4. Wellington (November 7) and Hamilton (November 10) are venues for the second and the third ODI, with Mount Maunganui staging the final two One-Dayers on November 13 and 15, respectively.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-eng-w-3rd-t20i-harmanpreet-s-50-goes-in-vain-as-england-seal-series-2-1-after-capsey-and-knight-masterclass-1780450151980">IND-W vs ENG-W 3rd T20I: Harmanpreet's 50 goes in vain as England seal series 2-1 after Capsey and Knight masterclass</a> &nbsp;The Test series gets underway in Wellington on November 19, with the second Test scheduled in Christchurch starting November 27. &nbsp;"The New Zealand government will be supporting the inbound India tour alongside adjacent sporting tours by India later in the year, as 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India are commemorated," the NZC statement said. &nbsp;For India, this tour would hold great significance. While the 10 white-ball games will help them prepare for the ODI and T20 World Cups that follow, the two Tests will be Team India’s priority. To qualify for their third WTC final, India must at least win seven of their remaining nine Tests, two of which would be played on quick and double-paced New Zealand pitches. &nbsp;Yet to win a Test series in New Zealand since 2009, Shubman Gill-led India’s Test team will aim to end their winning drought in those challenging conditions. &nbsp;New Zealand, however, will also host Sri Lanka for three ODIs, as many T20Is and two Tests from January 16 to February 12. In between the two series, New Zealand will also host Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from December 10 to 23.&nbsp;<h3>Check Team India's Full Schedule -&nbsp;</h3>T20I Series -<ul><li>1st T20I - October 22</li><li>2nd T20I – October 24</li><li>3rd T20I – October 27</li><li>4th T20I – October 30</li><li>5th T20I – November 1</li></ul>ODI Series –<ul><li>1st ODI – November 4</li><li>2nd ODI – November 7</li><li>3rd ODI – November 10</li><li>4th ODI – November 13</li><li>5th ODI – November 15</li></ul>Test Series –<ul><li>1st Test – November 19 to 2</li><li>2nd Test – November 27 to December 1</li></ul>

Get the full schedule, match dates, and venues for India's marathon 12-match winter tour of New Zealand 2026. Can Shubman Gill's men seal vital WTC points?

The IPL 2026 is over, and Team India will be back playing international cricket, with the first goal being to qualify for the WTC Final next year. Currently sixth on the WTC table for the 2025-27 cycle, India will play nine scheduled Tests, including two against New Zealand later this winter. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced its schedule for the home summer, with the Men in Blue slated to play five T20Is and as many ODIs in the 12-match full-fledged tour from October to December. India will begin its tour with five T20Is, starting with the first two at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22 and 24. Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton will then host the remaining three T20Is on October 27, 30 and November 1, respectively. Following a two-day window, Auckland will host the ODI series opener on November 4. Wellington (November 7) and Hamilton (November 10) are venues for the second and the third ODI, with Mount Maunganui staging the final two One-Dayers on November 13 and 15, respectively. Also read | IND-W vs ENG-W 3rd T20I: Harmanpreet's 50 goes in vain as England seal series 2-1 after Capsey and Knight masterclass The Test series gets underway in Wellington on November 19, with the second Test scheduled in Christchurch starting November 27. "The New Zealand government will be supporting the inbound India tour alongside adjacent sporting tours by India later in the year, as 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India are commemorated," the NZC statement said. For India, this tour would hold great significance. While the 10 white-ball games will help them prepare for the ODI and T20 World Cups that follow, the two Tests will be Team India’s priority. To qualify for their third WTC final, India must at least win seven of their remaining nine Tests, two of which would be played on quick and double-paced New Zealand pitches. Yet to win a Test series in New Zealand since 2009, Shubman Gill-led India’s Test team will aim to end their winning drought in those challenging conditions. New Zealand, however, will also host Sri Lanka for three ODIs, as many T20Is and two Tests from January 16 to February 12. In between the two series, New Zealand will also host Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from December 10 to 23. Check Team India's Full Schedule - T20I Series - 1st T20I - October 22 2nd T20I – October 24 3rd T20I – October 27 4th T20I – October 30 5th T20I – November 1 ODI Series – 1st ODI – November 4 2nd ODI – November 7 3rd ODI – November 10 4th ODI – November 13 5th ODI – November 15 Test Series – 1st Test – November 19 to 2 2nd Test – November 27 to December 1

Get the full schedule, match dates, and venues for India's marathon 12-match winter tour of New Zealand 2026. Can Shubman Gill's men seal vital WTC points?

2 WTC Tests, 10 white-ball games: India set for marathon New Zealand tour this winter| Check full schedule

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is all over the cricket world and the internet. He is just 15 and has already defined the T20 template, enabling new ways to break records, score runs and hit sixes fearlessly. Playing only his second IPL season, the Rajasthan Royals opener, who is also an Under-19 ODI World Cup winner, swept away five records, creating history. His runs, sixes tally and strike rate earned him accolades that no one has collected in one season combined. He is clearly earmarked for international success and will soon realise his dream of playing for India, but what does this mean for him and the country? Let's explore.<h2>Records, rewards and much more</h2>Sooryavanshi broke a handful of IPL records in the just-concluded edition. Barring scoring the most runs for an uncapped player in an IPL season, the left-handed opener broke Chris Gayle’s tally of 59 sixes in one edition, which he smashed in 2012. Vaibhav comfortably passed that tally, clobbering 72 sixes in IPL 2026 – a record. &nbsp;Besides, Vaibhav also weaponised the first six overs like no batter has before him, scoring an astonishing 521 runs within the Powerplay phase, striking at a touching 233. His impact at the start kept him ahead of the modern-day SRH enforcers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-has-mastered-the-art-of-t20-batting-sanjay-manjrekar-lauds-rcb-star-for-his-ipl-2026-final-heroics-1780412086556">‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar lauds Kohli after his IPL 2026 final heroics</a> &nbsp;He has a lot more to him than just acing the art of T20 hitting, including hitting express pace with utter ease, maximising results on most occasions. During the Eliminator against Hyderabad in New Chandigarh, Sooryavanshi scored 97 off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes, including three in an over thrice. The look on Pat Cummins’ face and his comments after the match told the entire story.&nbsp; &nbsp;“He played pretty well. Just don't feel like you have too many options,” Cummins said on Vaibhav’s skyrocketing inning.<h3>What does the future hold for Sooryavanshi?</h3>Sooryavanshi’s rise has opened doors for budding cricketers to dream big and chase them, realising that if Vaibhav could, they can too. &nbsp;It’s not long before the batting sensation shall be fast-tracked into the senior men’s team, with plenty of T20 series lined up this year. While he will be away for the tri-nation T20 series in Sri Lanka next, representing India-A, the BCCI selectors could look at him as a potential pick for the away UK tour next. Considering the A-listers could be back for the five-match T20I series against England, starting July 1, Vaibhav could find a place for the Ireland T20Is. &nbsp;ODIs and Tests are a distant dream for now, but you never know.&nbsp; &nbsp;Could he break into India’s T20I first team in the meantime? Maybe, or maybe it’s early, but there are no questions about his talent.&nbsp;

At just 15, Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has completely rewritten T20 history in IPL 2026. Discover how he shattered Chris Gayle's ultimate record.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is all over the cricket world and the internet. He is just 15 and has already defined the T20 template, enabling new ways to break records, score runs and hit sixes fearlessly. Playing only his second IPL season, the Rajasthan Royals opener, who is also an Under-19 ODI World Cup winner, swept away five records, creating history. His runs, sixes tally and strike rate earned him accolades that no one has collected in one season combined. He is clearly earmarked for international success and will soon realise his dream of playing for India, but what does this mean for him and the country? Let's explore. Records, rewards and much more Sooryavanshi broke a handful of IPL records in the just-concluded edition. Barring scoring the most runs for an uncapped player in an IPL season, the left-handed opener broke Chris Gayle’s tally of 59 sixes in one edition, which he smashed in 2012. Vaibhav comfortably passed that tally, clobbering 72 sixes in IPL 2026 – a record. Besides, Vaibhav also weaponised the first six overs like no batter has before him, scoring an astonishing 521 runs within the Powerplay phase, striking at a touching 233. His impact at the start kept him ahead of the modern-day SRH enforcers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. Also read | ‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar lauds Kohli after his IPL 2026 final heroics He has a lot more to him than just acing the art of T20 hitting, including hitting express pace with utter ease, maximising results on most occasions. During the Eliminator against Hyderabad in New Chandigarh, Sooryavanshi scored 97 off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes, including three in an over thrice. The look on Pat Cummins’ face and his comments after the match told the entire story. “He played pretty well. Just don't feel like you have too many options,” Cummins said on Vaibhav’s skyrocketing inning. What does the future hold for Sooryavanshi? Sooryavanshi’s rise has opened doors for budding cricketers to dream big and chase them, realising that if Vaibhav could, they can too. It’s not long before the batting sensation shall be fast-tracked into the senior men’s team, with plenty of T20 series lined up this year. While he will be away for the tri-nation T20 series in Sri Lanka next, representing India-A, the BCCI selectors could look at him as a potential pick for the away UK tour next. Considering the A-listers could be back for the five-match T20I series against England, starting July 1, Vaibhav could find a place for the Ireland T20Is. ODIs and Tests are a distant dream for now, but you never know. Could he break into India’s T20I first team in the meantime? Maybe, or maybe it’s early, but there are no questions about his talent.

At just 15, Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has completely rewritten T20 history in IPL 2026. Discover how he shattered Chris Gayle's ultimate record.

'The 15-year-old who broke IPL' - What Sooryavanshi's defining season means for Indian Cricket

The hosts, England, have named two uncapped players in their final XII for the summer’s opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s in London. Opener Emilio Gay and pacer Sonny Baker have been picked for the series opener, while Ollie Robinson returned for the first time in over two years. Captain Ben Stokes is also back leading the team for the first time since the Ashes debacle, with veteran batter Joe Root ready to take centre stage. On the other hand, another of the Fab Four, Kane Williamson, is set for his last dance at the Home of Cricket.&nbsp;Check England XII for the Lord’s Test – &nbsp;Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue &nbsp;With no Zak Crawley at the top following a shallow away Ashes, England roped in Durham batter Gay to open alongside Ben Duckett, with Baker also potentially earning his maiden Test call-up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sairaj-bahutule-joins-india-support-staff-as-spin-bowling-coach-for-afghanistan-series-ind-vs-afg-one-off-test-new-chandigarh-june-6-1780403299248">Remember Sairaj Bahutule? PBKS spin coach joins India support staff for Afghanistan series</a> &nbsp;Praising the speedster, England head coach Brendon McCullum said, "Sonny Baker is quick. I think he's going to be a cricketer the country really gets behind when he does play. He charges in, and he leaves everything out there. He's full noise. He's exciting. He swings the ball both ways, and he's obviously got the ability to touch 90mph. He's an exciting proposition, and his time, if it's not in this Test, his time will come. If it is in this Test, I'd expect him to do a good job." &nbsp;With no Jofra Archer available for selection due to IPL commitments and Brydon Carse out with a finger injury, England brought back Robinson to lead the pace attack at Lord’s. Without revealing his final XI, McCullum commented on how the weather could determine the side that walks out for the first Test. &nbsp;"There is a little bit of jeopardy around the conditions and the forecast over the next 48 hours," McCullum said ahead of the Lord’s Test starting Thursday (June 4). “We have a strong understanding of what we think will be our XI, but we do want to have the ability to pivot if required, if the conditions turn out to be slightly different to what we anticipate.”<h3>Kane’s ‘last dance’ at Lord’s</h3>At 35, Kane Williamson might not play another Test at the Home of Cricket after this one and realising this, he said, "It's always a special Test. I think if you look over your career, you only get...well depends on how long you play for... but yeah, I've played for a while, and you only get a handful of opportunities to come to Lords and play. &nbsp;"I think the way they maintain the tradition is quite special. It's unique to Lords; the history that surrounds it, the effort that goes into it, to all of that- you come here and you, you notice those differences to all other grounds,” he continued.&nbsp;

A new era meets a historic farewell at Lord's. England name uncapped starlets Emilio Gay and Sonny Baker in their final XII, while Kane Williamson prepares for his ultimate 'last dance.'

The hosts, England, have named two uncapped players in their final XII for the summer’s opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s in London. Opener Emilio Gay and pacer Sonny Baker have been picked for the series opener, while Ollie Robinson returned for the first time in over two years. Captain Ben Stokes is also back leading the team for the first time since the Ashes debacle, with veteran batter Joe Root ready to take centre stage. On the other hand, another of the Fab Four, Kane Williamson, is set for his last dance at the Home of Cricket. Check England XII for the Lord’s Test – Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue With no Zak Crawley at the top following a shallow away Ashes, England roped in Durham batter Gay to open alongside Ben Duckett, with Baker also potentially earning his maiden Test call-up. Also read | Remember Sairaj Bahutule? PBKS spin coach joins India support staff for Afghanistan series Praising the speedster, England head coach Brendon McCullum said, "Sonny Baker is quick. I think he's going to be a cricketer the country really gets behind when he does play. He charges in, and he leaves everything out there. He's full noise. He's exciting. He swings the ball both ways, and he's obviously got the ability to touch 90mph. He's an exciting proposition, and his time, if it's not in this Test, his time will come. If it is in this Test, I'd expect him to do a good job." With no Jofra Archer available for selection due to IPL commitments and Brydon Carse out with a finger injury, England brought back Robinson to lead the pace attack at Lord’s. Without revealing his final XI, McCullum commented on how the weather could determine the side that walks out for the first Test. "There is a little bit of jeopardy around the conditions and the forecast over the next 48 hours," McCullum said ahead of the Lord’s Test starting Thursday (June 4). “We have a strong understanding of what we think will be our XI, but we do want to have the ability to pivot if required, if the conditions turn out to be slightly different to what we anticipate.” Kane’s ‘last dance’ at Lord’s At 35, Kane Williamson might not play another Test at the Home of Cricket after this one and realising this, he said, "It's always a special Test. I think if you look over your career, you only get...well depends on how long you play for... but yeah, I've played for a while, and you only get a handful of opportunities to come to Lords and play. "I think the way they maintain the tradition is quite special. It's unique to Lords; the history that surrounds it, the effort that goes into it, to all of that- you come here and you, you notice those differences to all other grounds,” he continued.

A new era meets a historic farewell at Lord's. England name uncapped starlets Emilio Gay and Sonny Baker in their final XII, while Kane Williamson prepares for his ultimate 'last dance.'

ENG vs NZ 1st Test: England name uncapped Gay, Baker in final XII; Williamson set for Lord’s ‘last dance’

Melbourne’s two Big Bash League teams, the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, are reportedly set for a major change ahead of the upcoming season. According to SEN Cricket, the two clubs are expected to be brought together under a single operational structure managed by Cricket Victoria. Staff members were reportedly informed of the proposed development on Tuesday (Jun 2).&nbsp;The new team would keep the Melbourne name instead of Victoria, as per BBL rules and would likely continue to play home matches at the MCG and could potentially wear Victoria’s traditional navy-blue colours.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a previous report by Code Sports said “Bushrangers” is one of the names being considered for the new merged team. Although Cricket Victoria runs both Melbourne BBL sides, reports suggest it still plans to sell its second licene, which is likely to be bought by IPL-linked investors and rebranded.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-tahsin-mohammed-19-year-old-indian-teen-with-kerala-roots-named-in-qatar-fifa-world-cup-squad-1780415799928">Who is Tahsin Mohammed? Indian teen with Kerala roots named in Qatar World Cup squad</a>&nbsp;Earlier reports had indicated that the Renegades were the most likely club to be sold and under those plans, the franchise would have split its home fixtures across multiple venues, including the MCG, GMHBA Stadium, Junction Oval and even Chennai in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar on Kohli's IPL final heroics">‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar lauds Kohli after his IPL 2026 final heroics</a>&nbsp;The reports further indicate that the Stars and Renegades playing squads will remain separate for now, with the changes focused primarily on administration rather than on-field operations.&nbsp;The development comes after Cricket Australia’s efforts to introduce private ownership into the BBL from the 2027-28 season were put on hold in April following resistance from the cricket associations of Queensland and New South Wales.

In a major development for the Big Bash League, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades are reportedly set to merge into a single franchise, marking a significant shake-up in Australian T20 cricket.

Melbourne’s two Big Bash League teams, the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, are reportedly set for a major change ahead of the upcoming season. According to SEN Cricket, the two clubs are expected to be brought together under a single operational structure managed by Cricket Victoria. Staff members were reportedly informed of the proposed development on Tuesday (Jun 2). The new team would keep the Melbourne name instead of Victoria, as per BBL rules and would likely continue to play home matches at the MCG and could potentially wear Victoria’s traditional navy-blue colours. Meanwhile, a previous report by Code Sports said “Bushrangers” is one of the names being considered for the new merged team. Although Cricket Victoria runs both Melbourne BBL sides, reports suggest it still plans to sell its second licene, which is likely to be bought by IPL-linked investors and rebranded. Also Read - Who is Tahsin Mohammed? Indian teen with Kerala roots named in Qatar World Cup squad Earlier reports had indicated that the Renegades were the most likely club to be sold and under those plans, the franchise would have split its home fixtures across multiple venues, including the MCG, GMHBA Stadium, Junction Oval and even Chennai in India. Also Read - ‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar lauds Kohli after his IPL 2026 final heroics The reports further indicate that the Stars and Renegades playing squads will remain separate for now, with the changes focused primarily on administration rather than on-field operations. The development comes after Cricket Australia’s efforts to introduce private ownership into the BBL from the 2027-28 season were put on hold in April following resistance from the cricket associations of Queensland and New South Wales.

In a major development for the Big Bash League, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades are reportedly set to merge into a single franchise, marking a significant shake-up in Australian T20 cricket.

Melbourne Stars, Renegades set for merger in major Big Bash League shake-up

After 18 IPL seasons and two titles, back-to-back, batting giant Virat Kohli has mastered the art of T20 batting, says cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar. Kohli, the RCB icon, was the hero with the bat on the night of the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, hitting an unbeaten 75 to complete the run chase (against the Gujarat Titans) and help his team successfully defend its IPL crown. With 675 runs this season, Kohli became the only player ever to breach the 600-run mark in four straight editions, creating history. However, his longtime sceptic, Sanjay, praised Virat for his heroics.&nbsp;Virat has won countless T20 matches for India and his IPL franchise over the years, proving how well he has met the demands of the modern-day T20 game. Often called out for his strike rate, Virat bettered it from the last season, scoring at over 165 in IPL 2026, and Manjrekar is absolutely delighted with this improvement in his batting.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-player-and-what-a-knock-virat-kohli-gets-special-praise-from-this-england-footballer-after-rcb-s-back-to-back-ipl-titles-1780380131610">'What a player and what a knock': Virat Kohli gets special praise from THIS England footballer after RCB's back-to-back IPL titles</a>&nbsp;Also, unlike previously, when Kohli used to take his time before opening his arms, as it’s his usual game, the batting king now begins in the third and fourth gear, cashing in on the chances inside the Powerplay, something that impressed Manjrekar the most. Taking to his Instagram channel, Sanjay lauded Kohli, saying,&nbsp;“At this stage, watching him in this tournament, he has mastered the art of T20 batting that is needed in IPL cricket. Which means now he knows that he has to score at a 150 to 160 strike rate. So he cashes in the first six overs. The most important thing is that he has found this power game, which is just about optimum. It’s almost like he is in third and fourth gear, while the others are trying to hit at a strike rate of 200 and 230.&nbsp;“Because of that, there are mishits, and they have to be lucky with someone dropping a catch, and then their innings flourish. Virat Kohli has ensured that there aren’t any mishits because he’s just hitting the ball long enough to go over the boundary, thereby ensuring his technique and balance are right. The bottom hand jab comes into play,” he added.<h3>Precision of placing fours over volatile sixes</h3>Regardless of how quickly T20 cricket is evolving and upcoming youngsters love smashing all balls over the boundary line, Kohli enjoys scoring his boundaries, as he does in international cricket. Carefully mending his T20 game to tick the modern-day parameters, Kohli hasn’t lost touch with scoring fours at will.&nbsp;“When hitting boundaries, Kohli is still big on fours rather than sixes as he does in white-ball international cricket. Having mastered the art of T20 batting, I don’t see it quickly fading away from Kohli. He will keep working on his fitness, and he has found this template to be consistent and to go with the modern times of strike rate. This form of Virat Kohli will be there for a while, and thereby, RCB will be very fortunate and, in a way, very deserving as well,” Manjrekar observed.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kohli’s next outing will be against Afghanistan during the three-match ODI series starting June 14.

After RCB's historic IPL 2026 title defence, longtime sceptic Sanjay Manjrekar admits Virat Kohli has completely mastered the modern template of T20 batting.

After 18 IPL seasons and two titles, back-to-back, batting giant Virat Kohli has mastered the art of T20 batting, says cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar. Kohli, the RCB icon, was the hero with the bat on the night of the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, hitting an unbeaten 75 to complete the run chase (against the Gujarat Titans) and help his team successfully defend its IPL crown. With 675 runs this season, Kohli became the only player ever to breach the 600-run mark in four straight editions, creating history. However, his longtime sceptic, Sanjay, praised Virat for his heroics. Virat has won countless T20 matches for India and his IPL franchise over the years, proving how well he has met the demands of the modern-day T20 game. Often called out for his strike rate, Virat bettered it from the last season, scoring at over 165 in IPL 2026, and Manjrekar is absolutely delighted with this improvement in his batting. Also read | 'What a player and what a knock': Virat Kohli gets special praise from THIS England footballer after RCB's back-to-back IPL titles Also, unlike previously, when Kohli used to take his time before opening his arms, as it’s his usual game, the batting king now begins in the third and fourth gear, cashing in on the chances inside the Powerplay, something that impressed Manjrekar the most. Taking to his Instagram channel, Sanjay lauded Kohli, saying, “At this stage, watching him in this tournament, he has mastered the art of T20 batting that is needed in IPL cricket. Which means now he knows that he has to score at a 150 to 160 strike rate. So he cashes in the first six overs. The most important thing is that he has found this power game, which is just about optimum. It’s almost like he is in third and fourth gear, while the others are trying to hit at a strike rate of 200 and 230. “Because of that, there are mishits, and they have to be lucky with someone dropping a catch, and then their innings flourish. Virat Kohli has ensured that there aren’t any mishits because he’s just hitting the ball long enough to go over the boundary, thereby ensuring his technique and balance are right. The bottom hand jab comes into play,” he added. Precision of placing fours over volatile sixes Regardless of how quickly T20 cricket is evolving and upcoming youngsters love smashing all balls over the boundary line, Kohli enjoys scoring his boundaries, as he does in international cricket. Carefully mending his T20 game to tick the modern-day parameters, Kohli hasn’t lost touch with scoring fours at will. “When hitting boundaries, Kohli is still big on fours rather than sixes as he does in white-ball international cricket. Having mastered the art of T20 batting, I don’t see it quickly fading away from Kohli. He will keep working on his fitness, and he has found this template to be consistent and to go with the modern times of strike rate. This form of Virat Kohli will be there for a while, and thereby, RCB will be very fortunate and, in a way, very deserving as well,” Manjrekar observed. Meanwhile, Kohli’s next outing will be against Afghanistan during the three-match ODI series starting June 14.

After RCB's historic IPL 2026 title defence, longtime sceptic Sanjay Manjrekar admits Virat Kohli has completely mastered the modern template of T20 batting.

‘He has mastered the art of T20 batting’: Manjrekar lauds Kohli after his IPL 2026 final heroics

Here's a look at the five players who could be released by their franchises after disappointing campaigns in IPL 2026.

Here's a look at the five players who could be released by their franchises after disappointing campaigns in IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: 5 players who could be released after disappointing campaigns

Sairaj Bahutule, the former Indian leg-spinner and a domestic giant with over 600 wickets in First-Class cricket, will join Team India’s backroom staff as their spin-bowling coach for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The 53-year-old Punjab Kings spin coach will also work with the spinners in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;Bahutule’s coaching experience should come in handy for the Indian spinners across formats. While his latest stint was with PBKS during the just-concluded IPL 2026, where his team finished outside the top four, Sairaj worked with Kerala and Bengal men’s teams earlier. Even in the IPL, he was part of Rajasthan Royals’ support staff from 2018 to 2021, before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He rejoined the franchise for one year during the 2025 edition.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-founder-lalit-modi-biggest-regret-giving-bcci-too-much-power-indian-premier-league-valuation-ipl-2026-final-rcb-beat-gt-1780399643914">‘My Biggest Regret’: IPL founder Lalit Modi on giving BCCI too much power</a> &nbsp;During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India head coach, Sairaj was part of the support staff for India A series, alongside a few India series. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Bahutule had a brief international career. Since making his India debut in 1997, the leg-spinner has played only two Tests and eight ODIs, with his last appearance coming in 2003. However, in domestic cricket, Bahutule registered 630 FC wickets in 188 matches, and 197 in 143 List-A Games &nbsp;Bahutule will now join Team India’s coaching staff consisting of the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), bowling coach Morne Morkel, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, T Dilip (fielding coach) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (assistant coach). &nbsp;Sitting in the sixth place on the WTC points table with four wins, as many losses and a draw, Team India must pull up its socks should they wish to stay alive in the race for the top two in this cycle. Team India will return to action for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting June 6.&nbsp;

Domestic cricket legend Sairaj Bahutule joins Gautam Gambhir's Team India backroom staff as specialist spin coach ahead of the Afghanistan Test in Chandigarh.

Sairaj Bahutule, the former Indian leg-spinner and a domestic giant with over 600 wickets in First-Class cricket, will join Team India’s backroom staff as their spin-bowling coach for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The 53-year-old Punjab Kings spin coach will also work with the spinners in white-ball cricket. Bahutule’s coaching experience should come in handy for the Indian spinners across formats. While his latest stint was with PBKS during the just-concluded IPL 2026, where his team finished outside the top four, Sairaj worked with Kerala and Bengal men’s teams earlier. Even in the IPL, he was part of Rajasthan Royals’ support staff from 2018 to 2021, before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He rejoined the franchise for one year during the 2025 edition. Also read | ‘My Biggest Regret’: IPL founder Lalit Modi on giving BCCI too much power During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India head coach, Sairaj was part of the support staff for India A series, alongside a few India series. Meanwhile, Bahutule had a brief international career. Since making his India debut in 1997, the leg-spinner has played only two Tests and eight ODIs, with his last appearance coming in 2003. However, in domestic cricket, Bahutule registered 630 FC wickets in 188 matches, and 197 in 143 List-A Games Bahutule will now join Team India’s coaching staff consisting of the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), bowling coach Morne Morkel, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, T Dilip (fielding coach) and Ryan Ten Doeschate (assistant coach). Sitting in the sixth place on the WTC points table with four wins, as many losses and a draw, Team India must pull up its socks should they wish to stay alive in the race for the top two in this cycle. Team India will return to action for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting June 6.

Domestic cricket legend Sairaj Bahutule joins Gautam Gambhir's Team India backroom staff as specialist spin coach ahead of the Afghanistan Test in Chandigarh.

Remember Sairaj Bahutule? PBKS spin coach joins India support staff for Afghanistan series

For the first time in history, Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team is set to host India in a bilateral series. According to media reports, the two sides will play a three-match T20I series in Sep 2026, with all matches scheduled to be held in India. While an official confirmation is still pending, sources indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have reached an agreement, with only a few formalities remaining before the announcement.&nbsp;“BCCI and ACB share a good relationship. BCCI has been helping other boards like Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe by sending Indian teams to play series there to boost the finances of those boards. An understanding has been reached between BCCI and ACB in this regard. An official announcement will be made after a few modalities are completed," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI on Tuesday.&nbsp;The series is expected to take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sep 13, 16 and 19 and will serve as preparation ahead of the Asian Games.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The BCCI facilitated an understanding between the ACB and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for Delhi to serve as the home base for Afghanistan during the series. The DDCA is also scheduling its Delhi Premier League T20 accordingly," the source said.&nbsp;“The itinerary has been shared with India’s national selection committee since it has to pick a 15-member T20 squad for the Asian Games later in September. The cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to begin on September 23. The selectors will pick the team accordingly," the source added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-reschedules-women-s-champions-trophy-2027-to-february-window-1780384079095">ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window</a>&nbsp;Due to ongoing geopolitical challenges, Afghanistan have been unable to host international cricket regularly at home and have instead used venues in India and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghanistan are also scheduled to tour India this month for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series. The Test match will be played at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur from Jun 6 to 10. The ODI leg of the tour will follow, with matches scheduled in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai on Jun 13, 17 and 20 respectively.

The T20I series between India and Afghanistan is expected to take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sep 13, 16, 19 and will serve as preparation ahead of the Asian Games.

For the first time in history, Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team is set to host India in a bilateral series. According to media reports, the two sides will play a three-match T20I series in Sep 2026, with all matches scheduled to be held in India. While an official confirmation is still pending, sources indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have reached an agreement, with only a few formalities remaining before the announcement. “BCCI and ACB share a good relationship. BCCI has been helping other boards like Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe by sending Indian teams to play series there to boost the finances of those boards. An understanding has been reached between BCCI and ACB in this regard. An official announcement will be made after a few modalities are completed," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI on Tuesday. The series is expected to take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sep 13, 16 and 19 and will serve as preparation ahead of the Asian Games. “The BCCI facilitated an understanding between the ACB and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for Delhi to serve as the home base for Afghanistan during the series. The DDCA is also scheduling its Delhi Premier League T20 accordingly," the source said. “The itinerary has been shared with India’s national selection committee since it has to pick a 15-member T20 squad for the Asian Games later in September. The cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to begin on September 23. The selectors will pick the team accordingly," the source added. Also Read - ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window Due to ongoing geopolitical challenges, Afghanistan have been unable to host international cricket regularly at home and have instead used venues in India and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Afghanistan are also scheduled to tour India this month for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series. The Test match will be played at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur from Jun 6 to 10. The ODI leg of the tour will follow, with matches scheduled in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai on Jun 13, 17 and 20 respectively.

The T20I series between India and Afghanistan is expected to take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sep 13, 16, 19 and will serve as preparation ahead of the Asian Games.

Delhi set to host India vs Afghanistan T20I series in September 2026

IPL founder and fugitive billionaire Lalit Modi opens up about his biggest regret, and it centres entirely around the Indian Cricket Board. After the BCCI expelled and banned the creator of the world's richest cricket league over financial irregularities and misconduct following the 2010 edition, Modi said he regretted leaving India without doing certain things that needed to be done at that time. Modi revealed how everyone was jealous of his creation, adding that the cash-rich Indian Premier League wouldn’t have worked if it hadn’t been for him.&nbsp;“I was cut to size because of many other issues. Everybody was jealous. It wouldn’t have worked if I had not been who I was. The IPL wouldn’t have worked if not for me. Why are you talking to me 17 years later, despite me not being part of the game since then?” Modi said while speaking to Wisden for the Scoop Extended.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It (The idea of IPL) just didn’t come out of thin air. It went through a lot of scientific research and a lot of learnings of mine. Everybody around the world has tried to create what I created and failed. When people say, I made a mistake, I didn’t make a mistake. If I had to ever do this again, it wouldn’t be any different from what I did last time,” he added.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-planned-his-historic-776-run-ipl-season-months-in-advance-1780384799933">How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance</a> &nbsp;Modi, however, revealed his biggest regret was handing too much power to the BCCI over the IPL, which now rules this world of T20-based franchise leagues. Even though most of the Test-playing nations now have their own franchise T20 leagues, none compares to the IPL, whose valuation is approximately $18bn (INR 1.63 lakh crores). &nbsp;“I regretted the fact that I left India without doing certain things that had to be done. The founder of the IPL should always get a seat on the board of the league. I gave too much power to the BCCI,” Modi said.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I could have dictated at the time what I wanted because everybody thought it’s gonna fail. They didn’t really care about it; I had already written the constitution of a separate company being formed. Obviously, BCCI would continue to get the money, but the governance of the league should have been in partnership with the IPL owners along with the BCCI,” he concluded. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the BCCI successfully hosted the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defending its IPL crown. The RCB beat the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

IPL founder Lalit Modi reveals his "biggest regret" regarding the BCCI's total control over the $18bn league and claims it wouldn't exist without him.

IPL founder and fugitive billionaire Lalit Modi opens up about his biggest regret, and it centres entirely around the Indian Cricket Board. After the BCCI expelled and banned the creator of the world's richest cricket league over financial irregularities and misconduct following the 2010 edition, Modi said he regretted leaving India without doing certain things that needed to be done at that time. Modi revealed how everyone was jealous of his creation, adding that the cash-rich Indian Premier League wouldn’t have worked if it hadn’t been for him. “I was cut to size because of many other issues. Everybody was jealous. It wouldn’t have worked if I had not been who I was. The IPL wouldn’t have worked if not for me. Why are you talking to me 17 years later, despite me not being part of the game since then?” Modi said while speaking to Wisden for the Scoop Extended. "It (The idea of IPL) just didn’t come out of thin air. It went through a lot of scientific research and a lot of learnings of mine. Everybody around the world has tried to create what I created and failed. When people say, I made a mistake, I didn’t make a mistake. If I had to ever do this again, it wouldn’t be any different from what I did last time,” he added. Also read | How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance Modi, however, revealed his biggest regret was handing too much power to the BCCI over the IPL, which now rules this world of T20-based franchise leagues. Even though most of the Test-playing nations now have their own franchise T20 leagues, none compares to the IPL, whose valuation is approximately $18bn (INR 1.63 lakh crores). “I regretted the fact that I left India without doing certain things that had to be done. The founder of the IPL should always get a seat on the board of the league. I gave too much power to the BCCI,” Modi said. “I could have dictated at the time what I wanted because everybody thought it’s gonna fail. They didn’t really care about it; I had already written the constitution of a separate company being formed. Obviously, BCCI would continue to get the money, but the governance of the league should have been in partnership with the IPL owners along with the BCCI,” he concluded. Meanwhile, the BCCI successfully hosted the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defending its IPL crown. The RCB beat the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.

IPL founder Lalit Modi reveals his "biggest regret" regarding the BCCI's total control over the $18bn league and claims it wouldn't exist without him.

‘My Biggest Regret’: IPL founder Lalit Modi on giving BCCI too much power

Former England captain and Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff takes the reins as the new head coach of the Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder. Having already coached The Hundred franchise Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds) in 2024 and 2025, Flintoff will mark his first head coaching role in the BBL. Flintoff’s appointment, which the Thunder says is ‘the most significant off-field acquisition in club history’, comes on the back of his experience coaching England Lions and the A-side in the past 12 months, including against Australia ahead of the away Ashes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sydney Thunder are proud to announce Andrew &#39;Freddie&#39; Flintoff | <a href="https://x.com/flintoff11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@flintoff11</a> as BBL Head Coach for until the end of BBL|17 ⚡️ Full release ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/gKig9dOOBy">https://t.co/gKig9dOOBy</a> <a href="https://t.co/WGkQ3LNRKo">pic.twitter.com/WGkQ3LNRKo</a>&mdash; Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) <a href="https://x.com/ThunderBBL/status/2061721535329767849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His appointment as Thunder’s coach will affect the Lions’ tour of South Africa in December, as their schedules overlap. Flintoff, however, has also briefly worked with England’s white-ball squads as a consultant when Matthew Mott was coaching the senior team.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-s-schedule-after-ipl-2026-complete-list-of-matches-dates-and-venues-1780387433672">Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues</a> &nbsp;"This is a huge day in the history of Sydney Thunder, and the BBL more broadly," Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said. "Fred brings something truly unique to Sydney Thunder. He's a global icon of the game, but more importantly, he is a modern leader who understands how to build high-performance environments, connect with players as people, and set standards that last. His passion for the game, coaching itself and knowledge of Australian cricket, and our Thunder program stood out during the process. &nbsp;"The goal here isn't just about the now; it's about a step-change to establishing a culture and identity that will set us up for sustained success for years to come,” he continued. &nbsp;Flintoff will replace former England coach Trevor Bayliss, under whom Thunder reached the BBL final in the 2024/25 edition, while also finishing last in the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.<h3>‘Cannot wait to get started’</h3>Having earlier plied his trade as a player in the Big Bash League (with the Brisbane Heat), Flintoff said he cannot wait to get started in a newer role.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I can't wait to get over there and get started," Flintoff said of his appointment. "I'm looking at this with a lot of optimism. You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think there's something really big to build on. &nbsp;"You look at the squad, and it's a real nice mix. You've got David Warner, Chris Green, Daniel Sams - some of these older guys are established cricketers, and you just want to provide an environment where they can go out there and flourish. We've seen how good they are. I saw Sam Konstas play against England Under-19s, against one of my lads - incredible talent. Matthew Gilkes and Tanveer Sangha are the same,” he added.

Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff has been named the new head coach of BBL franchise Sydney Thunder. Discover what this "historic" signing means for the club.

Former England captain and Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff takes the reins as the new head coach of the Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder. Having already coached The Hundred franchise Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds) in 2024 and 2025, Flintoff will mark his first head coaching role in the BBL. Flintoff’s appointment, which the Thunder says is ‘the most significant off-field acquisition in club history’, comes on the back of his experience coaching England Lions and the A-side in the past 12 months, including against Australia ahead of the away Ashes.

Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff has been named the new head coach of BBL franchise Sydney Thunder. Discover what this "historic" signing means for the club.

Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff takes reins as Sydney Thunder head coach in BBL

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