The touring England Team created an unwanted record after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-odi-rohit-sharma-hits-100-as-hosts-in-driving-seat-8705296" rel="dofollow">losing the second ODI against India in Cuttack</a> on Sunday. England scored 304 runs in the first innings but went down by four wickets, thanks to a brilliant hundred by India captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a>. As a result, they conceded the three-match ODI series (0-2), with the final game scheduled on Wednesday (Feb 12) in Ahmedabad.
England batted first after winning the toss, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett putting on an 81-run stand for the first wicket. They lost several wickets in the middle overs, but handy contributions from Joe Root and Liam Livingstone at the death propelled them to 304 in 50 overs. For India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-how-ranji-trophy-aided-ravindra-jadeja-in-finding-form-in-cuttack-odi-8706297" rel="dofollow">Jadeja returned with three wickets</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6yoh857-ndn8lgo0-lkj8jwws">
SIR JADEJA GETS JOE ROOT FOR THE 13TH TIME IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET. 🤯🔥
&mdash; Cricket News (@cricket_news_33) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricket_news_33/status/1888546980021895317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
India began the chase magnificently, with Rohit slamming sixes for fun. The opening pair added 136 for the first wicket, with the newly appointed vice-captain Shubman Gill scoring 60 off 52 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. The returning Virat Kohli got out cheaply on five before Rohit and last-game hero Shreyas Iyer (44) added 70 for the third wicket to put India in the driver&rsquo;s seat.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6yohlvo-hggx3wrm-1wgbq00s">
The flick first and then the loft! 🤩 Captain Rohit Sharma gets going in Cuttack in style! 💥 Follow The Match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF">https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/uC6uYhRXZ4">pic.twitter.com/uC6uYhRXZ4</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1888567099410518171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-odi-broke-it-down-to-pieces-about-how-i-wanted-to-bat-says-rohit-after-hitting-32nd-century-8705607" rel="dofollow">Rohit completed his 32nd ODI hundred</a> in the meantime, with Axar Patel&rsquo;s unbeaten 41 helping India win the match, clinching the series.
<h2>England&rsquo;s unwanted record</h2>
England created an unwanted record with this loss, becoming the team with the most losses after scoring 300-plus in One-Dayers. It's the 28th instance in the ODI history that any team has lost an ODI game after scoring 300-plus, surpassing India, who earlier tied with England with 27 losses.
While England sit at the top, India is second on the list (27 losses in 136 games), with West Indies (23 losses in 62 matches) and Sri Lanka (19 losses in 87 games) following them.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I thought we did a lot of things well, we got into a nice position with the bat. We needed someone to push on and get us to 350,&rdquo; Buttler said after the game.
&ldquo;Credit to Rohit, he batted superbly, he has been batting like this since a few years in ODI cricket. Wanted to get runs on the board, it skidded on a bit and the opposition also played well. We played the Powerplay brilliant, we needed someone to kick on and a score around 330-350 would have been defendable. Just keep taking steps in the right direction, the results are not there but we need to keep going and be positive,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: The touring England Team conceded the three-match ODI series (0-2) against India, with the final game scheduled on Wednesday (Feb 12) in Ahmedabad.

The touring England Team created an unwanted record after losing the second ODI against India in Cuttack on Sunday. England scored 304 runs in the first innings but went down by four wickets, thanks to a brilliant hundred by India captain Rohit Sharma. As a result, they conceded the three-match ODI series (0-2), with the final game scheduled on Wednesday (Feb 12) in Ahmedabad. England batted first after winning the toss, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett putting on an 81-run stand for the first wicket. They lost several wickets in the middle overs, but handy contributions from Joe Root and Liam Livingstone at the death propelled them to 304 in 50 overs. For India, Jadeja returned with three wickets. SIR JADEJA GETS JOE ROOT FOR THE 13TH TIME IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET. 🤯🔥 — Cricket News (@cricket_news_33) February 9, 2025 India began the chase magnificently, with Rohit slamming sixes for fun. The opening pair added 136 for the first wicket, with the newly appointed vice-captain Shubman Gill scoring 60 off 52 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. The returning Virat Kohli got out cheaply on five before Rohit and last-game hero Shreyas Iyer (44) added 70 for the third wicket to put India in the driver’s seat. The flick first and then the loft! 🤩 Captain Rohit Sharma gets going in Cuttack in style! 💥 Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/uC6uYhRXZ4 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025 Rohit completed his 32nd ODI hundred in the meantime, with Axar Patel’s unbeaten 41 helping India win the match, clinching the series. England’s unwanted record England created an unwanted record with this loss, becoming the team with the most losses after scoring 300-plus in One-Dayers. It's the 28th instance in the ODI history that any team has lost an ODI game after scoring 300-plus, surpassing India, who earlier tied with England with 27 losses. While England sit at the top, India is second on the list (27 losses in 136 games), with West Indies (23 losses in 62 matches) and Sri Lanka (19 losses in 87 games) following them. “I thought we did a lot of things well, we got into a nice position with the bat. We needed someone to push on and get us to 350,” Buttler said after the game. “Credit to Rohit, he batted superbly, he has been batting like this since a few years in ODI cricket. Wanted to get runs on the board, it skidded on a bit and the opposition also played well. We played the Powerplay brilliant, we needed someone to kick on and a score around 330-350 would have been defendable. Just keep taking steps in the right direction, the results are not there but we need to keep going and be positive,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

England register unwanted record after Cuttack ODI loss, becomes team with most...

Two days after playing a mature knock against India in the Nagpur ODI, rookie England all-rounder Jacob Bethell suffered a hamstring injury, getting ruled out of the ongoing second match in Cuttack, with the visitors calling up Somerset batter Tom Banton as his cover for the third ODI in Ahmedabad. His injury, however, has also cast doubts over his participation in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> starting February 19 in Pakistan.
Jacob has been a star emerging player for England since his all-format debut, having succeeded in the longer formats. His inclusion in the One-Day side boosted England&rsquo;s middle order, and given how he performed under pressure in the series opener, his absence could hurt England that are already without Ben Stokes for workload management.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-odi-shreyas-iyer-or-yashasvi-jaiswal-who-sits-out-when-virat-kohli-returns-to-playing-xi-in-cuttack-8703976" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Iyer or Jaiswal, who sits out when Kohli returns to playing XI in Cuttack?</a>
Meanwhile, Banton is called up as his cover for the final One-Dayer, and upon assessing Bethell&rsquo;s injury ahead of the 3rd ODI on Wednesday (Feb 12), the England team management could extend his stay for the eight-team tournament if needed.
The right-handed batter last played for England five years ago in 2020, and been in outstanding form in the franchise cricket lately. Banton, a keeper-batter, is the leading run-scorer in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/international-league-t20" rel="dofollow">ILT20 competition</a> in the UAE, having amassed 493 runs from 11 innings, averaging 54.77, including two hundreds and three fifties. Per an ECB presser, Banton will link up with the England squad on Monday in India.
<h2>Changes to the XIs for both teams</h2>
While England made three changes, including a forced one in Jacob Bethell, India made two, with Virat Kohli&rsquo;s inclusion being the biggest.&nbsp;
England also rested seamers Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, replacing them with Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, with Jamie Overton playing ahead of Bethell.&nbsp;On the other hand, India sat out Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in the previous game, with Kohli replacing him while handing a maiden One-Day cap to mystery spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakaravarthy" rel="dofollow">Varun Chakaravarthy</a>, who replaced seasoned spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt added 81 for the first wicket before the debutant Varun removed the gloveman on 26, caught by Ravindra Jadeja. By the 15th over, Duckett had completed his fifty, with England also closing in on the 100-run mark for one wicket.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, England lost the five-match T20Is (1-4) and the first One-Dayer by four wickets, with the Cuttack game being the must-win.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Tom Banton is called up as his cover for the final One-Dayer, and upon assessing Bethell’s injury ahead of the 3rd ODI on Wednesday (Feb 12).

Two days after playing a mature knock against India in the Nagpur ODI, rookie England all-rounder Jacob Bethell suffered a hamstring injury, getting ruled out of the ongoing second match in Cuttack, with the visitors calling up Somerset batter Tom Banton as his cover for the third ODI in Ahmedabad. His injury, however, has also cast doubts over his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting February 19 in Pakistan. Jacob has been a star emerging player for England since his all-format debut, having succeeded in the longer formats. His inclusion in the One-Day side boosted England’s middle order, and given how he performed under pressure in the series opener, his absence could hurt England that are already without Ben Stokes for workload management. Also read | IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Iyer or Jaiswal, who sits out when Kohli returns to playing XI in Cuttack? Meanwhile, Banton is called up as his cover for the final One-Dayer, and upon assessing Bethell’s injury ahead of the 3rd ODI on Wednesday (Feb 12), the England team management could extend his stay for the eight-team tournament if needed. The right-handed batter last played for England five years ago in 2020, and been in outstanding form in the franchise cricket lately. Banton, a keeper-batter, is the leading run-scorer in the ILT20 competition in the UAE, having amassed 493 runs from 11 innings, averaging 54.77, including two hundreds and three fifties. Per an ECB presser, Banton will link up with the England squad on Monday in India. Changes to the XIs for both teams While England made three changes, including a forced one in Jacob Bethell, India made two, with Virat Kohli’s inclusion being the biggest. England also rested seamers Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, replacing them with Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, with Jamie Overton playing ahead of Bethell. On the other hand, India sat out Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in the previous game, with Kohli replacing him while handing a maiden One-Day cap to mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who replaced seasoned spinner Kuldeep Yadav. England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt added 81 for the first wicket before the debutant Varun removed the gloveman on 26, caught by Ravindra Jadeja. By the 15th over, Duckett had completed his fifty, with England also closing in on the 100-run mark for one wicket. Meanwhile, England lost the five-match T20Is (1-4) and the first One-Dayer by four wickets, with the Cuttack game being the must-win. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive blow to England as Jacob Bethell doubtful for 3rd ODI, Champions Trophy

India and England are back against each other for the second ODI of this three-match series, scheduled on Sunday (Feb 9) in Cuttack. The two powerhouses of world cricket have plenty at stake and to offer in this cracker of a One-Dayer. While the focus remains on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a>&rsquo;s return to the Indian Team, England will aim for an improved performance to save the series. Here is the match preview and result prediction of the 2nd ODI between India and England in Cuttack.
<h2>Match Preview&nbsp;</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-odi-live-india-vs-england-1st-odi-nagpur-live-score-today-playing-xi-match-prediction-toss-pitch-report-liveblog-8694678" rel="dofollow">India made light work of England in the series-opener in Nagpur</a>, beating them by four wickets and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODIs. The hosts will look to maintain their winning run against England in the second game, having won 25 of the last 31 matches played at home against them in the past 20 years.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/new-zealands-rachin-ravindra-suffers-sickening-head-injury-during-tri-series-clash-against-pakistan-in-lahore-watch-8703677" rel="dofollow">Rachin Ravindra suffers sickening head injury during tri-series clash against Pakistan &ndash; Watch</a>
Kohli, who missed the Nagpur tie due to a last-minute discomfort in his knee, will return to the playing XI for the second match; the question here arises who sits out? India could bench Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in Nagpur, bringing Shubman Gill at the top, Kohli back to his favourite position at three, and Shreyas Iyer at four.
Meanwhile, after his previous-game heroics, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-shreyas-iyer-reveals-he-wasnt-supposed-to-play-1st-odi-in-nagpur-virat-kohli-injury-update-8698266" rel="dofollow">Iyer admitted he only made it to the playing XI after Virat&rsquo;s injury news got out</a> and might retain his place in the side in Cuttack, a venue that favours batting.
On the other hand, England will want their middle order to come good in this second game. Despite their openers providing a blistering start in Nagpur, England managed a mere 240. However, Jacob Bethell&rsquo;s knock was the one that impressed everyone, with the visitors hoping for a similar show from the rookie all-rounder in Cuttack.&nbsp;
Besides, Harry Brook&rsquo;s form remains a worry for England, while Mark Wood&rsquo;s return to the XI for the must-win clash remains imminent.&nbsp;
<h3>Result Prediction &ndash;</h3>
Despite England wanting to make a desperate comeback in this series, they might fall short of crushing the upbeat Indian Team.
Predicted Playing XIs &ndash;
India &ndash; Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami
England &ndash; Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (Captain), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood

Sports, Cricket: While the focus remains on Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian Team for the second ODI, England will aim for an improved performance to save the series.

India and England are back against each other for the second ODI of this three-match series, scheduled on Sunday (Feb 9) in Cuttack. The two powerhouses of world cricket have plenty at stake and to offer in this cracker of a One-Dayer. While the focus remains on Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian Team, England will aim for an improved performance to save the series. Here is the match preview and result prediction of the 2nd ODI between India and England in Cuttack. Match Preview India made light work of England in the series-opener in Nagpur, beating them by four wickets and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODIs. The hosts will look to maintain their winning run against England in the second game, having won 25 of the last 31 matches played at home against them in the past 20 years. Also read | Rachin Ravindra suffers sickening head injury during tri-series clash against Pakistan – Watch Kohli, who missed the Nagpur tie due to a last-minute discomfort in his knee, will return to the playing XI for the second match; the question here arises who sits out? India could bench Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in Nagpur, bringing Shubman Gill at the top, Kohli back to his favourite position at three, and Shreyas Iyer at four. Meanwhile, after his previous-game heroics, Iyer admitted he only made it to the playing XI after Virat’s injury news got out and might retain his place in the side in Cuttack, a venue that favours batting. On the other hand, England will want their middle order to come good in this second game. Despite their openers providing a blistering start in Nagpur, England managed a mere 240. However, Jacob Bethell’s knock was the one that impressed everyone, with the visitors hoping for a similar show from the rookie all-rounder in Cuttack. Besides, Harry Brook’s form remains a worry for England, while Mark Wood’s return to the XI for the must-win clash remains imminent. Result Prediction – Despite England wanting to make a desperate comeback in this series, they might fall short of crushing the upbeat Indian Team. Predicted Playing XIs – India – Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami England – Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (Captain), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood

India vs England 2025 2nd ODI, Cuttack: Match preview and result prediction

India's Abhishek Sharma hit a brutal 135 to set up a crushing 150-run win over England in the fifth T20 international and seal the series 4-1 on Sunday. Opener Abhishek's incredible 54-ball knock, laced with 13 sixes, fired India, who clinched the series in the fourth T20, to 247-9 after being invited to bat first at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.<o:p></o:p>
The tourists were never in the chase despite Phil Salt's 23-ball 55 as India bowled out the tourists for 97 for their second biggest T20 victory by runs.<o:p></o:p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6nvy4yy-s4re3a4m-gqyhhmmu">
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜! 🏆 Congratulations to the Suryakumar Yadav-led <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> on the T20I series win! 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@surya_14kumar</a> <a href="https://t.co/QvgUH8iClq">pic.twitter.com/QvgUH8iClq</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1886099661452411295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-5th-t20i-abhishek-sharma-smashes-record-books-as-india-hit-247-in-mumbai-8684526" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG 5th T20I: Abhishek Sharma smashes record books as India hit 247 in Mumbai</a> 
England slipped to 68-4 as skipper Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2) and Liam Livingstone (9) all failed to make an impact.<o:p></o:p>
Shivam Dube, a batting all-rounder who bowls medium pace, removed Salt with the first ball he bowled after he was controversially replaced by fast bowler Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute in the previous match.<o:p></o:p>
The rest of the England batting fell quickly with Jacob Bethell, who made 10, the only batter to reach double figures other than Salt.<o:p></o:p>
Abhishek turned up with the ball as well and took two wickets with his left-arm spin in the only over he bowled.<o:p></o:p>
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Dube also took two each.<o:p></o:p>
Pace bowler Mohammed Shami finished with three wickets as he wrapped up the England innings in 10.3 overs.<o:p></o:p>
Abhishek dominated a partnership of 115 for the second wicket with Tilak Varma following England's decision to bowl first.<o:p></o:p>
The 24-year-old raced to his fifty in 17 balls with a six and then reached his second T20 century for India in 37 deliveries. Dube was the next highest scorer with 30.<o:p></o:p>
Speedster Mark Wood dismissed Hardik Pandya for nine after earlier removing opener Sanju Samson.<o:p></o:p>
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid had Abhishek caught out in the 18th over as India lost four wickets in the final five overs.<o:p></o:p>
Fast bowler Brydon Carse took three wickets including Suryakumar Yadav for two, with the Indian captain's batting woes showing no signs of ending.<o:p></o:p>
India won the opening two matches before England came back to keep the series alive in the third game.<o:p></o:p>
India took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the fourth T20 after Rana's inclusion in place of Dube -- not a like-for-like replacement -- angered England.<o:p></o:p>
The two teams now head into three one-day internationals starting February 6 in Nagpur.<o:p></o:p>
The series is a warm-up for the 50-over Champions Trophy starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: The tourists were never in the chase despite Phil Salt's 23-ball 55 as India bowled out the tourists for 97 for their second biggest T20 victory by runs.

India's Abhishek Sharma hit a brutal 135 to set up a crushing 150-run win over England in the fifth T20 international and seal the series 4-1 on Sunday. Opener Abhishek's incredible 54-ball knock, laced with 13 sixes, fired India, who clinched the series in the fourth T20, to 247-9 after being invited to bat first at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The tourists were never in the chase despite Phil Salt's 23-ball 55 as India bowled out the tourists for 97 for their second biggest T20 victory by runs. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜! 🏆 Congratulations to the Suryakumar Yadav-led #TeamIndia on the T20I series win! 👏 👏#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/QvgUH8iClq — BCCI (@BCCI) February 2, 2025 Also read | IND vs ENG 5th T20I: Abhishek Sharma smashes record books as India hit 247 in Mumbai England slipped to 68-4 as skipper Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2) and Liam Livingstone (9) all failed to make an impact. Shivam Dube, a batting all-rounder who bowls medium pace, removed Salt with the first ball he bowled after he was controversially replaced by fast bowler Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute in the previous match. The rest of the England batting fell quickly with Jacob Bethell, who made 10, the only batter to reach double figures other than Salt. Abhishek turned up with the ball as well and took two wickets with his left-arm spin in the only over he bowled. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Dube also took two each. Pace bowler Mohammed Shami finished with three wickets as he wrapped up the England innings in 10.3 overs. Abhishek dominated a partnership of 115 for the second wicket with Tilak Varma following England's decision to bowl first. The 24-year-old raced to his fifty in 17 balls with a six and then reached his second T20 century for India in 37 deliveries. Dube was the next highest scorer with 30. Speedster Mark Wood dismissed Hardik Pandya for nine after earlier removing opener Sanju Samson. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid had Abhishek caught out in the 18th over as India lost four wickets in the final five overs. Fast bowler Brydon Carse took three wickets including Suryakumar Yadav for two, with the Indian captain's batting woes showing no signs of ending. India won the opening two matches before England came back to keep the series alive in the third game. India took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the fourth T20 after Rana's inclusion in place of Dube -- not a like-for-like replacement -- angered England. The two teams now head into three one-day internationals starting February 6 in Nagpur. The series is a warm-up for the 50-over Champions Trophy starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.

Abhishek Sharma shines in Mumbai as India crush England in 5th T20I, win series

India's Abhishek Sharma smashed 135 runs, plundering the England bowling with 13 sixes, to power India to 247-9 in the fifth and final T20 international on Sunday. The left-handed opener Abhishek came out firing in a 54-ball knock after England won the toss and asked India to bat first at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.<o:p></o:p>
The hosts already hold an unbeatable 3-1 series lead.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-2025-round-up-jk-seal-spot-in-quarterfinals-services-sign-off-with-second-highest-run-chase-8684082" rel="dofollow">Ranji Trophy 2025 round-up: J&amp;K seal spot in quarterfinals; Services sign off with second-highest run-chase</a> 
England's bowlers checked the run surge in the final few overs, with the total at one stage looking likely to exceed 300. India were 143-2 after 10 overs.<o:p></o:p>
Fast bowler Brydon Carse took three wickets including Suryakumar Yadav for two, with the Indian captain's batting woes showing no signs of ending.<o:p></o:p>
Abhishek was brutal and, with Tilak Varma (24), took 25 runs from one Jamie Overton over, the pair putting on 115 runs for the second wicket.<o:p></o:p>
The 24-year-old raced to his fifty in 17 balls with a six and then reached his second T20 century for India in 37 deliveries. Shivam Dube was the next highest scorer with 30.<o:p></o:p>
Speedster Mark Wood dismissed Hardik Pandya for nine after earlier removing opener Sanju Samson.<o:p></o:p>
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid had Abhishek caught out in the 18th over as India lost four wickets in the final five overs.<o:p></o:p>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, Cricket: Abhishek was brutal and, with Tilak Varma (24), took 25 runs from one Jamie Overton over, the pair putting on 115 runs for the second wicket.

India's Abhishek Sharma smashed 135 runs, plundering the England bowling with 13 sixes, to power India to 247-9 in the fifth and final T20 international on Sunday. The left-handed opener Abhishek came out firing in a 54-ball knock after England won the toss and asked India to bat first at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The hosts already hold an unbeatable 3-1 series lead. Also read | Ranji Trophy 2025 round-up: J&K seal spot in quarterfinals; Services sign off with second-highest run-chase England's bowlers checked the run surge in the final few overs, with the total at one stage looking likely to exceed 300. India were 143-2 after 10 overs. Fast bowler Brydon Carse took three wickets including Suryakumar Yadav for two, with the Indian captain's batting woes showing no signs of ending. Abhishek was brutal and, with Tilak Varma (24), took 25 runs from one Jamie Overton over, the pair putting on 115 runs for the second wicket. The 24-year-old raced to his fifty in 17 balls with a six and then reached his second T20 century for India in 37 deliveries. Shivam Dube was the next highest scorer with 30. Speedster Mark Wood dismissed Hardik Pandya for nine after earlier removing opener Sanju Samson. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid had Abhishek caught out in the 18th over as India lost four wickets in the final five overs. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

IND vs ENG 5th T20I: Abhishek Sharma smashes record books as India hit 247 in Mumbai

Former England captains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/alastair-cook" rel="dofollow">Alastair Cook</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/michael-vaughan" rel="dofollow">Michael Vaughan</a> and Kevin Pietersen watching Harshit Rana replacing Shivam Dube as a &lsquo;concussion substitute&rsquo; during the fourth T20I in Pune. Although England captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/harshit-rana-not-a-like-for-like-replacement-for-shivam-dube-jos-buttler-hits-back-at-indian-camp-after-pune-t20i-loss-concussion-sub-8679978">Jos Buttler expressed disappointment and reservations against this decision</a>, hitting back at the Indian camp in the post-match presser, the abovementioned names were seemingly unhappy with the match referee allowing this despite Rana not being a &lsquo;like-for-like replacement&rsquo; of Dube.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-pandya-dube-lead-from-front-as-india-pocket-t20i-series-with-win-in-pune-8679296" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG: Pandya, Dube lead from front as India pocket T20I series with win in Pune</a>
During India&rsquo;s first innings, Dube was hit on his helmet in the final over, with the hosts replacing him with the seamer (Rana), debuting in the shortest format. The right-arm pacer made early inroads in his first T20I game for India, removing all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell before accounting for Jamie Overton to help India win the match (by 15 runs), clinching the series.
Meanwhile, Cook bashed this decision, saying it made no sense to replace a hard-hitting Dube, who scored a crucial fifty in the first innings, with a seamer, as, as per the law, an all-rounder should have been replaced by an all-rounder and not a bowler. &ldquo;Replacing a big-hitting batting all-rounder, who has bowled one over in the IPL [in 2024], with a guy who can't bat and bowls heavy seam makes no sense to me whatsoever,&rdquo; Cook said while talking to TNT Sports after the match.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It seems absolute madness that you are allowed to do it, but credit to the lad on debut, but he shouldn't be allowed to play there. It gave the captain another brilliant option,&rdquo; he added.
Besides, Vaughan also took to social media, questioning this move.&nbsp;
On his X handle, he wrote, "How can an out &amp; out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6lrzer5-il8kdtny-rpvvqo1j">
How can an out &amp; out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a>
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1885373477076541822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
Vaughan also took a jibe at Harsha Bhogle.
After Bhogle wrote, &ldquo;Has there ever been so much depth in Indian T20 cricket,&rdquo; following India&rsquo;s series-clinching win in Pune, Vaughan replied, &ldquo;Especially when you can replace a batter with a bowler.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6lryrrv-01l6crts-e5hr2d6s">
Especially when you can replace a batter with a bowler 😜 <a href="https://t.co/BVs3dfQKjN">https://t.co/BVs3dfQKjN</a>
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1885420583225008437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>What do the ICC rules say?</h2>
Per Rule 1.2.7.3 of the ICC playing conditions for concussion substitution, &ldquo;The ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his team for the remainder of the match.&rdquo;
Besides, Rule 1.2.7.7 states: &ldquo;The decision of the ICC Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement Request shall be final, and neither team shall have any right of appeal.&rdquo;
Given Buttler looked amused seeing Rana on the field, even mentioning that England will approach the match referee seeking an explanation on this, Kevin Pietersen, calling out the game when Rana dismissed Livingstone, said,&nbsp;
"I'm not sure he is like for like. Jos Buttler was not happy with the substitute before getting out. He was fuming after he got out, walked straight to the dugout and had a word with the coach because he thought it was not like for like.&rdquo;
"I think the key here is that if you have a look at Shivam Dube, and you ask anybody in the world whether Harshit Rana is a like-for-like replacement, I'm not so sure anyone would have said that they are," he added.
(WIth inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: During India’s first innings, Dube was hit on his helmet in the final over, with the hosts replacing him with the seamer (Rana), debuting in the shortest format.

Former England captains Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen watching Harshit Rana replacing Shivam Dube as a ‘concussion substitute’ during the fourth T20I in Pune. Although England captain Jos Buttler expressed disappointment and reservations against this decision, hitting back at the Indian camp in the post-match presser, the abovementioned names were seemingly unhappy with the match referee allowing this despite Rana not being a ‘like-for-like replacement’ of Dube. Also read | IND vs ENG: Pandya, Dube lead from front as India pocket T20I series with win in Pune During India’s first innings, Dube was hit on his helmet in the final over, with the hosts replacing him with the seamer (Rana), debuting in the shortest format. The right-arm pacer made early inroads in his first T20I game for India, removing all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell before accounting for Jamie Overton to help India win the match (by 15 runs), clinching the series. Meanwhile, Cook bashed this decision, saying it made no sense to replace a hard-hitting Dube, who scored a crucial fifty in the first innings, with a seamer, as, as per the law, an all-rounder should have been replaced by an all-rounder and not a bowler. “Replacing a big-hitting batting all-rounder, who has bowled one over in the IPL [in 2024], with a guy who can't bat and bowls heavy seam makes no sense to me whatsoever,” Cook said while talking to TNT Sports after the match. “It seems absolute madness that you are allowed to do it, but credit to the lad on debut, but he shouldn't be allowed to play there. It gave the captain another brilliant option,” he added. Besides, Vaughan also took to social media, questioning this move. On his X handle, he wrote, "How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG." How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 31, 2025 Vaughan also took a jibe at Harsha Bhogle. After Bhogle wrote, “Has there ever been so much depth in Indian T20 cricket,” following India’s series-clinching win in Pune, Vaughan replied, “Especially when you can replace a batter with a bowler.” Especially when you can replace a batter with a bowler 😜 https://t.co/BVs3dfQKjN — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 31, 2025 What do the ICC rules say? Per Rule 1.2.7.3 of the ICC playing conditions for concussion substitution, “The ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his team for the remainder of the match.” Besides, Rule 1.2.7.7 states: “The decision of the ICC Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement Request shall be final, and neither team shall have any right of appeal.” Given Buttler looked amused seeing Rana on the field, even mentioning that England will approach the match referee seeking an explanation on this, Kevin Pietersen, calling out the game when Rana dismissed Livingstone, said, "I'm not sure he is like for like. Jos Buttler was not happy with the substitute before getting out. He was fuming after he got out, walked straight to the dugout and had a word with the coach because he thought it was not like for like.” "I think the key here is that if you have a look at Shivam Dube, and you ask anybody in the world whether Harshit Rana is a like-for-like replacement, I'm not so sure anyone would have said that they are," he added. (WIth inputs from agencies)

IND vs ENG: Ex-England captains ‘baffled’ over Rana’s ‘concussion substitute swap’ in Pune T20I

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harshit-rana">Harshit Rana</a> wasn&rsquo;t part of the playing XI that took the field on Friday (Jan 31) in Pune, but returned with three wickets to see India home after coming on as a concussion sub for injured&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shivam-dube">Shivam Dube</a>, a decision England captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/buttler">Jos Buttler</a> disagreed with. Speaking to the media after losing the fourth T20I, Buttler said Rana coming in for Dube was &lsquo;not a like-for-like replacement&rsquo;.
Buttler, who got out on just two while chasing, said when he came out to bat, he asked who is Rana on for (on the field). Upon being told he was a concussion sub for Dube, who suffered a blow to his head on his way to 53 off 34 balls, Buttler had his reservations against this call. He added that either Dube, a batter who bowls medium pace, has gained his speed or Rana, a seamer, has transformed into a batter as good as Dube.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-pandya-dube-lead-from-front-as-india-pocket-t20i-series-with-win-in-pune-8679296" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG: Pandya, Dube lead from front as India pocket T20I series with win in Pune</a>
"It is not a like-for-like replacement. We don't agree with that," Buttler said after losing the Pune T20I by 15 runs.&nbsp;
"Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25mph with the ball, or Harshit has really improved his batting. It's part of the game, and we really should have gone on to win the match, but we disagree with the decision.
"There was no consultation [with us]. That's something I was thinking as I came out to bat - who is Harshit on for? They said he is a concussion replacement, which I obviously disagreed with. It is not a like-for-like replacement. They said that the match referee had made the decision. We had no say in it or any part of it. But we'll ask Javagal [Srinath] some questions just to get some clarity around it."
<h2>Not blaming 'this call' for the loss</h2>
England had their chances in the must-win game in Pune but crumbled under pressure to concede it, losing the match and eventually the series (1-3).
After England reduced India to 79 for five inside the 11th over, with the top-order back in the hut, two all-rounders Dube and Hardik Pandya added 87 for the sixth wicket to pull India out of the mud, propelling them to 181 for nine in 20 overs.
During the chase, England was sitting in the driver&rsquo;s seat with the opening stand adding 62 for the first wicket inside the Powerplay. England, however, failed to make the most of this start, as they kept losing wickets regularly, with Rana, the concussion sub, contributing with three (to his name), including that of Jacob Bethal and Liam Livingstone.
Although he did not blame Rana&rsquo;s concussion move as the reason for the loss, Buttler said they would anyway take some clarity (from the match referee) over this decision.&nbsp;
"Like I said, it was not the whole reason why we did not win the match. We had our chances to win the game which we could have still taken. But I'd like to have a bit more clarity on that,&rdquo; he added.
Meanwhile, the fifth and final T20I will get underway at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Sunday (Feb 2).&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Buttler said either Dube, a batter who bowls medium pace, has gained his speed or Rana, a seamer, has transformed into a batter as good as Dube.

Harshit Rana wasn’t part of the playing XI that took the field on Friday (Jan 31) in Pune, but returned with three wickets to see India home after coming on as a concussion sub for injured Shivam Dube, a decision England captain Jos Buttler disagreed with. Speaking to the media after losing the fourth T20I, Buttler said Rana coming in for Dube was ‘not a like-for-like replacement’. Buttler, who got out on just two while chasing, said when he came out to bat, he asked who is Rana on for (on the field). Upon being told he was a concussion sub for Dube, who suffered a blow to his head on his way to 53 off 34 balls, Buttler had his reservations against this call. He added that either Dube, a batter who bowls medium pace, has gained his speed or Rana, a seamer, has transformed into a batter as good as Dube. Also read | IND vs ENG: Pandya, Dube lead from front as India pocket T20I series with win in Pune "It is not a like-for-like replacement. We don't agree with that," Buttler said after losing the Pune T20I by 15 runs. "Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25mph with the ball, or Harshit has really improved his batting. It's part of the game, and we really should have gone on to win the match, but we disagree with the decision. "There was no consultation [with us]. That's something I was thinking as I came out to bat - who is Harshit on for? They said he is a concussion replacement, which I obviously disagreed with. It is not a like-for-like replacement. They said that the match referee had made the decision. We had no say in it or any part of it. But we'll ask Javagal [Srinath] some questions just to get some clarity around it." Not blaming 'this call' for the loss England had their chances in the must-win game in Pune but crumbled under pressure to concede it, losing the match and eventually the series (1-3). After England reduced India to 79 for five inside the 11th over, with the top-order back in the hut, two all-rounders Dube and Hardik Pandya added 87 for the sixth wicket to pull India out of the mud, propelling them to 181 for nine in 20 overs. During the chase, England was sitting in the driver’s seat with the opening stand adding 62 for the first wicket inside the Powerplay. England, however, failed to make the most of this start, as they kept losing wickets regularly, with Rana, the concussion sub, contributing with three (to his name), including that of Jacob Bethal and Liam Livingstone. Although he did not blame Rana’s concussion move as the reason for the loss, Buttler said they would anyway take some clarity (from the match referee) over this decision. "Like I said, it was not the whole reason why we did not win the match. We had our chances to win the game which we could have still taken. But I'd like to have a bit more clarity on that,” he added. Meanwhile, the fifth and final T20I will get underway at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Sunday (Feb 2). (With inputs from agencies)

'Harshit Rana not a ‘like-for-like replacement’ for Dube,' Buttler hits back at India's 'concussion sub' swap

After what Team India went through in the past three months under head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gautam-gambhir" rel="dofollow">Gautam Gambhir,</a> having lost two Test match series (against New Zealand and Australia), everyone took a jibe at him and his coaching style. Amid a debatable start to his international coaching career, Gambhir finally found some backing from the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-live-score-today-india-vs-england-latest-scorecard-jan-22-ind-vs-eng-playing-xi-prediction-pitch-report-toss-timing-venue-eden-gardens-kolkata-8644275">India beat England by seven wickets in the series-opener in Kolkata</a>, SKY praised Gambhir for his leadership.
Team India drew first blood in the five-match T20I series with an emphatic win at the Eden Gardens. While mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy won the Player of the Match award for picking three for 23 in the first innings, rookie opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/kolkata-1st-t20i-england-hero-abhishek-sharma-reflects-on-managements-support-we-know-youre-going-to-win-the-game-for-us-8645811">Abhishek Sharma slammed a brilliant 79 off 34 deliveries</a>, helping India win with 43 balls remaining.
The T20I captain appreciated everyone for playing their roles to perfection but lauded head coach Gambhir for giving a free hand to everyone to play freely and express themselves.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-out-cheaply-on-ranji-trophy-return-jaiswal-gill-fail-as-india-internationals-struggle-8645879" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma dismissed cheaply on Ranji Trophy return; Jaiswal, Gill fail</a>
&ldquo;The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark. Bowlers had plans executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake. We did the same in South Africa, Hardik had responsibility to bowl the new ball, so cushion to play the extra spinner. Varun&rsquo;s preparations are on point, and Arshdeep is taking the extra responsibility.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s a lot of freedom being given by Gauti bhai, we want to play a bit different. The fielding is one area we&rsquo;ve been working really hard. Let&rsquo;s take those half chances and make a difference," India&rsquo;s T20I captain said after the match.
Gautam and the coaching staff chosen by him came under scrutiny after India failed to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 despite leading the points table at least until October last year. While New Zealand whitewashed India across three Tests in the away series, India&rsquo;s tour of Australia Down Under ended in the hosts beating it 3-1 across five Tests.&nbsp;
Several reports doing rounds on social media claimed that BCCI has given Gambhir-led backroom staff a deadline to improve performance or face repercussions, although none has been confirmed yet.
<h2>India rock England at Eden</h2>
India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens. The lone specialist seamer, Arshdeep Singh, began with a double blow in his first two overs before Varun broke into the middle order with twin strikes. Captain Jos Buttler tried saving the sinking ship with a gritty 68, but an all-round bowling show restricted them to 132 in 20 overs.
Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek added 41 for the first wicket before Jofra Archer removed Samson and SKY in the same over; that, however, wasn&rsquo;t enough for England to breathe relief as Abhishek hammered eight sixes to see India home with seven wickets in hand.
Chennai will host the second match on Saturday (Jan 25).&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Amid a debatable start to his international coaching career, Gautam Gambhir finally found some backing from the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.

After what Team India went through in the past three months under head coach Gautam Gambhir, having lost two Test match series (against New Zealand and Australia), everyone took a jibe at him and his coaching style. Amid a debatable start to his international coaching career, Gambhir finally found some backing from the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. After India beat England by seven wickets in the series-opener in Kolkata, SKY praised Gambhir for his leadership. Team India drew first blood in the five-match T20I series with an emphatic win at the Eden Gardens. While mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy won the Player of the Match award for picking three for 23 in the first innings, rookie opener Abhishek Sharma slammed a brilliant 79 off 34 deliveries, helping India win with 43 balls remaining. The T20I captain appreciated everyone for playing their roles to perfection but lauded head coach Gambhir for giving a free hand to everyone to play freely and express themselves. Also read | Rohit Sharma dismissed cheaply on Ranji Trophy return; Jaiswal, Gill fail “The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark. Bowlers had plans executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake. We did the same in South Africa, Hardik had responsibility to bowl the new ball, so cushion to play the extra spinner. Varun’s preparations are on point, and Arshdeep is taking the extra responsibility. “There’s a lot of freedom being given by Gauti bhai, we want to play a bit different. The fielding is one area we’ve been working really hard. Let’s take those half chances and make a difference," India’s T20I captain said after the match. Gautam and the coaching staff chosen by him came under scrutiny after India failed to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 despite leading the points table at least until October last year. While New Zealand whitewashed India across three Tests in the away series, India’s tour of Australia Down Under ended in the hosts beating it 3-1 across five Tests. Several reports doing rounds on social media claimed that BCCI has given Gambhir-led backroom staff a deadline to improve performance or face repercussions, although none has been confirmed yet. India rock England at Eden India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens. The lone specialist seamer, Arshdeep Singh, began with a double blow in his first two overs before Varun broke into the middle order with twin strikes. Captain Jos Buttler tried saving the sinking ship with a gritty 68, but an all-round bowling show restricted them to 132 in 20 overs. Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek added 41 for the first wicket before Jofra Archer removed Samson and SKY in the same over; that, however, wasn’t enough for England to breathe relief as Abhishek hammered eight sixes to see India home with seven wickets in hand. Chennai will host the second match on Saturday (Jan 25). (With inputs from agencies)

Coach Gautam Gambhir gets backing from Suryakumar after Kolkata T20I win

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/abhishek-sharma">Abhishek Sharma</a> scored a magnificent 79 off 34 balls against England in the first T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday (Jan 22), slamming eight maximums and five fours, powering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-live-score-today-india-vs-england-latest-scorecard-jan-22-ind-vs-eng-playing-xi-prediction-pitch-report-toss-timing-venue-eden-gardens-kolkata-8644275">India to a seven-wicket win</a> with 43 balls to spare. The rookie opener reflected on his performance, crediting the management for supporting him throughout, allowing him to play aggressively yet freely.
Understanding the fight for the opener's spot in India, especially in the shortest format, Abhishek admitted that the captain and the coach backed him to keep his intent, boosting his confidence.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-abhishek-sharma-20-ball-fifty-equals-yuvraj-singh-record-india-beat-england-by-7-wickets-8645304" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma equals Yuvraj Singh's record in India's win</a>
"I have thought always from the start to be a team player," Abhishek said after the 1st T20I against England.&nbsp;
"In India, there will always be a lot of competition [when it comes to selection] in our senior team. But when Suryakumar [Yadav, the T20I captain] and Gautam [Gambhir] paaji tell me to always keep my intent, that was a big moment for me, that when the team wants me to do that, then I can do it,&rdquo; he added.
Reflecting on the support he got from the management, Abhishek said,&nbsp;
"As a batsman, it can play on your mind if you don't score runs in three-four-five innings, but the way the coach and captain have managed all the players, even when I've not done well - even then they tell us, 'we know you're going to win the game for us, any game, just go and express yourself' - I think when the captain or coach say this, you get confidence and you back yourself.&rdquo;
<h2>Experience working with Yuvraj Singh</h2>
Indian cricket legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuvraj-singh">Yuvraj Singh</a> took Abhishek Sharma under his wings during the Covid period, transforming him into a T20 beast, something the youngster appreciates and feels grateful for.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m68ua4di-8ir6oit9-4oi4bni6">
Good start to the series boys ! 🇮🇳 great tone set by our bowlers and well played sir !@IamAbhiSharma4 top knock &lsquo;!! I&rsquo;m impressed you hit 2 boundaries down the ground aswell 🤪! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiavsengland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiavsengland</a>
&mdash; Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1882125605204009246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
Talking in detail about how far he had come from being a prospect to becoming one of the most-feared top-order batters in T20 cricket, Abhishek said,
"I believe I'm very lucky in this," he said.&nbsp;
"I was working with Yuvi paaji [Yuvraj Singh] at first. Going forward, I had Brian Lara, who really helped me at SRH. Moving forward, Dan Vettori was pretty simple, he just wanted everyone to express themselves, and I think that gave me the freedom to play my shots. So obviously, with Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara and even Gauti bhai right now, they just want me to showcase my talent the way I play and to back myself,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, India drew first blood in this five-match T20I series, with their next game scheduled for Saturday (Jan 25) in Chennai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Understanding the fight for the opener's spot in India, Abhishek admitted that the captain and the coach backed him to keep his intent, boosting his confidence.


Abhishek Sharma scored a magnificent 79 off 34 balls against England in the first T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday (Jan 22), slamming eight maximums and five fours, powering India to a seven-wicket win with 43 balls to spare. The rookie opener reflected on his performance, crediting the management for supporting him throughout, allowing him to play aggressively yet freely. Understanding the fight for the opener's spot in India, especially in the shortest format, Abhishek admitted that the captain and the coach backed him to keep his intent, boosting his confidence. Also read | IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma equals Yuvraj Singh's record in India's win "I have thought always from the start to be a team player," Abhishek said after the 1st T20I against England. "In India, there will always be a lot of competition [when it comes to selection] in our senior team. But when Suryakumar [Yadav, the T20I captain] and Gautam [Gambhir] paaji tell me to always keep my intent, that was a big moment for me, that when the team wants me to do that, then I can do it,” he added. Reflecting on the support he got from the management, Abhishek said, "As a batsman, it can play on your mind if you don't score runs in three-four-five innings, but the way the coach and captain have managed all the players, even when I've not done well - even then they tell us, 'we know you're going to win the game for us, any game, just go and express yourself' - I think when the captain or coach say this, you get confidence and you back yourself.” Experience working with Yuvraj Singh Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh took Abhishek Sharma under his wings during the Covid period, transforming him into a T20 beast, something the youngster appreciates and feels grateful for. Good start to the series boys ! 🇮🇳 great tone set by our bowlers and well played sir !@IamAbhiSharma4 top knock ‘!! I’m impressed you hit 2 boundaries down the ground aswell 🤪! #indiavsengland — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 22, 2025 Talking in detail about how far he had come from being a prospect to becoming one of the most-feared top-order batters in T20 cricket, Abhishek said, "I believe I'm very lucky in this," he said. "I was working with Yuvi paaji [Yuvraj Singh] at first. Going forward, I had Brian Lara, who really helped me at SRH. Moving forward, Dan Vettori was pretty simple, he just wanted everyone to express themselves, and I think that gave me the freedom to play my shots. So obviously, with Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara and even Gauti bhai right now, they just want me to showcase my talent the way I play and to back myself,” he continued. Meanwhile, India drew first blood in this five-match T20I series, with their next game scheduled for Saturday (Jan 25) in Chennai. (With inputs from agencies)

Abhishek Sharma reflects on management’s support after 1st T20I heroics

Axar Patel, Team India&rsquo;s new T20I vice-captain, feels his role will be more than of a floater during the England series. The left-handed all-rounder has been India&rsquo;s mainstay across both domains, batting and bowling, with his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa (with the bat) a testament to it.
Given that ageing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jadeja">Ravindra Jadeja</a> is approaching the twilight stage of his ODI career, Axar remains the first choice for any captain across formats.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/disappointed-and-perplexed-shreyas-iyer-breaks-silence-on-kkr-exit-ahead-of-ipl-2025-8637827" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Disappointed and perplexed&rsquo; Shreyas Iyer breaks silence on KKR exit</a>
Besides being known to bowl tight lines in the shortest format, Axar&rsquo;s role as middle order batter has come in handy for India. Though his numbers until the end of 2022 read 21.26 (batting average) and 131.25 (strike rate), his promotion in the batting order saw a surge, with both increasing rapidly (average to 30.32 and strike rate 145.62 since the start of 2023).
Batting at number three, four, six and seven in the past two years across all competitions (for India, IPL and domestic), Axar has scored six fifties.
Shedding light on his role in this new-looking T20I side, Axar said, "Batting wise, it's not just with me, but we spoke in 2023-24 itself that the openers are fixed, but everyone from Nos. 3 to 7 have been told that they can come into bat anytime, in any situation. It is not just that one batter will bat at a particular position.
"Our middle order will come to bat depending on the match situation, what kind of bowlers are bowling at the time, which match-up works well.
"We've spoken about that how we can all be floaters, be it coming in early or obviously finishing. This is not just for me but for everyone from No. 3 and below, especially if they are in good touch in the nets. We will adjust accordingly. In T20Is, how you use your batters is so crucial, so this is an important factor in batting,&rdquo; Axar said in a chat with reporters on Monday in Kolkata.
<h2>New day, new role</h2>
Besides thinking about how to be used during 40 overs, Axar will now have to play as Suryakumar&rsquo;s deputy, meaning he will now be part of the leadership group, working towards building the team for the next T20 World Cup (next year).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/womens-u19-t20-world-cup-2025-nigeria-beat-new-zealand-in-one-crickets-greatest-upsets-8637229" rel="dofollow">Women&rsquo;s U19 T20 World Cup 2025: Nigeria beat New Zealand in cricket&rsquo;s greatest upset</a>
"It has just been a day, but as part of the leadership group, there is an extra responsibility," Axar said. "The T20I side is settled, so there's not much pressure, but there are small decisions that need making, and during the game, I need to work closely with Suryakumar.
"As part of the leadership group, you have to learn to take harsh decisions. We have spoken about sharing our genuine opinions, and that will help build trust in this group.
"The T20I format is such that it is so fast that you have to make decisions quickly, so the larger conversations [with the coaches] is about how to do that,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22 in Kolkata.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Given that ageing Ravindra Jadeja is approaching the twilight stage of his ODI career, Axar remains the first choice for any captain across formats.

Axar Patel, Team India’s new T20I vice-captain, feels his role will be more than of a floater during the England series. The left-handed all-rounder has been India’s mainstay across both domains, batting and bowling, with his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa (with the bat) a testament to it. Given that ageing Ravindra Jadeja is approaching the twilight stage of his ODI career, Axar remains the first choice for any captain across formats. Also read | ‘Disappointed and perplexed’ Shreyas Iyer breaks silence on KKR exit Besides being known to bowl tight lines in the shortest format, Axar’s role as middle order batter has come in handy for India. Though his numbers until the end of 2022 read 21.26 (batting average) and 131.25 (strike rate), his promotion in the batting order saw a surge, with both increasing rapidly (average to 30.32 and strike rate 145.62 since the start of 2023). Batting at number three, four, six and seven in the past two years across all competitions (for India, IPL and domestic), Axar has scored six fifties. Shedding light on his role in this new-looking T20I side, Axar said, "Batting wise, it's not just with me, but we spoke in 2023-24 itself that the openers are fixed, but everyone from Nos. 3 to 7 have been told that they can come into bat anytime, in any situation. It is not just that one batter will bat at a particular position. "Our middle order will come to bat depending on the match situation, what kind of bowlers are bowling at the time, which match-up works well. "We've spoken about that how we can all be floaters, be it coming in early or obviously finishing. This is not just for me but for everyone from No. 3 and below, especially if they are in good touch in the nets. We will adjust accordingly. In T20Is, how you use your batters is so crucial, so this is an important factor in batting,” Axar said in a chat with reporters on Monday in Kolkata. New day, new role Besides thinking about how to be used during 40 overs, Axar will now have to play as Suryakumar’s deputy, meaning he will now be part of the leadership group, working towards building the team for the next T20 World Cup (next year). Also read | Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025: Nigeria beat New Zealand in cricket’s greatest upset "It has just been a day, but as part of the leadership group, there is an extra responsibility," Axar said. "The T20I side is settled, so there's not much pressure, but there are small decisions that need making, and during the game, I need to work closely with Suryakumar. "As part of the leadership group, you have to learn to take harsh decisions. We have spoken about sharing our genuine opinions, and that will help build trust in this group. "The T20I format is such that it is so fast that you have to make decisions quickly, so the larger conversations [with the coaches] is about how to do that,” he continued. Meanwhile, India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22 in Kolkata. (With inputs from agencies)

Vice-captain Axar Patel ready for new challenge with ‘role flexibility’ in England T20Is

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has disallowed players to travel to the game venues in personal vehicles, adhering to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a>&rsquo;s new 10-point policy document. Instead, all players would travel together from the training to the hotel and vice-versa in the team bus, as mentioned in one of the pointers. Ahead of the five-match T20Is against England starting Wednesday (Jan 22) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the BCCI shared the latest mandate with all state associations hosting games.
CAB president Snehasish Ganguly said the body has made all arrangements in accordance with the BCCI&rsquo;s new policies on Sunday (Jan 19), Team India&rsquo;s first day of training at the Eden Gardens.&nbsp;
"In keeping with the BCCI's 10-point guidelines for players, the Cricket Association of Bengal has not arranged any separate means of conveyance [for individual players]," Ganguly said, as quoted by PTI news agency.&nbsp;
"Only a team bus has been arranged for the Indian team. There won't be any personal vehicles for the cricketers.&nbsp;We have to follow the guidelines, which clearly state that all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions,&rdquo; he continued.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-team-news-suresh-raina-says-suryakumar-yadav-x-factor-will-be-missed-8635623" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025: 'He will be missed,' Ex-India batter on not having X-factor in squad</a>
In that specific notification, a player must get a &lsquo;pre-approved&rsquo; nod from the head coach or the chief selector to travel separately from the rest of the squad to training or matches and must wait for the training session or the game to get over before leaving the venue.
"This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team," the document said.
<h2>What led to BCCI issuing strict new guidelines?</h2>
Early last week, in the wake of India&rsquo;s horror run in Tests, a high-profile review meeting in Mumbai took place, including the board members, the chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test and ODI captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit">Rohit Sharma</a>, where the BCCI decided to issue the new policy document.&nbsp;
The Rohit-led side had lost six of the last eight contested Tests (three to New Zealand at home and as many (1-3) against Australia Down Under), piling misery on Indian Cricket.
In an attempt to put things back in place, the BCCI issued a new mandate, notifying everyone of it.
Should any centrally contracted player (not playing any series for India) decide not to abide by the new rules, the repercussions would follow which will exceed just disciplinary actions.
India and England will play five T20Is, followed by three One-Dayers starting February 6. The Men in Blue will travel to Dubai next for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> starting February 19, with India&rsquo;s first match scheduled against Bangladesh the next day.&nbsp;
India will face host Pakistan three days later (on February 23) before taking on New Zealand in their last league a week later. Dubai will host all India matches, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Ahead of the five-match T20Is against England starting Wednesday (Jan 22), the BCCI shared the latest mandate with all state associations hosting games.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has disallowed players to travel to the game venues in personal vehicles, adhering to BCCI’s new 10-point policy document. Instead, all players would travel together from the training to the hotel and vice-versa in the team bus, as mentioned in one of the pointers. Ahead of the five-match T20Is against England starting Wednesday (Jan 22) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the BCCI shared the latest mandate with all state associations hosting games. CAB president Snehasish Ganguly said the body has made all arrangements in accordance with the BCCI’s new policies on Sunday (Jan 19), Team India’s first day of training at the Eden Gardens. "In keeping with the BCCI's 10-point guidelines for players, the Cricket Association of Bengal has not arranged any separate means of conveyance [for individual players]," Ganguly said, as quoted by PTI news agency. "Only a team bus has been arranged for the Indian team. There won't be any personal vehicles for the cricketers. We have to follow the guidelines, which clearly state that all players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions,” he continued. Also read | Champions Trophy 2025: 'He will be missed,' Ex-India batter on not having X-factor in squad In that specific notification, a player must get a ‘pre-approved’ nod from the head coach or the chief selector to travel separately from the rest of the squad to training or matches and must wait for the training session or the game to get over before leaving the venue. "This rule ensures commitment and fosters a strong work ethic within the team," the document said. What led to BCCI issuing strict new guidelines? Early last week, in the wake of India’s horror run in Tests, a high-profile review meeting in Mumbai took place, including the board members, the chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, where the BCCI decided to issue the new policy document. The Rohit-led side had lost six of the last eight contested Tests (three to New Zealand at home and as many (1-3) against Australia Down Under), piling misery on Indian Cricket. In an attempt to put things back in place, the BCCI issued a new mandate, notifying everyone of it. Should any centrally contracted player (not playing any series for India) decide not to abide by the new rules, the repercussions would follow which will exceed just disciplinary actions. India and England will play five T20Is, followed by three One-Dayers starting February 6. The Men in Blue will travel to Dubai next for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting February 19, with India’s first match scheduled against Bangladesh the next day. India will face host Pakistan three days later (on February 23) before taking on New Zealand in their last league a week later. Dubai will host all India matches, including the knockouts, should they qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs ENG 2025: No personal vehicles for Indian cricketers as Bengal cricket body CAB enforces BCCI’s policy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September. Per the BCCI’s announcement, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England will tour India in the upcoming months.&nbsp;

After Team India completes their ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas (ending on June 29), they will travel to Zimbabwe for a short bilateral series (5 T20Is) before taking on Sri Lanka in an away tour. However, India’s home season begins mid-September with two Tests against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.&nbsp;

Following the second Test in Kanpur on September 27, the two teams will play three T20Is in Dharamsala (Oct 6), Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kane-williamson-reconfirms-commitment-to-new-zealand-cricket-despite-central-contract-refusal-733540">Kane Williamson reconfirms commitment to New Zealand cricket despite central contract refusal</a>

Four days later, on October 16, Team India will play the first of the three Tests against New Zealand, with the final two Tests scheduled in Pune (Oct 24) and Mumbai (Nov 1), respectively.&nbsp;

The Indian Team will then travel Down Under for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, consisting of five Tests, beginning in Perth on November 22.

Adelaide (Dec 6), Brisbane (Dec 14), the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne (Dec 26) and the New Year’s Test at the SCG in Sydney (Jan 3) will host the remaining four Tests.

Following the long tour of Australia, India will host England for the white-ball leg, starting January 22. Both teams will play five T20Is before switching to the ODI gears for the three-match series, concluding on February 12 in Ahmedabad.

Chennai (Jan 22), Kolkata (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (Feb 2) are five venues for the T20Is, while Nagpur (Feb 6) and Cuttack (Feb 9) will host the first two ODIs.&nbsp;

<h2>Champions Trophy in Pakistan</h2>

After the final ODI against the former World Champions, both teams will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. An eight-team ICC tournament returns to Pakistan for the first time since 2008 when they hosted the Asia Cup, beginning in mid-February around the 21st, the final confirmation of which is yet to come.

However, the question remains whether the Indian Govt&nbsp;and the BCCI will allow the Men in Blue to travel across the border for the returning Champions Trophy event.&nbsp;

Although none of the concerned stakeholders have communicated on the same, the PCB, in accordance with the ICC, had announced three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the showpiece event.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is proposed to host all India matches, including the semis and the final, should they qualify.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday (June 20), announced the home fixtures for the senior men’s team for the 2024/25 season, starting in September. Per the BCCI’s announcement, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England will tour India in the upcoming months. After Team India completes their ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas (ending on June 29), they will travel to Zimbabwe for a short bilateral series (5 T20Is) before taking on Sri Lanka in an away tour. However, India’s home season begins mid-September with two Tests against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai. Following the second Test in Kanpur on September 27, the two teams will play three T20Is in Dharamsala (Oct 6), Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12). ALSO READ: Kane Williamson reconfirms commitment to New Zealand cricket despite central contract refusal Four days later, on October 16, Team India will play the first of the three Tests against New Zealand, with the final two Tests scheduled in Pune (Oct 24) and Mumbai (Nov 1), respectively. The Indian Team will then travel Down Under for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, consisting of five Tests, beginning in Perth on November 22. Adelaide (Dec 6), Brisbane (Dec 14), the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne (Dec 26) and the New Year’s Test at the SCG in Sydney (Jan 3) will host the remaining four Tests. Following the long tour of Australia, India will host England for the white-ball leg, starting January 22. Both teams will play five T20Is before switching to the ODI gears for the three-match series, concluding on February 12 in Ahmedabad. Chennai (Jan 22), Kolkata (Jan 25), Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (Feb 2) are five venues for the T20Is, while Nagpur (Feb 6) and Cuttack (Feb 9) will host the first two ODIs. Champions Trophy in Pakistan After the final ODI against the former World Champions, both teams will travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. An eight-team ICC tournament returns to Pakistan for the first time since 2008 when they hosted the Asia Cup, beginning in mid-February around the 21st, the final confirmation of which is yet to come. However, the question remains whether the Indian Govt and the BCCI will allow the Men in Blue to travel across the border for the returning Champions Trophy event. Although none of the concerned stakeholders have communicated on the same, the PCB, in accordance with the ICC, had announced three venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the showpiece event. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is proposed to host all India matches, including the semis and the final, should they qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI announces Team India's home fixtures for upcoming 2024/25 season; England, NZ among touring teams

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