India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy for showing “immense character” after their team secured a thrilling win over New Zealand in the second T20I. He also credited Naman Dhir for his important contribution, which helped India recover after losing several wickets in the middle overs. Chasing a target of 181 runs, India were in trouble after losing five wickets for 70 runs in 10.5 overs, having started at 40/0. However, Naman’s quickfire 31 off 17 balls, including a four and three sixes, brought India back into the contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tilak and Nitish then completed the chase with an unbeaten partnership, guiding India to a four-wicket win with one ball remaining.&nbsp;Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer praised the team’s fighting spirit and said, “I feel that every individual in our game is a match winner, and today we saw the example of that. Like, honestly speaking, when we lost wickets, consecutive wickets especially, we thought that the game was going away from us. But Tilak and Reddy, they showed immense character, and also a great cameo by Naman Dhir.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-pv-sindhu-storms-into-final-with-win-over-hina-akechi-1792844118737">French Open: PV Sindhu storms into final with win over Hina Akechi</a>&nbsp;Iyer also praised Naman’s all-round abilities, calling him a “phenomenal bowler” and a “comprehensive player”.&nbsp;“We saw him in a couple of games back home against West Indies. He is a phenomenal bowler as well, and once you get both the parts covered in terms of batting and bowling, I think he brings in a lot of character, and also when you see him move around in the field, he basically, he is a comprehensive player,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-2nd-t20i-tilak-varma-nitish-reddy-star-as-india-seal-thrilling-four-wicket-win-1792838698071">Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy star as India seal thrilling four-wicket win over NZ</a>&nbsp;The Indian skipper also acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, while pointing out that India’s slow scoring rate early in the chase put the team under pressure.&nbsp;“I think we played a lot of dot balls initially, and that basically piled up the run rate as well, and also when we went in, we wanted to actually cruise, but they bowled amazing, especially Bracewell and Santner, the way they controlled the game in the middle,” Iyer said.&nbsp;“It was not easy to strike the ball, but I think if we would have picked up the gaps and tried to find boundaries, we could have easily cruised. But unfortunate. You know, it happens. Just another day, and I am sure that we will bounce back pretty strong,” he concluded.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer praised Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir for their contributions in India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand, which gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the series.

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy for showing “immense character” after their team secured a thrilling win over New Zealand in the second T20I. He also credited Naman Dhir for his important contribution, which helped India recover after losing several wickets in the middle overs. Chasing a target of 181 runs, India were in trouble after losing five wickets for 70 runs in 10.5 overs, having started at 40/0. However, Naman’s quickfire 31 off 17 balls, including a four and three sixes, brought India back into the contest. Tilak and Nitish then completed the chase with an unbeaten partnership, guiding India to a four-wicket win with one ball remaining. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer praised the team’s fighting spirit and said, “I feel that every individual in our game is a match winner, and today we saw the example of that. Like, honestly speaking, when we lost wickets, consecutive wickets especially, we thought that the game was going away from us. But Tilak and Reddy, they showed immense character, and also a great cameo by Naman Dhir.” Also Read - French Open: PV Sindhu storms into final with win over Hina Akechi Iyer also praised Naman’s all-round abilities, calling him a “phenomenal bowler” and a “comprehensive player”. “We saw him in a couple of games back home against West Indies. He is a phenomenal bowler as well, and once you get both the parts covered in terms of batting and bowling, I think he brings in a lot of character, and also when you see him move around in the field, he basically, he is a comprehensive player,” he said. Also Read - Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy star as India seal thrilling four-wicket win over NZ The Indian skipper also acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, while pointing out that India’s slow scoring rate early in the chase put the team under pressure. “I think we played a lot of dot balls initially, and that basically piled up the run rate as well, and also when we went in, we wanted to actually cruise, but they bowled amazing, especially Bracewell and Santner, the way they controlled the game in the middle,” Iyer said. “It was not easy to strike the ball, but I think if we would have picked up the gaps and tried to find boundaries, we could have easily cruised. But unfortunate. You know, it happens. Just another day, and I am sure that we will bounce back pretty strong,” he concluded.

Shreyas Iyer praised Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir for their contributions in India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand, which gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the series.

'Every individual a match winner': Iyer hails team after India’s 2nd T20I win

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much hyped return to the Indian Team ended quickly and disappointingly as the teen batting star failed to fire in the second T20I at Hagley Oval. Walking into the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Ishan Kishan, Sooryavanshi’s brief stay at the crease lasted just eight balls as he struggled to find his rhythm, just like the openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. &nbsp;The Christchurch crowd cheered Sooryavanshi’s entry to the crease in the 5th over, but the left-hander departed for eight, caught by Daryl Mitchell off Nathan Smith. His dismissal silenced the vociferous Indian supporters.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-2nd-t20i-mid-innings-bhuvneshwar-kumar-phillips-jacobs-180-1792831686203">Bhuvneshwar strikes early on return but Phillips, Jacobs blast NZ to 180/5 in 2nd T20I</a> &nbsp;As New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner indicated before the start of the series that they were prepared for Sooryavanshi’s fireworks and had plans for him, the Kiwis were onto it from the word go. Jacob Duffy, who dismissed Samson caught inside the circle off a slower one, bowled a steamy bouncer to welcome Sooryavanshi to New Zealand. Another short one followed before Michael Bracewell was handed the ball to bowl the last over of the powerplay. &nbsp;While Sooryavanshi escaped getting out on the third ball he faced when he miscued one to the point, only for Bevon Jacobs to lose sight of the ball, he could last four more before perfectly finding Mitchell at the covers off Smith. Sooryavanshi looked devastated as he walked back to the pavilion.<h3>India Top-Order Struggles in 2nd T20I</h3>Not only Sooryavanshi, but Abhishek Sharma also escaped a dismissal early on the innings, thanks to Duffy’s overstepping. Samson played a maiden first over off Matt Henry but accelerated afterwards as the pair added 40 for the first wicket in five overs.&nbsp; &nbsp;Abhishek failed to find his groove as he was dismissed soon after on 27 off 21, leaving India reeling at 56 for three. Captain Shreyas Iyer was clean bowled by Mitchell Santner before the Kiwi skipper also accounted for Axar Patel two balls later on 11. &nbsp;Chasing 181, Team India was 70 for five in 11 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 8 on his return as India’s top order collapsed to 70/5 chasing 181 against New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Christchurch.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much hyped return to the Indian Team ended quickly and disappointingly as the teen batting star failed to fire in the second T20I at Hagley Oval. Walking into the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Ishan Kishan, Sooryavanshi’s brief stay at the crease lasted just eight balls as he struggled to find his rhythm, just like the openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The Christchurch crowd cheered Sooryavanshi’s entry to the crease in the 5th over, but the left-hander departed for eight, caught by Daryl Mitchell off Nathan Smith. His dismissal silenced the vociferous Indian supporters. Also read| Bhuvneshwar strikes early on return but Phillips, Jacobs blast NZ to 180/5 in 2nd T20I As New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner indicated before the start of the series that they were prepared for Sooryavanshi’s fireworks and had plans for him, the Kiwis were onto it from the word go. Jacob Duffy, who dismissed Samson caught inside the circle off a slower one, bowled a steamy bouncer to welcome Sooryavanshi to New Zealand. Another short one followed before Michael Bracewell was handed the ball to bowl the last over of the powerplay. While Sooryavanshi escaped getting out on the third ball he faced when he miscued one to the point, only for Bevon Jacobs to lose sight of the ball, he could last four more before perfectly finding Mitchell at the covers off Smith. Sooryavanshi looked devastated as he walked back to the pavilion. India Top-Order Struggles in 2nd T20I Not only Sooryavanshi, but Abhishek Sharma also escaped a dismissal early on the innings, thanks to Duffy’s overstepping. Samson played a maiden first over off Matt Henry but accelerated afterwards as the pair added 40 for the first wicket in five overs. Abhishek failed to find his groove as he was dismissed soon after on 27 off 21, leaving India reeling at 56 for three. Captain Shreyas Iyer was clean bowled by Mitchell Santner before the Kiwi skipper also accounted for Axar Patel two balls later on 11. Chasing 181, Team India was 70 for five in 11 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 8 on his return as India’s top order collapsed to 70/5 chasing 181 against New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Christchurch.

Sooryavanshi fails to fire on India comeback as top-order struggles in 2nd T20I

India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is closing in on breaking former skipper Rohit Sharma's record as India gear up to face New Zealand in the second T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday (Oct 24). Iyer has been in superb T20I form lately, scoring his maiden hundred in the format against the West Indies in the series opener earlier this month. Even against New Zealand in the 1st T20I, the right-hander scored a match-winning 42 off 28 balls, helping India complete their highest T20I run chase. &nbsp;Iyer has a chance to surpass Rohit to become India’s T20I captain with the most runs in a calendar year. Since taking over the captaincy in the shortest format from Suryakumar Yadav just after IPL 2026, Iyer has led India in 22 T20I matches, scoring 632 runs. For him to go past his former India captain and veteran Rohit, Iyer needs to score 25 more. Rohit scored 656 runs in 29 T20Is in 2022 as the captain.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-a-vs-nz-a-1st-unofficial-test-kl-rahul-sai-sudharsan-ducks-113-all-out-1792811978747">KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan score ducks as India A fold for 113 against NZ A</a> &nbsp;However, Pakistan’s talismanic batter Babar Azam leads the list for scoring 939 runs in 29 matches as a T20I captain in 2021, the same year in which he led Pakistan’s most famous run chase against India in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Japan's T20I captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming is second on the list, having scored 840 runs in 20 matches in 2024. &nbsp;Meanwhile, not only can Iyer break Rohit’s T20I record, but he can also get past Babar’s record for the most T20 runs scored as a captain in a calendar year. In 2026, while leading a T20 team, including Punjab Kings in the IPL, Iyer has amassed 1,130 runs and needs 95 more to surpass Babar’s tally of 1,225, which he recorded as a T20 captain in 2021. &nbsp;Team India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0, after winning the first match by four wickets. Chasing 226, India scored 230 for six in 19.4 overs, with opener Sanju Samson topping the run-scoring chart with 67 from just 33 balls, hitting four sixes and eight fours. &nbsp;India will be without Ishan Kishan for the second T20I, with teen batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in line for his return to the playing XI.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer is 25 runs away from breaking Rohit Sharma's record for most T20I runs by an Indian captain in a calendar year ahead of IND vs NZ 2nd T20I.

India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is closing in on breaking former skipper Rohit Sharma's record as India gear up to face New Zealand in the second T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday (Oct 24). Iyer has been in superb T20I form lately, scoring his maiden hundred in the format against the West Indies in the series opener earlier this month. Even against New Zealand in the 1st T20I, the right-hander scored a match-winning 42 off 28 balls, helping India complete their highest T20I run chase. Iyer has a chance to surpass Rohit to become India’s T20I captain with the most runs in a calendar year. Since taking over the captaincy in the shortest format from Suryakumar Yadav just after IPL 2026, Iyer has led India in 22 T20I matches, scoring 632 runs. For him to go past his former India captain and veteran Rohit, Iyer needs to score 25 more. Rohit scored 656 runs in 29 T20Is in 2022 as the captain. Also read| KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan score ducks as India A fold for 113 against NZ A However, Pakistan’s talismanic batter Babar Azam leads the list for scoring 939 runs in 29 matches as a T20I captain in 2021, the same year in which he led Pakistan’s most famous run chase against India in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Japan's T20I captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming is second on the list, having scored 840 runs in 20 matches in 2024. Meanwhile, not only can Iyer break Rohit’s T20I record, but he can also get past Babar’s record for the most T20 runs scored as a captain in a calendar year. In 2026, while leading a T20 team, including Punjab Kings in the IPL, Iyer has amassed 1,130 runs and needs 95 more to surpass Babar’s tally of 1,225, which he recorded as a T20 captain in 2021. Team India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0, after winning the first match by four wickets. Chasing 226, India scored 230 for six in 19.4 overs, with opener Sanju Samson topping the run-scoring chart with 67 from just 33 balls, hitting four sixes and eight fours. India will be without Ishan Kishan for the second T20I, with teen batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in line for his return to the playing XI.

Shreyas Iyer is 25 runs away from breaking Rohit Sharma's record for most T20I runs by an Indian captain in a calendar year ahead of IND vs NZ 2nd T20I.

IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Shreyas Iyer on brink of breaking Rohit Sharma’s record

India T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer said the 'pitch got easier in the second innings' as they chased down a 226-run target in the first match of the five-T20I series on Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch. India won the match by four wickets as they reached the target in 19.4 overs. Captain Iyer scored a 28-ball 42 as Naman Dhir, playing his first overseas T20I, kept his composure and hit an unbeaten 15-ball 42 to take the team through. Apart from them, Sanju Samson (67 off 33) and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 12) gave India a flying start, adding 93 runs in 5.5 overs for the first wicket before Sharma was dismissed by Michael Bracewell.<h2>Iyer reveals how India chased down 226-run target</h2>"When we started bowling I thought it was playing a bit slower," Iyer said while talking to the host broadcaster after the win. "The ball was holding a bit and we bowled a little ahead [fuller] compared to the hard lengths we should have been hitting. But as soon as the game progressed, we saw the dew coming in and the wicket was getting flatter as the ball was skidding through and coming onto the bat pretty well."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-sl-harry-brook-s-202-goes-in-vain-as-sri-lanka-pull-off-second-highest-odi-chase-1792695371325">Harry Brook’s 202 goes in vain as Sri Lanka pull off second-highest ODI chase</a>Iyer also gave the same logic as to why New Zealand were able to score 225 and said: "That's how they got the momentum and they reached 220. Kudos to them for the effort. But obviously, we needed that kind of start, especially when you're chasing 220. Getting to 80–85 [94] in six overs — that's a tremendous start."<h2>What's next in the series?</h2>The next match of the five-T20I series is set to be played on Saturday (Oct 24), also in Christchurch, before the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday (Oct 27), the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday (Oct 30), and the final T20I on Sunday (Nov 1) in Hamilton.

India chased 226 against New Zealand in Christchurch to win the T20I opener by 4 wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer credited dew and a flatter pitch for easing the second-innings pursuit.

India T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer said the 'pitch got easier in the second innings' as they chased down a 226-run target in the first match of the five-T20I series on Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch. India won the match by four wickets as they reached the target in 19.4 overs. Captain Iyer scored a 28-ball 42 as Naman Dhir, playing his first overseas T20I, kept his composure and hit an unbeaten 15-ball 42 to take the team through. Apart from them, Sanju Samson (67 off 33) and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 12) gave India a flying start, adding 93 runs in 5.5 overs for the first wicket before Sharma was dismissed by Michael Bracewell. Iyer reveals how India chased down 226-run target "When we started bowling I thought it was playing a bit slower," Iyer said while talking to the host broadcaster after the win. "The ball was holding a bit and we bowled a little ahead [fuller] compared to the hard lengths we should have been hitting. But as soon as the game progressed, we saw the dew coming in and the wicket was getting flatter as the ball was skidding through and coming onto the bat pretty well." Also Read - Harry Brook’s 202 goes in vain as Sri Lanka pull off second-highest ODI chase Iyer also gave the same logic as to why New Zealand were able to score 225 and said: "That's how they got the momentum and they reached 220. Kudos to them for the effort. But obviously, we needed that kind of start, especially when you're chasing 220. Getting to 80–85 [94] in six overs — that's a tremendous start." What's next in the series? The next match of the five-T20I series is set to be played on Saturday (Oct 24), also in Christchurch, before the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday (Oct 27), the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday (Oct 30), and the final T20I on Sunday (Nov 1) in Hamilton.

India chased 226 against New Zealand in Christchurch to win the T20I opener by 4 wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer credited dew and a flatter pitch for easing the second-innings pursuit.

IND vs NZ 1st T20I - 'That's how they got the momentum': Skipper Shreyas Iyer reveals key to India win in Christchurch

India will play New Zealand in the first of five T20Is on Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch, just days after they played West Indies in the T20I series decider in Bengaluru. Jetlagged and running around since defending their Asian Games gold in Japan, the Men in Blue have now reached the other end of the globe to feature in the marquee series. Shreyas Iyer and his top-notch Indian Team will aim to repeat the past heroics, but have a few selection headaches before the action gets underway.<h2>Match Preview</h2>India’s full tour of New Zealand will get underway with the five-match T20I series before the action moves to 50-over cricket and ends with the WTC-bound two Tests. &nbsp;Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was tipped to be in action during the series, but Iyer indicated that India will likely continue with their regular T20I openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The batting order is unlikely to see major changes, with Ishan Kishan, Iyer and Tilak Varma comprising the middle order.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-coe-cautious-hardik-pandya-fitness-comeback-timeline-1792599701302">BCCI’s CoE cautious over Hardik Pandya’s fitness, sets expected comeback timeline</a> &nbsp;Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and either Naman Dhir or Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely take up the finisher's role. &nbsp;With no Jasprit Bumrah around, ace seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack, with Arshdeep Singh sharing the new ball with him. With Varun Chakravarthy recalled for the T20Is, Iyer would have to pick between him and Kuldeep Yadav for the series opener. &nbsp;On the other hand, New Zealand have racked up match winners in their squad for the India T20Is. Starting at the top, Finn Allen will pair up with fellow T20 specialist Tim Seifert, with Devon Conway likely to bat at three. Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell will comprise the middle order, before captain Mitchell Santner bridges the gap between the batters and the tailenders.&nbsp; &nbsp;The hosts are likely to play four quicks, with lanky seamer Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith and Lockie Ferguson.&nbsp;<h3>Predicted Playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India – Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh &nbsp;New Zealand - Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson

India face New Zealand in the 1st T20I in Christchurch. Check the preview, team news, selection dilemmas, and predicted playing XIs for Shreyas Iyer's side.

India will play New Zealand in the first of five T20Is on Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch, just days after they played West Indies in the T20I series decider in Bengaluru. Jetlagged and running around since defending their Asian Games gold in Japan, the Men in Blue have now reached the other end of the globe to feature in the marquee series. Shreyas Iyer and his top-notch Indian Team will aim to repeat the past heroics, but have a few selection headaches before the action gets underway. Match Preview India’s full tour of New Zealand will get underway with the five-match T20I series before the action moves to 50-over cricket and ends with the WTC-bound two Tests. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was tipped to be in action during the series, but Iyer indicated that India will likely continue with their regular T20I openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The batting order is unlikely to see major changes, with Ishan Kishan, Iyer and Tilak Varma comprising the middle order. Also read| BCCI’s CoE cautious over Hardik Pandya’s fitness, sets expected comeback timeline Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and either Naman Dhir or Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely take up the finisher's role. With no Jasprit Bumrah around, ace seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack, with Arshdeep Singh sharing the new ball with him. With Varun Chakravarthy recalled for the T20Is, Iyer would have to pick between him and Kuldeep Yadav for the series opener. On the other hand, New Zealand have racked up match winners in their squad for the India T20Is. Starting at the top, Finn Allen will pair up with fellow T20 specialist Tim Seifert, with Devon Conway likely to bat at three. Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell will comprise the middle order, before captain Mitchell Santner bridges the gap between the batters and the tailenders. The hosts are likely to play four quicks, with lanky seamer Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith and Lockie Ferguson. Predicted Playing XIs of both teams – India – Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh New Zealand - Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson

India face New Zealand in the 1st T20I in Christchurch. Check the preview, team news, selection dilemmas, and predicted playing XIs for Shreyas Iyer's side.

IND vs NZ 1st T20I Preview: Selection dilemmas and short prep test India ahead of marquee series

Shreyas Iyer's record as India T20I skipper is getting better after early defeats on tours of Ireland and England. His next assignment is against New Zealand in New Zealand. The two sides will play a five-match T20I series from Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch, and Iyer will be hoping to win. Iyer took over the T20I captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav after Surya led India's successful defence of the T20 World Cup title in June-July earlier this year. Iyer's stocks as captain rose through the IPL, where he first led Delhi Capitals to the final before winning the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders and reaching the final again with Punjab Kings.<h2>Abhishek Nayar on comparison of Iyer vs Surya as captain</h2>Ever since Iyer replaced Surya as T20I skipper, there's been a debate going on about whether the right decision was made. While Iyer's initial series losses against Ireland and England didn't go his way, the next few series were in his favour. With Iyer constantly being compared to Surya as skipper, a win in the NZ series could very well settle the debate.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20is-wil-sooryavanshi-play-skipper-shreyas-iyer-clears-the-air-on-samson-vs-vaibhav-debate-1792568481026">IND vs NZ T20Is: Wil Sooryavanshi play? Skipper Shreyas Iyer clears the air on Samson vs Vaibhav debate</a>"It's not about whether he's worthy or not in comparison to Surya, because, at that time, India played a lot of series in India. They didn't travel a lot. After Shreyas Iyer took up captaincy, they've gone to England, and now they're going to New Zealand. So, a lot of the T20Is have been played away from home, in Zimbabwe and Japan," said Abhishek Nayar, former India assistant coach, in a chat with JioStar."I remember that, building up to the T20 World Cup, we were playing a lot more at home and in subcontinental conditions than away. So, that comparison is out of the way. Whenever you go to New Zealand and win in foreign conditions, I think that captain will feel in control of the team and earn the respect of everyone around him, because that's where you are judged the most. So, if you win, like they say, it's a star on your chest, going to New Zealand and winning the series. It didn't happen in England, but it happened here, if it does happen. So, it will be one of those things for him personally, that 'I can win abroad as well' as a captain."<h2>Iyer's record as T20I skipper</h2>Since taking over the captaincy, Iyer has led India in 21 T20Is, winning 11 and losing eight of them, while two matches ended in no result. After losing series in Ireland and England, India won against Zimbabwe (away), won the Asian Games gold (Japan), defeated Afghanistan (home), and drew against the West Indies at home.

Abhishek Nayar defended India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer against comparisons with Suryakumar Yadav, noting Iyer's tough away assignments ahead of the New Zealand series.

Shreyas Iyer's record as India T20I skipper is getting better after early defeats on tours of Ireland and England. His next assignment is against New Zealand in New Zealand. The two sides will play a five-match T20I series from Thursday (Oct 22) in Christchurch, and Iyer will be hoping to win. Iyer took over the T20I captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav after Surya led India's successful defence of the T20 World Cup title in June-July earlier this year. Iyer's stocks as captain rose through the IPL, where he first led Delhi Capitals to the final before winning the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders and reaching the final again with Punjab Kings. Abhishek Nayar on comparison of Iyer vs Surya as captain Ever since Iyer replaced Surya as T20I skipper, there's been a debate going on about whether the right decision was made. While Iyer's initial series losses against Ireland and England didn't go his way, the next few series were in his favour. With Iyer constantly being compared to Surya as skipper, a win in the NZ series could very well settle the debate. Also Read - IND vs NZ T20Is: Wil Sooryavanshi play? Skipper Shreyas Iyer clears the air on Samson vs Vaibhav debate "It's not about whether he's worthy or not in comparison to Surya, because, at that time, India played a lot of series in India. They didn't travel a lot. After Shreyas Iyer took up captaincy, they've gone to England, and now they're going to New Zealand. So, a lot of the T20Is have been played away from home, in Zimbabwe and Japan," said Abhishek Nayar, former India assistant coach, in a chat with JioStar. "I remember that, building up to the T20 World Cup, we were playing a lot more at home and in subcontinental conditions than away. So, that comparison is out of the way. Whenever you go to New Zealand and win in foreign conditions, I think that captain will feel in control of the team and earn the respect of everyone around him, because that's where you are judged the most. So, if you win, like they say, it's a star on your chest, going to New Zealand and winning the series. It didn't happen in England, but it happened here, if it does happen. So, it will be one of those things for him personally, that 'I can win abroad as well' as a captain." Iyer's record as T20I skipper Since taking over the captaincy, Iyer has led India in 21 T20Is, winning 11 and losing eight of them, while two matches ended in no result. After losing series in Ireland and England, India won against Zimbabwe (away), won the Asian Games gold (Japan), defeated Afghanistan (home), and drew against the West Indies at home.

Abhishek Nayar defended India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer against comparisons with Suryakumar Yadav, noting Iyer's tough away assignments ahead of the New Zealand series.

IND vs NZ T20Is: Former India assistant coach backs Iyer as captain on comparison with Surya

India skipper Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would have to wait to get his opportunity. Iyer made the statement on the eve of the first of five T20Is, which is set to be played in Christchurch on Thursday (Oct 22). Sooryavanshi had made his India debut in T20Is earlier this year, but the pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma is still preferred. The 15-year-old has risen through the ranks after a blockbuster IPL 2026 where he won the Orange Cap for most runs (776 runs) in the tournament while playing for Rajasthan Royals.<h2>Iyer shares thoughts on Sooryavanshi getting opportunities in NZ T20Is</h2>Speaking about his potential role in the five-match T20I series, Iyer was clear that the teenager would have to wait to get his opportunities. "He has many more years ahead to get opportunities," he said.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-t20is-kiwi-skipper-santner-wary-of-bhuvneshwar-and-has-plans-for-sooryvanshi-1792562541130">IND vs NZ T20Is: Kiwi skipper Santner wary of Bhuvneshwar and has 'plans' for Sooryvanshi</a>"It's not as if he can just walk straight into the team right now because our openers have been scoring consistently and also won us the World Cup."The debate to play Sooryavanshi over Samson has been going on for some time now, but the management—including coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Iyer—has backed Samson over Vaibhav. Samson played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup title defence earlier this year with two blistering fifties in the semi-final and the final.<h2>Squads</h2>India: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep YadavNew Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner<h2>Complete schedule of IND vs NZ T20I series</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Day</td><td>Match</td><td>Venue</td><td>Start Time (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 22</td><td>Thursday</td><td>1st T20I</td><td>Hagley Oval in Christchurch</td><td>12:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 24</td><td>Saturday</td><td>2nd T20I</td><td>Hagley Oval in Christchurch</td><td>12:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 27</td><td>Tuesday</td><td>3rd T20I</td><td>Hnry Stadium in Wellington</td><td>12:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 30</td><td>Friday</td><td>4th T20I</td><td>Eden Park in Auckland</td><td>12:30 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Nov 1</td><td>Sunday</td><td>5th T20I</td><td>Seddon Park in Hamilton</td><td>12:30 PM</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

India captain Shreyas Iyer stated that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must wait for his T20I chance in New Zealand, as proven openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma remain top choices.

India skipper Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would have to wait to get his opportunity. Iyer made the statement on the eve of the first of five T20Is, which is set to be played in Christchurch on Thursday (Oct 22). Sooryavanshi had made his India debut in T20Is earlier this year, but the pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma is still preferred. The 15-year-old has risen through the ranks after a blockbuster IPL 2026 where he won the Orange Cap for most runs (776 runs) in the tournament while playing for Rajasthan Royals. Iyer shares thoughts on Sooryavanshi getting opportunities in NZ T20Is Speaking about his potential role in the five-match T20I series, Iyer was clear that the teenager would have to wait to get his opportunities. "He has many more years ahead to get opportunities," he said. Also Read - IND vs NZ T20Is: Kiwi skipper Santner wary of Bhuvneshwar and has 'plans' for Sooryvanshi "It's not as if he can just walk straight into the team right now because our openers have been scoring consistently and also won us the World Cup." The debate to play Sooryavanshi over Samson has been going on for some time now, but the management—including coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Iyer—has backed Samson over Vaibhav. Samson played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup title defence earlier this year with two blistering fifties in the semi-final and the final. Squads India: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner Complete schedule of IND vs NZ T20I series

India captain Shreyas Iyer stated that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must wait for his T20I chance in New Zealand, as proven openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma remain top choices.

IND vs NZ T20Is: Will Sooryavanshi play? Skipper Shreyas Iyer clears the air on Samson vs Vaibhav debate

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has revealed that he continues to encourage young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to trust his process and stay focused, assuring the teenager that he will get his chances. India’s five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw after the rain-hit fifth match in Bengaluru was abandoned. The game was reduced to nine overs per side before rain forced an early end.&nbsp;Sooryavanshi did not play a single match in the series and his last appearance for India came in the Asian Games final against arch-rivals Pakistan. The youngster has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at a strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries.&nbsp;India continued to back Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as their openers. Samson scored 168 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 195.34, while Abhishek made 145 runs at a strike rate of 181.25. Both batters registered two half-centuries in the series.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/success-doesn-t-have-to-be-wi-skipper-hope-after-t20i-series-draw-against-india-1792296762183">'Success doesn't have to be...': Hope after T20I series draw against India</a>&nbsp;Speaking during the post-match proceedings about Sooryavanshi, Iyer said, “I just keep telling him Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, you will get your opportunities. If you are consistent with your process, mindset a bit light and not think too much about not getting an opportunity….you have to wait sometimes. We have two fantastic openers who’ve been consistent throughout.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brendan-taylor-overtakes-andy-flower-to-become-zimbabwe-s-leading-odi-run-scorer-1792298464919">Brendan Taylor overtakes Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s leading ODI run-scorer</a>&nbsp;Reflecting on the high-scoring series, Iyer admitted that India could have achieved a different result if their bowlers had performed better in the second and fourth matches, when they conceded more than 240 runs. The West Indies also pulled off a massive 250-run chase in the second T20I, making it one of the standout moments of the series.&nbsp;“Could have been a different series scoreline if we had bowled well in the 2nd and 4th game. Batting has been sensational, execution we fell short. Credit where due, they batted phenomenally well. Kudos to Shai Hope; he was superb. The ability to bounce back even after a loss among the big plusses. We were not able to be consistent throughout, so great learning. Even today, the way we went about our batting was outstanding. Gonna be a challenging series in New Zealand now,” he signed off.

Despite being named in the squad, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not feature in any of the five T20Is against the West Indies.

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has revealed that he continues to encourage young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to trust his process and stay focused, assuring the teenager that he will get his chances. India’s five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw after the rain-hit fifth match in Bengaluru was abandoned. The game was reduced to nine overs per side before rain forced an early end. Sooryavanshi did not play a single match in the series and his last appearance for India came in the Asian Games final against arch-rivals Pakistan. The youngster has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at a strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries. India continued to back Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as their openers. Samson scored 168 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 195.34, while Abhishek made 145 runs at a strike rate of 181.25. Both batters registered two half-centuries in the series. Also Read - 'Success doesn't have to be...': Hope after T20I series draw against India Speaking during the post-match proceedings about Sooryavanshi, Iyer said, “I just keep telling him Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, you will get your opportunities. If you are consistent with your process, mindset a bit light and not think too much about not getting an opportunity….you have to wait sometimes. We have two fantastic openers who’ve been consistent throughout.” Also Read - Brendan Taylor overtakes Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s leading ODI run-scorer Reflecting on the high-scoring series, Iyer admitted that India could have achieved a different result if their bowlers had performed better in the second and fourth matches, when they conceded more than 240 runs. The West Indies also pulled off a massive 250-run chase in the second T20I, making it one of the standout moments of the series. “Could have been a different series scoreline if we had bowled well in the 2nd and 4th game. Batting has been sensational, execution we fell short. Credit where due, they batted phenomenally well. Kudos to Shai Hope; he was superb. The ability to bounce back even after a loss among the big plusses. We were not able to be consistent throughout, so great learning. Even today, the way we went about our batting was outstanding. Gonna be a challenging series in New Zealand now,” he signed off.

Despite being named in the squad, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not feature in any of the five T20Is against the West Indies.

'keep telling him you will get your opportunities': Iyer opens up on conversations with Sooryavanshi

India and the West Indies have reached the business end of their white-ball series, with the hosts leading the five T20Is 2-1. Hyderabad will host the fourth match on Wednesday evening (Oct 14), another potential run-fest. The three concluded matches have favoured batters throughout, with the visitors completing their highest T20I run chase against India in India in the second T20I in Ranchi. Shreyas Iyer’s Indian team won the first and third T20Is, and now aim to clinch the series win in the fourth. Here is the match preview.<h2>Match Preview</h2>India have all bases covered for the crucial fixture in Hyderabad. While their top order continues to dictate terms at the start of each game, with either of the two openers (Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma) and Ishan Kishan coming off well with the bat, Shreyas Iyer holds the key in the middle overs.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-linkedin-debut-agilitas-one8world-1791965696854">Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’</a> &nbsp;In the third T20I in Indore, Tilak Varma impressed with his 28, with Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy and Axar Patel also chipping in with useful runs. &nbsp;Bowling, however, has improved leaps and bounds since losing the second T20I, with the two frontline seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav, delivering at the start and in death. Dhir’s handy spell with the ball has also proved vital for India, as Iyer is likely to back the Punjab all-rounder in the final two matches.&nbsp; &nbsp;Team India is unlikely to change their playing XI. &nbsp;West Indies, on the other hand, must improve their bowling to push the series till the final T20I in Bengaluru. While batting remains their strongest department, with top-order success crucial to their chances in Hyderabad, where square boundaries are relatively bigger, the visitors will back their spin-bowling all-rounder, Roston Chase, to make inroads during the middle overs, as he has done so far in this series.&nbsp; &nbsp;Moreover, Shamar Joseph hasn’t clicked with the new ball yet, with Hyderabad providing the right conditions to turn things around.<h3>Predicted Playing XIs –</h3>India - Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav &nbsp;West Indies - Shai Hope (c &amp; wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie

Match preview for the 4th T20I between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. Read team news, predicted playing XIs, and analysis as India eye a series win.

India and the West Indies have reached the business end of their white-ball series, with the hosts leading the five T20Is 2-1. Hyderabad will host the fourth match on Wednesday evening (Oct 14), another potential run-fest. The three concluded matches have favoured batters throughout, with the visitors completing their highest T20I run chase against India in India in the second T20I in Ranchi. Shreyas Iyer’s Indian team won the first and third T20Is, and now aim to clinch the series win in the fourth. Here is the match preview. Match Preview India have all bases covered for the crucial fixture in Hyderabad. While their top order continues to dictate terms at the start of each game, with either of the two openers (Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma) and Ishan Kishan coming off well with the bat, Shreyas Iyer holds the key in the middle overs. Also read| Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’ In the third T20I in Indore, Tilak Varma impressed with his 28, with Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy and Axar Patel also chipping in with useful runs. Bowling, however, has improved leaps and bounds since losing the second T20I, with the two frontline seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav, delivering at the start and in death. Dhir’s handy spell with the ball has also proved vital for India, as Iyer is likely to back the Punjab all-rounder in the final two matches. Team India is unlikely to change their playing XI. West Indies, on the other hand, must improve their bowling to push the series till the final T20I in Bengaluru. While batting remains their strongest department, with top-order success crucial to their chances in Hyderabad, where square boundaries are relatively bigger, the visitors will back their spin-bowling all-rounder, Roston Chase, to make inroads during the middle overs, as he has done so far in this series. Moreover, Shamar Joseph hasn’t clicked with the new ball yet, with Hyderabad providing the right conditions to turn things around. Predicted Playing XIs – India - Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav West Indies - Shai Hope (c & wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie

Match preview for the 4th T20I between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. Read team news, predicted playing XIs, and analysis as India eye a series win.

IND vs WI 4th T20I Preview: India target series win in another potential run-fest

The T20I action moves to Holkar Stadium in Indore, where India and West Indies will clash in the third match of this five-match series on Sunday evening (Oct 11). Following a record-breaking chase in Ranchi in the previous T20I, where the visitors shocked Shreyas Iyer’s Indian side by chasing 250 with five wickets remaining, the two teams are set for another run-fest in Indore. The wickets and boundaries here will make it a paradise for the batters. It remains to be seen if India will make any changes to their playing XI.<h2>India's Team News &amp; Balance</h2>India will enter this contest with plenty of positives to take from the Ranchi loss, with Sanju Samson’s form and Mayank Yadav’s express pace being the highlight. The two were on song in the second T20I, with Samson hitting a 41-ball 82 and Mayank breaking West Indies’ top order with three wickets inside the Powerplay.&nbsp;India's batting lineup remains their main strength, with top-ranked T20I pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan likely to return to form in the third T20I. Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube will take care of the lower-order duties, with Iyer being the centre point of India’s batting. His form, however, remains crucial to India’s success, having won the Lucknow T20I of his own.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-odi-squad-india-series-rachin-ravindra-returns-1791690725605">Rachin Ravindra returns to New Zealand ODI squad for India series; Allen, Seifert included</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the bowling department is what India must be careful about, with Arshdeep Singh being the only seasoned quick available for selection. Mayank has risen to fame with his express pace, with Prince Yadav waiting in the wings for his chance. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will continue to play frontline spinners for the team.<h3>West Indies' Threat &amp; Form</h3>West Indies will remain the force to reckon with in this contest. After another Shai Hope masterclass in this series in the previous fixture and plenty of hard-hitting from the remaining batters, West Indies will like to build on the momentum.&nbsp;Like India, West Indies’ bowling would be a concern for the visitors, with the captain having fewer experienced players to fall back on.<h3>Predicted Playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Mayank Yadav&nbsp;West Indies - Shai Hope (captain &amp; wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph

India and West Indies clash in Indore for the 3rd T20I following a record 250-run chase in Ranchi. Read the complete match preview, pitch report, and predicted XIs.

The T20I action moves to Holkar Stadium in Indore, where India and West Indies will clash in the third match of this five-match series on Sunday evening (Oct 11). Following a record-breaking chase in Ranchi in the previous T20I, where the visitors shocked Shreyas Iyer’s Indian side by chasing 250 with five wickets remaining, the two teams are set for another run-fest in Indore. The wickets and boundaries here will make it a paradise for the batters. It remains to be seen if India will make any changes to their playing XI. India's Team News & Balance India will enter this contest with plenty of positives to take from the Ranchi loss, with Sanju Samson’s form and Mayank Yadav’s express pace being the highlight. The two were on song in the second T20I, with Samson hitting a 41-ball 82 and Mayank breaking West Indies’ top order with three wickets inside the Powerplay. India's batting lineup remains their main strength, with top-ranked T20I pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan likely to return to form in the third T20I. Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube will take care of the lower-order duties, with Iyer being the centre point of India’s batting. His form, however, remains crucial to India’s success, having won the Lucknow T20I of his own. Also read| Rachin Ravindra returns to New Zealand ODI squad for India series; Allen, Seifert included Meanwhile, the bowling department is what India must be careful about, with Arshdeep Singh being the only seasoned quick available for selection. Mayank has risen to fame with his express pace, with Prince Yadav waiting in the wings for his chance. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will continue to play frontline spinners for the team. West Indies' Threat & Form West Indies will remain the force to reckon with in this contest. After another Shai Hope masterclass in this series in the previous fixture and plenty of hard-hitting from the remaining batters, West Indies will like to build on the momentum. Like India, West Indies’ bowling would be a concern for the visitors, with the captain having fewer experienced players to fall back on. Predicted Playing XIs of both teams – India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Mayank Yadav West Indies - Shai Hope (captain & wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph

India and West Indies clash in Indore for the 3rd T20I following a record 250-run chase in Ranchi. Read the complete match preview, pitch report, and predicted XIs.

3rd T20I Preview: Another run-fest on cards as India face West Indies in Indore

Shreyas Iyer has blamed dew for India’s loss in a high-scoring second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday night. India posted 249/5 in the first innings, before Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 completed West Indies’ highest successful run chase against India. Hope scored his second T20I hundred and third so far in this series to help the visitors level the T20I series 1-1.&nbsp;While Iyer stood tall in the series opener in Lucknow, scoring his maiden T20I hundred and delivering another masterclass, he looked clueless defending a massive total in the second match. Blaming dew for another high-scoring loss against the West Indies, Iyer said, “Honestly speaking, you cannot put a number to it, because when the dew factor comes in, it plays a massive role. And even 249 was chased in, like, with two overs to spare. So, you cannot give a number, or probably anticipate that, okay, this is the number we would be trying to score.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shai-hope-shubman-gill-instagram-caption-250-cool-ranchi-t20i-1791606247849">‘250? Cool.’: Shai Hope takes swipe at Shubman Gill’s Instagram caption after Ranchi T20I masterclass</a>&nbsp;Crediting the West Indian batters for not letting India’s attack take control at any point in the game, Iyer said, “The margin for error on this wicket is very minor, and any delivery if you miss to execute it, it was going onto the stands, and you could see how exceptional they were batting. So, a few missed chances here and there, but that's part and parcel of the game. But credit where it's due, they batted amazing, and yeah, kudos to them.”<h2>Iyer praises Samson, Mayank</h2>Sanju Samson and Mayank Yadav were India’s best performers on the day. While Samson struck a 41-ball 82, hitting nine fours and four sixes, Mayank proved vital with the new ball, picking up three wickets inside the Powerplay.&nbsp;“Both were phenomenal in their departments, and this is what we look for every now and then from Sanju and Abhishek. The way they've been performing consistently throughout, taking that responsibility and setting the pace for us- exceptional performances by them, and also Mayank. Those three crucial wickets, it was something that stabilised the rhythm for us up ahead, but then after that, the partnership came in, and the momentum shifted towards them,” the Indian captain praised his teammates.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were amongst the most expensive Indian bowlers, conceding at over 10 runs per over.&nbsp;Indore will host the 3rd T20I on Sunday (Oct 11).

India captain Shreyas Iyer blamed heavy dew after West Indies chased down 250 in Ranchi to level the 5-match T20I series 1-1 despite Sanju Samson's 82.

Shreyas Iyer has blamed dew for India’s loss in a high-scoring second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Friday night. India posted 249/5 in the first innings, before Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 completed West Indies’ highest successful run chase against India. Hope scored his second T20I hundred and third so far in this series to help the visitors level the T20I series 1-1. While Iyer stood tall in the series opener in Lucknow, scoring his maiden T20I hundred and delivering another masterclass, he looked clueless defending a massive total in the second match. Blaming dew for another high-scoring loss against the West Indies, Iyer said, “Honestly speaking, you cannot put a number to it, because when the dew factor comes in, it plays a massive role. And even 249 was chased in, like, with two overs to spare. So, you cannot give a number, or probably anticipate that, okay, this is the number we would be trying to score.” Also read| ‘250? Cool.’: Shai Hope takes swipe at Shubman Gill’s Instagram caption after Ranchi T20I masterclass Crediting the West Indian batters for not letting India’s attack take control at any point in the game, Iyer said, “The margin for error on this wicket is very minor, and any delivery if you miss to execute it, it was going onto the stands, and you could see how exceptional they were batting. So, a few missed chances here and there, but that's part and parcel of the game. But credit where it's due, they batted amazing, and yeah, kudos to them.” Iyer praises Samson, Mayank Sanju Samson and Mayank Yadav were India’s best performers on the day. While Samson struck a 41-ball 82, hitting nine fours and four sixes, Mayank proved vital with the new ball, picking up three wickets inside the Powerplay. “Both were phenomenal in their departments, and this is what we look for every now and then from Sanju and Abhishek. The way they've been performing consistently throughout, taking that responsibility and setting the pace for us- exceptional performances by them, and also Mayank. Those three crucial wickets, it was something that stabilised the rhythm for us up ahead, but then after that, the partnership came in, and the momentum shifted towards them,” the Indian captain praised his teammates. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were amongst the most expensive Indian bowlers, conceding at over 10 runs per over. Indore will host the 3rd T20I on Sunday (Oct 11).

India captain Shreyas Iyer blamed heavy dew after West Indies chased down 250 in Ranchi to level the 5-match T20I series 1-1 despite Sanju Samson's 82.

Shreyas Iyer blames dew for West Indies' record run chase in 2nd T20I in Ranchi

Shreyas Iyer loves playing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, having scored 335 T20 runs at a strike rate of 200.59, including two hundreds, one of which came on Tuesday night against the West Indies in the first T20I. Three days after helping the men’s team defend its Asian Games gold medal against arch-rivals Pakistan in Japan, an exhausted Iyer took on the West Indian attack to score his maiden hundred in this format. The right-hander scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to see his team home with eight wickets remaining.&nbsp;Calling his hundred exultant, Iyer revealed he dreamt about scoring his first T20I century, and the moment came in the first game of the five-match series. Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Iyer said, "Definitely exultant - that's the word I would use today. Honestly speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first [T20I] century, and it came true. So I definitely want to say that dreams do come true."&nbsp;"After that exhausting travel, I didn't even realise where I was, to be honest," Iyer continued. "But I adapted quickly to the wicket, to the conditions, and I think bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn't look at it [the travel] as an excuse. We wanted to come and play as any other cricketer would."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-shubman-gill-icc-rankings-surge-india-vs-west-indies-1791377301166">ICC Rankings: Shreyas Iyer breaks into top 10 after maiden T20I hundred in Lucknow</a>&nbsp;Considering that India’s T20I squad didn’t have enough time to train for the West Indies T20I, top-ranked T20I batter Ishan Kishan reflected on the quick turnaround, saying, "Once we step in the field, once you wear the jersey, you have to give your all. Some days you won't be feeling so good, but it's our job to just give 100% if you're there."&nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s already-cramped schedule continues to get tighter with the remaining four T20Is scheduled in Ranchi (October 9), Indore (October 11), Hyderabad (October 14) and Bengaluru (October 17).&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer-led India T20I side will then travel to New Zealand for the five-match T20I series starting October 22. The BCCI men’s selection committee also named the 16-man squad, recalling swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar and resting premier quick Jasprit Bumrah.

Shreyas Iyer smashed a 43-ball 102* against West Indies in Lucknow right after returning from the Asian Games, guiding India to an 8-wicket win in the 1st T20I.

Shreyas Iyer loves playing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, having scored 335 T20 runs at a strike rate of 200.59, including two hundreds, one of which came on Tuesday night against the West Indies in the first T20I. Three days after helping the men’s team defend its Asian Games gold medal against arch-rivals Pakistan in Japan, an exhausted Iyer took on the West Indian attack to score his maiden hundred in this format. The right-hander scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to see his team home with eight wickets remaining. Calling his hundred exultant, Iyer revealed he dreamt about scoring his first T20I century, and the moment came in the first game of the five-match series. Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Iyer said, "Definitely exultant - that's the word I would use today. Honestly speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first [T20I] century, and it came true. So I definitely want to say that dreams do come true." "After that exhausting travel, I didn't even realise where I was, to be honest," Iyer continued. "But I adapted quickly to the wicket, to the conditions, and I think bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn't look at it [the travel] as an excuse. We wanted to come and play as any other cricketer would." Also read| ICC Rankings: Shreyas Iyer breaks into top 10 after maiden T20I hundred in Lucknow Considering that India’s T20I squad didn’t have enough time to train for the West Indies T20I, top-ranked T20I batter Ishan Kishan reflected on the quick turnaround, saying, "Once we step in the field, once you wear the jersey, you have to give your all. Some days you won't be feeling so good, but it's our job to just give 100% if you're there." Meanwhile, India’s already-cramped schedule continues to get tighter with the remaining four T20Is scheduled in Ranchi (October 9), Indore (October 11), Hyderabad (October 14) and Bengaluru (October 17). Shreyas Iyer-led India T20I side will then travel to New Zealand for the five-match T20I series starting October 22. The BCCI men’s selection committee also named the 16-man squad, recalling swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar and resting premier quick Jasprit Bumrah.

Shreyas Iyer smashed a 43-ball 102* against West Indies in Lucknow right after returning from the Asian Games, guiding India to an 8-wicket win in the 1st T20I.

‘Dreams do come true’: Shreyas Iyer reflects on match-winning 102* against West Indies in T20I opener

Indian white-ball captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer continue to make headlines following the updated ICC rankings. While Gill consolidates his position as the best ODI batter following his second double hundred (223*) against the West Indies during the Guwahati One-Dayer, Iyer has jumped 18 places to break into the top-10 T20I batters list for the first time in his career. The T20I skipper smashed his maiden hundred in the format in Lucknow on Tuesday (Oct 6), hitting an unbeaten 43-ball 102 to see his team home with eight wickets remaining.&nbsp;Iyer sits in seventh place, third-highest amongst Indian batters after Ishan Kishan (1) and Abhishek Sharma (2). While Abhishek’s quickfire 28-ball 61 during the Asian Games final against Pakistan, followed by 21 (10) three days later in the first T20I, helped him retain his place, Kishan’s ominous touch keeps him at the top of men’s T20I rankings.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-tribute-outgoing-chief-selector-ajit-agarkar-1791372701967">‘Team first and team ahead’: India coach Gambhir pens heartfelt wish for chief selector Ajit Agarkar</a>&nbsp;Newly appointed Pakistan T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan is third, followed by the English duo of captain Harry Brook (4) and veteran batter Jos Buttler (5). South Africa’s Dewald Brevis is sixth, with Phil Salt (8), Pathum Nissanka (9) and Tilak Varma (10) the bottom-placed batters in the top-10 T20I rankings for batters.&nbsp;Among those making significant gains is West Indies' Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 56 off 34 balls in the series opener. He climbed 10 places from 47 to 37.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the bowlers’ rankings, Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed lost his top spot to Adil Rashid following his mediocre returns in the knockouts of the Asian Games in Japan. While he went wicketless for 29 in the semifinal, Abrar could pick up just one in the gold medal match against India. Abrar’s demotion to number two sees Rashid attain the top spot for the eighth time in his career, more than twice as many as anyone at that position over the years.&nbsp;Indian left-arm spinner Axar Patel has also gained places with his match-winning performances lately. After returning with four wickets in two games during the Asiad, and 2/26 against the West Indies in the first T20I, Axar jumped 16 places to number seven.<h3>Gill is No.1 ODI batter</h3>Gill's 334-run tally in three One-Dayers against the West Indies helped him extend his lead over New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who replaced Kohli at number two. The Kiwi batter slipped to the third position after Kohli hit his record-breaking 55th One-Day hundred in the first match, but returned to the second spot following Kohli’s 29 and 0 in the remaining two matches.&nbsp;Elsewhere, West Indies captain Shai Hope, who scored a match-winning 162 in the final ODI, jumped two places to No. 6, while KL Rahul, whose 129 went in vain, jumped seven spots to 10.

Shreyas Iyer jumped 18 spots to 7th in the latest ICC T20I rankings after his maiden 102*, while Shubman Gill consolidated his No. 1 ODI ranking following a brilliant 223* vs West Indies.

Indian white-ball captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer continue to make headlines following the updated ICC rankings. While Gill consolidates his position as the best ODI batter following his second double hundred (223*) against the West Indies during the Guwahati One-Dayer, Iyer has jumped 18 places to break into the top-10 T20I batters list for the first time in his career. The T20I skipper smashed his maiden hundred in the format in Lucknow on Tuesday (Oct 6), hitting an unbeaten 43-ball 102 to see his team home with eight wickets remaining. Iyer sits in seventh place, third-highest amongst Indian batters after Ishan Kishan (1) and Abhishek Sharma (2). While Abhishek’s quickfire 28-ball 61 during the Asian Games final against Pakistan, followed by 21 (10) three days later in the first T20I, helped him retain his place, Kishan’s ominous touch keeps him at the top of men’s T20I rankings. Also read| ‘Team first and team ahead’: India coach Gambhir pens heartfelt wish for chief selector Ajit Agarkar Newly appointed Pakistan T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan is third, followed by the English duo of captain Harry Brook (4) and veteran batter Jos Buttler (5). South Africa’s Dewald Brevis is sixth, with Phil Salt (8), Pathum Nissanka (9) and Tilak Varma (10) the bottom-placed batters in the top-10 T20I rankings for batters. Among those making significant gains is West Indies' Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 56 off 34 balls in the series opener. He climbed 10 places from 47 to 37. Meanwhile, in the bowlers’ rankings, Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed lost his top spot to Adil Rashid following his mediocre returns in the knockouts of the Asian Games in Japan. While he went wicketless for 29 in the semifinal, Abrar could pick up just one in the gold medal match against India. Abrar’s demotion to number two sees Rashid attain the top spot for the eighth time in his career, more than twice as many as anyone at that position over the years. Indian left-arm spinner Axar Patel has also gained places with his match-winning performances lately. After returning with four wickets in two games during the Asiad, and 2/26 against the West Indies in the first T20I, Axar jumped 16 places to number seven. Gill is No.1 ODI batter Gill's 334-run tally in three One-Dayers against the West Indies helped him extend his lead over New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who replaced Kohli at number two. The Kiwi batter slipped to the third position after Kohli hit his record-breaking 55th One-Day hundred in the first match, but returned to the second spot following Kohli’s 29 and 0 in the remaining two matches. Elsewhere, West Indies captain Shai Hope, who scored a match-winning 162 in the final ODI, jumped two places to No. 6, while KL Rahul, whose 129 went in vain, jumped seven spots to 10.

Shreyas Iyer jumped 18 spots to 7th in the latest ICC T20I rankings after his maiden 102*, while Shubman Gill consolidated his No. 1 ODI ranking following a brilliant 223* vs West Indies.

ICC Rankings: Shreyas Iyer breaks into top 10 after maiden T20I hundred in Lucknow

India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden hundred in this format on Tuesday evening in Lucknow, guiding the hosts to a comfortable eight-wicket win over West Indies in the series opener. Iyer’s unbeaten 102 makes him the third Indian captain after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to score a T20I hundred. Bowling first at the Ekana Stadium, debutant Naman Dhir returned with three wickets for 31, while two left-arm spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each. India chased 172 with eight wickets and 32 balls remaining.&nbsp;Just three days after leading the men’s T20I team to a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, Iyer was back in India knocking off the West Indian bowlers for fun. With 335 T20 runs at a strike rate of 200.59, including 32 fours and 17 sixes, Iyer’s love affair with Lucknow continued.&nbsp;“Not really (on feeling at home in Lucknow). After that exhausting travel, I didn't realise where I was, to be honest. I think every day I just need to wake up like this. But yeah, I adapted quickly to the wicket, to the conditions, and I think bowling first helped us a lot,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bhuvneshwar-kumar-recalled-india-t20i-squad-new-zealand-jurel-captain-india-a-1791303593439">Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled for New Zealand T20Is after 4 years; Dhruv Jurel to lead India ‘A’</a>&nbsp;Shedding light on adapting quickly amid a crunch cricketing schedule, and what he feels about his maiden T20I hundred, the Indian skipper said, “We just didn't look at it as an excuse. We wanted to come and play as any other cricketer would, and yeah, we saw the excitement of India versus West Indies in the ODIs, how amazing it was. But coming into T20s, we know that they are a destructive side. So, for us, it's important that we stuck to the process, and that's what we did today. So, great efforts by every individual.”&nbsp;“Well, definitely exultant (on how special his maiden T20I hundred was). That's the word I would use today (for the) the performance. And yeah, obviously speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first century, and it came through. So, you know, I definitely want to say that dreams do come true,” Iyer said.<h3>What happened in the 1st T20I between India and West Indies</h3>Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, with West Indies starting rapidly inside the Powerplay. Three quick wickets in the first six overs held back their momentum, but handy stands from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford at the death saw them post a fighting total (171).&nbsp;Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 29 for the first wicket before Roston Chase dismissed Abhishek for 21. Samson departed in the next over off Akeal Hosein, leaving captain Iyer and Ishan Kishan at the crease. The two then stitched the third-highest stand (137*) by an Indian pair in a run chase.&nbsp;Iyer’s 102* is also the fourth-highest individual score by an Indian captain in T20Is. The right-hander hit 10 fours and six sixes in his marathon knock.

Captain Shreyas Iyer smashed a blistering maiden T20I hundred off 43 balls to power India to a dominant 8-wicket win over West Indies in the 1st T20I in Lucknow. Read full details. 

India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden hundred in this format on Tuesday evening in Lucknow, guiding the hosts to a comfortable eight-wicket win over West Indies in the series opener. Iyer’s unbeaten 102 makes him the third Indian captain after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to score a T20I hundred. Bowling first at the Ekana Stadium, debutant Naman Dhir returned with three wickets for 31, while two left-arm spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each. India chased 172 with eight wickets and 32 balls remaining. Just three days after leading the men’s T20I team to a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, Iyer was back in India knocking off the West Indian bowlers for fun. With 335 T20 runs at a strike rate of 200.59, including 32 fours and 17 sixes, Iyer’s love affair with Lucknow continued. “Not really (on feeling at home in Lucknow). After that exhausting travel, I didn't realise where I was, to be honest. I think every day I just need to wake up like this. But yeah, I adapted quickly to the wicket, to the conditions, and I think bowling first helped us a lot,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation. Also read| Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled for New Zealand T20Is after 4 years; Dhruv Jurel to lead India ‘A’ Shedding light on adapting quickly amid a crunch cricketing schedule, and what he feels about his maiden T20I hundred, the Indian skipper said, “We just didn't look at it as an excuse. We wanted to come and play as any other cricketer would, and yeah, we saw the excitement of India versus West Indies in the ODIs, how amazing it was. But coming into T20s, we know that they are a destructive side. So, for us, it's important that we stuck to the process, and that's what we did today. So, great efforts by every individual.” “Well, definitely exultant (on how special his maiden T20I hundred was). That's the word I would use today (for the) the performance. And yeah, obviously speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first century, and it came through. So, you know, I definitely want to say that dreams do come true,” Iyer said. What happened in the 1st T20I between India and West Indies Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, with West Indies starting rapidly inside the Powerplay. Three quick wickets in the first six overs held back their momentum, but handy stands from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford at the death saw them post a fighting total (171). Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 29 for the first wicket before Roston Chase dismissed Abhishek for 21. Samson departed in the next over off Akeal Hosein, leaving captain Iyer and Ishan Kishan at the crease. The two then stitched the third-highest stand (137*) by an Indian pair in a run chase. Iyer’s 102* is also the fourth-highest individual score by an Indian captain in T20Is. The right-hander hit 10 fours and six sixes in his marathon knock.

Captain Shreyas Iyer smashed a blistering maiden T20I hundred off 43 balls to power India to a dominant 8-wicket win over West Indies in the 1st T20I in Lucknow. Read full details.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I hundred powers India to 8-wicket win over West Indies in Lucknow

Anticipation builds as the BCCI men’s selection committee prepares to announce India’s squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, with selectors likely to pick nearly 60 players across four squads: T20I, ODI, Test and ‘A’. India will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, alongside three unofficial ‘A’ games, starting October 22.&nbsp;While the T20Is will coincide with the ‘A’ matches, the Pragyan Ojha-led selection committee faces a delicate task of balancing workload. As a result, the board is keen to give Test regulars more game time through ‘A’ games ahead of the two Tests, which begin on November 19.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pragyan-ojha-chair-selection-meeting-india-squads-new-zealand-series-1791211931544">Pragyan Ojha to chair New Zealand series selection meet; squads expected in next 48 hours</a>&nbsp;A Times of India (TOI) report claims India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer could lead the ODI team in the final two One-Dayers. Key Test starters—including ODI skipper Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah—are expected to miss the last leg of the ODI series to feature in the final shadow match before red-ball action begins in Wellington.&nbsp;Moreover, the Test squad could also feature 16 or 17 players, as the selectors want more pacers at their disposal, given the conditions and India’s urgency to climb the 2025-27 WTC points table with twin wins in New Zealand. Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna are currently in the mix, with Auqib Nabi, Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj competing for the sixth pace-bowling spot. All three are also likely to feature in India ‘A’ matches and could stay back as standbys to help the Test squad with preparations.<h3>Red-Ball Cricket a Priority for BCCI Selectors</h3>The BCCI men’s selection committee will convene on either Tuesday or Wednesday to finalise the four squads for the New Zealand tour, which begins with a five-match T20I series. While India’s white-ball cricket is not what the selection committee is worried about, the major focus remains on providing more red-ball exposure to the Test-bound players for the crucial two-match series — part of the current 2025-27 WTC cycle.&nbsp;Lack of clarity on Prasidh Krishna’s injury status postponed the meeting on Monday, with the selectors likely to have his update ready before announcing the squads. Besides, Rishabh Pant would be a sure starter for the two Tests, with Dhruv Jurel likely to be picked as his backup.&nbsp;The T20I series runs from October 22 to November 1, with five ODIs scheduled from November 4 to November 15. Wellington (Nov 19-23) and Christchurch (Nov 27-Dec 1) will host two Tests.

BCCI selectors are set to pick nearly 60 players across four squads for the New Zealand tour, with Shreyas Iyer likely to lead in the last two ODIs.

Anticipation builds as the BCCI men’s selection committee prepares to announce India’s squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour, with selectors likely to pick nearly 60 players across four squads: T20I, ODI, Test and ‘A’. India will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, alongside three unofficial ‘A’ games, starting October 22. While the T20Is will coincide with the ‘A’ matches, the Pragyan Ojha-led selection committee faces a delicate task of balancing workload. As a result, the board is keen to give Test regulars more game time through ‘A’ games ahead of the two Tests, which begin on November 19. Also read| Pragyan Ojha to chair New Zealand series selection meet; squads expected in next 48 hours A Times of India (TOI) report claims India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer could lead the ODI team in the final two One-Dayers. Key Test starters—including ODI skipper Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah—are expected to miss the last leg of the ODI series to feature in the final shadow match before red-ball action begins in Wellington. Moreover, the Test squad could also feature 16 or 17 players, as the selectors want more pacers at their disposal, given the conditions and India’s urgency to climb the 2025-27 WTC points table with twin wins in New Zealand. Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna are currently in the mix, with Auqib Nabi, Mukesh Kumar and Anshul Kamboj competing for the sixth pace-bowling spot. All three are also likely to feature in India ‘A’ matches and could stay back as standbys to help the Test squad with preparations. Red-Ball Cricket a Priority for BCCI Selectors The BCCI men’s selection committee will convene on either Tuesday or Wednesday to finalise the four squads for the New Zealand tour, which begins with a five-match T20I series. While India’s white-ball cricket is not what the selection committee is worried about, the major focus remains on providing more red-ball exposure to the Test-bound players for the crucial two-match series — part of the current 2025-27 WTC cycle. Lack of clarity on Prasidh Krishna’s injury status postponed the meeting on Monday, with the selectors likely to have his update ready before announcing the squads. Besides, Rishabh Pant would be a sure starter for the two Tests, with Dhruv Jurel likely to be picked as his backup. The T20I series runs from October 22 to November 1, with five ODIs scheduled from November 4 to November 15. Wellington (Nov 19-23) and Christchurch (Nov 27-Dec 1) will host two Tests.

BCCI selectors are set to pick nearly 60 players across four squads for the New Zealand tour, with Shreyas Iyer likely to lead in the last two ODIs.

IND vs NZ 2026: Iyer could lead India in last 2 ODIs to allow Test specialists extra prep time

Shreyas Iyer led India to a 19-run win over Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final to successfully defend the gold medal. Chasing 212, Pakistan gave a good fight, scoring 192/6, but lost the match by 19 runs to settle for the silver. India had pinned Pakistan down at 39/2 in the powerplay, which became 39/3 on the first ball after the powerplay before Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub put up a fight. Iyer also acknowledged that the wicket of Ayub was what changed the momentum in India's favor.<h2>Skipper Iyer on what changed the momentum in India's favor in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final</h2>Nawaz and Ayub had added 87 runs for the fourth wicket before Shivam Dube struck to break the partnership. Nawaz, who scored 96 off 51 balls, couldn't get enough support from the other end after Ayub was dismissed for 29.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-harshit-rana-injury-setback-nz-tour-1791138228408">Pandya, Harshit suffer fitness setbacks; unlikely for New Zealand tour: Report</a>"I basically paced their [fifth and sixth bowlers'] overs pretty well, that's what I felt, and especially when the run rate is about 13 to 14, we know that the batter, he is going to take charge, and one wicket is going to change the momentum, shift the momentum towards us," Iyer said to the broadcaster after the final on Saturday (Oct. 3). "So that's what happened, and that crucial wicket of [Ayub] - I don't remember the name of the batsman - that changed the momentum."<h2>What's next for India?</h2>India will now take on the West Indies in a five-match T20I series at home, which begins on October 6 in Lucknow. The second match of the series is on October 9 (Ranchi), the third T20I on October 11 (Indore), the fourth T20I on October 14 (Hyderabad), and the final T20I on October 17 (Bengaluru).India squad for West Indies T20Is: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Sanju Samson [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav

Shreyas Iyer captained India to a 19-run Asian Games 2026 cricket final win over Pakistan. Defending 212, India broke a key 87-run fourth-wicket stand to take gold before facing West Indies next.

Shreyas Iyer led India to a 19-run win over Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final to successfully defend the gold medal. Chasing 212, Pakistan gave a good fight, scoring 192/6, but lost the match by 19 runs to settle for the silver. India had pinned Pakistan down at 39/2 in the powerplay, which became 39/3 on the first ball after the powerplay before Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub put up a fight. Iyer also acknowledged that the wicket of Ayub was what changed the momentum in India's favor. Skipper Iyer on what changed the momentum in India's favor in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final Nawaz and Ayub had added 87 runs for the fourth wicket before Shivam Dube struck to break the partnership. Nawaz, who scored 96 off 51 balls, couldn't get enough support from the other end after Ayub was dismissed for 29. Also Read - Pandya, Harshit suffer fitness setbacks; unlikely for New Zealand tour: Report "I basically paced their [fifth and sixth bowlers'] overs pretty well, that's what I felt, and especially when the run rate is about 13 to 14, we know that the batter, he is going to take charge, and one wicket is going to change the momentum, shift the momentum towards us," Iyer said to the broadcaster after the final on Saturday (Oct. 3). "So that's what happened, and that crucial wicket of [Ayub] - I don't remember the name of the batsman - that changed the momentum." What's next for India? India will now take on the West Indies in a five-match T20I series at home, which begins on October 6 in Lucknow. The second match of the series is on October 9 (Ranchi), the third T20I on October 11 (Indore), the fourth T20I on October 14 (Hyderabad), and the final T20I on October 17 (Bengaluru). India squad for West Indies T20Is: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Sanju Samson [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav

Shreyas Iyer captained India to a 19-run Asian Games 2026 cricket final win over Pakistan. Defending 212, India broke a key 87-run fourth-wicket stand to take gold before facing West Indies next.

Skipper Iyer reveals what changed momentum in India's favour vs Pakistan in Asian Games 2026 final

Heavy showers on the eve of Japan’s one-off historic T20I match against India in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, have threatened a similar forecast on match day (Tuesday). Sano International Cricket Ground, designed to seat 5,000 spectators, would have its drainage facilities tested if rain decides to play any spoiler. Meanwhile, India’s training session in the city was cancelled for the same reason.<h2>India Touchdown in Japan</h2>The Indian men’s cricket team landed in Japan on Monday for their first-ever meeting against the hosts in international cricket and also for their Asian Games campaign, starting September 28. Coming off a 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan at home, the defending world champions will aim to retain their Asian Games gold.&nbsp;India’s full-strength squad touched down in Tokyo ahead of a one-off T20I against Japan, with Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah all likely to be part of this contest.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Touchdown Tokyo 🛬 All smiles as <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> has arrived for their historic one-off T20I against Japan and the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AsianGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianGames</a> 2026 campaign 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/GfoJBVVknY">pic.twitter.com/GfoJBVVknY</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2101897956270235695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-japan-t20i-sano-captain-kendel-kadowaki-fleming-cricket-growth-1789987335621">'India T20I can accelerate Japan’s cricket growth,' says captain Kendel ahead of historic face-off</a>&nbsp;Crediting the BCCI on accepting Japan Cricket Association’s (JCA) offer to play a T20I on their home soil, the Japanese captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said, “It's taken a massive effort from a lot of people involved to make it happen. Credit, of course, goes to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for accepting Japan’s proposal. Also, to our leadership team here at the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), and in particular, the CEO.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Indian captain Iyer sounded excited about his contest.&nbsp;"It is going to be a thrilling and exciting match for us playing Japan for the first time. Looking forward to a great match,” he said on the eve of the match, as the two captains attended the media and got the photoshoot with the trophy done.&nbsp;WATCH -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️ 𝗜𝘁&#39;𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀 🎥 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> have arrived in Japan and Captain Shreyas Iyer <a href="https://x.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> is looking forward to the historic one-off T20I 🇮🇳🤝🇯🇵<a href="https://x.com/CricketJapan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketJapan</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZUo9kiCQ9">pic.twitter.com/PZUo9kiCQ9</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2101942597564715299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;Japan - Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (captain), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Declan Suzuki, Makoto Taniyama and Shoma Sugaya-Slater&nbsp;

Typhoon warnings threaten the historic India vs Japan T20I in Sano, but skipper Shreyas Iyer remains excited for the landmark encounter.

Heavy showers on the eve of Japan’s one-off historic T20I match against India in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, have threatened a similar forecast on match day (Tuesday). Sano International Cricket Ground, designed to seat 5,000 spectators, would have its drainage facilities tested if rain decides to play any spoiler. Meanwhile, India’s training session in the city was cancelled for the same reason. India Touchdown in Japan The Indian men’s cricket team landed in Japan on Monday for their first-ever meeting against the hosts in international cricket and also for their Asian Games campaign, starting September 28. Coming off a 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan at home, the defending world champions will aim to retain their Asian Games gold. India’s full-strength squad touched down in Tokyo ahead of a one-off T20I against Japan, with Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah all likely to be part of this contest.

Typhoon warnings threaten the historic India vs Japan T20I in Sano, but skipper Shreyas Iyer remains excited for the landmark encounter.

India vs Japan T20I: Rain threat looms over historic match as Iyer 'excited'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to keep players fit after a recent spate of injuries to multiple players. The board, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief VVS Laxman, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, met in Mumbai on Thursday (Sep 3) to discuss the matter. The top-brass meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came after recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England, as well as an ODI series loss against the latter. Many players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, were either injured on the UK tour or in the lead-up to it, which eventually reflected in the results.<h2>How the BCCI plans to keep players injury-free</h2>The board secretary acknowledged, while talking after the Thursday meeting as reported by ESPNcricinfo, that "individual players are having injuries because they have to play a lot of matches."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-india-s-smriti-mandhana-is-now-best-batter-ever-in-women-s-cricket-1788491747077">Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket</a>The players who were selected for the UK tour had played in the IPL for two months right before it, which "takes a toll on the health of the players as well. And to avoid those kinds of situations, what best we can do under the present windows and present FTPs, we are trying to find a way forward.""The only challenges which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP, we will do certain things, we will take certain measures," he said. "We have instructed our FTP person, who will be meeting very soon in various international forums, that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries."<h2>What is next for the Indian men's cricket team?</h2>The Indian men's team recently returned from Sri Lanka, where they won the two-Test series 1-0. The team next plays three T20Is against Afghanistan on Sep 13, 15, and 17 in New Delhi. After that, the Indian team will compete in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where the board has announced a full-strength squad.

Following player injury concerns, the BCCI met with leadership—including Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer—to plan workload fixes and FTP scheduling changes for rest.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to keep players fit after a recent spate of injuries to multiple players. The board, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief VVS Laxman, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, met in Mumbai on Thursday (Sep 3) to discuss the matter. The top-brass meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came after recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England, as well as an ODI series loss against the latter. Many players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, were either injured on the UK tour or in the lead-up to it, which eventually reflected in the results. How the BCCI plans to keep players injury-free The board secretary acknowledged, while talking after the Thursday meeting as reported by ESPNcricinfo, that "individual players are having injuries because they have to play a lot of matches." Also Read - Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket The players who were selected for the UK tour had played in the IPL for two months right before it, which "takes a toll on the health of the players as well. And to avoid those kinds of situations, what best we can do under the present windows and present FTPs, we are trying to find a way forward." "The only challenges which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP, we will do certain things, we will take certain measures," he said. "We have instructed our FTP person, who will be meeting very soon in various international forums, that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries." What is next for the Indian men's cricket team? The Indian men's team recently returned from Sri Lanka, where they won the two-Test series 1-0. The team next plays three T20Is against Afghanistan on Sep 13, 15, and 17 in New Delhi. After that, the Indian team will compete in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where the board has announced a full-strength squad.

Following player injury concerns, the BCCI met with leadership—including Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer—to plan workload fixes and FTP scheduling changes for rest.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia shares how board is planning to keep players injury free

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) director VVS Laxman is back as India men's head coach for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. The continental event will run from September 19 to October 4 in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya. Laxman will have a support staff of Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh. Laxman was also India's head coach for Asian Games 2023 where the team won the gold medal. The news was confirmed by a <a href="https://yas.gov.in/sites/default/files/Asian_Games_sanction_for_coaches_and_suppor_%20staff.pdf">circular issued by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs</a> and Sports on Wednesday (Sep 2). The Asian Games cricket event will take place from September 17 to October 3 (men's and women's).<h2>Why VVS Laxman and not Gambhir coaching India men's team at Asian Games 2026?</h2>This is not the first time VVS Laxman has been roped in to coach the Indian side. He was recently the head coach for India's tour of Zimbabwe and has handled the responsibilities multiple times since 2022. For the Asian Games 2026, he has been asked to handle the head coach position as the India men's team schedule at the continental games will overlap with a home ODI series against West Indies. India's regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will be with the ODI squad at home during the series.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-s-from-all-players-pakistan-skipper-babar-azam-exchange-with-uk-king-charles-goes-viral-1788425476025">'It's from all players': Babar's exchange with UK King Charles goes viral</a>The India men's team has received a bye in the first round of the Asian Games and will play in their first match, a quarter-final, on September 28. The home ODI series against West Indies runs from September 27 to October 3. India has announced a full-strength squad for the Asian Games 2026 led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring players like Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Jasprit Bumrah.<h2>What about the India women's team?</h2>The India women's team, which is also the gold medal holder from the previous edition, will be coached by their regular staff of head coach Amol Muzumdar, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, and fielding coach Munish Bali. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana, who recently became women's cricket's highest run-getter, as her deputy.

VVS Laxman will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games as regular coach Gautam Gambhir leads the ODI squad vs West Indies. Amol Muzumdar remains women's head coach.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) director VVS Laxman is back as India men's head coach for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. The continental event will run from September 19 to October 4 in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya. Laxman will have a support staff of Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh. Laxman was also India's head coach for Asian Games 2023 where the team won the gold medal. The news was confirmed by a circular issued by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday (Sep 2). The Asian Games cricket event will take place from September 17 to October 3 (men's and women's). Why VVS Laxman and not Gambhir coaching India men's team at Asian Games 2026? This is not the first time VVS Laxman has been roped in to coach the Indian side. He was recently the head coach for India's tour of Zimbabwe and has handled the responsibilities multiple times since 2022. For the Asian Games 2026, he has been asked to handle the head coach position as the India men's team schedule at the continental games will overlap with a home ODI series against West Indies. India's regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will be with the ODI squad at home during the series. Also Read - 'It's from all players': Babar's exchange with UK King Charles goes viral The India men's team has received a bye in the first round of the Asian Games and will play in their first match, a quarter-final, on September 28. The home ODI series against West Indies runs from September 27 to October 3. India has announced a full-strength squad for the Asian Games 2026 led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring players like Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Jasprit Bumrah. What about the India women's team? The India women's team, which is also the gold medal holder from the previous edition, will be coached by their regular staff of head coach Amol Muzumdar, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, and fielding coach Munish Bali. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana, who recently became women's cricket's highest run-getter, as her deputy.

VVS Laxman will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games as regular coach Gautam Gambhir leads the ODI squad vs West Indies. Amol Muzumdar remains women's head coach.

Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side

India will take on Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23. All three matches will be played at the same venue, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for July 25 and July 26. Shreyas Iyer, leading India's T20I side, is yet to register a win as captain, having suffered back-to-back series defeats - 0-2 against Ireland and 0-4 against England. Ahead of the Zimbabwe series, Iyer called adaptability the key for his young squad, saying, "some of us are playing for the first time, so the quicker we adapt, the better result we would be getting."<h2>Iyer still looking for maiden win as captain</h2>The two-time consecutive world cup champions India have suffered back-to-back shock series defeats and would be eager to get past that against Zimbabwe. "We have to adapt as soon as possible, because that's what happened with us in Ireland. So I think we got a sort of reality check there," Iyer said on the eve of the match. "So as soon as we come here and create awareness, right execution, definitely the results will go our way.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-the-team-has-several-quality-options-yuzvendra-chahal-on-india-s-kuldeep-axar-washington-selection-debate-1784742110080">'The team has...': Chahal on India's Kuldeep-Axar-Washington selection debate</a>"We had a rough patch in England, but a lot of positives came out of that. We got to know what we have to build as a team going forward, what kind of presence of mind, awareness, and adaptability we need once we step onto the field. Again, this is going to be a great challenge for us. Some of us are playing here for the first time. So the quicker we adapt, the better result we would get."<h2>Why the series is important for Iyer?</h2>Iyer has been named the T20I skipper as a replacement of Suryakumar Yadav but remains winless in his first seven matches. Talking about the impact of loss and recent injury setback in Australia, Iyer said: I feel it has made me more confident as an individual. Because as quickly as possible, when you overcome the injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. You work on your skills. You work on your strengths and weaknesses. And I have this feeling that when you overcome this barrier as an individual, it makes you stronger as a person."

The two-time consecutive world cup champions India have suffered back-to-back shock series defeats and would be eager to get past that against Zimbabwe.

India will take on Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23. All three matches will be played at the same venue, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for July 25 and July 26. Shreyas Iyer, leading India's T20I side, is yet to register a win as captain, having suffered back-to-back series defeats - 0-2 against Ireland and 0-4 against England. Ahead of the Zimbabwe series, Iyer called adaptability the key for his young squad, saying, "some of us are playing for the first time, so the quicker we adapt, the better result we would be getting." Iyer still looking for maiden win as captain The two-time consecutive world cup champions India have suffered back-to-back shock series defeats and would be eager to get past that against Zimbabwe. "We have to adapt as soon as possible, because that's what happened with us in Ireland. So I think we got a sort of reality check there," Iyer said on the eve of the match. "So as soon as we come here and create awareness, right execution, definitely the results will go our way. Also Read - 'The team has...': Chahal on India's Kuldeep-Axar-Washington selection debate "We had a rough patch in England, but a lot of positives came out of that. We got to know what we have to build as a team going forward, what kind of presence of mind, awareness, and adaptability we need once we step onto the field. Again, this is going to be a great challenge for us. Some of us are playing here for the first time. So the quicker we adapt, the better result we would get." Why the series is important for Iyer? Iyer has been named the T20I skipper as a replacement of Suryakumar Yadav but remains winless in his first seven matches. Talking about the impact of loss and recent injury setback in Australia, Iyer said: I feel it has made me more confident as an individual. Because as quickly as possible, when you overcome the injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. You work on your skills. You work on your strengths and weaknesses. And I have this feeling that when you overcome this barrier as an individual, it makes you stronger as a person."

The two-time consecutive world cup champions India have suffered back-to-back shock series defeats and would be eager to get past that against Zimbabwe.

IND vs ZIM: Skipper Iyer wants team to 'adapt quickly' after two consecutive series defeats

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has called out India T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer for using too harsh words after 125-run loss in the third T20I of the ongoing series against England. India were bowled out for a mere 76 run in chase of 202 in Notthingham on July 7, falling 0-2 behind in the five-match series with the first game being washed out. Iyer was not happy after the latest loss, his fourth as captain in as many completed matches, but his choice of words did not go down well with Karthik.<h2>What did Karthik say about Shyreas?</h2>"Yes, India did not bat well. Probably one of the worst batting performances in a long time. But it was interesting, maybe odd, you can say, for the captain to come quite hard at the batting unit. He used the word atrocious to describe their batting, he used the word awful as well," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-questions-ecb-over-protocol-breach-by-timing-of-ben-stokes-retirement-video-release-pmoa-regulations-england-vs-new-zealand-t-1783558346421">ICC contacts ECB over protocol breach of Stokes' retirement video release timing</a><h2>What Iyer had said after India were 76 all-out?</h2>"It was atrocious. Losing by such a big margin isn't acceptable. First things first, we have to accept this loss and go back to the drawing board. It wasn't a 200 wicket. Losing four in the powerplay didn't create momentum, lost it there. You can plan a lot, once you come into the ground you have to adapt, figure out lengths. Hard lengths helped, we didn't execute. When you're chasing, you have to set patterns and our execution was off. Great opportunity to come back strong. We've played awful cricket but lots to learn as well. Players have to figure out ways to create impact. Every individual has to work on creating impact and taking responsibility," Iyer had said at the post-match presentation.<h2>What is next for India in T20Is?</h2>After losing a historic first series against Ireland 0-2, India are looking down the barrell against England as well. With two more matches left in the series, India have a chance to draw level by winning rest of the two matches. The fourth match will be played on Thursday (Jul 9) while the final game is on Saturday (Jul 11).

After losing a historic first series against Ireland 0-2, India are looking down the barrell against England as well. With two more matches left in the series, India have a chance to draw level by winning rest of the two matches. 

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has called out India T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer for using too harsh words after 125-run loss in the third T20I of the ongoing series against England. India were bowled out for a mere 76 run in chase of 202 in Notthingham on July 7, falling 0-2 behind in the five-match series with the first game being washed out. Iyer was not happy after the latest loss, his fourth as captain in as many completed matches, but his choice of words did not go down well with Karthik. What did Karthik say about Shyreas? "Yes, India did not bat well. Probably one of the worst batting performances in a long time. But it was interesting, maybe odd, you can say, for the captain to come quite hard at the batting unit. He used the word atrocious to describe their batting, he used the word awful as well," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. Also Read - ICC contacts ECB over protocol breach of Stokes' retirement video release timing What Iyer had said after India were 76 all-out? "It was atrocious. Losing by such a big margin isn't acceptable. First things first, we have to accept this loss and go back to the drawing board. It wasn't a 200 wicket. Losing four in the powerplay didn't create momentum, lost it there. You can plan a lot, once you come into the ground you have to adapt, figure out lengths. Hard lengths helped, we didn't execute. When you're chasing, you have to set patterns and our execution was off. Great opportunity to come back strong. We've played awful cricket but lots to learn as well. Players have to figure out ways to create impact. Every individual has to work on creating impact and taking responsibility," Iyer had said at the post-match presentation. What is next for India in T20Is? After losing a historic first series against Ireland 0-2, India are looking down the barrell against England as well. With two more matches left in the series, India have a chance to draw level by winning rest of the two matches. The fourth match will be played on Thursday (Jul 9) while the final game is on Saturday (Jul 11).

After losing a historic first series against Ireland 0-2, India are looking down the barrell against England as well. With two more matches left in the series, India have a chance to draw level by winning rest of the two matches.&nbsp;

76 all-out vs England: Karthik terms skipper Iyer's criticism of India batting as 'odd'

After India suffered a humiliating 0-2 defeat against Ireland in two-match T20I series, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admits the feeling of 'disbelief' in the team. This is the first time India, who won back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, have lost a T20I series in nearly three years. The series defeat ended India's streak of 16-series wins in T20Is and it is definitely a shock for players as well as the fans.<h2>India assistant coach reveals mood of team after Ireland series loss</h2>"There's a little bit of disbelief," ten Doeschate after the shocking series defeat. "It's also very hard to be critical of guys who have just won a World Cup. We've been outdone or outsmarted by a team who just did the basics very well.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-geniuses-themselves-don-t-know-why-they-are-geniuses-says-ex-india-player-vijay-amritraj-on-multiple-grand-slam-winners-1782717256149">Wimbledon | Ex-India player Amritraj opines on what separates ‘good from best’</a>"The learnings for us in terms of being able to adapt to different conditions. That's probably the biggest takeaway from this. The guys really know how to play in India. This is a good lesson in the fact that we're going to have to adapt and play slightly differently when we go to different countries and play against different teams."<h2>How Ireland scripted history?</h2>In the first of two T20Is, Ireland batted first and scored 182/9 in 20 overs with skipper Lorcan Tucker scoring 50 off 36 and Gareth Delany contributing 49. Chasing the target, Abhishek Sharma top scored with 20-ball 49 but no other batter could get going except Shivam Dube, who scored 25 off 14 balls. For Ireland, Matthew Humphreys and Matt Hollard took three wickets each as India could manage only 148 and lost by 34 runs.In the second match, the Indian bowlers did well and restricted Ireland to 154/8 in 20 overs. While chasing, Ireland's Jai Mundra, who is of Indian origin, dismissed Abhishek, Sanju Samson, and skipper Shreyas Iyer inside three overs. The back-to-back T20 world champions could not recover from that and lost the by 1 run.

The series defeat against Ireland ended India's streak of 16-series wins in T20Is and it is definitely a shock for players as well as the fans with India being two-time back-to-back T20 World Champions.

After India suffered a humiliating 0-2 defeat against Ireland in two-match T20I series, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admits the feeling of 'disbelief' in the team. This is the first time India, who won back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, have lost a T20I series in nearly three years. The series defeat ended India's streak of 16-series wins in T20Is and it is definitely a shock for players as well as the fans. India assistant coach reveals mood of team after Ireland series loss "There's a little bit of disbelief," ten Doeschate after the shocking series defeat. "It's also very hard to be critical of guys who have just won a World Cup. We've been outdone or outsmarted by a team who just did the basics very well. Also Read - Wimbledon | Ex-India player Amritraj opines on what separates ‘good from best’ "The learnings for us in terms of being able to adapt to different conditions. That's probably the biggest takeaway from this. The guys really know how to play in India. This is a good lesson in the fact that we're going to have to adapt and play slightly differently when we go to different countries and play against different teams." How Ireland scripted history? In the first of two T20Is, Ireland batted first and scored 182/9 in 20 overs with skipper Lorcan Tucker scoring 50 off 36 and Gareth Delany contributing 49. Chasing the target, Abhishek Sharma top scored with 20-ball 49 but no other batter could get going except Shivam Dube, who scored 25 off 14 balls. For Ireland, Matthew Humphreys and Matt Hollard took three wickets each as India could manage only 148 and lost by 34 runs. In the second match, the Indian bowlers did well and restricted Ireland to 154/8 in 20 overs. While chasing, Ireland's Jai Mundra, who is of Indian origin, dismissed Abhishek, Sanju Samson, and skipper Shreyas Iyer inside three overs. The back-to-back T20 world champions could not recover from that and lost the by 1 run.

The series defeat against Ireland ended India's streak of 16-series wins in T20Is and it is definitely a shock for players as well as the fans with India being two-time back-to-back T20 World Champions.

'Very hard to be critical of guys,' says India assistant coach ten Doeschate despite T20I series whitewash vs Ireland

Ireland created history by registering their first-ever victory over India in any format, securing a memorable 34-run win in the opening T20I on Friday (June 26). After being invited to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 182/9, thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker's brilliant 50 off 36 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. Gareth Delany provided crucial support with a 49 from 32 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Ireland's bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict India and seal a landmark triumph.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2026-draw-djokovic-sinner-on-collision-course-raducanu-battles-fitness-concerns-serena-faces-joint-on-return-1782488255610">Wimbledon 2026 draw: Djokovic, Sinner on collision course; Raducanu battles fitness concerns, Serena faces Joint on return</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Ireland recovered from an early collapse to post a competitive 182/9 against India in the first T20I of the two-match series in Belfast on Friday, thanks to a composed half-century from Lorcan Tucker and a blistering knock from Gareth Delany. After India opted to bowl first, Ireland stumbled to 51/4 inside eight overs. Lorcan Tucker anchored the innings with a well-crafted 50 off 36 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while sharing a crucial 64-run partnership with Gareth Delany.&nbsp;Delany then shifted gears, smashing 49 off just 32 deliveries with three fours and three sixes. His explosive batting, along with George Dockrell's quickfire 19, produced a 49-run stand in only 16 balls, propelling Ireland to a strong finish. Ireland made an aggressive start as Tim Tector and Ross Adair found boundaries early. However, Harshit Rana struck twice in the opening four overs, dismissing Adair and Tim Tector, while Arshdeep Singh removed Harry Tector for a duck to leave the hosts reeling at 30/3.&nbsp;Benjamin Calitz briefly counterattacked with 15 off 11 balls before Shivam Dube dismissed him, reducing Ireland to 51/4. Tucker and Delany then steadied the innings, taking Ireland past the 100-run mark before Tucker reached his fifty in 35 balls. Harshit ended the partnership by removing Tucker for 50. Delany continued the assault alongside Dockrell, with the duo punishing India's bowlers in the death overs. Washington Sundar conceded 19 runs in the 16th over before Prasidh Krishna was hammered for 27 runs in the next, including three successive sixes from Delany.&nbsp;Axar Patel ended Dockrell's cameo with a sharp catch by Arshdeep Singh at backward point, while Arshdeep later dismissed Delany for 49 through another excellent catch by Axar. Ireland eventually finished on 182/9 in their 20 overs. Harshit Rana was India's standout bowler with figures of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh (2/28) and Axar Patel (2/33) also claimed two wickets each. Prasidh Krishna endured a difficult outing, returning figures of 0/57 from his four overs.

Ireland stunned India with a historic 34-run win in the first T20I, their maiden victory over India in any format, powered by Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany

Ireland created history by registering their first-ever victory over India in any format, securing a memorable 34-run win in the opening T20I on Friday (June 26). After being invited to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 182/9, thanks to captain Lorcan Tucker's brilliant 50 off 36 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. Gareth Delany provided crucial support with a 49 from 32 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Ireland's bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict India and seal a landmark triumph. Also Read: Wimbledon 2026 draw: Djokovic, Sinner on collision course; Raducanu battles fitness concerns, Serena faces Joint on return Earlier, Ireland recovered from an early collapse to post a competitive 182/9 against India in the first T20I of the two-match series in Belfast on Friday, thanks to a composed half-century from Lorcan Tucker and a blistering knock from Gareth Delany. After India opted to bowl first, Ireland stumbled to 51/4 inside eight overs. Lorcan Tucker anchored the innings with a well-crafted 50 off 36 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while sharing a crucial 64-run partnership with Gareth Delany. Delany then shifted gears, smashing 49 off just 32 deliveries with three fours and three sixes. His explosive batting, along with George Dockrell's quickfire 19, produced a 49-run stand in only 16 balls, propelling Ireland to a strong finish. Ireland made an aggressive start as Tim Tector and Ross Adair found boundaries early. However, Harshit Rana struck twice in the opening four overs, dismissing Adair and Tim Tector, while Arshdeep Singh removed Harry Tector for a duck to leave the hosts reeling at 30/3. Benjamin Calitz briefly counterattacked with 15 off 11 balls before Shivam Dube dismissed him, reducing Ireland to 51/4. Tucker and Delany then steadied the innings, taking Ireland past the 100-run mark before Tucker reached his fifty in 35 balls. Harshit ended the partnership by removing Tucker for 50. Delany continued the assault alongside Dockrell, with the duo punishing India's bowlers in the death overs. Washington Sundar conceded 19 runs in the 16th over before Prasidh Krishna was hammered for 27 runs in the next, including three successive sixes from Delany. Axar Patel ended Dockrell's cameo with a sharp catch by Arshdeep Singh at backward point, while Arshdeep later dismissed Delany for 49 through another excellent catch by Axar. Ireland eventually finished on 182/9 in their 20 overs. Harshit Rana was India's standout bowler with figures of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh (2/28) and Axar Patel (2/33) also claimed two wickets each. Prasidh Krishna endured a difficult outing, returning figures of 0/57 from his four overs.

Ireland recorded their first-ever win over India in any format, defeating the visitors by 34 runs in the first T20I after Lorcan Tucker's fifty and Gareth Delany's impressive 49 powered the hosts

IND vs IRL, 1st T20I: Ireland script history, register maiden win over India

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as India’s new T20I captain, marking a major leadership change in the Indian cricket setup. Suryakumar Yadav has been replaced as skipper as the team management looks to reshape the squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The decision signals a fresh direction for India’s T20 strategy, with fans eager to see how Iyer leads the side on the global stage.


Shreyas Iyer Named India's T20I Captain; Suryakumar Replaced As Captain 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s squad for the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan. Recently appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to compete for an opening spot alongside established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, giving India significant depth at the top of the order.&nbsp;The middle-order department features Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and power-hitter Shivam Dube. India’s spin attack will be led by Sundar, supported by Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, while the pace department includes Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.&nbsp;Although star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England as part of workload management ahead of the 2027 World Cup, selectors have included him in the 15-member squad for the Asian Games.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-fans-allowed-to-bring-sealed-water-bottles-into-stadiums-during-world-cup-1780727388945">FIFA 2026: Fans allowed to bring sealed water bottles into stadiums during World Cup</a>&nbsp;The men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in the T20 format from Sep 24 to Oct 3, with ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman, will compete for the gold medal.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-squads-for-england-ireland-tour-sooryavanshi-earns-call-up-shreyas-named-new-captain-1780732332687">Shreyas named captain, Sooryavanshi earns call-up for England &amp; Ireland tour</a>&nbsp;The tournament opens with the preliminary qualifying stage from Sep 24 to 26, followed by quarter-finals on Sep 28 and 29. The semi-finals are set for Oct 1, while the bronze-medal match and the final will both be played on Oct 3.<h2>India squad for the 2026 Asian Games (Men’s T20)</h2>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah

India have announced their 15-player squad for the Asian Games 2026, with the cricket tournament scheduled for September and October in Japan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s squad for the men’s T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan. Recently appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer will captain the side, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to compete for an opening spot alongside established batters Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, giving India significant depth at the top of the order. The middle-order department features Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and power-hitter Shivam Dube. India’s spin attack will be led by Sundar, supported by Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, while the pace department includes Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Although star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England as part of workload management ahead of the 2027 World Cup, selectors have included him in the 15-member squad for the Asian Games. Also Read - FIFA 2026: Fans allowed to bring sealed water bottles into stadiums during World Cup The men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in the T20 format from Sep 24 to Oct 3, with ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman, will compete for the gold medal. Also Read - Shreyas named captain, Sooryavanshi earns call-up for England & Ireland tour The tournament opens with the preliminary qualifying stage from Sep 24 to 26, followed by quarter-finals on Sep 28 and 29. The semi-finals are set for Oct 1, while the bronze-medal match and the final will both be played on Oct 3. India squad for the 2026 Asian Games (Men’s T20) Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah

India have announced their 15-player squad for the Asian Games 2026, with the cricket tournament scheduled for September and October in Japan.

India squad for Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer to lead, Bumrah returns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England on Saturday (Jun 6), with the series scheduled in June and July respectively. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new T20I captain, replacing T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has been left out of the squad. Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his maiden India call-up following a standout IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for both series, although he has been included in India’s squad for the Asian Games later this year.&nbsp;India will face Ireland in a two-match T20I series in Belfast from Jun 26 to 28, before taking on England in a five-match series from Jul 1 to 11.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-york-knicks-edge-san-antonio-spurs-105-104-to-take-2-0-lead-in-nba-finals-1780721505871">New York Knicks edge San Antonio Spurs 105-104 to take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Presenting <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>&#39;s T20I squads for the tours of England &amp; Ireland 2026 🇮🇳<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/IREvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IREvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/f84kSSAIDf">pic.twitter.com/f84kSSAIDf</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2063164567484797250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shreyas Iyer last played a T20I for India in Dec 2023. He was also part of the home series against New Zealand earlier this year but did not get a chance to play and was not picked for the World Cup squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/norway-chess-2026-r-praggnanandhaa-scripts-history-becomes-first-indian-champion-in-tournament-history-1780716711063">Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa becomes first Indian champion</a>&nbsp;However, his strong performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he has played well as both a batter and captain, helped him make a comeback and has now been given the captaincy by the selectors.<h2>India squad for Ireland series</h2>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav<h2>India squad for England series</h2>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav

Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the T20I series against Ireland and England, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up ahead of the Asian Games.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England on Saturday (Jun 6), with the series scheduled in June and July respectively. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new T20I captain, replacing T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has been left out of the squad. Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his maiden India call-up following a standout IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for both series, although he has been included in India’s squad for the Asian Games later this year. India will face Ireland in a two-match T20I series in Belfast from Jun 26 to 28, before taking on England in a five-match series from Jul 1 to 11. Also Read - New York Knicks edge San Antonio Spurs 105-104 to take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals

Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the T20I series against Ireland and England, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up ahead of the Asian Games.

India squads for England & Ireland tour: Sooryavanshi earns call-up, Shreyas named new captain

After Punjab Kings’ crucial seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, assistant coach Brad Haddin praised captain Shreyas Iyer for stepping up when the team needed him most. The result keeps Punjab playoff hopes alive and puts them in a strong position heading into the final phase of the tournament. The win was built on a strong all-round effort, as Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two wickets apiece to keep LSG to 196/6, despite a fighting 72 off 44 balls from Josh Inglis.&nbsp;Chasing the target, Prabhsimran Singh provided early momentum with a fluent 69 from just 39 deliveries before captain Shreyas Iyer took complete control and smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 balls, his first IPL hundred, as Punjab sealed the chase comfortably before the 19th over.&nbsp;Speaking after the match, Haddin said Iyer looked determined to take responsibility in a high-pressure encounter.&nbsp;“In these matches, you want your best players to stand up. These are the matches where everything is on the line. For the last couple of days, the captain had that look in his eye. He wanted to be the one who made the difference and turned things around, and he gave us an opportunity to play in the finals. You got a long way to see a better inning and a better captain's knock than that,” Haddin said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-why-jasprit-bumrah-is-not-playing-for-mi-vs-rajasthan-royals-1779616624869">IPL 2026: Why Jasprit Bumrah is not playing for MI vs Rajasthan Royals?</a>&nbsp;He further added, "He wanted to be the one to make the difference, and that is what you want from your leaders, whether it's for IPL or for your country. You want your leaders owning those big moments, and that is what he did."&nbsp;Haddin also applauded the team’s overall effort, pointing out that the bowlers created early pressure by striking in the powerplay. He singled out Azmatullah Omarzai for his contribution with the ball and praised both Prabhsimran and Iyer for steering the chase confidently.&nbsp;"If you have a look through the whole game, we did well to get wickets to start. It is important to get wickets up front in power play. I thought our bowlers did a really good job there. Azmatullah did a really good job. And then Prabh and the captain with the bat were outstanding. Prabh took a smart stumping. As an ex-keeper, I was proud of him there, but he set up the inning beautifully," the assistant coach noted.&nbsp;With this final league stage victory, Punjab Kings have climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with 15 points, with their playoff qualification now hinging entirely on the final league clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

With this final league stage victory, Punjab Kings have climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with 15 points and their playoff qualification now hinging entirely on the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. 

After Punjab Kings’ crucial seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, assistant coach Brad Haddin praised captain Shreyas Iyer for stepping up when the team needed him most. The result keeps Punjab playoff hopes alive and puts them in a strong position heading into the final phase of the tournament. The win was built on a strong all-round effort, as Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two wickets apiece to keep LSG to 196/6, despite a fighting 72 off 44 balls from Josh Inglis. Chasing the target, Prabhsimran Singh provided early momentum with a fluent 69 from just 39 deliveries before captain Shreyas Iyer took complete control and smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 balls, his first IPL hundred, as Punjab sealed the chase comfortably before the 19th over. Speaking after the match, Haddin said Iyer looked determined to take responsibility in a high-pressure encounter. “In these matches, you want your best players to stand up. These are the matches where everything is on the line. For the last couple of days, the captain had that look in his eye. He wanted to be the one who made the difference and turned things around, and he gave us an opportunity to play in the finals. You got a long way to see a better inning and a better captain's knock than that,” Haddin said. Also Read - IPL 2026: Why Jasprit Bumrah is not playing for MI vs Rajasthan Royals? He further added, "He wanted to be the one to make the difference, and that is what you want from your leaders, whether it's for IPL or for your country. You want your leaders owning those big moments, and that is what he did." Haddin also applauded the team’s overall effort, pointing out that the bowlers created early pressure by striking in the powerplay. He singled out Azmatullah Omarzai for his contribution with the ball and praised both Prabhsimran and Iyer for steering the chase confidently. "If you have a look through the whole game, we did well to get wickets to start. It is important to get wickets up front in power play. I thought our bowlers did a really good job there. Azmatullah did a really good job. And then Prabh and the captain with the bat were outstanding. Prabh took a smart stumping. As an ex-keeper, I was proud of him there, but he set up the inning beautifully," the assistant coach noted. With this final league stage victory, Punjab Kings have climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with 15 points, with their playoff qualification now hinging entirely on the final league clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. With inputs from agencies

With this final league stage victory, Punjab Kings have climbed to the fourth spot on the points table with 15 points and their playoff qualification now hinging entirely on the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

'Iyer wanted to be one who made the difference': PBKS coach hails skipper after win over LSG

Punjab Kings (PBKS) returned to winning ways in style, ending a run of six straight losses with a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday (May 23). The result keeps their playoff hopes alive and puts them in a strong position heading into the final phase of the tournament. The win was built on a strong all-round effort, as Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two wickets apiece to keep LSG to 196/6, despite a fighting 72 off 44 balls from Josh Inglis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chasing the target, Prabhsimran Singh provided early momentum with a fluent 69 from just 39 deliveries before captain Shreyas Iyer took complete control and smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 balls, his first IPL hundred, as Punjab sealed the chase comfortably before the 19th over.&nbsp;The win took Punjab Kings to 15 points from 14 league matches and lifted them back to fourth place in the standings.&nbsp;However, their playoff hopes now depend on other results, as Rajasthan Royals, currently on 14 points, will face Mumbai Indians on Sunday (May 24) and a victory for RR would take them to 16 points and secure the final playoff berth.&nbsp;Kolkata Knight Riders, who have 13 points, will play Delhi Capitals later in the day, are also still in contention if Rajasthan lose to Mumbai. In that scenario, PBKS and KKR could both finish on 15 points, making net run rate decisive in the race for the last knockout spot.&nbsp;Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-high-court-clears-wrestler-vinesh-phogat-for-asian-games-selection-trials-1779540834482">Delhi High Court clears wrestler Vinesh Phogat for Asian Games selection trials</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the match, useful contributions from Josh Inglis (72), Ayush Badoni (43) and Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 37 guided LSG to a competitive 196/6 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;Punjab Kings endured a shaky start to their chase of 197 as Mohammed Shami made an instant impact on his return, dismissing Priyansh Arya with the very first ball before trapping Cooper Connolly with a sharp swinging delivery.&nbsp;PBKS, however, bounced back through skipper Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh, who steady the innings and their aggressive approach helped Punjab recover to 65/2 at the end of the PowerPlay.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-weighs-major-rule-change-on-red-to-pink-ball-switch-in-tests-reports-1779531971965">ICC weighs major rule change on red to pink ball switch in Tests: Reports</a>&nbsp;Prabhsimran kept the scoreboard moving with confident strokeplay and reached his half-century in just 28 deliveries, including a 14-run over against Mohsin Khan. He then stitched together a 100-run stand with Shreyas in only 59 balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shreyas also brought up his sixth fifty of the season, all of them coming in run chases. Although Arjun Tendulkar, making his debut for LSG, eventually dismissed Prabhsimran, the PBKS captain carried on the charge and completed his century off the final ball of the chase to seal a comfortable victory for his side.

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 101, following Prabhsimran Singh’s brisk 69, powered PBKS to a successful chase of 197 with two overs remaining as they climbed to fourth place in the standings.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) returned to winning ways in style, ending a run of six straight losses with a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday (May 23). The result keeps their playoff hopes alive and puts them in a strong position heading into the final phase of the tournament. The win was built on a strong all-round effort, as Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two wickets apiece to keep LSG to 196/6, despite a fighting 72 off 44 balls from Josh Inglis. Chasing the target, Prabhsimran Singh provided early momentum with a fluent 69 from just 39 deliveries before captain Shreyas Iyer took complete control and smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 balls, his first IPL hundred, as Punjab sealed the chase comfortably before the 19th over. The win took Punjab Kings to 15 points from 14 league matches and lifted them back to fourth place in the standings. However, their playoff hopes now depend on other results, as Rajasthan Royals, currently on 14 points, will face Mumbai Indians on Sunday (May 24) and a victory for RR would take them to 16 points and secure the final playoff berth. Kolkata Knight Riders, who have 13 points, will play Delhi Capitals later in the day, are also still in contention if Rajasthan lose to Mumbai. In that scenario, PBKS and KKR could both finish on 15 points, making net run rate decisive in the race for the last knockout spot. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs. Also Read - Delhi High Court clears wrestler Vinesh Phogat for Asian Games selection trials Earlier in the match, useful contributions from Josh Inglis (72), Ayush Badoni (43) and Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 37 guided LSG to a competitive 196/6 in their 20 overs. Punjab Kings endured a shaky start to their chase of 197 as Mohammed Shami made an instant impact on his return, dismissing Priyansh Arya with the very first ball before trapping Cooper Connolly with a sharp swinging delivery. PBKS, however, bounced back through skipper Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh, who steady the innings and their aggressive approach helped Punjab recover to 65/2 at the end of the PowerPlay. Also Read - ICC weighs major rule change on red to pink ball switch in Tests: Reports Prabhsimran kept the scoreboard moving with confident strokeplay and reached his half-century in just 28 deliveries, including a 14-run over against Mohsin Khan. He then stitched together a 100-run stand with Shreyas in only 59 balls. Shreyas also brought up his sixth fifty of the season, all of them coming in run chases. Although Arjun Tendulkar, making his debut for LSG, eventually dismissed Prabhsimran, the PBKS captain carried on the charge and completed his century off the final ball of the chase to seal a comfortable victory for his side.

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 101, following Prabhsimran Singh’s brisk 69, powered PBKS to a successful chase of 197 with two overs remaining as they climbed to fourth place in the standings.

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer’s century keeps PBKS’ playoff hopes alive with win over LSG

Punjab Kings have two more matches left in the IPL 2026 regular season before the playoffs begin and they are not through yet. Nobody would have though that Shreyas Iyer-led side would be in this position and vying for a place in the playoffs after the start they had. In the first seven matches, Punjab won six while one was no result before the tables turned and they lost the next five. Currently, the IPL 2025 runners-up are fourth on the points table with 13 points and can get to a maximum of 17 - enough for them to secure a place in the playoffs.<h2>What has gone wrong with the PBKS?</h2>In the season which could be divided into two halves, the opposition teams have figured out that PBKS are excellent at chasing but not so good while defending a target. In their first seven matches of the season, PBKS won six matches and five of them came in a chase. The only time they batted first, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they scored 254 which proved too much for LSG.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/country-over-cash-pat-cummins-reaffirms-australia-commitment-amid-bbl-pay-dispute-rumours-sa20-the-hundred-offers-franchise-based-t20-leagues-1778756961090">Country over Cash: Cummins reaffirms AUS commitment amid BBL pay dispute rumours</a>Come the next five matches, the PBKS batted first four times and chased the target only once, losing all five matches. The bowlers are clearly having a hard time defending the target despite the batters putting up 200+ totals on most occasions.The batting-friendly pitches as well as 'hold nothing back' approach from the new generation of fearless batters has not helped PBKS bowlers either.<h2>What does team management say about PBKS' rut?</h2>Speaking after the match against MI, which PBKS lost by six wickets on Thursday (May 14), assistant coach Brad Haddin conceded that PBKS have not been able to handle pressure well. "You've got to be able to handle the big moments. You've got to be able to handle pressure,' Haddin said."We just haven't been able to handle the pressure in the last few defeats. We haven't played our best cricket when we need to, which has been disappointing - with the way we started the tournament and where we are now," he added.<h2>Can Punkab Kings still make playoffs?</h2>&nbsp;With 13 points from 12 matches, PBKS have two more games left in the regular season and winning both of them take them to 17 points - which should be enough to make a place in the playoffs.Punjab is fourth on the table and all three teams above them - RCB (16 points), GT (16 points) and SRH (14 points) - also have two matches left. One of the PBKS' two matches is against RCB and winning it should give them enough breathing space before the last league match against LSG.

From six wins in first seven games, Punjab Kings have slumped to five consecutive losses. With only two more league matches left for them, PBKS are running against time to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.

Punjab Kings have two more matches left in the IPL 2026 regular season before the playoffs begin and they are not through yet. Nobody would have though that Shreyas Iyer-led side would be in this position and vying for a place in the playoffs after the start they had. In the first seven matches, Punjab won six while one was no result before the tables turned and they lost the next five. Currently, the IPL 2025 runners-up are fourth on the points table with 13 points and can get to a maximum of 17 - enough for them to secure a place in the playoffs. What has gone wrong with the PBKS? In the season which could be divided into two halves, the opposition teams have figured out that PBKS are excellent at chasing but not so good while defending a target. In their first seven matches of the season, PBKS won six matches and five of them came in a chase. The only time they batted first, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they scored 254 which proved too much for LSG. Also Read - Country over Cash: Cummins reaffirms AUS commitment amid BBL pay dispute rumours Come the next five matches, the PBKS batted first four times and chased the target only once, losing all five matches. The bowlers are clearly having a hard time defending the target despite the batters putting up 200+ totals on most occasions. The batting-friendly pitches as well as 'hold nothing back' approach from the new generation of fearless batters has not helped PBKS bowlers either. What does team management say about PBKS' rut? Speaking after the match against MI, which PBKS lost by six wickets on Thursday (May 14), assistant coach Brad Haddin conceded that PBKS have not been able to handle pressure well. "You've got to be able to handle the big moments. You've got to be able to handle pressure,' Haddin said. "We just haven't been able to handle the pressure in the last few defeats. We haven't played our best cricket when we need to, which has been disappointing - with the way we started the tournament and where we are now," he added. Can Punkab Kings still make playoffs? With 13 points from 12 matches, PBKS have two more games left in the regular season and winning both of them take them to 17 points - which should be enough to make a place in the playoffs. Punjab is fourth on the table and all three teams above them - RCB (16 points), GT (16 points) and SRH (14 points) - also have two matches left. One of the PBKS' two matches is against RCB and winning it should give them enough breathing space before the last league match against LSG.

From six wins in first seven games, Punjab Kings have slumped to five consecutive losses. With only two more league matches left for them, PBKS are running against time to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.

WION DECODES - IPL 2026 | What's going wrong with Punjab Kings - can they still make playoffs?

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, after loss against Delhi Capital (DC) in IPL 2026 on Monday (May 11), conceded that his team fell short of planning. PBKS scored 210/5 in 20 overs which DC chased in 18.5 overs and three wickets in hand. The loss was Punjab's fourth consecutive after being unbeaten in first seven matches of the 11 games played. Played at Dharamsala, PBKS also didn't bowl ace leggie Yuzvendra Chahal on a pitch which assisted the seamers. Iyer also blamed fielding and bowling for the loss as they slid to fourth place on the points table with 13 points from six wins, one no result and one loss in IPL 2026 so far.<h2>Iyer concedes PBKS planning failure after DC chase down 211</h2>Speaking after the match on where it went wrong for PBKS, Iyer said: "Don't have to beat around the bush, but fielding and bowling again" while acknowledging that the score was "absolutely" enough. "Feel it was 30 runs more on this wicket, given how the ball was seaming and the variable bounce."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-who-is-madhav-tiwari-dc-s-fast-bowling-all-rounder-impresses-against-priyansh-arya-1778513621931">Who is Madhav Tiwari? DC all-rounder impresses against Priyansh Arya</a>Iyer was also asked why Chahal was not given an over to which he replied: "It was a thought but the way it was seaming, if we had executed our lines and lengths, we may have gotten wickets. But we did not. I always say that hard length or short of hard length is the best ball. Not easy to hit. We fell short of planning."<h2>DC keep themselve alive, barely</h2>Chasing 211, DC didn't have a good start as they lost three wickets inside five overs. It was not until Axar Patel (56) and David Miller (51) innings before DC could dream of a win. After both the half-centurions were dismissed, Ashutosh Sharma (24 off 10) and Madhav Tiwari (18 unbeaten off 8) took the onus in the death overs and held their nerves as DC chased the target with seven balls and three wickets in hand.&nbsp;

After being unbeaten in the first seven games of the tournament, PBKS have suffered four consecutive losses in IPL 2026 with the latest one coming against DC on Monday (May 11).

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, after loss against Delhi Capital (DC) in IPL 2026 on Monday (May 11), conceded that his team fell short of planning. PBKS scored 210/5 in 20 overs which DC chased in 18.5 overs and three wickets in hand. The loss was Punjab's fourth consecutive after being unbeaten in first seven matches of the 11 games played. Played at Dharamsala, PBKS also didn't bowl ace leggie Yuzvendra Chahal on a pitch which assisted the seamers. Iyer also blamed fielding and bowling for the loss as they slid to fourth place on the points table with 13 points from six wins, one no result and one loss in IPL 2026 so far. Iyer concedes PBKS planning failure after DC chase down 211 Speaking after the match on where it went wrong for PBKS, Iyer said: "Don't have to beat around the bush, but fielding and bowling again" while acknowledging that the score was "absolutely" enough. "Feel it was 30 runs more on this wicket, given how the ball was seaming and the variable bounce." Also Read - Who is Madhav Tiwari? DC all-rounder impresses against Priyansh Arya Iyer was also asked why Chahal was not given an over to which he replied: "It was a thought but the way it was seaming, if we had executed our lines and lengths, we may have gotten wickets. But we did not. I always say that hard length or short of hard length is the best ball. Not easy to hit. We fell short of planning." DC keep themselve alive, barely Chasing 211, DC didn't have a good start as they lost three wickets inside five overs. It was not until Axar Patel (56) and David Miller (51) innings before DC could dream of a win. After both the half-centurions were dismissed, Ashutosh Sharma (24 off 10) and Madhav Tiwari (18 unbeaten off 8) took the onus in the death overs and held their nerves as DC chased the target with seven balls and three wickets in hand.

After being unbeaten in the first seven games of the tournament, PBKS have suffered four consecutive losses in IPL 2026 with the latest one coming against DC on Monday (May 11).

IPL 2026 | 'Fell short of planning:' PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer concedes after fourth consecutive loss

Indian cricket star and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been named the brand ambassador of Formula One’s official program in the country. In an announcement made on Thursday (April 30), Shreyas was named as the brand ambassador as the appointment reflects Mumbai Falcons’ approach to building sporting culture and infrastructure that spans across sporting disciplines. Currently, Shreyas is involved with the Punjab Kings side, where he has led them to a superb start as they sit top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table.<h2>Iyer named brand ambassador</h2>“Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Shreyas Iyer, Brand Ambassador for the F1® Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Speaking about the brand ambassadors’ announcement, Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director, Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, said, “We built Mumbai Falcons on the belief that India has world-class sporting talent; the potential, however, has been constrained by structural deficiencies. Partnering with Formula 1 to bring the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 to life is yet another significant initiative in that direction.&nbsp;“Shreyas represents exactly the kind of athlete we had in mind when shaping this initiative, displaying sporting excellence and discipline paired with authentic resonance with the emerging demographic, the younger aspiring generations. The platform we’re about to launch is something India has not seen before in this space. The full scope of this initiative will be announced shortly,” Gadhoke added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a><h2>Shreyas to take over as India T20I captain?</h2>One of the best batters and captains during IPL 2026, Shreyas has been in great form and could help PBKS win their maiden IPL title. Shreyas has been tipped to take over as the captain of the Indian T20I side, having proved himself over the last few years. He helped Kolkata Knight Riders win IPL 2024 and then led PBKS to the final in the 2025 edition.

Indian cricket star and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been named the brand ambassador of Formula One’s official program in the country.

Indian cricket star and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been named the brand ambassador of Formula One’s official program in the country. In an announcement made on Thursday (April 30), Shreyas was named as the brand ambassador as the appointment reflects Mumbai Falcons’ approach to building sporting culture and infrastructure that spans across sporting disciplines. Currently, Shreyas is involved with the Punjab Kings side, where he has led them to a superb start as they sit top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table. Iyer named brand ambassador “Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Shreyas Iyer, Brand Ambassador for the F1® Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Speaking about the brand ambassadors’ announcement, Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director, Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, said, “We built Mumbai Falcons on the belief that India has world-class sporting talent; the potential, however, has been constrained by structural deficiencies. Partnering with Formula 1 to bring the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 to life is yet another significant initiative in that direction. “Shreyas represents exactly the kind of athlete we had in mind when shaping this initiative, displaying sporting excellence and discipline paired with authentic resonance with the emerging demographic, the younger aspiring generations. The platform we’re about to launch is something India has not seen before in this space. The full scope of this initiative will be announced shortly,” Gadhoke added. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Shreyas to take over as India T20I captain? One of the best batters and captains during IPL 2026, Shreyas has been in great form and could help PBKS win their maiden IPL title. Shreyas has been tipped to take over as the captain of the Indian T20I side, having proved himself over the last few years. He helped Kolkata Knight Riders win IPL 2024 and then led PBKS to the final in the 2025 edition.

Indian cricket star and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been named the brand ambassador of Formula One’s official program in the country.

Shreyas Iyer named brand ambassador for Formula One official program in India

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