<p>There's never a dull moment in Pakistan cricket. There's always something happening at all times, which catches the attention of cricket lovers all across the world. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan lost out on a chance to host New Zealand and England (i.e. the Three Lions' men's and women's teams) as the Kiwis abandoned their tour of Pakistan at the last moment, citing security concerns, whereas England followed suit.</p>

<p>Thus, it led to a huge disappointment for the Pakistan cricket lovers and the PCB. The New Zealand team's abandonment and England's withdrawal to tour Pakistan came at a time when the Asian side had started hosting international games at regular intervals in their own country. In 2009, Pakistan had faced a huge crisis when the Lahore terror attack, on Sri Lankan cricket team, led to them not being able to host international games for six years.</p>

<p>While the situation eased out reasonably, the NZ-England teams' withdrawals have again put Pakistan on the back foot. Nonetheless, the Babar Azam-led Men in Green will enter the T20 World Cup with an aim to vent out their frustration in the ICC event and return home with the title, replicating the Younis Khan-led side when they won the T20 WC following the terror attack, at Lahore, which resulted in Pakistan cricket's humiliation.</p>

<p>Ahead of Pakistan's T20 WC opener, versus India on October 24 at Dubai, former all-rounder and skipper Shahid Afridi has made a bold claim on Babar &amp; Co.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pakistani-internet-sensation-returns-with-a-hilarious-video-as-indo-pak-clash-nears-watch-422058"><strong>T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>"We had that issue of the Sri Lanka attacks on our minds," Afridi told AFP. "The whole nation was disappointed and frustrated so that win was very much needed. He added, "The win gave the whole nation happiness and some unforgettable moments. This is Pakistan cricket for you, never ever a dull day. Pakistan can surprise any team in the world. Rule them out at your peril."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-youve-400-test-wickets-harbhajan-singh-trolls-shoaib-akhtar-ahead-of-india-pakistan-clash-422111">'When you've 400+ Test wickets...': Harbhajan Singh trolls Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India-Pakistan clash</a></strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Pakistan are placed in Pool B with India, New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas they will also be joined by two other teams from the qualifiers. The Men in Green will like to win their first-ever World Cup game versus arch-rivals India, settle scores with New Zealand for their recent withdrawal to tour Pakistan in a bid to march ahead in the semi-finals and return with their second title in the T20 WC.</p>


There's never a dull moment in Pakistan cricket. There's always something happening at all times, which catches the attention of cricket lovers all across the world.

There's never a dull moment in Pakistan cricket. There's always something happening at all times, which catches the attention of cricket lovers all across the world. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan lost out on a chance to host New Zealand and England (i.e. the Three Lions' men's and women's teams) as the Kiwis abandoned their tour of Pakistan at the last moment, citing security concerns, whereas England followed suit. Thus, it led to a huge disappointment for the Pakistan cricket lovers and the PCB. The New Zealand team's abandonment and England's withdrawal to tour Pakistan came at a time when the Asian side had started hosting international games at regular intervals in their own country. In 2009, Pakistan had faced a huge crisis when the Lahore terror attack, on Sri Lankan cricket team, led to them not being able to host international games for six years. While the situation eased out reasonably, the NZ-England teams' withdrawals have again put Pakistan on the back foot. Nonetheless, the Babar Azam-led Men in Green will enter the T20 World Cup with an aim to vent out their frustration in the ICC event and return home with the title, replicating the Younis Khan-led side when they won the T20 WC following the terror attack, at Lahore, which resulted in Pakistan cricket's humiliation. Ahead of Pakistan's T20 WC opener, versus India on October 24 at Dubai, former all-rounder and skipper Shahid Afridi has made a bold claim on Babar & Co. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH "We had that issue of the Sri Lanka attacks on our minds," Afridi told AFP. "The whole nation was disappointed and frustrated so that win was very much needed. He added, "The win gave the whole nation happiness and some unforgettable moments. This is Pakistan cricket for you, never ever a dull day. Pakistan can surprise any team in the world. Rule them out at your peril." ALSO READ | 'When you've 400+ Test wickets...': Harbhajan Singh trolls Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India-Pakistan clash For the unversed, Pakistan are placed in Pool B with India, New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas they will also be joined by two other teams from the qualifiers. The Men in Green will like to win their first-ever World Cup game versus arch-rivals India, settle scores with New Zealand for their recent withdrawal to tour Pakistan in a bid to march ahead in the semi-finals and return with their second title in the T20 WC.

T20 WC: Shahid Afridi issues stern warning, says 'Pakistan can surprise anyone, rule them out at own peril'

<p>The whole cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2021. Both cricketing giants only meet during multi-nation or ICC events due to the political tension between the arch-rivals. However, whenever both sides lock horns in a big-ticket tournament, it leads to heads being turned all around the cricketing spectrum as many watch the proceedings, from various parts of the globe.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli-led India are set to meet Babar Azam's Pakistan in both sides' tournament-opener, in the main draw of the showpiece event, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Ahead of the marquee face-off, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar poked fun at India's veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) off-spinner had the last laugh with his reply. It all started when Akhtar shared a picture with Bhajji and hilariously trolled him. To this, the Indian also came back with a witty reply.</p>

<p><strong>Here's how it all panned out between the two legendary cricketers:</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Harbhajan, Akhtar banter before Indo-Pak T20 WC clash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a7f7ba2-3b15-44d6-abf0-1b8862ccdac1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bhajji_Akhtar%20tweets.jpeg" /></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pakistani-internet-sensation-returns-with-a-hilarious-video-as-indo-pak-clash-nears-watch-422058"><strong>T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>India and Pakistan last met during the 2019 ODI World Cup group stage encounter, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Back then, the Kohli-led Men in Blue thrashed Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method). On the other hand, India had also beaten Pakistan by 6 wickets in their 2016 T20 WC face-off, held at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lead Pakistan 5-0 in T20 WC history and will be eager to maintain their flawless record versus the arch-rivals. However, Babar-led Pakistan won't be an easy opposition for the Indian team by any means. Both sides are placed in Pool B, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams who will join them from the qualifiers.</p>


The whole cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2021. Both cricketing giants only meet during multi-nation or ICC events due to the political tension between the arch-rivals.

The whole cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2021. Both cricketing giants only meet during multi-nation or ICC events due to the political tension between the arch-rivals. However, whenever both sides lock horns in a big-ticket tournament, it leads to heads being turned all around the cricketing spectrum as many watch the proceedings, from various parts of the globe. Virat Kohli-led India are set to meet Babar Azam's Pakistan in both sides' tournament-opener, in the main draw of the showpiece event, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Ahead of the marquee face-off, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar poked fun at India's veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) off-spinner had the last laugh with his reply. It all started when Akhtar shared a picture with Bhajji and hilariously trolled him. To this, the Indian also came back with a witty reply. Here's how it all panned out between the two legendary cricketers: ALSO READ | T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH India and Pakistan last met during the 2019 ODI World Cup group stage encounter, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Back then, the Kohli-led Men in Blue thrashed Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method). On the other hand, India had also beaten Pakistan by 6 wickets in their 2016 T20 WC face-off, held at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India lead Pakistan 5-0 in T20 WC history and will be eager to maintain their flawless record versus the arch-rivals. However, Babar-led Pakistan won't be an easy opposition for the Indian team by any means. Both sides are placed in Pool B, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams who will join them from the qualifiers.

'When you've 400+ Test wickets...': Harbhajan Singh trolls Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India-Pakistan clash

<p>There's never a dull moment when Rishabh Pant is standing behind the stumps, whether for Team India or the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. After taking DC to the playoffs in IPL 2021, the swashbuckling left-hander resumed his services as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Virat Kohli-led India in their first warm-up encounter, versus England, in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, on Monday evening (October 18).</p>

<p>As expected, Pant left everyone in splits with his commentary from behind the stumps. When R Ashwin came onto bowl the 11th over of England's innings, after India opted to bowl first at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, Pant hilariously asked the wily off-spinner to resort to leg-spin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Pant suggested Ashwin, "<em>Armaan pura karne ka yahi mauka hai</em>.&nbsp;<em>Leg spin karne ka Mauka bhi hai, dastoor bhi hai&nbsp;</em>(This is your chance to fulfil your desire of bowling leg spin). Pant's hilarious video soon became the talk of the town and&nbsp;went viral on social media. <strong>Here's what he said:</strong></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-salman-butt-suggests-ishan-kishans-batting-slot-ahttps://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-salman-butt-suggests-ishan-kishans-batting-slot-after-his-blitzkrieg-vs-england-ahead-of-pakistan-tie-422090fter-his-blitzkrieg-vs-england-ahead-of-pakistan-tie-422090"><strong>T20 WC: Salman Butt suggests Ishan Kishan's batting slot after his blitzkrieg vs England ahead of Pakistan tie</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pakistani-internet-sensation-returns-with-a-hilarious-video-as-indo-pak-clash-nears-watch-422058"><strong>T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the match, India ticked many boxes in the warm-up encounter with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being the chief wicket-takers whereas Ashwin returned with an economical spell, 4-0-23-0. England, however, posted a competitive 188-5 riding on Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone's entertaining cameos before Ishan Kishans 46-ball 70 (retired hurt) and KL Rahul's 24-ball 51 propelled the Men in Blue to an easy 7-wicket win, with an over to spare. Pant, on the other hand, also stood tall with a match-finishing 14-ball 29*.</p>

<p>India will take on Australia in the second warm-up encounter before facing Pakistan in their tournament-opener, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai during the main draw of the marquee event.</p>


There's never a dull moment when Rishabh Pant is standing behind the stumps, whether for Team India or the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. After taking DC to the playoffs in IPL 2021, the swashbuckling left-hander resumed his services as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Virat Kohli-led India in their first warm-up encounter, versus England, in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, on Monday evening (October 18).

There's never a dull moment when Rishabh Pant is standing behind the stumps, whether for Team India or the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. After taking DC to the playoffs in IPL 2021, the swashbuckling left-hander resumed his services as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Virat Kohli-led India in their first warm-up encounter, versus England, in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, on Monday evening (October 18). As expected, Pant left everyone in splits with his commentary from behind the stumps. When R Ashwin came onto bowl the 11th over of England's innings, after India opted to bowl first at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, Pant hilariously asked the wily off-spinner to resort to leg-spin. The 24-year-old Pant suggested Ashwin, "Armaan pura karne ka yahi mauka hai. Leg spin karne ka Mauka bhi hai, dastoor bhi hai (This is your chance to fulfil your desire of bowling leg spin). Pant's hilarious video soon became the talk of the town and went viral on social media. Here's what he said: ALSO READ | T20 WC: Salman Butt suggests Ishan Kishan's batting slot after his blitzkrieg vs England ahead of Pakistan tie pic.twitter.com/o3h2jskHKh — pant shirt fc (@pant_fc) October 18, 2021 × ALSO READ | T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH Talking about the match, India ticked many boxes in the warm-up encounter with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being the chief wicket-takers whereas Ashwin returned with an economical spell, 4-0-23-0. England, however, posted a competitive 188-5 riding on Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone's entertaining cameos before Ishan Kishans 46-ball 70 (retired hurt) and KL Rahul's 24-ball 51 propelled the Men in Blue to an easy 7-wicket win, with an over to spare. Pant, on the other hand, also stood tall with a match-finishing 14-ball 29*. India will take on Australia in the second warm-up encounter before facing Pakistan in their tournament-opener, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai during the main draw of the marquee event.

WATCH - 'Fulfill your desire....': Rishabh Pant's hilarious remark to R Ashwin caught on stump-mic

<p>Ishan Kishan was given a chance at the top-order for Team India in their first warm-up fixture, ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Virat Kohli-led India faced England in a warm-up encounter on Monday evening (October 18) and the swashbuckling left-hander, who didn't have a memorable IPL 14 for Mumbai Indians (MI), stunned one and all with his entertaining 46-ball 70 before he voluntarily walked off, retired hurt, to give others a chance in India's successful 189-run chase.</p>

<p>Opting to bowl first, Kohli-led India rode on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami's breakthroughs to keep Eoin Morgan-less England for 188-5. Jos Buttler-led Three Lions posted a competitive score courtesy Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone. However, the dew factor coupled with some sloppy fielding along with Ishan-KL Rahul's fireworks led to England's seven-wicket thrashing. Kohli &amp; Co. finished the run-chase with an over to spare, at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ishan, who opened the innings with Rohit Sharma being rested, has added to India's selection woes as the team management have plenty to choose from. The left-hander's innings comprised 7 fours and 3 sixes, at 152.37, as he has made a strong statement to be in India's XI for their tournament-opener, versus Pakistan on October 24 at Dubai.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-was-our-mentor-even-when-he-was-captain-kl-rahul-gives-his-take-on-ms-dhonis-mentorship-role-in-t20-wc-422076">'He was our mentor even when he was captain' - KL Rahul gives his take on MS Dhoni's mentorship role in T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>Ahead of the high-voltage Indo-Pak clash, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has suggested where Ishan should bat&nbsp;in the mega event. He told on his Youtube channel, "Don't disturb the opening combination. Talk about the batting line-up after that. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will open and I don't think that will change. It could be possible that they use Ishan Kishan somewhere in the middle order or at one down or even bring him in after Kohli. That is because he is in form and can play anywhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I haven't seen him struggling against the new ball or the spinners. So, these are very good signs. He played Moeen Ali very well and he hit Adil Rashid, who is a very good leg spinner, for a plenty. But today's highlight of India's batting, someone who batted extremely beautifully, was KL Rahul. It looked like he was facing the bowling machine. He was able to hit any ball anywhere and the best part was that all of them were correct shots. He is in dangerous form currently," opined Butt.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-never-give-big-statements-virender-sehwag-explains-why-pakistan-have-failed-to-beat-india-in-world-cups-422082">'We never give big statements': Virender Sehwag explains why Pakistan have failed to beat India in World Cups</a></strong></p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if Ishan features in India's XI for their tournament-opener versus Babar Azam-led Men in Green. They have plenty of power-hitters to choose from, in the form of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India are in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers.</p>


Ishan Kishan was given a chance at the top-order for Team India in their first warm-up fixture, ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Virat Kohli-led India faced England in a warm-up encounter on Monday evening (October 18) and the swashbuckling left-hander, who didn't have a memorable IPL 14 for Mumbai Indians (MI), stunned one and all with his entertaining 46-ball 70 before he voluntarily walked off, retired hurt, to give others a chance in India's successful 189-run chase.

Ishan Kishan was given a chance at the top-order for Team India in their first warm-up fixture, ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Virat Kohli-led India faced England in a warm-up encounter on Monday evening (October 18) and the swashbuckling left-hander, who didn't have a memorable IPL 14 for Mumbai Indians (MI), stunned one and all with his entertaining 46-ball 70 before he voluntarily walked off, retired hurt, to give others a chance in India's successful 189-run chase. Opting to bowl first, Kohli-led India rode on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami's breakthroughs to keep Eoin Morgan-less England for 188-5. Jos Buttler-led Three Lions posted a competitive score courtesy Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone. However, the dew factor coupled with some sloppy fielding along with Ishan-KL Rahul's fireworks led to England's seven-wicket thrashing. Kohli & Co. finished the run-chase with an over to spare, at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. Ishan, who opened the innings with Rohit Sharma being rested, has added to India's selection woes as the team management have plenty to choose from. The left-hander's innings comprised 7 fours and 3 sixes, at 152.37, as he has made a strong statement to be in India's XI for their tournament-opener, versus Pakistan on October 24 at Dubai. ALSO READ | 'He was our mentor even when he was captain' - KL Rahul gives his take on MS Dhoni's mentorship role in T20 WC Ahead of the high-voltage Indo-Pak clash, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has suggested where Ishan should bat in the mega event. He told on his Youtube channel, "Don't disturb the opening combination. Talk about the batting line-up after that. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will open and I don't think that will change. It could be possible that they use Ishan Kishan somewhere in the middle order or at one down or even bring him in after Kohli. That is because he is in form and can play anywhere. “I haven't seen him struggling against the new ball or the spinners. So, these are very good signs. He played Moeen Ali very well and he hit Adil Rashid, who is a very good leg spinner, for a plenty. But today's highlight of India's batting, someone who batted extremely beautifully, was KL Rahul. It looked like he was facing the bowling machine. He was able to hit any ball anywhere and the best part was that all of them were correct shots. He is in dangerous form currently," opined Butt. ALSO READ | 'We never give big statements': Virender Sehwag explains why Pakistan have failed to beat India in World Cups It will be interesting to see if Ishan features in India's XI for their tournament-opener versus Babar Azam-led Men in Green. They have plenty of power-hitters to choose from, in the form of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. India are in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers.

T20 WC: Salman Butt suggests Ishan Kishan's batting slot after his blitzkrieg vs England ahead of Pakistan tie

<p>MS Dhoni, after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fourth title in IPL 2021, has joined the Team India camp as a mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. The 40-year-old's presence will help Virat Kohli &amp; Co. for the marquee event as the Indian team is looking to end their ICC-title drought after having last won a mega event in 2013.</p>

<p>For the unversed, India had won the last ICC title in 2013 under the astute leadership of Dhoni, when the Men in Blue won the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have reached the semi-finals on all occasions in the following ICC events, however, haven't been able to grab hold of the title. As India are gearing up for their tournament-opener versus Pakistan, on October 24, KL Rahul opened up on Dhoni's mentorship role for the T20 WC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pakistani-internet-sensation-returns-with-a-hilarious-video-as-indo-pak-clash-nears-watch-422058">T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>During a Clubhouse session organised by&nbsp;<em>Red Bull&nbsp;</em>on Tuesday, Rahul -- who had his international debut under Dhoni -- revealed, "None of us are sure that IPL 2021 final was his last game. I do not think, I would love to see MS Dhoni play for a lot more years if he could. Yeah, it was great to see how CSK played in the tournament and they were the most deserving to win it. Obviously, MS Dhoni back with the team feels amazing because we have played under him and we have looked towards him as a mentor even when he was our captain."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We loved having him in the dressing room when he was the captain, we loved the calmness. We have all looked up to him to help us out, to have him here is amazing. This gives us a sense of calmness, I have enjoyed spending time with him in the first two to three days and it has been a lot of fun. Looking forward to chewing his brain about cricket, captaincy and all things cricket," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dale-steyn-names-virat-kohlis-replacement-as-indias-t20i-captain-he-can-nurture-pant-others-422047"><strong>Dale Steyn names Virat Kohli's replacement as India's T20I captain: He can nurture Pant &amp; others</strong></a></p>

<p>Rahul was one of India's star-performers in their first warm-up encounter, versus England, on Monday evening (October 18). His 24-ball 51 and Ishan Kishan's 46-ball 70 propelled Kohli &amp; Co. to an easy 7-wicket win over the 2016 runners-up. They will now play Australia in their last warm-up game before locking horns with Pakistan.</p>

<p>India are in Pool B, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. It will be interesting to see how Dhoni contributes for Team India in his new role and helps the national side in winning the coveted trophy.</p>


MS Dhoni, after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fourth title in IPL 2021, has joined the Team India camp as a mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE.

MS Dhoni, after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fourth title in IPL 2021, has joined the Team India camp as a mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. The 40-year-old's presence will help Virat Kohli & Co. for the marquee event as the Indian team is looking to end their ICC-title drought after having last won a mega event in 2013. For the unversed, India had won the last ICC title in 2013 under the astute leadership of Dhoni, when the Men in Blue won the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have reached the semi-finals on all occasions in the following ICC events, however, haven't been able to grab hold of the title. As India are gearing up for their tournament-opener versus Pakistan, on October 24, KL Rahul opened up on Dhoni's mentorship role for the T20 WC. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH During a Clubhouse session organised by Red Bull on Tuesday, Rahul -- who had his international debut under Dhoni -- revealed, "None of us are sure that IPL 2021 final was his last game. I do not think, I would love to see MS Dhoni play for a lot more years if he could. Yeah, it was great to see how CSK played in the tournament and they were the most deserving to win it. Obviously, MS Dhoni back with the team feels amazing because we have played under him and we have looked towards him as a mentor even when he was our captain." "We loved having him in the dressing room when he was the captain, we loved the calmness. We have all looked up to him to help us out, to have him here is amazing. This gives us a sense of calmness, I have enjoyed spending time with him in the first two to three days and it has been a lot of fun. Looking forward to chewing his brain about cricket, captaincy and all things cricket," he added. ALSO READ | Dale Steyn names Virat Kohli's replacement as India's T20I captain: He can nurture Pant & others Rahul was one of India's star-performers in their first warm-up encounter, versus England, on Monday evening (October 18). His 24-ball 51 and Ishan Kishan's 46-ball 70 propelled Kohli & Co. to an easy 7-wicket win over the 2016 runners-up. They will now play Australia in their last warm-up game before locking horns with Pakistan. India are in Pool B, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. It will be interesting to see how Dhoni contributes for Team India in his new role and helps the national side in winning the coveted trophy.

'He was our mentor even when he was captain' - KL Rahul gives his take on MS Dhoni's mentorship role in T20 WC

<p>After the India-Pakistan 2019 ODI World Cup clash, in England and Wales, a British-Pakistani entertain and internet sensation Momin&nbsp;Saqib’s hilarious interview got viral, where he was depicting his plight following Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Men in Green's 89 runs loss (DLS method) to Virat Kohli-led India.</p>

<p>As the stage is set and there are only a handful of days for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash, in the T20 World Cup 2021, the Pakistani internet sensation is back with another hilarious video for the marquee encounter, to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday (October 24). Here's the latest video from Saqib as he urges Babar Azam &amp; Co. to beat India in the forthcoming face-off in the T20 WC:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/need-to-create-cricketing-bond-with-bcci-says-pcb-chief-ramiz-raja-after-meeting-sourav-ganguly-jay-shah-421977">Need to create cricketing bond with BCCI, says PCB chief Ramiz Raja after meeting Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah</a></strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-india-under-pressure-thats-why-they-are-taking-ms-dhoni-as-mentor-says-former-pakistan-cricketer-422013"><strong>T20 WC: India under pressure, that’s why they are taking MS Dhoni as mentor, says former Pakistan cricketer</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, both sides are playing a couple of warm-up encounters in a bid to finalise their team combination and get used to the conditions in the UAE. The T20 WC has commenced but the qualifying round is underway whereas the automatically-qualified teams are busy playing warm-up games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both India and Pakistan will open their campaigns against each other, being placed in Pool B along with New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, India have a 5-0 lead over Pakistan in T20 WC and, thus, will be eager to extend their winning streak in the upcoming match. However, Babar-led Pakistan won't be an easy opposition for Kohli-led India by any means.&nbsp;</p>


After the India-Pakistan 2019 ODI World Cup clash, in England and Wales, a British-Pakistani entertain and internet sensation Momin Saqib’s hilarious interview got viral, where he was depicting his plight following Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Men in Green's 89 runs loss (DLS method) to Virat Kohli-led India.

After the India-Pakistan 2019 ODI World Cup clash, in England and Wales, a British-Pakistani entertain and internet sensation Momin Saqib’s hilarious interview got viral, where he was depicting his plight following Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Men in Green's 89 runs loss (DLS method) to Virat Kohli-led India. As the stage is set and there are only a handful of days for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash, in the T20 World Cup 2021, the Pakistani internet sensation is back with another hilarious video for the marquee encounter, to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday (October 24). Here's the latest video from Saqib as he urges Babar Azam & Co. to beat India in the forthcoming face-off in the T20 WC: ALSO READ | Need to create cricketing bond with BCCI, says PCB chief Ramiz Raja after meeting Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah × ALSO READ | T20 WC: India under pressure, that’s why they are taking MS Dhoni as mentor, says former Pakistan cricketer Ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, both sides are playing a couple of warm-up encounters in a bid to finalise their team combination and get used to the conditions in the UAE. The T20 WC has commenced but the qualifying round is underway whereas the automatically-qualified teams are busy playing warm-up games. Both India and Pakistan will open their campaigns against each other, being placed in Pool B along with New Zealand and Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. For the unversed, India have a 5-0 lead over Pakistan in T20 WC and, thus, will be eager to extend their winning streak in the upcoming match. However, Babar-led Pakistan won't be an easy opposition for Kohli-led India by any means.

T20 WC: Pakistani internet sensation returns with a hilarious video as Indo-Pak clash nears - WATCH

<p>Virat Kohli announced his decision to step aside as the Indian captain in the shortest format ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. While Kohli's decision shocked many in the cricketing fraternity, the Indian team is gearing up for the mega event with an aim to give a perfect send-off to the 32-year-old as his T20I captaincy tenure is set to end.</p>

<p>As Kohli is on the verge of stepping aside as T20I captain, former South African speedster Dale Steyn -- who has shared the dressing room with Kohli in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise -- suggested who should succeed the right-hander at the top post.</p>

<p>While many believe Rohit Sharma -- the vice-captain in shorter formats -- is best suited to succeed King Kohli, Steyn also belives Hitman will be an ideal candidate as the Indian T20I captain.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="David Warner comes up with hilarious response as Rohit Sharma flaunts India's T20 World Cup jersey">David Warner comes up with hilarious response as Rohit Sharma flaunts India's T20 World Cup jersey</a></strong></p>

<p>"They have got tons. You just have to look around in the IPL and there are so many players. You’ve got SKY, who I think will come in at some place. You've got Rishabh Pant, who is looking good. There are just so many of these guys… Iyer, Rohit. They can all do it but you just have to give somebody that responsibility and allow them to run with it. India have been really good with it. They have given the captaincy to one particular players for a long time and they have done the job," Steyn told Sports Tak.</p>

<p>"They have got a bunch of different people to pick from. I think the most exciting thing for India right now is that the young players that are coming through, they are all world-class players. You look at Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant… these are young guys who are doing extremely well at the international level. So if you give the captaincy to Rohit, who has been around for a while… has won numerous IPLs, it will be a great call since he can nurture the youngsters," he further pointed out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-wasim-jaffer-michael-vaughan-engage-in-cheeky-banter-as-india-thrash-england-in-warm-up-tie-422020"><strong>T20 WC: Wasim Jaffer, Michael Vaughan engage in cheeky banter as India thrash England in warm-up tie</strong></a></p>

<p>Rohit has already led India in T20Is and ODIs, leading the Men in Blue to Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup 2018 titles. In addition, he remains the most successful IPL captain, with 5 titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI). BCCI will take a call on Kohli's successor post the T20 World Cup.</p>


Virat Kohli announced his decision to step aside as the Indian captain in the shortest format ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. While Kohli's decision shocked many in the cricketing fraternity, the Indian team is gearing up for the mega event with an aim to give a perfect send-off to the 32-year-old as his T20I captaincy tenure is set to end.

Virat Kohli announced his decision to step aside as the Indian captain in the shortest format ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. While Kohli's decision shocked many in the cricketing fraternity, the Indian team is gearing up for the mega event with an aim to give a perfect send-off to the 32-year-old as his T20I captaincy tenure is set to end. As Kohli is on the verge of stepping aside as T20I captain, former South African speedster Dale Steyn -- who has shared the dressing room with Kohli in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise -- suggested who should succeed the right-hander at the top post. While many believe Rohit Sharma -- the vice-captain in shorter formats -- is best suited to succeed King Kohli, Steyn also belives Hitman will be an ideal candidate as the Indian T20I captain. ALSO READ | David Warner comes up with hilarious response as Rohit Sharma flaunts India's T20 World Cup jersey "They have got tons. You just have to look around in the IPL and there are so many players. You’ve got SKY, who I think will come in at some place. You've got Rishabh Pant, who is looking good. There are just so many of these guys… Iyer, Rohit. They can all do it but you just have to give somebody that responsibility and allow them to run with it. India have been really good with it. They have given the captaincy to one particular players for a long time and they have done the job," Steyn told Sports Tak. "They have got a bunch of different people to pick from. I think the most exciting thing for India right now is that the young players that are coming through, they are all world-class players. You look at Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant… these are young guys who are doing extremely well at the international level. So if you give the captaincy to Rohit, who has been around for a while… has won numerous IPLs, it will be a great call since he can nurture the youngsters," he further pointed out. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Wasim Jaffer, Michael Vaughan engage in cheeky banter as India thrash England in warm-up tie Rohit has already led India in T20Is and ODIs, leading the Men in Blue to Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup 2018 titles. In addition, he remains the most successful IPL captain, with 5 titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI). BCCI will take a call on Kohli's successor post the T20 World Cup.

Dale Steyn names Virat Kohli's replacement as India's T20I captain: He can nurture Pant & others

<p>India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma recently took to Instagram to share a video where he can be seen flaunting the team's new jersey for T20 World Cup 2021. In the video shared by Rohit on his Instagram account, the Hitman can be seen slipping into his new jersey ahead of the start of their campaign.</p>

<p>India have already kicked off their preparations for the T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket win against England in their first warm-up game and will open their campaign against Pakistan on October 24. India are scheduled to play two warm-up matches before locking horns with Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener.</p>

<p>Excited to wear the new Indian jersey ahead of their warm-up game against England which concluded on Monday (October 18), Rohit was seen flaunting his Indian jersey in his hotel room in the UAE. “Jumping into my India Blue,” Rohit captioned the post.</p>

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<p>The video soon went viral among fans with some cricketers also reacting to the Hitman's post. Australian batter David Warner also came up with hilarious response to Rohit's video and compared it to his TikTok videos. Warner is popular among fans for his hilarious TikTok videos.</p>

<p>“You copying my Tiktok,” Warner wrote in the comments section along with three laughing emojis. Check out Warner's comment on Rohit's post -&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Warner's comment on Rohit's post" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b27b0a80-7ae3-4c5f-9964-3cf4f891dd5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Warner%20comm1.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-india-under-pressure-thats-why-they-are-taking-ms-dhoni-as-mentor-says-former-pakistan-cricketer-422013">India under pressure, that’s why they are taking MS Dhoni as mentor, says former Pakistan cricketer</a></p>

<p>Rohit did not feature in India's warm-up game against England on Monday. Batting first, England rode on Jonny Bairstow's 49 and Moeen Ali's 20-ball 43 to post a strong total of 188 runs on the board in 20 overs. However, India chased down the target with an over to spare.</p>

<p>Ishan Kishan played a fabulous knock of 46-ball 70 while KL Rahul scored a magnificent 51 off 24 balls to prpoel India to a comfortable win and get their preparations off to a perfect start in the T20 World Cup 2021. India will now face Australia in their second warm-up fixture on Tuesday (October 20).</p>


India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma recently took to Instagram to share a video where he can be seen flaunting the team's new jersey for T20 World Cup 2021.

India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma recently took to Instagram to share a video where he can be seen flaunting the team's new jersey for T20 World Cup 2021. In the video shared by Rohit on his Instagram account, the Hitman can be seen slipping into his new jersey ahead of the start of their campaign. India have already kicked off their preparations for the T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket win against England in their first warm-up game and will open their campaign against Pakistan on October 24. India are scheduled to play two warm-up matches before locking horns with Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener. Excited to wear the new Indian jersey ahead of their warm-up game against England which concluded on Monday (October 18), Rohit was seen flaunting his Indian jersey in his hotel room in the UAE. “Jumping into my India Blue,” Rohit captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) × The video soon went viral among fans with some cricketers also reacting to the Hitman's post. Australian batter David Warner also came up with hilarious response to Rohit's video and compared it to his TikTok videos. Warner is popular among fans for his hilarious TikTok videos. “You copying my Tiktok,” Warner wrote in the comments section along with three laughing emojis. Check out Warner's comment on Rohit's post - Also Read: India under pressure, that’s why they are taking MS Dhoni as mentor, says former Pakistan cricketer Rohit did not feature in India's warm-up game against England on Monday. Batting first, England rode on Jonny Bairstow's 49 and Moeen Ali's 20-ball 43 to post a strong total of 188 runs on the board in 20 overs. However, India chased down the target with an over to spare. Ishan Kishan played a fabulous knock of 46-ball 70 while KL Rahul scored a magnificent 51 off 24 balls to prpoel India to a comfortable win and get their preparations off to a perfect start in the T20 World Cup 2021. India will now face Australia in their second warm-up fixture on Tuesday (October 20).

David Warner comes up with hilarious response as Rohit Sharma flaunts India's T20 World Cup jersey

<p>India thrashed England by seven wickets in their first warm-up match in Dubai on Monday to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the start of their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. The batters impressed as fifties from Ishan Kishan (70 off 46 balls) and KL Rahul (51 off 24 balls) helped India chase down the target of 189 runs comfortably with an over to spare.</p>

<p>However, India's bowling woes were left exposed against the formidable English batting line-up during the warm-up clash. Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked completely out of sorts as he went on to concede 54 runs off his four overs and finished wicket-less. Spinner Rahul Chahar also had a disappointing outing as he gave away 43 runs in his four overs while picking up a solitary wicket.</p>

<p>Former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel listed a few concerns for India heading into the T20 World Cup and said Bhuvneshwar's form is worrying. Parthiv also expressed concerns over Hardik Pandya's inability to contribute with the ball after the all-rounder once again didn't bowl even a single over in the warm-up game against England.</p>

<p>“I don't think Hardik is going to bowl in the first few games looking at the way Virat Kohli has used only five bowlers,” Parthiv Patel said on <em>Star Sports</em>.</p>

<p>“Yes, I'm worried about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He looks in the kind of form which he had in the IPL, where he took just six wickets, but yeah, he looked out of rhythm, almost as if didn't practice.</p>

<p>“We might just see Shardul Thakur in the next game. It might be a combination that we might see," Parthiv added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-ishan-kishan-virat-kohli-reveals-indias-opening-combination-for-t20-world-cup-2021-421957">No Ishan Kishan? Virat Kohli reveals India's opening combination for T20 World Cup 2021</a></p>

<p>Hardik didn't bowl at all for Mumbai Indians in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well and is being seen as a finisher in the squad for the T20 World Cup. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan with a blockbuster clash in Dubai on October 24.</p>

<p>The Indian team will have another chance to test some players and settle down on their best combination when they take on Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20.</p>


India thrashed England by seven wickets in their first warm-up match in Dubai on Monday to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the start of their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021.

India thrashed England by seven wickets in their first warm-up match in Dubai on Monday to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the start of their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. The batters impressed as fifties from Ishan Kishan (70 off 46 balls) and KL Rahul (51 off 24 balls) helped India chase down the target of 189 runs comfortably with an over to spare. However, India's bowling woes were left exposed against the formidable English batting line-up during the warm-up clash. Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked completely out of sorts as he went on to concede 54 runs off his four overs and finished wicket-less. Spinner Rahul Chahar also had a disappointing outing as he gave away 43 runs in his four overs while picking up a solitary wicket. Former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel listed a few concerns for India heading into the T20 World Cup and said Bhuvneshwar's form is worrying. Parthiv also expressed concerns over Hardik Pandya's inability to contribute with the ball after the all-rounder once again didn't bowl even a single over in the warm-up game against England. “I don't think Hardik is going to bowl in the first few games looking at the way Virat Kohli has used only five bowlers,” Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports. “Yes, I'm worried about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He looks in the kind of form which he had in the IPL, where he took just six wickets, but yeah, he looked out of rhythm, almost as if didn't practice. “We might just see Shardul Thakur in the next game. It might be a combination that we might see," Parthiv added. Also Read: No Ishan Kishan? Virat Kohli reveals India's opening combination for T20 World Cup 2021 Hardik didn't bowl at all for Mumbai Indians in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well and is being seen as a finisher in the squad for the T20 World Cup. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan with a blockbuster clash in Dubai on October 24. The Indian team will have another chance to test some players and settle down on their best combination when they take on Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20.

Hardik not bowling, Bhuvneshwar looks out of rhythm: Parthiv Patel on India's concerns in T20 WC 2021

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has commenced in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the marquee event has kicked off in the UAE, which was earlier supposed to be held in Australia in late 2020 before Covid-19 pandemic led to its postponement.</p>

<p>The multi-nation tournament has started with the qualifying round and warm-up encounters being held simultaneously. However, all eyes are on the India-Pakistan game as the arch-rivals will face each other in their respective tournament-openers, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Ahead of the marquee face-off, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar&nbsp;Mahmood has opined on the mouth-watering clash and stated who has an advantage going into the contest.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-cant-refuse-to-play-pakistan-under-iccs-commitments-says-bccis-rajeev-shukla-amid-calls-for-boycott-421855"><strong>India can't refuse to play Pakistan under ICC's commitments, says BCCI's Rajeev Shukla amid calls for boycott</strong></a></p>

<p>In his latest blog for PakPassion.net, former Pakistan all-rounder and Bowling Coach, Mahmood wrote, "India-Pakistan games are always special when it comes to the hype and the pressure on players and the age-old cliché of any team can win on the day does apply to the game in this T20 World Cup as well. But realistically speaking, India does have an advantage going into this game as their players have been participating in the IPL which was played in the same venues in the UAE. So apart from playing highly competitive cricket, they also will have a good understanding of the playing conditions in the UAE."</p>

<p>"But let us not forget that Pakistani players have also taken part in some intense Twenty20 cricket in the recently concluded National T20 Cup which was moved due to the cancellation of the New Zealand tour. Having said that, we all know that any India-Pakistan match is generally won by the side that is most able to absorb the pressure and in a format like Twenty20, it can easily come down to just one over where a batsman or bowler can totally change the complexion of the game," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/another-feather-in-king-kohlis-hat-virat-kohlis-statue-unveiled-at-dubais-madame-tussauds-421874"><strong>Another feather in KING KOHLI's hat! Virat Kohli's statue unveiled at Dubai's Madame Tussauds</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, India have never lost a game to Pakistan in World Cups (including ODIs and T20Is). Thus, the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue will be confident facing the Babar Azam-led line-up, however, they cannot take them lightly as the Men in Green are also among the top three sides in ICC T20I rankings.&nbsp;India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B, alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both India and Pakistan have also started their warm-up encounters with easy wins. While Kohli &amp; Co. beat England by 7 wickets, Pakistan also emerged on top of West Indies by the same margin on Monday (October 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the qualifiers and warm-up games, the main draw of the T20 WC will commence from October 23.&nbsp;</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has commenced in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the marquee event has kicked off in the UAE, which was earlier supposed to be held in Australia in late 2020 before Covid-19 pandemic led to its postponement.

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition has commenced in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the marquee event has kicked off in the UAE, which was earlier supposed to be held in Australia in late 2020 before Covid-19 pandemic led to its postponement. The multi-nation tournament has started with the qualifying round and warm-up encounters being held simultaneously. However, all eyes are on the India-Pakistan game as the arch-rivals will face each other in their respective tournament-openers, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Ahead of the marquee face-off, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has opined on the mouth-watering clash and stated who has an advantage going into the contest. ALSO READ | India can't refuse to play Pakistan under ICC's commitments, says BCCI's Rajeev Shukla amid calls for boycott In his latest blog for PakPassion.net, former Pakistan all-rounder and Bowling Coach, Mahmood wrote, "India-Pakistan games are always special when it comes to the hype and the pressure on players and the age-old cliché of any team can win on the day does apply to the game in this T20 World Cup as well. But realistically speaking, India does have an advantage going into this game as their players have been participating in the IPL which was played in the same venues in the UAE. So apart from playing highly competitive cricket, they also will have a good understanding of the playing conditions in the UAE." "But let us not forget that Pakistani players have also taken part in some intense Twenty20 cricket in the recently concluded National T20 Cup which was moved due to the cancellation of the New Zealand tour. Having said that, we all know that any India-Pakistan match is generally won by the side that is most able to absorb the pressure and in a format like Twenty20, it can easily come down to just one over where a batsman or bowler can totally change the complexion of the game," he added. ALSO READ | Another feather in KING KOHLI's hat! Virat Kohli's statue unveiled at Dubai's Madame Tussauds For the unversed, India have never lost a game to Pakistan in World Cups (including ODIs and T20Is). Thus, the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue will be confident facing the Babar Azam-led line-up, however, they cannot take them lightly as the Men in Green are also among the top three sides in ICC T20I rankings. India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B, alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. Both India and Pakistan have also started their warm-up encounters with easy wins. While Kohli & Co. beat England by 7 wickets, Pakistan also emerged on top of West Indies by the same margin on Monday (October 18). After the qualifiers and warm-up games, the main draw of the T20 WC will commence from October 23.

Advantage India or Pakistan? Former Pak all-rounder makes BIG claim ahead of T20 WC face-off

<p>Indian captain Virat Kohli is one of the most popular cricketers in the modern-era. The 32-year-old remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and has an immense fan-following worldwide. Ahead of India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE, the right-hander added another feather in his illustrious hat as a wax statue on the Team India skipper got unveiled recently&nbsp;at Dubai's&nbsp;Madame Tussauds.</p>

<p>The news got shared on social media platforms and the picture of Kohli's wax statue is now doing the rounds on various platforms. <strong>Here's how the wax statue of the 32-year-old looks like:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wax statue of <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> unveiled at Dubai’s <a href="https://twitter.com/MadameTussauds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MadameTussauds</a>. <a href="https://t.co/oEcfBQVrGm">pic.twitter.com/oEcfBQVrGm</a></p>
— KARTHIK DP  (@dp_karthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/dp_karthik/status/1450131622112546825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-hilariously-mimics-shikhar-dhawans-batting-style-video-goes-viral-watch-421753"><strong>Virat Kohli hilariously mimics Shikhar Dhawan's batting style, video goes viral - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>At present, Kohli is involved in India's warm-up fixtures ahead of the main draw of the 2021 T20 WC in the UAE. Their campaign will begin with the Men in Blue facing the arch-rivals Babar Azam-led Pakistan on October 24, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. For the unversed, India are placed in Pool B along with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join them from the qualifiers.</p>

<p>Kohli -- who has a total of 70 international tons and over 22,000 runs at the highest level -- is leading India for the final time in the shortest format in the T20 WC. Following the showpiece event, the right-hander will step aside as the T20I captain but will continue to lead in ODIs and Tests. Thus, he will be eager to sign off on a high as a T20I captain by leading the national side to their second title in the tournament history.&nbsp;</p>


Indian captain Virat Kohli is one of the most popular cricketers in the modern-era. The 32-year-old remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and has an immense fan-following worldwide.

Indian captain Virat Kohli is one of the most popular cricketers in the modern-era. The 32-year-old remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and has an immense fan-following worldwide. Ahead of India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE, the right-hander added another feather in his illustrious hat as a wax statue on the Team India skipper got unveiled recently at Dubai's Madame Tussauds. The news got shared on social media platforms and the picture of Kohli's wax statue is now doing the rounds on various platforms. Here's how the wax statue of the 32-year-old looks like: Wax statue of @imVkohli unveiled at Dubai’s @MadameTussauds. pic.twitter.com/oEcfBQVrGm — KARTHIK DP  (@dp_karthik) October 18, 2021 × ALSO READ | Virat Kohli hilariously mimics Shikhar Dhawan's batting style, video goes viral - WATCH At present, Kohli is involved in India's warm-up fixtures ahead of the main draw of the 2021 T20 WC in the UAE. Their campaign will begin with the Men in Blue facing the arch-rivals Babar Azam-led Pakistan on October 24, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. For the unversed, India are placed in Pool B along with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join them from the qualifiers. Kohli -- who has a total of 70 international tons and over 22,000 runs at the highest level -- is leading India for the final time in the shortest format in the T20 WC. Following the showpiece event, the right-hander will step aside as the T20I captain but will continue to lead in ODIs and Tests. Thus, he will be eager to sign off on a high as a T20I captain by leading the national side to their second title in the tournament history.

Another feather in KING KOHLI's hat! Virat Kohli's statue unveiled at Dubai's Madame Tussauds

<p>Ahead of Team India's much-anticipated clash against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021, there have been demands for the cancellation of the game. Calls for a boycott of the match have been made on social media after the killings of civilians in Jammu &amp; Kashmir by terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has said India will have to play against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup as a team can't refuse to participate in a tournament organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shukla said India can't refuse to take the field due to ICC's international commitments.</p>

<p>Union Minister Giriraj Singh had recently urged the government to 'reconsider' playing Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. The match is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24. It will be India's opening match at the showpiece event.</p>

<p>While condemning the targeted killings of civilians, the majority of whom were non-locals, Shukla said Team India can't back out of an ICC tournament.</p>

<p>" We strongly condemn the killings(J&amp;K). Strict action should be taken against terror organisations. As far as the match (T20 WC IND vs PAK) is concerned, under ICC's international commitments you can't refuse to play against anyone. You've to play in ICC tournaments," Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by <em>ANI.</em></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-would-be-working-at-a-petrol-pump-if-not-for-money-in-cricket-hardik-pandya-421729">I would be working at a petrol pump if not for money in cricket: Hardik Pandya</a></strong></p>

<p>India are placed in the Group 2 of the Super 12 stage in T20 World Cup 2021 and will lock horns with Pakistan in their opening game before taking on New Zealad and Afghanistan on October 31&nbsp;and November 03 respectively. India last played Pakistan in the ODI World Cup in 2019.</p>

<p>The two teams have not played a bilateral series against each other since 2013 due to political tensions between the two nations.</p>


Ahead of Team India's much-anticipated clash against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021, there have been demands for the cancellation of the game. Calls for a boycott of the match have been made on social media after the killings of civilians in Jammu & Kashmir by terrorists.

Ahead of Team India's much-anticipated clash against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021, there have been demands for the cancellation of the game. Calls for a boycott of the match have been made on social media after the killings of civilians in Jammu & Kashmir by terrorists. However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has said India will have to play against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup as a team can't refuse to participate in a tournament organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shukla said India can't refuse to take the field due to ICC's international commitments. Union Minister Giriraj Singh had recently urged the government to 'reconsider' playing Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. The match is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24. It will be India's opening match at the showpiece event. While condemning the targeted killings of civilians, the majority of whom were non-locals, Shukla said Team India can't back out of an ICC tournament. " We strongly condemn the killings(J&K). Strict action should be taken against terror organisations. As far as the match (T20 WC IND vs PAK) is concerned, under ICC's international commitments you can't refuse to play against anyone. You've to play in ICC tournaments," Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by ANI. Also Read: I would be working at a petrol pump if not for money in cricket: Hardik Pandya India are placed in the Group 2 of the Super 12 stage in T20 World Cup 2021 and will lock horns with Pakistan in their opening game before taking on New Zealad and Afghanistan on October 31 and November 03 respectively. India last played Pakistan in the ODI World Cup in 2019. The two teams have not played a bilateral series against each other since 2013 due to political tensions between the two nations.

India can't refuse to play Pakistan under ICC's commitments, says BCCI's Rajeev Shukla amid calls for boycott

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced in the UAE. While the main draw of the showpiece event will kickoff from October 23, there is already plenty happening as the qualifiers have already started where the lowly-ranked sides are giving their all to enter the Super 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the second game of the big-ticket tournament, Bangladesh faced Scotland and were expected to emerge on top. Being the more experienced team, Mahmudullah-led Asian side lost the clash by 6 runs at the&nbsp;Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat.</p>

<p>Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah blamed the batting unit and opined,&nbsp;"I am very much frustrate Our batting is a concern. We have to bat better. We have to play aggressive cricket, regardless of the situation. We have a deep batting line-up, with Mohammad Saifuddin at No. 9. We may need to think over some changes tomorrow."</p>

<p>"We didn't deliberately bat slowly. We couldn't hit those boundaries. We have to bat better next time. A lot of things will come up since we lost the game. I think we didn't play well today, but we are a good T20 team. We have the capability. When we play our best cricket, we can win games," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/irelands-curtis-campher-becomes-first-bowler-to-take-four-wickets-in-four-balls-in-t20-world-cup-421807"><strong>Ireland's Curtis Campher becomes first bowler to take four wickets in four balls in T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Bangladesh skipper's presser was interrupted for a few seconds due to Scotland's berserk celebrations (in the background). As a result, the 35-year-old stopped for a bit, maintained his composure, waited patiently for the noise to go down and then resumed answering the reporter's question. <strong>Here's what happened at Mahmudullah's presser:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sorry we will keep it down next time <a href="https://t.co/WRPQF9fK7W">pic.twitter.com/WRPQF9fK7W</a></p>
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketScotland/status/1450002712146370563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-greaves-stars-as-scotland-stun-bangladesh-in-t20-world-cup-421636">Chris Greaves stars as Scotland stun Bangladesh in T20 World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh had Scotland in all sorts of trouble at 54-6. However,&nbsp;Chris Greaves' 45 and Mark Watt's 28 propelled the team's total to 140-8. In reply, Bangladesh senior pros in the form of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, etc. got starts but none of them carried for long to take their side past the finish line. The Bangla Tigers were restricted for 134-7 in 20 overs.</p>

<p>Bradley Wheal's 3-fer and Greaves' two-wicket haul led Scotland to a memorable win. Bangladesh will now play Oman on October 19 to keep their qualification hopes alive.</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced in the UAE. While the main draw of the showpiece event will kickoff from October 23, there is already plenty happening as the qualifiers have already started where the lowly-ranked sides are giving their all to enter the Super 12.

The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced in the UAE. While the main draw of the showpiece event will kickoff from October 23, there is already plenty happening as the qualifiers have already started where the lowly-ranked sides are giving their all to enter the Super 12. In the second game of the big-ticket tournament, Bangladesh faced Scotland and were expected to emerge on top. Being the more experienced team, Mahmudullah-led Asian side lost the clash by 6 runs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah blamed the batting unit and opined, "I am very much frustrate Our batting is a concern. We have to bat better. We have to play aggressive cricket, regardless of the situation. We have a deep batting line-up, with Mohammad Saifuddin at No. 9. We may need to think over some changes tomorrow." "We didn't deliberately bat slowly. We couldn't hit those boundaries. We have to bat better next time. A lot of things will come up since we lost the game. I think we didn't play well today, but we are a good T20 team. We have the capability. When we play our best cricket, we can win games," he added. ALSO READ | Ireland's Curtis Campher becomes first bowler to take four wickets in four balls in T20 World Cup However, Bangladesh skipper's presser was interrupted for a few seconds due to Scotland's berserk celebrations (in the background). As a result, the 35-year-old stopped for a bit, maintained his composure, waited patiently for the noise to go down and then resumed answering the reporter's question. Here's what happened at Mahmudullah's presser: Sorry we will keep it down next time pic.twitter.com/WRPQF9fK7W — Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) October 18, 2021 × ALSO READ | Chris Greaves stars as Scotland stun Bangladesh in T20 World Cup Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh had Scotland in all sorts of trouble at 54-6. However, Chris Greaves' 45 and Mark Watt's 28 propelled the team's total to 140-8. In reply, Bangladesh senior pros in the form of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, etc. got starts but none of them carried for long to take their side past the finish line. The Bangla Tigers were restricted for 134-7 in 20 overs. Bradley Wheal's 3-fer and Greaves' two-wicket haul led Scotland to a memorable win. Bangladesh will now play Oman on October 19 to keep their qualification hopes alive.

WATCH: Scotland's celebrations interrupt Mahmudullah's presser post Bangladesh's embarrassing T20 WC loss

<p>Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher scripted a historic feat in his side's clash against Netherlands in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Monday (October 18). Campher ran riot against the Neherlands batting line-up with four wickets in four consecutive deliveries. Playing his maiden T20I game for Ireland, the all-rounder dismissed four Netherlands batters in succession to get his team off to a stunning start.</p>

<p>Campher dismissed Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards and Roelof van der Merwe in succession in the 10th over of the Ireland innings to become the first bowler in the history of the T20 World Cup to pick four wickets in four balls. He joined the likes of Lasith Malinga and Rashid Khan to become only the third bowler overall to achieve the feat in T20Is.</p>

<p><strong>Watch video:</strong></p>

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<p>Campher is also the second bowler to pick a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup. Australian great Bret Lee was the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20 World Cup game. Lee achieved the feat against Bangladesh in 2007. After a long wait of 14 years, Campher joined Lee in the elite list of bowlers with hat-tricks in T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>Campher started the dream over with a wide before bowling a dot ball against Ackermann, who was caught by Neil Rock on the next delivery. Ten Doeschate was the next one to depart as he was trapped LBW on a duck on the next delivery.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-amazon-delivery-man-to-scotlands-hero-chris-greaves-story-is-an-inspiration-to-all-421711">From Amazon delivery man to Scotland's hero: Chris Greaves' story is an inspiration to all</a></p>

<p>Campher then sent Edwards packing on the next delivery to complete a memorable hat-trick before making it four in four balls by removing Van der Merwe on the next ball. He picked up four wickets while conceding only two runs from the over.</p>

<p>Campher's heroics helped Ireland bundle out Netherlands for a paltry 106 runs in 20 overs. The Irish are now favourites to win and will hope to get their campaign underway with a comprehensive victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher scripted a historic feat in his side's clash against Netherlands in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Monday (October 18). Campher ran riot against the Neherlands batting line-up with four wickets in four consecutive deliveries.

Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher scripted a historic feat in his side's clash against Netherlands in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Monday (October 18). Campher ran riot against the Neherlands batting line-up with four wickets in four consecutive deliveries. Playing his maiden T20I game for Ireland, the all-rounder dismissed four Netherlands batters in succession to get his team off to a stunning start. Campher dismissed Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards and Roelof van der Merwe in succession in the 10th over of the Ireland innings to become the first bowler in the history of the T20 World Cup to pick four wickets in four balls. He joined the likes of Lasith Malinga and Rashid Khan to become only the third bowler overall to achieve the feat in T20Is. Watch video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × Campher is also the second bowler to pick a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup. Australian great Bret Lee was the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20 World Cup game. Lee achieved the feat against Bangladesh in 2007. After a long wait of 14 years, Campher joined Lee in the elite list of bowlers with hat-tricks in T20 World Cup. Campher started the dream over with a wide before bowling a dot ball against Ackermann, who was caught by Neil Rock on the next delivery. Ten Doeschate was the next one to depart as he was trapped LBW on a duck on the next delivery. Also Read: From Amazon delivery man to Scotland's hero: Chris Greaves' story is an inspiration to all Campher then sent Edwards packing on the next delivery to complete a memorable hat-trick before making it four in four balls by removing Van der Merwe on the next ball. He picked up four wickets while conceding only two runs from the over. Campher's heroics helped Ireland bundle out Netherlands for a paltry 106 runs in 20 overs. The Irish are now favourites to win and will hope to get their campaign underway with a comprehensive victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Ireland's Curtis Campher becomes first bowler to take four wickets in four balls in T20 World Cup

<p>When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE, they pulled off a big surprise as MS Dhoni was appointed as the team mentor for the ICC event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given that India haven't won an ICC title under Virat Kohli, Dhoni was included in the Indian team setup to help the youngsters and Kohli during the mega tournament in the UAE. Ahead of India's campaign in the seventh edition of the showpiece event, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opened up on Dhoni's mentorship role and revealed how it would help the national side in an event where the stakes will be high on every encounter for Team India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/awwdorable-moment-hardik-pandya-gets-interrupted-by-son-agastya-during-an-interview-before-t20-wc-watch-421808"><strong>Awwdorable moment| Hardik Pandya gets interrupted by son Agastya during an interview before T20 WC - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on Star Sports' show Follow The Blues, Gambhir said, "To share his experience with some of the young guys who are playing their first World Cup, which is going to be very important because playing in the World Cup is a completely different piece. So, you would need that experienced someone who's been there done that. So, MS could definitely try and share all his experiences with some of the young cricketers."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-t20-world-cup-2021-prediction-who-will-win-todays-warm-up-match-between-india-and-england-421790"><strong>IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and England?</strong></a></p>

<p>Under he 40-year-old Dhoni, India won all three ICC titles. It was under his astute leadership that the Men in Blue won the inaugural edition in 2007 in South Africa, also including Gambhir. India's last ICC title has also come under the former Indian skipper's leadership; i.e. the 2013 Champions Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli-led India are set to play two warm-up encounters, versus England and Australia, before they kickoff their campaign in the main draw of the tournament. India face Pakistan on October 24, in Dubai, in their first game and are placed in Pool B, alongside New Zealand, Men in Green, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifying round.</p>


When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE, they pulled off a big surprise as MS Dhoni was appointed as the team mentor for the ICC event.

When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE, they pulled off a big surprise as MS Dhoni was appointed as the team mentor for the ICC event. Given that India haven't won an ICC title under Virat Kohli, Dhoni was included in the Indian team setup to help the youngsters and Kohli during the mega tournament in the UAE. Ahead of India's campaign in the seventh edition of the showpiece event, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opened up on Dhoni's mentorship role and revealed how it would help the national side in an event where the stakes will be high on every encounter for Team India. ALSO READ | Awwdorable moment| Hardik Pandya gets interrupted by son Agastya during an interview before T20 WC - Watch Speaking on Star Sports' show Follow The Blues, Gambhir said, "To share his experience with some of the young guys who are playing their first World Cup, which is going to be very important because playing in the World Cup is a completely different piece. So, you would need that experienced someone who's been there done that. So, MS could definitely try and share all his experiences with some of the young cricketers." ALSO READ | IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and England? Under he 40-year-old Dhoni, India won all three ICC titles. It was under his astute leadership that the Men in Blue won the inaugural edition in 2007 in South Africa, also including Gambhir. India's last ICC title has also come under the former Indian skipper's leadership; i.e. the 2013 Champions Trophy. Kohli-led India are set to play two warm-up encounters, versus England and Australia, before they kickoff their campaign in the main draw of the tournament. India face Pakistan on October 24, in Dubai, in their first game and are placed in Pool B, alongside New Zealand, Men in Green, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifying round.

Gautam Gambhir shares his thoughts on MS Dhoni mentoring Virat Kohli-led Team India in T20 World Cup

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced on October 17, in the UAE. While the qualifying round is underway at the moment, the automatically-qualified teams such as India, England, Pakistan, West Indies, etc. are involved in the warm-up encounters before the main draw of the showpiece event kicks off from October 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the main draw, Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was busy shooting for an interview when he got a surprise visit by his one-year-old son. His son Agastya came searching for him and interrupted the interview in one of the most adorable ways ever. <strong>Here's the adorable clip of the father-son bond:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That awwdorable moment when papa <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> had a surprise visitor during his interview. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yy8RcNPbPp">pic.twitter.com/Yy8RcNPbPp</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1450024852769984513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-t20-shardul-chakravarthy-to-get-a-look-in-indias-predicted-playing-xi-for-warm-up-game-vs-england-421758"><strong>ICC World T20: Shardul, Chakravarthy to get a look-in? India's predicted playing XI for warm-up game vs England</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, Hardik and his wife Natasa Stankovic were blessed with their baby boy during the Covid-19 lockdown in July, 2020. As he turned a year old this year, Hardik had shared a heartfelt note for his child along with an adorable video of some of his precious moments with Agastya. He wrote, "I cannot believe you’re ONE year old already. Agastya, you are my heart and my soul. You’ve shown me what love is more than I’ve ever known. You’ve been the biggest blessing in my life and I cannot imagine a single day without you. Love you and miss you with all my heart."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-t20-world-cup-2021-prediction-who-will-win-todays-warm-up-match-between-india-and-england-421790"><strong>IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and England?</strong></a></p>

<p>Currently, Hardik-starrer India are gearing up for their first warm-up encounter in the T20 WC, versus England in Dubai on Monday evening (October 18). They will play Australia in their last warm-up game before their tournament-opener, versus Pakistan on October 24 (Sunday).&nbsp;</p>

<p>India are placed in Pool B, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers.</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced on October 17, in the UAE. While the qualifying round is underway at the moment, the automatically-qualified teams such as India, England, Pakistan, West Indies, etc.

The T20 World Cup 2021 has commenced on October 17, in the UAE. While the qualifying round is underway at the moment, the automatically-qualified teams such as India, England, Pakistan, West Indies, etc. are involved in the warm-up encounters before the main draw of the showpiece event kicks off from October 23. Ahead of the main draw, Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was busy shooting for an interview when he got a surprise visit by his one-year-old son. His son Agastya came searching for him and interrupted the interview in one of the most adorable ways ever. Here's the adorable clip of the father-son bond: That awwdorable moment when papa @hardikpandya7 had a surprise visitor during his interview. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Yy8RcNPbPp — BCCI (@BCCI) October 18, 2021 × ALSO READ | ICC World T20: Shardul, Chakravarthy to get a look-in? India's predicted playing XI for warm-up game vs England For the unversed, Hardik and his wife Natasa Stankovic were blessed with their baby boy during the Covid-19 lockdown in July, 2020. As he turned a year old this year, Hardik had shared a heartfelt note for his child along with an adorable video of some of his precious moments with Agastya. He wrote, "I cannot believe you’re ONE year old already. Agastya, you are my heart and my soul. You’ve shown me what love is more than I’ve ever known. You’ve been the biggest blessing in my life and I cannot imagine a single day without you. Love you and miss you with all my heart." ALSO READ | IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and England? Currently, Hardik-starrer India are gearing up for their first warm-up encounter in the T20 WC, versus England in Dubai on Monday evening (October 18). They will play Australia in their last warm-up game before their tournament-opener, versus Pakistan on October 24 (Sunday). India are placed in Pool B, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers.

Awwdorable moment| Hardik Pandya gets interrupted by son Agastya during an interview before T20 WC - Watch

<p>Team India will aim to end their ICC trophy drought when they return to action in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman. The Virat Kohli-led side will open their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan with a blockbuster clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.</p>

<p>India's last major ICC trophy came under former captain MS Dhoni when he inspired the Men in Blue to a historic triumph at the Champions Trophy in England. India have since failed to clinch a major ICC trophy and will be desperate to return home with the elusive T20 World Cup title.</p>

<p>Since taking over as the full-time skipper of the Indian team in 2017, Kohli has been instrumental as a batter and a leader in India's success across all three formats of the game. However, an ICC trophy continues to elude the run-machine when it comes to his record as a captain.</p>

<p>Having already announced that he will be stepping down as the captain of the T20I side after the T20 World Cup 2021, Kohli will be hoping to end his captaincy stint in the shortest format on a high and inspire India to their second T20 World Cup title.</p>

<p>Ahead of the start of India's campaign at the showpiece event, here we take a look at the team's performances under Virat Kohli in major ICC events so far -</p>

<p><strong>1) ICC Champions Trophy 2017</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="India lost Champions Trophy final against Pakistan in 2017" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2cff164-e44d-4a7f-905d-8181b9f5f35f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Champions%20trophy%202017.png" /></strong></p>

<p>The Champions Trophy in 2017 was Virat Kohli's first major assignment as the captain of the Indian team. Up against arch-rivals Pakistan in the very first game of the tournament, India registered a massive win by 124 runs to get their campaign underway in style. The win set the tone for the Men in Blue as they played some phenomenal cricket in the group stages to make it to the knockout round.</p>

<p>In the semi-final, India were up against an in-form and spirited Bangladesh side. Kohli &amp; Co. mauled their oponnents by nine wickets to book a spot in the final where they were once again up against Pakistan. Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 338 runs at the Kennington Oval in London before bowling out India for a paltry 158 as the Men in Blue lost the final by a whopping 180 runs to miss out on the trophy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-can-beat-ms-dhonis-legacy-in-team-india-and-chennai-super-kings-virender-sehwag-421477">No one can beat MS Dhoni's legacy in Team India and Chennai Super Kings: Virender Sehwag</a></p>

<p><strong>2) ICC ODI World Cup 2019</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="India lost in the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6229712e-397b-4838-a39f-64610b3f81a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dhoni%20run%20out.png" /></strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli's first ODI World Cup as the captain of the Indian team couldn't have come at a better time for the skipper. With most of the players at the peak of their prowess, Kohli &amp; Co. were one of the favourites heading into the tournament. They did live up to the expectations and dominated the league stage to top the points table with 15 points from nine matches with just one loss in nine games.</p>

<p>However, India crumbled under pressure in the semi-final against New Zealand. The rain-affected clash was played across two days in Manchester with New Zealand posting a moderate total of 239/8 batting first. India got off to a woeful start in the run-chase as they lost their top three on one run each and were reduced to 3/5 inside the first four overs. MS Dhoni (50) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) led India's fightback and got the team close to a victory. However, India suffered a heartbreaking loss by 18 runs to bow out of the tournament. It also turned out to be MS Dhoni's final game in an India jersey as he announced his retirement on August 15, a year later.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/another-game-of-cricket-virat-kohli-plays-down-hype-ahead-of-india-pakistan-clash-at-t20-wc-421463">Another game of cricket: Virat Kohli plays down hype ahead of India-Pakistan clash at T20 WC</a></p>

<p><strong>3) ICC World Test Championship (2019-2021)&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="India lost the WTC final against New Zealand in 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4382a74e-fcb1-4e50-91ee-f347eb93858d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kohli%20Williamson.png" /></strong></p>

<p>India once again proved to be the best team in the league stages as they lost just one out of six series they took part in during the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship which was played from 2019 to 2021. India's only series defeat came against New Zealand as they topped the rankings in the league stages to make it to the final where they were once again up against the Kiwis.</p>

<p>It was a golden chance for Virat Kohli to extend India's dominance further in Test cricket and bring an end to their ICC trophy drought. However, New Zealand outclassed India in a thrilling final to become the maiden champions of the World Test Championship. New Zealand won the rain-affected final by eight wickets in Southampton to lift the prestigious trophy.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Team India will aim to end their ICC trophy drought when they return to action in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman. The Virat Kohli-led side will open their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan with a blockbuster clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.

Team India will aim to end their ICC trophy drought when they return to action in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman. The Virat Kohli-led side will open their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan with a blockbuster clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24. India's last major ICC trophy came under former captain MS Dhoni when he inspired the Men in Blue to a historic triumph at the Champions Trophy in England. India have since failed to clinch a major ICC trophy and will be desperate to return home with the elusive T20 World Cup title. Since taking over as the full-time skipper of the Indian team in 2017, Kohli has been instrumental as a batter and a leader in India's success across all three formats of the game. However, an ICC trophy continues to elude the run-machine when it comes to his record as a captain. Having already announced that he will be stepping down as the captain of the T20I side after the T20 World Cup 2021, Kohli will be hoping to end his captaincy stint in the shortest format on a high and inspire India to their second T20 World Cup title. Ahead of the start of India's campaign at the showpiece event, here we take a look at the team's performances under Virat Kohli in major ICC events so far - 1) ICC Champions Trophy 2017 The Champions Trophy in 2017 was Virat Kohli's first major assignment as the captain of the Indian team. Up against arch-rivals Pakistan in the very first game of the tournament, India registered a massive win by 124 runs to get their campaign underway in style. The win set the tone for the Men in Blue as they played some phenomenal cricket in the group stages to make it to the knockout round. In the semi-final, India were up against an in-form and spirited Bangladesh side. Kohli & Co. mauled their oponnents by nine wickets to book a spot in the final where they were once again up against Pakistan. Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 338 runs at the Kennington Oval in London before bowling out India for a paltry 158 as the Men in Blue lost the final by a whopping 180 runs to miss out on the trophy. Also Read: No one can beat MS Dhoni's legacy in Team India and Chennai Super Kings: Virender Sehwag 2) ICC ODI World Cup 2019 Virat Kohli's first ODI World Cup as the captain of the Indian team couldn't have come at a better time for the skipper. With most of the players at the peak of their prowess, Kohli & Co. were one of the favourites heading into the tournament. They did live up to the expectations and dominated the league stage to top the points table with 15 points from nine matches with just one loss in nine games. However, India crumbled under pressure in the semi-final against New Zealand. The rain-affected clash was played across two days in Manchester with New Zealand posting a moderate total of 239/8 batting first. India got off to a woeful start in the run-chase as they lost their top three on one run each and were reduced to 3/5 inside the first four overs. MS Dhoni (50) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) led India's fightback and got the team close to a victory. However, India suffered a heartbreaking loss by 18 runs to bow out of the tournament. It also turned out to be MS Dhoni's final game in an India jersey as he announced his retirement on August 15, a year later. Also Read: Another game of cricket: Virat Kohli plays down hype ahead of India-Pakistan clash at T20 WC 3) ICC World Test Championship (2019-2021) India once again proved to be the best team in the league stages as they lost just one out of six series they took part in during the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship which was played from 2019 to 2021. India's only series defeat came against New Zealand as they topped the rankings in the league stages to make it to the final where they were once again up against the Kiwis. It was a golden chance for Virat Kohli to extend India's dominance further in Test cricket and bring an end to their ICC trophy drought. However, New Zealand outclassed India in a thrilling final to become the maiden champions of the World Test Championship. New Zealand won the rain-affected final by eight wickets in Southampton to lift the prestigious trophy.

As India gear up for T20 World Cup 2021, a look at team's performances in ICC events under Virat Kohli

<p>India and England will lock horns with each other in their first of the two warm-up games before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 commences from October 23. Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue have a stern task in the warm-up encounters, playing strong contenders such as England and Australia, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, both India and England met each other during early 2021 for a five-match T20I series. It will be interesting to see what will be the team combination for both sides as majority of their players were seen in the final leg of IPL 2021 and are well aware of the conditions to be on offer in the UAE. The match will be played at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-t20-shardul-chakravarthy-to-get-a-look-in-indias-predicted-playing-xi-for-warm-up-game-vs-england-421758"><strong>ICC World T20: Shardul, Chakravarthy to get a look-in? India's predicted playing XI for warm-up game vs England</strong></a></p>

<p>Team India will like to make the most of their two warm-up encounters as they have plenty of questions to answer. Their opening combination, bowling attack, Hardik Pandya's availability as a bowler, etc. will be in focus. For England, Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. will hope for their skipper to get some runs under his belt before the main draw of the tournament starts, from October 23. On the other hand, Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, etc. will want to make the most of the two games as well after they struggled to get their timing right in the UAE leg of IPL 14. Jos Buttler will turn up on the 22-yard cricket strip after a long gap. Hence, it will be interesting to see how he approaches the warm-up tie.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-ind-vs-eng-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-england-warm-up-match-421727"><strong>T20 World Cup, IND vs ENG live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England warm-up match?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for India-England T20 WC match:&nbsp;</strong>It will be interesting to see how the two teams approach these warm-up encounters. Needless to say, they will like to get a win under their belt but it also serves as a chance to test their bench strength or tweak few of their combinations. On paper, both sides are very strong but England have some serious power-hitters in their line-up. India isn't far behind by any means and will like to make use of the slow and sluggish surfaces in UAE. Much will depend on how much bounce will the track provide. England might edge past India in the warm-up encounter, given most of the Indian players are still coming out of a gruelling second and final leg of IPL 2021.</p>


India and England will lock horns with each other in their first of the two warm-up games before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 commences from October 23.

India and England will lock horns with each other in their first of the two warm-up games before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 commences from October 23. Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue have a stern task in the warm-up encounters, playing strong contenders such as England and Australia, respectively. For the unversed, both India and England met each other during early 2021 for a five-match T20I series. It will be interesting to see what will be the team combination for both sides as majority of their players were seen in the final leg of IPL 2021 and are well aware of the conditions to be on offer in the UAE. The match will be played at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. ALSO READ | ICC World T20: Shardul, Chakravarthy to get a look-in? India's predicted playing XI for warm-up game vs England Team India will like to make the most of their two warm-up encounters as they have plenty of questions to answer. Their opening combination, bowling attack, Hardik Pandya's availability as a bowler, etc. will be in focus. For England, Eoin Morgan & Co. will hope for their skipper to get some runs under his belt before the main draw of the tournament starts, from October 23. On the other hand, Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, etc. will want to make the most of the two games as well after they struggled to get their timing right in the UAE leg of IPL 14. Jos Buttler will turn up on the 22-yard cricket strip after a long gap. Hence, it will be interesting to see how he approaches the warm-up tie. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup, IND vs ENG live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England warm-up match? Match prediction for India-England T20 WC match: It will be interesting to see how the two teams approach these warm-up encounters. Needless to say, they will like to get a win under their belt but it also serves as a chance to test their bench strength or tweak few of their combinations. On paper, both sides are very strong but England have some serious power-hitters in their line-up. India isn't far behind by any means and will like to make use of the slow and sluggish surfaces in UAE. Much will depend on how much bounce will the track provide. England might edge past India in the warm-up encounter, given most of the Indian players are still coming out of a gruelling second and final leg of IPL 2021.

IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and England?

<p>Virat Kohli-led Team India will begin their campaign in the seventh edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 with their first of the two warm-up encounters, versus Eoin Morgan-led England on Monday (October 18). The one-time winners are starting their campaign versus one of the strongest contenders for the marquee title. Hence, the Men in Blue will be on their toes and eager&nbsp;to tick some of the boxes in the warm-up encounters before the main draw of the tournament kicks off from October 23.</p>

<p>For the unversed, India played their last T20I -- comprising full-strength side -- versus England in early 2021. Hence, both sides are fully aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. What will be interesting to see is how the two teams go ahead, in terms of the team combinations, in the warm-up face-off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Kohli-led India, they have plenty of questions to answer. In their last game versus England, during the five-match T20Is in India in February-March, KL Rahul didn't open in the series-decider as Kohli-Rohit Sharma came out as openers. Back then, Rahul was in torrid form. Will Kohli continue as an opener despite Rahul's brilliant form in IPL 14's second and final leg in the UAE? Moreover, it will be interesting to see how many spinners get included in the India XI. At present, they have options in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakravarthy. Given the recent form, Varun and Jadeja seem like a certain in the XI. However, Varun's fitness was an issue in the last few games in IPL 2021. Hence, the focus will be on him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-would-be-working-at-a-petrol-pump-if-not-for-money-in-cricket-hardik-pandya-421729">&nbsp;I would be working at a petrol pump if not for money in cricket: Hardik Pandya</a></strong></p>

<p>India also have a veteran and experienced campaigner in Ashwin. However, he was off-colours in the second and final IPL 14 leg. Hence, he might not make it to the first XI so easily. The biggest factor among all will be Hardik Pandya's bowling. Will the all-rounder finally contribute with some overs? He didn't bowl a single over in IPL 14's final leg in the UAE. On the other hand, Shardul Thakur -- one of the most-successful bowlers for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021 -- is very likely to be in India's XI for their first warm-up fixture.</p>

<p>The team management will also closely monitor Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form, who wasn't at his best for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the just-concluded IPL season. Lastly, Ishan Kishan returned back to form in the last few games for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 14. Will he get a look-in as well?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's playing XI for England warm-up tie: </strong>KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy</p>

<p>If Hardik doesn't plan to bowl, India will have to make way for another pacer; which might also prompt them to drop the 27-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-stakes-are-always-high-ajit-agarkar-on-india-pakistan-t20-world-cup-clash-421641">'The stakes are always high': Ajit Agarkar on India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Squads</strong></p>

<p><strong>India:</strong>&nbsp;Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Rahul Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya.</p>

<p><strong>England:</strong>&nbsp;Eoin Morgan (capt), Jason Roy, Sam Billings, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Team India will begin their campaign in the seventh edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 with their first of the two warm-up encounters, versus Eoin Morgan-led England on Monday (October 18).

Virat Kohli-led Team India will begin their campaign in the seventh edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 with their first of the two warm-up encounters, versus Eoin Morgan-led England on Monday (October 18). The one-time winners are starting their campaign versus one of the strongest contenders for the marquee title. Hence, the Men in Blue will be on their toes and eager to tick some of the boxes in the warm-up encounters before the main draw of the tournament kicks off from October 23. For the unversed, India played their last T20I -- comprising full-strength side -- versus England in early 2021. Hence, both sides are fully aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. What will be interesting to see is how the two teams go ahead, in terms of the team combinations, in the warm-up face-off. For Kohli-led India, they have plenty of questions to answer. In their last game versus England, during the five-match T20Is in India in February-March, KL Rahul didn't open in the series-decider as Kohli-Rohit Sharma came out as openers. Back then, Rahul was in torrid form. Will Kohli continue as an opener despite Rahul's brilliant form in IPL 14's second and final leg in the UAE? Moreover, it will be interesting to see how many spinners get included in the India XI. At present, they have options in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakravarthy. Given the recent form, Varun and Jadeja seem like a certain in the XI. However, Varun's fitness was an issue in the last few games in IPL 2021. Hence, the focus will be on him. ALSO READ | I would be working at a petrol pump if not for money in cricket: Hardik Pandya India also have a veteran and experienced campaigner in Ashwin. However, he was off-colours in the second and final IPL 14 leg. Hence, he might not make it to the first XI so easily. The biggest factor among all will be Hardik Pandya's bowling. Will the all-rounder finally contribute with some overs? He didn't bowl a single over in IPL 14's final leg in the UAE. On the other hand, Shardul Thakur -- one of the most-successful bowlers for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021 -- is very likely to be in India's XI for their first warm-up fixture. The team management will also closely monitor Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form, who wasn't at his best for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the just-concluded IPL season. Lastly, Ishan Kishan returned back to form in the last few games for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 14. Will he get a look-in as well? India's playing XI for England warm-up tie: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy If Hardik doesn't plan to bowl, India will have to make way for another pacer; which might also prompt them to drop the 27-year-old. ALSO READ | 'The stakes are always high': Ajit Agarkar on India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash Squads India: Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Rahul Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya. England: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jason Roy, Sam Billings, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

ICC World T20: Shardul, Chakravarthy to get a look-in? India's predicted playing XI for warm-up game vs England

<p>Scotland pulled off a huge upset as they defeated Bangladesh by 6 runs to get their campaign off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2021. All-rounder Chris Greaves turned out to be the hero for Scotland with his heroics with the bat and the ball. Greaves scored a quickfire 45 off 28 balls before picking up two wickets&nbsp;as Scotland stunned Bangladesh.</p>

<p>Greaves' remarkable rise in cricket is nothing short of an inspiring tale as he was working as a delivery boy for Amazon not too long ago. The all-rounder, who played an instrumental role in helping Scotland earn their first-ever win over a Test-playing nation, used to deliver parcels for Amazon, revealed Kyle Coetzer, who is leading the country at the showpiece event.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old's journey has not been an easy one as he comes from a humble background and has worked tremendously hard to realise his dream of playing in a World Cup for Scotland. Greaves came out to bat at number 7 against Bangladesh at the &nbsp;Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Sunday and played a game-changing knock of 45 runs laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes to help his side arrest a collapse and post 140 runs on the board.</p>

<p>Later, he combined with Bradley Wheal to restrict the Bangladesh batting line-up to 134 to secure Scotland's first win at the tournament. While Greaves finished with excellent figures of 2/19 in his 3 overs, Wheal picked up three wickets in his spell while conceding only 24 runs.</p>

<p>Scotland skipper Coetzer revealed how Greaves has sparked a turnaround in his professional career and said he was proud of the work he has put in to stand where he is today.</p>

<p>"I am really proud of Greaves. e really sacrificed a lot. He was delivering parcels for Amazon not too long ago, and now is getting Player of the Match against Bangladesh. I am not sure if he will appreciate me saying this," Coetzer said.</p>

<p>"Seeing the performance from Mark Watt and Chris Greaves with the bat today, they are lesser-known people who had to make many sacrifices to get to where they are today," he added.</p>

<p>Greaves, who made his international debut earlier this month, had once met former England wicket-keeper Matt Prior during a nets session in Wanderers where he created an impression on the Englishman with his skills. Greaves reportedly casually told Prior that he happened to have a British passport and was looking at the UK as an option to play professional cricket.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-turns-down-offer-to-become-nca-head-as-bcci-looks-for-rahul-dravids-replacement-421699">VVS Laxman turns down offer to become NCA head as BCCI looks for Rahul Dravid's replacement</a></p>

<p>Prior asked Greaves for his email about the Scottish all-rounder who didn't have one and shared his mother's email address with the former England cricketer. He had never expected to hear back from Prior but recieved an email from the former England cricketer, who helped him join Durham's academy and realise his dream of playing for his country.</p>

<p>Greaved shone at the biggest stage of them all at the T20 World Cup on Sunday and announced his arrival with a splendid show against one of the formidable sides in the Qualifiers. He would be hoping to make the most of his chances in the upcoming games and sign off from the tournament making a name for himself in the shortest format.</p>


Scotland pulled off a huge upset as they defeated Bangladesh by 6 runs to get their campaign off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2021. All-rounder Chris Greaves turned out to be the hero for Scotland with his heroics with the bat and the ball.

Scotland pulled off a huge upset as they defeated Bangladesh by 6 runs to get their campaign off to a winning start in the T20 World Cup 2021. All-rounder Chris Greaves turned out to be the hero for Scotland with his heroics with the bat and the ball. Greaves scored a quickfire 45 off 28 balls before picking up two wickets as Scotland stunned Bangladesh. Greaves' remarkable rise in cricket is nothing short of an inspiring tale as he was working as a delivery boy for Amazon not too long ago. The all-rounder, who played an instrumental role in helping Scotland earn their first-ever win over a Test-playing nation, used to deliver parcels for Amazon, revealed Kyle Coetzer, who is leading the country at the showpiece event. The 31-year-old's journey has not been an easy one as he comes from a humble background and has worked tremendously hard to realise his dream of playing in a World Cup for Scotland. Greaves came out to bat at number 7 against Bangladesh at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Sunday and played a game-changing knock of 45 runs laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes to help his side arrest a collapse and post 140 runs on the board. Later, he combined with Bradley Wheal to restrict the Bangladesh batting line-up to 134 to secure Scotland's first win at the tournament. While Greaves finished with excellent figures of 2/19 in his 3 overs, Wheal picked up three wickets in his spell while conceding only 24 runs. Scotland skipper Coetzer revealed how Greaves has sparked a turnaround in his professional career and said he was proud of the work he has put in to stand where he is today. "I am really proud of Greaves. e really sacrificed a lot. He was delivering parcels for Amazon not too long ago, and now is getting Player of the Match against Bangladesh. I am not sure if he will appreciate me saying this," Coetzer said. "Seeing the performance from Mark Watt and Chris Greaves with the bat today, they are lesser-known people who had to make many sacrifices to get to where they are today," he added. Greaves, who made his international debut earlier this month, had once met former England wicket-keeper Matt Prior during a nets session in Wanderers where he created an impression on the Englishman with his skills. Greaves reportedly casually told Prior that he happened to have a British passport and was looking at the UK as an option to play professional cricket. Also Read: VVS Laxman turns down offer to become NCA head as BCCI looks for Rahul Dravid's replacement Prior asked Greaves for his email about the Scottish all-rounder who didn't have one and shared his mother's email address with the former England cricketer. He had never expected to hear back from Prior but recieved an email from the former England cricketer, who helped him join Durham's academy and realise his dream of playing for his country. Greaved shone at the biggest stage of them all at the T20 World Cup on Sunday and announced his arrival with a splendid show against one of the formidable sides in the Qualifiers. He would be hoping to make the most of his chances in the upcoming games and sign off from the tournament making a name for himself in the shortest format.

From Amazon delivery man to Scotland's hero: Chris Greaves' story is an inspiration to all

<p>Indian skipper&nbsp;Virat Kohli has played down the hype surrounding the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli said he and his team will approach the high-profile clash against Pakistan as just another cricket match in the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off on October 17 in the UAE and Oman. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24. The expectations will be high and pressure will be on both teams with millions of fans watching the game around the globe.</p>

<p>&nbsp;However, Indian captain Kohli said he has never felt any different when his team take on Pakistan and he would like to keep things simple once again this time around. Speaking at the press conference organised by ICC ahead of the start of the tournament, Kohli said it will just be another cricket game for India against Pakistan on October 24.</p>

<p>"I honestly never felt so," said Kohli when asked if playing against Pakistan is any different for him. &nbsp;"I have just approached this game as another game of cricket and I know there is a lot of hype around this game, more so with ticket sales and demands of tickets," he added.</p>

<p>The Indian skipper also revealed he has been receiving requests from friends for the tickets of the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai and that he has been turning them down.</p>

<p>"And right now, value of those tickets are ridiculously high and that's all I know, my friends are demanding tickets right left and centre and I am saying, 'no'. Apart from that, I don't think we can make anything extra out of this game and for us it's a game of cricket that has to be played in right spirit, in the way we know we can," Kohli said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-to-be-the-1st-player-to-be-kept-by-csk-if-retentions-are-allowed-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-report-421442">MS Dhoni to be the 1st player to be kept by CSK if retentions are allowed ahead of IPL mega auction</a></p>

<p>India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series between them since 2013 and meet only in major ICC events due to the political tensions between the two countries. India last met Pakistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup in England where they defeated the Men in Green.</p>

<p>India have not lost a World Cup match against Pakistan both in ODIs and T20Is and will be aiming to keep their winning streak intact in the T20 World Cup 2021.</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli has played down the hype surrounding the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli said he and his team will approach the high-profile clash against Pakistan as just another cricket match in the T20 World Cup.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has played down the hype surrounding the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli said he and his team will approach the high-profile clash against Pakistan as just another cricket match in the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup 2021 is set to kick off on October 17 in the UAE and Oman. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24. The expectations will be high and pressure will be on both teams with millions of fans watching the game around the globe. However, Indian captain Kohli said he has never felt any different when his team take on Pakistan and he would like to keep things simple once again this time around. Speaking at the press conference organised by ICC ahead of the start of the tournament, Kohli said it will just be another cricket game for India against Pakistan on October 24. "I honestly never felt so," said Kohli when asked if playing against Pakistan is any different for him. "I have just approached this game as another game of cricket and I know there is a lot of hype around this game, more so with ticket sales and demands of tickets," he added. The Indian skipper also revealed he has been receiving requests from friends for the tickets of the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai and that he has been turning them down. "And right now, value of those tickets are ridiculously high and that's all I know, my friends are demanding tickets right left and centre and I am saying, 'no'. Apart from that, I don't think we can make anything extra out of this game and for us it's a game of cricket that has to be played in right spirit, in the way we know we can," Kohli said. Also Read: MS Dhoni to be the 1st player to be kept by CSK if retentions are allowed ahead of IPL mega auction India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series between them since 2013 and meet only in major ICC events due to the political tensions between the two countries. India last met Pakistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup in England where they defeated the Men in Green. India have not lost a World Cup match against Pakistan both in ODIs and T20Is and will be aiming to keep their winning streak intact in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Another game of cricket: Virat Kohli plays down hype ahead of India-Pakistan clash at T20 WC

<p>West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has come out in support of his former teammate Curtly Ambrose after Chris Gayle slammed the former fast bowler&nbsp;over his comments on his selection in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad. Gayle had vented out his frustration against Ambrose after the former pacer said that Gayle should not have been an 'automatic choice' in the Windies' T20 World Cup squad.</p>

<p>Richards has now extended support to Ambrose and said he is entitled to his opinion. The batting legend stated that Ambrose is as much an achiever as Gayle and that the 'Universe Boss' should have respected his opinion even if it was not in his favour.</p>

<p>"It's Curly's honest opinion and he's entitled to that and he is just as much an achiever as Chris Gayle at the highest level," Richards told <em>Daily Observer</em>.</p>

<p>"So when you hear it's coming from an individual who would have also been an achiever and being a legend in the department of the sport we would have represented, you must have respect for that too," he added.</p>

<p>Gayle had lashed out at Ambrose after the former West Indies pacer's remarks on his selection. The veteran left-hander called Ambrose a 'negative person' while asserting that he had 'no respect' for him. Ambrose had said that Gayle's recent form in T20 tournaments didn't guarantee him a spot in the Windies squad.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-no-respect-universe-boss-chris-gayle-slams-former-west-indies-legend-for-saying-negative-things-420426">'I have no respect': Universe Boss Chris Gayle slams former West Indies legend for saying 'negative things'</a></p>

<p>Gayle, who is the leading run-getter in T20 cricket, has 1854 runs to his name in 74 T20Is for Windies. He has two centuries and 14 fifties to his name in T20Is for West Indies. Richards said if he was Gayle, he would have taken Ambrose's criticism in a positive way.</p>

<p>"If I was Chris, the best positive way I would look at it would be to set my mind on what I would like to accomplish because it is just not Curtly because there are so many folks who would have had their criticisms about Gayle," said&nbsp; Richards.</p>


West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has come out in support of his former teammate Curtly Ambrose after Chris Gayle slammed the former fast bowler over his comments on his selection in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad.

West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has come out in support of his former teammate Curtly Ambrose after Chris Gayle slammed the former fast bowler over his comments on his selection in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad. Gayle had vented out his frustration against Ambrose after the former pacer said that Gayle should not have been an 'automatic choice' in the Windies' T20 World Cup squad. Richards has now extended support to Ambrose and said he is entitled to his opinion. The batting legend stated that Ambrose is as much an achiever as Gayle and that the 'Universe Boss' should have respected his opinion even if it was not in his favour. "It's Curly's honest opinion and he's entitled to that and he is just as much an achiever as Chris Gayle at the highest level," Richards told Daily Observer. "So when you hear it's coming from an individual who would have also been an achiever and being a legend in the department of the sport we would have represented, you must have respect for that too," he added. Gayle had lashed out at Ambrose after the former West Indies pacer's remarks on his selection. The veteran left-hander called Ambrose a 'negative person' while asserting that he had 'no respect' for him. Ambrose had said that Gayle's recent form in T20 tournaments didn't guarantee him a spot in the Windies squad. Also Read: 'I have no respect': Universe Boss Chris Gayle slams former West Indies legend for saying 'negative things' Gayle, who is the leading run-getter in T20 cricket, has 1854 runs to his name in 74 T20Is for Windies. He has two centuries and 14 fifties to his name in T20Is for West Indies. Richards said if he was Gayle, he would have taken Ambrose's criticism in a positive way. "If I was Chris, the best positive way I would look at it would be to set my mind on what I would like to accomplish because it is just not Curtly because there are so many folks who would have had their criticisms about Gayle," said Richards.

Curtly Ambrose as much an achiever: Viv Richards backs former Windies pacer after Chris Gayle's jibe

<p>After the IPL 2021 edition ends, on Friday evening (October 15), the cricketing action won't stop as the forthcoming T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 (Sunday). While the showpiece event will begin with the qualifying round, the main draw of the ICC event will kick off from October 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Super 12 round, the India-Pakistan clash is keenly anticipated. It&nbsp;is scheduled to take place on October 24 (Sunday), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. For the unversed, this will be the first time both sides will meet each other post their 2019 ODI World Cup face-off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli-led India will start as overwhelming favourites as the Men in Blue have never lost any encounter versus their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cups (both ODIs and T20Is). In T20 WC history, India lead Pakistan 5-0. Despite all this, Babar Azam-led Men in Green can't be taken lightly as they are the third-best side in ICC T20I rankings and can beat anyone on their day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-we-dont-have-a-keeper-like-ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-teases-rishabh-pant-in-t20-world-cup-promo-420962"><strong>WATCH: 'We don't have a keeper like MS Dhoni' - Virat Kohli teases Rishabh Pant in T20 World Cup promo</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the Indo-Pak encounter, Pakistan great Javed Miandad has explained what Babar &amp; Co. need to do to beat India. "The match against India will be crucial to getting momentum in the tournament. They are a strong side and have several top players but if we can play without fear and pressure and everyone does his bit we can beat them. T20 format is one where people think that one or two players can win you matches but I look at it this way that in this format everyone needs to contribute in some way or the other for a team to be a winning outfit."</p>

<p>"In this format even a small innings of 20 or a crucial catch or run-out or a good over can win you matches so everyone has to put in his bit. This format is about a collective effort from the team," the 1992 World Cup-winning member added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-india-pakistan-to-england-west-indies-reliving-5-humdingers-in-t20-world-cup-420716"><strong>From India-Pakistan to England-West Indies: Reliving 5 humdingers in T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B, where they will also face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. Will either of India or Pakistan win their second title in the marquee event? Only time will tell...</p>


After the IPL 2021 edition ends, on Friday evening (October 15), the cricketing action won't stop as the forthcoming T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 (Sunday).

After the IPL 2021 edition ends, on Friday evening (October 15), the cricketing action won't stop as the forthcoming T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 (Sunday). While the showpiece event will begin with the qualifying round, the main draw of the ICC event will kick off from October 23. In the Super 12 round, the India-Pakistan clash is keenly anticipated. It is scheduled to take place on October 24 (Sunday), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. For the unversed, this will be the first time both sides will meet each other post their 2019 ODI World Cup face-off. Virat Kohli-led India will start as overwhelming favourites as the Men in Blue have never lost any encounter versus their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cups (both ODIs and T20Is). In T20 WC history, India lead Pakistan 5-0. Despite all this, Babar Azam-led Men in Green can't be taken lightly as they are the third-best side in ICC T20I rankings and can beat anyone on their day. ALSO READ | WATCH: 'We don't have a keeper like MS Dhoni' - Virat Kohli teases Rishabh Pant in T20 World Cup promo Ahead of the Indo-Pak encounter, Pakistan great Javed Miandad has explained what Babar & Co. need to do to beat India. "The match against India will be crucial to getting momentum in the tournament. They are a strong side and have several top players but if we can play without fear and pressure and everyone does his bit we can beat them. T20 format is one where people think that one or two players can win you matches but I look at it this way that in this format everyone needs to contribute in some way or the other for a team to be a winning outfit." "In this format even a small innings of 20 or a crucial catch or run-out or a good over can win you matches so everyone has to put in his bit. This format is about a collective effort from the team," the 1992 World Cup-winning member added. ALSO READ | From India-Pakistan to England-West Indies: Reliving 5 humdingers in T20 World Cup India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B, where they will also face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. Will either of India or Pakistan win their second title in the marquee event? Only time will tell...

T20 World Cup: Javed Miandad explains how Babar Azam-led Pakistan can beat Virat Kohli & Co.

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 is set to commence from October 17, in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the mega event will finally kick off in UAE after Australia couldn't host the edition last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The seventh edition&nbsp;will follow the template of the previous edition&nbsp;of 2016, held in India. The showpiece event will begin with the qualifying round, where the top-two sides from the two groups will join the ten automatically qualified teams in the Super 12.</p>

<p>Ahead of all the action in the upcoming T20 World Cup, here's a look at some of the most epic encounters in the tournament-history:</p>

<p><strong>1) India beat Pakistan by 5 runs in inaugural final:</strong> Winning the toss, MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue opted to bat first in the 2007 edition's finale. Riding on Gautam Gambhir's 75 and Rohit Sharma's finishing skills, India posted a competitive 157-5 in 20 overs. In reply, Misbah-ul-Haq lifted Pakistan's spirits when they were down and out at 77-6 to narrow down the equation to 13 off 6 balls, with one wicket in hand. However, Joginder Sharma stood tall in the riveting final over as Misbah (38-ball 43)'s wicket led to Men in Green being all-out for 152 in 19.3 overs. Irfan Pathan was the Man-of-the-Match for his 3 for 16.</p>

<p><strong>2) Netherlands beat England by 4 wickets:&nbsp;</strong>In the first match of the second edition, England lost to minnows Netherlands by four wickets. Riding on Luke Wright's 71 and Ravi Bopara's 46, England managed 162-5. While the Dutch were 23-2 and further reduced to 66-3, Tom de Grooth's 49, Peter Borren's 30 and Ryen ten Doeschate's 17-ball 22* took them home in a dramatic last-over finish. Stuart Broad failed to hold his nerves in the last over -- with&nbsp; an overthrow -- as Netherlands earned a last-ball win.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-iconic-ad-on-indo-pak-rivalry-returns-as-countdown-begins-for-mouth-watering-face-off-420617"><strong>T20 World Cup: Iconic ad on Indo-Pak rivalry returns as countdown begins for mouth-watering face-off</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>3) Australia stun Pakistan in 2010 edition's semi-final:</strong> The then defending champions Pakistan locked horns with tournament-favourites Australia in the second semi-final, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia. Aussies preferred to chase after winning the toss. Riding on Kamran and Umar Akmal's attacking half-centuries, Men in Green posted 191-6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were on the back foot, at 62-4 in 8.2&nbsp;overs. However, Cameron White's brisk 31-ball 43 and Michael Hussey's match-winning 24-ball 60 took the Men in Yellow past the finish line. Hussey's 60 included 6 sixes and 3 fours, at a strike-rate of 250. Aussies hit 14 sixes compared to Pakistan's 8; being the difference between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-team-indias-jersey-for-t20-world-cup-displayed-at-burj-khalifa-with-a-breathtaking-light-show-420660">Watch: Team India's jersey for T20 World Cup displayed at Burj Khalifa with a breathtaking light show</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>4) India beat South Africa in thrilling semi-final:</strong> In the second semi-final of the 2014 edition, Dhoni-led India faced Faf du Plessis' South Africa at Dhaka. Riding on Du Plessis' 58 and attacking knocks from JP Duminy and David Miller, Proteas posted 172-4. India started off nicely courtesy Rohit Sharma-Ajinkya Rahane, however, they still had lots to do in the last ten overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli timed his innings perfectly and took on the attack with Yuvraj Singh not being at his fluent best at the other end. The then vice-captain took on the pacers and handled Imran Tahir with ease, coming to the pitch of the ball and making excellent use of his footwork, to narrow down the equation to 40 off the last 24 balls. Suresh Raina's 10-ball 21 and Kohli's majestic 44-ball 72*, at a strike-rate of 163.64, took India to the final.</p>

<p><strong>5) Carlos Brathwaite's 4 sixes takes Windies to their second title:&nbsp;</strong>Daren Sammy-led West Indies opted to bowl first in the 2016 edition's final, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, versus Eoin Morgan-led England. Sammy &amp; Co. restricted England to 155-9. Joe Root, Jos Buttler and David Willey's cameo took England to a healthy total whereas Windies' run-chase started off poorly; being 11-3 in no time. Marlon Samuels -- the Player-of-the-Match in the 2012 edition's final -- stood tall with his unbeaten 85 whereas Dwayne Bravo's 25-ball 27 narrowed down the equation to 19 off 6 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brathwaite, who was batting on 10 off 6 balls, took Sammy &amp; Co. home with four back-to-back sixes in the last over -- with two balls to spare -- as Windies stunned England and earned a win from the jaws of defeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from these, many other humdingers have been witnessed in the T20 WC history. For instance, the India-Pakistan bowl-out clash in 2007, India-Australia 2016 virtual quarter-final encounter, Netherlands-Ireland's epic high-scoring tie in the qualifiers in 2014, India-Bangladesh tie in the 2016 edition, Super-over fixtures in 2012, involving New Zealand-Sri Lanka and the Black Caps-Windies.</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 is set to commence from October 17, in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the mega event will finally kick off in UAE after Australia couldn't host the edition last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The T20 World Cup 2021 is set to commence from October 17, in the UAE. After a year-long delay, the mega event will finally kick off in UAE after Australia couldn't host the edition last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The seventh edition will follow the template of the previous edition of 2016, held in India. The showpiece event will begin with the qualifying round, where the top-two sides from the two groups will join the ten automatically qualified teams in the Super 12. Ahead of all the action in the upcoming T20 World Cup, here's a look at some of the most epic encounters in the tournament-history: 1) India beat Pakistan by 5 runs in inaugural final: Winning the toss, MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue opted to bat first in the 2007 edition's finale. Riding on Gautam Gambhir's 75 and Rohit Sharma's finishing skills, India posted a competitive 157-5 in 20 overs. In reply, Misbah-ul-Haq lifted Pakistan's spirits when they were down and out at 77-6 to narrow down the equation to 13 off 6 balls, with one wicket in hand. However, Joginder Sharma stood tall in the riveting final over as Misbah (38-ball 43)'s wicket led to Men in Green being all-out for 152 in 19.3 overs. Irfan Pathan was the Man-of-the-Match for his 3 for 16. 2) Netherlands beat England by 4 wickets: In the first match of the second edition, England lost to minnows Netherlands by four wickets. Riding on Luke Wright's 71 and Ravi Bopara's 46, England managed 162-5. While the Dutch were 23-2 and further reduced to 66-3, Tom de Grooth's 49, Peter Borren's 30 and Ryen ten Doeschate's 17-ball 22* took them home in a dramatic last-over finish. Stuart Broad failed to hold his nerves in the last over -- with an overthrow -- as Netherlands earned a last-ball win. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Iconic ad on Indo-Pak rivalry returns as countdown begins for mouth-watering face-off 3) Australia stun Pakistan in 2010 edition's semi-final: The then defending champions Pakistan locked horns with tournament-favourites Australia in the second semi-final, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia. Aussies preferred to chase after winning the toss. Riding on Kamran and Umar Akmal's attacking half-centuries, Men in Green posted 191-6. Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were on the back foot, at 62-4 in 8.2 overs. However, Cameron White's brisk 31-ball 43 and Michael Hussey's match-winning 24-ball 60 took the Men in Yellow past the finish line. Hussey's 60 included 6 sixes and 3 fours, at a strike-rate of 250. Aussies hit 14 sixes compared to Pakistan's 8; being the difference between the two sides. ALSO READ | Watch: Team India's jersey for T20 World Cup displayed at Burj Khalifa with a breathtaking light show 4) India beat South Africa in thrilling semi-final: In the second semi-final of the 2014 edition, Dhoni-led India faced Faf du Plessis' South Africa at Dhaka. Riding on Du Plessis' 58 and attacking knocks from JP Duminy and David Miller, Proteas posted 172-4. India started off nicely courtesy Rohit Sharma-Ajinkya Rahane, however, they still had lots to do in the last ten overs. Virat Kohli timed his innings perfectly and took on the attack with Yuvraj Singh not being at his fluent best at the other end. The then vice-captain took on the pacers and handled Imran Tahir with ease, coming to the pitch of the ball and making excellent use of his footwork, to narrow down the equation to 40 off the last 24 balls. Suresh Raina's 10-ball 21 and Kohli's majestic 44-ball 72*, at a strike-rate of 163.64, took India to the final. 5) Carlos Brathwaite's 4 sixes takes Windies to their second title: Daren Sammy-led West Indies opted to bowl first in the 2016 edition's final, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, versus Eoin Morgan-led England. Sammy & Co. restricted England to 155-9. Joe Root, Jos Buttler and David Willey's cameo took England to a healthy total whereas Windies' run-chase started off poorly; being 11-3 in no time. Marlon Samuels -- the Player-of-the-Match in the 2012 edition's final -- stood tall with his unbeaten 85 whereas Dwayne Bravo's 25-ball 27 narrowed down the equation to 19 off 6 balls. Brathwaite, who was batting on 10 off 6 balls, took Sammy & Co. home with four back-to-back sixes in the last over -- with two balls to spare -- as Windies stunned England and earned a win from the jaws of defeat. Apart from these, many other humdingers have been witnessed in the T20 WC history. For instance, the India-Pakistan bowl-out clash in 2007, India-Australia 2016 virtual quarter-final encounter, Netherlands-Ireland's epic high-scoring tie in the qualifiers in 2014, India-Bangladesh tie in the 2016 edition, Super-over fixtures in 2012, involving New Zealand-Sri Lanka and the Black Caps-Windies.

From India-Pakistan to England-West Indies: Reliving 5 humdingers in T20 World Cup

<p>The T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 in the UAE, shortly after the end of the IPL 14 season. The mega event is highly-awaited as all the 16 participating teams will have a chance to win the biggest title in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the seventh edition, India and Pakistan are in the same group, i.e. Pool B, and will lock horns with each other on October 24, at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While both sides only meet during ICC events or multi-nation tournaments, post their severely-hit political relations, fans are waiting for the blockbuster face-off; which never fails to catch the attention of the avid cricket followers and produces some memorable moments on the field.</p>

<p>Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, Star Sports -- the official broadcasters of the tournament -- have released a new video from their iconic advertisement series on Indo-Pak cricketing rivalry. It had first caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity during the 2015 ODI World Cup -- getting immense love for showing the friendly banter between the fans from both sides -- and the new version has also gone viral in no time as well.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-warm-up-games-to-pakistan-clash-heres-virat-kohli-led-indias-complete-t20-world-cup-schedule-420440">From warm-up games to Pakistan clash: Here's Virat Kohli-led India's complete T20 World Cup schedule</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Naya <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaukaMauka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaukaMauka</a>, naya offer - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Buy1Break1Free?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Buy1Break1Free</a>! 😉<br />
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Are you ready to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGame</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a>?<br />
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ICC Men's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 2021 | Oct 24 | Broadcast starts: 7 PM, Match starts: 7:30 PM | Star Sports &amp; Disney+Hotstar <a href="https://t.co/MNsOql9cjO">pic.twitter.com/MNsOql9cjO</a></p>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1448283154087772172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-indias-new-jersey-best-way-to-celebrate-fans-excitement-for-t20-world-cup-says-ganguly-420512"><strong>Team India's new jersey best way to celebrate fans' excitement for T20 World Cup, says Ganguly</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking about the latest installation from the popular promo, Sanjog Gupta, Head-Sports, Star and Disney India, was quoted as saying by News 18, “The India-Pakistan clash is one of the biggest matchups in the world of sports. The clash at an ICC event attracts core and casual Cricket fans as well as viewers who don’t watch any other Cricket. The historic on-field rivalry between both teams is unparalleled and we believe that the iconic ‘Mauka Mauka’ campaign captures the spirit of this rivalry, blending competitiveness, banter and sportsmanship."</p>

<p>India and Pakistan's group also comprises New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. On the other hand, Pool A consists of Australia, England, West Indies and South Africa while they will also have two more teams joining them from the qualifying round.</p>


The T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 in the UAE, shortly after the end of the IPL 14 season. The mega event is highly-awaited as all the 16 participating teams will have a chance to win the biggest title in the shortest format of the game.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin from October 17 in the UAE, shortly after the end of the IPL 14 season. The mega event is highly-awaited as all the 16 participating teams will have a chance to win the biggest title in the shortest format of the game. In the seventh edition, India and Pakistan are in the same group, i.e. Pool B, and will lock horns with each other on October 24, at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While both sides only meet during ICC events or multi-nation tournaments, post their severely-hit political relations, fans are waiting for the blockbuster face-off; which never fails to catch the attention of the avid cricket followers and produces some memorable moments on the field. Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, Star Sports -- the official broadcasters of the tournament -- have released a new video from their iconic advertisement series on Indo-Pak cricketing rivalry. It had first caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity during the 2015 ODI World Cup -- getting immense love for showing the friendly banter between the fans from both sides -- and the new version has also gone viral in no time as well. ALSO READ | From warm-up games to Pakistan clash: Here's Virat Kohli-led India's complete T20 World Cup schedule Naya #MaukaMauka, naya offer - #Buy1Break1Free! 😉 Are you ready to #LiveTheGame in #INDvPAK? ICC Men's #T20WorldCup 2021 | Oct 24 | Broadcast starts: 7 PM, Match starts: 7:30 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/MNsOql9cjO — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 13, 2021 × ALSO READ | Team India's new jersey best way to celebrate fans' excitement for T20 World Cup, says Ganguly Speaking about the latest installation from the popular promo, Sanjog Gupta, Head-Sports, Star and Disney India, was quoted as saying by News 18, “The India-Pakistan clash is one of the biggest matchups in the world of sports. The clash at an ICC event attracts core and casual Cricket fans as well as viewers who don’t watch any other Cricket. The historic on-field rivalry between both teams is unparalleled and we believe that the iconic ‘Mauka Mauka’ campaign captures the spirit of this rivalry, blending competitiveness, banter and sportsmanship." India and Pakistan's group also comprises New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. On the other hand, Pool A consists of Australia, England, West Indies and South Africa while they will also have two more teams joining them from the qualifying round.

T20 World Cup: Iconic ad on Indo-Pak rivalry returns as countdown begins for mouth-watering face-off

<p>Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid is expected to serve as India's interim coach for the home series versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, shortly after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. For the unversed, current head coach Ravi Shastri and the core of the support staff's respective contracts are set to end post the mega event. While Shastri has hinted at not willing to extend&nbsp;his contract, BCCI is expected to revamp the Indian team's coaching staff. However, the search for the next head coach can take longer than expected, hence, the Indian cricket board is eager to make Dravid as the interim coach as a stop-gap arrangement.</p>

<p>Dravid had earlier served as India's stand-in head coach for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, in July this year, when Shastri-Virat Kohli-led Indian Test team were in the United Kingdom. Under him, Shikhar Dhawan-led India won the three ODIs 2-1 but lost the preceding T20Is by the same margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-politely-turns-down-bccis-offer-to-succeed-ravi-shastri-as-team-india-coach-reports-420351"><strong>Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>It is learned that a handful of Australian coaches have shown interest to serve as the next Indian team head coach. However, BCCI is focusing on an Indian for the top post before they look elsewhere. As of now, the BCCI has approached a few coaches but nothing positive has come out of the whole development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report in Indian Express, a BCCI official explained the reason behind the board delaying the advertisement for the coach and said, "We wanted the candidate whom we feel is best suited for the job to agree first (to apply for the job). We don’t want a situation where we get applications but no one is seen as ideal. It will be embarrassing for the board and for the candidates too. So it’s better to find a suitable candidate first, till then Dravid can be interim coach."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-warm-up-games-to-pakistan-clash-heres-virat-kohli-led-indias-complete-t20-world-cup-schedule-420440"><strong>From warm-up games to Pakistan clash: Here's Virat Kohli-led India's complete T20 World Cup schedule</strong></a></p>

<p>While many want Dravid to serve as India's head coach after Shastri's tenure, it is believed that the former Indian captain has politely turned down the offer as he doesn't want to travel too much. Currently, he is the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and one of the driving factors behind India's solid bench strength. He, and his team, also looks after the youngsters and ensures they are groomed properly before making an appearance at the highest level.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid is expected to serve as India's interim coach for the home series versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, shortly after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid is expected to serve as India's interim coach for the home series versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, shortly after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. For the unversed, current head coach Ravi Shastri and the core of the support staff's respective contracts are set to end post the mega event. While Shastri has hinted at not willing to extend his contract, BCCI is expected to revamp the Indian team's coaching staff. However, the search for the next head coach can take longer than expected, hence, the Indian cricket board is eager to make Dravid as the interim coach as a stop-gap arrangement. Dravid had earlier served as India's stand-in head coach for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, in July this year, when Shastri-Virat Kohli-led Indian Test team were in the United Kingdom. Under him, Shikhar Dhawan-led India won the three ODIs 2-1 but lost the preceding T20Is by the same margin. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports It is learned that a handful of Australian coaches have shown interest to serve as the next Indian team head coach. However, BCCI is focusing on an Indian for the top post before they look elsewhere. As of now, the BCCI has approached a few coaches but nothing positive has come out of the whole development. As per a report in Indian Express, a BCCI official explained the reason behind the board delaying the advertisement for the coach and said, "We wanted the candidate whom we feel is best suited for the job to agree first (to apply for the job). We don’t want a situation where we get applications but no one is seen as ideal. It will be embarrassing for the board and for the candidates too. So it’s better to find a suitable candidate first, till then Dravid can be interim coach." ALSO READ | From warm-up games to Pakistan clash: Here's Virat Kohli-led India's complete T20 World Cup schedule While many want Dravid to serve as India's head coach after Shastri's tenure, it is believed that the former Indian captain has politely turned down the offer as he doesn't want to travel too much. Currently, he is the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and one of the driving factors behind India's solid bench strength. He, and his team, also looks after the youngsters and ensures they are groomed properly before making an appearance at the highest level.

Post T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid likely to be Team India's interim coach for New Zealand home series

<p>The T20 World Cup is set to be held in the UAE, from October 17. While the tournament will start with the qualifying round, along with the warm-up encounters from October 18-20, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the India-Pakistan clash in the showpiece event, which will take place on October 24.</p>

<p>For the unversed, India and Pakistan lock horns with each other only during ICC events or multi-nation tournaments owing to their poor political relations. Thus, whenever the two cricketing giants meet in big-ticket tournaments, it makes heads turn and becomes one of the most anticipated matches of the mega event.</p>

<p>So far, India have have a 5-0 lead over Pakistan in T20 WC history. Thus, the pressure will be on the Babar Azam-led Men in Green when they face Virat Kohli's Team India. However, Babar feels his side will be able to break their jinx versus India in the forthcoming edition.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-politely-turns-down-bccis-offer-to-succeed-ravi-shastri-as-team-india-coach-reports-420351"><strong>Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>In an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, the Pakistan captain Babar said, "We've been playing cricket in UAE for the past 3-4 years and we know the conditions really well. We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make. On the day who plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win."</p>

<p>He further opined, "Your belief and confidence as a group matter a lot before a tournament. As a team, our confidence and morale are really high. We are not thinking of the past but the future. We are preparing for that. I am fully confident that we are well prepared and will play good cricket on the day."</p>

<p>"All the players have entered the side after a good domestic performance. We have a lot to learn from the senior players in the side because they have so much experience, they have played the World Cup and leagues before. 7-8 players in our squad have also played the Champions Trophy before which brings out different confidence," added Babar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-iconic-ad-on-indo-pak-rivalry-returns-as-countdown-begins-for-mouth-watering-face-off-420617"><strong>T20 World Cup: Iconic ad on Indo-Pak rivalry returns as countdown begins for mouth-watering face-off</strong></a></p>

<p>The last time India met Pakistan in the T20 WC was during the 2016 edition, when MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue thrashed Pakistan by 6 wickets. Moreover, the last face-off between both teams came during&nbsp;the 2019 ODI World Cup, where Kohli's India beat Sarfaraz Ahmed &amp; Col by 89 runs (DLS method).</p>

<p>India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B in the 2021 T20 WC, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams from the qualifiers.&nbsp;Pakistan have lots to play for vs Team India. Will they break their World Cup-jinx vs their arch-rivals? Only time will tell..</p>


The T20 World Cup is set to be held in the UAE, from October 17. While the tournament will start with the qualifying round, along with the warm-up encounters from October 18-20, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the India-Pakistan clash in the showpiece event, which will take place on October 24.

The T20 World Cup is set to be held in the UAE, from October 17. While the tournament will start with the qualifying round, along with the warm-up encounters from October 18-20, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the India-Pakistan clash in the showpiece event, which will take place on October 24. For the unversed, India and Pakistan lock horns with each other only during ICC events or multi-nation tournaments owing to their poor political relations. Thus, whenever the two cricketing giants meet in big-ticket tournaments, it makes heads turn and becomes one of the most anticipated matches of the mega event. So far, India have have a 5-0 lead over Pakistan in T20 WC history. Thus, the pressure will be on the Babar Azam-led Men in Green when they face Virat Kohli's Team India. However, Babar feels his side will be able to break their jinx versus India in the forthcoming edition. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports In an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, the Pakistan captain Babar said, "We've been playing cricket in UAE for the past 3-4 years and we know the conditions really well. We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make. On the day who plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win." He further opined, "Your belief and confidence as a group matter a lot before a tournament. As a team, our confidence and morale are really high. We are not thinking of the past but the future. We are preparing for that. I am fully confident that we are well prepared and will play good cricket on the day." "All the players have entered the side after a good domestic performance. We have a lot to learn from the senior players in the side because they have so much experience, they have played the World Cup and leagues before. 7-8 players in our squad have also played the Champions Trophy before which brings out different confidence," added Babar. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Iconic ad on Indo-Pak rivalry returns as countdown begins for mouth-watering face-off The last time India met Pakistan in the T20 WC was during the 2016 edition, when MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue thrashed Pakistan by 6 wickets. Moreover, the last face-off between both teams came during the 2019 ODI World Cup, where Kohli's India beat Sarfaraz Ahmed & Col by 89 runs (DLS method). India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B in the 2021 T20 WC, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams from the qualifiers. Pakistan have lots to play for vs Team India. Will they break their World Cup-jinx vs their arch-rivals? Only time will tell..

Babar Azam makes BIG claim ahead of marquee face-off between India and Pakistan in T20 World Cup

<p>Team India are gearing up for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17. From October 17, the qualifying round will commence whereas the warm-up encounters will last from October 18 to October 20. On Wednesday (October 13), the BCCI unveiled India's new kit for the upcoming showpiece event, where the Virat Kohli-led side will be aiming to win their second title overall.</p>

<p>As the excitement is now building up with each passing day, here's a look at the Men in Blue's full schedule for the mega event.</p>

<p><strong>Team India's full schedule for T20 WC:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Warm-up encounters-</strong></p>

<p><strong>October 18:</strong> India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm)<br />
<strong>October 20:</strong> India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm)</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-shardul-thakur-replaces-axar-patel-to-join-team-indias-main-squad-420432">T20 World Cup: Shardul Thakur replaces Axar Patel to join Team India's main squad</a></strong></p>

<p>After the two warm-up encounters, Kohli &amp; Co. will start the Super 12 round, where they are placed in Pool B along with arch-rivals Babar Azam-led Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Fixtures in main draw of the tournament-</strong></p>

<p><strong>October 24: </strong>India vs Pakistan, Dubai (7:30pm)<br />
<strong>October 31:</strong> India vs New Zealand, Dubai (7:30pm)<br />
<strong>November 3:</strong> India vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi (7:30pm)<br />
<strong>November 5:</strong> India vs B1, Dubai (7:30pm)<br />
<strong>November 8:</strong> India vs A2, Dubai (7:30pm)</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-cannot-keep-calm-as-bcci-unveils-virat-kohli-led-team-indias-new-jersey-for-t20-world-cup-420375">Fans cannot keep calm as BCCI unveils Virat Kohli-led Team India's new jersey for T20 World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>India have a strong squad at their disposal and are expected to go the distance. For the unversed, Shardul Thakur has replaced Axar Patel in India's 15-man main squad. On the other hand, former captain MS Dhoni will also join the side as a team mentor for the ICC event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for ICC T20 World Cup:</strong>&nbsp;Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami</p>

<p><strong>Stand-by players:</strong>&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Axar Patel</p>

<p>The semi-finals will be played on November 10 and 11, at Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, before the summit clash will be held on October 14 at Dubai.</p>


Team India are gearing up for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17. From October 17, the qualifying round will commence whereas the warm-up encounters will last from October 18 to October 20.

Team India are gearing up for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17. From October 17, the qualifying round will commence whereas the warm-up encounters will last from October 18 to October 20. On Wednesday (October 13), the BCCI unveiled India's new kit for the upcoming showpiece event, where the Virat Kohli-led side will be aiming to win their second title overall. As the excitement is now building up with each passing day, here's a look at the Men in Blue's full schedule for the mega event. Team India's full schedule for T20 WC: Warm-up encounters- October 18: India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm) October 20: India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm) ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Shardul Thakur replaces Axar Patel to join Team India's main squad After the two warm-up encounters, Kohli & Co. will start the Super 12 round, where they are placed in Pool B along with arch-rivals Babar Azam-led Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers. Fixtures in main draw of the tournament- October 24: India vs Pakistan, Dubai (7:30pm) October 31: India vs New Zealand, Dubai (7:30pm) November 3: India vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi (7:30pm) November 5: India vs B1, Dubai (7:30pm) November 8: India vs A2, Dubai (7:30pm) ALSO READ | Fans cannot keep calm as BCCI unveils Virat Kohli-led Team India's new jersey for T20 World Cup India have a strong squad at their disposal and are expected to go the distance. For the unversed, Shardul Thakur has replaced Axar Patel in India's 15-man main squad. On the other hand, former captain MS Dhoni will also join the side as a team mentor for the ICC event. India's squad for ICC T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami Stand-by players: Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Axar Patel The semi-finals will be played on November 10 and 11, at Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, before the summit clash will be held on October 14 at Dubai.

From warm-up games to Pakistan clash: Here's Virat Kohli-led India's complete T20 World Cup schedule

<p>After a long wait, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have finally unveiled the new jersey of Virat Kohli-led Team India for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021. Fans waited for a long period and the Indian board had revealed that the new jersey will be shared with one and all on October 13 (Wednesday). Thus, the BCCI didn't disappoint as the new stylish jersey has gone viral in no time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BCCI shared the new jersey with a picture, comprising captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, on its official social media platforms and captioned the post, "Presenting the Billion Cheers Jersey! The patterns on the jersey are inspired by the billion cheers of the fans."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Presenting the Billion Cheers Jersey!<br />
<br />
The patterns on the jersey are inspired by the billion cheers of the fans.<br />
<br />
Get ready to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowYourGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowYourGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mpl_sport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mpl_sport</a>.<br />
<br />
Buy your jersey now on <a href="https://t.co/u3GYA2wIg1">https://t.co/u3GYA2wIg1</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MPLSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MPLSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BillionCheersJersey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BillionCheersJersey</a> <a href="https://t.co/XWbZhgjBd2">pic.twitter.com/XWbZhgjBd2</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1448204361516126215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-politely-turns-down-bccis-offer-to-succeed-ravi-shastri-as-team-india-coach-reports-420351"><strong>Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Here are some of the reactions of the ardent Team India fans seeing the new jersey:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All the best Team India <a href="https://t.co/hS071ZSPiQ">pic.twitter.com/hS071ZSPiQ</a></p>
— 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒑𝑹𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒚 (@surup_reddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/surup_reddy/status/1448208264349376517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TBH<br />
<br />
This one is looking cool and way better than retro one<br />
<br />
Just love these blue+ Orange combo <a href="https://t.co/bz7NONKFps">pic.twitter.com/bz7NONKFps</a></p>
— Ravi Desai Champion CSK (@its_DRP) <a href="https://twitter.com/its_DRP/status/1448205120085188614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kings* <a href="https://t.co/9n9aFYWYfx">pic.twitter.com/9n9aFYWYfx</a></p>
— Aditya Singh Rajput (@culer_aditya) <a href="https://twitter.com/culer_aditya/status/1448208308842557442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The winning jersey looks good.</p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1448206707788697604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-play-england-australia-complete-schedule-of-t20-world-cup-2021-warm-up-matches-420232"><strong>India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches</strong></a></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup will commence from October 17, two days after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE. For the unversed, the qualifying round (along with the warm-up encounters) will be held from October 17-22 before the main draw of the showpiece event will kick off from October 23. India will open their campaign versus arch-rivals Pakistan, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India are placed in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will also be Kohli's last series as India's T20I captain as he will step down from the post, in the shortest format, post the tournament. Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni will also join the national side as the team mentor for the mega event.</p>


After a long wait, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have finally unveiled the new jersey of Virat Kohli-led Team India for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021.

After a long wait, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have finally unveiled the new jersey of Virat Kohli-led Team India for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021. Fans waited for a long period and the Indian board had revealed that the new jersey will be shared with one and all on October 13 (Wednesday). Thus, the BCCI didn't disappoint as the new stylish jersey has gone viral in no time. BCCI shared the new jersey with a picture, comprising captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, on its official social media platforms and captioned the post, "Presenting the Billion Cheers Jersey! The patterns on the jersey are inspired by the billion cheers of the fans." Presenting the Billion Cheers Jersey! The patterns on the jersey are inspired by the billion cheers of the fans. Get ready to #ShowYourGame @mpl_sport. Buy your jersey now on https://t.co/u3GYA2wIg1#MPLSports #BillionCheersJersey pic.twitter.com/XWbZhgjBd2 — BCCI (@BCCI) October 13, 2021 × ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports Here are some of the reactions of the ardent Team India fans seeing the new jersey: All the best Team India pic.twitter.com/hS071ZSPiQ — 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒑𝑹𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒚 (@surup_reddy) October 13, 2021 × TBH This one is looking cool and way better than retro one Just love these blue+ Orange combo pic.twitter.com/bz7NONKFps — Ravi Desai Champion CSK (@its_DRP) October 13, 2021 × Kings* pic.twitter.com/9n9aFYWYfx — Aditya Singh Rajput (@culer_aditya) October 13, 2021 × The winning jersey looks good. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 13, 2021 × ALSO READ | India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches The T20 World Cup will commence from October 17, two days after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE. For the unversed, the qualifying round (along with the warm-up encounters) will be held from October 17-22 before the main draw of the showpiece event will kick off from October 23. India will open their campaign versus arch-rivals Pakistan, on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. India are placed in Pool B along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers. This will also be Kohli's last series as India's T20I captain as he will step down from the post, in the shortest format, post the tournament. Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni will also join the national side as the team mentor for the mega event.

Fans cannot keep calm as BCCI unveils Virat Kohli-led Team India's new jersey for T20 World Cup

<p>Many believe Rahul Dravid, India's former captain, is the ideal candidate to replace Ravi Shastri as Team India's head coach, as the latter's tenure is coming to an end post the T20 World Cup 2021. For the unversed, Shastri has already hinted at not being willing to extend&nbsp;his contract despite having a very successful tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, in CricTracker, Dravid has now politely turned down BCCI's offer to succeed Shastri as India's head coach. Dravid was India's stand-in coach during their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka early this year, when Shastri-Virat Kohli &amp; Co. were in England and Wales for the five Tests versus Joe Root &amp; Co. Under Dravid, Shikhar Dhawan-led second-stringed Indian team won the three ODIs (2-1) versus Sri Lanka before losing the three T20Is, by the same margin, after missing plenty of players due to the Covid-crisis in the Indian camp.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-play-england-australia-complete-schedule-of-t20-world-cup-2021-warm-up-matches-420232"><strong>India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches</strong></a></p>

<p>However, if reports are to be believed, Dravid isn't keen on taking over as Indian team's coach at present. He is currently the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), in Bengaluru, and has impressed one and all in nurturing young talents, consolidating India's bench strength and ensuring&nbsp;a constant supply of players at the international level.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/venkatesh-iyer-likely-to-stay-as-cover-avesh-khan-to-join-team-india-as-net-bowler-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-420214"><strong>Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>Not only Shastri, but bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's terms are also coming to an end post the T20 WC. Thus, It is understood&nbsp;that the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI -- as per the terms laid out under its constitution --&nbsp;will now officially advertise for the post of India’s head coach closer to the end of tenure of the current staff.</p>

<p>Talking about Shastri, he took over as the head coach -- after Anil Kumble -- in mid-2017. Under him, India beat Australia twice in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and ended as runners-up in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC).</p>


Many believe Rahul Dravid, India's former captain, is the ideal candidate to replace Ravi Shastri as Team India's head coach, as the latter's tenure is coming to an end post the T20 World Cup 2021.

Many believe Rahul Dravid, India's former captain, is the ideal candidate to replace Ravi Shastri as Team India's head coach, as the latter's tenure is coming to an end post the T20 World Cup 2021. For the unversed, Shastri has already hinted at not being willing to extend his contract despite having a very successful tenure. As per reports, in CricTracker, Dravid has now politely turned down BCCI's offer to succeed Shastri as India's head coach. Dravid was India's stand-in coach during their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka early this year, when Shastri-Virat Kohli & Co. were in England and Wales for the five Tests versus Joe Root & Co. Under Dravid, Shikhar Dhawan-led second-stringed Indian team won the three ODIs (2-1) versus Sri Lanka before losing the three T20Is, by the same margin, after missing plenty of players due to the Covid-crisis in the Indian camp. ALSO READ | India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches However, if reports are to be believed, Dravid isn't keen on taking over as Indian team's coach at present. He is currently the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), in Bengaluru, and has impressed one and all in nurturing young talents, consolidating India's bench strength and ensuring a constant supply of players at the international level. ALSO READ | Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup Not only Shastri, but bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's terms are also coming to an end post the T20 WC. Thus, It is understood that the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI -- as per the terms laid out under its constitution -- will now officially advertise for the post of India’s head coach closer to the end of tenure of the current staff. Talking about Shastri, he took over as the head coach -- after Anil Kumble -- in mid-2017. Under him, India beat Australia twice in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and ended as runners-up in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Rahul Dravid politely turns down BCCI's offer to succeed Ravi Shastri as Team India coach: Reports

<p>The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. A total of 16 warm-up fixtures will be played from October 12 to October 20. Papua New Guinea will take on Ireland in the first warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on October 12.</p>

<p>Each team will play two warm-up matches each. The first round of warm-up games will be played on October 12 and 14, between the sides featuring in the initial qualifier round of the tournament. The top eight teams who have already qualified for the Super 12 stage will be in action in the second round of warm-up fixtures on October 18 and October 20.</p>

<p>T20 World Cup 2021 will officially get underway from October 17 with group stage qualifiers, while the Super 12 stage will get underway in Abu Dhabi on October 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Team India will play their first warm-up game against England in Dubai on October 18 before locking horns with Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20. The two matches will help Virat Kohli &amp; Co. get into the grove ahead of the start of the showpiece event.</p>

<p><strong>Check out the complete list of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up fixtures with date and timings:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Round 1 qualifier warm-up matches -&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>October&nbsp;12 </strong></p>

<p>Ireland vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Scotland vs Netherlands, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Oman vs Namibia, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/venkatesh-iyer-likely-to-stay-as-cover-avesh-khan-to-join-team-india-as-net-bowler-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-420214">Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup</a></p>

<p><strong>October&nbsp;14 </strong></p>

<p>Namibia vs Scotland, Dubai (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Sri Lanka vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Bangladesh vs Ireland, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Netherlands vs Oman, Dubai (11:30 am)</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-not-charging-any-honorarium-for-his-services-as-indias-mentor-for-t20-world-cup-jay-shah-420185">MS Dhoni not charging any honorarium for his services as India's mentor for T20 World Cup: Jay Shah</a></p>

<p><strong>Super 12 warm-up matches -&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>October 18 </strong></p>

<p>Pakistan vs West Indies, Dubai (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Afghanistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>New Zealand vs Australia, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>&nbsp;India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p><strong>October 20 </strong></p>

<p>England vs New Zealand, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Pakistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Afghanistan vs West Indies, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>India will open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.</p>


The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.

The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. A total of 16 warm-up fixtures will be played from October 12 to October 20. Papua New Guinea will take on Ireland in the first warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on October 12. Each team will play two warm-up matches each. The first round of warm-up games will be played on October 12 and 14, between the sides featuring in the initial qualifier round of the tournament. The top eight teams who have already qualified for the Super 12 stage will be in action in the second round of warm-up fixtures on October 18 and October 20. T20 World Cup 2021 will officially get underway from October 17 with group stage qualifiers, while the Super 12 stage will get underway in Abu Dhabi on October 23. Team India will play their first warm-up game against England in Dubai on October 18 before locking horns with Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20. The two matches will help Virat Kohli & Co. get into the grove ahead of the start of the showpiece event. Check out the complete list of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up fixtures with date and timings: Round 1 qualifier warm-up matches - October 12 Ireland vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) Scotland vs Netherlands, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Oman vs Namibia, Dubai (7:30 pm) Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Also Read: Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup October 14 Namibia vs Scotland, Dubai (11:30 am) Sri Lanka vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am) Bangladesh vs Ireland, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am) Netherlands vs Oman, Dubai (11:30 am) Also Read: MS Dhoni not charging any honorarium for his services as India's mentor for T20 World Cup: Jay Shah Super 12 warm-up matches - October 18 Pakistan vs West Indies, Dubai (3:30 pm) Afghanistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) New Zealand vs Australia, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm) October 20 England vs New Zealand, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm) Pakistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Afghanistan vs West Indies, Dubai (7:30 pm) India will open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.

India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches