Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second T20 international match against India at Bengaluru today.

The visitors went into the game with an unchanged squad, the hosts however, rested Rohit Sharma and brought in Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar to boost the batting line-up.

Australia chose to stick with four fast bowlers and leg-spinner Adam Zampa. India dropped Umesh Yadav and brought in Siddarth Kaul. Yadav faced the axe after giving away 14 runs in the final&nbsp;over as&nbsp;India lost by three wickets to Australia at Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

After a brisk start, India lost opener&nbsp;Lokesh Rahul with the hosts&nbsp;on 61 as Coulter-Nile stuck in the eight over.&nbsp;KL Rahul scored 47(26 balls) studded with four sixes and three boundaries. Skipper Virat Kohli joined Dhawan at the crease with India on 70/1 in 9 overs.

Squad:

India:

Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (capt), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Siddarth Kaul, Jasprit Bumrah

Australia:

D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb (wk), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second T20 international match against India at Bengaluru today. The visitors went into the game with an unchanged squad, the hosts however, rested Rohit Sharma and brought in Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar to boost the batting line-up.

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second T20 international match against India at Bengaluru today. The visitors went into the game with an unchanged squad, the hosts however, rested Rohit Sharma and brought in Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar to boost the batting line-up. Australia chose to stick with four fast bowlers and leg-spinner Adam Zampa. India dropped Umesh Yadav and brought in Siddarth Kaul. Yadav faced the axe after giving away 14 runs in the final over as India lost by three wickets to Australia at Visakhapatnam on Sunday. After a brisk start, India lost opener Lokesh Rahul with the hosts on 61 as Coulter-Nile stuck in the eight over. KL Rahul scored 47(26 balls) studded with four sixes and three boundaries. Skipper Virat Kohli joined Dhawan at the crease with India on 70/1 in 9 overs. Squad: India: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (capt), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Siddarth Kaul, Jasprit Bumrah Australia: D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb (wk), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa

India vs Aus T20: Umesh Yadav dropped, Siddarth Kaul, Vijay Shankar in team

Kohli, Bumrah & Dhoni eye new records in 2nd T20 against Australia

Jasprit Bumrah defended his under-fire colleague Umesh Yadav for not being able to defend 14 runs in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-australia-beat-india-by-three-wickets-in-last-ball-thriller-lead-series-1-0-199415">final over of the T20 against Australia</a>, calling it a one-off day when his execution at the death went haywire.&nbsp;

Bumrah got India back into the match with a superb 19th over where he gave away only two runs and Yadav had defend 14 in order to stop Australia from reaching a modest target of 127.&nbsp;

Asked about Yadav's last over, Bumrah came in defence of his senior colleague. "This happens, death bowling is always difficult in any situation. It always goes both ways and it's sometimes 50-50," Bumrah said at the post-match news conference.

"You try your best, and you're clear in your execution. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. Nothing to be worried. We wanted to close the game in our favour but it's okay," Bumrah, who took 3 for 16 in four overs with 18 dot balls, said.&nbsp;

Bumrah pointed out that Australia, having won the toss, had the advantage of knowing what exactly they needed to do on a sluggish surface, while India spent their innings figuring out what a competitive total would be.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/we-want-to-give-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-game-time-virat-kohli-199430">We want to give KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant game time, says Virat Kohli</a>

"It's a little different once you know your target. It was a small target, so once you hit one boundary then you don't need to take a lot of risks. At first, we are still figuring out what is the safe total so I think that was a difference maybe. They were rotating the strikes after hitting a boundary."

Bumrah further said around 140-145 would have been a par score on this wicket.

"We almost pulled off this game. But on this wicket, around 140-145 would have been a very good score. There was low bounce and it was difficult to hit big shots. It's always difficult to chase on these kind of wickets," he said.&nbsp;

Just like his skipper Virat Kohli, Bumrah also agreed that India were 15-20 runs short of par-score.

"We were short by 15-20 runs, but we had a fighting total. Everybody could have taken a little more responsibility but this happens in the game of cricket.

We lost two-three wickets more than we wanted to, but we backed our team and wanted to execute whatever we had."

Bumrah, who perhaps has the best yorker among current bowlers conceded that it wasn't an easy wicket to bat on.

"I was just focusing on what my strengths are what the wicket was because the wicket was a little difficult to bat on. It's not easy to score heavily on this wicket," Bumrah, who returned to action after a being rested following the Test series in Australia, said.

Dhoni refused to take singles to guard Yuzvendra Chahal in the last two overs.

"We were just trying our best. He was just trying to take the game deep and trying to get us to a safe total which he tried. I think he gave us a total something we could fight for."&nbsp;

Opener KL Rahul hit a fifty on his comeback and he said it would increase the competition for the opener's slot which is good.

"It's always good when you got competition in the team. He (Rahul) looked the best batsman. He was playing with a lot of composure. He started off playing good shots and he was paying conventional shots. So it's very good when a player like him is back in form."

Bumrah was also all praise for Pat Cummins who hit the winning runs and also scored a boundary in the penultimate ball.

"He has the composure too. He played well and got an important boundary (off the second last ball). He's a pretty confident cricketer; he's backing all his skills so very good for him."

Jasprit Bumrah defended his under-fire colleague Umesh Yadav for not being able to defend 14 runs in the final over of the T20 against Australia, calling it a one-off day when his execution at the death went haywire.

Jasprit Bumrah defended his under-fire colleague Umesh Yadav for not being able to defend 14 runs in the final over of the T20 against Australia, calling it a one-off day when his execution at the death went haywire. Bumrah got India back into the match with a superb 19th over where he gave away only two runs and Yadav had defend 14 in order to stop Australia from reaching a modest target of 127. Asked about Yadav's last over, Bumrah came in defence of his senior colleague. "This happens, death bowling is always difficult in any situation. It always goes both ways and it's sometimes 50-50," Bumrah said at the post-match news conference. "You try your best, and you're clear in your execution. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. Nothing to be worried. We wanted to close the game in our favour but it's okay," Bumrah, who took 3 for 16 in four overs with 18 dot balls, said. Bumrah pointed out that Australia, having won the toss, had the advantage of knowing what exactly they needed to do on a sluggish surface, while India spent their innings figuring out what a competitive total would be. Also Read: We want to give KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant game time, says Virat Kohli "It's a little different once you know your target. It was a small target, so once you hit one boundary then you don't need to take a lot of risks. At first, we are still figuring out what is the safe total so I think that was a difference maybe. They were rotating the strikes after hitting a boundary." Bumrah further said around 140-145 would have been a par score on this wicket. "We almost pulled off this game. But on this wicket, around 140-145 would have been a very good score. There was low bounce and it was difficult to hit big shots. It's always difficult to chase on these kind of wickets," he said. Just like his skipper Virat Kohli, Bumrah also agreed that India were 15-20 runs short of par-score. "We were short by 15-20 runs, but we had a fighting total. Everybody could have taken a little more responsibility but this happens in the game of cricket. We lost two-three wickets more than we wanted to, but we backed our team and wanted to execute whatever we had." Bumrah, who perhaps has the best yorker among current bowlers conceded that it wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. "I was just focusing on what my strengths are what the wicket was because the wicket was a little difficult to bat on. It's not easy to score heavily on this wicket," Bumrah, who returned to action after a being rested following the Test series in Australia, said. Dhoni refused to take singles to guard Yuzvendra Chahal in the last two overs. "We were just trying our best. He was just trying to take the game deep and trying to get us to a safe total which he tried. I think he gave us a total something we could fight for." Opener KL Rahul hit a fifty on his comeback and he said it would increase the competition for the opener's slot which is good. "It's always good when you got competition in the team. He (Rahul) looked the best batsman. He was playing with a lot of composure. He started off playing good shots and he was paying conventional shots. So it's very good when a player like him is back in form." Bumrah was also all praise for Pat Cummins who hit the winning runs and also scored a boundary in the penultimate ball. "He has the composure too. He played well and got an important boundary (off the second last ball). He's a pretty confident cricketer; he's backing all his skills so very good for him."

Some days execution in death bowling doesn't come off: Jasprit Bumrah

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England.&nbsp;

Rahul made an impressive half-century on his comeback but Pant was needlessly run-out during India's three-wicket defeat against Australia in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-australia-beat-india-by-three-wickets-in-last-ball-thriller-lead-series-1-0-199415">first T20 International</a>.

Chasing a target of 127, Australia were cruising along before Jasprit Bumrah's (3/16 in 4 overs) brilliant 19th over nearly won the game for India.

"We want to give Rahul and Rishab more game-time. Rahul played a really good knock and we had a good partnership. Had we gone on, we could have got 150, which would have been a match-winning score on this pitch. But Australia played better cricket overall and deserved to win," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

However, he didn't forget to praise his bowlers for making a match of a low target like 127.

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Australia win a thriller here at Vizag 
 
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"Very pleased with the bowling effort. Never thought we would be in this situation but Bumrah can do wonders when the ball is reversing. Even Mayank (Markande) bowled brilliantly (17th over), I thought," said Kohli.

Winning captain Aaron Finch also conceded that facing Bumrah in the death overs is not an easy proposition.&nbsp;

"When Bumrah has got overs up his sleeve, it's never easy. But the run-outs didn't help either. Maxwell played a hell of an innings on a difficult pitch," Finch lauded the senior batsman.

Pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of three for 26, felt that the ball wasn't coming onto the bat.&nbsp;

"I thought the boys bowled really well and we scraped home. We worked out quickly that the ball was not coming on to the bat. We have been playing a bit of cricket in the BBL. Really good to have a win and hopefully we will have another one and win the series," said Coulter-Nile.

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England.

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England. Rahul made an impressive half-century on his comeback but Pant was needlessly run-out during India's three-wicket defeat against Australia in the first T20 International. Chasing a target of 127, Australia were cruising along before Jasprit Bumrah's (3/16 in 4 overs) brilliant 19th over nearly won the game for India. "We want to give Rahul and Rishab more game-time. Rahul played a really good knock and we had a good partnership. Had we gone on, we could have got 150, which would have been a match-winning score on this pitch. But Australia played better cricket overall and deserved to win," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. However, he didn't forget to praise his bowlers for making a match of a low target like 127. Australia win a thriller here at Vizag Win by 3 wickets in the 1st T20I https://t.co/qKQdie3Ayg #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/hMwOZbWjY2 — BCCI (@BCCI) 24 February 2019 × "Very pleased with the bowling effort. Never thought we would be in this situation but Bumrah can do wonders when the ball is reversing. Even Mayank (Markande) bowled brilliantly (17th over), I thought," said Kohli. Winning captain Aaron Finch also conceded that facing Bumrah in the death overs is not an easy proposition. "When Bumrah has got overs up his sleeve, it's never easy. But the run-outs didn't help either. Maxwell played a hell of an innings on a difficult pitch," Finch lauded the senior batsman. Pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of three for 26, felt that the ball wasn't coming onto the bat. "I thought the boys bowled really well and we scraped home. We worked out quickly that the ball was not coming on to the bat. We have been playing a bit of cricket in the BBL. Really good to have a win and hopefully we will have another one and win the series," said Coulter-Nile.

We want to give KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant game time: Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed after establishing a fifty run partnership with opener KL Rahul on Sunday. Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes.&nbsp;

Minutes later, young batsman&nbsp;Rishabh Pant was run-out. He made just three runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover the early loss of Rohit Sharma, who departed after making just five runs.

Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " &nbsp;It looks like a really nice wicket and I don't think it is going to change much. Hopefully, we can chase down the total. Peter Handscomb will make his debut and he will keep wickets too. It is very exciting for him.We play India all the time these days. Short will open the innings for us."

India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil.

Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " We would have wanted to bowl first too. It looks like a good pitch to bat on. We are not concerned about batting first. I was switched off and didn't watch much cricket during my off period."&nbsp;

"I wanted to get away from everything and refresh myself. I am ready to go now. There are people who might be potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time."

"KL Rahul will get more game time as he has been out for a while, Shikhar Dhawan has been rested. Umesh Yadav comes in place of Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar."

The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales.

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):&nbsp;Aaron Finch(c), D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb(w), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed after establishing a fifty run partnership with opener KL Rahul on Sunday. Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed after establishing a fifty run partnership with opener KL Rahul on Sunday. Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes. Minutes later, young batsman Rishabh Pant was run-out. He made just three runs. The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover the early loss of Rohit Sharma, who departed after making just five runs. Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " It looks like a really nice wicket and I don't think it is going to change much. Hopefully, we can chase down the total. Peter Handscomb will make his debut and he will keep wickets too. It is very exciting for him.We play India all the time these days. Short will open the innings for us." India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil. Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " We would have wanted to bowl first too. It looks like a good pitch to bat on. We are not concerned about batting first. I was switched off and didn't watch much cricket during my off period." "I wanted to get away from everything and refresh myself. I am ready to go now. There are people who might be potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time." "KL Rahul will get more game time as he has been out for a while, Shikhar Dhawan has been rested. Umesh Yadav comes in place of Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar." The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales. Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb(w), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

1st T20I: Quick strikes hurt India, are 104/6 after 16 overs

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-led-india-look-to-put-final-touches-to-world-cup-plans-199187#india-vs-australia-199174">opening T20 International series against Australia</a>.&nbsp;

The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Bowler Vijay Shankar was the main focus as he bowled full steam alongside Umesh Yadav, indicating the all-rounder will have a lot to do in both the formats.&nbsp;

Shankar has been considered prominent for India's World Cup plans.&nbsp;

During the limited overs series against Australia, India will look to identify the batsman to fill a middle-order spot in an otherwise settled side.&nbsp;

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Depart ✈ 
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While Shankar has shown that he is a capable batsman, having scored 45 off 64 deliveries in a match-winning 98-run stand with Ambati Rayudu after the top-order collapse in the final ODI in New Zealand. &nbsp;

India will enter the series with consistent bowling options and there is not much ambiguity in India's pace attack.&nbsp;

With Jasprit Bumrah back to take charge of the pace department along with Umesh, Shankar will look to play the role of the third seamer.&nbsp;

Head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun also gave special attention to India's latest wrist spinner Mayank Markande, who has earned his maiden call-up in the national squad.&nbsp;

Earlier, India had a long fielding session with some unique, high-intensity drills under fielding coach R Sridhar.

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the opening T20 International series against Australia. The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales.

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the opening T20 International series against Australia. The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales. Bowler Vijay Shankar was the main focus as he bowled full steam alongside Umesh Yadav, indicating the all-rounder will have a lot to do in both the formats. Shankar has been considered prominent for India's World Cup plans. During the limited overs series against Australia, India will look to identify the batsman to fill a middle-order spot in an otherwise settled side. Depart ✈ Arrive 🛬 Train & sweat it out 💪🏻💪🏻#TeamIndia gear up for the 1st T20I in Vizag #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Qv5tbFTQpw — BCCI (@BCCI) February 22, 2019 × MOOD in the camp before the 1st T20I against Australia in Vizag #TeamIndia #INDvAUS @Paytm pic.twitter.com/eRuJSW9B8j — BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2019 × While Shankar has shown that he is a capable batsman, having scored 45 off 64 deliveries in a match-winning 98-run stand with Ambati Rayudu after the top-order collapse in the final ODI in New Zealand. India will enter the series with consistent bowling options and there is not much ambiguity in India's pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah back to take charge of the pace department along with Umesh, Shankar will look to play the role of the third seamer. Head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun also gave special attention to India's latest wrist spinner Mayank Markande, who has earned his maiden call-up in the national squad. Earlier, India had a long fielding session with some unique, high-intensity drills under fielding coach R Sridhar.

India vs Australia: Focus on Vijay Shankar at India nets

Virat Kohli-led India look to put final touches to World Cup plans

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Virat+Kohli">Virat Kohli</a> feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations.&nbsp;

India are playing two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against Australia in what will be their last international assignment before the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on June 5. &nbsp;

"Probably, a couple of more ODIs would have been more beneficial for both the teams not just us. It would have been more ideal and logical," Kohli said on the eve of the opening T20.&nbsp;

Even though it's a T20 game, Kohli would like to treat these shortest format games also an extended preparation for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"But look we have to utilise what's in front of us as best as possible. And as I said we're going to look to get into the right kind of frame of mind as a team," the skipper added.&nbsp;

The core team for the World Cup is set but skipper didn't rule out an exceptional performer getting a look in.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indo-pak-world-cup-game-we-will-respect-government-decision-199134">Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision</a>

"We're more or less sorted. But through the course of the series you might see something which might surprise you as a team and which you might want to change immediately. But those are things that are upon how circumstances come in front of you," he said.&nbsp;

As of now, we feel pretty balanced as a side and I don't see any concerns or areas that we need to think about anymore. Everything is more or less sorted," world's No 1 batsman sounded quite assured.&nbsp;

The skipper didn't reveal whether leg-spinner Mayank Markande will be given preference over regular wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal and Krunal Pandya have been the two specialist spinners in the T20 format.&nbsp;

"Look, he (Markande) has been given an opportunity because he's done well. It's purely giving a youngster a chance, who has done well over the last couple of seasons and bowled well in the IPL and T20 cricket."&nbsp;

The Indian captain marked Marcus Stoinis as the most dangerous player in the Aussie set-up. Stoinis is set to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore.&nbsp;

Kohli termed Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as a threat for the upcoming series. Stoinis scored 533 at 53.30 with a strike rate of 130.63 for his franchise Melbourne Stars in the BBL. &nbsp;

"If I had to single out one player that can make more impact, that would be Stoinis. He has come around really well during the BBL and he's making stand out performances. You can see he's grown in confidence and he's definitely going to be a very important player for them."&nbsp;

"A few of the guys have done really well in the BBL. But from the last time that we played, the games were close contests, both of them. One was washed out, but the other two were really exciting games. We obviously expect a stiff competition overall from the Australian team," he signed off.&nbsp;

India captain Virat Kohli feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations.

India captain Virat Kohli feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations. India are playing two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against Australia in what will be their last international assignment before the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on June 5. "Probably, a couple of more ODIs would have been more beneficial for both the teams not just us. It would have been more ideal and logical," Kohli said on the eve of the opening T20. Even though it's a T20 game, Kohli would like to treat these shortest format games also an extended preparation for the World Cup. "But look we have to utilise what's in front of us as best as possible. And as I said we're going to look to get into the right kind of frame of mind as a team," the skipper added. The core team for the World Cup is set but skipper didn't rule out an exceptional performer getting a look in. Also Read: Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision "We're more or less sorted. But through the course of the series you might see something which might surprise you as a team and which you might want to change immediately. But those are things that are upon how circumstances come in front of you," he said. As of now, we feel pretty balanced as a side and I don't see any concerns or areas that we need to think about anymore. Everything is more or less sorted," world's No 1 batsman sounded quite assured. The skipper didn't reveal whether leg-spinner Mayank Markande will be given preference over regular wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal and Krunal Pandya have been the two specialist spinners in the T20 format. "Look, he (Markande) has been given an opportunity because he's done well. It's purely giving a youngster a chance, who has done well over the last couple of seasons and bowled well in the IPL and T20 cricket." The Indian captain marked Marcus Stoinis as the most dangerous player in the Aussie set-up. Stoinis is set to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli termed Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as a threat for the upcoming series. Stoinis scored 533 at 53.30 with a strike rate of 130.63 for his franchise Melbourne Stars in the BBL. "If I had to single out one player that can make more impact, that would be Stoinis. He has come around really well during the BBL and he's making stand out performances. You can see he's grown in confidence and he's definitely going to be a very important player for them." "A few of the guys have done really well in the BBL. But from the last time that we played, the games were close contests, both of them. One was washed out, but the other two were really exciting games. We obviously expect a stiff competition overall from the Australian team," he signed off.

Logical would have been to play couple of more ODIs ahead of World Cup: Virat Kohli

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pulwama">lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a> on February 14.&nbsp;

Lately, in the wake of the ghastly terror, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan.&nbsp;

While speaking on the eve of a bilateral series against Australia, Kohli&nbsp;addressed the spiralling issue. He said, "Our stand is simple. We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do and that is basically our opinion."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

"Whatever the government and the board decide, we will eventually go by that and will respect that. So that is our stand on this particular issue," Kohli added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Virat Kohli on Ind Vs Pak in World Cup says, "Our sincere condolences to the families of CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a>. We stand by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do." <a href="https://t.co/gjyJ9qDxts">pic.twitter.com/gjyJ9qDxts</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099195076050337792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kohli's stand is pretty similar to what chief coach Ravi Shastri echoed in an interview to a television channel where he said that the team will "accept whatever decision that the government takes."

The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates".&nbsp;

India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.&nbsp;

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

The skipper of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has expressed sincere condolences to the families of martyred Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. Lately, in the wake of the ghastly terror, there have been calls for a complete cricketing boycott against Pakistan. While speaking on the eve of a bilateral series against Australia, Kohli addressed the spiralling issue. He said, "Our stand is simple. We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do and that is basically our opinion." Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash "Whatever the government and the board decide, we will eventually go by that and will respect that. So that is our stand on this particular issue," Kohli added. #WATCH Virat Kohli on Ind Vs Pak in World Cup says, "Our sincere condolences to the families of CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in #PulwamaAttack. We stand by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do." pic.twitter.com/gjyJ9qDxts — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2019 × Kohli's stand is pretty similar to what chief coach Ravi Shastri echoed in an interview to a television channel where he said that the team will "accept whatever decision that the government takes." The chief of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) Vinod Rai decided against taking any stand on the match but urged the ICC and other nations to "sever ties" with countries from where "terrorism emanates". India are scheduled to play Pakistan on June 16 during the World Cup.

Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals.&nbsp;

The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.&nbsp;

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines.&nbsp;

Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner.&nbsp;

With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey.&nbsp;

Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child.&nbsp;

For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face.

Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.

The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup.

Pant has found a place in both the squads.&nbsp;

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the complete schedule:

(All timings in IST)

Australia vs India 
Twenty20 Internationals 
1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr&nbsp;YS&nbsp;Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM

2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM

Australia vs India 
One-Day Internationals 
1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM

2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM

3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM

4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM

5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the squad list of both the teams:

India's squad:

For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

Australia's squad:

For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa&nbsp;

For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner. With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey. Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child. For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face. Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup. Pant has found a place in both the squads. Here is the complete schedule: (All timings in IST) Australia vs India Twenty20 Internationals 1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM 2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM Australia vs India One-Day Internationals 1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM 2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM 3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM 4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM 5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM Here is the squad list of both the teams: India's squad: For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja. For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja. For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande. Australia's squad: For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Indian skipper Virat Kohli retained his top spot while teammate Chesteshwar Pujara still holds No 3 in the latest ICC Test rankings.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera made a quantum leap of 58 places after he smashed an unbeaten 153 runs, in second innings, that guided his team to an improbable win against South Africa. &nbsp;

The left-handed batsman reached his career-best 40th position after 15 Tests.

Perera added 78 runs for the last wicket with Vishwa Fernando (six not out) to beat an 83-year record set by the Australians against Madras in February 1936.&nbsp;

Among the bowlers, Australian pacer Pat Cummins surpassed Kagiso Rabada to grab the top spot.&nbsp;

Cummins is the first from his country since Glenn McGrath's pole position in the list, back in February 2006.

Meanwhile, India's Ravindra Jadeja is placed at the fifth spot with 794 points. Jadeja also features in the all-rounders' list at the third position ahead of West Indies' Jason Holder and Shakib-Al Hasan.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli retained his top spot while teammate Chesteshwar Pujara still holds No 3 in the latest ICC Test rankings. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera made a quantum leap of 58 places after he smashed an unbeaten 153 runs, in second innings, that guided his team to an improbable win against South Africa.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli retained his top spot while teammate Chesteshwar Pujara still holds No 3 in the latest ICC Test rankings. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera made a quantum leap of 58 places after he smashed an unbeaten 153 runs, in second innings, that guided his team to an improbable win against South Africa. The left-handed batsman reached his career-best 40th position after 15 Tests. Perera added 78 runs for the last wicket with Vishwa Fernando (six not out) to beat an 83-year record set by the Australians against Madras in February 1936. Among the bowlers, Australian pacer Pat Cummins surpassed Kagiso Rabada to grab the top spot. Cummins is the first from his country since Glenn McGrath's pole position in the list, back in February 2006. Meanwhile, India's Ravindra Jadeja is placed at the fifth spot with 794 points. Jadeja also features in the all-rounders' list at the third position ahead of West Indies' Jason Holder and Shakib-Al Hasan.

Virat Kohli is still no1, Kusal Perera attains career-best ICC Test ranking

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

On Thursday, at least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian Sports Honours is an initiative of Virat Kohli Foundation and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.

"The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours has been postponed. At this heavy moment of loss that we all find ourselves in, we would like to cancel this event that was scheduled to take place tomorrow," Kohli wrote on his twitter handle Friday night.

The sporting fraternity, including Kohli, had joined the country in condemning the dastardly attack.

The batting mainstay annually rewards excellence in sports and nurtures promising athletes through his foundation.

"The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours that was supposed to happen tomorrow night has been postponed by Virat as a mark of respect to the CRPF jawans who were martyred at Pulwama by a tragic terror attack," the foundation said in a statement.

"The who's who of entertainment and sports industry were supposed to be present for the award ceremony. Every partner and all the sportstars and delegates associated with this award have been informed and communicated with(,) stating that hosting an event was unacceptable at this moment when India is mourning the death of its jawans."

An explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in the CRPF convoy at Awantipora town in the Pulwama district.

Condolence messages have been pouring in for the family of the deceased CRPF soldiers since the news of the attack broke out.

The foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting the underprivileged sections of society, provides scholarships to promising young athletes, as well as individuals and initiatives that have promoted sport at the grassroot level.&nbsp;

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack. On Thursday, at least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Sports Honours is an initiative of Virat Kohli Foundation and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group. "The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours has been postponed. At this heavy moment of loss that we all find ourselves in, we would like to cancel this event that was scheduled to take place tomorrow," Kohli wrote on his twitter handle Friday night. The sporting fraternity, including Kohli, had joined the country in condemning the dastardly attack. The batting mainstay annually rewards excellence in sports and nurtures promising athletes through his foundation. "The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours that was supposed to happen tomorrow night has been postponed by Virat as a mark of respect to the CRPF jawans who were martyred at Pulwama by a tragic terror attack," the foundation said in a statement. "The who's who of entertainment and sports industry were supposed to be present for the award ceremony. Every partner and all the sportstars and delegates associated with this award have been informed and communicated with(,) stating that hosting an event was unacceptable at this moment when India is mourning the death of its jawans." An explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in the CRPF convoy at Awantipora town in the Pulwama district. Condolence messages have been pouring in for the family of the deceased CRPF soldiers since the news of the attack broke out. The foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting the underprivileged sections of society, provides scholarships to promising young athletes, as well as individuals and initiatives that have promoted sport at the grassroot level.

Pulwama terror attack: Kohli postpones Indian Sports Honours

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series.&nbsp;

Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five O<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-odi-dinesh-karthik-dropped-kl-rahul-returns-to-squad-197613">ne-Day International series</a>.&nbsp;

Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.&nbsp;

While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket.

He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack.&nbsp;

Rishabh&nbsp;Pant has found a place in both the squads.

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India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1096369017785180160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series. Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads. The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket. He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack. Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads. India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande #INDvAUS — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2019 × India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

India vs Australia, T20I: Leg-spinner Mayank Markande picked, Kuldeep Yadav rested

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-t20i-leg-spinner-mayank-markande-picked-kuldeep-yadav-rested-197608">T20 International squads</a> for the home series against Australia.&nbsp;

KL Rahul has been called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad on Friday for upcoming India vs Australia series for both T20 and ODI format.&nbsp;

India and Australia will play two T20Is and five ODI matches and the tournament will kick off from February 24.&nbsp;

Khaleel Ahmed, Shubhman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj - all of whom were part of the squad in the recent tour of New Zealand, have also been left out.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.&nbsp;

The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami; Bhuvneshwar Kumar will join the squad from the third ODI onwards. Bhuvi has been rested for the first two ODIs.&nbsp;

Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the T20 squad but he will return to ODI with his spin action.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads.&nbsp;

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul.&nbsp;

India’s squad for remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and T20 International squads for the home series against Australia.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and T20 International squads for the home series against Australia. KL Rahul has been called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad on Friday for upcoming India vs Australia series for both T20 and ODI format. India and Australia will play two T20Is and five ODI matches and the tournament will kick off from February 24. Khaleel Ahmed, Shubhman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj - all of whom were part of the squad in the recent tour of New Zealand, have also been left out. The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami; Bhuvneshwar Kumar will join the squad from the third ODI onwards. Bhuvi has been rested for the first two ODIs. Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the T20 squad but he will return to ODI with his spin action. Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads. India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul. India’s squad for remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant. India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

India vs Australia, ODI: Dinesh Karthik dropped, KL Rahul recalled

India captain Virat Kohli is well ahead of his contemporaries and destined for greatness, former Sri Lankan batting stalwart Kumar Sangakkara has said.

Run-machine Kohli capped a memorable 2018 by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricketer, Test and one-day international (ODI) player of the year awards last month.

Considered part of the elite group also featuring Kiwi Kane Williamson, Australian Steve Smith and England's Joe Root, Kohli has surged ahead after a stupendous 2018 and is currently the top-ranked Test as well as a one-day batsman.

"Everything about Virat's game stands out. I think he is head and shoulders above anyone else in world cricket today," Sangakkara told India Today news channel.

"And I think going forward, he will be one of the greatest ever cricketers, if not the greatest ever," said the Sri Lankan batting great.

With 39 centuries from 222 one-day matches, Kohli is second only to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar - who scored 49 from 463 - in the 50-over century makers' list.

He has also scored 25 hundreds in 77 Tests.

Sangakkara is amazed by Kohli's ability to success across formats without tinkering his basis game.

"He has this incredible knack of scoring runs and has a very, very solid method that he believes in..." said the former Sri Lanka captain.

"... if you see the tempo which he bats with, it hardly changes. He does read the situation very well.

"He is a very passionate guy, you see that in his expressions on the field... it's the overall aspect of both the person and how he has sorted his batting and his attitude."

Sangakkara's former team mate Mahela Jayawardene lauded how Kohli handled the pressure of leading the team of a cricket-mad nation of 1.3 billion.

"It's not just about the ability Virat has but to understand the way to handle pressure not just on the field but also off the field and the expectations," said the former Sri Lanka captain.

"We grew up with Sachin who had to perhaps experience the same thing. And for the next generation, it's probably on Virat's shoulders..." Jayawardene said.

India captain Virat Kohli is well ahead of his contemporaries and destined for greatness, former Sri Lankan batting stalwart Kumar Sangakkara has said. Run-machine Kohli capped a memorable 2018 by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricketer, Test and one-day international (ODI) player of the year awards last month.

India captain Virat Kohli is well ahead of his contemporaries and destined for greatness, former Sri Lankan batting stalwart Kumar Sangakkara has said. Run-machine Kohli capped a memorable 2018 by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricketer, Test and one-day international (ODI) player of the year awards last month. Considered part of the elite group also featuring Kiwi Kane Williamson, Australian Steve Smith and England's Joe Root, Kohli has surged ahead after a stupendous 2018 and is currently the top-ranked Test as well as a one-day batsman. "Everything about Virat's game stands out. I think he is head and shoulders above anyone else in world cricket today," Sangakkara told India Today news channel. "And I think going forward, he will be one of the greatest ever cricketers, if not the greatest ever," said the Sri Lankan batting great. With 39 centuries from 222 one-day matches, Kohli is second only to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar - who scored 49 from 463 - in the 50-over century makers' list. He has also scored 25 hundreds in 77 Tests. Sangakkara is amazed by Kohli's ability to success across formats without tinkering his basis game. "He has this incredible knack of scoring runs and has a very, very solid method that he believes in..." said the former Sri Lanka captain. "... if you see the tempo which he bats with, it hardly changes. He does read the situation very well. "He is a very passionate guy, you see that in his expressions on the field... it's the overall aspect of both the person and how he has sorted his batting and his attitude." Sangakkara's former team mate Mahela Jayawardene lauded how Kohli handled the pressure of leading the team of a cricket-mad nation of 1.3 billion. "It's not just about the ability Virat has but to understand the way to handle pressure not just on the field but also off the field and the expectations," said the former Sri Lanka captain. "We grew up with Sachin who had to perhaps experience the same thing. And for the next generation, it's probably on Virat's shoulders..." Jayawardene said.

Virat Kohli above peers, destined for greatness: Kumar Sangakkara

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-india-all-out-for-139-new-zealand-win-by-80-runs-195572">India folded for 139 in 19.2 overs</a> collapsing to their worst-ever defeat by 80 runs in the first T20 international.

"It was a tough game. We were outplayed in all three departments. We didn't start well and we knew that 200 wasn't going to be an easy chase," Rohit said after the match.

"We have chased such (big) targets in the past and that is why we played with eight batsmen. But we didn't have (even) small partnerships and that made it tougher. New Zealand though played well, they had partnerships. We need to go to Auckland, have a look at the conditions and take it from there," he added.

Outplayed 1-4 by India in the five-match ODI series, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was happy to finally see his team produce a "complete performance" in the first T20I.

"Fantastic performance all around, everyone rose and it was one of those complete performances that you search for. The top-order were superb and we built partnerships that helped us," Williamson said.

"But it has finished now, we move on in a day's time and we have another game. Hope we can keep the momentum through the series having set the tone."

Opening duo of Tim Seifert (84) and Colin Munro (34) shared a 86-run opening partnership to lay the foundation for New Zealand's total before the bowlers returned to complete the job.

"Seifert and Munro were outstanding. It really was a good experience for the boys. Some of the short contributions were of great importance. Daryll bowled really well and played a good cameo down the order. We had the runs on the board, but the bowling and fielding too was of high standard," Williamson said.

Seifert, who was adjudged the 'Man of the Match' for his 43-ball 84, said he was happy to live up to the expectations after his selection in the team.

"It was a great way to start the series and the boys are really happy. It feels great to go up the order. I had a look at the first two overs and then took it from there and put pressure on the bowlers," he said.&nbsp;

"I have been selected for a reason and it feels nice to have backed my ability," he said when asked about his big-hitting prowess.&nbsp;

India will play New Zealand in the second T20I at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday.&nbsp;

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match.

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match. India folded for 139 in 19.2 overs collapsing to their worst-ever defeat by 80 runs in the first T20 international. "It was a tough game. We were outplayed in all three departments. We didn't start well and we knew that 200 wasn't going to be an easy chase," Rohit said after the match. "We have chased such (big) targets in the past and that is why we played with eight batsmen. But we didn't have (even) small partnerships and that made it tougher. New Zealand though played well, they had partnerships. We need to go to Auckland, have a look at the conditions and take it from there," he added. Outplayed 1-4 by India in the five-match ODI series, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was happy to finally see his team produce a "complete performance" in the first T20I. "Fantastic performance all around, everyone rose and it was one of those complete performances that you search for. The top-order were superb and we built partnerships that helped us," Williamson said. "But it has finished now, we move on in a day's time and we have another game. Hope we can keep the momentum through the series having set the tone." Opening duo of Tim Seifert (84) and Colin Munro (34) shared a 86-run opening partnership to lay the foundation for New Zealand's total before the bowlers returned to complete the job. "Seifert and Munro were outstanding. It really was a good experience for the boys. Some of the short contributions were of great importance. Daryll bowled really well and played a good cameo down the order. We had the runs on the board, but the bowling and fielding too was of high standard," Williamson said. Seifert, who was adjudged the 'Man of the Match' for his 43-ball 84, said he was happy to live up to the expectations after his selection in the team. "It was a great way to start the series and the boys are really happy. It feels great to go up the order. I had a look at the first two overs and then took it from there and put pressure on the bowlers," he said. "I have been selected for a reason and it feels nice to have backed my ability," he said when asked about his big-hitting prowess. India will play New Zealand in the second T20I at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday.

India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan.

"The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable.

"I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said.

However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain.

"As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia.

"I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri.

Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil.&nbsp;

Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year.&nbsp;

Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner.

"Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website.

"There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added.

Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him.

"I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said.

Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it.

However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical.&nbsp;

"It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said.&nbsp;

"We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said.

According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England.

"And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach.

Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest.&nbsp;

"...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!"

"And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said.

And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable. "I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said. However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain. "As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia. "I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri. Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil. Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year. Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner. "Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website. "There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added. Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him. "I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said. Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it. However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical. "It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said. "We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said. According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England. "And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach. Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest. "...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!" "And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said. And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Virat Kohli 'reminds me of Imran Khan', says India coach Ravi Shastri

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was granted rest for the remaining two ODIs and three T20I after India won the third ODI also and clinched the five-match series. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, in 4th ODI, I<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-4th-odi-new-zealand-beat-india-by-8-wickets-chase-down-target-in-144-overs-194007">ndia was bundled out for mere 92 runs </a>and lost the game as the top batting order failed to score any runs and kept on losing wickets at regular intervals.

There was a point when&nbsp;India were 40 for the loss of seven wickets just because the top-batsmen failed to play along with the swing. They would have registered a new low ODI figure, beating the 54 runs, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-4th-odi-indias-lowest-odi-total-came-against-sri-lanka-193981">Indian cricket team scored at Sharjah in 2000.&nbsp;</a>

Somehow, the 'Men In Blue' managed to save face.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After the 3rd ODI, Kohli also said he was thrilled with the way his team played in the first three ODIs. &nbsp;

However, a reaction from Kohli is awaited on India's such a poor show in the fourth game. The management decided to give Kohli rest, knowing former Indian skipper MS Dhoni is still not fit to play. &nbsp;

New Zealand chased down India's 93 runs target in just 13.4 overs to defeat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday.&nbsp;

Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor remained unbeaten and made 30 and 37 respectively to register their first win in the five-match series. The host lost the first three ODIs.

For India, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players. He first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

Yuzvendra Chahal top-scored and remained unbeaten at 18. Hardik is the second top-scorer with 16.&nbsp;

The two teams will next face each other for the fifth and final ODI on Sunday.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was granted rest for the remaining two ODIs and three T20I after India won the third ODI also and clinched the five-match series. Now, in 4th ODI, India was bundled out for mere 92 runs and lost the game as the top batting order failed to score any runs and kept on losing wickets at regular intervals.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was granted rest for the remaining two ODIs and three T20I after India won the third ODI also and clinched the five-match series. Now, in 4th ODI, India was bundled out for mere 92 runs and lost the game as the top batting order failed to score any runs and kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. There was a point when India were 40 for the loss of seven wickets just because the top-batsmen failed to play along with the swing. They would have registered a new low ODI figure, beating the 54 runs, Indian cricket team scored at Sharjah in 2000. Somehow, the 'Men In Blue' managed to save face. After the 3rd ODI, Kohli also said he was thrilled with the way his team played in the first three ODIs. However, a reaction from Kohli is awaited on India's such a poor show in the fourth game. The management decided to give Kohli rest, knowing former Indian skipper MS Dhoni is still not fit to play. New Zealand chased down India's 93 runs target in just 13.4 overs to defeat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday. Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor remained unbeaten and made 30 and 37 respectively to register their first win in the five-match series. The host lost the first three ODIs. For India, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players. He first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11. Yuzvendra Chahal top-scored and remained unbeaten at 18. Hardik is the second top-scorer with 16. The two teams will next face each other for the fifth and final ODI on Sunday.

IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli 'rests' as India bundle out for 92, lose 4th ODI to New Zealand

New Zealand chased down <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-4th-odi-india-all-out-for-92-runs-chahal-top-scores-with-18-193989">India's 93 runs target</a> in just 14.4 overs to defeat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday.&nbsp;

Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor remained unbeaten and made 30 and 37 respectively to register their first win in the five-match series. The host lost the first three ODIs.

For India, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players. He first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

India were all out for 92. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-4th-odi-indias-lowest-odi-total-came-against-sri-lanka-193981">lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000.&nbsp;</a>

Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16.&nbsp;

However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI.

At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.&nbsp;

Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs.&nbsp;

Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs.

But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries.&nbsp;

Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday.

After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs.

Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. &nbsp;India are 3-0 up in the five-match series.

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

New Zealand chased down India's 93 runs target in just 14.4 overs to defeat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday. Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor remained unbeaten and made 30 and 37 respectively to register their first win in the five-match series.

New Zealand chased down India's 93 runs target in just 14.4 overs to defeat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday. Henry Nicholls and Ross Taylor remained unbeaten and made 30 and 37 respectively to register their first win in the five-match series. The host lost the first three ODIs. For India, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players. He first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11. India were all out for 92. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000. Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16. However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI. At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs. Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs. Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs. But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries. Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday. After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket. Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs. Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami. MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. India are 3-0 up in the five-match series. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

IND vs NZ, 4th ODI: New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets, chase down target in 14.4 overs

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday.&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

India were all out for 92 in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000.&nbsp;

Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16.&nbsp;

However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI.

At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.&nbsp;

Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs.&nbsp;

Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs.

But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries.&nbsp;

Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday.

After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs.

Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. &nbsp;India are 3-0 up in the five-match series.

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday. Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday. Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11. India were all out for 92 in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000. Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16. However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI. At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs. Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs. Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs. But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries. Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday. After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket. Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs. Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami. MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. India are 3-0 up in the five-match series. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

IND vs NZ, 4th ODI: Bhuvneshwar dismisses two in New Zealand's 92-run chase

Lower batting order saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya's 16 runs helped India score 55 runs after 20 overs. However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI.

At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.&nbsp;

Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs.&nbsp;

Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs.

But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries.&nbsp;

Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday.

After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs.

Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. &nbsp;India are 3-0 up in the five-match series.

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

Lower batting order saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000. Hardik Pandya's 16 runs helped India score 55 runs after 20 overs.

Lower batting order saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000. Hardik Pandya's 16 runs helped India score 55 runs after 20 overs. However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI. At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs. Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs. Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs. But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries. Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday. After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket. Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs. Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami. MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. India are 3-0 up in the five-match series. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

4th ODI: Hardik Pandya's 16 helps India scrape past 54, their lowest ODI total

New Zealand dismissed India's top five players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI on Thursday.

With just 13 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.&nbsp;

Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven.&nbsp;

Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs.

But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries.&nbsp;

Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday.

After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs.

Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. &nbsp;India are 3-0 up in the five-match series.

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

New Zealand dismissed India's top five players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI on Thursday. With just 13 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.

New Zealand dismissed India's top five players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI on Thursday. With just 13 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs. Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven. Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs. But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries. Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday. After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket. Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs. Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami. MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. India are 3-0 up in the five-match series. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

4th ODI: India lose six wickets for 35 runs after 13 overs

MS Dhoni, who missed out on the third one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand with a sore hamstring, is back at the nets as India prepare to take on the Kiwis for the fourth ODI in Hamilton.&nbsp;

The wicketkeeper-batsman is a vital part of India's World Cup plans and the team management would like to give as many games as possible to the former captain.

The former Indian skipper was spotted at the nets practising for the game tomorrow. However, there has been no official announcement on his fitness but reports have it that if fine he will be included in the playing XI.&nbsp;

The 4th ODI will be captioned by Rohit Sharma after Virat Kohli was given rest for the remaining two games and three T20I.

After struggling with the bat in 2018, Dhoni found form in Australia as he smashed three half-centuries in the ODI series vs Australia and guided India to a historic win.

Dhoni has carried forward that form to New Zealand having scored 48 not out in the 2nd ODI before missing the third due to injury.&nbsp;

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📸📸 
 
Snapshots from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s training session ahead of the 4th ODI against New Zealand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/KTmYgLwK5n">pic.twitter.com/KTmYgLwK5n</a>
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Having sealed the series 3-0, India are expected to make a couple of changes to the team and give chances to the players on the bench to make a case for themselves.

Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj and Vijay Shankar are also hoping to get a chance in the remaining five games.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni, who missed out on the third one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand with a sore hamstring, is back at the nets as India prepare to take on the Kiwis for the fourth ODI in Hamilton.

MS Dhoni, who missed out on the third one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand with a sore hamstring, is back at the nets as India prepare to take on the Kiwis for the fourth ODI in Hamilton. The wicketkeeper-batsman is a vital part of India's World Cup plans and the team management would like to give as many games as possible to the former captain. The former Indian skipper was spotted at the nets practising for the game tomorrow. However, there has been no official announcement on his fitness but reports have it that if fine he will be included in the playing XI. The 4th ODI will be captioned by Rohit Sharma after Virat Kohli was given rest for the remaining two games and three T20I. After struggling with the bat in 2018, Dhoni found form in Australia as he smashed three half-centuries in the ODI series vs Australia and guided India to a historic win. Dhoni has carried forward that form to New Zealand having scored 48 not out in the 2nd ODI before missing the third due to injury. 📸📸 Snapshots from #TeamIndia's training session ahead of the 4th ODI against New Zealand #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/KTmYgLwK5n — BCCI (@BCCI) January 30, 2019 × Having sealed the series 3-0, India are expected to make a couple of changes to the team and give chances to the players on the bench to make a case for themselves. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj and Vijay Shankar are also hoping to get a chance in the remaining five games.

MS Dhoni spotted at nets after missing out third ODI against New Zealand

Young England fast bowler Tom Curran has described Virat Kohli as an "unbelievable player" and hopes to dismiss the India captain when the two teams face-off in the future.

Curran spoke to media after the ICC announced the fixtures of the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.&nbsp;

India are England are clubbed in the same pool along side South Africa, Afghanistan and two other teams who are yet to be confirmed.

But when asked Curran how he hopes to get the prized scalp of Kohli, the 23-year-old right-arm pacer said: "Hopefully not with a no-ball! We'll see. He's an unbelievable player."

The ICC event will be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15 next year.

India will face off against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1.

The tournament will be played as a stand-alone event after the women's T20 World Cup and Curran can't wait to be a part of a world event.

"All the games are so exciting, the crowd will be phenomenal and to be a part of it will be amazing. Playing T20s in Australia is unbelievable. We saw the excitement during the 50-over World Cup (in 2015) created here," Curran said at the launch of the fixtures of the 2020 edition of the tournament here.

"Australia have some of the most unbelievable stadiums in the world. To experience it properly in the Big Bash season has been amazing for me," he added.&nbsp;

Young England fast bowler Tom Curran has described Virat Kohli as an "unbelievable player" and hopes to dismiss the India captain when the two teams face-off in the future.

Young England fast bowler Tom Curran has described Virat Kohli as an "unbelievable player" and hopes to dismiss the India captain when the two teams face-off in the future. Curran spoke to media after the ICC announced the fixtures of the T20 World Cup in Australia next year. India are England are clubbed in the same pool along side South Africa, Afghanistan and two other teams who are yet to be confirmed. But when asked Curran how he hopes to get the prized scalp of Kohli, the 23-year-old right-arm pacer said: "Hopefully not with a no-ball! We'll see. He's an unbelievable player." The ICC event will be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15 next year. India will face off against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1. The tournament will be played as a stand-alone event after the women's T20 World Cup and Curran can't wait to be a part of a world event. "All the games are so exciting, the crowd will be phenomenal and to be a part of it will be amazing. Playing T20s in Australia is unbelievable. We saw the excitement during the 50-over World Cup (in 2015) created here," Curran said at the launch of the fixtures of the 2020 edition of the tournament here. "Australia have some of the most unbelievable stadiums in the world. To experience it properly in the Big Bash season has been amazing for me," he added.

Kohli is an unbelievable player, says England pacer Tom Curran

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