Team India batter Sarfaraz Khan opened up about the shared dream with his younger brother, Musheer Khan, of scoring centuries in the same match during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. Sarfaraz stated that dreams take time to come true, even when the opportunity seems within reach in the Ranji Trophy 2025.

The right-handed batter ended the year in stunning style with a brutal batting display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He smashed 157 balls off just 75 balls, including 14 sixes, during the clash against Goa. His explosive knock helped Mumbai secure an emphatic 87-run win on Wednesday, December 31.

We Have A Common Dream Of Scoring Hundreds… – Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan stated that he and Musheer Khan have come close to scoring centuries in the same match on more than one occasion, including during the Ranji Trophy, but the milestone has narrowly slipped away each time.

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“We have a common dream of scoring hundreds in the same game. We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, Musheer was batting so well and I thought we could do it. But dreams don’t come true that quickly,” Sarfaraz told the Times of India.

Musheer Was Batting Really Well – Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan said that reading the situation and relying on his one-day experience helped him settle quickly at the crease. He stated that his familiarity with ODI pacing, along with shots like the sweep and cut, gave him the confidence to play freely without hesitation.

“By the time I came to the crease, Musheer was batting really well. He was the first to reach fifty,” Sarfaraz said. “I’ve played plenty of one-dayers and I know how to pace an innings. I have a good sweep and cut, and in this format you can’t have more than five fielders out. That gives me freedom to play my shots,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan Shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Sarfaraz has started the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in superb form. He has scored 220 runs in his first three innings, with a best score of 157 off 75 balls against Goa.

In the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sarfaraz has made 220 runs across four matches at an average of 110 and a strike rate of 170.54. Earlier, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 329 runs in seven games at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.08.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz has not played in the IPL since 2023. He has scored 585 runs in 50 IPL matches at an average of 22.50 with a strike rate of 130.58. His last IPL season came with Delhi Capitals in 2023, where he managed an average of 13.25 and a strike rate of 85.48 in four matches.

Chennai Super Kings, who have struggled since winning their fifth title in 2023, signed him for a base price of Rs 75 lakh at the auction. They missed the playoffs in 2024 and had their worst season in 2025, winning only four of 14 matches and finishing last for the first time in IPL history.

Also read: Chennai Super Kings strictly ordered to include Sarfaraz Khan in playing XII for IPL 2026

Though England are still left with a game in the series, the ECB is expected to intervene in Brendon McCullum’s future plans with the English Test side. Top executives from the ECB are expected to fly to Australia for talks with the England management mid-tour.

The Ashes Test series defeat has largely affected England’s campaigns and their strategies. Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, the successful coach-captain duo for England, have struggled against the disciplined Aussies, and the flaws of Bazball have been exposed.

England are slowly coming on track from the fourth Test, which they won at the MCG. However, cricket experts have called it an absolute lottery, since the pitch was completely unpredictable and was deemed unsatisfactory.

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ECB chief executive to fly to Australia for talks with Brendon McCullum

England’s Ashes campaign may have a Test left; however, ECB executives are flying off to the island nation for a face-to-face discussion with the touring party. As per reports on the Daily Mail, Richard Gould is expected to travel to Sydney for crunch talks on the future of the England head coach, Brendon McCullum.

England not only lost the three-match series in Australia but was also crushed by the opposition. The Aussies dominated the English across every inning of the first three Tests; at times, they came from behind and defeated the English, leading to escalated humiliation.

The fourth Test has not erased the impact of the series defeat in Australia and the way they have lost all those games. Brendon McCullum’s ignorant attitude has further escalated things, as he once blamed overpreparation and once claimed that things did not go as planned, instead of simply accepting the fact that they had failed.

Sudden ECB visit will focus on a series debrief

The ECB is not visiting Australia all of a sudden without any major concern. McCullum’s public statements have revealed that he wishes to continue as the coach of the England National Men’s side. His contract with the ECB also extends to around the ICC World Cup 2027.

McCullum, despite the failures, has dressing room support, as even senior batters like Joe Root, who is now the greatest ever batter from Europe, have claimed that any decision to rip up the management midstream is not a good plan.

The immediate focus for the visit would be a debrief on what went wrong in the ongoing Ashes series and whether the current England structure is giving Ben Stokes the liberty and depth to support long hours.

Bazball looks at SCG to remain standing its ground for survival

This is hence evident from all these that England will have to review several bigger issues than Brendon McCullum’s sacking. The balance within the Bazball intent has been repeatedly questioned, and so has the selection strategy. The players should know when to accelerate and when to take control of the innings.

The Sydney Test is crucial from England’s point of view, not only because winning it would save England’s reputation with a 3-2 defeat in the Ashes, but also due to the fact that it would provide McCullum and Stokes the clarity of approach and help them during the post-Ashes post-mortem.

England still have several crucial series coming this year, as they will host New Zealand for a three-match series and then host Pakistan later this year for another home series. Ahead of these home series, England would look to regain the Bazball momentum.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma break the internet with huge New Year act

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 once again lived up to its reputation for high-octane entertainment as Melbourne Renegades took on Sydney Sixers in Match 18 at the Docklands Stadium. While the Sixers eventually cruised to a six-wicket victory, the contest was lit up by a jaw-dropping moment in the field, with Renegades all-rounder Hassan Khan pulling off a sensational catch to dismiss Sixers skipper Moises Henriques.

Competitive total for Melbourne Renegades

Batting first after Sydney Sixers opted to bowl, Melbourne Renegades posted a competitive 164/9 from their 20 overs. Josh Brown provided early fireworks with a blistering 43 off just 19 balls, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Hassan added vital middle-order contributions to keep the scoreboard ticking.

However, the Sixers’ bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent Melbourne from gaining full control. Sean Abbott led the attack with an excellent spell, while Jack Edwards and Hayden Kerr chipped in with key wickets, ensuring the Renegades were kept to a chaseable total on a good batting surface.

Hassan Khan takes a splendid catch

The standout moment of the match came on the final ball of the 14th over during Sydney Sixers’ chase. Gurinder Sandhu delivered a full ball outside off stump, and Henriques shuffled across in an attempt to scoop the ball over the leg side. The shot was mistimed and went high into the air, seemingly heading towards safety.

What followed left everyone stunned. Hassan, positioned deeper at mid-wicket, sprinted a long distance across to his left, judged the ball perfectly, and slid full length to complete an extraordinary two-handed catch just above the turf. The athletic effort drew loud applause from the crowd and instant admiration from teammates and opponents alike.

Here’s the video:

That is OUTSTANDING 😮🔥 Hassan Khan takes a screamer in full flight! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/FlldlVfQP4

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2026

Also WATCH: Tanveer Sangha takes a sensational diving catch to dismiss Josh Inglis in BBL|15

Sixers finish chase despite Renegades’ fight

Despite the brilliance in the field, Sydney Sixers remained in control of the chase. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed half-century, while Joel Davies provided the finishing touch with an aggressive unbeaten cameo. The Sixers eventually reached 168/4 in 19.1 overs to seal a comfortable win.

Also READ: BBL|15: Sean Abbott, Babar Azam star in Sydney Sixers’ thrilling win over Melbourne Renegades

In a thrilling New Year’s Eve clash at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, Pretoria Capitals crushed MI Cape Town by 85 runs in the 8th match of SA20 2025-26 on Wednesday. Batting first, the Capitals posted a formidable 220/5, powered by explosive finishing from Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford, before their bowlers dismantled the hosts for just 135 in 14.2 overs. This victory marked the Capitals’ first points of the season, opening their account on the points table with a bonus-point win.​

Six-hitting spree! Dewald Brevis, Sherfane Rutherford demolish MI Cape Town attack

Brevis and Rutherford turned the death overs into a spectacle, smashing 10 sixes in their combined unbeaten stand of 86 runs off 27 balls, propelling Capitals past 200. Earlier, Wihan Lubbe anchored with 60 off 36 (7 fours, 2 sixes), while Shai Hope contributed 45 off 30 (3 fours, 2 sixes), helping reach 100 in 11.5 overs despite early jolts losing three wickets in the Powerplay for 39. The fireworks ignited in the 18th over from Corbin Bosch, where Brevis sliced a short wide ball over third man for six, then shuffled to hammer a low full toss straight for another maximum.​

Chaos peaked in the penultimate over from Dwaine Pretorius. Brevis had already dealt in boundaries, but Rutherford erupted with four straight sixes: a widish cutter smashed over long-off, a slower bouncer over square leg, an attempted yorker muscled over deep cover for 74 meters, and a length ball hammered straight. This sequence of six consecutive sixes across Bosch and Pretorius overs silenced the home crowd, with Pretorius leaking 36 in two overs without a wicket, as Kagiso Rabada and George Linde sat out the crucial phase. Capitals hit 200 in 19.2 overs, sealing a daunting total despite a slow over-rate penalty.​

Here’s the video:

Rutherford and Brevis – a six-hitting exhibition 🔥🔥🔥#BetwaySA20 #MICTvPC #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/BAsLwJ91jv

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) December 31, 2025

Also READ: Sunrisers Eastern Cape skittle Paarl Royals for SA20’s lowest-ever total in one-sided win

Rutherford’s blistering all-round heroics

Rutherford stole the show, earning Player of the Match for his unbeaten 47 off 15 balls—all sixes, at a staggering 313.33 strike rate—after a quiet start to the tournament. His Caribbean flair dismantled MI Cape Town’s chase; opening with a 63/1 Powerplay, the hosts raced to 50 in 4.6 overs via Ryan Rickelton‘s 33 and Rassie van der Dussen‘s 28, but Rutherford struck back with 4/24 in three overs.​

He dismissed Reeza Hendricks (18), George Linde (2), Pretorius (8), and Rabada (4), collapsing MICT from 100/2 to 135 all out, with Keshav Maharaj grabbing 3/28 including Nicholas Pooran (25, 4×6). Tymal Mills (1/27) and Lizaad Williams (1/19) supported, as MICT lost eight wickets for 35 runs post-strategic timeout at 125/8. Rutherford’s dual impact—finishing the innings and leading the bowling—confirmed Capitals’ dominance, boosting their SA20 campaign amid a competitive table where MI Cape Town slipped after the loss.

Also READ: SA20 2026: Complete squads of all six teams after the players’ auction

Sri Lankan cricket star Maheesh Theekshana and his wife, Arthika Yonali, have shared some joyous news with their fans worldwide. Just a year after their star-studded wedding, the couple took to social media to announce that they are expecting their first child.

The announcement has sent a wave of excitement through the cricketing community, with teammates, fans, and franchises flooding the couple’s social media pages with “congratulations” and well-wishes.

A new chapter for Maheesha Theekshana

The announcement comes at a poignant time for the couple, coinciding with their first wedding anniversary. Maheesh and Arthika tied the knot on January 17, 2025, in a lavish ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

Taking to Instagram to share the milestone, the couple posted a series of heartwarming photos. One of the slides featured a glimpse of the ultrasound, confirming that the “mystery spinner” is about to take on his most important role yet: fatherhood.

“Late Christmas, early New Year and the most beautiful surprise to begin our next chapter,” wrote Theeskshana on Instagram.

Also READ: Shardul Thakur and his wife Mittali Parulkar become parents to a baby boy

From the cricket pitch to parenthood

2025 was a whirlwind year for Theekshana. On the field, he cemented his status as one of the world’s premier white-ball spinners, notably claiming a historic ODI hat-trick against New Zealand and making a high-profile move to the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He achieved the No. 1 spot in ICC’s ODI bowler rankings in February 2025. Despite these highlights, his T20I performance for the year saw a high average of 39.20 and an economy rate of 9.76 in the IPL, indicating some struggles with consistency.

Off the field, his partnership with Arthika, a professional cabin crew member, has been a favorite among fans. The couple has often shared snippets of their travels and life together, but this latest “adventure”—as their wedding theme once hinted—is undoubtedly their biggest one yet.

Also READ: Aiden Markram set to become a father; wife Nicole shares baby bump pictures

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is now just over a month away, with the tournament set to begin on February 7. As the tension mounts, several major cricket boards, including India and Australia, have already begun releasing their provisional squads, leaving fans to speculate on the final lineups for the remaining powerhouses.

For South Africa, the ongoing SA20 2026 league is serving as the ultimate audition ground, providing a high-stakes platform for veterans and rising stars alike to prove their worth. The competition for the final 15 spots is fiercer than ever, as the Proteas aim to finally secure the world title that narrowly eluded them in the previous edition.

Dale Steyn backs South African player white-ball statement despite no T20 World Cup 2026 hope

Legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn has emerged as a vocal advocate for Simon Harmer’s inclusion in the South African T20 World Cup squad, citing the off-spinner’s incredible recent form and big-game temperament. Harmer has been in sensational touch, most recently scripting history during the Test series in India in late 2025, where he took 17 wickets at a staggering average of 8.94, surpassing Steyn’s own long-standing record for the most wickets by a South African in a series on Indian soil.

While often viewed primarily as a red-ball specialist, Harmer has been making a loud statement in the shorter formats; in the current SA20 2025/26 season, he was called up by Durban’s Super Giants to replace the legendary Sunil Narine, immediately making an impact with his control and wicket-taking ability. His T20 stats over the last year show a significant evolution, with an improved economy rate of 6.17 in his early 2026 appearances and a knack for picking up crucial middle-over breakthroughs. Steyn argues that on the spinning tracks of India and Sri Lanka the very conditions where Harmer just dismantled the Indian Test lineup, his experience and 500+ first-class wickets become an invaluable asset.

Harmer’s ability to extract sharp bounce and turn, combined with his lower-order batting utility, makes him a unique tactical option that Steyn believes the Proteas cannot afford to ignore. Despite the selectors leaning toward Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, Steyn insists that Harmer effect provides the psychological edge and variety needed for a World Cup campaign.

“Simon Harmer won’t be selected for the Proteas World Cup team, but seriously, he’s making a valid white ball statement if I’ve ever seen one.” Steyn wrote on X.

Simon Harmer won’t be selected for the Proteas World Cup team, but seriously, he’s making a valid white ball statement if I’ve ever seen one.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Lakshmipathy Balaji predicts the finalists of T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa’s heartbreaking journey so far in T20 World Cup history

South Africa’s journey through T20 World Cup history has been a saga of immense talent often met with heartbreaking conclusions. Since the inaugural tournament in 2007, which they hosted, the Proteas have participated in every edition but have frequently been haunted by narrow misses and net run-rate technicalities. Their most painful chapter came in the most recent T20 World Cup 2024, where they reached their first-ever final across all formats. Despite being in a winning position against India, they fell short by just seven runs, ending as runners-up.

Prior to that, they reached the semi-finals in 2009 and 2014, only to be thwarted by Pakistan and India respectively. For a team that has produced T20 legends like AB de Villiers (their leading run-scorer in the tournament with 717 runs) and Anrich Nortje (their highest wicket-taker with 35 scalps), the empty trophy cabinet remains a point of national obsession. As they head into 2026, the Proteas are desperate to shed the “underachiever” label and finally convert their consistent top-tier performances into a global title.

Also READ: Harbhajan Singh picks the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket presenter and content creator Grace Hayden has warned fans about fraudulent social media account impersonating her identity, urging users to remain vigilant and report the profiles immediately. The warning comes amid a growing trend of fake and AI-generated accounts targeting high-profile women in sport.

Hayden took to her verified accounts on Instagram and X to flag the issue publicly. She clarified that she does not operate any active Facebook account and that any profile claiming to be her on Facebook is fraudulent.

According to Grace, one of the most prominent fake profiles was operating on X under the handle @Graciehayden02. The account closely mimicked her name and public persona, leading followers to believe it was authentic. Hayden revealed that the account was suspected to be operated by an individual named Abdul, allegedly using a VPN to mask their location.

“These accounts are not me,” Grace stressed in her post, adding that she has no active presence on Facebook.

She encouraged followers to block and report any such profiles, emphasizing that engagement only increases the scam’s reach. Her swift action and transparency helped prevent further misuse of her identity.

Fans rally to get Grace’s fake account removed

The response from Hayden’s followers was immediate and supportive. Fans used platform tools such as community notes on X to flag the impersonator, helping other users quickly identify the account as fake. Within a short period, the account was removed, highlighting the effectiveness of collective reporting and platform moderation tools when used promptly.

This episode also demonstrated how public figures increasingly rely on their online communities to combat digital fraud. Hayden thanked supporters for acting quickly, noting that fan awareness plays a crucial role in limiting the damage caused by such scams.

Also READ: PHOTOS – Grace Hayden parties with father Matthew Hayden after returning from ILT20

Why Grace Hayden became the target of online scam?

Impersonators often exploit Hayden’s public profile as the daughter of former Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden, as well as her growing reputation as a cricket presenter and media voice.

Scammers typically use such identities to build trust with unsuspecting users, with the aim of phishing for personal information or soliciting money.

Cybersecurity experts note that impersonation scams frequently target women in sport, leveraging their visibility and follower base. Grace’s case is part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated incident.

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Here’s why Grace Hayden thanked Joe Root for his hundred in Gabba Test

India will host New Zealand for a high-octane three-match ODI series starting January 11, 2026. This series serves as a vital bridge between a triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. 

With the matches scheduled for Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is expected to meet on January 3 to finalize a squad that balances veteran experience with explosive young talent. Following a successful 2-1 series win over South Africa in December, India will aim to maintain their home dominance against a resilient Blackcaps side. The series also acts as a leadership test for Shubman Gill, who will return from a neck injury to captain the side.

Fans are particularly eager to see the integration of domestic heavyweights who have forced their way in through record-breaking performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Workload management remains a priority, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya likely to be rested to ensure peak fitness for the global T20 showpiece in February. This 15-member predicted squad reflects a strategic mix of red-hot form and established hierarchy.

Here’s predicted India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand under Shubman Gill

Top Order

1. Shubman Gill (Captain)

International: The captain returns after a brief neck injury layoff following a challenging T20 run where he was recently omitted from the World Cup squad. Despite a lean patch in T20Is (271 runs in his last 14 games), he remains India’s premier ODI opener with a stellar average. He has been tasked with leading this transition phase toward the World Cup 2027.

Domestic: Gill has spent his recovery time focusing on technical refinements at the NCA and hasn’t featured heavily in recent domestic List A games. However, his previous domestic record remains the gold standard for young openers in India. He is expected to play a practice game before the series begins to find his rhythm.

2. Rohit Sharma

International: Rohit enjoyed a vintage 2025, recently smashing a match-winning 121 against Australia in October followed by two fifties against South Africa in December. He remains the most destructive opener in the world, successfully transitioning his aggressive selfless approach into consistent big scores

Domestic: To maintain match fitness during the December break, Rohit featured for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He made an immediate impact, proving his readiness with a rapid century that silenced any talk of age-related slowing down. His domestic presence has been a massive boost for the Mumbai youngsters.

3. Virat Kohli

International: Kohli has been in surgical form, continuing his habit of anchoring large chases with clinical precision throughout 2025. He recently featured in the ODI series against South Africa where he smashed two back-to-back centuries, contributing vital runs that helped India clinch the trophy. He remains the undisputed No. 3, despite his retirement from shorter formats like T20Is.

Domestic: In a rare move, Kohli played for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this December to stay sharp. He dominated the group stages with a brilliant century against Andhra Pradesh and a solid half-century against Gujarat. His return to domestic white-ball cricket for the first time in years has been the highlight of the season.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal

International: Jaiswal has officially arrived in the ODI arena, punctuating his 2025 with a magnificent 116* against South Africa just weeks ago. His ability to maintain a strike rate above 100 while playing traditional cricket shots has made him a lock for the squad. He is currently viewed as the natural successor to the senior openers.

Domestic: Jaiswal has been a prolific scorer for Mumbai across all formats, though his international commitments have limited his domestic appearances this year. When available, he has been unstoppable, recently recording a string of high scores in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Middle Order

5. Ruturaj Gaikwad

International: Gaikwad solidified his middle-order credentials by smashing a brilliant 105 against South Africa in December 2025 while batting at No. 4. His adaptability to bat in the middle or top order makes him the perfect utility batter for the XI. He has successfully shed the T20 specialist tag with mature ODI knocks.

Domestic: He remains a giant in domestic cricket, consistently topping the charts for Maharashtra whenever he returns from national duty. His form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been consistent where he recently smashed a century for Maharashtra against Uttarakhand, providing the stability his state side needs. He is currently one of the few players averaging over 50 in List A cricket.

Also READ: Reason why Shreyas Iyer will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand

Wicketkeepers

6. KL Rahul

International: Rahul is the linchpin of the middle order, recently scoring a fluent 66 and 60 against South Africa in the December ODI series. His role as the primary wicketkeeper-batter allows India to play an extra bowling option, and his calmness under pressure is vital. He remains the most consistent performer in the No. 5 slot.

Domestic: Rahul has focused primarily on his international duties but did participate in key red-ball domestic fixtures to find his touch earlier in the season. His white-ball domestic numbers are legendary, and he remains the benchmark for finishing games in domestic List A. He has used the recent gap to work on his keeping drills.

7. Ishan Kishan

International: Kishan is making a roaring comeback to the squad after being picked for the T20 World Cup 2026. His last ODI appearance was a statement of intent, and his ability to provide left-handed variety at the top or middle is highly valued. He is currently the frontrunner to replace Rishabh Pant as the explosive keeper-option.

Domestic: Kishan recently shattered records by hammering a sensational 39-ball 125 for Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka. This innings, featuring 14 sixes, is the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian in history. His domestic form is currently so dominant that it forced the selectors’ hands

All-rounders

8. Ravindra Jadeja

International: Jadeja remains the premier all-rounder, holding the No. 1 spot in ICC rankings for a significant portion of 2025. His bowling remains incredibly economical (under 4.5 in ODIs), and his batting has become more reliable at the death. He was a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier last year.

Domestic: Jadeja rarely features in domestic cricket due to his all-format international schedule, but he remains the heart of the Saurashtra setup. Whenever he returns, he dominates both discipline. He is the ultimate safety net for the Indian team management.

9. Washington Sundar

International: Sundar is enjoying his most consistent year yet, recently winning Player of the Series in the T20s and proving his worth in ODIs with disciplined off-spin. He has become a vital asset for his ability to bowl in the Powerplay. His lower-order batting has also improved, often scoring crucial 30s at high strike rates.

Domestic: Sundar has been a force for Tamil Nadu, often opening the batting and leading the spin attack. He is currently considered the most improved all-rounder in the Indian circuit.

Spinners

10. Kuldeep Yadav

International: Kuldeep is India’s strike bowler in the middle overs, recently taking 4/41 against South Africa in December. He has evolved into a smarter bowler, using his pace variations to outthink modern batters. He remains one of the top three ODI bowlers in the world according to the latest ICC rankings.

11. Axar Patel

International: The T20I vice-captain has carried that confidence into the ODI format, providing the perfect backup and partner for Jadeja. His 2025 was marked by high-impact cameos and tight bowling spells in the Champions Trophy. He is currently one of the most reliable fielders in the squad as well.

Fast Bowlers

12. Mohammed Shami

International: Shami could make a blockbuster return to the ODI squad after a long injury-enforced hiatus and a successful domestic stint. His last international outing was marked by his trademark seam position and ability to take wickets in clusters. He is expected to lead the attack in the absence of the rested Bumrah.

Domestic: Shami has been on fire for Bengal, recently taking 20 wickets in just 4 Ranji Trophy matches to prove his fitness. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he helped bundle out J&K for a record low total with a devastating opening spell. His domestic workload has convinced the medical team that he is ready for 50-over cricket.

13. Mohammed Siraj

International: Siraj is the spearhead of the new ball, known for his ability to extract bounce and movement on flat Indian tracks. He recently put in a disciplined performance in Australia and South Africa, maintaining his status as a top-10 ODI bowler. His Ronaldo like celebration has become a frequent sight in international cricket.

14. Arshdeep Singh

International: Arshdeep has transitioned from a T20 specialist to a regular ODI starter, offering a unique left-arm angle. He was a part of the Champions Trophy squad and recently impressed with his improved pace in the South Africa series. He currently leads the charts for most wickets taken by an Indian pacer in the last 12 months.

15. Harshit Rana

International: Rana is the newest pace sensation, making his ODI debut against England earlier in 2025 with an impressive 3/53. He has quickly gained a reputation for his heavy ball and aggressive temperament. He was a part of the victorious Champions Trophy squad and is seen as a long-term prospect for all formats.

Domestic: Rana has been the standout pacer for Delhi and KKR, recently finishing as a third most top wicket-taker in the IPL for KKR. He is also a handy lower-order batter, having scored a domestic century (122) batting at No. 9 for North Zone in 2023 . His all-round capability makes him a very attractive option for the 15-member squad.

Also READ: Rajeev Shukla reacts amid mounting speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s future as India head coach

As the cricket world turns its collective gaze toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the landscape of the shortest format looks remarkably different. The year 2025 served as a definitive “end of an era,” with several modern-day greats choosing to hang up their boots in the T20 International format to make way for the next generation.

While the loss of these stalwarts leaves a void in their respective national sides, their departures have cleared the stage for a new, fearless breed of cricketers ready to chase global glory.

Iconic stars who retired ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

1) Mitchell Starc: The end of an express era

Perhaps the most significant blow to Australia’s bowling attack was Mitchell Starc’s decision to retire from T20Is in September 2025. The left-arm speedster, known for his toe-crushing yorkers and early breakthroughs, decided to prioritize Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Starc leaves behind a legacy of being one of the most feared white-ball bowlers in history. His absence at the 2026 World Cup means Australia will head into the tournament without their primary “X-factor” with the new ball for the first time in over a decade.

2) Nicholas Pooran: A shock exit for the West Indies star

In one of the more surprising announcements of the year, Nicholas Pooran retired from all international cricket in June 2025. At just 29 years old, the West Indies’ record-holder for T20I runs and appearances decided to focus on the global franchise circuit.

For the Caribbean side, losing a middle-order powerhouse of Pooran’s caliber just months before a major tournament is a massive hurdle. He was the bridge between the “old guard” of Gayle and Pollard and the rising stars; now, the Windies must find a new anchor for their explosive batting lineup.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma predicts the finalist of T20 World Cup 2026

3) Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa’s finisher bows out

South Africa’s middle-order superstar Heinrich Klaasen also called it quits on his international career in June 2025. Over the last few seasons, Klaasen had evolved into arguably the most destructive batter against spin in the world.

His retirement marks a significant shift for the Proteas, who relied heavily on his ability to accelerate in the death overs. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 event, the pressure now shifts to young talents like Tristan Stubbs to fill the “finisher” vacuum left by Klaasen.

T20I performance summary

Also READ: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real shot at winning T20 World Cup 2026

Perth Scorchers started 2026 in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant 40-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval. On a day that began with the announcement of Mitchell Marsh as Australia’s permanent T20 captain, the “Bison” celebrated with a ruthless century that set the foundation for a Scorchers masterclass.

Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Hardie power Perth Scorchers to massive total

If there were any lingering doubts about Marsh’s form or his suitability for the Australian T20 captaincy, he shattered them all into the Hobart night sky with a breathtaking century that powered the Perth Scorchers to an colossal 229/3 against the Hurricanes.

This wasn’t just a captain’s knock; it was a statement. A declaration of intent from a man clearly thriving under the weight of expectation. Just hours after being confirmed as Australia’s T20 World Cup leader, Marsh strode to the crease at Bellerive Oval and unleashed a batting exhibition that left fans, commentators, and certainly the Hurricanes bowlers, in awe.

Marsh’s 102 off just 58 balls was a perfectly calibrated assault. He started with typical belligerence, finding the boundary with ease, but shifted gears seamlessly to a truly destructive pace once set. The scorecard tells part of the story: 11 fours and 5 sixes. But it doesn’t quite capture the sheer power and timing behind each one. There was one particular “Golden Moment” in the 14th over where he dismantled Mitchell Owen, going 4, 6, 6, 4 in a brutal display of clean hitting.

And he wasn’t alone in the fireworks! The partnership with the in-form Aaron Hardie (a blistering 94* off 43 balls himself) was simply phenomenal. A 164-run stand that turned a strong start into an utterly dominant one, leaving the Hurricanes chasing a mountain.

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Hobart Hurricanes’ chase falters despite spirited middle-order effort

Chasing 230 was always going to require a miracle, and while the Hurricanes showed flashes of brilliance, they were never truly ahead of the required run rate. Hurricanes began with intent, with Tim Ward providing early momentum through a brisk 27 off 17 balls. However, the required rate quickly escalated, forcing Hobart’s batters into high-risk shots. Contributions from Nikhil Chaudhary (31 off 15) and Matthew Wade (29 off 14) briefly reignited hopes, as the Hurricanes kept the chase alive through the middle overs.

Despite a flurry of boundaries, Hobart never truly seized control of the chase. Regular wickets halted any sustained momentum, and the asking rate climbed beyond reach. Ashton Agar was the standout with the ball for Perth, claiming three crucial wickets to break the Hurricanes’ spine, while Hardie and Joel Paris chipped in with timely breakthroughs. Hobart eventually closed on 189 for 9, falling well short of the towering target.

Mitchell Marsh claims Player of the Match after a blistering 102 runs off just 58 balls 🔥#MitchellMarsh #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/rsgV04yazo

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 1, 2026

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