India’s selectors are set to prioritise current domestic form over past reputation while finalising the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026. The shift in thinking has placed Rishabh Pant at risk of missing out, while significantly boosting the chances of Ishan Kishan to serve as the backup wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul.

The move underlines a broader selection philosophy focused on rewarding players delivering consistent results in domestic cricket, particularly as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Ishan Kishan’s domestic surge strengthens his case

Kishan has been one of the standout performers across India’s domestic season, making a compelling argument for national recall. He topped the run charts in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading Jharkhand to their maiden title and capping the campaign with a memorable century in the final.

He has carried that momentum into the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing a blistering 33-ball century that signalled peak form. The innings has drawn particular attention because Kishan has not played an ODI since October 2023, yet appears sharper, more confident and tactically evolved than before.

Selectors reportedly value not just his numbers, but his consistency and intent, especially at the top of the order—attributes seen as crucial in modern ODI cricket.

Rishabh Pant’s ODI future under scrutiny

Pant, meanwhile, has not featured in an ODI since August 2024 against Sri Lanka. Although he was named in the squad for the South Africa series, he did not get a game, and reports suggest selectors are now considering moving on from him for the New Zealand ODIs.

The concern centres on his inconsistent domestic performances, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has struggled to string together reliable contributions. While Pant remains an X-factor batter with proven match-winning ability, selectors appear unconvinced about his current rhythm and reliability at a time when India are tightening combinations ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

How the wicketkeeper race stands?

A snapshot of the current contenders highlights why Kishan is edging ahead:

• Ishan Kishan – Last ODI: October 2023 | Recent highlights: Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title for Jharkhand, Vijay Hazare century | Strengths: Aggressive opener, sustained domestic form
• Rishabh Pant – Last ODI: August 2024 | Recent highlights: Squad inclusion vs South Africa but no appearance | Strengths: Explosive batting, elite keeping skills

Reports indicate Kishan has moved ahead of alternatives like Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, making him the likely second-choice keeper for the series.

Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya to get break as India plan rotation for New Zealand ODIs

KL Rahul’s role remains unchanged

First-choice keeper-batter stays firm

Despite the debate around the backup spot, KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. The competition is purely for the reserve role, but it represents an important test of India’s rotation policy- one that increasingly favours in-form domestic performers over established names going through lean patches.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for the 2025 ICC Cricketer of the Year Award

Ashleigh Gardner, Australia’s premier all-rounder, remains steadfast in her conviction that the team holds the title of the world’s best despite recent ICC tournament heartbreaks. The right-arm off-spinner and hard-hitting batter emphasized her focus on reclaiming glory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, starting June 12. Drawing from her experience, Gardner insists minimal tactical overhauls are needed, prioritizing execution in high-pressure moments.

High ambitions drive Ashleigh Gardner targeting big impact for Australia

Despite back-to-back semi-final exits at the 2024 T20 World Cup—where South Africa chased down 134/5—and the 2025 ODI World Cup, losing to champions India in a record 338 chase, Gardner insists her team remains supreme. The 28-year-old all-rounder, with three prior World Cup titles and T20I stats of 19.93 batting average and 6.07 economy, eyes redemption in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Nepal qualifiers.​

“The last couple of World Cups have been frustrating because of the way that they’ve ended. But I can sit here comfortably and say that I still believe that we’re the best team. It’s just making sure that we’re showing that in those moments where it really matters. So I’m certainly thinking about June next year, it seems like a long time away but it realistically isn’t and it’ll come around very quickly,“​Gardner stated to AAP news.

Also READ: Harmanpreet Kaur surpasses Meg Lanning’s record with a historic captaincy feat following T20I series triumph over Sri Lanka

Australia to begin their preparations hosting World Champion India

Australia’s buildup intensifies with a multi-format home series against 2025 ODI World Cup winners India in February-March 2026, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs in Brisbane, Hobart, and a one-off Test in Perth. This white-ball focus sharpens T20 readiness, especially with India as Group A rivals in a blockbuster Lord’s clash on June 28.​

Gardner, fresh off ODI centuries like 104* vs England and 115 vs New Zealand in 2025, dismisses major overhauls.

“I think there’s not going to be too many dramatic changes. I don’t think there necessarily needs to be. It’s more those small moments that I don’t think we won and kind of letting the game go in ebbs and flows. That’s going to happen at times, but making sure that if those things do arise, we have the tools and capabilities to recognise it and the tools to get out of that,” she added. Her leadership, honed captaining Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025, bolsters Australia’s depth amid English conditions suiting her spin.​

The series against India, post their World Cup triumph over South Africa, tests Australia’s top ICC T20I ranking edge despite recent slips. Gardner’s resolve signals a tactical tweak on pressure execution, blending veterans with youth for a seventh T20 crown.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

As the 2025 cricketing calendar draws to a close, the debate over who will lift the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is reaching a fever pitch. This year has been a masterclass in all-format excellence, defined by India’s Champions Trophy glory, a high-octane Ashes battle, and the rise of a new breed of all-format stars.

While many specialists dominated single formats, the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award rewards those who displayed sustained brilliance across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. From Pakistan’s new versatile leader to India’s run-machine captain, here are the top five contenders for 2025.

5 frontrunners for ICC Cricketer of the Year 2025

1. Shubman Gill (India)

Gill has truly owned 2025, marking his arrival not just as a premier batter but as a leader of global stature. Taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma as India’s all-format captain was never going to be easy, but Gill embraced the responsibility with remarkable maturity and consistency.

He piled up a staggering 1,764 international runs, finishing the year as the highest run-scorer in world cricket. His output wasn’t inflated by one format either—Gill delivered across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, averaging close to 50 in 35 matches.

The defining moment of his year came at Edgbaston, where his monumental 269 against England rewrote the record books as the highest individual Test score by an Indian captain. Add seven international centuries and a Champions Trophy triumph, and Gill has built a near-flawless case.

👉 Verdict: Leadership, volume runs, big-match performances—Gill ticks every box and enters the race as the frontrunner.

2. Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)

If one word defines Salman’s 2025, it’s indispensable. Thrust into leadership roles in white-ball cricket, he became Pakistan’s glue across formats, featuring in 56 international matches, more than any other contender on this list. Salman scored 1,569 runs, often in pressure situations, while also contributing with the ball and excelling in the slips—grabbing 32 Test catches, a remarkable number for a non-specialist fielder.

His Champions Trophy campaign elevated his stature further. Calm under pressure, Salman played the innings of his life with a maiden ODI century (134) against South Africa, steering Pakistan through a tense chase.

👉 Verdict: His workload, adaptability, and leadership under scrutiny make him a serious contender despite stiff competition.

3. Joe Root (England)

Root continues to age like fine wine. Even after stepping away from T20Is, his grip over Tests and ODIs in 2025 was so commanding that he still finished with 1,598 international runs, the third-highest tally worldwide. This year also saw Root climb further into cricketing immortality as he became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. In ODIs, he was peerless—scoring 808 runs at an average of 65.77, topping the charts.

His unbeaten 166 against West Indies was vintage Root: unhurried, technically pristine, and utterly ruthless once set. Matching Gill with seven international centuries, Root showed that class truly is permanent.

👉 Verdict: Root’s Bradman-like consistency in the longer formats keeps him firmly in the conversation.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025

4. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)

In a year dominated by batters, Duffy stood tall as the bowler who refused to be overshadowed. He ended 2025 as the highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 81 wickets across formats. Duffy was especially devastating in Tests, claiming 25 wickets in just four matches at an extraordinary average of 16.28. His ability to extract movement, hit the deck hard, and exploit conditions made him New Zealand’s trump card.

What set him apart was his white-ball impact as well. With 53 T20I wickets, Duffy proved he could adapt seamlessly, whether swinging the new ball or executing clever variations at the death.

👉 Verdict: When matches needed turning, Duffy delivered—making him the standout bowler of 2025.

5. Shai Hope (West Indies)

Hope may not always grab headlines, but his numbers in 2025 are impossible to ignore. He finished just four runs behind Gill with 1,760 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer globally. Playing 42 matches, the second-most among the contenders, Hope balanced the dual role of wicketkeeper and top-order batter with remarkable composure. He struck 5 centuries and 9 fifties, offering reliability in a West Indies side finding its feet again.

His value extended beyond stats. Hope’s calm leadership and match-saving innings—especially during the tough New Zealand tour—played a major role in the Caribbean resurgence.

👉 Verdict: Consistency, durability, and all-format excellence make Hope a genuine Sobers Trophy contender.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025

India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the pantheon of cricketing greats on Sunday, December 28, 2025, becoming the fastest player to surpass 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket. The left-handed opener reached the monumental landmark during the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium, further cementing her status as the premier batter of the modern era.

Smriti Mandhana goes past legends to attain a massive record

Mandhana entered the match needing just 27 runs to reach the milestone. She achieved the feat in clinical fashion during the seventh over, taking only 281 innings to cross the 10,000-run mark across all formats. In doing so, she shattered the previous record held by former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who reached the milestone in 291 innings. The star opener is now only the fourth woman in history to join the elite “10k Club,” and she is also the youngest to do so.

Masterclass in Thiruvananthapuram

The milestone was just the beginning of Mandhana’s dominance on the night. She went on to play a scintillating knock of 80 off 48 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and three towering sixes. Alongside her opening partner Shafali Verma, Mandhana stitched together a record 162-run opening stand, propelling India to a massive total of 221/2—the team’s highest-ever score in Women’s T20Is. The innings also saw Mandhana overtake Harmanpreet Kaur to become India’s leading six-hitter in the T20I format, while also registering her 32nd fifty-plus score in the shortest format—the most by any woman globally.

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s stellar show seals big win for India against Sri Lanka in 4th T20I

Fastest to 10,000 international runs in Women’s cricket

1) Smriti Mandhana: As mentioned above, Mandhana accomplished the feat during the 4th T20I against the Lankans when she smashed a scintillating knock of 80 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 166.67. Her powerful knock not only helped India to reach their highest total in the shortest format, but also laid foundation for the hosts’ clinical victory by 30 runs.

2) Mithali Raj: Mithali was the first Indian woman and the second player overall to reach this five-figure total. She achieved the feat on March 12, 2021, during an ODI against South Africa in Lucknow. She reached the mark in her 291st international innings. Known for her incredible longevity (spanning 23 years), she is currently the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket with 10,868 runs.

3) Charlotte Edwards: The England legend was the first woman in history to breach the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. She reached the milestone in 2016, taking 308 innings to get there. A classical batter and a long-time captain of England, Edwards retired with 10,273 international runs, holding the record for the most runs for several years.

4) Suzie Bates: Bates became the third woman to enter the elite club and the first New Zealander to do so. She reached the landmark on July 12, 2024, during a T20I against England. It took her 314 innings to cross the threshold. Bates is a unique entry on this list as she reached the milestone without ever playing a Test match, relying entirely on her dominance in ODIs and T20Is.

Also WATCH: IND-W vs SL-W – G Kamalini’s sensational juggling catch steals the show in record-breaking 4th T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape host Pretoria Capitals in the 5th match of SA20 2025-26 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on Monday. Sunrisers Eastern Cape enter as favorites after a dominant win over Paarl Royals, posting 186/4 and bowling them out for 49. Pretoria Capitals lost their opener by 22 runs to Joburg Super Kings, struggling with the bat.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by Tristan Stubbs, boast a balanced squad with Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen. Pretoria Capitals, captained by Keshav Maharaj, rely on firepower from Andre Russell, Dewald Brevis, and Lungi Ngidi but showed batting frailties early.

SEC vs PC, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: December 29 (Monday); 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: St George’s Park in Gqeberha

Head-to-Head Record in SA20 2025-26:

Matches played: 7 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape won: 3 | Pretoria Capitals won: 4 | No result/Tied: 0

St George’s Park Pitch Report

St George’s Park in Gqeberha features a bowler-friendly pitch, particularly suiting fast bowlers with its consistent pace, bounce, and seam movement, as seen in recent SA20 games. The surface offers early assistance to pacers, who have claimed more wickets than spinners, while batters need to settle in against disciplined lines. Expect short boundaries to aid power-hitters later, but low bounce in middle overs could trigger collapses. Dew factor tomorrow evening may further tilt scales.

Squads

Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Shai Hope, Dewald Brevis, Roston Chase, Andre Russell, Bryce Parsons, Codi Yusuf, Gideon Peters, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi, Tymal Mills, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Daniel Smith, Meeka eel Prince

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, Chris Wood, Allah Ghazanfar, JP King, Christopher King, Jordan Hermann, Mitchell Van Buuren, Tharindu Rathnayake, James Coles, Beyers Swanepoel, Lutho Sipamla

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

SEC vs PC, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape wins the toss and bowls first
• Pretoria Capitals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pretoria Capitals’ total score: 155-165

Case 2:

• Pretoria Capitals wins the toss and bowls first
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

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

Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter and coach Mark Boucher has cast his eye firmly on the future of world cricket, naming four young players he believes are destined to become global stars. Speaking during ESPNcricinfo’s popular “25 Questions” segment, Boucher was asked to identify three youngsters who could dominate the game in the years to come. Instead, the former Proteas stalwart found it impossible to limit himself to just three, eventually picking a quartet of exciting talents, naming two Indians and as many Proteas young guns.

Mark Boucher picks the star Indian duo as next big thing

Boucher’s inclusion of two Indian batters highlights the remarkable depth of talent emerging from the subcontinent as he went with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma. Jaiswal, widely regarded as a once-in-a-generation prospect, has rapidly established himself across formats. From humble beginnings in age-group cricket, the left-hander has seamlessly transitioned to the highest level, earning praise for his composure, temperament, and hunger for big scores. His ability to dominate bowling attacks in Test cricket while maintaining an aggressive edge in limited-overs formats has marked him out as a long-term pillar of India’s batting order.

Jasiwal’s career in numbers:

• 28 Tests | 2511 runs | 7 hundreds | 13 fifties
• 23 T20Is | 723 runs | 1 hundred | 5 fifties
• 4 ODIs | 171 runs | 1 hundred

Tilak, meanwhile, represents the modern T20-era batter who thrives under pressure. Groomed through the Mumbai Indians system, the left-hander has grown from a reliable middle-order presence into a genuine match-winner for India. His calmness in crunch moments, coupled with the ability to accelerate without undue risk, has seen him rise quickly in the T20I rankings and earn a reputation as one of India’s most dependable young finishers.

Tilak’s career in numbers:

• 40 T20Is | 1183 runs | 2 hundreds | 6 fifties
• 5 ODIs | 68 runs | 1 fifty

Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U19 in South Africa tour, Ayush Mhatre named captain for U19 World Cup 2026

Boucher names exciting Proteas pair to complete his list

On the South African front, Boucher named two players he knows intimately from his time in the national setup – Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis. Notably, Stubbs has carved out a niche as a versatile batter capable of adapting to multiple roles. Whether anchoring an innings in red-ball cricket or finishing games in T20s, Stubbs’ flexibility makes him an invaluable asset. His athletic background and strong technique have allowed him to slot seamlessly into different formats, reinforcing his reputation as a modern all-format player.

Stubbs’ career in numbers:

• 14 Tests | 759 runs | 2 hundreds | 3 fifties
• 42 T20Is | 822 runs | 2 fifties
• 15 ODIs | 392 runs | 1 hundred | 3 fifties

Brevis, often nicknamed “Baby AB” for his shot-making flair, is arguably the most explosive talent among the four. Renowned for his fearless approach, Brevis has already produced jaw-dropping performances in T20 cricket, clearing boundaries with ease and breaking records at a young age. His clean striking and confidence against elite bowling attacks have positioned him as one of the most exciting white-ball prospects in the world.

Brevis’ career in numbers:

• 4 Tests | 138 runs | 2 fifties
• 19 T20Is | 469 runs | 1 hundred | 1 fifty
• 9 ODIs | 230 runs | 1 fifty

Also READ: SA20 2026: Full list of commentators and presenters at South Africa’s explosive T20 cricket league

Hobart Hurricanes host Melbourne Renegades in the 15th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Bellerive Oval on December 29. Both teams sit mid-table with three wins from multiple outings, making this a key clash for ladder momentum.​

Hobart Hurricanes hold third place after four matches, winning three including a recent six-wicket chase against Perth Scorchers. They also dominated Renegades earlier this season by seven wickets with 37 balls remaining. Melbourne Renegades, eighth with one win from two starts, defended 212 successfully against Brisbane Heat but lost heavily to Hurricanes at Geelong.

HH vs MR, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 29 (Monday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

HH vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 22 | Melbourne Renegades won: 09 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 13 | No result/Tied: 0

Bellerive Oval Pitch Report

Bellerive Oval in Hobart presents a balanced pitch for Big Bash League encounters, offering early assistance to pacers through seam movement and bounce under the new ball. The surface, known for good carry and short boundaries, eases as the game progresses, favoring batters with strike rates around 138 and average first innings scores of 147-166. Recent BBL stats show chasing teams winning most matches (10 of 20), with competitive totals between 150-190 proving defendable. Fast bowlers dominate early, while spinners find grip later; expect a run fest if dew arrives.

Squads:

Hobart Hurricanes: Nathan Ellis (c), Tim David, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster, Jake Weatherald, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed, Mac Wright, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake

Melbourne Renegades: Will Sutherland (c), Tim Seifert, Adam Zampa, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Hassan Khan, Ollie Peake, Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Rogers

Also READ: Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett lead the charge as Brisbane Heat clinch thrilling win against Adelaide Strikers in BBL|15

HH vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowls first
• Hobart Hurricanes’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Hobart Hurricanes’ total score: 170-180

Case 2:

• Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 180-190

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Tim David’s injury sours Hobart Hurricanes’ win over Perth Scorchers

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell reacted angrily to an on-field decision during a Big Bash League 2025-26 match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder in Canberra. Maxwell criticized the third umpire after a call went against his team, adding that the fielder had clearly saved the ball from the boundary.

After winning the toss, the Stars chose to bowl first at Manuka Oval on Sunday, December 28. Thunder opening batters Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas added 33 runs in just under four overs. However, once the first wicket fell, Thunder struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Controversial Boundary Call Sparks Animated Reaction from Glenn Maxwell

A controversial boundary decision came late in Sydney Thunder’s innings and quickly became a talking point. On the final ball of the 16th over, Shadab Khan pulled a short-of-length delivery toward deep mid-wicket.

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Hilton Cartwright sprinted to his left and put in a sliding effort near the rope, trying to push the ball back into play. While the attempt was impressive, his momentum carried him into the boundary cushions, with the ball appearing to brush close to his leg.

The decision was referred to the TV umpire, who ruled that Cartwright was in contact with both the ball and the boundary rope at the same time. Four runs were awarded despite the strong fielding effort. The call drew an animated reaction from Glenn Maxwell, who labelled it a “shocker.”

He Did Really Well, I Was Right Next To Him – Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell expressed his frustration after a boundary decision went against his team. Maxwell said that he had a clear view of the incident and felt the replay made it look worse than it actually was. He added that the ball never touched the player’s leg, calling the decision a “shocker.”

“To get your body out of the way and not touch it, because all you want to do is push it back in when you can see it trickling on. Now he got out of the way,” Maxwell said.

“But I had a great view of it. Oh, of course they’re going to give it out. Oh my God. It’s an awful decision. That’s a shocker. Unfortunately for them, he did really well. I was right next to him.”

“There was nowhere near his leg. The camera makes it look bad, but he did well to stay away from it. Oh well. Get two extras.”

“Awful decision. That’s a shocker.”

Glenn Maxwell wasn’t happy this was called a boundary 🫣 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/ztbkY2fydg

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 28, 2025

Haris Rauf Leads Stars’ Bowling Effort Against Thunder

Haris Rauf continued his impressive run in the tournament with a strong bowling performance. The right-arm pacer finished with figures of 3 for 29 from his four overs, keeping the pressure on Sydney Thunder throughout his spell.

In the 14th over, Rauf dismissed Sam Billings and followed it up with a unique celebration. His three-wicket haul played a major role in restricting Sydney Thunder to a modest 128 runs at the end of their 20 overs.

Tom Curran, skipper Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Swepson picked up two wickets each, while Peter Siddle bagged one scalp.

Also read: Ben Duckett demands beer from fans during Live Ashes Test at MCG, video breaks the internet

Hobart Hurricanes will face the Melbourne Renegades in the fifteenth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Hobart Hurricanes’ Playing 11 vs Melbourne Renegades for the fifteenth match of the tournament.

Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI vs Melbourne Renegades- BBL 2025-26, Match 15:

Openers: Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward

Hobart Hurricanes will hope to replicate the same performance that they delivered in the previous match against the Perth Scorchers when they take on the Melbourne Renegades for the second time in the ongoing season.

The Nathan Ellis-led side would look to maintain their strong record against this particular opposition, having won four of the last five games that they have played against them in the Big Bash League by registering another win.

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The onus will be on the openers to get the team off to a good start and get the Renigades bowlers under pressure.

The pair of Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward would look to bat well in partnership and make full use of the first four overs with fielding restrictions in play.

In addition to that, both batters would also be backed to make meaningful contributions individually as well, to be in good rhythm for the matches to come.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade (wk), Macalister Wright, Chris Jordan, Rehan Ahmed, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain

If we talk about the performance of Hobart Hurricanes’ middle order, it has also done its job with different batters contributing in different games and taking the team over the line from situations that have been quite challenging, with the team losing quick wickets.

Having said that, the Hurricanes are expected to be without the services of experienced batter Tim David for the match in question, as he picked up an injury while batting against the Scorchers.

However, the team has got enough power in their batting lineup with Matthew Wade likely to replace Tim David at that particular position, or might slot in down the order depending on the state of the game.

The team management will trust the likes of Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott to carry the form that they have shown in the tournament so far, and for Macalister Wright and Chris Jordan to give them good support.

Bowlers: Chris Jordan, Riley Meridith, Nathan Ellis, Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain

As far as the bowling lineup of the Hurricanes is concerned, it comprises six bowling options, including fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell Owen and five specialist bowlers.

Names like Chris Jordan, Riley Meridith, and Nathan Ellis will take care of the team’s fast bowling department and would want to deliver a similar performance that they came up with in the last match against the Perth Scorchers.

Jordan and Meridth are expected to take the new ball, with Ellis taking charge in the middle overs along with the spinners.

The spin bowling department of Hobart Hurricanes will be taken care of by Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain, both of whom bowled well in the previous match and would hope to do so in the next game as well.