As the world prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026 to kick off on February 7, former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has shared a high-stakes roadmap for the tournament. Speaking in a recent analysis on Star Sports, Balaji leaned on subcontinental conditions to predict which teams will rise to the occasion in India and Sri Lanka.

His insights go beyond mere statistics, focusing on the tactical and mental shifts required to dominate a home-soil World Cup. With the memories of recent global finals still fresh, Balaji’s projections have set a definitive tone for the upcoming competition. He specifically identified a quartet of teams that he believes will navigate the grueling group stages to reach the business end of the tournament.

Lakshmipathy Balaji’s top four contenders for the T20 World Cup 2026

Balaji’s selection for the semi-finals is rooted in the strategic advantage held by teams familiar with the slow, turning tracks of the host nations. He predicts that both India and Sri Lanka will leverage their home-ground knowledge to secure knockout berths, alongside two of the most consistent outfits in T20 history. While he views Afghanistan as a serious fringe contender capable of an upset, his primary bracket consists of the traditional powerhouses. He emphasized that the growth of South Africa over the last few years makes them an undeniable threat in any condition.

“Of course, if you look at the Top 4, I know that South Africa has done a superb job over the period of time in the last few years. Sri Lanka is also playing well. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Between them, they have a chance to qualify.” Balaji said.

Also READ: Monty Panesar predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

Balaji picks the finalist of T20 World Cup 2026

In a bold prediction that has caught the attention of fans across the globe, Balaji has called for a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup summit clash. He envisions India and Australia meeting once again for the trophy, citing their status as extraordinary teams that thrive on the grandest stages. Despite their combined success in the format, including India’s titles in 2007 and 2024, and Australia’s 2021 victory, the two giants have never faced off in a T20 World Cup final. Balaji believes the 2026 edition will finally rectify this, offering India a chance to settle the score from the Ahmedabad heartbreak.

“Bala, give us your picks Top 2 or Top 4? I think it’s going to be India-Australia finals again in 2023 [referring to the 2023 ODI WC match-up]. And I think it will be a repeat of the Ahmedabad finals. It’s a kind of big match. Two teams that play occasionally. Both are extraordinary teams.” Balaji concluded.

Also READ: 7 Indian players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

England find themselves at a crossroads after a disastrous Ashes 2025-26 campaign that has intensified scrutiny on the team’s leadership. With the Ashes slipping away following three successive defeats, pressure is mounting on head coach Brendon McCullum, whose once-celebrated philosophy is now being questioned by former players and fans alike.

‘Bazball’ under fire after England’s poor show down under

McCullum’s arrival had initially transformed England’s Test side, ushering in an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket that quickly earned global attention. The approach, popularly termed “Bazball,” brought early success and renewed excitement around the team. However, recent results suggest the edge has dulled. England’s inability to challenge Australia consistently has reignited debate over whether the method has been found out at the highest level.

The poor run has also placed captain Ben Stokes and the wider management group under the microscope, with critics arguing that tactical rigidity and mental lapses have cost England dearly in key moments of the series.

Monty Panesar calls for change at the top

Adding fuel to the discussion, former England spinner Monty Panesar has publicly suggested that the time may have come for a coaching change. Speaking in an interaction with KADAK, Panesar argued that England need a strategist with proven credentials against Australia.

“You have to think, who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How will you take advantage of their weaknesses mentally, physically, and tactically?” Panesar said.

He went on to back Ravi Shastri as the ideal candidate to take over the role.

“I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach,” added Panesar.

Also READ: ‘My role is to protect’: England captain Ben Stokes breaks silence on drinking controversy ahead of Boxing Day Test vs Australia

Why Ravi Shastri appeals as a candidate?

Shastri’s reputation as a coach was forged during his successful tenure with India, where he oversaw a period of sustained excellence, particularly in overseas conditions. Under his guidance, India became a formidable travelling side, shedding a long-standing reputation of inconsistency away from home.

One of the defining moments of Shastri’s coaching career came when India clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia with a depleted squad, showcasing resilience, tactical clarity, and strong leadership. His partnership with then-captain Virat Kohli was widely credited for instilling belief and aggression in the Indian setup.

Also READ: Geoffrey Boycott proposes ‘two strong candidates’ to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach after Ashes 2025-26 defeat

In a breathtaking display of power hitting, Bihar scripted history on Wednesday by registering the highest-ever team total in List A cricket. Facing Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 clash in Ranchi, the Bihar batters unleashed an unprecedented assault to finish their 50 overs at a staggering 574 for 6.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi lights up Ranchi with sizzling knock for Bihar

The record-breaking innings featured a masterclass from teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hammered 190 runs to become the youngest centurion in the format’s history. He was ably supported by Ayush Loharuka (116) and captain Sakibul Gani, who smashed a 32-ball century—the fastest by an Indian in List A cricket—to propel Bihar past the previous world record.

Top 5 highest totals in List A cricket

1) Bihar: 574/6 vs Arunachal Pradesh (2025)

This monumental effort now sits at the pinnacle of world cricket. Bihar’s innings was defined by relentless aggression, resulting in an average run rate of 11.48 per over. By crossing the 550-run mark, Bihar didn’t just break the record; they decimated it, setting a benchmark that many experts believe could stay untouched for years. The innings was highlighted by three individual centuries and a flurry of boundaries that left the Arunachal Pradesh bowlers with no room to breathe. Suryavanshi sizzled with breathtaking knock of 190 runs off 84 balls. Apart from Suryavanshi, Ayush Loharuka (116) and Sakibul Gani (128) also shined with stunning centuries.

2) Tamil Nadu: 506/2 vs Arunachal Pradesh (2022)

Prior to Bihar’s heroics, Tamil Nadu held the world record for three years. During the 2022 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they became the first team in history to breach the 500-run barrier in a 50-over match. N. Jagadeesan was the star of that show, scoring a world-record individual 277 runs. Much like the recent Bihar match, this feat also came against a struggling Arunachal Pradesh side, showcasing the vast gap in experience between the domestic heavyweights and the plate-level teams.

3) England: 498/4 vs Netherlands (2022)

England holds the record for the highest total in One Day Internationals (ODI), which they achieved against the Netherlands in Amstelveen. During this match, Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, and Phil Salt all notched centuries in a display of modern “Bazball” white-ball philosophy. While it fell just short of the 500-mark, it remains the standard for international dominance, proving that England’s aggressive blueprint could work against international-grade bowling attacks.

Also READ: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary feat in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return for Delhi

4) Surrey: 496/4 vs Gloucestershire (2007)

For 15 years, Surrey’s massive total against Gloucestershire stood as the gold standard for List A cricket. Played at The Oval, the innings was headlined by Ali Brown’s 176. At a time when scores of 300 were still considered ‘match-winning,’ Surrey’s near-500-run total was considered lightyears ahead of its time. It served as the primary record for over a decade until the scoring explosions of the 2020s began.

5) England: 481/6 vs Australia (2018)

Before their 498-run feat, England set the cricketing world ablaze by dismantling their arch-rivals, Australia, at Nottingham. This match was significant because it didn’t come against an Associate nation or a domestic side, but against one of the most successful international teams in history. Centuries from Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales drove the score to 481, signaling a permanent shift in how ODI cricket was played and paving the way for the 500-plus scores fans see today.

Also READ: Ishan Kishan smashes record-breaking century as Vijay Hazare Trophy witnesses historic batting day

In a historic display of batting mastery on December 24, 2025, Virat Kohli marked his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket by smashing his 58th List A century. Representing Delhi against Andhra Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 in Bengaluru, Kohli proved why he remains the gold standard of the 50-over format.

Virat Kohli smashes stunning century in Vijay Hazare return as Delhi eye victory over Andhra Pradesh

Kohli made a spectacular return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, playing a masterful knock of 131 runs from 101 balls. His dominant innings, which included 14 boundaries and three sixes, set the stage for Delhi’s chase of 299 runs. Kohli’s presence at the crease was nothing short of a spectacle, with his sharp strokeplay and calculated aggression lighting up the Bengaluru venue.

After losing his opening partner, Priyansh Arya (74),, Kohli anchored the innings alongside Nitish Rana, who played a solid supporting role with 66 off 50 balls. Kohli’s century took the game to a different level, displaying his ability to shift gears effortlessly. The chase was well within Delhi’s grasp, as they surged towards the target at an impressive rate of 8.33 runs per over. Kohli’s performance was a perfect blend of patience and aggression, ensuring Delhi’s position in a commanding position in the ongoing tournament. His confidence on the field is an excellent sign for both his form and Delhi’s campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.

Also READ: Ishan Kishan smashes record-breaking century as Vijay Hazare Trophy witnesses historic batting day

Kohli reaches the 16,000-run milestone in List A cricket after Sachin Tendulkar

Making his first appearance in the tournament in 15 years, Kohli entered the match needing just a single run to reach the 16,000-run milestone in List A cricket. He achieved this feat in the very first over of Delhi’s chase, becoming the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and the ninth player overall to breach this mark. Notably, Kohli reached 16,000 runs in just 330 innings, which is 61 innings faster than Tendulkar.

Chasing a competitive target of 299 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Kohli anchored the innings with trademark precision. He started aggressively to exploit field restrictions before shifting gears to bat deep after the dismissal of opener Arya. Kohli reached his half-century in just 39 balls and accelerated to his hundred in 83 deliveries. His innings was supported by a 113-run partnership with Arya and a further steady century stand with Nitish Rana. This 58th ton moves him within just two centuries of Tendulkar’s all-time record of 60 List A hundreds, with 53 of Kohli’s centuries having been scored in international matches.

Here’s how fans reacted:

28th over of the Vijay Hazare match between Del and Andhra. Virat Kohli currently batting on 107 in 85 balls with a little over 22 overs to go!

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 24, 2025

Another day. Another 100 for Kohli (107*)

3 hundreds in last 5 recorded cricket matches with 2 50+ scores as well. Imperious form after a couple of ducks, after which obituaries were being prepared.

— archith (@InswinginMenace) December 24, 2025

Virat Kohli completes his 💯 as well in the #VijayHazareTrophy. Joins other names like Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma in the list of hundred scorers today. Bihar alone had 3 including the fastest hundred, Gani. #Cricket

— Sankar (@stocksportlove) December 24, 2025

Virat Kohli follows Rohit Sharma with a century on his #VijayHazareTrophy comeback after 15 years with his 58th List A century, only second to Sachin Tendulkar (60). Kohli has also completed 1000 runs for Delhi in the List A format with his 5th century for the team in 17 innings.

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) December 24, 2025

It’s such a SHAME that both Kohli and Rohit are batting right now but we fans can’t watch them live, and then people talk about giving importance to domestic cricket.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 24, 2025

Century number 103 for Virat Kohli overall 🐐

– 83 international centuries
– 8 IPL centuries
– 12 domestic centuries pic.twitter.com/ZDeqNCHDMy

— Kevin (@imkevin149) December 24, 2025

Virat Kohli smashed century in just 83 balls 👑
Chase master at work pic.twitter.com/k7YYStIb3E

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) December 24, 2025

58th century 😭♥️ 11 fours 3 sixes & Strike Rate over 130.

This version of Virat Kohli is even more dangerous than his 2016 version. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/vkYw8twjrw

— 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 👑 (@Goatlified) December 24, 2025

Virat Kohli can score daily, he is in that kind of form. pic.twitter.com/FZkJ5xS3GE

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) December 24, 2025

Virat Kohli completes 16,000 runs in List A cricket ⚡#ViratKohli #VijayHazareTrophy @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/IM0KXAjBIn

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 24, 2025

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Rohit Sharma smashes an explosive century against Sikkim in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

In a historic return to the domestic circuit, Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the record books on Wednesday, December 24 during Vijay Hazare 2025-26 game between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh.

Virat Kohli matches Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable milestone legendary feat in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return

Representing Delhi against Andhra Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 37-year-old batting icon became only the second Indian in history to cross the monumental 16,000-run mark in List A cricket. Playing in his first List A game since 2013 and his first fixture in this tournament in 15 years, Kohli achieved the feat during a 299-run chase at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This milestone further solidifies his status as a giant of the 50-over format, following closely in the footsteps of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

As Kohli steps back into the Delhi dressing room under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, his presence has sparked immense domestic interest. While the match was played behind closed doors, the Kohli effect was felt across social media as fans tracked every run of his historic comeback.

• The Milestone Moment: Kohli needed just one run to reach the 16,000 mark.5 He secured it in the very first over of Delhi’s chase after the fall of opener Arpit Rana.
• The Partnership: For this domestic stint, Kohli is batting alongside young talents like Priyansh Arya, showing a mix of seasoned mastery and fresh aggression.
• A Familiar Foe: Before this game, Kohli acknowledged the challenge posed by Andhra’s bowlers, specifically noting the competitive spirit of the domestic grind.
• The “Second to One” Club: He joins Sachin Tendulkar as the only other Indian to breach this barrier, with Tendulkar sitting at the top of the mountain with 21,999 runs.

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 games won’t be telecast live

Kohli’s statistical dominance and the List A elite

Virat Kohli’s entry into the 16,000-run club makes him the 9th player overall in the history of the game to achieve this feat. His career average remains the highest among the top ten run-getters, a testament to his unparalleled consistency over nearly two decades.

Kohli’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Prior to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he was named Player of the Series in India’s 2-1 ODI win over South Africa, where he smashed two centuries and a half-century in just three innings. With 53 ODI hundreds already to his name, he currently leads the world in international 50-over centuries and is using this domestic window to prepare for the upcoming home series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026.

Also WATCH: Fans chant ‘Mumbai cha Raja’ as Rohit Sharma’s domestic return electrifies Vijay Hazare Trophy

India‘s teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi faced unsportsmanlike jeers from Pakistan fans after a crushing 191-run defeat in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on December 21, 2025, at ICC Academy Dubai. The 14-year-old opener, dismissed for a brisk 26 off 10 balls by Ali Raza, walked off amid boos and viral video clips sparking outrage online. Pakistan posted 347/8, powered by Sameer Minhas‘ explosive 172 off 113 (17 fours, 9 sixes), before dismantling India for 156 in 26.2 overs.​

Pakistan crowd targets India’s young batting star after U-19 Asia Cup defeat

Sections of the Pakistan crowd unleashed boos on Suryavanshi as he exited the stadium, capturing a viral video of the young batter enduring taunts despite his tender age and prior IPL exploits with Rajasthan Royals. The footage, shared widely on social platforms, showed the southpaw maintaining composure amid inflammatory remarks, drawing sharp criticism for poor sportsmanship from fans labeling it “shameless.”

Earlier, tension boiled on-field when Raza, after inducing an edge on a short ball to keeper Hamza Zahoor, celebrated aggressively; Suryavanshi retorted by pointing at Raza, gesturing to the ground and exchanging words, a clip that amplified Indo-Pak U19 rivalry drama.​​

Here’s the video:

🚨Vaibhav Suryavanshi booed by Pakistan fans after today U19 Final

Not just this even while he was fielding at the boundary line many Pak fans seen body shaming him and making unnecessary comments , Will this be taken seriously now by ACC?

(🎥 – Mr Cricket UAE/Insta) pic.twitter.com/9fNzXwlz9k

— GOAT18 (@_GOAT18) December 21, 2025

Also READ: IND vs PAK: Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi engage in verbal fight with Ali Raza in U19 Asia Cup 2025 final

India U19 crumble in historic rout against Pakistan U19

Electing to field, India captain Ayush Mhatre faced Pakistan’s onslaught as Minhas anchored after Zahoor’s 18 off 14 (1 four, 2 sixes) fell early to Henil Patel. Powerplay 1 yielded 79/1; Minhas-Usman Khan added 92 before Khan’s 35, then Ahmed Hussain‘s gritty 56 built a 137-run stand, pushing Pakistan to 260/3 by 37.3 overs. Late collapse saw five wickets tumble for 25 runs post Minhas’ exit at 302/4 (Deepesh Devendran 3/83), yet Niqab Shafiq (12*) and Mohammad Sayyam (13*) ensured 347/8 at 6.94 RR, with Khilan Patel (2/44) starring.​

Chasing 348, India exploded to 50 in 4.3 overs but imploded in Powerplay 1, slumping to 68/6 by drinks (12.3 overs). Suryavanshi’s 26 (1 four, 3 sixes) ended at 49/3; Mhatre (2), Aaron George (16), Vihaan Malhotra (7), and others folded cheaply against Ali Raza‘s 4/42 (6.2 overs). Deepesh Devendran‘s late 36 off 16 (6 fours, 2 sixes) lifted to 156 all out, but Pakistan’s bowlers—Mohammad Sayyam 2/38, Abdul Subhan 2/29—sealed victory. Minhas earned Player of the Match and Series (471 runs). Suryavanshi’s unflinching exit amid jeers underscores resilience in a lopsided Indo-Pak U19 Asia Cup final.

Also READ: Pakistan crush India to win U19 Asia Cup 2025, end 13-year title drought

England captain Ben Stokes has struck a defiant tone in the face of mounting off-field scrutiny, choosing to shield his squad rather than fuel the growing drinking culture narrative. Following a controversial mid-series break in Noosa that sparked debate over professionalism, Stokes made his priorities clear ahead of the high-stakes Boxing Day Test.

With England already 3-0 down and the Ashes series effectively lost, the captain is focusing on the human element of leadership, emphasizing player welfare over the external noise. His stance comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) acknowledges viral footage involving opener Ben Duckett. For Stokes, the role of a leader in these turbulent moments is to serve as a protective barrier for his players against harmful public scrutiny.

Don’t know what happens to Ben Duckett in Australia. Generally he is One of The Nicest Cricketers but in Australia he is completely opposite. During 2017/18 Ashes he poured a drink over James Anderson’s Head and now this video.He has put his career on riskpic.twitter.com/KVsCbv73jX

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) December 23, 2025

England captain Ben Stokes addresses drinking controversy ahead of Boxing Day Test against Australia

Addressing the media at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Stokes sidestepped specific allegations of misconduct to focus on the psychological toll such public scrutiny takes on his teammates. Amid allegations that several players engaged in heavy drinking during a four-day break on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the captain refused to join the chorus of critics. He insisted that his primary objective is to safeguard the mental well-being of his squad as they look to rebuild momentum and avoid a 5–0 whitewash in the final two Tests. By framing his role as one of protection, Stokes is attempting to maintain a supportive environment within a team that has struggled to gain traction throughout a challenging tour.

“How I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me. The welfare of everyone in there and probably some certain individuals as well is the most important thing to me right now as England captain. I know how this kind of stuff can affect people, and my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly can. This kind of stuff is very—I don’t know if ‘close to me’ is the right wording—but something that I have first-hand experience of how it can affect people. And as I said, my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly can. Right here, right now, that is my main job as England captain is to ensure that they know that they have my backing.”

Also READ: Geoffrey Boycott proposes ‘two strong candidates’ to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach after Ashes 2025-26 defeat

Scrutiny in the wake of Ashes 2025-26 defeat vs Australia

While wanting to be protective, Stokes acknowledged that the only way for his team to escape the current level of criticism is by performing on the field. He was brutally honest about the team’s standing, admitting that losing the first three Tests in just 11 days of play has left them with zero leverage to argue against their detractors. Despite the devastation within the camp, the captain is urging his players to view the remaining matches at the MCG and SCG as a privilege. He reminded the group that representing England remains a lifelong dream that should not be overshadowed by a few days of negative headlines, even as the ECB establishes facts regarding the Noosa trip.

“When you’re 3–0 down and you’ve lost the series, everything you say, everything you do gets scrutinised, and rightly so. You don’t really have a leg to stand on when you’ve lost three games in a huge series like this. When you win, everything’s great; when you’re losing, it’s not. We have a goal still to try and achieve out here on this trip. It’s not gone anywhere near to plan whatsoever, but we’ve still got two games of cricket to play.” Stokes concluded.

Also READ: Australian Cricket Awards 2026: Will the event be scrapped? Here’s everything we know

The return of Rohit Sharma to domestic cricket turned into a spectacle on Tuesday as fans in Jaipur welcomed the India star with thunderous chants. Rohit’s appearance at the Vijay Hazare Trophy marked his first outing in the tournament since 2018, instantly transforming Mumbai’s opening fixture into a fan-driven celebration.

Fans chant ‘Mumbai cha Raja’ for Rohit Sharma in Jaipur

The scenes unfolded at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where Mumbai are taking on Sikkim on December 24. As Rohit arrived at the venue, hundreds of supporters gathered near the gates and practice areas. Soon, when he came near the boundary rope, supporters were heard chanting ‘Mumbai cha Raja’ for Rohit. Social media was soon flooded with clips capturing the frenzy, underlining Rohit’s unmatched popularity even at the domestic level.

Here’s the video:

“Mumbai cha Raja, Rohit Sharma” chants from the fans as Rohit came near the boundary line for fielding.🔥

The Raja of India Cricket @ImRo45 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TjIun24vVi

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 24, 2025

Notably, Rohit’s participation comes in the wake of a recent BCCI directive asking centrally contracted players to feature in domestic white-ball competitions. The move aims to strengthen the domestic structure while keeping senior players match-ready. For fans, it has delivered a rare opportunity to watch modern-day greats compete in India’s premier domestic tournaments.

Also READ: KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna bolster Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy defense

Rohit’s limited appearances for Mumbai

The overwhelming turnout prompted authorities to open the East Stand for free public entry. However, crowd management became a challenge on the eve of the match when fans reportedly swarmed Rohit during a practice session, forcing security personnel to step in. Officials have since tightened arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the game.

While the excitement is palpable, Rohit’s stint in the tournament is expected to be brief. He is likely to play only Mumbai’s first two matches — against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26 — before shifting focus back to international commitments. Mumbai are being led by Shardul Thakur, with Rohit adding invaluable experience at the top of the order.

Also READ: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially signaled a transitional phase for their white-ball squads, announcing a mix of seasoned leaders and fresh faces for their high-stakes tour of India in January 2026. With the T20 World Cup 2026 looming in February, the tour serves as the ultimate litmus test for the Black Caps in subcontinent conditions. While the T20I side sees the return of established stars, the ODI squad has been designed to test depth, featuring two uncapped players and a new captain at the helm. This dual-squad announcement highlights NZC’s careful management of player workloads, balancing franchise commitments and injury recoveries against the need for a full-strength World Cup preparation.

The leadership shift in New Zealand squad: Split captaincy for the India series

In a notable move, New Zealand have appointed separate captains for the two legs of the tour to manage injuries and individual schedules. Michael Bracewell will lead the ODI side, stepping in for Mitchell Santner, who is being rested for the 50-over format as part of a managed return-to-play plan following a groin injury.

Bracewell, who has become a vital all-round cog for New Zealand, will be supported by an experienced leadership group including Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell. However, Santner will return to his leadership duties for the five-match T20I series, a format where his tactical acumen on spin-friendly Indian tracks is considered indispensable. Head coach Rob Walter emphasized that the T20I series is the priority, stating that exposure to subcontinent conditions is vital before the world event begins in February.

“Jayden has been an identified player of interest for some time and has some good New Zealand ‘A’ experience under his belt. He’s consistently been one of the top performers in white-ball cricket domestically for a number of seasons. Playing in the sub-continent is obviously very different to what we’re used to in New Zealand, so any opportunity we can get to expose our guys to those conditions can only be a good thing, especially prior to a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent. Rob Walter, NZ Head Coach, was quoted as saying by Blackcaps.

New Zealand’s white-ball squads for the India series

The squad announcement is headlined by the inclusion of Central Districts left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who has earned his maiden international call-up for the ODI series alongside the uncapped Kristian Clarke. Their inclusion follows standout domestic seasons where they were identified as key prospects for subcontinent conditions.

Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson makes a highly anticipated return to both white-ball squads after a lengthy injury layoff. The T20I squad also welcomes back Matt Henry and Mark Chapman, both of whom are returning from recent calf and ankle injuries. These squads reflect a clear strategy of prioritizing T20 readiness while blooding the next generation of ODI talent during a busy international window.

New Zealand ODI Squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young.

New Zealand T20I Squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.

Also READ: Australian Cricket Awards 2026: Will the event be scrapped? Here’s everything we know

Reason behind New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson and Jacob Duffy’s absence

The biggest talking point of the announcement is the absence of former captain Kane Williamson from the ODI series. NZC confirmed that Williamson is unavailable for the 50-over matches due to his commitments with Durban Super Giants in the SA20 league, which directly clashes with the Indian tour.

Similarly, Tom Latham will miss the ODI series to remain in New Zealand for the birth of his third child. These absences have opened the door for emerging players like Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson, both of whom were rewarded for prolific domestic seasons. The T20I squad will be bolstered further later in the series by the arrival of players like Lockie Ferguson and Finn Allen as soon as their respective franchise commitments are complete.

“Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to commitments in the SA20 league. Mitch Hay will keep wicket for the ODI series, whereas Devon Conway will take the gloves for the T20Is. Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra will both sit out the ODI series to allow them to rest after being involved in all cricket since the start of the home summer. Ben Sears has returned from his stint in Melbourne, but was not considered for selection in ODI cricket as he works through his return to play program. Sears is progressing well and is on track to be available for the Super Smash.” New Zealand Cricket said in an official statement.

Also WATCH: Ben Duckett’s drunk video goes viral amid Ashes 2025–26 setback

The ongoing Ashes 2025–26 tour has taken a dramatic turn for England, shifting focus from on-field struggles to off-field conduct. In the aftermath of Australia retaining the Ashes in emphatic fashion, England opener Ben Duckett has landed in controversy after a video allegedly showing him intoxicated went viral on social media. The clip has sparked widespread debate and prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to initiate an internal inquiry into the team’s behaviour during a scheduled mid-series break.

England’s campaign in Australia has already been marked by heavy defeats and growing criticism, and this latest episode has only intensified scrutiny on a squad struggling to cope with pressure both on and off the field.

Ben Duckett’s drunk video goes viral

The incident traces back to a four-day break taken by the England squad in Noosa, Queensland, between the second and third Tests. The break was sanctioned as a recovery window after England slipped to a 2–0 deficit early in the series. Instead, reports suggest the trip descended into excess, with claims of heavy drinking quickly making headlines.

The video, which surfaced on December 23, appears to show Duckett outside a shopping area, visibly unsteady and engaging with members of the public. In one exchange, he struggles to answer a simple question about finding his hotel. Another moment captures a fan mocking England’s poor form, prompting an angry verbal response from the batter. The interaction, filmed on a mobile phone, spread rapidly across platforms, drawing sharp criticism from former players and supporters alike.

Here’s the video:

What is this behaviour from Ben Duckett😭😭. He was completely out of his mind after drinking a lot. Disappointing Attitude. We need to be serious. pic.twitter.com/KVsCbv73jX

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) December 23, 2025

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma takes a cheeky dig at England after their poor show in Ashes 2025–26

ECB launches investigation

The timing of the video has proved particularly damaging. Just hours earlier, England’s managing director of cricket Rob Key had publicly acknowledged concerns about player conduct during the Noosa break and promised to look into the matter. England went on to lose the third Test in Adelaide, surrendering the Ashes at 3–0 and leaving the remainder of the series devoid of competitive edge.

Sources within English cricket indicate the ECB is treating the issue seriously, with an emphasis on maintaining professional standards during overseas tours. While no disciplinary action has yet been confirmed, the board’s response is expected to set a precedent for future conduct policies.

Duckett’s struggles add fuel to the fire

On the field, Duckett’s performances have done little to ease pressure. Opening the batting, he has managed just 97 runs across the series so far, averaging a modest 16.16 with a highest score of 29. His difficulties against Australia’s pace attack have mirrored England’s wider batting collapse, making the off-field footage even more uncomfortable for team management.

This is not Duckett’s first brush with controversy in Australia. During the 2017–18 Ashes tour, he was provisionally suspended after pouring a drink over the head of teammate James Anderson, an incident that had already raised questions about his judgement on tour.

Also READ: Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head silence Stuart Broad as Australia retain Ashes with stunning win over England in Adelaide Test