Defending champions Karnataka have officially named their squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, signaling their intent to secure a record-extending sixth title. As one of the most successful sides in the history of India’s premier domestic one-day tournament, the state team enters the 2025-26 season with a powerful combination of seasoned international experience and emerging young talent. After clinching a dominant victory in the previous edition, the squad will be looking to maintain their white-ball supremacy as they prepare to kick off their campaign in Ahmedabad.

KL Rahul headlines Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

The 16-member squad feature the return of star India internationals KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna. The inclusion of Rahul is a significant boost for the state side. Rahul, who has not featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since 2019, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable List A record for Karnataka, averaging nearly 45 in the tournament. He is expected to be available for key fixtures in early January before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Similarly Prasidh will lead the bowling attack as his ability to generate high pace and bounce makes him a lethal asset in the 50-over format. His presence, alongside the reliable V. Vyshak and Abhilash Shetty, gives Karnataka one of the most balanced pace batteries in the competition.

Also READ: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma headline Punjab’s 18-man squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Mayank Agarwal to lead the strong unit

The squad remains anchored by captain Mayank Agarwal, who was instrumental in Karnataka’s title victory last season, finishing as one of the tournament’s top run-getters. The middle order looks equally robust with the presence of Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, and the hard-hitting Abhinav Manohar.

The selection committee has also rewarded domestic consistency, handing call-ups to youngsters Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar following their impressive performances in the U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy. Shreesha Achar will lead the spin department as the primary specialist slow bowler, supported by the all-round capabilities of Shreyas Gopal.

Placed in Group A, Karnataka will begin their campaign on December 24 in Ahmedabad. They face a challenging group that includes prominent sides like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy: Mayank Agarwal (c), Karun Nair (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, R. Smaran, KL Shrijith, Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, V. Vyshak, Manvanth Kumar, Shreesha Achar, Abhilash Shetty, B.R. Sharath, Harshil Dharmani, Dhruv Prabhakar.

Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage where young talents transition into global stars, and for 22-year-old Cooper Connolly, the 2026 season represents the ultimate breakthrough. After being acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs 3 crore during the high-octane auction in Abu Dhabi, the Australian spin-bowling all-rounder is set to make his maiden appearance in the world’s most prestigious T20 league.

IPL 2026: Cooper Connolly on learning from Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer

One of the most anticipated aspects of Connolly’s maiden IPL stint is the opportunity to play under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Having reached the IPL final with three different franchises and captaining Kolkata Knight Riders to a title just a year ago, Iyer is widely regarded as one of the finest tactical minds in the T20 format. Connolly revealed that he had already initiated contact with the Mumbaikar during Australia A’s recent tour of India, where he was immediately struck by Iyer’s professional aura and “world-class” approach to the game.

The young Australian is keen to understand the nuances of captaincy and match awareness that have made Iyer a perennial success in the league. As per quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Connolly expressed his excitement and he further believes that these interactions will be crucial for his adaptation to the high-pressure environment of the IPL, “When I was over there for Australia A vs India A, I spoke to Shreyas a little bit and just watching him go about his work – and even watching him in Australia – he’s a world-class player. So I’m keen to pick his brains a little bit and understand how he goes about it and what makes him successful.” 

Also READ: Not CSK! Amit Mishra predicts the semifinalists of IPL 2026

Not Glenn Maxwell! Cooper Connolly reveals the Punjab Kings superstar who inspired him the most

The connection between Connolly and Punjab runs deeper than a simple auction purchase, as he steps into a franchise where his idol, Shaun Marsh, created a lasting legacy over nearly a decade. Marsh was the inaugural Orange Cap winner for the franchise in 2008 and remains a beloved icon for the Punjab fans, a status that Connolly hopes to eventually emulate through his own performances.

“Shaun Marsh was a hell of a player; if anyone has half of his career, you’ve done well. I still speak to him occasionally. I think the main thing I’ve taken from him is his ability to handle situations – no matter whether it’s three for not many or one for something – just being able to control his emotions and do whatever the team needs. I’m sure over the next couple of months, I’ll speak to him about his time over at Punjab, how he enjoyed it, and what worked for him. But yeah, I’d like to leave a legacy at Punjab. If I get the opportunity, hopefully I can sort of etch my name in history and win the trophies for Punjab.” Connolly added.

Beyond the Marsh connection, many fans have begun comparing Connolly to the legendary Glenn Maxwell, given their shared roles as high-impact spin-bowling all-rounders who have been central to Punjab’s history.

However, the 22-year-old remains grounded, acknowledging that while he bats and bowls with the same versatility, he still has a significant journey ahead to match the ‘Big Show’s’ international accolades. Addressing these lofty comparisons, Connolly remarked, “Yeah, I think the comparisons to Maxi, I’ll take it. But he is a world-class player. I’m a long way from being as good as him.”

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Josh Inglis faces Punjab Kings owner’s wrath over unprofessionalism claims

The Big Bash League 2025-26 season continues with a mid-week blockbuster as the Adelaide Strikers host the Melbourne Stars for the 10th match of the tournament at the Adelaide Oval. Both teams will enter this clash with winning momentum; the Strikers pulled off a thrilling last-over upset against the Sydney Sixers, while the Stars clinical performance saw them dismantle the Hobart Hurricanes. Historically, this has been a neck-and-neck rivalry, but with the Strikers playing their first home game of the season in front of a passionate Adelaide crowd, the stakes are incredibly high for both sides to maintain their undefeated start.

AS vs MS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 23 (Tuesday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 6:45 pm Local
• Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Head-to-Head Record in BBL:

Matches played: 19 | Melbourne Stars won: 10 | Adelaide Strikers won: 09 | No result/Tied: 0

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

The Adelaide Oval is one of the most iconic batting-friendly surfaces in the BBL, typically offering a true bounce and consistent pace that stroke-makers relish. However, it also provides a unique challenge: the new ball under the lights can offer significant swing for the seamers, while the pitch often slows down slightly in the middle overs, bringing spinners into play. Statistics at this venue favor the team batting first (44 wins to 34), as the surface can become harder to chase on if the pressure of a high total mounts. Despite this, with dew often playing a role in day-night fixtures, the captain winning the bat flip may still lean towards bowling first to exploit early movement.

Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars: Team dynamics and key players

Adelaide Strikers: The Strikers are led by the explosive Matthew Short, who remains their most vital asset at the top of the order alongside the veteran Chris Lynn. Their recent victory was sparked by a resilient Liam Scott, showing their batting depth. On the bowling front, English left-armer Luke Wood has hit the ground running with a three-wicket haul in the opener. Supported by the pace of Henry Thornton and the craft of Jamie Overton, the Strikers possess a versatile attack that is particularly effective in defending totals on their home turf.

Melbourne Stars: The Stars look like a powerhouse this season under the captaincy of Marcus Stoinis, who dominated the opening game with both bat and ball. The middle order is arguably the most dangerous in the league, featuring the “Big Show” Glenn Maxwell and the reliable Hilton Cartwright. Their bowling department has been bolstered by the pace of Haris Rauf and the experience of Peter Siddle, who has a prolific record at the Adelaide Oval. The Stars’ ability to strike early with the ball and power through the middle overs makes them a nightmare for any opposition.

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

AS vs MS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bats first
• Adelaide Strikers’ powerplay score: 48-58 (6 overs)
• Adelaide Strikers’ total score: 170-185

Case 2:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bats first
• Melbourne Stars’ powerplay score: 52-62 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Stars’ total score: 175-195

Match result: Melbourne Stars to win the contest

Also READ: Big Bash League 2025-26: Complete squads of all 8 teams in the BBL|15

Fresh off their historic ODI World Cup triumph and a dominant 8-wicket victory in the series opener, India Women look to clinch a series lead as they face Sri Lanka Women in the 2nd T20I at Visakhapatnam.

With the first match showcasing Jemimah Rodrigues‘ red-hot form and India’s disciplined bowling, the pressure is squarely on Chamari Athapaththu’s side to keep the 5-match series alive before it shifts to Thiruvananthapuram.

IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 23; 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm IST
• Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

IND-W vs SL-W Head to Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 27 | India Women won: 21 | Sri Lanka Women won: 05 | No result: 01

ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

In the first T20I, the surface played slightly ‘sticky’ rather than being a flat batting deck. Expect the ball to hold up a bit in the first innings, making it crucial for batters to spend time before playing big shots. The track traditionally favors spinners. With the match being played on a reused surface or a similar square, players like Deepti Sharma and Inoka Ranaweera will find plenty of grip and turn. Once the initial ‘stickiness’ wears off and the dew sets in, the ball will likely come onto the bat much better. This was evident in the 1st T20I when India chased down 122 in under 15 overs. This is a classic ‘chase-favored’ venue.

Also READ: Jemimah Rodrigues, bowlers propel India to comprehensive win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20I

Squads

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, G Kamalini

Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Rashmika Sewwandi, Imesha Dulani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimesha Madushani, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Malsha Shehani, Shashini Gimhani

IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 35-45
• Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka Women wins the toss and bowls first
• India Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• India Women’s total score: 165-175

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

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.

The Ashes 2025-26 have been retained, the celebrated urn remains in Australian hands today. A clinical 3-0 lead has been forged in Adelaide over the visitors England. Yet, the jubilant mood ahead of the iconic Boxing Day Test match the MCG, starting on December 26, is tempered by a captain Pat Cummins‘ strategic caution.

Cummins now faces a pivotal medical decision point. Managing a lumbar stress injury requires a cold and calculated long-term logic. With the series secured, the risk of a festive breakdown is simply far too high. “I doubt I’ll be playing Melbourne,” the weary skipper admitted to the press. His absence leaves a massive void in the world’s most feared pace-bowling unit. National selectors will now look to choose a successor to maintain the 5-0 whitewash.

“I doubt I’ll be playing (in) Melbourne.”

🗣️ Pat Cummins on his #Ashes availability pic.twitter.com/fm5ISOt1ON

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 21, 2025

Ashes 2025-26: 3 leading candidates to replace Pat Cummins in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test match against England

Three hungry contenders now stand ready to storm the hallowed MCG turf. Here are the leading candidates to replace Cummins this Boxing Day.

1. Jhye Richardson

The most significant development leading into the Boxing Day Test is the report from Code Sports Australia confirming that Jhye Richardson has left his BBL commitments with the Perth Scorchers to fly directly to Melbourne. This move indicates he is the primary target to replace Pat Cummins. Richardson has spent the last four years battling shoulder and soft-tissue injuries, but his recent form suggests he has rediscovered his elite rhythm.

• The Numbers: Richardson recently dismantled the England Lions for Australia A, finishing with figures of 4/35 while consistently clocking speeds of 140 km/h.
• The Pedigree: He is no stranger to Ashes heroics, having famously claimed 5/42 in the second innings of the 2021 Adelaide Test to secure an Australian victory.
• The Tactical Fit: His ‘skiddy’ trajectory and natural outswing are considered a perfect match for the MCG, where the drop-in pitch often rewards bowlers who can extract life through sheer pace and a lower release point.

2. Michael Neser

If the selectors opt for reliability and control over raw pace, Michael Neser is the undisputed frontrunner. Neser has already made a massive impact this summer, justifying his call-up with a maiden Test five-wicket haul during the second Test at Brisbane. He could be the most ‘Cummins-like’ bowler in the domestic circuit due to his relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways.

• The Numbers: Neser has been the gold standard of the Sheffield Shield, boasting an extraordinary average of just 21.00 over the last two seasons. In the current 2025/26 Ashes series, he already has 1 five-wicket haul to his name.
• The Pedigree: With over 100 Shield wickets and a growing international reputation, he is considered a ‘plug-and-play’ option who requires no adjustment period.
• The Tactical Fit: Neser provides elite-level swing and acts as a “genuine” all-rounder at number eight, potentially cushioning the batting blow dealt by Cummins’ absence.

Also READ: England captain Ben Stokes opens up on another Ashes series defeat in Australia

3. Brendan Doggett

Brendan Doggett represents the ‘incumbent’ depth of the current squad, having made his long-awaited Test debut in the series opener at Perth earlier this summer. A tall, bustling fast bowler from Queensland, Doggett provides the ‘heavy ball’ that Australian captains crave to break stubborn partnerships in the middle overs.

• The Numbers: While his specific series wicket tally is lower than Neser’s, Doggett’s role has been to hit the deck hard and maintain pressure, often bowling at 142+ km/h to unsettle the England top order.
• The Pedigree: His rise through the Indigenous XI and the Sheffield Shield has been built on stamina; he is capable of bowling the long, grueling 7-to-8 over spells required if the MCG pitch proves to be a flat “road.”
• The Tactical Fit: If Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are tasked with the early swing and seam, Doggett is the ideal “enforcer” to bowl cross-seam and extract reverse swing as the ball scuffs up on the abrasive Melbourne surface.

Also READ: WTC 2025–27 Standings: New Zealand climb to second after dominant series win over West Indies

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have started planning for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) much earlier than usual after the blockbuster IPL 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi. Following their poor campaign in 2025, the franchise has already taken major steps to fix the problems and come back stronger in the IPL 2026.

Even with more than three months left before IPL 2026 begins, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are already focusing on rebuilding their bowling strength, which was the major reason behind their struggles in the last season when Rishabh Pant made his captaincy debut with the franchise.

LSG plan a special South Africa camp for its pacers

As reported by Cricbuzz, LSG are planning to send a group of their domestic fast bowlers to South Africa for a special training stint. The bowlers will train in Durban alongside players from the Durban Super Giants during the upcoming SA20 2025-26, which is set to get underway on December 26.

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This move will allow the players to work in competitive conditions while staying match-ready. The report revealed that Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan are the two main names who will be sent first to South Africa. Even the young left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari is likely to be part of the group.

The LSG bowlers are expected to travel to Durban next week, as neither of them have the BCCI contracts or domestic commitments. It is being said that the Lucknow-based franchise has already taken official clearance from the BCCI for this special training in South Africa.

Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan among others, to train with DSG

The Durban setup is ideal for LSG because several familiar faces will be involved in the coaching staff. Lance Klusener, Tom Moody, Bharat Arun, and Carl Crowe are part of the Durban’s Super Giants’ support team, and most of them also work with Lucknow in the IPL.

Notably, Durban’s Super Giants is LSG’s sister franchise in South Africa’s T20 league, SA20. Well, this strategy will help the players follow the same training methods and recovery plans they will use during the IPL.

Avesh Khan has not played competitive cricket since the last IPL season, while Mohsin Khan missed the entire 2025 season. Both pacers have been recovering from injuries and have only recently started bowling again. Their time with the Durban’s Super Giants will help the bowlers slowly build rhythm, confidence, and fitness before the IPL 2026 begins on March 26.

Read Also: Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube confirm availability for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma to join on…

Lucknow Super Giants plan early grooming for Naman Tiwari ahead of IPL 2026

Additionally, the Lucknow Super Giants are also closely tracking the progress of Naman Tiwari. The 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler was bought for ₹1 crore at the IPL 2026 Auction last week. He is seen as a long-term prospect and is not part of the Uttar Pradesh squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, which makes him available for LSG’s training program.

In the recent auction, they brought in Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 crore, Mukul Choudhary for ₹2.6 crore, and Akshat Raghuwanshi for ₹2.2 crore, along with experienced fast bowlers Anrich Nortje of South Africa and Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka for ₹2 crore each, besides signing Naman.

India and Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Monday (December 22). Krishnappa Gowtham was one of the domestic cricket giants with a 14-year journey in professional cricket.

The 37-year-old has represented India only in one ODI, but he has enjoyed great success with Karnataka across the formats in domestic cricket. Additionally, the bowling all-rounder also represented iconic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Krishnappa Gowtham announces retirement from the game

Gowtham has not played any competitive cricket since September 2024, but he was involved in the game as a cricket pundit with Star Sports. Now, he has officially called time on his playing career.

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The 37-year-old announced his retirement at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) office in Bengaluru on Monday. On the emotional occasion, Gowtham was accompanied by his parents, wife, and daughter at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) office.

The former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad, who is currently serving as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president, was also present on the occasion and hailed Gowtham’s journey. However, neither the KSCA nor Gowtham has made an official announcement yet.

🚨 RETIREMENT 🚨

Karnataka’s K Gowtham has announced his retirement from cricket pic.twitter.com/BgWPtxwf7Q

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 22, 2025

Krishnappa Gowtham’s journey as Karnataka’s all-rounder

Meanwhile, Krishnappa Gowtham was known for his powerful hitting and smart off-spin bowling. The bowling all-rounder built a strong reputation in domestic cricket and later made his mark in the IPL as well.

He made his Ranji Trophy debut on November 17, 2012, playing for Karnataka against Uttar Pradesh. The Karnataka star made an instant impact in his very first match by dismissing big names like Suresh Raina as he announced his arrival in domestic cricket.

Read Also: Shubman Gill sent back to domestic cricket after T20I axing, denied Punjab captaincy

The 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season turned out to be a major breakthrough in his career. Gowtham was outstanding with the ball, picking up 27 wickets in just eight matches. The off-spinner became a key part of Karnataka’s bowling attack in the red-ball cricket.

In the next season, the right-handed batter smashed his maiden first-class century against Assam in Mysuru during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy. That inning highlighted his value as a true all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball.

Krishnappa Gowtham’s IPL impact

Krishnappa Gowtham continued to perform consistently for Karnataka until 2023. In his career, he played 59 first-class matches and 68 List A games, taking more than 320 wickets in these formats. He also chipped in with important runs lower down the order.

In T20 cricket, Gowtham featured in 92 matches and picked up 74 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 7.18. Apart from domestic cricket, Gowtham enjoyed a solid IPL career. He represented top franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. In 36 IPL matches, the all-rounder scored 247 runs and claimed 21 wickets.

Adelaide Strikers will face the Melbourne Stars in the tenth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Melbourne Stars’ Playing 11 vs Adelaide Strikers for the tenth match of the tournament.

Melbourne Stars Playing XI vs Adelaide Strikers- BBL 2025-26, Match 10

Openers: Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke

Melbourne Stars would look to continue the winning start that they have had in the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League when they take on the Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming match at the Adelaide Oval.

The Marcus Stoinis-led side would hope for the batters to replicate the same performance that they delivered in the first match while chasing a score of 159 runs against the defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes.

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For that to happen, the team would bank on its openers, Thomas Fraser Rogers and Joe Clark, to get the team off to a good start.

Along with that, the openers will also be entrusted to make a significant contribution individually, as well, to gain confidence for the matches to come.

If Rogers and Clark are able to fulfill their role, it would increase the visitors’ chances of posting a big score on the board against the home team while batting first, as the Stars have a strong middle order that has a good mix of youth and experience.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran

The opening batters will be followed by a middle order which comprises names like that of current captain Marcus Stoinis, former captain Glenn Maxwell, and experienced batter Hilton Cartwright, all of whom will be backed to have a good outing.

If the above-mentioned batters get off to a start, the bowlers will have a long day in the field and will have their task cut out in an attempt to restrict the flow of runs

The trio will be supported by young batter Campbell Kellaway, who played a match-winning knock against the Hurricanes, and experienced all-rounder Tom Curran

The onus will be on the top five batters to score the majority of the runs for the Stars and not depend on lower-order batters to get the job done, both while batting first or while chasing against the Strikers, who will be playing in their own backyard.

Bowlers: Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle

If we talk about the options that the Melbourne Stars have in the bowling lineup, it include Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, and Peter Siddle.

Along with that, the team also has the choice of a few all-rounders in the form of captain Marcus Stonis, Tom Curran, and Glenn Maxwell, who is expected to bowl an over or two in the powerplay as he often does.

The availability of at least six bowling options, including himself, gives the Stars’ captain, Marcus Stoinis, the option of bringing changes according to the situation of the game or based on a particular batter.

Having said that, all the bowlers will have to be right on the money from the first ball, given the depth that the Strikers have in their batting lineup.