Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completely shifted their long-standing ‘experience-first’ philosophy at the IPL 2026 auction, opting for a youth-centric rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of the table. Armed with the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore, CSK stunned fans and experts alike by spending more than sixty percent of their budget on two uncapped Indian players. With the squad now taking shape, the biggest question is how CSK’s best XI should look. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in by picking his preferred CSK XI in response to the franchise’s fan poll on social media.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s CSK playing XI for IPL 2026

Solid opening pair to set the tone

Ashwin backed a fresh yet balanced opening combination, pairing young Ayush Mhatre with Sanju Samson. Notably, Samson was roped in by CSK through the trading window ahead of the auction, adding both experience and explosiveness at the top. Ayush’s inclusion reflects CSK’s renewed trust in fearless young batters, while Samson’s ability to dominate the Powerplay and keep wickets provides tactical flexibility.

The powerhouse middle order

The backbone of Ashwin’s XI lies in the middle order, led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ashwin sees Gaikwad as the perfect anchor who can shift gears when required. Shivam Dube‘s presence adds brute hitting power against spin, while Dewald Brevis offers dynamism and innovation, particularly in the middle overs. Together, the trio blends stability with aggression—something CSK lacked last season.

The MS Dhoni factor remains crucial

Even in a new-era CSK, MS Dhoni continues to be central to the team’s balance. Ashwin slotted uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer alongside Dhoni, highlighting a mentor-protégé dynamic. Veer’s inclusion rewards his auction hype, while Dhoni’s calm presence behind the stumps and in crunch moments remains invaluable, especially for a young squad navigating high-pressure situations.

Dynamic bowling combination offers variety

Ashwin’s bowling attack focuses on adaptability across conditions. He picked either Akeal Hosein or Matt Henry based on match-ups, supported by Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm pace, Nathan Ellis’ death-over expertise, and Noor Ahmed’s wrist-spin threat. The combination provides pace, swing, variations, and spin—covering all phases of a T20 innings.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts IPL 2026 semifinalists after mini auction

Impact players in Ashwin’s setup

For the Impact Player role, Ashwin suggested flexible options such as Anshul, Karthik Sharma, Shreyas Gopal, or Sarfraz, depending on conditions and opposition. This reinforces CSK’s intent to stay tactically agile rather than lock into rigid combinations.

No place for ₹14.20 crore rookie

The most striking omission from Ashwin’s XI is Kartik. The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was snapped up for a staggering ₹14.20 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history alongside Prashant. Despite the massive investment, Ashwin appears to prefer easing Kartik into the tournament rather than throwing him straight into the starting XI. The call underlines a clear message: price tags won’t dictate selection in CSK’s new-look setup, with balance and readiness taking precedence over hype.

Ashwin’s CSK playing XI for IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Akeal Hosein/Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmed.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin faces accusations of revealing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has candidly spoken about the emotional aftermath of India’s crushing defeat to Australia in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, revealing that the loss left him mentally drained and questioning his future in the sport.

Speaking at a Masters’ Union event, Rohit admitted that the disappointment from the final lingered far longer than expected, describing it as one of the most difficult phases of his cricketing life.

Rohit reveals depth of personal devastation

Opening up about his state of mind after the final, Rohit shared that the emotional impact was overwhelming.

“After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and felt like I didn’t want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me,” he said. “I felt I had nothing left.”

Rohit explained that the sense of emptiness did not fade overnight. He needed time away from the emotional high of the tournament to reconnect with his love for cricket, reminding himself why he started playing the game in the first place.

Slowly, through reflection and self-motivation, he began to rediscover his energy and drive. “I kept telling myself that this is something I truly love, and I couldn’t let it go so easily,” he added.

One loss that stunned the host nation

India’s campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup had been nothing short of dominant. Under Rohit’s leadership, the team won every match leading into the final, producing one of the most consistent tournament runs in World Cup history.

However, the final in Ahmedabad unfolded in heartbreaking fashion. Despite Australia losing three early wickets, India were outplayed as the visitors chased down the target comfortably, sealing a six-wicket victory. The defeat stunned fans across the country, turning a month of celebration into collective disbelief.

“Everybody was extremely disappointed,” Rohit said. “We just couldn’t believe what had happened.”

World Cup dream consumed Rohit’s leadership tenure

Rohit acknowledged that the loss hurt deeply because the World Cup had been his singular focus since taking over the captaincy in 2022. Whether it was the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup, his goal was clear – to lift a global trophy for India.

“I had put everything into that World Cup, not just in the months before it but ever since I became captain,” he said. “When it didn’t happen, I was completely devastated. There was no energy left in my body.”

The former opener admitted it took a couple of months to mentally recover, regain motivation and feel ready to step back onto the field with purpose.

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

India bounce back under Rohit’s leadership with T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

Rohit’s story, however, did not end in despair. India responded to the 2023 heartbreak with resilience, going on to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 under his captaincy.

The title triumph served as redemption – not just for the team, but for Rohit personally. It validated his perseverance through doubt and emotional exhaustion, reinforcing his belief in persistence and long-term vision.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli shows class by signing net bowler’s iPhone after practice session in Alibaug

Veteran leg-spinner and IPL legend Amit Mishra has shared his early predictions for the 2026 season, notably leaving the five-time champions out of his top contenders. Speaking on a recent episode of MensXP’s YouTube podcast, the former India international identified five teams he believes will dominate the upcoming season, following a high-stakes mini-auction in Abu Dhabi that saw several franchises overhaul their rosters.

Amit Mishra picks the semifinalists of IPL 2026

During the candid discussion, Mishra was asked to pick the teams most likely to reach the playoffs for the 19th edition of the league. Without hesitation, he narrowed the field down to five specific franchises, citing their recent squad depth and tactical acquisitions. Mishra went with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He also added Gujarat Titans (GT) to the list.

“KKR, MI, SRH, RCB, and GT. I think four from these five will make the playoffs,” Mishra stated during the podcast.

Mishra’s predictions appear to be influenced by the aggressive recruitment strategies seen at the recent auction. KKR secured Australian star Cameron Green for a record ₹25.20 crore, signaling a massive shift in their middle-order power. Similarly, RCB brought in Venkatesh Iyer to bolster their local core. SRH strengthened their squad further with the addition of Liam Livingstone. MI focused on ‘homecoming’ and stability. They brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore—a massive steal—to partner Rohit Sharma.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete squads of all 10 teams after the bidding event

No place for Chennai Super Kings in Mishra’s prediction

While Mishra did not explicitly detail why he left out the five-time champions, his comments come at a time when CSK have undergone a significant ‘youth overhaul.’ Mishra’s snub of CSK likely stems from their high-risk strategy. While they landed Sanju Samson in a blockbuster trade, they lost cornerstone players Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals. CSK spent ₹28.40 crore on just two uncapped players: Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. Analysts argue that by letting Matheesha Pathirana go to KKR, CSK have a massive void in death bowling that hasn’t been fully addressed by new signing Matt Henry.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts IPL 2026 semifinalists after mini auction

The 2025/26 Ashes series may have been decided in record time, but the war of words is only just heating up. Shortly after Australia secured a dominant 3-0 series lead in Adelaide on Sunday, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head served up a cold dish of “receipts” to former England pacer Stuart Broad, whose pre-series claims about the quality of this Australian squad have aged like milk.

The controversy dates back to October 2025, when Broad made headlines during an episode of his For The Love of Cricket podcast. Broad boldly asserted that Pat Cummins’ side was “probably the worst Australian team since 2010”—the last time England won a series on Australian soil.

Broad didn’t stop there, claiming it was “not an opinion, it’s a fact” and that the current England squad under Ben Stokes was the strongest they had fielded in 15 years.

Marnus Labuschagne hits back after Australia claim the urn

The “fact” proved to be anything but, as Australia retained the urn in just 11 days of cricket, winning the first three Tests in clinical fashion. Speaking to ABC Radio moments after taking the match-winning catch in Adelaide, Labuschagne was quick to remind Broad of his words.

“Have to say, being called the worst Australian team in 15 years… it’s nice to be sitting where we are now, three-nil up,” Labuschagne quipped.

“The job’s not done yet. We want to make sure it’s 5-0 and really take that urn,” added Labuschagne.

While Labuschagne’s bat was relatively quiet in the third Test (scoring 19 and 13), his contribution in the field was undeniable. He pulled off two stunning, one-handed screamers at second slip—including the final wicket of Josh Tongue—to seal the 82-run victory.

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

Travis Head joins the party to troll Broad

The celebrations moved from the pitch to social media, where Adelaide’s own local hero, Head, delivered the knockout blow. Head, who has been the thorn in England’s side with centuries in Perth and Adelaide, posted an Instagram story featuring himself and Cummins sharing a drink.

The caption? A pointed “Is it 2010 yet?” accompanied by laughing emojis—a direct reference to the year Broad cited as the benchmark for Australian mediocrity.

The Australian team also debuted a new look during their post-match celebrations: white T-shirts emblazoned with the word ‘Ronball’ and a cartoon of head coach Andrew ‘Ronnie’ McDonald. It was a cheeky jab at the ‘Bazball’ hype that has surrounded the England camp for years, suggesting that Australia’s more traditional (but relentless) approach had thoroughly dismantled the English revolution.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Australia retain the Ashes with a 3-0 lead at the Adelaide Oval

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 will be historic as Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now only feature in the ODI format, will feature in the tournament after respective long years. This comeback is a strategic move for the preparation of the upcoming New Zealand ODI series and to keep themselves match-fit for the ultimate goal: the ODI World Cup 2027 trophy. Their participation marks a rare return to their roots, offering a massive boost to the domestic circuit and providing fans a glimpse of the legends in state colors. As the tournament kicks off on December 24, all eyes will be on how these modern-day greats transition back to the domestic 50-over grind.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

1. Virat Kohli: Delhi (Elite Group D)

Kohli returns to represent Delhi after a 15-year gap in this tournament. He is confirmed to feature in the opening stages held in Bengaluru.

Availability & Fixtures

Vijay Hazare Record & Stats

• Total Runs: 819
• Matches: 14
• Average: 68.25
• Strike Rate: 106.08
• Centuries/Fifties: 4 / 3
• Last Appearance (Before 2025): His final match was in February 2010 against Services at the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) Ground, Gurgaon. In that game, he scored 8 runs off 16 balls while leading the side.
• Legacy: His most prolific season was 2008-09, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 534 runs, including a blistering 124 off 82 balls against Haryana.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

2. Rohit Sharma: Mumbai (Elite Group C)

The Indian captain will join the Mumbai squad for their initial fixtures in Jaipur. Under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur, Rohit will look to get crucial time in the middle before the international season resumes.

Availability & Fixtures

Vijay Hazare Record & Stats

• Total Runs: 581
• Matches: 18
• Average: 38.00
• Strike Rate: 90.8
• Centuries/Fifties: 3/1
• Last Appearance (Before 2025): Rohit last played on October 17, 2018, in the Semi-final against Hyderabad in Bengaluru. He scored 17 runs in a rain-affected match that Mumbai won.
• Impact: Rohit has a storied history with Mumbai; in his last full season (2018-19), he played a match winning unbeaten knock against Bihar in the Quarter-finals just days before his final appearance, eventually helping Mumbai clinch the title.

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

With more than three months still remaining before the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season begins, a franchise has already started laying the groundwork for their campaign. In a proactive move aimed at sharpening its bowling resources, the star-studded team is planning to send a group of domestic pacers to South Africa for a specialised training stint. The initiative underlines a growing trend among IPL teams to prioritise early preparation and player workload management well ahead of the tournament.

South Africa stint during SA20 to aid comeback plans for the promising team

The team in discussion is none other than Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). According to a report in Cricbuzz, LSG have selected few of their bowlers to train alongside players from Durban Super Giants, the South African sister franchise of LSG, during the upcoming SA20. Notably, the upcoming season of SA20 begins on December 26 and runs for nearly a month, offering an ideal competitive and training environment. Among the names under consideration are Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan, both of whom have been recovering from injuries. Young left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari is also in contention to join the group.

The bowlers are likely to travel to Durban sometime next week. Naman, signed for INR 1 crore at the recent mini-auction, is seen as a long-term prospect. The 20-year-old is not part of Uttar Pradesh’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him available for the Durban trip. Further, the franchise is understood to have sought formal clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure compliance with all protocols.

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

Coaching continuity strengthens the plan

A major advantage of the Durban camp lies in the overlap of coaching personnel between the two franchises. The Durban setup includes Lance Klusener, Tom Moody, Bharat Arun, and Carl Crowe—with Moody, Arun and Crowe also serving on the IPL side’s support staff. This continuity is expected to help players transition smoothly into IPL-specific preparations.

For Avesh and Mohsin, the South Africa stint is particularly significant. Avesh has not featured in competitive cricket since the previous IPL season, while Mohsin missed the entire last campaign. Both have been undergoing rehabilitation and have only recently resumed bowling. Training in match-like conditions during SA20 is expected to accelerate their return to full fitness ahead of the IPL 2026.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players; check out how much Rishabh Pant and Josh Inglis earn

The ODI cricket in 2025 has been defined by a mix of veteran resurgence and rookie brilliance. From the high-stakes battles of the Champions Trophy to the grind of bilateral series, the 50-over format thrived. Several players have not only dominated the leaderboards but have fundamentally changed the outcomes of their matches.

Consistency across varying conditions, from the spinning tracks of India to the bouncy wickets of Australia, set them apart. Their performances have provided fans with unforgettable moments, including marathon hundreds and devastating five-wicket hauls. As we reach the end of the calendar year, the race for the ICC’s top honors has narrowed down to these elite few. Each nominee brings a unique set of skills that has made them nearly impossible to ignore on the global stage. Their statistics are a testament to their dedication, technique, and the tactical evolution seen throughout this season.

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

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the five premier contenders for the 2025 Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

1. Joe Root (England)

The leading run-scorer in the world for 2025, Root successfully transitioned his prolific Test form into the white-ball arena. He finished the year as the only player to cross the 800-run mark, largely due to a more aggressive approach in the middle overs.

• Runs: 808
• Average / Strike Rate: 65.77 / 95.50
• Milestones: Recorded 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries in 15 innings.
• Signature Performance: Smashed a career-best 166 off 139 balls* against the West Indies at Cardiff, the highest individual score by an Englishman in 2025.

2. Matthew Breetzke (South Africa)

2025’s breakout sensation, Breetzke has enjoyed one of the greatest introductory years in the history of the format. After a legendary debut, he became a fixture at the top of the Proteas’ order, providing both stability and high-impact scoring.

• Runs: 706
• Average / Strike Rate: 64.18 / 96.71
• Milestones: Set a world record by scoring 50+ in each of his first five ODIs.
• Signature Performance: Scored 150 on his ODI debut against New Zealand in February, breaking Desmond Haynes’ 47-year-old record for the highest score in an ODI debut.

Also READ: RCB’s new recruit Jacob Duffy breaks Sir Richard Hadlee’s all-time record for New Zealand in 3rd Test vs West Indies

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli remains the “King” of the 50-over format. In 2025, he played a pivotal role in India securing the ICC Champions Trophy title. His year was defined by “clutch” performances in high-pressure tournament matches and consistency in away series.

• Runs: 651
• Average / Strike Rate: 65.10 / 96.15
• Milestones: Finished as India’s top scorer for the year, recording 3 centuries and 4 fifties.
• Signature Performance: Delivered a masterclass century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and ended the year with back-to-back hundreds against South Africa.

4. Matt Henry (New Zealand)

The most lethal bowler of 2025, Henry anchored the Black Caps’ attack during their run to the Champions Trophy final. His ability to extract movement in the Powerplay made him the primary threat to the world’s best opening pairs.

• Wickets: 31
• Average: 18.58
• Milestones: Finished as the top ODI wicket-taker of 2025 across all nations.
• Signature Performance: A devastating 5/42 against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final, followed by a match-winning 4/43 to sweep the series against West Indies in November.

5. Jayden Seales (West Indies)

Jayden Seales has officially arrived as the new spearhead for the Caribbean side. In a year where the West Indies sought consistency, Seales provided it with express pace and an improved tactical sense in the death overs.

• Wickets: 27
• Average / Economy: 18.14 / 5.75
• Milestones: Recorded one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul in just 12 matches.
• Signature Performance: A career-defining 6/18 against Pakistan in Trinidad, where he dismantled a world-class middle order in a single spell.

2025 ODI Statistical Summary Table

Also READ: Shahid Afridi mocks Gautam Gambhir; backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for ODI World Cup 2027

In Match 9 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, Sydney Thunder produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Brisbane Heat by 34 runs at Manuka Oval. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Heat found themselves on the back foot as Thunder’s top order laid a strong foundation that ultimately proved decisive.

Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas anchor a big total for Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder posted an imposing 193 for 4 in their 20 overs, built around a fluent opening stand between Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas. Gilkes was the standout performer, crafting a composed yet aggressive 76 off 48 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. At the other end, Konstas played the perfect supporting role with a well-judged 63 off 45 deliveries, peppered with eight fours and showing maturity beyond his years.

David Warner’s brief cameo added early momentum, while the real acceleration came at the death through Sam Billings, who smashed a quickfire 25 off just 11 balls. Daniel Sams chipped in with a handy contribution to ensure Thunder finished strongly. For Brisbane Heat, Jack Wildermuth was the most effective bowler, picking up two wickets for 25 runs, while Matthew Kuhnemann and Shaheen Afridi claimed a wicket apiece but could not stem the flow of runs.

Also READ: BBL|15 – Josh Philippe and Babar Azam guide Sydney Sixers to 47-run win over Sydney Thunder

Brisbane Heat’s chase falters under pressure

Chasing 194, Brisbane Heat never quite found the sustained momentum required. Matt Renshaw top-scored with a fighting 43 off 28 balls, while Hugh Weibgen added a steady 30. Max Bryant provided some late fireworks with two sixes, but regular wickets stalled the chase and pushed the asking rate beyond reach.

The turning point came through Sydney Thunder’s disciplined bowling, led superbly by Shadab Khan. The leg-spinner delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 24, ripping through the middle order and breaking the backbone of the Heat innings. Sams offered excellent support with two wickets for 25, ensuring Brisbane Heat were restricted to 159 for 6 at the end of their 20 overs. Gilkes was rightly named Player of the Match for his commanding knock at the top, setting the tone for a performance that underlined Thunder’s credentials as strong contenders in the BBL|15.

First win of the season for Sydney Thunder ⚡#Sydneythunder #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/tapun8XcxL

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 22, 2025

Also READ: BBL|15: Chris Jordan, Nikhil Chaudhary run riot as Melbourne Renegades crumble

The cricketing season is in full swing, and as teams gear up for the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy, Punjab has made a significant statement with its squad announcement. On December 22, 2025, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) released an formidable 18-member lineup, brimming with a blend of international experience, IPL firepower, and promising young talent. This year, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Punjab as they aim to clinch the coveted limited-overs title, and their squad selection strongly indicates their serious intent.

Punjab’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is a testament to the depth of cricketing talent in the state. The selectors have clearly prioritized a balanced side, featuring explosive batters, reliable wicketkeepers, and a diverse bowling attack.

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma headline Punjab’s batting unit

The batting department looks particularly strong, anchored by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket. Shubman Gill, a consistent performer across formats and the current captain of India’s ODI team, leads the charge. His presence alone adds immense gravitas and class to the top order. Joining him is the dynamic Abhishek Sharma, whose all-round capabilities and aggressive batting style have made him a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket.

The squad also includes promising young talents like Harnoor Pannu and Anmolpreet Singh, who will be eager to make their mark. Uday Saharan, a rising star, and experienced campaigners like Naman Dhir, Sanvir Singh, and Ramandeep Singh add depth and flexibility, providing crucial all-round options with both bat and ball.

Punjab have opted for two capable wicketkeeping options: Prabhsimran Singh and Salil Arora. Both are known for their clean glovework and ability to contribute with the bat, offering strategic flexibility depending on match conditions and team requirements.

A formidable bowling attack featuring Arshdeep Singh

The bowling unit is equally impressive, featuring a mix of pace and spin that can trouble any opposition. The spearhead of the pace attack is undoubtedly Arshdeep Singh, whose left-arm swing and death-overs expertise make him a vital asset. He is complemented by the likes of Gurnoor Brar, Jashanpreet Singh, and Sukhdeep Bajwa, who will be looking to make an impact.

In the spin department, Harpreet Brar brings his valuable left-arm orthodox spin, known for his control and ability to pick up crucial wickets. He is joined by Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, and Gourav Choudhary, ensuring a varied spin attack capable of exploiting different pitch conditions.

The inclusion of Gill, Abhishek, and Arshdeep is a massive boost for Punjab. However, their full availability throughout the tournament remains subject to their national commitments. India are slated to play an ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026. This potential conflict could see these key players miss a significant portion of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, posing a challenge for the team management. Their presence, even for a few games, will undoubtedly lift the team’s morale and performance.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

Leadership vacuum? Captaincy yet to be announced

One of the interesting aspects of the squad announcement is the absence of a designated captain. While Gill, given his experience as India’s ODI captain, would be a natural choice, his potential national duties might make the PCA hesitant to name him upfront. This leaves an intriguing leadership question open, which will likely be addressed closer to the tournament’s start or perhaps on a match-by-match basis, depending on player availability.

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

The cricketing world stood still on December 22, 2025, when Jacob Duffy officially entered the pantheon of New Zealand greats by breaking a record that many believed was untouchable.

NZ vs WI: Jacob Duffy surpasses the legacy of New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee

By dismissing the final West Indian batter at Mount Maunganui during the 3rd and final Test, Duffy took his tally to a staggering 81 wickets in a single calendar year, eclipsing the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee’s 1985 record of 79 wickets. This feat is even more remarkable considering it came in a year where Duffy acted as the ultimate “marathon man” for the Black Caps, bowling over 154 overs in the Test series against the West Indies alone. Hadlee’s record had stood as a benchmark of excellence for four decades, representing the peak of Kiwi fast-bowling longevity and skill, yet Duffy managed to find a higher gear through sheer volume and effectiveness.

In the final Test of the year, he snared a match-winning five-wicket haul, taking 9 wickets in the match and securing the Player of the Series award with 23 wickets at a ridiculous average of 15.4. Throughout the season, Duffy thrived in the absence of senior bowlers like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, taking on the responsibility of the new ball and the old with equal ferocity. His ability to maintain pace and swing across 36 international matches this year proved that he is no longer just a supporting act but the leading man of the attack. As he stood at the Bay Oval, having rewritten the history books, the applause from the crowd acknowledged a new king of the statistical mountain in New Zealand cricket.

Also READ: Top 5 highest opening partnerships for New Zealand in Tests ft. Devon Conway & Tom Latham

The 2025 renaissance for Duffy: Global dominance and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru call-up

Beyond the record-breaking numbers, 2025 served as the definitive breakthrough year for Duffy, as he became the highest wicket-taker in world cricket across all formats. His ascent began in March when he briefly touched the World No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings following a devastating series against Pakistan, where he repeatedly dismantled their top order with his signature outswing. He proved to be a versatile weapon, picking up 35 wickets in 21 T20Is and 21 wickets in 11 ODIs, showing that his craft was effective regardless of the color of the ball or the nature of the pitch.

Duffy’s red-ball transition was equally seamless; after making a long-awaited Test debut in August against Zimbabwe, he finished the year with 25 Test wickets in just four matches. This incredible cross-format consistency did not go unnoticed by the scouts of the Indian Premier League, leading to a life-changing moment at the IPL 2026 Auction.

In Abu Dhabi, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), secured Duffy for a ‘bargain’ price of INR 2 crore to bolster their pace battery alongside the likes of Josh Hazlewood. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, hailed the signing as a masterstroke, noting that Duffy’s ability to swing the ball at the Chinnaswamy Stadium would be a vital asset for their title defense.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Devon Conway, Tom Latham power New Zealand to series-sealing third Test triumph over West Indies