As India fine-tune their squad composition ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a clear statistical and tactical divide has emerged between Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill. While Gill’s overall pedigree and peak performances cannot be ignored, Samson’s T20I numbers, strike rate and role flexibility have given him a decisive edge in the World Cup pecking order.

Selectors and analysts agree that the modern T20 template demands explosive powerplay impact and adaptability – areas where Samson has consistently outperformed Gill over a larger sample size.

Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson: Overall T20I career comparison 

A look at their T20I career numbers highlights the contrast in approach:

Shubman Gill: 36 matches, 36 innings, 869 runs, average 28.03, strike rate 138.59, one century, three fifties, highest score 126 not out

Sanju Samson: 52 matches, 44 innings, 1032 runs, average 25.80, strike rate 148.06, three centuries, two fifties, highest score 111

Gill’s standout moment remains his 126 not out against New Zealand, which briefly propelled him into elite T20 discussions. However, that peak has not been sustained. Samson, on the other hand, has maintained a career strike rate above 145 across a significantly larger number of matches, reinforcing his reputation as a higher-impact T20 batter.

Gill’s extended lean patch in T20Is

One of the biggest factors hurting Gill has been his prolonged dip in form. Despite his early promise, Gill has gone 18 T20I innings without a half-century, with his returns tapering sharply through 2025.

Across 15 T20Is in the 2025 calendar year, Gill managed only 291 runs at an average of 24.25, striking at around 137. Those numbers fell well short of the powerplay aggression selectors were actively seeking for World Cup conditions, where fast starts are considered non-negotiable.

Samson’s current form matches runs

Interestingly, Samson scored a similar number of runs to Gill across his last 15 T20Is, but did so at a higher strike rate of 137.26 while showing far more intent during the powerplay. This aggression – especially against pace in the first six overs – was a critical selector criterion for the World Cup squad.

While Samson’s average remains slightly lower, selectors value impact per ball more than time spent at the crease in T20 cricket. On that metric, Samson consistently came out ahead.

Beyond pure batting numbers, Samson offers two key advantages Gill does not. First is his wicketkeeping ability, which allows India to field an extra batter or bowler depending on conditions. Second is his versatility, with the ability to bat anywhere in the top four, adapting to different match situations.

This flexibility significantly enhances squad balance, especially in a 15-man T20 World Cup group where every role must be covered without redundancy.

Also READ: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Why selectors backed Samson over Gill in India’s T20 World Cup 2026?

A T20-specific call, not a talent judgment

The batting analysis frame Gill’s omission as a tactical decision, not a reflection of his overall ability. Gill’s more anchor-style T20 approach, combined with his extended lean patch, worked against him in a setup prioritising maximum aggression at the top.

Former players have echoed that view, suggesting Samson fits the modern T20 blueprint more naturally, even if Gill remains one of India’s most gifted all-format batters.

Also READ: Kapil Dev shares his honest view on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026

India‘s legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev has sparked debate by redefining the modern head coach’s role as more of a “manager” than a traditional coach, specifically commenting on Gautam Gambhir‘s tenure amid recent scrutiny.

Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary Session, Kapil emphasized man-management over technical coaching ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations. His views come as Gambhir faces pressure following India’s 0-2 home Test whitewash against South Africa in November 2025.​

Kapil Dev reacts to coaching evolution of Gautam Gambhir

Dev clarified that today’s “coach” label misrepresents the job, drawing from his school and college experiences where coaches handled basics like leg-spin or wicketkeeping skills.

“Gautam Gambhir can’t be a coach. He can be a manager of the team,” Kapil stated, arguing specialists now train players technically, leaving head coaches to boost morale and handle rotations. He stressed backing underperformers, saying captains should dine with strugglers, not centurions, to build confidence: “You need to give them comfort and say ‘you can do better’.”

This philosophy aligns with Gambhir’s criticized player rotations and part-timer reliance during the South Africa series loss, India’s second home Test whitewash in a year after a 0-3 drubbing by New Zealand in 2024.​

Implications for T20 World Cup 2026

Gambhir’s tenure since July 2024 shows mixed results: a 64.70% ODI win rate across 17 matches (11 wins, 5 losses, 1 tie), including the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup triumphs, but Test struggles highlight format-specific challenges. With India set to name its T20 World Cup 2026 squad on December 20, 2025, in Mumbai, upcoming T20Is against South Africa (December 9-19) and New Zealand (January 21-31) serve as key auditions under Gambhir’s aggressive style.

Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir aggressively handshakes with Indian players after loss in the 2nd T20I against South Africa

Kapil’s endorsement of management-focused leadership could bolster Gambhir, who recently stressed team fitness, honesty, and peaking on time despite admitting India is “not where we want to be” yet. As pressure mounts post-Test failures, Kapil urged unity: captains and managers must prioritize team cohesion over personal glory. This comes amid calls for split coaching, which Kapil sidestepped, favoring whatever suits Indian cricket best.​

Kapil’s insights underscore a shift in cricket dynamics, where head coaches like Gambhir manage star-studded squads navigating T20 leagues and white-ball priorities. With the T20 World Cup looming, his call for encouragement over instruction may guide India’s path to redemption.

Also READ: South Africa veteran Dale Steyn points out Gautam Gambhir’s big mistake in India’s defeat at Mullanpur

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham etched their names into the record books on Sunday by producing a feat never previously achieved in Test cricket history.

Batting on a flat surface at Bay Oval, the pair scored centuries in both innings of the same Test match, becoming the first opening combination ever to do so.

After registering commanding hundreds in the first innings, Latham and Conway returned in the second to once again dominate the bowling, showcasing relentless intent and remarkable endurance. Their achievement has added a historic chapter to Test cricket’s long and storied past.

Devon Conway and Tom Latham unleash rapid centuries on Day 4 of 3rd Test

With New Zealand holding a 155-run first-innings lead, the hosts opted for an aggressive approach in their second innings, and their openers delivered emphatically. Latham and Conway raced to a 192-run opening partnership, complementing the monumental 323-run stand they had produced earlier in the match.

Both batters scored at an unusually brisk pace for Test cricket, constantly rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Their sharp running between the wickets stood out, placing sustained pressure on the fielding side despite having already spent long hours at the crease earlier in the game.

New Zealand surged to 306/2 in just 54 overs, underlining their attacking intent as the match moved rapidly towards a result.

After the openers, New Zealand’s middle order continued in the same aggressive vein. Kane Williamson struck an unbeaten 40 off 37 balls, while Rachin Ravindra smashed 46 not out from just 23 deliveries, switching seamlessly into T20-style acceleration.

Recognising the match situation, New Zealand declared their second innings at 302/2, roughly an hour before stumps, setting the West Indies a daunting target of 462 runs.

Conway and Latham join elite company

Conway’s second-innings century added to his 227 in the first innings, making him only the sixth New Zealander to score a hundred in both innings of a Test. Moments later, Latham followed suit, moving from 80 at tea to 101, after having struck 137 in the first innings – becoming the seventh from his country to achieve the double.

Conway also joined an illustrious global list of players to score a double century and a century in the same Test, alongside legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara and Graham Gooch.

Collectively, Latham and Conway set a world record for the opening wicket, combining for 515 runs across the match, an achievement that underscores the scale of their dominance.

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

West Indies trail history heading into final day

At stumps on Day 4, the West Indies reached 43 without loss, with Brandon King on 37 and John Campbell unbeaten on two. However, they still require 419 more runs to win.

No team has ever successfully chased more than 418 runs in the fourth innings of a Test, making the task historically daunting. With the series standing at one loss and one draw for the West Indies, they must defy history to level the three-match series.

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

England captain Ben Stokes has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of another Ashes setback in Australia, admitting that the team’s long-held ambition of winning the urn away from home has ended after the third Test in Adelaide. However, despite Australia’s commanding 3-0 lead, Stokes insists England will continue to fight hard in the final two matches of the series.

England captain reflects on pain of another Ashes defeat in Australia

Following Australia’s victory at the Adelaide Oval, which sealed Ashes retention with two Tests to spare, Stokes said the reality of defeat “hurts and sucks,” especially given the hopes England carried into the tour.

Speaking to Isa Guha after the loss, Stokes admitted England arrived in Australia with a clear objective – to become one of the few touring sides to conquer an Ashes series Down Under. That ambition, he acknowledged, has now slipped away.

“We came out here with a goal in mind,” Stokes said, adding that the dream of lifting the urn in Australia “is now over.” He described the dressing room atmosphere as “hurting and quite emotional,” reflecting the weight of another failed campaign on Australian soil.

Stokes was forthright in conceding that Australia have simply been better across the opening three Tests, executing their skills with greater consistency in all departments—batting, bowling and fielding.

Another grim milestone for England in Australia

The Adelaide defeat extended England’s winless streak in Australia to 18 Tests, dating back to their famous triumph in the 2010-11 Ashes series. Stokes admitted that statistic was difficult to digest, particularly given the manner of this year’s losses.

He noted that losing the series within just 11 days of cricket made the outcome even more painful, underlining how decisively Australia have seized control. According to the England skipper, his side repeatedly faltered at crucial moments, allowing pressure to overwhelm them while Australia remained ruthless.

Stokes revealed that he warned his team early in the series about the importance of handling pressure in Australia – a challenge England ultimately failed to meet.

Missed chances and pressure moments prove costly for England

Reflecting on the first three Tests, Stokes pointed to a pattern of England “folding” when the game was in the balance. Whether through batting collapses or missed opportunities with the ball, England were unable to sustain momentum, allowing Australia to capitalise decisively.

In contrast, Australia’s ability to strike at critical junctures proved the difference, turning competitive situations into match-defining passages.

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

Stokes urges team to show resilience in final Tests

Despite the unassailable deficit, Stokes was adamant that England will not simply see out the series. He insisted the team would not “just fall over and let this series play out,” vowing that England would give “absolutely everything” in the remaining two Tests.

With memories of the 5-0 whitewash in past tours still fresh, Stokes stressed the importance of pride and resistance. He challenged his players to show “a bit of dog,” using the hurt of Adelaide as motivation to be tougher and more consistent.

As the 2025-26 Ashes series moves forward, England’s objective is no longer about reclaiming the urn but about restoring belief and competitiveness.

Also WATCH: Nathan Lyon’s deadly spin sends Harry Brook packing on Day 4 of Adelaide Test

India’s selection panel has taken a bold, tactical call by leaving Shubman Gill out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, prioritising explosive starts and late-innings flexibility over a traditional top-order anchor.

Why no Shubman Gill is India’s T20 World Cup squad?

According to officials, the decision was driven by form trends and the specific template the team wants to execute in World Cup conditions.

The selectors felt Gill’s recent T20I returns and limited impact in the powerplay did not align with the desired top-order balance. Instead, they preferred a structure built around two wicketkeeper-openers and an additional finisher – an approach aimed at maximising scoring in the first six overs while preserving depth for the death.

Current form and powerplay output prove costly for Gill

Gill’s omission follows a prolonged lean patch in T20Is. He has gone 18 innings without a half-century and has struggled to accelerate consistently during the powerplay – an area the selectors explicitly targeted for more aggression. The panel’s view was that World Cup matches demand immediate pressure at the top, and India wanted batters who can change gears from ball one.

Selection chair Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Gill’s current struggles, noting he was “short of runs at the moment.” Gill’s recent home series against South Africa yielded scores of 4, 0 and 28, and he then missed the final two T20Is due to a minor niggle – factors that weighed into the final call.

Two wicketkeeper-openers shape India’s top order

India’s decision to back Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper-batters who can both open was pivotal. This pairing gives the side immediate attacking intent at the top while retaining flexibility across match-ups and conditions.

By locking in two keeper-openers, the selectors freed up a valuable slot elsewhere in the XI – one that could be used to bolster finishing power without sacrificing balance.

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

Extra finisher tips the scales

The restructured top order allowed India to accommodate Rinku Singh as a specialist finisher, a role the team considers essential in high-pressure World Cup chases. With Rinku in the mix, India can attack deeper into the innings while still fielding all-round options like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.

Agarkar stressed the realities of squad selection: “Someone has to miss out when you pick 15,” adding that Gill was an “unfortunate” casualty of structure rather than a judgment on talent alone.

Tactical pivot backed by former players

The BCCI and ICC summaries frame Gill’s omission as a deliberate pivot toward power at the top and flexibility in the lower middle order. Former internationals have echoed that view. R Ashwin and Sanjay Manjrekar have both suggested that once Gill’s form dipped and minor injuries crept in, his exit from this specific World Cup squad became “inevitable” – a belated but necessary recalibration.

Also READ: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Australia have retained the Ashes after defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, racing to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The victory capped a dominant stretch for the hosts, who wrapped up the contest on the final day despite determined resistance from England’s lower order.

Chasing a daunting 435, England were dismissed for 352, falling short after briefly threatening to extend the match deeper into the afternoon. The result sparked celebrations among the home side and underlined Australia’s authority throughout the series so far.

England show fight but fall short on final day in Adelaide

England began Day 5 with faint hopes and responded with commendable grit. Jamie Smith, Will Jacks and Brydon Carse stitched together valuable runs to keep Australia waiting, frustrating the bowlers with disciplined defence and timely counterattacks.

However, the task remained steep against a relentless Australian attack. Just as England threatened to narrow the gap, wickets arrived at regular intervals, preventing any genuine late surge. The chase ultimately ran out of momentum, ending England’s hopes of salvaging the Test.

Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland finish the job for Australia

Australia’s bowlers held their nerve on the final day. Mitchell Starc struck three times, using pace and angle to break key partnerships, while Scott Boland delivered the final blow to end England’s resistance and seal the match.

The disciplined bowling effort ensured Australia maintained control despite England’s stubborn stand, closing out a win that reflected their superiority across all five days in Adelaide.

The groundwork for Australia’s triumph was laid earlier in the Test through a powerful batting display in the second innings. Travis Head’s commanding 170 anchored the innings, while Alex Carey’s fluent 72 provided crucial middle-order support.

Their contributions pushed Australia to a position of dominance and set England an imposing fourth-innings target that proved beyond reach. The pair’s efforts were central to shaping the match and applying sustained pressure on the visitors.

Australia retain the Ashes in just 11 days

The Adelaide victory followed eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane, meaning Australia wrapped up Ashes retention in just 11 days of cricket – one of the fastest series clinches in nearly a century.

With two Tests still to play, Australia have already secured the urn, highlighting the gulf between the sides over the opening three matches.

Also WATCH: Nathan Lyon rattles Ben Stokes’ off stump with a beauty on Day 4 of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide

Here are the reactions of fans:

Goodbye Bazball 👋🏻 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/HbL6mmSfD7

— Lachy (@Lachy_Steele) December 21, 2025

Australia retain the Ashes 🏆#ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/U0Am9pVVEW

— Adelaide Oval (@TheAdelaideOval) December 21, 2025

Quickest Ashes victories (5+ match series)
8 days – aus 1921
11 DAYS – AUS 2025/26
11 days – aus 2002/03
11 days – aus 2001

#AUSvENG

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) December 21, 2025

Australia have gone 3-0 and they’ve retained the Ashes

It’s staying put where it should be

You bloody beauty

Let’s gooooooooooooo

💚💛💚💛🇦🇺🦘#AUSvENG #Ashes #ashes25 pic.twitter.com/Ml3c1XGbN2

— JAKE FLAGPIES23 🏆🖤🤍 (@IncrediblyBozza) December 21, 2025

A match-winning performance from Alex Carey: 106 & 72 ✨#Ashes2025 #AlexCarey #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/2KukXGbLGm

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 21, 2025

Bazball is officially dead. England’s playing Tests like T20s, no control from players. It works against weak sides/bowling, but crumbles vs stronger squads. From 3rd Test, they switched to normal if they’d done it in start, series might’ve turned out different. #Ashes #AUSvENG

— Anurag Bhattarai (@Anurag_Bhttri19) December 21, 2025

Wicketkeepers clinching POTM honors in #TheAshes:

– Ian Healy – Trent Bridge, 1997
– Adam Gilchrist – Edgbaston, 2001
– Alex Carey – Adelaide Oval, 2025#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/qiK01eJHk2

— Arshy (@imArshit) December 21, 2025

Worst Aussie team in a decade? Yet they’ve sealed the Ashes in just over 10 days. Ruthless dominance! 💥🇦🇺

#Ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/Y9IYXkGegZ

— tillu badmas 💀 (@SiddharthKaura2) December 21, 2025

We can laugh at Bazball all we like, but chasing 435 in Adelaide and finishing 352 all out is not nothing. England were 82 runs short of a miracle Ashes chase. Give those batters a bit more game awareness and this exact style was close to stealing it. #Ashes #AUSvENG
#Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/7i7gXfnY2G

— Wallflower (@mariyatresa) December 21, 2025

🚨ENGLAND IN THE LAST 18 TESTS IN AUSTRALIA:🚨

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Draw, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Draw, Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost.#Ashes #Ashes2025 #AUSvENG #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/nhQ0P7ReIf

— urstruly (@VikashChou70911) December 21, 2025

This was a very good movie, I rated it 5/5 👌 #AUSvsENG #AUSvENG #Ashes #Ashes2025 #ashes25 pic.twitter.com/zhu4TxOjQx

— JAKE FLAGPIES23 🏆🖤🤍 (@IncrediblyBozza) December 21, 2025

I just remembered Starc was on two warnings for running on the pitch and another one would have seen him banned from bowling for the rest of the innings. Just as well that didn’t happen as he took 3 wickets today and we would have been 2 bowlers down. #ausveng #Ashes

— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) December 21, 2025

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

India Women return to international action this Sunday evening in Visakhapatnam for the first of five T20Is against Sri Lanka Women, a series serving as a crucial launchpad for their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations following their historic maiden ODI World Cup title earlier this year.

With the match starting at 7:00 PM IST at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, Team India is expected to maintain their balanced template of three seamers and three spinners, potentially handing a debut to Vaishnavi Sharma in place of the unavailable Radha Yadav to support a powerhouse lineup featuring Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. Facing them is the Sri Lankan side eager to test themselves against top opposition, relying heavily on the all-round brilliance of captain Chamari Athapaththu and a spin-led attack suited to the local conditions to challenge the hosts.

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 21; 1:30 pm IST / 7:00 am GMT
• Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

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

Matches played: 26 | India Women won: 20 | Sri Lanka Women won: 05 | No result: 01

ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam is generally a hard, batting-friendly surface with true bounce, allowing for high-scoring white-ball contests where batters can play freely through the line early on. However, the track tends to slow down as the match progresses, bringing spinners and change-of-pace seamers into the equation, though the frequent arrival of dew in evening games often counteracts this, tilting the advantage toward the chasing side.

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

Also READ: SA-W vs IRE-W, 3rd ODI Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between South Africa and Ireland?

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 30-40
• Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka Women wins the toss and bowls first
• India Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• India Women’s total score: 170-180

Match result: India to win the contest.

Also READ: Shafali Verma reveals Team India’s next big goal after their World Cup triumph

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

In a moment that has electrified the Indian domestic circuit, Virat Kohli has officially begun his final preparations for the  Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. On December 20, 2025, a viral video captured the 37-year-old batting maestro grinding in the nets, looking sharp and purposeful as he readies himself to don the Delhi jersey once again.

Virat Kohli intensifies training for historic domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 stint

The viral footage of Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technical discipline that defines his career. As he prepares for his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match in 15 years, Kohli’s net session was a masterclass in focused repetition. He was seen exclusively facing high-intensity pace, likely simulating the challenge he will face against Andhra Pradesh’s Nitish Kumar Reddy on December 24.

His preparation centered on two specific pillars: steadiness of the head and intent in the stride. Observers noted that his eyes were exceptionally still, a technical hallmark that Robin Uthappa recently praised as the key to his longevity. Kohli spent significant time working on his signature cover drive, but more importantly, he practiced his front-foot defense against deliveries moving away, ensuring his hands stayed close to the body. This wasn’t a session for flamboyant hitting; it was a methodical ‘reps in the middle’ approach designed to build the mental sharpness required to anchor an innings for Delhi.

This return is not merely a cameo; it is a calculated move to maintain his red-hot form, following two centuries in the recent ODI series against South Africa, ahead of India’s upcoming assignment against New Zealand in January. With the BCCI now mandating domestic participation for centrally contracted stars, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi camp has transformed the tournament’s profile, turning a regional competition into a global focal point for cricket fans.

Here’s the video:

Virat Kohli during Net Session at Alibaug. pic.twitter.com/tUBRDFyB3X

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) December 20, 2025

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

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Kohli and Rishabh Pant headline Delhi’s powerhouse squad

When Kohli steps onto the field on December 24, it will mark the end of a staggering 15-year absence from India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010 against Services, and his return to Delhi’s colors, this time under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, signals a massive boost for a side looking to reverse its recent fortunes.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that Kohli will be available for at least the first two matches in Bengaluru, specifically the high-voltage opener against Andhra Pradesh. The squad is a literal ‘Who’s Who’ of Indian talent, featuring veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, speedster Navdeep Saini and rising star Harshit Rana, who will join after concluding his T20I duties in Ahmedabad. By playing under Pant’s captaincy, Kohli isn’t just fulfilling a requirement; he is providing invaluable mentorship to a dressing room that is eager to soak up the wisdom of a modern-day great who continues to treat every practice session like a World Cup final.

The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy has become a unique stage where India’s aging legends and emerging prodigies converge, as Rohit Sharma is also set to make a selective return for Mumbai. While Rohit will feature in two matches for the Shardul Thakur-led Mumbai side (facing Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Group C), Kohli’s focus remains strictly on Group D’s battles at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. These matches are serving as the ultimate ‘tune-up’ for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara.

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

Melbourne Renegades host Hobart Hurricanes in the 8th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Simonds Stadium, Geelong, on December 21. Both teams seek a second win after mixed starts to the season. Renegades hold an edge with home advantage and recent momentum.

Renegades won their opener and boast a strong top order led by Tim Seifert‘s recent century, Josh Brown, and Mohammad Rizwan. Captain Will Sutherland anchors the all-round effort, backed by Jason Behrendorff‘s powerplay threat and Adam Zampa‘s spin.​ Hobart Hurricanes struggled wicketless with the ball in their last game and have never won at this venue. Nathan Ellis leads a pace-heavy attack with Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake, while Tim David provides middle-order firepower. Matches remain competitive, with recent games often close or rain-affected. Renegades hold venue dominance, unbeaten against Hurricanes here. Toss favors bowling first due to chasing trends.

MR vs HH, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 21 (Sunday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 21 | Melbourne Renegades won: 09 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 12 | No result/Tied: 0

Simonds Stadium Pitch Report

Simonds Stadium in Geelong is set to offer a pace-friendly track for the Big Bash League 2025–26 opener between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat. Across 13 BBL matches at the venue, chasing teams have enjoyed greater success, winning 8 of the 13 completed games. Under lights, first-innings scores typically range between 130 and 150, though totals can rise if batters find rhythm. The surface provides consistent bounce early on, aiding fast bowlers who can extract movement with the new ball, especially in evening conditions expected to hover around 22–24°C with partly cloudy skies. As the match progresses, spinners are likely to come into play with extra grip from the pitch. Batting remains rewarding, with boundaries coming at a strike rate of 118.4, allowing scores of 170–180 when set batters capitalize. Overall, a closely fought contest is on the cards, with the outcome likely hinging on execution in the death overs.

Squads:

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

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

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth guides Brisbane Heat to a record chase against Perth Scorchers in BBL|15 thriller

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

Case 1:

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

Case 2:

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

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Finn Allen launches a colossal 105-metre six off Jack Wildermuth in BBL|15

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale as the two giants of Asian age-group cricket, India U19 and Pakistan U19, clash in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

After a grueling tournament, these two rivals meet again, just a week after their high-stakes group-stage encounter. India enters the final as the only undefeated team, while Pakistan has shown immense resilience to fight back and secure their spot in the title clash.

India holds the psychological edge, having defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage on December 14. In that game, India’s bowling depth and Aaron George’s middle-order heroics proved too much for the Boys in Green.

Key players to watch

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The 14-year-old sensation has been the talk of the tournament. His record-breaking 171 off 95 balls against UAE highlighted his explosive potential at the top.
• Ayush Mhatre (c): The skipper brings professional experience from the Ranji Trophy and IPL. Though he had a quiet group stage, his leadership and tactical acumen have been flawless.
• Aaron George: The hero of the previous IND-PAK clash, his 85-run knock rescued India from a precarious position.
• Deepesh Devendran: The pace spearhead who dismantled Pakistan’s top order with a 3-wicket burst in their earlier meeting.
• Huzaifa Ahsan: Pakistan’s most consistent batter, he fought a lone battle with a gritty 70 against India in the group stage and will be vital in the middle order.
• Ali Raza: A high-quality pacer who was instrumental in Pakistan’s U19 World Cup run last year. He will look to exploit any early moisture in the Dubai track.
• Farhan Yousaf (c): The captain leads a balanced side and will need to anchor the innings if the top order falters against India’s spinners.
• Mohammad Sayyam: A dangerous all-rounder who took 3 wickets against India earlier and provides crucial balance.

IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup Final: Match details

• Date and Time: December 21; 10:30 am IST / 5:00 am GMT / 9:00 am Local
• Venue: ICC Academy Ground, Dubai

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ICC Academy Ground Pitch Report:

The pitch at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai typically offers a well-balanced surface that provides a true and consistent bounce, favoring top-order batters who are comfortable playing through the line early in the innings. As the match progresses and the Dubai sun dries out the surface, the pitch tends to slow down and offer grip, making the middle overs a tactical battle where spinners become crucial for controlling the run rate. Historically, this venue favors the team batting first, as the surface can become slightly more difficult to bat on in the second innings once it wears.

Squads:

India U19: Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Naman Pushpak, Harvansh Pangalia, Yuvraj Gohil

Pakistan U19: Sameer Minhas, Hamza Zahoor(w), Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Daniyal Ali Khan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza, Momin Qamar, Ali Hassan Baloch, Niqab Shafiq, Mohammed Huzaifa

IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup 2025: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

India wins the toss and bowls first
Pakistan powerplay score: 40-50
Pakistan total score: 250-260

Case 2:

Pakistan wins the toss and bowls first
India powerplay score: 45-55
India total score: 270-290

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

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