India holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa after a thrilling 17-run victory in the Ranchi opener, where Virat Kohli’s masterful 135 propelled them to 349/8 before the bowlers held firm. The second ODI at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday (December 3) promises another high-stakes clash, with the hosts aiming to seal the series and the Proteas desperate to level it.

India, led by KL Rahul, may retain their winning XI from Ranchi or swap Washington Sundar for Rishabh Pant to bolster batting depth, with Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal setting the tone up top.

Key performers like Harshit Rana (early breakthroughs) and Kuldeep Yadav (middle-overs control) will target South Africa’s resilient lower order. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, relies on Quinton de Kock’s explosiveness and Marco Jansen’s all-round threat after his 70 in the first game, potentially persisting with their lineup featuring Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj.

IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 3; 01:30 pm IST / 08:00 am GMT
• Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur

IND vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Matches Played: 95 | India won: 41 | South Africa won: 51 | No results: 03

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Pitch Report

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur offers a balanced pitch for the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI, blending opportunities for batters and bowlers. It provides good bounce and carry from the outset, aiding fast bowlers like Krishna and Jansen with early seam movement and swing under day-night conditions starting at 1:30 PM local. As the game progresses, the surface eases for strokeplay, allowing middle-order stars like Kohli and Markram to dominate, though spinners such as Kuldeep and Maharaj can find grip and turn in the middle overs. The sole prior ODI here in 2023 saw New Zealand bowled out for 108 before India chased 111/2, hinting at chasing advantage, especially with potential dew. Expect competitive scores around 250-300, making toss crucial.

Squads

India: KL Rahul (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.

Also READ: “I’d be lying if…”: KL Rahul on India’s nervy win over South Africa in Ranchi ODI

IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India wins the toss and bowls first
• South Africa’s powerplay score: 60-70
• South Africa’s total score: 300-310

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
• India’s powerplay score: 70-80
• India’s total score: 330-340

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s passionate celebration lights up Ranchi after Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial wicket during 1st ODI

India and South Africa face off in the 2nd ODI on Wednesday (December 3), at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, with the home team aiming to wrap up the series after their thrilling win in Ranchi.

KL Rahul’s side enters confident, boosted by Virat Kohli’s match-winning 135 and Rohit Sharma’s steady 57, which powered India to 349 in the opener.

With a balanced Raipur pitch expected to aid seam early and spin later, India will rely again on rising all-rounder Harshit Rana and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose breakthroughs at key moments helped seal the first match. Rahul’s adaptable No. 6 role continues to give India flexibility and depth.

Meanwhile, South Africa will look to respond strongly after falling just 17 runs short in Ranchi. Their bowlers, including Marco Jansen and Ottniel Baartman, must strike early to challenge India’s top order, while the middle order – anchored by Matthew Breetzke – will need greater stability during the chase.

Raipur Pitch Report

The surface at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur for the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. The fresh grass and firmness early on should aid the seamers, providing swing and seam movement in the opening overs. As the match progresses, the pitch is likely to settle, making stroke-making easier and allowing batsmen to build substantial innings. Spinners could also find some purchase in the middle overs as the surface begins to show signs of wear.

Although the venue has hosted just one ODI game, scoring trends and wicket patterns from the previous match suggest that captain winning the toss may lean towards chasing.

Overall, a competitive encounter is anticipated, where disciplined bowling and well-timed aggressive batting will be crucial. Conditions should favour pace early before gradually easing for batting as the innings unfold.

Also READ: IND vs SA – Harsha Bhogle reveals what Virat Kohli said in their off-air chat before discussing his Test return

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium ODI Stats and Records

• Total matches: 1
• Matches won batting first: 0
• Matches won bowling first: 1
• Average 1st innings score: 108
• Average 2nd innings score: 111
• Highest total recorded: 111/2 (20.1 Overs) by India vs New Zealand
• Lowest total recorded: 108/10 (34.3 Overs) by New Zealand vs India
• Best bowling: 3/18 (Mohammed Shami)
• Highest individual score: 51 (Rohit Sharma)

Also READ: “I’d be lying if…” – KL Rahul on India’s nervy win over South Africa in Ranchi ODI

West Indies bowlers dominated the opening day, ripping through New Zealand’s batting line-up with clinical efficiency. The visitors chose to field after winning the toss at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, setting the tone early in the contest. New Zealand slumped to 231/9 by stumps, thanks largely to a relentless West Indian bowling assault that provided little respite to the home side.

Kane Williamson’s fighting knock amid New Zealand’s top-order collapse

Amid the top-order collapse for New Zealand, Kane Williamson stood out with a gutsy half-century, showcasing his class and experience. Williamson scored 52 runs off 102 balls with six boundaries before falling to Justin Greaves’ bowling, caught by Alick Athanaze. His innings was a fighting effort at a time when wickets were tumbling around him, anchoring a 93-run partnership with Tom Latham, who contributed 24 runs. The rest of New Zealand’s batters struggled to build partnerships as the West Indies bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Despite the challenging conditions and disciplined bowling, Williamson’s composed batting was a beacon for the hosts and highlighted his return to Test cricket after nearly a year.

West Indies’ disciplined bowling dominates Day 1 of the first Test

West Indies bowlers collectively dismantled New Zealand’s batting line-up on Day 1, extracting maximum advantage from the green and overcast conditions conducive to swing bowling. Standout performances came from Greaves (2 wickets for 35 runs), Kemar Roach (2 for 47), Ojay Shields (2 for 34 on debut), and Jayden Seales (1 for 44).

The visitors exhibited excellent discipline and skill, taking wickets at crucial moments to prevent the Black Caps from settling. The bowling unit’s precision was reflected in the consistent fall of wickets at regular intervals, allowing New Zealand to reach only 231 for 9 in 70 overs. The late order batters, Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy, held firm with a minor unbeaten partnership at the close, but the day firmly belonged to the West Indies seamers, who bowled with menace and control throughout.

Also READ: NZ vs WI 2025, Test Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

This opening day performance has put West Indies in a commanding position as the Test progresses, showcasing their potent bowling arsenal and strategic execution in overseas conditions. The fragile New Zealand innings was repeatedly broken down, with pressure mounted by disciplined bowling spells and sharp fielding. The visitors now hold the upper hand, eager to capitalize on their early breakthroughs and maintain dominance in this first Test at Christchurch.

Bad light has stopped play & that’s stumps on Day 1 of the 1st Test 🏏

NZ: 231/9 in 70 overs

Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/M5WFl3DbZA#cricket #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/GgseMr6Sqj

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 2, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: ‘Piece of s*it’ – Usman Khawaja slams ICC over ‘very good’ rating for Perth pitch ahead of AUS vs ENG pink-ball Test

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has decided against registering for the IPL 2026 auction, marking a potential end to his storied tenure in India’s premier T20 league. The 37-year-old, who fetched Rs 4.2 crore from Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, struggled with just 48 runs in seven matches and four wickets before a finger fracture sidelined him midway through the season. This move follows his release by PBKS ahead of retentions, amid a pool of 1,355 players vying for 77 slots at the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.​

Glenn Maxwell’s IPL journey of ups and downs

Maxwell’s IPL journey began in 2012, evolving into explosive peaks like 542 runs in 2014 for Kings XI Punjab and 513 in 2021, alongside consistent contributions in 2022 (301 runs) and 2023 (400 runs). Across 141 matches, he amassed 2,819 runs at a strike rate of 155.15, with 18 half-centuries and useful off-spin. Recent dips, including 52 runs in 10 games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, fueled scrutiny, yet his global reputation as a match-winner endures.​

Maxwell’s emotional official statement for his absence in IPL 2026 mini auction

Maxwell shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing deep gratitude for the IPL’s influence on his career and life. He highlighted unforgettable seasons, world-class teammates, franchise loyalties, and the unmatched passion of Indian fans, noting the league’s role in shaping him both on and off the field.

“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon,” Maxwell wrote on a social media post, leaving the door ajar with hopes of future encounters, signing off affectionately as “Cheers Maxi.”​

This decision aligns with other high-profile exits like Andre Russell‘s IPL retirement and Faf du Plessis opting for the Pakistan Super League. As franchises eye stars like Cameron Green and Steve Smith in the Rs 2 crore bracket, Maxwell’s absence reshapes overseas all-rounder dynamics. PBKS coach Ricky Ponting had earlier cited form concerns, but Maxwell’s statement radiates positivity.​

Fans and analysts ponder if this signals retirement from T20 leagues, given his age and international commitments. Maxwell’s Big Bash League (BBL) exploits, including a record 154 not out, underscore his enduring flair.

Also READ: Cameron Green IN, Glenn Maxwell OUT: 1,355 players register for the IPL 2026 auction

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of players with base price of INR 2 crore – From Venkatesh Iyer to Steve Smith

Perth Scorchers Women host Melbourne Renegades Women at W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth on December 2, 2025, in a crucial WBBL|11 mid-table clash to boost playoff hopes. Both teams hold 8 points from 8 matches with 4 wins each, though Renegades lead slightly on net run rate (+0.140 vs -0.440).​

Perth Scorchers Women enter with mixed recent results (last 5: W L W W L), showing resilience at home where they recently defended low totals. Beth Mooney leads their batting with consistent scores, supported by Sophie Devine‘s all-round impact, while their pace attack thrives on WACA’s bounce. Melbourne Renegades Women have struggled lately (last 5: W L W L L), including a 45-run derby loss to Stars, hampered by fielding errors.

PS-W vs MR-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: December 02; 02:40 pm IST/ 09:10 am GMT/ 05:10 pm Local
• Venue: W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth

PS-W vs MR-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL

Matches played: 20 | Melbourne Renegades won: 6 | Perth Scorchers won: 14 | No result: 0

W.A.C.A. Ground Pitch Report

The W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth features one of the quickest and bounciest pitches globally, offering consistent pace and extra bounce that favours fast bowlers, especially with afternoon sea breezes aiding seam movement. In WBBL matches, it has hosted 36 games with teams batting second winning 21 times, reflecting a balanced yet bowler-friendly surface where the average first innings score hovers around 140. Recent outings, like Perth Scorchers’ low-scoring home games, underline low totals (under 150 common), making disciplined batting crucial amid skiddy bounce and a quick outfield. Pacers could dominate tomorrow’s clash, while spinners may find grip later. Expect a medium-scoring contest tilting towards bowlers.

Squads

Melbourne Renegades Women: Emma de Broughe, Courtney Webb, Sophie Molineux (c), Alice Capsey, Georgia Wareham, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (wk), Issy Wong, Sarah Coyte, Charis Bekker, Milly Illingworth, Naomi Stalenberg, Tess Flintoff, Davina Perrin, Sara Kennedy

Perth Scorchers Women: Katie Mack, Beth Mooney (wk), Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine (c), Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Chloe Ainsworth, Ruby Strange, Lilly Mills, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Chloe Piparo, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Shay Manolini

Also READ: WBBL|11: Adelaide Strikers edge past Brisbane Heat in final-over Thriller; Ellyse Perry helps Sydney Sixers dominate Thunder in the derby clash

PS-W vs MR-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowl first
• Perth Scorchers powerplay score: 40-50
• Perth Scorchers total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowl first
• Melbourne Renegades powerplay score: 45-55
• Melbourne Renegades total score: 140-150

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game.

Also READ: WBBL|11: Nat Sciver-Brunt stars in Hobart Hurricanes’ 7-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers

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

New Zealand will face West Indies in the opening Test of the three-match series at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval from December 2 to 6.

New Zealand boast formidable numbers at this ground, registering nine Test wins, driven by experienced pacers who thrive in home conditions. Among the current players, Matt Henry relishes bowling in Christchurch, pairing effectively with his fellow pacers to build relentless pressure through accuracy and movement. With conditions again favouring seam, New Zealand’s pace battery will be central to their game plan.

For West Indies, young quicks like Jayden Seales could exploit the early swing and seam, but their batters face a significant challenge – only two visiting teams have won here in 15 matches. Surviving the first session against the new ball will be key, as most successful chases at Hagley have been below 200, demonstrating the difficulty of batting fourth on this pitch.

NZ vs WI, 1st Test: Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval pitch is expected to offer classic seamer-friendly conditions when Fresh green grass and cool weather are forecast to assist swing and seam movement, particularly on Day 1, before the surface settles into a more balanced track.

Historically, teams bowling first have enjoyed significant success at the venue, winning 9 of 15 Tests (60%), underlining how crucial the toss and new-ball periods can be. The average first-innings score sits around 284, but scoring becomes increasingly difficult later in the match, with fourth-innings totals averaging just 179, reflecting Hagley Oval’s consistent assistance to pacers throughout the game.

The surface at Hagley Oval is known for its true bounce and pronounced seam movement, especially in the opening session. With pacers claiming nearly 90% of the wickets historically at the ground, both teams are expected to lean heavily on their fast-bowling units.

The grass cover can sometimes deceive captains at the toss, but experts warn that while the pitch appears extremely green, the sharpest movement often fades after Session 1. Once set, batters can accumulate meaningful totals – as seen in England’s massive 499 posted at the venue recently. However, sustained discipline is crucial, as any lapse in technique is quickly punished by the seamers.

Spinners, on the other hand, traditionally play minimal roles, averaging just three wickets per Test, making pace combinations the likely go-to strategy. As a result, captains have opted to bowl first 60% of the time – a trend that could continue in this Test.

Also READ: Kane Williamson returns as New Zealand announce 14-man squad for first Test against West Indies

Hagley Oval Test Stats and Records

• Total matches: 16
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 10
• Average 1st innings score: 288
• Average 2nd innings score: 315
• Average 3rd innings score: 271
• Average 4th innings score: 173
• Highest total recorded: 659/6 (158.5 Overs) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
• Lowest total recorded: 95/10 (49.2 Overs) by South Africa vs New Zealand
• Highest score chased: 286/8 (70 Overs) by New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 227/10 (93.5 Overs) By New Zealand vs South Africa
• Most runs scored: Tom Latham (971)
• Most wickets: Tim Southee (61)

Also READ: Breakdown of Andre Russell’s IPL salary since his debut – From 2012 to 2025

Virat Kohli brought Bollywood flair to the cricket field by mimicking Salman Khan‘s iconic Tere Naam dance steps to tease Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s hairstyle before India’s thrilling 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on November 30, 2025.

Virat Kohli pulls off Salman Khan’s trademark dance to mock Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hairstyle

As Team India lined up behind the boundary ropes for the national anthem at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Kohli performed the open-chested “Lagan Lagi” moves from the film, drawing laughter from Jaiswal whose hairdo echoed Khan’s famous look. This light-hearted moment showcased Kohli’s fun side amid high stakes, following India’s 0-2 Test series loss to the Proteas, setting an upbeat tone for the white-ball redemption.​

The Ranchi pitch offered early bounce for pacers before slowing down, aiding India’s total of 349/8 after South Africa won the toss and bowled. Kohli anchored with his 52nd ODI century, 135 off 120 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes), in his 306th match, alongside fifties from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60). South Africa fought back with Matthew Breetzke‘s 72, Marco Jansen‘s explosive 70 off 39, and Corbin Bosch‘s 67, but fell to 332 all out in 49.2 overs. Kuldeep Yadav starred with 4/68, dismantling the lower order in a tense finish.​

Here’s the video:

Kohli trolling Jaiswal’s hairstyle with Salman’s dance in Tere naam 🤣 pic.twitter.com/V9jF1PccKK

— Gangadhar (@90_andypycroft) November 30, 2025

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir engage in an animated discussion after India’s 1st ODI win against South Africa

Kohli’s mental mastery secures Player of the Match

Named Player of the Match, Kohli credited his “mental” approach for the knock, stating all his cricket stems from visualization and fitness rather than excessive nets. “I’ve never been a believer of a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard… you visualise batting and feeling well,” he explained post-match, emphasizing awareness of conditions at Ranchi where the pitch held decently for 20-25 overs. Now with 14,390 ODI runs at 58.02 average and 93.41 strike rate—including 52 centuries—Kohli affirmed his focus on ODIs at 37, arriving “at 120%” when selected.​

This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next ODI in Raipur on December 3, as Kohli’s return with Rohit bolsters the side post-Test woes. Fans erupted as Kohli reached three figures off Jansen, looking skyward in thanks amid a fan breaching security. South Africa’s resilience highlighted their WTC gains from the Tests, but India’s experience prevailed in this balanced contest.

Also READ: “I’d be lying if…”: KL Rahul on India’s nervy win over South Africa in Ranchi ODI

In a light-hearted highlight of the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 final on November 30, UAE Bulls all-rounder Tim David entertained fans by imitating teammate Sunil Narine‘s iconic bowling action right in front of the West Indies spinner.

Tim David entertains fans by doing a comic imitation of Sunil Narine’s bowling action

This playful gesture came during the final over of Aspinwall Stallions’ chase, after UAE Bulls posted 150/1, powered by David’s explosive batting. Captain Kieron Pollard handed David the ball with 86 runs needed off the last 10 balls against Karim Janat, allowing the Australian to experiment with actions, including Narine’s slingy release on the third delivery. David conceded just 5 runs, securing an 80-run victory and the tournament title for Pollard-led Bulls at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.​

David’s all-round display defined the fast-paced final, blending power-hitting with comedy in the 10-over format designed for explosive cricket. Social media clips of the mimicry quickly went viral, capturing Narine’s amused reaction and amplifying the fun amid high stakes. The moment underscored team camaraderie in UAE Bulls, who overcame a mid-table league position (4th with 3 wins from 7) to dominate playoffs.​

Here’s the video:

Tim David mimicking Sunil’s bowling action right in front of him 😭pic.twitter.com/Cs9ETxCJBQ

— Kanishk (@jeene2yarr) December 1, 2025

Also READ: KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan pens a touching tribute to Andre Russell post his IPL retirement

Explosive batting powers UAE Bulls to Abu Dhabi T10 glory

David starred with the bat first, smashing an unbeaten 98 off 30 balls—3 fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 326.66—falling just short of a T10 century. Batting at No. 4 after openers Phil Salt and James Vince (retired hurt) set the platform, David unleashed carnage, including four consecutive sixes in one over and five in the last against Ashmead Nedd. His knock, earning Player of the Match honours, propelled UAE Bulls to 150/1, the second-highest total of the season after their 162/3 in the Eliminator.​​

Aspinwall Stallions crumbled to 70/4, unable to match the firepower despite reaching the final as Qualifier 1 winners (2nd in league with 4 wins from 7). Pollard, the T20 veteran coaching in IPL while thriving in franchises, added another trophy, highlighting his leadership in steering Bulls through Qualifier 2 and the decider. David’s dual impact signals strong form ahead of IPL 2026 with RCB, where his Abu Dhabi exploits preview potential destruction.​The victory capped a thrilling Abu Dhabi T10, with Bulls rising from league struggles to champions against a strong Stallions side.

Also READ: Breakdown of Andre Russell’s IPL salary since his debut – From 2012 to 2025

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the Bengal captain, is one of the most consistent and prolific run-scorers in Indian domestic cricket. While primarily known for his red-ball excellence (averaging nearly 49 in First-Class cricket with 27 centuries), his recent T20 form has been explosive, highlighted by a blistering unbeaten 130 off just 66 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 (SMAT), a knock which included 8 sixes.

With an overall domestic T20 average of over 37 and a strike rate of nearly 129 in 34 matches, Easwaran offers franchises a rare combination: a technically sound top-order Indian batter who can anchor the innings, convert starts into big scores, and accelerate aggressively when required, making him a prime target for teams needing stability and quality in their top three.

5 franchises that can target Abhimanyu Easwaran in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR will enter the auction with a massive purse of ₹64.30 crore and a significant need to reconstruct their entire Indian batting core, particularly after releasing Venkatesh Iyer. KKR requires a dependable Indian batter for the critical number 3 slot to follow their retained openers (likely Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Jason Roy and Rinku Singh). Easwaran, hailing from Bengal and captaining the Ranji team, brings a strong local connection and the required temperament. KKR can invest a substantial amount in Easwaran to provide the stability and consistency needed to build a long-term, high-quality Indian top order, mitigating the risk of early collapses.

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals hold a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and are desperately searching for a consistent, high-quality Indian batter for their top order, having released Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. DC’s top-order has often relied too heavily on their star foreign batters, making an Indian anchor a priority. Easwaran’s recent explosive form in the SMAT proves he is not just a red-ball specialist, and he could be seamlessly slotted in at number 3 or as an opener. Acquiring Easwaran would provide the technical assurance and big-score ability to stabilize DC’s innings and ensure the presence of a reliable domestic run-scorer.

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) possess the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and are undergoing a strategic rebuild. While they retained Ruturaj Gaikwad and acquired Sanju Samson, they lack depth in experienced, top-quality Indian batters for the number 3/4 position. Easwaran’s ability to play the long inning and adapt his strike rate makes him an attractive option for the traditionally slow Chepauk surface, where an anchor is paramount. CSK values players with a solid domestic track record, and Easwaran fits the bill perfectly, offering a stable and reliable Indian batting option whom they can groom for a key middle-order role.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 teams that can target Andre Russell in the mini-auction

4. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans have a moderate purse of ₹12.90 crore and a high reliance on their retained Indian top-order duo, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. However, they need a strong Indian backup opener and a reliable third Indian batter in case of injury or poor form for either Gill or Sudharsan. Easwaran’s high T20 average and big-match temperament make him an ideal signing for this role. GT’s strategy often involves picking undervalued domestic performers with huge upside, and Easwaran’s recent display of aggressive T20 batting will make him a prime candidate to provide a quality domestic reserve.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB, with a purse of ₹16.40 crore, retained a strong top order but released several Indian batters, including Mayank Agarwal. They need a proven, high-class Indian batter who can serve as an opener or a dependable number 3/4 batter to ensure stability when their explosive players fail. Easwaran’s recent SMAT century demonstrates the high-impact T20 performance that RCB needs to see from its domestic talent. Given the shorter boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a technically gifted batter like Easwaran who can capitalize on the surface and convert starts would be an excellent investment to round out their Indian batting line-up.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Anrich Nortje in the mini-auction

New Zealand and West Indies gear up for a pivotal three-Test series commencing December 2, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, marking the start of their 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) campaigns.

The Black Caps, formidable at home and undefeated in their last five Tests, aim to consolidate their dominance with a balanced blend of experienced stars like Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Matt Henry, alongside rising talents such as Will Young and Jacob Duffy.

On the other hand, the West Indies are determined to overturn a difficult stretch abroad, having secured just one Test win in 20 matches outside the Caribbean since 2018. Captain Roston Chase’s experience will be vital as the side leans on a promising pace attack spearheaded by Kemar Roach and rising star Jayden Seales. While their bowlers hold genuine potential, the batting order remains under scrutiny, with senior players such as Shai Hope and John Campbell expected to shoulder major responsibility against New Zealand’s potent seam attack.

NZ vs WI 2025, Test Series: Fixtures

Squads

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (c & wk), Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Tom Blundell, Blair Tickner

West Indies: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Alick Athanaze, Tevin Imlach, Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Anderson Phillip, Kavem Hodge, Ojay Shields, Johann Layne

Also READ: Matt Henry’s four-wicket haul powers New Zealand to a dominant series whitewash over West Indies in the 3rd ODI

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• New Zealand: TVNZ+, TVNZ 1
• Caribbean: Rush Sports (digital), TV6 (Trinidad & Tobago), E-Networks (Guyana) and CCN TV (Grenada)
• South Africa: Super Sport
• India: Prime Video, SonyTEN, SonyLIV, FanCode
• Pakistan: Tapmad

Also READ: Breakdown of Andre Russell’s IPL salary since his debut – From 2012 to 2025