Adelaide Strikers Women face Brisbane Heat Women in the 30th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025-26 at North Sydney Oval, Sydney, on November 30. The Strikers hold a mid-table position with 6 points from 7 games (2 wins, 3 losses, 2 no results), while the Heat languish at the bottom with just 1 point from 7 outings (0 wins, 6 losses, 1 no result).​

Adelaide Strikers recently edged Brisbane Heat by 6 wickets in their earlier encounter (Match 23), chasing 170 with half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt (51 off 33) and Tammy Beaumont (51 off 33), aided by Bridget Patterson‘s unbeaten 32 off 22 in a tense finish. Brisbane Heat posted 169/5 in that game, led by Lauren Winfield-Hill‘s 47, but struggled against Strikers’ spin duo Amanda-Jade Wellington (2-31) and Sophie Ecclestone (2-36). The Heat remain winless this season, highlighting batting inconsistencies despite contributions from Grace Harris and Jess Jonassen.

AS-W vs BH-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: November 30; 06:40 am IST/ 01:10 am GMT/ 12:10 pm Local
• Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney

AS-W vs BH-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL|11

Matches played: 26 | Adelaide Strikers won: 11 | Brisbane Heat won: 14 | Tied: 01

North Sydney Oval Pitch Report

North Sydney Oval offers a balanced surface favoring batters, with good pace and bounce early, transitioning to spin grip later; average first innings score hovers around 160-170 in T20s. Pacers find assistance in powerplays, while teams prefer batting first under lights. Expect high scores, as seen in prior WBBL games here.

Squads:

Brisbane Heat: Charli Knott, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen (c), Chinelle Henry, Nadine de Klerk, Georgia Redmayne (wk), Lauren Winfield-Hill, Annie O Neil, Mikayla Wrigley, Nicola Hancock, Lucy Hamilton, Sianna Ginger, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Lucinda Bourke, Bonnie Berry, Grace Parsons

Adelaide Strikers: Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont, Madeline Penna, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson (wk), Ellie Johnston, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Sophie Ecclestone, Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt, Tabatha Saville, Anesu Mushangwe, Ella Wilson, Eleanor Larosa

Also READ: WBBL|11: Meg Lanning guides Melbourne Stars to top of the table with 45-run win Melbourne Renegades

AS-W vs BH-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bats first
• Adelaide Strikers powerplay score: 40-50
• Adelaide Strikers total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Brisbane Heat wins the toss and bats first
• Brisbane Heat powerplay score: 50-60
• Brisbane Heat total score: 150-160

Match result: Team batting first to win the game

Also READ: WBBL|11: Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers Perth Scorchers to a dominant win over Melbourne Renegades

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

India welcome South Africa for the opening ODI of their three-match series at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on November 30, 2025. KL Rahul leads the hosts in Shubman Gill‘s absence due to injury, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to bolster the lineup after solid Australia performances. South Africa, under Temba Bavuma, aim to extend momentum from their rare Test series win in India, shifting focus to white-ball strengths without Kagiso Rabada.​

India’s squad emphasizes batting depth with Rohit nearing 20,000 international runs, Kohli’s proven record against South Africa (1,504 ODI runs at 65.39 average), and all-round options like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma add middle-order firepower, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and pacers Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna provide variety.​

South Africa’s group blends experience from Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram with emerging pace like Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, and Ottneil Baartman, plus spin control via Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen. Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton offer aggressive batting potential in the middle order.

JSCA International Stadium Complex Pitch Report

The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi presents a balanced pitch for the India vs South Africa 1st ODI, blending opportunities for batters and bowlers on its black-soil surface. Early overs favor pacers with swing and bounce, transitioning to spin-friendly conditions mid-game as the track slows, offering grip for tweakers like Kuldeep and Maharaj. Across nine ODIs, teams chasing won five times, with an average first-innings score of 235-265 and a healthy 5.94 runs-per-over rate, including highs like 348/6 by India. Dew may aid evening pursuits, likely prompting captains to bowl first under clear skies. Expect a tactical contest where spinners dominate the middle overs on this containing venue.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar slams Gautam Gambhir’s critics following India’s home Test whitewash vs South Africa

JSCA International Stadium Complex ODI Stats and Records 

• Total Matches: 09
• Matches won batting first: 03
• Matches won bowling first: 05
• Average 1st innings score: 235
• Average 2nd innings score: 189
• Highest total recorded: 313/5 (50 Ovs) by Australia vs India
• Lowest total recorded: 112/10 (38.2 Ovs) By Sri Lanka vs India
• Highest score chased: 288/7 (48.4 Ovs) By India vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 260/7 (50 Ovs) By New Zealand vs India

Also WATCH: Indian supporters taunt head coach with ‘Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye’ chants following devastating 2-0 series loss to South Africa

Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the final of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 29. Both teams advanced after topping the points table, with Pakistan securing 6 points from 3 wins in 4 matches (NRR +1.440) and Sri Lanka earning 4 points from 2 wins (NRR -0.901).​

Pakistan showed consistency, beating Zimbabwe twice and Sri Lanka once earlier in the series by 7 wickets while chasing 131. Sri Lanka stumbled initially with losses but peaked with a thrilling 6-run win over Pakistan in the 6th match, where Kamil Mishara scored 76 and Dushmantha Chameera took 4-20. Key performers for Pakistan include Sahibzada Farhan (leading run-scorer with 168 runs at 155.56 SR in the series) and Abrar Ahmed (10 wickets at Rawalpindi).

PAK vs SL, T20I Tri-series 2025 Final: Match Details

• Date and Time: November 29; 6:30 pm IST / 01:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm Local
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium’s pitch for the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 final offers a batting-friendly surface with true pace, bounce, and a quick outfield, ideal for high scores around 170-180. Recent tri-series matches saw first innings averages near 194, favoring aggressive strokeplay early on, though pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Chameera can extract seam movement and swing with the new ball. Spinners such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Abrar may find grip on rough patches later, especially under lights, while dew could ease chasing in the second innings—teams bowling first have won most recent T20s here.​

Squads

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Abdul Samad

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwan Thushara, Dushan Hemantha

Also READ: Dushmantha Chameera’s fiery spell takes Sri Lanka into the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series final

PAK vs SL, T20I Tri-series 2025: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka powerplay score: 55-60
• Sri Lanka total score: 175-185

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 50-55
• Pakistan total score: 165-175

Match result: Pakistan to win the contest.

Also WATCH: Usman Tariq’s hat-trick powers Pakistan to dominant win over Zimbabwe in T20I tri-series 2025

India will play Sri Lanka in a five-match women’s T20 International (T20I) series from December 21 to 30, 2025, across Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This series marks the first competitive engagement for the Indian women’s cricket team following their triumphant campaign in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup held earlier in November.

Originally, the Indian women’s side was scheduled to host Bangladesh in a similar home series during the same period, but this was postponed due to rising political tensions between the two nations. The Sri Lankan women’s team will be returning to Indian soil for a T20I bilateral series for the first time since 2016, a previous series that India won 3-0.​

IND vs SL: T20I Series details

The T20I series will commence with the first two matches at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 21 and December 23. The remaining three matches will be held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, taking place on December 26, 28, and 30 respectively. This marks a significant milestone for Thiruvananthapuram as it hosts women’s international cricket for the first time, having previously staged men’s international matches and youth contests. The scheduled venues provided Indian women cricketers familiar ground, especially Visakhapatnam, which had recently hosted the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup league matches and the team’s pre-tournament camp.​

The series will act as a crucial stepping stone in the preparation of the Indian team for the upcoming 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Furthermore, it serves as an immediate international assignment before the beginning of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), scheduled to commence shortly after this T20I series in January 2026. Following the WPL, the Indian women’s team is set to tour Australia for a multi-format series in early 2026, continuing their busy international calendar.​

Also READ: Top 10 most expensive buys in WPL 2026 Player Auction

Why Team India will square off against Sri Lanka instead of Bangladesh?

The originally planned home series against Bangladesh was postponed indefinitely after diplomatic and political tensions escalated between India and Bangladesh. Reports cite the complex political circumstances, including legal cases and extradition demands that contributed to this decision. The postponement affected both the men’s and women’s White-ball tours between the two neighbors, with the men’s series now rescheduled to September 2026. The decision to replace the Bangladesh series with Sri Lanka was pragmatic from BCCI’s perspective allowing the Indian women’s team to maintain match fitness and momentum post their World Cup success.​

Historically, India has dominated bilateral T20I encounters against Sri Lanka at home, including the 2016 clean sweep. The upcoming series offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to challenge the reigning world champions on Indian soil after a long gap. For India, it is a chance to consolidate their strengths and assess new talent ahead of major international tournaments. This series promises exciting competition with high stakes for both sides as they gear up for future challenges in 2026.​

Also READ: WPL 2026 Auction: Complete squads of all 5 teams

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

Since the turn of the millennium, India cricket has witnessed a spectrum of head coaches, each bringing their unique vision and tactical approach to the national Test team. Test cricket on home soil has traditionally been India’s formidable fortress—a venue where great teams are crafted, strategies tested, and reputations both forged and shattered. The performance of Indian head coaches since the 2000/01 season at home in Test matches spells a compelling story of tactical brilliance, consistency, and, at times, unexpected underperformance.

Gautam Gambhir’s struggles in Test highlight home woes

The entry of Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach in Test cricket was met with plenty of anticipation, given his pedigree as a gritty former opener and his no-nonsense approach to the game. However, Gambhir’s initiation into the role has been distressingly underwhelming, with the team failing to register home dominance under his stewardship. Out of 9 Test matches at home, Gambhir’s India has managed just 4 wins while losing 5, resulting in a disappointing win/loss ratio of 0.80, the lowest for any Indian coach at home in this era. Furthermore, his time has already witnessed 2 home series defeats—something not endured by any other coach post-2000/01 during their stint.

India’s typically unyielding home advantage has come under serious strain during Gambhir’s stint. A string of lacklustre performances, questions over team combinations, and inconsistent batting have all contributed to recent dismal outcomes. Unlike predecessors who managed to either protect or extend India’s legacy on spinning tracks and batting-friendly surfaces, Gambhir’s tactical approaches and selections have not translated into expected wins. The home Test losses under his guidance are stark, spelling the need for urgent recalibration if India wishes to recapture their legendary home resilience.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar slams Gautam Gambhir’s critics following India’s home Test whitewash vs South Africa

Comprehensive record of Indian head coaches at home since 2000/01

A closer inspection of Indian head coaches’ home records since the 2000/01 season reveals a landscape generally characterized by stability and high win percentages—until the present scenario. John Wright, the first foreign coach to take charge, captured 11 wins from 24 matches, facing just 1 series defeat alongside a win/loss ratio of 2.75. Greg Chappell’s eventful era saw 3 wins from 6 matches and no series losses.

Gary Kirsten and Duncan Fletcher eras set a gold standard; Kirsten posted 10 wins and just 2 defeats in 19 home Tests (W/L ratio 5.00) while Fletcher went even better (11 wins, 2 losses, 5.50 ratio), though each registered a solitary series defeat. Ravi Shastri revolutionized India’s approach, overseeing 15 wins against a solitary loss in 19 matches, boasting a phenomenal win/loss ratio of 15.00 with no series defeats—among the best in history. Anil Kumble’s shortened but effective tenure delivered 10 wins from 13 matches (W/L ratio 10.00), echoing India’s dominance with no series defeats.

Rahul Dravid kept the home fort safe, recording 9 wins out of 13 and no series defeats, maintaining a positive record. Gambhir’s contrast with all predecessors is stark, with lower wins and the ignominy of repeated home series losses, a rarity in modern Indian Test cricket.

The list below captures the performance at a glance:

Also WATCH: Indian supporters taunt head coach with ‘Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye’ chants following devastating 2-0 series loss to South Africa

In a surprising turn of events at the WPL 2026 mega auction on Thursday (November 27), Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Alyssa Healy went unsold, despite entering the pool at a modest base price of ₹50 lakh.

As the first marquee player called, Healy drew no bids from any of the five franchises, and her name did not reappear in the accelerated round – an outcome that shocked fans across the cricket world.

Healy, one of the most decorated wicketkeeper-batters in the modern game, has scored 428 runs in 17 WPL matches at a strike rate of 130.48. Her recent performances in the Women’s Big Bash League (BBL) also suggest that she still has the firepower to contribute at the highest level.

Here’s why Alyssa Healy went unsold in the 2026 WPL mega auction

According to WPL regulations, franchises can field only four overseas players in the playing XI, a rule that significantly shapes auction dynamics. Teams across the board prioritized multi-skilled all-rounders over specialist keeper-batters – a category where Healy largely fits.

UP Warriorz assistant coach Abhishek Nayar explained that franchises leaned heavily toward players who could influence multiple phases of the game – batting, bowling, and fielding – to extract maximum value from limited overseas slots. With top-order overseas spots mostly locked due to pre-auction retentions, Healy’s role didn’t align with the balance teams were seeking.

Another major factor was Healy’s injury-hit 2025 season, during which she missed the entire WPL due to a foot injury. Although she returned with back-to-back ODI centuries against India and Bangladesh, concerns lingered about her reliability, especially at age 35.

Her release by the UP Warriorz, who had signed her for ₹70 lakh in 2023, further indicated a shift toward building younger, fitter, and more adaptable squads. Some franchises were also reportedly wary of her inconsistent WBBL rhythm over the past year, prompting hesitation in committing big money to a specialist top-order batter without bowling utility.

Team management across franchises openly acknowledged that Healy’s omission was strategic rather than performance-related. Anya Shrubsole, part of RCB’s coaching group, noted that their lineup had “no available space in the top five,” given their strong bench already featuring new recruit Georgia Voll.

The UP Warriorz, who were expected to chase a familiar face, instead focused on new leadership options, signing Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore and investing in rising talent like Phoebe Litchfield. With overseas slots quickly filling up, Healy did not reappear in the accelerated round – a clear indication of her mismatch with franchise strategies this year.

Also, uncertainty over Healy’s fitness meant no team was willing to bid for her, especially with the new WPL rule stating that no injury replacements will be permitted if a player withdraws before the start of the 2026 season.

Also READ: WPL 2026 Mega Auction – Complete list of unsold players

Evolving T20 trends highlight all-round value in WPL over player’s reputation

The top buys of the auction – Deepti Sharma (₹3.2 crore), Amelia Kerr (₹3 crore) and Shikha Pandey (₹2.4 crore) – highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where all-rounders and dual-skill players dominate auctions, especially in leagues with limited overseas quotas.

While Healy boasts a stellar T20I record of 3,054 runs at a strike rate of 129.79, reputation alone was not enough in a purse-constrained environment. She joins other experienced players like Heather Knight, Alana King and Tazmin Brits who also went unsold, underscoring a broader franchise mindset focused on long-term rebuilding and roster versatility.

Also READ: WPL 2026 Auction – Complete squads of all 5 teams

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

Speculation swirls around Rajasthan Royals potentially changing hands before the IPL 2026 auction, fueled by a recent viral social media post from industrialist Harsh Goenka, brother of Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka.

The 2008 IPL champions, mirroring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s open pursuit of buyers at a USD 2 billion valuation, have stayed silent on any sale, yet reports highlight internal resets including a blockbuster player trade. This comes amid soaring franchise valuations, drawing interest from buyers in Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and the USA.​

I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers- will it be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) November 27, 2025

Rajasthan Royals trade Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings for a whopping deal

The Royals traded longtime captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings for INR 18 crore, acquiring Ravindra Jadeja at INR 14 crore and Sam Curran at INR 2.4 crore in return, signalling a strategic overhaul. Owner Manoj Badale described Samson as emotionally drained after 11 seasons and over 4,000 runs, praising his off-field contributions while welcoming Jadeja’s homecoming from the 2008 title-winning squad. These moves coincide with backroom staff changes and venue explorations, as tensions with the Rajasthan Cricket Association prompt talks for Pune’s MCA Stadium, potentially hosting at least four home games.​

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

Ownership turmoil and legal battles intensify

Royals Sports Group, via Emerging Media Sporting Holdings Limited led by Badale, controls 65% of the franchise, with minority stakes held by Lachlan Murdoch (13%) and RedBird Capital Partners (15%), the latter linked to Liverpool FC, AC Milanand FC Toulouse. RedBird’s 2022 entry valued the team at USD 250 million, underscoring global appeal amid IPL’s growth. Badale remains hands-on in daily operations despite the buzz.​

Complicating matters, former co-owner Raj Kundra, once holding shares with wife Shilpa Shetty Kundra, filed a petition at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) accusing partners of coercing him out post-2015 betting scandal links. Kundra claims illegal 2015 share transfers worth over Rs 1,000 crore without consent, undervalued 2019 settlements, fund diversions, and record manipulations, with the next hearing set for January 5. This echoes the franchise’s 2013 two-year suspension, testing stability as IPL 2026 looms.

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

The 28th match of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025 pits Melbourne Renegades Women against Melbourne Stars Women at Junction Oval, Melbourne, on November 29, starting at 9:40 AM local time. Renegades sit third on the points table with 4 wins from 7 games and a net run rate of +0.570, while Stars hold second place with 4 wins from 6 completed matches and a superior +2.152 NRR. This Melbourne derby follows Renegades’ recent four-wicket loss to Perth Scorchers, contrasting Stars’ strong run including a 37-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes.​

Renegades started with back-to-back wins but have stumbled, losing three of their last five, though they hold a key edge having chased 142 in 18.5 overs to beat Stars earlier this season by four wickets. Stars boast four wins in five post their rain-affected opener, with recent triumphs like an 18-run win over Brisbane Heat showcasing batting depth. Key for Renegades will be bouncing back at home, where they recently fell short chasing 150 against Scorchers.

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

• Date and Time: November 29; 09:40 am IST/ 04:10 am GMT/ 03:10 pm Local
• Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne

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

Matches played: 21 | Melbourne Stars won: 07 | Melbourne Renegades won: 11 | No result: 03

Junction Oval Pitch Report

The Junction Oval in Melbourne is known for its batting-friendly surface, providing consistent bounce and good carry that support fluent stroke play. Batters generally enjoy favourable conditions from the start of the match, enabling them to play aggressive shots and maintain steady scoring. While pacers may find some initial movement and bounce, the pitch tends to favour high-scoring contests as the game progresses. Its flatness and natural pace create an ideal platform for batters to dominate, although spinners can also become influential later in the innings with some turn. Overall, the pitch offers an exciting balance, presenting ample opportunities for both batters and bowlers to impact the match.

Squads

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

Melbourne Stars Women: Annabel Sutherland (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Day, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Georgia Prestwidge, Ella Hayward, Sophie Reid, Maisy Gibson, Danielle Gibson, Kim Garth, Marizanne Kapp, Sasha Moloney

Also READ: WBBL|11: Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers Perth Scorchers to a dominant win over Melbourne Renegades

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

Case 1:

• Melbourne Stars Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Renegades Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Melbourne Renegades Women’s total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Melbourne Renegades Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Stars Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Melbourne Stars Women’s total score: 180-190

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game.

Also WATCH: Linsey Smith’s stunning grab sends Sophie Molineux packing as Hobart Hurricanes topple Melbourne Renegades in WBBL|11

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

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, appointing Mumbai-born opening batter Ayush Mhatre as captain for the tournament scheduled from December 12 to 21 in Dubai.

India has been placed in a challenging group featuring arch-rivals Pakistan and two qualifier teams, setting the stage for high-intensity youth cricket.

The newly unveiled 15-member squad blends emerging stars with seasoned junior-level performers. Key names include Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), and Abhigyan Kundu, all of whom bring match experience from domestic and India age-group tours.

Ayush Mhatre: Calm leader trusted to continue India’s youth legacy

18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, regarded as one of the most technically reliable openers in youth cricket, steps into the leadership role after a string of consistent performances. Hailing from Mumbai’s robust cricketing structure, Mhatre has delivered impactful knocks across domestic U19 tournaments and showcased IPL-level temperament in age-group development programs.

Coaches credit his calm personality, tactical maturity, and ability to anchor innings as major reasons behind his elevation. His appointment mirrors India’s long-standing focus on grooming strong leaders early – an approach that previously shaped future seniors like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Supporting him is vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, a wicketkeeper-batter admired for his middle-order stability, sharp glovework, and game awareness.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi and others strengthen India’s balanced core

Among the standout players in the squad is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a stylish left-hander known for his match-winning innings at both junior and India-A youth levels. His performances in the Asia Cup Rising Stars competition have earned him widespread praise, and his ability to adapt under pressure makes him a major asset in India’s top order.

The squad features a well-rounded unit with strong support roles. Vedant Trivedi adds power and balance as a dependable all-rounder, while wicketkeeper Harvansh Singh acts as a reliable backup option. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Henil Patel and Khilan A. Patel, both recognized for their disciplined spells and wicket-taking abilities.

Promising names such as Naman Pushpak, Aaron George and Udhav Mohan further deepen the bench strength. Kishan Kumar Singh remains under fitness monitoring, and four standby players – Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, and Aditya Rawat – have been placed on alert for any late changes.

Also READ: “Kuch pressure nahi feel hota…” – Vaibhav Suryavanshi after smashing 32-ball century for India A vs UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

India set for Pakistan clash on December 14

India will kick off their U19 Asia Cup campaign on December 12 against a qualifier at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. However, the marquee fixture arrives two days later when India face Pakistan on December 14, a clash that traditionally draws massive fan attention at both senior and junior levels.

With the semi-finals set for December 19 and the final scheduled on December 21, the tournament is viewed as a key preparatory platform ahead of the 2025 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Talent scouts and national selectors will closely monitor performances as India looks to identify the next generation of stars.

India squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025

Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh*, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.

Also READ: Here’s how India head coaches have fared in home Tests since 2000/01

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Player Auction, held in New Delhi on Thursday, delivered one of the most competitive bidding days in the league’s young history. All five franchises aggressively pursued top-tier talent as they completed their squads, eventually signing 67 players by the end of the event.

The auction witnessed multiple seven-figure deals, reflecting the growing commercial value and popularity of women’s cricket in India. Teams entered the auction with clear strategies – some targeting experienced internationals, others focusing on emerging talent – and bidding wars quickly pushed prices well beyond base values.

Deepti Sharma tops the charts as franchises push prices higher

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the most expensive buy of the WPL 2026 Auction. The UP Warriorz secured her for a massive ₹3.2 crore, far above her base price of ₹50 lakh. Her ability to control the middle overs, contribute with the bat and bring leadership experience made her a must-have pick for the franchise.

Close behind was New Zealand star Amelia Kerr, snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore. One of the world’s best all-rounders, Kerr has consistently been a match-winner in both league and international cricket, making her one of the day’s most anticipated signings.

UP Warriorz dominate big signings with multiple high-value picks

The UP Warriorz were among the most active teams at the top end of the auction. Along with Deepti Sharma, they bolstered their lineup by signing seasoned pacer Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 crore, making her the third-costliest buy of the day. Her experience and reliability with the new ball made her a prized acquisition.

The team also secured Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore, adding a world-class leader and one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history. In addition, rising talent Phoebe Litchfield joined their squad for ₹1.2 crore, giving the Warriorz a strong blend of youth and experience.

Delhi Capitals strengthen middle order and bowling depth

The Delhi Capitals also made headline-worthy moves with two value-equivalent signings. They roped in Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani, each for ₹1.3 crore, strengthening both their middle-order batting and seam-bowling options.

South African opener and captain Laura Wolvaardt, known for her consistency in top-order roles across formats, was added for ₹1.1 crore. Her reliability in high-pressure chases and tournament experience makes her a key addition for Delhi.

Gujarat Giants add power with Sophie Devine’s purchase

The Gujarat Giants made one of the most strategic moves of the auction by securing explosive New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore. With her power-hitting ability and knack for producing breakthroughs, Devine’s signing was one of the day’s most celebrated buys.

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

Top 10 costliest player buys in WPL 2026 Auction

1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3.2 Cr
2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3 Cr
3. Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹40 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2.4 Cr
4. Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2 Cr
5. Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.9 Cr
6. Chinelle Henry (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
7. Shree Charani (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
8. Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.2 Cr
9. Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr
10. Asha Sobhana (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr

Also READ: WPL 2026 Auction – Complete squads of all 5 teams

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