The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the winners of the prestigious Naman Awards ahead of the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 15. The annual awards celebrate outstanding performances and long-standing contributions to Indian cricket across international, domestic, and junior levels. This year’s list features legendary figures such as Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny being honoured with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while current India captain Shubman Gill headlines the international honours.

Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny honoured with lifetime achievement award

Two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Dravid and Binny, will be presented with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their immense contribution to the game.

Dravid’s legacy stretches far beyond his glittering playing career. Known for his impeccable technique and composure at the crease, he amassed more than 24,000 international runs and established himself as one of India’s greatest Test batters. After retirement, Dravid played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers. As the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, he mentored several young players who later became mainstays of the national side. He also guided India’s Under-19 team to the ICC U19 World Cup title in 2018. Later, as the head coach of the senior men’s team, Dravid oversaw a historic moment in 2024 when India ended a long ICC trophy drought by lifting the T20 World Cup in Barbados.

Meanwhile, Binny’s contribution dates back to India’s historic 1983 World Cup triumph. The former all-rounder was the leading wicket-taker in that tournament and played a key role in helping India secure its maiden World Cup title. Binny was also part of the Indian side that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. After his playing days, he served as the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025.

Mithali Raj recognised for transforming women’s cricket

Former India captain Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket, Mithali holds the record for the most runs in women’s One-Day Internationals with 7805 runs at an impressive average of 50.68.

Her influence extends beyond statistics. Mithali played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s cricket in India and inspired an entire generation of young players to pursue the sport professionally.

Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana headline international honours

India’s Test and ODI captain Gill will receive the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for the Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024-25 season. This marks the second time Gill has earned the honour, reflecting his growing stature as one of India’s leading batters.

Among women cricketers, Smriti Mandhana has once again been recognised for her consistency and brilliance with the bat. She will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career. Mandhana also topped the charts as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs during the 2024-25 season.

Other international honours include Deepti Sharma being named the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, while Harshit Rana and Shree Charani were awarded the Best International Debut in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Domestic and junior stars also recognised

The Naman Awards also shine a spotlight on standout performers in domestic cricket. Mumbai’s Ayush Mhatre will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder in domestic limited-overs competitions for the 2024-25 season. Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey, who enjoyed a remarkable Ranji Trophy campaign, will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy.

Several young talents were recognised across age-group tournaments, including Ira Jadhav, Shafali Verma, Vicky Ostwal and Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan, among others. The Mumbai Cricket Association was also honoured for the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments during the 2024-25 season.

Also READ: Kuldeep Yadav ties the knot with longtime girlfriend Vanshika in grand Mussoorie ceremony

Special felicitation for India’s ICC trophy-winning teams

The ceremony will also celebrate a golden period for Indian cricket, with the felicitation of five ICC trophy-winning teams: the Women’s Under-19 World Cup 2025 champions, the Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 winners, the Champions Trophy 2025 champions, the Women’s World Cup 2025 champions, and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning team.

Complete list of BCCI Naman awards

Also READ: Mohammad Kaif picks India’s next T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has stepped into a new phase of life after marrying his fiancée Vanshika Singh in a grand ceremony held on March 14 in the scenic hill town of Mussoorie. The celebrations came just days after Kuldeep returned from India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where the team successfully defended its title.

The wedding, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, turned into a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, and the presence of several well-known faces from the cricketing fraternity.

Festive atmosphere lights up Mussoorie as Kuldeep Yadav ties the knot with Vanshika

The wedding festivities were marked by a joyous and lively atmosphere. Traditional dhol beats, band music, and enthusiastic dancing by guests created a festive mood throughout the celebrations. Videos from the ceremony quickly surfaced on social media, offering fans a glimpse into the colorful event.

In the clips, Kuldeep appeared relaxed and delighted, sharing the special moment with close friends and relatives. The celebrations reflected a blend of traditional rituals and modern wedding charm, with guests enjoying every part of the ceremony.

Fans across social media platforms expressed their happiness for the cricketer, congratulating him and wishing the couple a wonderful married life.

भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम के धाकड़ स्पिनर Kuldeep Yadav Ji को वैवाहिक जीवन की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि आपका वैवाहिक जीवन सुख, समृद्धि और खुशियों से भरा रहे।
💐🏏 #KuldeepYadav #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/ObNL4XX8MP

— Nitin Singh Choudhary (@JournalistNiti1) March 15, 2026

Cricket fraternity joins the celebrations

Several prominent figures from the Indian cricket fraternity were present to celebrate the occasion. Among the notable attendees were Yuzvendra Chahal, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma and former India batter Mohammad Kaif.

Their presence added extra sparkle to the wedding, as many of Kuldeep’s teammates and cricketing friends joined the celebrations. Guests were seen enjoying the festivities together, sharing laughter and dance moments during the event.

The picturesque surroundings of Mussoorie further enhanced the charm of the ceremony, making it a memorable occasion for everyone present.

Also WATCH: MS Dhoni repairs his bat using an electric sander during IPL 2026 practice session

Grand reception planned in Lucknow

While the Mussoorie wedding was an intimate yet grand affair, an even bigger celebration is set to follow. The couple will host a lavish reception on March 17 at Hotel Centrum in Lucknow.

The reception is expected to witness the presence of several eminent personalities from cricket, politics, and business circles. With Kuldeep being one of India’s leading spinners, many prominent figures from the sporting world are likely to attend the event.

Also READ: Ahead of IPL 2026, Sun TV takes CSK to court – here’s the reason

After two wildly contrasting games, the series stands on a knife-edge at 1-1. Bangladesh dominated the opener with a clinical 8-wicket win, but Pakistan roared back in the second ODI, securing a massive 128-run victory (DLS). Both teams have now experienced the highs of a blowout win and the lows of a batting collapse. With the trophy on the line on Sunday, expect a high-tension battle at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The hosts will be scratching their heads after the second ODI. Their bowlers, particularly Rishad Hossain, who claimed three wickets, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, did well to spark a Pakistan collapse in the latter half of the first innings, but the batting unit ultimately failed to turn up. Nahid Rana remains the focal point of the attack; after his blistering five-wicket haul in the series opener, he continues to be the primary threat to Pakistan’s top order. However, the major concern for the Tigers lies in their top-order vulnerability. Chasing a revised target in the second game, the top three batters fell for single digits, leaving the middle order exposed. Heading into the decider, they desperately need a steady start from Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das to anchor the innings and provide a platform for a competitive total.

This new-look Pakistan side, missing veterans like Babar Azam, found an unexpected hero in Maaz Sadaqat. The youngster’s sensational all-round performance anchored by 75 runs and capped with three wickets has shifted the momentum firmly back toward Shaheen Afridi’s men. All eyes will once again be on Sadaqat to see if the 20-year-old can replicate those Player of the Match heroics under the pressure of a series finale. Pakistan’s clear strategy will be to attack with raw pace; Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf looked lethal in the previous encounter, effectively using the steep Dhaka bounce to dismantle the Tigers’ lineup. If their speedsters hit their marks early, they will be confident in their ability to overpower the hosts once more.

BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: March 15; 01:45 pm IST/ 08:15 am GMT/ 02:15 pm Local
• Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

BAN vs PAK, Head-to-Head Record

Matches played: 41 | Bangladesh won: 6 | Pakistan won: 35 | No results: 0

Shere Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report

Sher-e-Bangla track for this series decider is expected to maintain its traditional slow and low character, though the first two ODIs have shown a surprising amount of carry and bounce for the pacers. Early on, new-ball bowlers will likely find lateral movement and extra lift, making the Powerplay a critical phase for survival.

As the game progresses, the surface will likely dry out, allowing spinners to extract significant grip and turn. Batting will require patience, as the ball may hold in the surface, making timing difficult. Given the humid conditions and the potential for a slightly sluggish second innings, the captain winning the toss might lean toward batting first to avoid the wear and tear of a typical Mirpur afternoon.

Squads

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul ​Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, ⁠Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad ⁠Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, ‌Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain

Also WATCH: Salman Agha loses cool after unusual run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bat first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 40-50
• Pakistan total score: 250-260

Case 2:

• Bangladesh wins the toss and bat first
• Bangladesh powerplay score: 30-40
• Bangladesh total score: 245-255

Match result: Team batting first will win the game.

Also READ: Salman Ali Agha and Mehidy Hasan Miraz react to the run-out controversy after Pakistan’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in 2nd ODI

The international T20 calendar turns its attention to the picturesque Bay Oval as New Zealand and South Africa lock horns in the opening match of their 2026 series. With both teams eager to seize early momentum on the tour, the contest is expected to showcase a compelling contrast between the Black Caps’ tactical flexibility and the Proteas’ trademark pace and power.

New Zealand head into the series led by Mitchell Santner, boasting a well-rounded squad that blends the experience of Devon Conway and Tom Latham with the attacking promise of emerging talent Tim Robinson. Their bowling attack offers impressive variety, featuring the raw pace of Lockie Ferguson, the bounce and height of Kyle Jamieson, and the experienced spin pairing of Santner and Ish Sodhi. Among the batters, Conway remains a crucial figure thanks to his rare ability to stabilize an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate, an attribute that could prove decisive at Bay Oval, a venue that often favours stroke play.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrive under the leadership of Keshav Maharaj with a determined group keen to demonstrate its depth on the international stage. Despite the absence of some senior names, the pace duo of Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman ensures the Proteas still possess a potent, high-speed bowling attack. Their batting strength lies in a dynamic middle order, where versatile all-rounders such as Wiaan Mulder and George Linde provide the ability to launch big hits while also contributing with the ball. Coetzee, in particular, stands out as the player to watch; on New Zealand surfaces that often offer extra bounce, his aggressive hit-the-deck approach could trouble the Kiwi top order and set the tone early in the contest.

NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: Match details

• Date and Time: March 15; 11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

NZ vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 20 | South Africa won: 12 | New Zealand won: 8 | No result: 0

Bay Oval Pitch Report

The pitch at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui has traditionally been known as a batting-friendly surface, offering reliable bounce and even pace throughout the match. In the T20 format, the venue regularly produces high-scoring contests, with the average first-innings total usually ranging between 155 and 165. However, when the top order settles in and accelerates, totals well beyond 190 are certainly achievable. The relatively short square boundaries further enhance scoring opportunities, allowing power hitters to clear the ropes with greater ease.

That said, bowlers can still make an impact under the right conditions. Fast bowlers may get a hint of early movement and added pace off the surface, particularly if cloud cover is present. Evening games can also assist seamers, as the new ball tends to behave a bit more under the floodlights. Spinners, on the other hand, often find the conditions less helpful because of the flat track, forcing them to rely more on variations, flight, and subtle deception rather than sharp turn. Overall, the surface rewards batters who can time the ball cleanly and take advantage of the quick outfield.

Squads:

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Jason Smith, Jordan Hermann, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Prenelan Subrayen, Dian Forrester, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lutho Sipamla, Rubin Hermann, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Bevon Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Ben Sears, Katene D Clarke, Jayden Lennox, Zakary Foulkes

Also READ: South Africa unveil 15-member squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, Keshav Maharaj to lead

NZ vs SA, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• South Africa wins the toss and bats first
• South Africa’ powerplay score: 50-60
• South Africa’ total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bats first
• New Zealand’s powerplay score: 50-60
• New Zealand’s total score: 200-210

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.

Also READ: New Zealand unveil squad for home T20I series against South Africa, Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham to share captaincy

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin casually sidelined Indian captain Shubman Gill from the 2027 World Cup squad, asking Virat Kohli to open the batting alongside the former skipper Rohit Sharma.

After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from the longest format of international cricket, the coaches did not give them the liberty to feature in ODIs without performing. Rohit Sharma was also snubbed from captaincy, as India aimed to move towards a new dawn with new skipper Shubman Gill.

However, the two veterans of Indian cricket have proved once again why they are the modern-day greats of the 50-over format. Rohit started off with a staggering effort against Australia and then continued his form against South Africa, while Kohli has been reliving his prime at the twilight of his career.

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Ravichandran Ashwin wants Virat Kohli to open alongside Rohit Sharma for the 2027 WC

Focused only on playing ODI cricket for India, Rohit Sharma worked hard to regain his shape and scored runs against Australia and South Africa, only to miss out against the Kiwis. Kohli, on the other hand, was unbeatable by the Proteas and the Black Caps.

With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, India, the runners-up of the previous World Cup, would need their two most experienced batters to cope with the completely different conditions on the African continent.

Citing their form, a former teammate of the two veterans and 2011 ICC ODI World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his desire to watch Virat Kohli open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.

He said, “I don’t know who will open. I would ideally like, I mean, in this case, why not Virat? Virat opens the batting in T20 cricket; why not Virat again? If he can open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma…”

🚨 Ravichandran Ashwin on YouTube:

Ashwin said, “If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open in the 2027 World Cup, then Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer can bat at No. 3 and 4.”

Bro casually removed captain Shubman Gill from the XI. 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/BjuO2ElXVO

— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) March 14, 2026

“Shreyas Iyer is a bona fide no. 4,” Ashwin wants Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad to play in the 2027 World Cup

While Rohit Sharma was seen batting alongside Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2024, if that has to happen in ODIs, Shubman Gill has to be sidelined. Ashwin’s choice of players in that top four never mentioned the Indian skipper.

He instead opined that if Shreyas Iyer returns to the team as the vice-captain, he is a bona fide choice for the middle order. But if Virat could be sorted in the top four alongside Rohit, then Ruturaj Gaikwad could make a promising no. 3 for India.

“……(If Virat Kohli can open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma….) Then, Ruturaj and Shreyas also come into the mix,” opined Ashwin.

Ruturaj Gaikwad played a stunning hand in the win against South Africa but was dropped the very next series due to the return of the India vice-captain. Gaikwad can open the innings as well as bat in the middle order, hence making him more of an ideal pick for analysts like Ravichandran Ashwin.

Shubman Gill’s ODI form as the captain of the Indian team

Shubman Gill has been in awful form since his return to the Indian ODI team and his appointment as the new skipper of the Men in Blue side. Having played three ODIs against Australia and then three more against New Zealand, Gill has managed to score two half-centuries and less than 200 runs in the 6 innings.

The skipper has not been in the best of batting form, and hence, his former No. 1 ODI batter status was soon taken over by his teammates Rohit Sharma and, now, Virat Kohli. Gill’s lack of form saw him out of the ICC T20 World Cup team, and if he doesn’t trigger back, then his place in the ODI World Cup squad could also be threatened.

Rohit Sharma could still make the ideal skipper to lead India in the next World Cup in 2027, making captaincy not the main reason for Shubman’s selection.

ALSO READ: Ex-PBKS all-rounder names Shreyas Iyer to win Orange Cap of IPL 2026

Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma was seen in a new role after Sanju Samson‘s reentry into the Indian XI. However, it proved to be a blessing in disguise for the MI cricketer, as he almost had his groove back, ending a silent World Cup run until then.

Tilak Varma, the Mumbai Indians and Indian team cricketer, has made his way up to here after immense struggles throughout his life. His immense success is now praised by people all over the nation, but the hard work and the sacrifices behind it remain the pillars behind the framework of his career.

Who is Salam Bayash? – The man who shaped Indian star Tilak Varma’s cricket career

Eleven years back, a young boy of an electrician named Namboori Nagaraju dreamed of playing cricket professionally in a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Forty kilometres—Barkas to Lingampally—this would have ended the career even before it started for that young lad had it not been for his coach.

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The young lad with thousands of dreams back then is none other than World Cup winner Tilak Varma from India, and the coach proved to be the guardian angel in his life. Salam Bayesh had then sorted the transport, waived the fees, and his father didn’t have to drop him off or pick him up. He did much more than what a coach does for a young lad.

Bayash had seen something in the twelve-year-old boy from the beginning — not just talent but a quality harder to find. He shaped him through the early days as he drilled him for adapting to all playing conditions as well as positions.

I will play in all positions and show now- Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma had many ups and downs ahead of his World Cup debut for India. He was one of India’s best T20I batters, but an injury kept him out of the contest against New Zealand. It was then that his coach backed him again.

“Ups and downs are common,” he told Tilak. “Every cricketer tends to get injured, even the greatest. They are mentally strong and with you, too; this time shall pass.”

However, when the Indian batter was having a lean patch in the World Cup, it was his coach, Bayash, who reprimanded him for his poor shot selection. “You are not making runs because your shot selection is not right,” he said. “Focus on the errors you are making.”

The scoldings grew to encouragement when Tilak grew to be an international cricketer, but at times, students do need to face the original version of their teacher, and this was one of them. After the 16-ball 44* against Zimbabwe, Tilak’s first call was to his coach, as he said, “I will play in all positions and show now.”

Even before his first-ever World Cup final, Tilak sought his guru for some advice, and his simple advice saw Tilak contribute with the first and the last catch of the final, despite not having much of a chance to contribute with the bat.

“Whatever position you are given to bat, do that well. We are one step away from the dream. Even if you don’t get the batting, do your best fielding, beta,” he had said.

I could see his love and respect for me at the time- Salam Bayash

We often tend not to give our coaches and teachers what we owe them for the vital lessons in our lives. However, Tilak Varma did not forget what he owed to his childhood coach. When his coach was in the ICU with COVID, the young cricketer went to the hospital for all of the 15 days and stayed by his coach and his family during the tough times.

“I could see his love and respect for me at the time,” Bayash said. Nagaraju had wanted his son to study medicine. Tilak, twelve years old, had a different view. However, he claimed that if he studied medicine, he would be known across Hyderabad, and if he played sports, then he would be known worldwide. This inspired the father to let him do whatever it takes to become a cricketer.

Today, as an international great, he goes back to his coach at the Legala Academy and speaks with the youngsters there and advises them to learn to work hard from their coach.

ALSO READ: EX-KKR Star BLASTS at Axar Patel over Delhi Capitals’ inconsistent IPL performances

Sanju Samson, India’s T20 World Cup hero, cited the importance of winning the game for India with an impactful innings, which mattered more than his personal milestones of getting three centuries in the World Cup games.

Times change, and new players make new contributions for teams; however, the legends who made consistent efforts to guide them to victory on a number of occasions, their radiance, and their excellence remain unaffected.

The Indian team has undergone a massive transition between the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, but one thing that remained constant was India’s unaffected legacy in the ICC tournament. Newer players, newer roles, but the tricolour waved above all at the end of the ICC event.

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Sanju Samson clears India’s priorities in the Suryakumar-Gambhir era

Having arrived at the India Today Conclave 2026, World Cup champions Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson spoke on India’s approach to the game under Captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Vikrant Gupta went on to ask Sanju Samson, “Not the culture, but the concept of Indian cricket, that personal milestones are good and very important, but they are not the ‘be all, end all.’

“For example, he said, Sanju could have scored three centuries; he couldn’t. Maybe someone else played those six balls and scored another 26 runs. So is there really a conscious effort, or do we hear all these things only after a World Cup win?”

Sanju Samson could not shy away from answering this, as he said that ever since Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav took over the Indian team, the importance of personal milestones was sidelined, and what remained the centre page of the Indian system was winning it for the team.

“No, Paaji, it’s very true; I think Abhi will agree with me. This is the constant conversation and the points we have written down in team meetings. Right from the Sri Lanka series, where Surya and Gautam Bhai were the leaders of the Indian team. Right from that moment, it was very clear that there were no personal milestones.

“So, that’s how we all adapted, and our character got aligned to the team’s starting point. Definitely, there is a conscious effort,” he added.

I absolutely contributed really well- Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson entered the game against the West Indies, which was the final game of India’s Super-8 campaign, with just around 50 runs in the T20 World Cup, but the world was not ready for witnessing one of India’s most memorable batting performances in the World Cup from then on.

Breaking records, Sanju scored a heroic 97* to guide India through to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup. In the semis, he scored another 89 runs and hammered India home to a massive 250+ total, and then followed the same in the final to produce another Samson’s special 89 to wind up the World Cup for the defending champions.

However, many opined that Samson missed out on three of his well-deserved centuries in the T20 World Cup. To this, Sanju Samson said, “Three hundred, which people say I missed out on. I feel a huge lot of work was done; I think I absolutely contributed really well.”

“Winning the game was more important than my three centuries”

– Sanju on missing out on three hundreds

Direct attack on that one guy 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/RwFNVonYPZ

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) March 14, 2026

Who has the most runs for India in winning causes in the ICC T20 World Cup?

Now, many have cited the words from the Indian World Cup winner as an attack on Virat Kohli, the former World Cup winner who, according to many, cited personal milestones more than leading his team to victory.

Speaking of Virat’s legacy, the chasemaster is India’s most successful batter across ICC tournaments, with the most runs coming off during chases. Speaking of the T20 World Cups, Kohli retired in 2024 with 809 runs in 19 innings, the most for India during a winning cause for the team.

Rohit follows him in the list with 702 runs. Rohit Sharma was the architect behind selfless shotmaking in India. As the captain, he took charge and smashed the bowlers early on, not caring about personal milestones, in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ: NOT Gautam Gambhir, Tilak Varma reveals the real architect behind his World Cup redemption

Former BCCI Secretary and the current ICC Chairman Jay Shah was pleased to be honoured for his contributions to the growth of Indian cricket. He called out the Indian team as an invincible side in ICC tournaments in recent times, linking them to Australia‘s earlier dominance in global events.

India’s recent winning streak in ICC events has been linked with the former tremendous patch of the mighty Aussies between the years 1999 and 2007, when they won three back-to-back ODI World Cups and Champions Trophies.

🚨JAY SHAH ON TEAM INDIA’S GROWTH SINCE 2019.🚨

“From 2019 to 2026, Team India achieved great success — 2 U-19 Men’s WC, 2 U-19 Women’s WC, WTC runner-up twice, ODI WC runner-up, back-to-back T20 WC titles, and the 2025 CT. Congratulations to everyone.”pic.twitter.com/7F6ZOiCVyV

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— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 14, 2026

India have also won the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after having won the previous T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. They have been invincible in ICC events since 2023, after they lost the final to the Australians in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory- Jay Shah

The Indian team became the first-ever team to have successfully defended their title in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup. They were also the first team to have won it on their home soil and the first team to win it for the third time.

Reflecting on India’s global dominance, the former BCCI Secretary said during one of the private award functions, “Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory. That has become the reality now.”

He was honoured at the event for his exceptional contribution to sports in India; however, he dedicated it to the hard-working athletes of India. “I would like to dedicate this award to all the athletes, especially the women athletes who are working hard on the field,” Shah said.

Jay Shah congratulated all semi-finalists of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the ICC Chairman

He went on to congratulate the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the head coach Gautam Gambhir for India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup and also praised the other semi-finalists as the Chairman of the ICC.

“I want to congratulate Surya, Gautam Gambhir, and all the players of Team India. I also want to congratulate not just Team India but also the South African team and the England team, who did not lose a single game before the knockout stage.

“And finally, the finalists, the New Zealand cricket team, for the way they performed and worked hard on the field. Congratulations to them as well,” Shah said.

He also listed the total achievements of the Indian Men’s and Women’s cricket teams ever since he joined the BCCI in 2019. He pointed out India’s dominant run with double triumph in the Men’s and Women’s ICC U-19 World Cups.

The Women’s ODI World Cup, the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup, and the Champions Trophy, alongside the two closely fought WTC Finals and the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup.

Jay Shah motivated BCCI and the Indian players to work with the same zeal and passion

He then went on to reach out to the entire Indian team via Suryakumar and Gautam Gambhir and shared his experience as an administrator, where he has learned “that it takes months to go from the top to the bottom, but it takes years to go from the bottom to the top.”

He said that in the BCCI, he had kept everything planned until the 2028 Olympics, and now the new members should also plan, keeping the 2030 and 2032 games in mind, alongside the 2026 Olympics, which might be hosted by India.

“New people have come in my place at the BCCI. All of you together need to prepare for the 2030 and 2032 games, and you know where the 2036 Olympics will be held. So, prepare for that as well,” he advised.

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The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner, but the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp has been hit with a wave of uncertainty. The three-time champions, known for their aggressive brand of cricket and tactical depth, are currently scrambling to fix their bowling blueprints. In what is being described as a major blow to their title aspirations, star Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been officially ruled out of the entire tournament.

Rana, whose meteoric rise saw him become a linchpin of the KKR attack, was expected to lead the domestic pace battery alongside the likes of Vaibhav Arora and Akash Deep. However, a cruel twist of fate during the warm-up matches for the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 has sidelined the Delhi-born speedster. While KKR fans were hoping for a miracle recovery, recent medical reports and franchise updates have confirmed the worst: Rana is headed for a long rehabilitation period, leaving a massive 140kmph-sized hole in the KKR starting XI.

Harshit Rana’s injury: A setback for Kolkata Knight Riders

The injury occurred during a high-stakes warm-up fixture against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Rana, who was part of the national squad, suffered a significant knee injury while fielding. Subsequent scans revealed the necessity of a surgical procedure, which he underwent in February 2026. Given the intensity of the IPL schedule and the physical demands on a fast bowler, the medical team advised against a premature return.

For KKR, losing Rana is more than just losing a bowler; they are losing a wicket-taker who mastered the art of the slow-ball bouncer and provided crucial breakthroughs in the death overs. Since his breakout 2024 season, where he picked up 19 wickets to help KKR clinch the trophy, Rana has been the heart of their pace attack. With the IPL 2026 campaign set to begin on March 29 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the KKR management led by Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Coach Abhishek Nayar must now look toward their current squad and the pool of unsold players to fill the void.

3 players who can replace Harshit Rana in IPL 2026

With the tournament fast approaching, the franchise is looking at a mix of internal promotions and potential injury replacements from the unsold list. Here are the three most likely candidates to step into Rana’s shoes for the 2026 season:

1. Akash Madhwal

If KKR decides to dip into the pool of unsold players, Akash Madhwal stands out as the prime candidate. Madhwal, who rose to fame with the Mumbai Indians, became a household name after his legendary 5/5 spell in the 2023 Eliminator. Despite his proven pedigree in high-pressure situations, he surprisingly went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction.

Madhwal is a direct tactical replacement for Rana. While Rana relied on bounce and cutters, Madhwal brings pin-point yorkers and a natural ability to bowl at the death. Inserting Madhwal into the XI would allow KKR to maintain their strategy of having a specialist Indian pacer who can handle the final four overs, freeing up the likes of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy to attack in the middle overs.

2. Umran Malik

Internal to the KKR squad, the Jammu Express Umran Malik is the most exciting alternative. Malik was already part of the roster as a potential Impact Player, but Rana’s absence likely elevates him to a frontline role. Known for consistently clocking speeds above 150 kmph, Malik provides the sheer intimidation factor that KKR needs at the Eden Gardens.

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In the current setup, Malik would likely slot in as the primary middle-overs enforcer. While Arora and Deep handle the new ball, Malik can be used in short, sharp bursts to break partnerships. His role would shift from a luxury impact sub to a necessity in the starting XI, ensuring that KKR doesn’t lose the aggressive edge that Rana provided.

3. Chetan Sakariya

Chetan Sakariya is another name heavily linked with the KKR camp as a replacement. Having been part of the KKR setup in 2025 as a replacement for Umran Malik, Sakariya is familiar with the team culture and the demands of the Eden Gardens surface. His left-arm angle offers a point of difference that the current KKR pace attack desperately lacks.

Sakariya is a tactical master who relies on deception rather than raw pace. If the pitches in the early half of the 2026 season are slightly slower, Sakariya’s back-of-the-hand slower balls and natural swing could be more effective than a traditional hit-the-deck bowler. He would likely share the new ball with Arora, allowing KKR to exploit the angle against right-handed openers.

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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, fans are already getting glimpses of the lighter side of team life. A recent video shared by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on social media captured a fun dressing-room moment between captain Rishabh Pant and teammate Ayush Badoni. In the short clip, Pant gifts one of his bats to Badoni – along with a humorous warning that quickly went viral among cricket fans.

The moment highlights the strong camaraderie within the LSG squad as they gear up for the upcoming season. With just weeks left before the tournament begins, the playful exchange between the two cricketers has given supporters a refreshing look at the bond shared inside the team.

Rishabh Pant’s funny advice to Ayush Badoni

The video, which runs for about 30 seconds, shows Pant handing over a bat to Badoni during a practice session. As the young batter accepts the gift, Pant adds a cheeky instruction that immediately drew laughs online.

“Short-handle hai, tujhe pasand hai waisa. Todiyo mat yeh, bahut achha bat hai [It’s a short-handle bat, just the way you like it. Don’t break it, it’s a very good bat],” Pant told Badoni.

“Yeh bat sambhal ke rakhna, Ayush bhai.”

Yeh bat sambhal ke rakhna, Ayush bhai 😉❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/7Tz9PCkmaZ

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 13, 2026

The lighthearted exchange quickly gained attention on social media, with fans praising the relaxed and friendly atmosphere within the LSG camp.

Beyond the humour, the moment also reflects the growing bond between Pant and Badoni within the LSG setup. Pant joined the franchise ahead of the 2025 season in a record-breaking deal worth ₹27 crore, making him one of the most high-profile signings in IPL history. He now leads the team as captain and remains one of its biggest stars.

Badoni, meanwhile, has steadily built his reputation since making his IPL debut in 2022. Retained by LSG for ₹4 crore, the middle-order batter has evolved from a promising youngster into a dependable performer for the franchise.

Over the course of 56 IPL matches, Badoni has scored 963 runs at an average of 26.75 and an impressive strike rate of 138.56, including six half-centuries. Last season proved particularly encouraging for him, as he accumulated 329 runs in 14 matches, striking at nearly 148.

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Badoni’s rising stock in Indian cricket

Badoni’s performances have not gone unnoticed at the national level either. Earlier this year, Badoni received his first ODI call-up for India as a replacement for Washington Sundar during a series against the New Zealand national cricket team. The call-up marked a significant milestone in his career and placed him firmly on the radar of the national selectors.

In that context, Pant’s gesture carries deeper significance. The LSG captain’s decision to gift his bat can be seen as a small but meaningful show of support for a younger teammate who has been steadily earning his place in the national squad.

LSG will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match carries extra significance for Pant, as he will be facing his former team.

With a squad that includes international stars like Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Mitchell Marsh and Mohammed Shami alongside emerging Indian talents like Badoni, the Super Giants will be hoping to mount a serious challenge for the title.

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