Suryakumar Yadav and Usman Tariq (Agency Image)

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the team’s batting has looked a little shaky in the first two matches of the T20 World Cup but expressed confidence in handling Pakistan’s tricky spinner Usman Tariq, describing him as “an out of syllabus question” in an exam. “See, sometimes there is a question in the exam as well which is out of syllabus. So, we can’t leave that question. To tackle that, you have to adopt your own way. Yes, he is a different character when he comes to bowl,” Surya said at the pre-match press conference.

He added, “But at the same time, we can’t just surrender. We practise with similar types of bowlers and similar actions. We will try to execute what we are practising in the net sessions.” India’s earlier matches exposed some vulnerabilities, with the team reduced to 77 for six against the USA and then losing five wickets for just four runs in the death overs against Namibia. Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash on the slow Premadasa wicket, Surya acknowledged the challenge posed by Tariq’s unusual bowling action, which has sparked debates about legality. “We had a scratchy start. You can’t run away from the fact that it was not a proper T20 wicket. But I said earlier too that you can’t actually brush everything under the carpet. There is no excuse,” he said. He remained positive about the team’s recovery, noting, “But we came back strongly. So, that’s the beauty of T20 cricket. One or two batters I think taking that responsibility makes us cross the line.” Surya also highlighted the mental challenge of facing Pakistan, saying the key is handling pressure and big moments. “Yes, there will be pressure. There will be nerves, butterflies in the stomach when we start the game tomorrow. But yeah, at the same time, if there’s no pressure, no nerves, then there’s no fun to play cricket. And yeah, it’s a big occasion. But yeah, I mean, every time I say the same thing, at the end of the day, it’s just another game. You have to pack your skills, play some good cricket, focus on what you want to do better, and we’ll see what happens.” Despite Pakistan being in Sri Lanka for the past fortnight, Surya remained confident. “They might have some edge. But as I said, we have come here before, we have played in these conditions, we know how the pitch plays, similar conditions to India. It’s like the same situation for both the teams. See, it’s definitely challenging when you come to Sri Lanka. But then at the end of the day, you have to challenge yourself, somehow find a solution and come out good,” he said.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli (Getty Images)

The captaincy handover from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill in 2025 sparked plenty of debate in Indian cricket. Nearly eight years earlier, a similar shift had taken place when MS Dhoni made way for Virat Kohli as India’s full-time captain across formats in 2017.Dhoni had already stepped down as Test captain in 2014, but 2017 marked the complete transition. It has now come to light that the move was initiated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India selection committee, who informed Dhoni of their intention to make a change. He was also asked to formally communicate his decision via email.

Former selector Jatin Paranjpe, speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show, recalled how he and then chief selector MSK Prasad approached Dhoni about the matter.“Mahi (Dhoni) was batting. He kept batting for an hour, and MSK and I were just looking at each other. We had prepared how to tell him in the most respectful way. So we went to him and said, ‘You know, Mahi, I think it’s the right time to move on’,” Paranjpe said.According to Paranjpe, Dhoni accepted the proposal without resistance.“He told MSK, ‘Anna, this is the perfect decision. Let me know what you want from me’. MSK told him that he will have to put it in writing that you are ready to move on. He said, ‘Alright, I will do it’.”“Late at night, we received an email: ‘I would like to step down’. We had to make this decision. We were criticised for it as well, but these are the tough decisions that you have to take,” he added.Paranjpe further revealed that Dhoni assured complete support to Kohli.“He also said, ‘Don’t worry. I will work completely with Virat. He is like my brother. I will do everything that is required of me for him. Whatever experience I have, I will give it to him. And we’ll make a good team’,” Paranjpe shared.At the time, Dhoni was 35 and had already achieved everything in white-ball cricket, guiding India to the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel leaves the field after being dismissed by Crishan Kalugamage of Italy during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between Nepal and Italy at Wankhede Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images)

Nepal head coach Stuart Law criticised his team after their 10-wicket loss to Italy in the T20 World Cup, saying the players had “not shown commitment” and must block out “nonsense” on social media to focus on cricket.Nepal had earlier pushed two-time champions England in a high-scoring match but failed to carry that performance forward. Against tournament debutants Italy, they were beaten without taking a wicket.Law said social media plays a major role in the lives of Nepal’s players but can become a distraction during a global event.

“Social media is a massive part of the Nepalese culture,” Law told reporters when asked what steps he had taken to ensure dressing-room discussions translated into on-field performances, especially after the contrasting nature of Nepal’s first two outings.“If we’re focusing on what we’re doing on social media, (or) on what people are saying about us on social media, and not focusing about what the team needs (or even) what the teammates are saying, and (what) the game requires, you’re distracted from your actual job,” said Law.“I’m trying to strike a happy medium with the players so (as to) make sure they’re focused on their cricket, number one, and the rest of the nonsense that I call it.“It’s a difficult one (call) because I know a lot of players rely on it to gain endorsements and sponsorship, etc. But I also think that the World Cup cricketers — I’ve tried to explain to them — that if we keep winning games at cricket, your likes will go up anyway,” he said.Law added that success on the field would automatically improve their reach online.“You don’t have to keep showing your face. If you show that cricket in Nepal is going forward and we’re winning games at cricket, your attraction on social media will go through the roof,” Law said, revealing his message to the players.“I’ve said that to the boys today, get that away from cricket. Do it away from cricket. When you’re at cricket, do your cricket. Maybe the distraction from the heist of nearly beating England, and the people from around the world at cricket (including) the greats of the game… (all) that is nice to hear, but you’ve still got to remember we lost,” Law said.He said the drop in performance against Italy reflected a lack of focus and mental strength.“To go from that high (against England) to then go to the extreme low four days later, that’s not showing mental toughness,” he said.“That’s not showing commitment to your team, to your country, to your family, et cetera, to your teammates. We need to make sure that we understand that we need to do that better.”Law also confirmed that captain Rohit Paudel had a stomach issue but is expected to play on Sunday.“There’s been a bit of fever going around the World Cup, some stomach issues, etc. But he had a fever last night. He took medicine. He should be fine for tomorrow (Sunday),” Law said.

India’s Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav offered a cheeky response after Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said he hoped India’s opener Abhishek Sharma would be fit for the T20 World Cup clash between the two sides on Sunday.At the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Agha had said Pakistan wanted to face India at full strength and wished for Abhishek’s recovery.“I really hope – we all know he is a good player, and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha said.When asked about the remark, Suryakumar replied with a smile: “If the (Pakistan cricket team’s captain) wants him to play, will play him (Abhishek Sharma) tomorrow.”Abhishek had a difficult start to the tournament, getting out for a golden duck against USA. He then missed India’s match against Namibia in Delhi after being hospitalised with a stomach infection.Abhishek, who made his T20I debut after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, has been in outstanding form in the format. In 38 matches and 37 innings, he has scored 1,297 runs at an average of 37.05 and a striking rate of 194.74, including two centuries and eight fifties, with a highest score of 135.He came into this year’s T20 World Cup as the world’s top-ranked T20I batter. Against Pakistan, he has featured in three matches, scoring 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 189.65, with a best of 74. India will take on Pakistan on 15 February at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram, left, and South Africa’s David Miller (AP Photo/ Ajit Solanki)

Aiden Markram’s blistering half-century powered South Africa to a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand on Saturday, moving the Proteas closer to a Super 8s berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Markram led the charge in a high-stakes Group D clash, blasting a rapid 86 to dismantle the Kiwi bowling attack and complete the chase of 176 without any real hiccups. South Africa reached their target in just 17.1 overs, marking their third straight win and taking them to the top of the group with six points.

New Zealand had posted 175 for seven after electing to bat, thanks to a counter-attacking 74-run partnership between Mark Chapman (48) and Daryl Mitchell (32). However, their efforts were undone by South Africa’s incisive bowling and a relentless chase led by Markram. The Proteas began aggressively, with Quinton de Kock (20 off 14) and Ryan Rickelton (21 off 11) providing a brisk start before falling to Lockie Ferguson. Markram then combined with Rickelton for a crucial 40-run burst, pushing South Africa past 100 in just eight overs. Even after Rickelton and Dewald Brevis (21) fell in quick succession, Markram continued to dominate, reaching his half-century off just 28 balls. David Miller (24 not out) finished the job with a huge six over mid-wicket, sealing the win with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, New Zealand had begun strongly, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attacking Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi. But Jansen’s steep bounce removed Seifert and Rachin Ravindra, while Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada picked up key wickets to leave the Black Caps struggling at 64 for four inside seven overs. Chapman and Mitchell rebuilt with composure, but Jansen’s return to dismiss Chapman, followed by Mitchell and skipper Mitchell Santner’s cheap dismissal, curtailed the late surge. Jansen finished with 4 for 40, supported by Corbin Bosch (1/34) and Keshav Maharaj (1/24), while James Neesham’s unbeaten 23 went largely in vain.

Abhishek Sharma with his father Rajkumar Sharma and mother Manju Sharma (Special arrangement)

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: Before the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Abhishek Sharma pleaded with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, to get a passport and come to New Zealand to watch him play. Rajkumar Sharma refused, saying he would travel abroad only if Abhishek played a Test match, an ODI World Cup, or a T20I World Cup. The 16-year-old was heartbroken, but he made a promise to his father: “One day you will have to come and watch me live from the stands. I will play in a World Cup for India.” Eight years later, Rajkumar Sharma, along with his wife Manju Sharma, daughter Komal Sharma and son-in-law Lovish Oberoi, is in Colombo to watch Abhishek play a World Cup match for India.

“I have seen his IPL matches and some India matches but I have never watched him play a World Cup match from the stands. This is my first time,” an emotional Rajkumar Sharma told TimesofIndia.com.“He wanted us to travel to New Zealand during the U-19 World Cup, but I didn’t go. I challenged him that the day he plays for India in a senior World Cup, ODI or T20I, or Tests, I will travel wherever the venue is, to watch him play. I did break his heart, but I also gave him a goal in life,” Sharma senior said.The world’s leading T20I batter did not have an ideal start to the tournament. He played with a stomach infection against the USA in Mumbai. Although his innings lasted just one ball, his condition worsened. He had a high fever when the team landed in Delhi for the Namibia match. It got so severe that the southpaw had to be admitted to the hospital for a night. The illness also caused drastic weight loss.His family rushed to Delhi to be with him. After seeing his son lying on the hospital bed, Rajkumar Sharma decided to cancel his Colombo tickets, but Abhishek assured him that he would be fit for the February 15 match against Pakistan.“Karoron logon ki dua thi, woh kaise fit nahi hota?” said Rajkumar Sharma. (When millions of people were praying for him, how could he not be fit?)Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who saw Abhishek’s onslaught from close quarters during the Asia Cup in Dubai, is also an admirer of the Indian batter.“We all know he’s a good player and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha told reporters at the R Premadasa Stadium on the eve of the highly anticipated match against India.Abhishek’s father said he was grateful that his son was admired not only within his own team but also in the opposition camp.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinted at Abhishek’s return during the press conference.“If he wants him to play, then we’ll play him tomorrow. Done. If the opposing team’s captain is saying it will be good if Abhishek Sharma plays, then let’s play him. No problem,” Surya said.Back from the hospital bed, Abhishek Sharma batted for an hour in the nets. His session was divided into two parts. In one net, he faced fast bowlers, mostly net bowlers. In the second stint, he took on the spinners. There were a few hits and misses, but the sound off the bat was a clear signal that the Amritsar marauder was back, with plenty of critics to silence, including former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir.

“He is a slogger. That is how I see him. A player who cannot judge the line and defend the ball properly, can I call him a proper batter? He comes in and swings hard, and it connects well for him right now,” Amir said on the show Haarna Mana Hai.“But the day he learns to handle tough lines and defend properly, I will change my opinion. You are playing on small grounds and flat wickets. You have not really been tested yet,” Amir added.“Let him tour South Africa, New Zealand and England, where the ball moves. That is where the real test will be. If he succeeds there, I will be the first to call him a proper batter,” he said.Since making his debut in July 2024, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most destructive batters in world cricket. In 39 T20Is, the left-hander has scored 1,297 runs at a staggering strike rate of 194.45, with two centuries and eight fifties, while maintaining a strong average of 36.02.Although his father admits that watching his son bat increases his blood pressure.“I have told him so many times, ‘Kaake single bhi le’ (take singles as well). Now I have given up. But I sincerely hope he stays at the crease for longer. Right now, he is helping the team get ferocious starts, but if he can control his temptation a bit and bat till 15 overs, he can finish games quickly. But this approach has brought him so many blessings, so I have stopped complaining,” he said.As Abhishek Sharma prepares to walk out under the Colombo lights, the moment carries more than just runs and records. It is the culmination of a promise made by a teenager, the faith of millions who prayed for his recovery, and the quiet pride of a father finally watching from the stands. Whatever unfolds on the pitch, this World Cup night already stands as one of the most personal chapters of Abhishek’s journey.

England’s Jos Buttler (AP Photo)

Jos Buttler etched his name into the record books on Saturday, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter in history — and the quickest overall in terms of balls faced — to reach 4,000 runs in T20 Internationals. The England star achieved the landmark in just 2,670 deliveries, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Rohit Sharma.The milestone came during England’s Group C clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. Needing only three runs to get to the mark while chasing 153, Buttler reached 4,000 on the fourth ball of the second over. The occasion was doubly special as it also marked his 150th T20I appearance for England, making him the only English player — and one of just five worldwide — to feature in 150 or more matches in the format.His stay, however, was brief. Soon after reaching the landmark, Buttler was dismissed for three off four balls, chipping a catch to Brandon McMullen off Brad Currie.Buttler is only the fourth cricketer to breach the 4,000-run barrier in T20Is, joining Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam. Kohli was the first to achieve the feat, getting there during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Adelaide Oval.Since making his T20I debut against India in 2011, Buttler has amassed over 4,000 runs at an average above 35 and a strike rate of 148. His tally includes 28 fifties and a highest score of 101. Notably, he remains the only designated wicketkeeper in T20I history to cross the 4,000-run mark.A former England captain, Buttler stands comfortably as his nation’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, well ahead of Eoin Morgan, who accumulated 2,458 runs in 115 matches. Widely regarded as one of England’s finest white-ball players, Buttler is also a prized asset in T20 leagues around the world.

England’s Tom Banton celebrates his fifty (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Adil Rashid starred with the ball before Tom Banton finished the job with the bat as England defeated Scotland by five wickets in a crucial T20 World Cup Group C clash on Saturday to keep their Super Eights hopes alive. After their shock defeat to West Indies, England needed a win. Opting to field, they bowled Scotland out for 152 in 19.4 overs. Rashid (3/36) and Liam Dawson (2/34) turned the game around dramatically in the middle overs. Scotland were cruising at 113 for 3 in 12.3 overs and looked set for 180-plus. However, a collapse of five wickets for just 14 runs changed everything. Rashid, after conceding 26 runs in his first two overs, switched ends and struck three times, including the key wicket of skipper Richie Berrington for 49 off 32 balls. He then removed Matthew Cross and Mark Watt in quick succession. Dawson chipped in with two wickets in two overs as Scotland slumped from 113/3 to 127/8. Earlier, Jofra Archer (2/24) had struck inside the powerplay, dismissing George Munsey and Brandon McMullen in three balls. Michael Jones made 33 off 20 but Scotland were restricted to 42/3 at the end of six overs. Berrington and Bruce revived the innings with a 71-run stand off 41 balls, but England’s spin duo halted the charge. Jamie Overton also kept things tight with 1/23. Archer reached a milestone, becoming the third English quick after Stuart Broad and Mark Wood to claim 50 wickets in all three formats. Chasing 153, England stumbled early to 13 for 2. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell cheaply. Banton then steadied the innings, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, with four fours and three sixes. He survived on 7 when Cross dropped a tough chance standing up to the stumps. Banton found support from Jacob Bethell, who made 32 off 28 balls. The pair added 66 runs off 45 balls. After Bethell departed and Harry Brook fell attempting a scoop, England were 86 for 4 in 10.4 overs. Banton brought up a 33-ball half-century, his first after three single-digit scores, and added 46 runs with Sam Curran, who scored 28 off 20. Will Jacks sealed the chase with a six and a four off Brad Wheal as England reached the target in 18.2 overs. England moved to second place in the group with four points and will now face Italy on Monday to confirm their place in the Super Eights.

Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha during a practice session ahead of an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Pakistan, at R Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI)

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: The marquee India vs Pakistan match on February 15 will take place on a used pitch in Colombo, with the surface expected to be slow and testing for batters, the TimesofIndia.com can confirm. The match will be played on the same pitch, where Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs on Friday.Interestingly, it was the fast bowlers who called the shots. Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) starred with the ball, registering the best bowling figures for Zimbabwe in a T20 World Cup match. Muzarabani and fellow pacer Brad Evans (3/17) shared seven wickets between them. The duo were superb with the new ball, slicing through Australia’s top order.

Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 169 for 2 and, in reply, the 2021 champions were bundled out for 146.At the pre-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha hinted that the spinners might play a big role on Sunday.“It’s possible that spinners dominate here,” Agha told reporters in Colombo.“I feel fast bowlers will also have a role to play. Fast bowling is such a skill that on any surface you can’t write it off. So I think they will surely have a role. We have good spinners but also quality pacers who can be called upon if needed,” he added.The big boundaries and the used surface could test India’s belligerent batting line-up. Pakistan might opt for a five-prong spin attack against India. It is likely they will field Abrar Ahmad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub.India could also be tempted to add either Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav to their playing XI.After all these years, this could be the first time the focus shifts to Pakistan’s spinners versus Indian batters. Earlier, it used to be Pakistan’s pace attack against India’s batters. Times have changed, and the used surface could make the contest more balanced.