India Cricket Team's September 2026 Schedule Revealed: T20I and ODI Matches Against Afghanistan and West Indies, Asian Games Quarterfinals The Indian cricket team has unveiled its schedule for September 2026, which includes four T20 International matches and two One Day International (ODI) games. The schedule also features the Asian Games quarterfinal, which will take place during the same month. Following a Test series victory against Sri Lanka, the team will focus exclusively on limited-overs cricket in September. The T20I series against Afghanistan will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The matches are scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on September 13, 15, and 17. After a 17-day break, the team will face West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting on September 27. The first ODI will be held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 at 2:00 PM IST. The second ODI will take place on September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, and the third match will be on October 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The Asian Games cricket tournament, hosted in Nagoya, Japan, will also see India compete in the quarterfinals. The team is set to play its second quarterfinal on September 18, though the opponent has not been finalized. The tournament has faced scrutiny over its organization, prompting concerns from the Pakistan Cricket Board, BCCI, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The ACC has decided to send representatives to Nagoya to investigate the arrangements. The ODI series against West Indies will see the absence of key players like Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah due to their participation in the Asian Games.#west_indies #afghanistan #acc #india_cricket_team #asian_games
India's Prince Yadav Returns to Fitness Ahead of Afghanistan T20 Series India's young fast bowler Prince Yadav has confirmed his full recovery from a recent injury sustained during a T20 match against Zimbabwe, clearing the way for his inclusion in the team's upcoming series against Afghanistan. The 23-year-old, known for his yorker mastery, had been sidelined after sustaining a thigh muscle strain during the second T20 of the Zimbabwe tour. The injury forced him to withdraw from the third game of the series and undergo a rehabilitation process. Yadav, who trained at the Bengaluru-based Center of Excellence, successfully completed his fitness tests and is now ready to contribute to the team's preparations for the Afghanistan series, set to begin on September 13. His return comes after a standout performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Lucknow Super Giants, where he showcased his ability to take wickets consistently. This form caught the attention of India's senior selectors, leading to his call-up for the national team. The injury occurred during a match in Harare, where Yadav bowled 2.2 overs before exiting the field due to the strain. Following the incident, he was sidelined for the subsequent T20 and subsequently underwent treatment at the Delhi-based pace bowler training center. His recovery timeline was critical, as the Afghanistan series represents a key opportunity to establish his place in the squad. Yadav, who has represented India in three one-dayers and six T20s, has accumulated 13 wickets in his international career. His ability to deliver yorkers has made him a valuable asset in the team's bowling attack.#india_cricket_team #prince_yadav #afghanistan_t20_series #delhi_pace_bowler_training_center #bengaluru_center_of_excellence
India's Path to WTC Final: Rahul Dravid's Confidence Amid Challenges The Indian cricket team's journey toward the World Test Championship (WTC) final remains a challenging yet promising endeavor, according to former coach Rahul Dravid. Despite being fifth in the points table with 53.33 points, Dravid emphasized that India's talent and potential still make them a formidable contender. He acknowledged the team's current position as a setback but stressed that their capabilities cannot be underestimated. India's performance in the 2025-27 WTC cycle has been inconsistent, with only a single Test victory against Sri Lanka failing to propel them into the top two. The team's current standing highlights the need for improved results in upcoming matches, particularly against New Zealand and Australia. Dravid noted that the WTC format, which rewards points from each Test series, means even a single series victory could significantly impact their chances of securing a top-two finish. The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is critical, as results from these matches will directly influence India's position in the points table. Dravid highlighted the importance of consistency, warning that fluctuations in performance—such as a strong showing followed by a loss—could jeopardize their prospects. He also stressed the need for balanced contributions across batting, bowling, and fielding, especially in high-pressure situations. India's path to the WTC final is further complicated by the outcomes of other teams. Recent results, such as Bangladesh's loss to Australia, have slightly shifted the competition dynamics in India's favor. However, Dravid cautioned against relying solely on others' misfortunes.#new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #india_cricket_team #world_test_championship
India's Cricket Team Announces Playing XI for First Test Against Sri Lanka The Indian cricket team has finalized its playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, set to begin on August 15 at the International Stadium in Galle. The match is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, a crucial series for both teams. India aims to secure a victory, especially with the tournament's points system placing significant pressure on both sides. The team's final XI includes several key players, with some notable changes due to injuries and fitness concerns. The opening pair will consist of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, with Shubman Gill, who has fully recovered from a fitness issue, confirmed as the captain. Devdutt Padikkal is likely to occupy the third slot, replacing Saurabh Kumar, who is recovering from an injury. Gill's inclusion is a major boost, as he is also close to achieving 3000 runs in the WTC. The wicketkeeping position remains a point of contention between Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Pant, with his international experience, is favored, but Sarfaraz Khan, who has impressed in domestic matches, is also in the running. The spin bowling department is expected to be a strong unit, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar forming the core. Suthar, who took five wickets in his recent match against Afghanistan, is a key addition. The pace attack includes Mohammed Siraj, who will take on the role of a specialist bowler, with the possibility of Gurnoor Brar or Prasidh Krishna competing for the remaining slot. Brar, who has shown promise in warm-up matches, is likely to debut in the Test series. The team's strategy will focus on exploiting the Galle pitch, which is expected to favor spinners.#sri_lanka #india_cricket_team #yashasvi_jaiswal #kl_rahul #world_test_championship
India Cricket Team Coaching Shake-Up: BCCI Reviews Staff Changes Amid Poor Recent Performances The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold an in-depth review meeting to assess the performance of the national team during its recent tours of Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe. The meeting, scheduled for the following month, will focus on analyzing the team’s results in white-ball formats, particularly highlighting the challenges faced in the T20 series against Ireland and England. In the T20 series against Ireland, the Indian team suffered its first-ever loss in the format, marking a significant setback. This was followed by a dismal performance in the T20 series against England, where the team lost all four matches after a rain-affected game. The poor results have raised concerns about the team’s strategy and leadership, especially under the new captain Surya Kumar Yadav, who took charge of the team. The series against England saw the Indian team struggle, losing 1-2 in the One-Day International (ODI) format. The team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and the inconsistent performances from key players have prompted calls for a reevaluation of the coaching staff. While the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, remains in charge, the BCCI is also reviewing the contracts of support staff members, though specific details about which individuals are under scrutiny have not been disclosed. Despite the recent struggles, the Indian team is currently in a T20 series against Zimbabwe, where they aim to bounce back from their previous setbacks. The BCCI’s review meeting is expected to address both on-field and off-field factors, including the effectiveness of the coaching staff and the overall team dynamics.#bcci #gautam_gambhir #surya_kumar_yadav #india_cricket_team #t20_series
Sanju Samson Omission from Zimbabwe T20I Series Part of India Cricket Team's 2028 T20 World Cup Roadmap The non-selection of Sanju Samson for India’s three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe has sparked speculation about the BCCI’s long-term planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not publicly explained the decision, insiders suggest it is part of a broader strategy to evaluate younger players ahead of the global tournament. Samson, the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament in 2021, remains in the squad for the Asian Games but was left out of the Zimbabwe series, which was added to India’s schedule as a test opportunity for emerging talent. The selection committee has prioritized players like Prabhsimran Singh over Samson, with the latter being included in the 15-man squad for the Zimbabwe series. However, the decision has raised questions, particularly given Samson’s strong performance in recent matches. Some sources suggest he voluntarily stepped aside to accommodate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the XI, a move that aligns with the team’s focus on integrating new talent. Television footage captured Samson in a serious discussion with coaches before the second T20I at Old Trafford, hinting at the strategic rationale behind his exclusion. The BCCI’s approach extends beyond Samson. Other notable omissions include Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna, all of whom are being tested for the 2028 World Cup. The selectors aim to broaden the squad’s depth, ensuring a competitive edge for the global event. While Samson’s absence has drawn criticism, particularly from KL Rahul, who has outperformed Prabhsimran Singh in recent matches, the BCCI maintains that the decision is part of a calculated long-term plan.#t20_world_cup #bcci #sanju_samson #india_cricket_team #kl_rahul
India's Cricket Team: Nitish Kumar Reddy Withdraws from Ireland and England Series Due to Injury India's cricket team has announced the withdrawal of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England following a reported injury. The decision comes after Reddy sustained an injury during the final one-day match against Afghanistan, which ended the bilateral series. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team, Reddy will require at least four weeks to recover fully before he can return to competitive cricket. The replacement for Reddy in the India squad has been confirmed as Suryansh Shedge, a right-handed all-rounder known for his pace bowling and batting skills. Shedge, who has previously represented India in limited-overs formats, will now take on the role of a key all-rounder in the T20 series. The BCCI's selection committee emphasized that Shedge's inclusion ensures the team maintains a balanced approach in both batting and bowling departments. Reddy, who is 23 years old, has represented India in 10 Test matches, six one-day internationals, and four T20 matches. His injury raises concerns about the team's depth in the all-rounder category, particularly as the T20 series against Ireland and England is set to begin shortly after the Afghanistan series. The BCCI has not yet disclosed the exact nature of Reddy's injury, but sources indicate it is a minor lower-body ailment that does not require surgery. The series against Ireland will be the first of two T20 encounters, with the second match against England scheduled to follow.#india_cricket_team #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india #nitish_kumar_reddy #surysansh_shedge #ireland_england_series
India Cricket Team to Rotate No. 3 Batting Option Amid Virat Kohli's Absence in ODI Series Against Afghanistan India’s cricket team is set to experiment with its batting lineup for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with bowling coach Morne Morkel confirming plans to rotate players at the No. 3 position in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli. Morkel hinted at the strategy during a press conference ahead of the first ODI at the HPCA Stadium, stating that the team would explore options such as Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to fill the void left by Kohli’s absence. “That’s something we’ll play around with—whether it’s Ishan, Rahul, or Yashasvi,” Morkel said, emphasizing the team’s focus on evaluating different batting configurations to maximize performance. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to adapt to the challenges of the limited-overs format, with Morkel highlighting the importance of giving emerging players opportunities in varied roles. “We have a couple of one-day games coming up, and we’ll give players a chance to play in different slots to better understand how to structure our teams and create more options,” he added. This approach reflects the team’s commitment to balancing experience with fresh talent, particularly as Kohli remains sidelined due to personal reasons. Rahul, who has been a consistent performer in the middle order, has primarily batted at No. 5 or lower in recent years. However, recent training sessions have raised questions about his potential promotion to the No. 3 slot. On June 12, 2025, Kishan was observed handling the gloves during practice, while Rahul, the team’s designated wicket-keeper, took outfield catches.#ishan_kishan #virat_kohli #afghanistan #india_cricket_team #morne_morkel
"Nobody Wanted Their Daughter To Marry Me": Ex-India Star L Sivaramakrishnan Narrates Battle With Depression, Alcohol Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, the former India leg-spinner, has opened up about the personal and professional challenges he faced during his cricketing career, including battles with depression, alcohol, and societal judgment. The 1987 World Cup veteran, who made his India debut at 17, described how his reputation was tarnished by persistent allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, which made it difficult for him to find a partner despite his status as an international cricketer. Sivaramakrishnan recounted how his career was marked by a mix of early promise and later struggles. During his teenage years, he faced accusations of being an alcoholic and a drug addict, even though he maintained that he had never used drugs. He explained that the constant negative publicity made it nearly impossible for him to maintain a normal life. "People love to spread bad things. My tours happened between 16 and 19 years. How would people serve me alcohol in a hotel when I was underage? I have never done drugs in my life. I have had a few beers later in my life— I don't say no to that. But imagine a 19-year-old being called an alcoholic, a drug addict," he said. The former spinner also revealed how these allegations affected his personal relationships. He stated that his reputation had become so damaged that even as an international player, he struggled to find someone willing to marry him. "People had made my reputation so terrible that nobody wanted to let their daughter marry me," he shared. Sivaramakrishnan’s exit from Indian cricket was equally tumultuous. He described how the selectors allegedly asked him to publicly blame fitness issues for his absence from the team rather than performance.#mental_health #india_cricket_team #ipl #laxman_sivaramakrishnan #world_cup_1987
Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan not the problem with Pakistan: Awful talent bucket, gulf with India evident in ‘new-look’ squad The series loss against Bangladesh once again highlights the significant shortage of young talent in Pakistan cricket, according to recent analysis. Despite the presence of established stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, the team's struggles underscore a deeper issue in the development pipeline. Analysts argue that the gap between Pakistan's current squad and India's emerging talent pool is widening, with the latter consistently producing high-quality players at a younger age. This disparity is evident in the results, as Pakistan continues to face challenges in maintaining competitiveness against teams with a stronger pipeline of prospects. The situation raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Pakistan's cricketing success and the need for urgent investment in youth development programs to bridge the gap.#babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #india_cricket_team
India batters win rankings boost for T20 World Cup heroics India’s cricket team has seen a significant rise in their T20 International (T20I) batting rankings following their dominant performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The squad’s success in the tournament has propelled several players into the top tiers of the global rankings. Shubman Gill, who led India to a semifinal finish, has climbed to second in the T20I batting rankings, while Mohammad Rizwan has dethroned Babar Azam to claim the number one spot. The BCCI has announced a substantial cash reward of INR 131 crore for the team’s victory in the tournament, reflecting the growing financial stakes in international cricket. The prize money for the final is expected to be a significant portion of this amount, with details yet to be officially disclosed. India’s performance in the tournament has also been highlighted by standout contributions from key players. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round efforts and the aggressive batting of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have been instrumental in securing crucial victories. The team’s undefeated run in the group stage has further solidified their position as a top-tier force in T20 cricket. The ICC has also announced the match officials for the semi-finals, with a mix of experienced and emerging umpires overseeing the high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, the tournament’s viewership figures have shattered previous records, with the India vs Pakistan semifinal drawing an unprecedented audience. The success of the Indian team has not gone unnoticed by the global cricket community. Bollywood celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor and Anil Kapoor have publicly celebrated India’s achievements, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity in the country.#bcci #shubman_gill #babar_azam #mohammad_rizwan #india_cricket_team
