Virat Kohli, the poster boy of Indian Cricket will be playing his 100th test match on Friday, 4th of March, 2022. With this match, Kohli enters into an elite group of players. Only 70 players all over the world have played 100 tests or more. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for playing the greatest number of test matches.?So, who are the other Indian players to play 100 tests? Here?s a look:?



<h2>Players to Play 100 Test Matches for India like Virat Kohli:&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player Name&nbsp;</td><td>Number of Test Matches&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Sachin Tendulkar&nbsp;</td><td>200&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Rahul Dravid&nbsp;</td><td>163&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>VVS Laxman&nbsp;</td><td>134&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Anil Kumble&nbsp;</td><td>132&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Kapil Dev&nbsp;</td><td>131&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Sunil Gavaskar&nbsp;</td><td>125&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Dilip Vengsarkar&nbsp;</td><td>116&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Sourav Ganguly&nbsp;</td><td>113&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Ishant Sharma&nbsp;</td><td>105&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Harbhajan Singh&nbsp;</td><td>103&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Virender Sehwag&nbsp;</td><td>103&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>Sachin Tendulkar Played 200 Test Matches:&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rohit-sharma-and-rahul-dravid-are-fantastic-pair-says-sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, </a>the ?God of Cricket? holds the record for being the most capped cricket player in Test cricket. Tendulkar played 200 test matches. His illustrious career came to an end at the Wankhede Stadium in 2013 against the West Indies. He scored 51 hundred throughout his career. ?



<h2>Rahul Dravid Played 100 Test Matches:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/03/cricket-gu1-min-1024x569.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86412" /><figcaption>Rahul Dravid presented Virat Kohli his cap for the 100th Test Match. IMG SRC: India Today.</figcaption></figure>



Rahul Dravid played 163 matches. He is the second most capped Indian in this format. Rahul Dravid, ?The Wall of India? was elite throughout. His heroics at Eden Gardens in 2001 and the tour of Pakistan in 2005 will never be forgotten. &nbsp;



<h2>VVS Laxman Played 100 Test Matches:&nbsp;</h2>



VVS Laxman, the Hyderabadi batter also played 134 test matches. He is the third-most capped Indian player in this format. VVS and his wristy batting are always a treat to watch. His heroics at Eden in 2001 are something that people will never forget. &nbsp;



<h2>Anil Kumble Played 100 test Matches like Virat Kohli:&nbsp;</h2>



Anil Kumble played 132 games for India. The spin-wizard from Bangalore is the greatest spinner to play for India. He also holds the record for most wickets as an Indian bowler in Test Cricket. Anil Kumble and his ten-wicket haul against Pakistan are something that every follower will cherish. His dedication was visible when he played with a broken jaw. &nbsp;



<h2>Kapil Dev Played 100 Test Matches like Virat Kohli:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/03/cricket-gu2-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86410" /><figcaption>Kapil Dev made sure that Indian Sport gets revolutionized after winning the 1983 World Cup. IMG SRC: India Today.</figcaption></figure>



Kapil Dev the Indian captain who made us realize where we belong has played 131 test matches. He is the most-capped Indian fast bowler. The legacy that Kapil Dev has left behind is yet to be fulfilled. India has never found an all-rounder of that standard. &nbsp;



<h2>Sunil Gavaskar has Played 100 Test Matches like Virat Kohli:&nbsp;</h2>



Sunil Gavaskar, the first player to score 10000 runs was in a league of his own. He was the player who scared the hell out of the West Indian pacers. The West Indian crowd even made a calypso song to celebrate the heritage that Sunil Gavaskar left behind. He could face the super-quick quartet of Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, and Andy Roberts.?



<h2>Dilip Vengsarkar has Played 100 Test Matches like Virat Kohli:&nbsp;</h2>



Dilip Vengsarkar is the third Mumbai batter on this list. Vengsarkar was an equally feared batter by all the bowlers. He was always considered an ideal replacement for the great Sunil Gavaskar. Dilip left a legacy of his own when he left the team. At number 3, India never got a better batter until Rahul Dravid. ?



<h2>Sourav Ganguly has Played 100 Test Matches:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/03/cricket-gu3-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86411" width="300" height="168" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: Free Press Journal.</figcaption></figure>



Dada Ganguly, the revolutionary of Indian cricket has played 100+ test matches. The Prince of Kolkata, lead the Indian team to many amazing victories. Eden 2001, Pakistan 2005, and many more tours. It was the first time that an Indian captain made Steve Waugh wait for the toss!



To know more go to the <a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official website of the BCCI.</a>

Virat Kohli: 100th Test Match. Indian Players to Play 100 Tests.&nbsp;

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Virender Sehwag says, ?not sure whether Virat Kohli build a team?: Former Indian flamboyant cricketer Virender Sehwag has taken a dig at Virat Kohli?s captaincy tenure of team India asserting that the numbers may portray something else, but not sure whether Virat Kohli build a team as much as Sourav Ganguly did.



Sehwag rated Ganguly?s style of captaincy much higher than Virat Kohli?s or perhaps higher than anyone else's as he backed young and new players through the thick and thins and instilled a sense of confidence in them.



?Sourav Ganguly built a new team, brought in new players and backed them through their highs and lows. I doubt if Kohli did that in his tenure,? Sehwag opined.



Sehwag mentioned that during Virat Kohli?s captaincy, for a couple of years, several players were shuffled immediately after almost every test match, no matter what the result is.



?In my opinion, the #1 captain is the one who builds a team and gives confidence to his players. He (Kohli) backed some players, some he did not,? he added.



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<h2>Virat Kohli's captaincy success:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2021/11/virat-kohli-india-1.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli should take three months break from cricket: Ravi Shastri" class="wp-image-80376" /><figcaption>AP Image
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Virat Kohli led team India in 68 test matches and drew a 59 per cent success rate. Kohli managed to win 40 games while 11 ended in a draw along with 17 defeats. In ODIs, Virat spearheaded the men in blue in 95 games out of which 65 ended on a winning cause while India lost 27 and 3 resulted in tied/NR. In the 50 matches captained by Virat Kohli in the shortest format, 30 resulted in a win while 16 were lost and 4 were NR/tied.



During his test captaincy stint, India went on to seal the Border Gavaskar Trophy not once but twice in Australia. India also thrashed England in their own backyard. The Asian cricket giant also reached the finals of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.



The major high for Virat Kohli?s captaincy career came when he took India to the pinnacle of the test rankings for five consecutive years.



However, the end to a fantastic captaincy career wasn?t sweet enough to digest at the earliest. Virat Kohli decided to relinquish his all format leadership, announcing his call to drop the T20I captaincy following the end of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE.



While Virat wanted to keep ODI and test captaincy with himself, the BCCI desired continuity and stability in the approach for the ODI and T20I sides. The Indian cricket board wanted a single leader for two similar-looking white-ball formats of the cricket and eventually decided to sack Virat Kohli from the ODI roles.



To drop further bombshells Virat Kohli (on 15 January 2022) announced his resignation from the test leadership as well after India?s painful defeat in the test tour of South Africa.?



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Virender Sehwag says, ?not sure whether Virat Kohli build a team?

virender-sehwag-says-not-sure-whether-virat-kohli-build-a-team

Highest Strike Rate in T20I: Right since the day when the T20 International format of cricket was brought into the circle it was pretty much certain that the pace at which the runs were scored would matter the most. The speed with which the batsman would steer the innings for their side would determine who shall win the match.&nbsp;



The strike rate always has been looked down upon as one of the most important stats of a particular batsman when it comes to assessing his abilities to go for the big hits and shots as per the various situations of a game demands from him. No matter what position a batsman is playing at or what rhythm he is in, the basic perspective in the shortest format of the game has been to counterattack and put pressure upon the opposition with the bat.&nbsp;



It's time for us to take a look at the top3 batsmen with the highest strike rate in the history of Indian cricket in T20 Internationals so far



<h2>3. Virender Sehwag (145.38)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Virender-Sehwag-compressed.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92288" width="1041" height="653"/><figcaption>Virender Sehwag</figcaption></figure>



Virender Sehwag is third in the list of highest strike rates amongst Indians in T20Is. The right-hander explosive batsman only played 19 T20 international matches for India in the period between 2006-2012 and scored a total of 394 runs.&nbsp;



The strike rate during this period of time was as high as 145.38. In spite of the fact that Sehwag didn't play too many T20I matches for India, his big hitting abilities shall never be forgotten by the fans and his fearless batting approach at the top of the order was always a treat to watch.



<h2>2. Dinesh Karthik (146.13)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Dinesh-Karthik-compressed.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92289" width="1041" height="653"/><figcaption>Dinesh Karthik</figcaption></figure>



The next Batsman who makes it to the list of batters with the highest strike rates in T20Is is Dinesh Karthik. The wicket-keeper batsman who featured in the Indian T20I team for the first time back in 2006 was in and out of the team on a majority of the occasions during the middle stages of his career.&nbsp;



However, the 37-year-old recently made a sensational comeback into the Indian T20 side banking upon a fine IPL season earlier this year. The right-handed batsman has played a total of 31 T20I matches for India so far, scoring a total of 399 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146.13 putting him second on this list.



<h2>1. Hardik Pandya (146.29)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Hardik-Pandya-compressed.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92290" width="1043" height="655"/><figcaption>Hardik Pandya</figcaption></figure>



The Indian batsman with the highest strike rate in the history of T20I cricket so far is Hardik Pandya. The highly impactful batting all-rounder made his <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/hardik-pandya-625371/matches">debut </a>for the side back in 2016 and has been a pillar to his team since then. He with his extremely valuable contributions while batting down the order and playing effortless big strokes when needed has been a saviour to his side on a number of occasions.&nbsp;



The 29-year-old has played a total of 54 T20I matches for his side so far and has scored a total of 553 runs with a fantastic strike rate of 146.29, the highest amongst all other Indians.&nbsp;



Also Read:- <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-india-vs-bangladesh-match-asia-cup/">Top 3 most Memorable India vs Bangladesh Matches in the history of Asia Cup</a>

Top 3 Indian Batsmen with highest Strike Rate in T20I history

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The Asia Cup has always been a highly anticipated and closely analysed tournament to watch for all the fans and cricket experts from various parts of the world. The tournament will be featuring several Asian Giants who will be fighting it out amongst themselves to find out who's the ultimate dominator in Asia.&nbsp;



Over the years the Asia Cup has provided the fans with several memorable moments to cherish for several years to come. The teams have always given their 100% on the field to finish on the winning end. India with 7 titles to its name is the most successful team in the tournament's history.&nbsp;



A major reason for India's brilliant results in the tournament is its batting department which has always been spot on in crucial situations. It's time for us to have a look at India's top three batsmen with the most runs in a single edition of the Asia Cup.&nbsp;



<h2>3. Virender Sehwag (348 runs in 2008 Asia cup)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Virender-Sehwag-2-compressed-1.jpg" alt="T20I" class="wp-image-92292" width="1040" height="653"/><figcaption>Virender Sehwag</figcaption></figure>



At no.3 in the list is India's blistering opening batsman, Virendra Sehwag. The right-handed batsman had scored a total of 348 runs in 5 matches he played in that season of the Asia Cup.&nbsp;



He maintained an average of 69.90 throughout the season. His highest score was that of 119 which came against India's arch-rivals Pakistan in a stiff run chase of 300.



<h2>2. Virat Kohli (357 runs in 2012 Asia Cup)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/08/kohli-89-wi-compressed.jpg" alt="T20 World Cup" class="wp-image-92888" width="1040" height="653"/><figcaption>Virat Kohli</figcaption></figure>



At no.2 in the list of top run scorers in a single Asia Cup edition is India's run machine, Virat Kohli. Back in 2012, Virat Kohli at 24 years of age scored 357 runs in 3 matches of the Asia cup. He maintained a stunning average of 119.&nbsp;



His highest score was 183 against Pakistan. The match will be remembered due to India's incredibly chasing down a total of 330 banking on Virat Kohli's sensational knock.



<h2>1. Suresh Raina (372 runs in 2008 Asia Cup)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/07/Suresh-Raina-min-1024x569.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91633"/><figcaption>Suresh Raina</figcaption></figure>



At the top position in the list is India's formidable middle-order batsman, Suresh Raina. The left-handed batsman scored a total of 372 runs in the six matches that he played in the tournament that year. He had an average of 74.4.&nbsp;



His highest score was that of 116 which came against <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_national_cricket_team">Bangladesh</a> during India's run chase of 287. He smashed two centuries and two half-centuries and was the second highest run-scorer in Asia Cup 2008.



Also Read:- <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indias-memorable-wins-t20-world-cup/">Top 3 of India?s most memorable victories in T20 World Cup matches</a>

Top 3 batsmen with most runs for India in a single edition of Asia Cup

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All The 200-plus scores for India In ODIs: The ODI format has gone out of fashion in recent times with many questions being raised about the long-term future, with a great history behind it. And a reason behind the story of Team India in the history of ODI cricket. They have been part of some of the most historic moments in the format and are one of the most successful teams.



With this traditional white ball format, Team India has repeatedly given many legendary names to the cricket world. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rohit Sharma</a>, Yuvraj, etc have reached the pinnacle of ODI cricket at some point in their illustrious careers. They are one of the reasons for the popularity and success of this most extended white ball format of the game over the past few decades. Some of these cricketers mentioned above are the owners of some of the top individual scores scored by Indian batsmen in ODIs.



In this article, we will look at the players of the Indian team who have crossed the two-hundred mark.



<h2>200-plus Scores of Indian Players in ODIs</h2>



In the history of ODI cricket, the 200 runs mark has been crossed as many as 5 times by Indian batsmen. Let's go one by one:



<ul><li>1- Rohit Sharma ? 264 (173) vs Sri Lanka</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/10/Rohit-Sharma-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Team India" class="wp-image-95322" /><figcaption>Rohit Sharma scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka (BCCI)</figcaption></figure>



RO"HITMAN" Sharma continues to top the charts even after 8 years of scoring a sensational 264 against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on 13th November 2014. In his scintillating innings, Rohit hit 42 boundaries, 9 of which were maximum. This took Sri Lanka out of the game completely as India posted 404/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The visitors could only manage 251 runs in their response and India comfortably won the game by 153 runs. The coveted 264 is by far the highest individual score in ODI innings by any opener.



<ul><li>2- Virender Sehwag ? 219 (149) vs West Indies</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/10/sehwag.jpg" alt="Team India" class="wp-image-95323" /><figcaption>Virendra Sehwag scored 219 against West Indies (image_Reuters)</figcaption></figure>



Virender Sehwag on 8th December 2011 achieved the distinction of scoring the most individual runs in an innings while captaining his team in ODIs. India's flamboyant right-handed opener scored 219 runs in just 149 balls. He is the second to score a double century in ODI cricket after Sachin Tendulkar. His incredible innings included 7 sixes and 25 fours (the joint-second most in an ODI inning) and entertained a packed crowd at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.



With this brilliant effort from Sehwag, India scored 418 runs and defeated the Windies by 153 runs.



<ul><li>3- Rohit Sharma ? 209 (158) vs Australia</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/10/Sharma-209_.jpg" alt="Team India " class="wp-image-95324" /><figcaption>Rohit Sharma celebrates his 200 (BCCI)</figcaption></figure>



On 2 November 2013, an inclement weather evening at the Bangalore Chinnaswamy Stadium, we witnessed the making of a great opener in white ball cricket. Although Rohit played several matches before this, he was not as consistent and 209 of 158 put him on the map as a leading opener in world cricket. This was his first double century. Since then, there has been no looking back for Rohit "Hitman" Sharma. He hit 16 sixes in his career-defining innings of 209 runs.



India posted a mammoth 383/6 against a champion Australian team and bundled out the Aussies for 326 to win the game by 57 runs and the series by 4-2.



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<ul><li>4- Rohit Sharma ? 208* (153) vs Sri Lanka</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/10/Rohit-208-not-out-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="Team India" class="wp-image-95325" /><figcaption>Rohit Sharma's Unbeaten 208 against Srilanka (image_BCCI)</figcaption></figure>



Same rival, and same name again. Rohit Sharma makes another entrant to this list and hopefully, this will not be the last. After a forgettable defeat in the last ODI as captain, Rohit scored his third double-century so far in ODIs. His scintillating knock of 208 not out included 12 sixes and helped India post 392 runs on the board in 50 overs.



India won the game by 141 runs after restricting Sri Lanka to 251 runs with the loss of 8 wickets and later won the series against the island nation, Sri Lanka, as a captain.



<ul><li>5- Sachin Tendulkar ? 200* (147) vs South Africa</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/10/sachin-tendulkar-1.jpg" alt="Team India" class="wp-image-95331" /><figcaption>First ever double centurion 'Sachin Tendulkar' (BCCI)</figcaption></figure>



24th February 2010, a very special date of ODI cricket. For almost 4 decades, not a single double-century was scored in ODI cricket. Pakistan's Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry came close to this record by scoring 194 runs. And it was India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar who paved the way for seven more double centuries in ODIs in the last decade.



"Master Blaster" Sachin played a very miraculous and brilliant inning of 200* against a world-class South African attack in Gwalior and the "first such innings" included 25 fours as India scored 401/3. After this, the hosts won the match by a huge margin of 153 runs.



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All The 200+ Scores of Indian Players in ODIs

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As we all know that Team India has consolidated its place in the semi-finals and has scheduled its match with England on 10th November. After defeating Zimbabwe in their final Super 12 match, Rohit Sharma-led Team India topped Group 2 and advanced to the T20 World Cup semi-finals on Sunday. But even before the game began, India had guaranteed their place in the semi-finals thanks to a Netherlands win over South Africa, which guaranteed India a top-two spot in Group 2.



India picked Rishabh Pant in place of Dinesh Karthik, the team's wicketkeeper in the previous games from the match against Zimbabwe. However, former Indian batsman, Virender Sehwag was not satisfied with the team management's approach. According to Sehwag, if the management had taken a chance on Karthik, then they should have stayed with him throughout the tournament.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/11/sehwag-on-DK-1-1024x575.jpg" alt="Sehwag on DK" class="wp-image-97300" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Virendra Sehwag</figcaption></figure>



DON'T MISS: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2022-semi-final-schedule-prize-money-online-tickets-live-telecast-broadcasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semi-final Schedule, Prize Money, Online Tickets, Live Telecast &amp; Broadcasting</a>



<h2>Virender Sehwag Slams Indian Team Management</h2>



In a show on Cricbuzz, former aggressive opener Virendra Sehwag said, "Rohit Sharma said we wanted to give him (Pant) one game because we have already qualified for the semis. We don't need a finisher since we are batting first. You need a finisher when you are chasing. I was saying that India should've made Zimbabwe bat first. Rishabh Pant has played cricket in such conditions, both in red ball and white ball. As?Ashish Nehra?rightly pointed out that if he had scored a big knock, will India go from him or a finisher (Karthik)."



Sehwag also said that dropping Karthik before the semi-finals will not bode well for his confidence, especially if India decides to play him in the knockout match against England.



"If you have gambled on Dinesh Karthik for the T20 World Cup, then you've got to play him until the end of the tournament. Benching Dinesh Karthik won't be good for his confidence. He needs some confidence as he hasn't scored runs so far," he added. <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-videos/58186/dropping-karthik-for-pant-will-do-his-his-confidence-no-good-virender-sehwag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Source</a>



Check out:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2022-semi-final-qualified-teams-and-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2022-semi-final-qualified-teams-and-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T20 World Cup 2022: Semi-Final Qualified Teams and Schedule</a>



While Rahul Dravid has put forward a note to Dinesh Karthik and said "Tough for someone like DK to assess how he is gone. Didn't get to play many games. He got one ball against Pakistan at that back end and didn't bat against the Netherlands. Our belief has always been to back and support players in those positions so that come the critical time, hopefully, they will be in the right frame of mind to be able to play those crunch"



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/11/Rahul-dravid-on-DK.jpg" alt="Team India " class="wp-image-97299" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rahul Dravid on DK</figcaption></figure>



Dravid on Rishabh: "Yeah, I mean, it?s not that we ever lost confidence in Rishabh. We have got confidence in all the 15 players in the squad. It?s only 11 guys who can play. It depends on the combination that you have to play."



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/virat-kohli-bags-icc-players-of-the-month-award-for-october/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virat Kohli bags ICC Players of the Month Award for October</a>



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Virender Sehwag slams Indian team management for dropping Dinesh Karthik vs Zimbabwe

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MI vs RCB: Rohit Sharma's poor performance with bat is not technical: Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma is undergoing a lean patch in the ongoing Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He recently bagged a duck and his season average plummeted to just 18 after playing 10 games in the league.



Talking about the recent failures of Rohit Sharma, ahead of the MI vs RCB game, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag pins it more as a mental blockage rather than any technical failure. Sehwag reckons Rohit is not battling with the bowlers but with himself in the IPL 2023.



"Rohit Sharma is not battling with the bowlers but with himself. There is a mental block," Virender Sehwag said. "There's no problem with his batting technique. Some confusion is going on in his mind. But the day he gets going, we will make up for all the previous matches."



Notably, Rohit Sharma recently got an unwanted record to his name for scoring the most ducks in the history of the IPL. Sharma recorded two consecutive ducks in his last two IPL games and now he has a total of 16 ducks after playing 16 seasons.



Moreover, Rohit's stats in the IPL 2023 aren't too encouraging either. He has scored 184 runs in 10 innings at a poor average of 18.40.



Aaron Finch, who was also on the Star Sports panel, said Mumbai Indians (MI) are taking too many unnecessary risks while opening the innings. The Aussie cricketer suggested Mumbai to learn from Chennai Super Kings' Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has paced his innings beautifully in the IPL 2023.



"MI's opening combination looks confused they are taking a lot of risk. They were looking to hit all the balls. They should learn from Ruturaj Gaikwad, he remains so calm in the middle and hits the loose balls," Aaron Finch said.



In fact, Mumbai decided to open with Cameron Green and Ishan Kishan instead of Rohit Sharma. The MI skipper was pushed to third place, the plan which apparently didn't work out for Mumbai Indians.



Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians currently sit in seventh place in the IPL 2023 Points Table after playing 10 games. MI have managed to win and lose five apiece so far in the tournament. The five times IPL winner will face RCB at Wankhede Stadium in match number 54 of the Tata IPL 2023. Both MI and RCB will have a chance to get clear off the mid-table clutter and enter the top four if either of them manages to win the contest.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2023-points-table-orange-cap-purple-cap-updated-on-9th-may-after-kkr-vs-pbks/">IPL 2023 Points Table, Orange Cap, Purple Cap Updated on 9th May after KKR vs PBKS</a>



For more details head to IPL?s official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iplt20.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.

MI vs RCB: Rohit Sharma's poor performance with bat is not technical, but mental says Virender Sehwag

mi-vs-rcb-rohit-sharmas-poor-performance-with-bat-is-not-technical-but-mental-says-virender-sehwag

IND vs WI: Virender Sehwag in line to become India's next chief selector as BCCI invites fresh applications: Former team India flamboyant cricketer, Virender Sehwag has emerged as the top candidate to replace Chetan Sharma as the chief selector of the Indian national team. Sehwag could represent North Zone in the selector's committee and is also likely to become the chairman of selectors.



Virender Sehwag has reportedly been approached by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to apply for the vacant post of chief selector in the national team. However, the pay package for the role isn't tempting enough for Sehwag, which has come up as a big hurdle.



The present salary of the BCCI chief selector is reported to be around INR 1 Crore annually, while the other selectors in the panel fetch INR 90 Lakhs annually.



"During CoA's time, Viru was asked to apply for the head coach's job and then it went to Anil Kumble. It is unlikely he will apply himself and also the pay package isn't something that will be financially viable for someone of his stature. But if we talk about stature, only he makes the cut from North Zone," said a BCCI official on the condition of anonymity.



The source further said that if BCCI decides to increase the remuneration and make it lucrative, it can actually solve a lot of issues.



"It is not that BCCI can't pay a chairman of selectors at least Rs 4-5 crore. It can actually solve a lot of these conflict of interest issues which prevent prominent players from even thinking of coming into selection committee," he said.



Notably, the post of chairman of selectors has been vacant since February 2023. The then-chairman Chetan Sharma resigned from the role following a sting operation on him which saw him unearth some classified information related to the players and former head coach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BCCI invites fresh application for chief selector's post</h2>



Meanwhile, the BCCI has invited fresh applications for the role of India's next chief selector. The basic eligibility criteria has also been put out by the board for the role which says:



<ul>
<li>Should have played a minimum of - a) 7 (Seven) Test Matches; OR b) 30 (Thirty) First Class Matches; OR c) 10 (Ten) One Day International Matches and 20 (Twenty) First Class matches.</li>



<li>Should have retired from the game at least 5 years previously.</li>



<li>No person who has been a member of any Cricket Committee (as defined in the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of BCCI) for a total of five years shall be eligible to be a member of the Men?s Selection Committee.</li>
</ul>



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-wi-3-new-batters-bowlers-for-test-squad-indias-test-squad-for-west-indies-series/">IND vs WI: 3 New batters &amp; bowlers for Test squad, India?s Test Squad for West Indies series</a>



For more details head to BCCI?s official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website.</a>

IND vs WI: Virender Sehwag in line to become India's next chief selector as BCCI invites fresh applications

ind-vs-wi-virender-sehwag-in-line-to-become-indias-next-chief-selector-as-bcci-invites-fresh-applications

The much anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 is around three months away from now. The biggest carnival in International cricket has kept everyone on their toes. The <a href="https://www.cricketworldcup.com" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.cricketworldcup.com">International Cricket Counci</a>l (ICC) along with the Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) announced the official schedule of the tournament.&nbsp;



The tournament will take place in India for the first time since 2011. The ICC World Cup 2023 will be played from 5th October. A total of 48 matches will take place and 10 teams will fight for the title.&nbsp;



Out of 10 teams, 8 have made a direct entry into the tournament due to their performances in the ICC ODI Super League while the remaining two teams will be decided after the Qualifiers, which will take place in June in Zimbabwe.&nbsp;



The 8 teams that have qualified are India, Australia, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Pakistan, England, Bangladesh and South Africa. Whereas two among USA and UAE, West Indies, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Oman, Nepal and Ireland will be head to India for the main tournament.&nbsp;



Read Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-wi-2023-india-to-select-their-squad-for-west-indies-tour-on-27th-june/">&nbsp;IND vs WI 2023: India to select their squad for West Indies tour on 27th June</a>



The ICC World Cup 2023 will begin with the blockbuster clash between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad whereas the final will also take place at the same venue. Apart from this, Chennai, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Dharamshala and Hyderabad will be the host venues.&nbsp;



Virender Sehwag, who was present during the unveiling event of the World Cup schedule picked his four semi-finalists of the tournament. He backed India, Pakistan, England and Australia to play in the playoffs. What caught many by surprise as he left out runner-ups of the 2019 World Cup in New Zealand.&nbsp;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC World Cup 2023: India's schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023&nbsp;</h2>



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Here?s India's schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023&nbsp;



Indian team schedule for World Cup 2023:



IND vs AUS, Oct 8, Chennai IND vs AFG, Oct 11, Delhi IND vs PAK, Oct 15, Ahmedabad IND vs BAN, Oct 19, Pune IND vs NZ, Oct 22, Dharamsala IND vs ENG, Oct 29, Lucknow IND vs Qualifier, Nov 2, Mumbai IND vs SA, Nov 5, Kolkata IND vs Qualifier, Nov 11, Bengaluru

ICC World Cup 2023: Virender Sehwag picks ?his four semi-finalists for the World Cup; leaves out New Zealand?

icc-world-cup-2023-virender-sehwag-picks-his-four-semi-finalists-for-the-world-cup-leaves-out-new-zealand

ICC World Cup 2023 is keeping everyone on it toes even though the tournament hasn?t started yet. The excitement is getting doubled up as the each day is passing by. The cricket extravaganza will take place in India from 5th October and the final is all set to take place on 19th November.&nbsp;



The tournament opener will be played between<a href="https://www.ecb.co.uk" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.ecb.co.uk"> England</a> and New Zealand. The revised schedule of the tournament has been announced and the preparations are underway in full flow. Of late there have been lots of talks about the future of the 50-over format but it?s fair to say that all of them will be put to rest once the event concludes.&nbsp;



As many as 10 venues in India in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Dharamshala and Hyderabad will be hosting the games. The tournament will take place in India for the first time since 2011 and a total of 48 matches will take place and 10 teams will fight for the title.&nbsp;



With the ICC World Cup 2023 around the corner, there have been a lot of speculations about who will win, who will score the most runs, who will take the most wickets and many more. Many experts and fans have started making their predictions and the latest to join the bandwagon is former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag.&nbsp;



Read Also:?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-wi-virat-kohli-surpasses-virender-sehwag-to-become-5th-highest-run-getter-for-india-in-tests/" data-type="post" data-id="116510">IND vs WI: Virat Kohli surpasses Virender Sehwag to become 5th highest run-getter for India in Tests</a>



Virender Sehwag has made his prediction for the leading run-getter of the tournament. The former Indian batter picked current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to top the charts for most runs. He made the prediction during the ICC review.&nbsp;



Rohit Sharma notably was the leading run-getter in the last ICC World Cup 2019, where he scored 648 runs and smashed a record 5 centuries. He has been India?s backbone for the last one decade and it?ll be no surprise if he replicates what he did at the last World Cup 2023.&nbsp;



When it comes to the 50-over cricket, Rohit Sharma is the different beast altogether. However, this time around, he will be having an added responsibility as he will be captaining the team and would want to lead from the front. He will be vital for the team in the tournament.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC World Cup 2023: India's schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1781.jpg" alt="ICC World Cup 2023 " class="wp-image-115760" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India </figcaption></figure>



Here?s India?s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Match Number</td><td>Matches</td><td>Match Date</td><td>Match Time (IST)</td><td>Venue</td></tr><tr><td>Match 5</td><td>India vs Australia</td><td>8-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Chennai</td></tr><tr><td>Match 9</td><td>India vs Afghanistan</td><td>11-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Delhi</td></tr><tr><td>Match 12</td><td>India vs Pakistan</td><td>14-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Ahmedabad</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Match 17</td><td>India vs Bangladesh</td><td>19-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Pune</td></tr><tr><td>Match 21</td><td>India vs New Zealand</td><td>22-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Dharamsala</td></tr><tr><td>Match 29</td><td>India vs England</td><td>29-Oct</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Lucknow</td></tr><tr><td>Match 33</td><td>India vs Sri Lanka</td><td>2-Nov</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Mumbai</td></tr><tr><td>Match 37</td><td>India vs South Africa</td><td>5-Nov</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Kolkata</td></tr><tr><td>Match 45</td><td>India vs Netherlands</td><td>12-Nov</td><td>2:00 PM</td><td>Bengaluru</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

ICC World Cup 2023: Virender Sehwag backs this Indian player to be the leading run-getter in the World Cup

icc-world-cup-2023-virender-sehwag-backs-this-indian-player-to-be-the-leading-run-getter-in-the-world-cup

India has faced a massive injury scare ahead of the second IND vs ENG T20I. As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that opening batter Abhishek Sharma hurt himself during the training session and there isn't any clarification if he will be fit for the next match of the series or not. 
Abhishek Sharma twisted his ankle during the training session and he looked in immense pain. The reports claimed that the batter is doubtful for the second match and if he gets ruled out, it will be a massive blow for the team as they will be without their key batter for the second IND vs ENG T20I. 
If Abhishek Sharma gets ruled out, then it creates a lot of headaches for the team as to who will open the innings because they have no other opener available on the bench. Hence, it might make team management to make someone from the middle bat at the top along with Sanju Samson. 
<h2>Let's take a look at two options India can try as an opener if Abhishek Sharma gets ruled out of the second IND vs ENG T20I </h2>
Suryakumar Yadav 
Captain Suryakumar Yadav might promote himself at the top of the order and open with Sanju Samson in the second IND vs ENG T20I. The right-hander has opened innings a few times in his career earlier as well, and it will allow him to play his unorthodox shots freely as well because of the field restrictions for the first six over of the innings. 
Suryakumar Yadav also has been going through a lean patch of form in the T20Is. Opening the innings will also help him to settle and get back into form. This could turn out to be a game-changing move for the team and might help them to win the match as well and take a lead of 2-0. 
Washington Sundar 
If Abhishek Sharma gets ruled out of second IND vs ENG T20I, then there are chances that the team might bring in Washington Sundar in the XI. Not only might they bring him into the XI, but they also might make him open. Gautam Gambhir rates the all-rounder very highly and he will be handy on the Chennai pitch as well. 
He has opened the innings for India in ODIs as well and also bats in the top order for his Ranji Team, which might work in his favour. Adding Sundar to the team will also provide the team with the off-spin option  
India currently leads the five-match T20I series against England after they won the first game by 7 wickets. The second game will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday (25th January).
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-or-kl-rahul-who-would-be-a-better-choice-in-india-s-champions-trophy-playing-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul? Who would be a better choice in India's Champions Trophy Playing 11</a>

If Abhishek Sharma gets ruled out, then it creates a lot of headaches for the team as to who will open the innings

Abhishek Sharma twisted his ankle during the training session and he looked in immense pain ahead of the second IND vs ENG T20I

Who will open innings for India if Abhishek Sharma gets ruled out of second IND vs ENG T20I

who-will-open-innings-for-india-if-abhishek-sharma-gets-ruled-out-of-second-ind-vs-eng-t20i

After the enthralling first game, the second IND vs ENG T20I is all set to take place on Saturday (25th January). The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and with the way things panned out in the opening match, the game promises to be an enthralling match. 
One of the talking points of the last match was Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler, who was added to the team to make a comeback after a long injury, missed the first game. There was no official confirmation why he didn't play but several reports claimed that he wasn't 100% fit. 
Mohammed Shami still has heavy strapping on his knee but is bowling at full throttle in the nets. Even though he has knees tied, he doesn't need any physio attention. The reports claimed that the pacer faved discomfort while climbing the stairs and hence wasn't rushed for the first game. 
This now raises speculation if Mohammed Shami will be fit for the second IND vs ENG T20I or not. There were reports in RevSportz recently which claimed that the fast bowler would be missing two more games in the series before making a comeback for the team after more than a year. 
If the reports are to be believed, then Mohammed Shami will be missing the second T20I against England in Chennai. The fast bowler is expected to make a return in the fourth game and also has been named in the team for the three-match ODI series against England ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
<h2>India won the first T20I by 7 wickets </h2>
Coming to the first game, India started the five-match T20I series against England on a dominating note. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side defeated the opposition by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. 
Asked to bat, England had a poor start with the bat as they lost both the openers, thanks to the brilliance of Arshdeep Singh. Captain Jos Buttler (68) kept his team in the hunt and was the lone warrior for his team 
India kept taking wickets at regular intervals, with Varun Chakravarthy being the the pick of the bowlers with his figure of three for 23. His sensational spell helped India bundle out England for 132. 
Chasing the target, Sanju Samson (26) and Abhishek Sharma (79) took India off to a flying start, adding 41 runs for the opening partnership. While Samson and Suryakumar Yadav fell early, Sharma slammed a blistering half-century and took his team to the seven-wicket win.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-or-kl-rahul-who-would-be-a-better-choice-in-india-s-champions-trophy-playing-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul? Who would be a better choice in India's Champions Trophy Playing 11</a>

The fast bowler, who was added to the team to make a comeback after a long injury, missed the first game

Mohammed Shami still has heavy strapping on his knee but is bowling at full throttle in the nets during the IND vs ENG T20I series

Is Mohammed Shami fit to play the second IND vs ENG T20I?

is-mohammed-shami-fit-to-play-the-second-ind-vs-eng-t20i-

RCB IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore, one of the most formidable franchises in IPL history, has often faced heartbreak in the eliminator rounds. However, the team is determined to shatter that barrier and rewrite their story in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League and these three players are going to be the key.
RCB, renowned for having one of the most loyal fanbases in the IPL, has assembled a formidable squad for the 2025 season. With a well-balanced team and renewed determination, this could be their best chance yet to finally secure their maiden IPL trophy and etch their name in the league's history.
At the mega auction in Jeddah, RCB made some strategic moves, securing key signings like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood. Armed with a substantial budget of ₹83 crore, the three-time finalists retained pivotal players such as Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.
They further bolstered their lineup with power-hitters like Liam Livingstone and rising stars like Rasikh Dar and Suyash Sharma.   However, this isn’t the first time RCB has boasted a star-studded squad. Over the years, they’ve had some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, yet the team has often faltered under pressure when it mattered the most.
In the mega auction 2025, RCB have secured some key players and it seems that they can play the game-changers in the IPL 2025. Below are the three secret weapons of RCB that can change the fortune of the Franchise this season:
<h2>3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru</h2>
1- Jacob Bethell (England): Jacob Bethell, an emerging English cricketer, is set to represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2025 IPL season. Bethell was acquired for ₹2.6 crore during the IPL mega auction and brings versatility and dynamism to the squad.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679465674c563.jpg" alt="">
As a left-handed batter, he can anchor the innings in both the top and middle order. His impressive strike rate in T20Is makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure games. Additionally, Bethell's ability to seamlessly adapt from Test cricket to white-ball formats and his potential as a finisher in ODIs highlight his all-round skills.
Bethell’s achievements speak volumes about his talent. Within just three months, he debuted in ODI, T20I, and Test cricket, showcasing his adaptability across formats. He caught the spotlight during a series against the West Indies with two unbeaten half-centuries and further proved his mettle in the Big Bash League with a stellar knock of 87 against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Excited to share the dressing room with players like Virat Kohli, Bethell sees his stint with RCB as an opportunity to grow, learning from some of the best in the game while contributing to the team’s quest for their maiden IPL title.
2- Rasikh Dar (India): Rasikh Salam Dar, a promising fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, will represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 season. Purchased for ₹6 crore in the mega auction, Rasikh became the most expensive uncapped player of the year.
Known for his clever slower deliveries and effective knuckleball, he brings a unique edge to the RCB bowling attack. Having previously played for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, Rasikh’s IPL journey has been a testament to his talent and determination. His ambition extends beyond the league, as he dreams of representing India across all formats.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6794656b97422.jpg" alt="">
Eager to contribute to RCB's hunt for their first IPL title, Rasikh sees this opportunity as a significant milestone in his career. Playing at the high-scoring M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, his ability to pick up crucial wickets could make him RCB’s secret weapon if used strategically.
Grateful for the management’s trust, he’s also a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Jammu and Kashmir, proving that hard work and dedication can pave the way to success on cricket’s biggest stages.
3- Phil Salt (England): It seemed clear that English players have impressed the RCB franchise the most and it repaid them in the best form. Phil Salt, the dynamic English wicketkeeper-batter, will don the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey in the IPL 2025 season. Acquired for ₹11.5 crore during the auction, Salt is set to open the batting alongside Virat Kohli, promising explosive starts for the team.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679465699590a.jpg" alt="">
His addition not only strengthens RCB’s top order but also offers a reliable wicketkeeping option, adding balance to the squad. RCB prioritized Salt for several reasons. His stellar numbers, including a strike rate of 182 during the 2024 season, made him a standout choice.
With 435 runs in the previous season and a current ICC T20 ranking of second, Salt’s consistency and power-hitting ability are undeniable. Furthermore, his leadership experience as England’s T20 captain adds a strategic edge to the team. By securing Salt as their foreign opener, RCB aims to capitalize on his fiery starts and his ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay, making him a critical asset in their quest for their maiden IPL title.

3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB are getting ready to set IPL 2025 on fire with these three secret weapons. The ₹11.5 crore acquisition will open with Kohli in IPL 2025. A top-ranked T20 batter and skilled wicketkeeper, Salt ensures explosive starts.

Phil Salt, ranked 2nd in T20s, joins RCB to open with Kohli, bringing power-hitting, wicketkeeping, and leadership experience.

RCB’s Secret Weapons for IPL 2025: 3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru

rcb-s-secret-weapons-for-ipl-2025-3-game-changing-new-stars-in-royal-challengers-bengaluru

The Pakistan Cricket Team has made a bold decision of changing it's opening combination for the forthcoming Mega Event, Champions Trophy 2025. According to news reports of Pakistani media, former skipper Babar Azam is set to open the batting of the Green Shirts alongside experienced opening batter Fakhar Zaman. 
This move comes after a serious injury to explosive batter Saim Ayub and this move is aimed at strengthening the Batting unit of the Shaheens as the beginning phase of the innings. 
The duo of Fakhar &amp; Babar have played together in the past, but this will be their first time opening the innings together in a One-Day International match. While Zaman is known for his hard hitting batting style, Azam is popular for his calm &amp; controlled batting style and this will provide a lot of stability to the batting department of Pakistan. 
This combination can prove to be solid one for the National team at the start of the innings as Fakhar can do his dirty work of going after the bowlers from ball number one while Babar can hold the other end with his calm nature and his consistency will also work wonders for the Mohammed Rizwan-led outfit.
This big decision comes with high expectations of the Pakistani fans as they would want to witness their team lift the Champions Trophy on home soil. The other participating teams will be focussing on getting rid of the top-order of Pakistan early, knowing the kind of threat the duo of Babar and Fakhar pose as openers. If the defending champions face early setbacks, then the middle-order will have to step up to provide support to the team. 
Babar's poor form with the bat in recent times has come under scrutiny in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025. While he has shown glimpses of good performances recently versus the South Africans and Australians, he hasn't been able to rediscover his best form yet. Now that he is set to bat as an opener, the pressure on him increased automatically and the 29-year-old faces an important challenge ahead. 
The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy kicks off from the 19th of February onwards, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening fixture in the city of Karachi. This forthcoming competition will test the ability of Babar Azam to deliver under pressure and guide the team home in difficult situations. 
With the duo of Fakhar &amp; Babar opening the innings, the Pakistani fans would be hoping that their team gets off to a strong start in the tournament. The performance of these two will determine how well the defending champions are going to perform in Champions Trophy 2025.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-or-kl-rahul-who-would-be-a-better-choice-in-india-s-champions-trophy-playing-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul? Who would be a better choice in India's Champions Trophy Playing 11</a>

Babar Azam (L) and Fakhar Zaman (R) of Pakistan | Image: Getty Images

The injury suffered by Saim Ayub has forced Pakistan to change their opening combination and as a result, the duo of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are set to open the innings for the Shaheens in Champions Trophy 2025

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be seen opening the innings for Pakistan in Champions Trophy and the performance of these two with the bat will play an important role in the success of the Green Shirts in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan's new opening combination for Champions Trophy 2025 - Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman

pakistan-s-new-opening-combination-for-champions-trophy-2025-babar-azam-and-fakhar-zaman

The Indian Cricket Team under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav started off the five-match T20 International series versus England on a positive note, securing a comfortable seven wicket win in the opening contest and this win has allowed them to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The action now shifts to the Southern part of our beloved country as the 2nd encounter will be played at Chepauk Stadium of Chennai tonight. The match will commence at 7:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
The Suryakumar Yadav-led team can make some changes in the Starting 11 ahead of this exciting encounter. The team management might opt to give elite seamer Shami a chance to make his highly awaited comeback in the team. The 34-year-old hasn't played for the National Team since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to a long term injury and he would be itching to execute a comeback.
The pacer can prove to be a game changer for the two time T20 World Cup winners, having featured in 23 T20 International matches and he has also managed to dismiss 24 batters as well. He also has 195 wickets to his name in 101 One-Day International matches and he's also a part of India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
He has been included in the T20 International squad so that he can get a chance to get back to his level best ahead of this year's marquee event. While Shami wasn't a part of the Starting 11 in the first T20 International, he can surely be given a chance in the forthcoming contest in Chennai 
<h2>If Shami returns then who will he replace in Team India's playing eleven?</h2>
If the 34-year-old Mohammed Shami gets a chance to play in the 2nd T20 International, then leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi might have to be the one to get sacrificed. The LSG spinner bowled four overs versus the Three Lions in the opening encounter and he gave away 22 runs but failed to dismiss a single batter.
This might not work in his favour as the team management would want him to be effective with the ball if the young leggie wants to retain his place in the side.
Varun Chakravarthy on the other hand, was effective, with three scalps to his name in the 1st T20I. He will be anticipated to play an important role with the ball in the forthcoming contest too.
Abhishek Sharma's injury creates a headache for the Indian team management 
Star opening batter Abhishek Sharma twisted his ankle today in a training session ahead of the 2nd T20I and after that incident, he didn't come out to bat in the nets.
The team management might not wanna take a risk with his fitness and his injury could see one of Dhruv Jurel or Washington Sundar coming into the playing 11 for the 2nd T20I. 
This will make things really interesting as skipper Surya might promote himself up the order as an opener and this would also allow Tilak Varma to bat at number three.
Probable playing XI of Team India for the second T20i match: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel / Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy and Mohammed Shami.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-second-ind-vs-eng-t20-at-the-ma-chidambaram-stadium-/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the second IND vs ENG T20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium</a>

Mohammed Shami (L) and Ravi Bishnoi (R) of Team India | Image: Getty Images

The 2nd T20 International between India and England is set to be played at the Chepauk Stadium of Chennai tonight at 7:00 PM IST and the Indian Team management might be tempted to make some changes as they would want Mohammed Shami to regain his best form with the ball ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammed Shami is a part of Team India's T20 International squad in the five-match series and he might mmake his highly awaited return to the playing 11 in the 2nd contest of the series