India's T20 World Cup squad had space for only 15, but the pool of quality options ran far deeper. The consequence was inevitable: several players with genuine claims were left on the outside, the unlucky ones who narrowly missed the cut.
Shami last played for India in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad after which he was sidelined because of an ankle injury which needed surgery.
South African pace great Dale Steyn described Hardik Pandya as a superhero who "operates at another level mentally" with an unmatched aura. His comments came after the flamboyant India all-rounder's scintillating knock in the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad on Friday.
A preview of Group D in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Deepti Sharma created a new record in women's cricket, while Shafali Verma smashed a blistering half-century as India thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets to seal the five-match T20I series 3-0.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter said all-rounder Michael Bracewell's participation in the five-match T20I series against India is dependent on his recovery from a minor left-calf strain that he sustained during the recent third ODI at Indore.
'Shubman Gill returned to training on Monday as Punjab prepare to face Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the KL Saini Stadium.
Jemimah Rodrigues shared a photo of the pair wearing Santa hats and festive red and green outfits.
Six different teams have lifted the trophy over the years, with the West Indies, England and reigning champions India the only nations to have won it twice.
India and Pakistan will meet on Sunday for what could turn into a decider for a semi-final spot, albeit with net run-rate a factor as well.
India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill signed off a defining 2025 with a message of gratitude and resolve
After a clutch performance in the third T2OI against South Africa, Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh indulged in some friendly banter with bowling coach Morne Morkel, who received unwanted screen time during Arshdeep's poor performance during the 2nd T20I match.
The MCA later had to apologise for the mismanagement, which was promptly addressed, but the governing body is keen to avoid any such incident.
Quinton de Kock seems to have found another gear since his return to cricket and the South African attributed the new-found freedom in his batting to a mind without any 'baggage'.
Arshdeep and Rana snared two wickets apiece in tight spells during a clinical performance.
Mohammad Azharuddin has supported the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
The former South African batter pointed out that Rana does not have a lot of international experience with the new ball, but is well supported in the pace department.
Tilak Varma has broken his silence after reports emerged about him undergoing surgery in Rajkot, reassuring fans that his return to cricket won't take long.
Rajeev Shukla recalled his conversations with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, revealing that the 'Master Blaster' had expressed confidence that a young Virat Kohli could one day break his major batting records.
Sanju Samson continued his dream run in T20I cricket, smashing his second consecutive century in the first match of the series against South Africa at Kingsmead, in Durban on Friday night.
'It would have been 2-2 coming to the Wankhede (Stadium for final T20I). It would have been way more on the game. But it didn't happen.'
Pratika Rawal along with left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma and seamer Kranti Gaud received their maiden long-format call-ups for the one-off Test against Australia.
South Africa pace spearhead Anrich Nortje played down the Proteas' injury concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup, saying the team has the depth and quality to absorb the setbacks.
'He is explosive, dangerous, and capable of shots like these. Where do you even bowl to him?'
Afghanistan unit will be heading into the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka with hopes of replicating their historic performance during the 2024 edition
'Just like we are playing in the T20 series. We don't want to change anything. If we are doing something right, why should we change it?'
India pacer Harshit Rana has revealed that the Indian management is aiming to groom him as an all-rounder.
Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to his commitments in the SA20 league.
This is the most open T20 World Cup in history. The traditional powers are compromised. The new powers have gained strength, observes Faisal Shariff.
'From an Indian perspective, Varun Chakravarthy is the bowler of the year for me.'
Smriti Mandhana becomes first Indian batter to hit 4000 runs in Women's T20Is
West Indies were always struggling in their chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals but their total was boosted by a fine unbeaten 79 from 45 balls by Rovman Powell before they ran out of deliveries.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has rejected claims that batters have worked him out, saying consistent execution, not new variations, will define his impact at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday acknowledged the shortage of runs from him but India's T20I skipper did not count it as lack of form, saying that runs will come sooner than later.
'The runs from his bat at the top of the order will be crucial for India's success in this five-match series against South Africa.'
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said India achieved their objective of adopting a more aggressive approach during the T20I series win over Sri Lanka.
'Yes, I was nervous before the National Anthem. After the National Anthem, I calmed down.'
When players select themselves, the selectors' job becomes delightfully simple. But did the Indian selectors have that luxury while picking the T20 World Cup squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup? asks K R Nayar.
Shubman Gill's return to Ranji Trophy ended in a two-ball duck as Saurashtra and Punjab batters struggled on a rank turner during the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match in Rajkot
West Indies finished on 167-9, with Romario Shepherd caught on the final ball of the match.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances