Defending champions India have unveiled a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Krunal's intense and massive black shaded tattoo on his arm signifies 'subconscious mind'.
It's just two games into the tournament but Hardik Pandya already seems to have loads to worry about in his second stint with Mumbai Indians, the leadership part not quite falling in place thus far.
There are perceptions about Hardik Pandya's flamboyance on and off the field but India captain Virat Kohli strongly believes that he is 'an asset for Indian cricket'.
Captain Virat Kohli and Head coach Ravi Shastri wax eloquent about the team's new-found star all-rounder Hardik Pandya
Virat Kohli was magnificent at the death, finishing 82 not out after digging India out of trouble
Ahead of the start of India's 3-match T20I series against New Zealand, Hardik Pandya and his mates -- Washington Sundar, Umran Malik, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur -- were spotted shirtless -- much like what Salman Khan used to do in the late 1990s and early 2000s -- at a lovely beach.
Sunday's India-Pakistan match will go down in the annals as the Hardik Pandya game where the Gujarat all-rounder embossed his stamp on the field of play.
Emotions often get the better of his side when facing arch-rivals India, a flaw former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif believes has cost them crucial matches in recent years.
The Indian team's heavy reliance on all-rounders will be tested by a plucky Australia in the second ODI but the spotlight will continue to stay firmly on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom would look to turn back the clock with series-saving knocks in Adelaide on Thursday.
No Shubhman Gill or Hardik Pandya either in Sanjay Manjrekar's T20 World Cup team.
India enjoy a dominant 9-3 win loss record against Pakistan in T20 Internationals, including a 7-1 margin in T20 World Cups.
For the first time, no Indian superstar will lead an IPL team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal should drop down to the No 3 position, said batting great Sunil Gavaskar.
As India start their T20 World Cup title defence in less than 72 hours, one is tempted to look at Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir's working relationship which has been fantastic, at least so going by the results -- a whopping 31 wins in 39 games with a winning percentage of 79.48.
Indian captain Virat Kohli is also backing Hardik Pandya to play purely as a batsman at the T20 WC, saying: 'We understand the value he brings to the team as a number six batter and in world cricket, if you look around, there are specialists who do that job.'
Virat last bowled in an ODI against Sri Lanka in August 2017. In that over he bowled two overs and conceded 12 runs.
'You don't need do anything extra (in a situation like Pandya's). Whoever comes out of it positive, his career can scale new heights, like we have seen with many cricketers in the past. I hope he goes on that right path and emerges as a better cricketer and I think he can do that'
Hardik confirmed that he is going back to India.
'I will be fine to play the T20Is. I have been working hard to play for my country, happy that I've got the opportunity'
Skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Hooda and Deepak Chahar were seen posing in the new Team India jersey.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried off from last season with dominating performances in their opening two games of IPL 2026.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya was named as India's T20I captain for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, with Rohit Sharma retaining the ODI leadership role.
Traditionally carved from top-quality willow, famous bat-makers, source the bulk of their willow wood from Kashmir.
Hardik's finishing has hit another level this IPL as the 25-year-old remained unbeaten on 37 from 16 balls.
Back to the grind after a couple of days' leave, Virat Kohli's extended net session was the focal point of Team India's first training session in the city ahead of its World Cup opener against Australia on Sunday.
Hardik Pandya appreciated the advice given by Virat Kohli
India play Pakistan in the opening encounter of the Asia Cup on Sunday.
With the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh just around the corner, India's star batsman KL Rahul focused on power-hitting during a training session in Dubai.
Hardik Pandya could take over as India vice-captain in place of KL Rahul, who missed the ongoing five-match T20I series against West Indies after testing positive for COVID-19.
Virat Kohli will be expected to hit his straps after a lean run
India's cricket team has embarked on a journey to Dubai for the upcoming Champions Trophy, aiming to secure another global trophy after their T20 World Cup triumph last June.
Interestingly, the BCCI kept Hardik Pandya in the loop over the decision giving clear indications that he is likely to take over as India's T20 captain.
With figures of 0/29 in four overs, Jasprit Bumrah was the most economical on a tough night for the Mumbai Indians bowlers.
It may be hosting an ODI for the first time since December 22, 2019, but Cuttack has always served up belters and it may be no different this time.
He believes that his game thrives well in pressure situations and Hardik Pandya does not have to look too far as he has both Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli for "inspiration." "There's a lot to learn when both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them bat. Their batting, running between wickets inspire us. It's at another level. It's fun to watch them bat together," Pandya paid glowing tributes to his seniors on the eve of their fourth ODI against New Zealand in Ranchi. A 151-run match-winning partnership between Dhoni (80) and Kohli (154 not out) set up their seven-wicket win in Mohali as India will look to seal the issue in the five-match rubber at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Wednesday.
'Prep mode on, energy levels high, getting into the groove in Alur. #TeamIndia #AsiaCup2023.;
Rohit Sharma holds the record for leading India to the most victories in T20 Internationals.
Shubman Gill was rewarded with the captaincy of the Indian ODI team for the upcoming tour of Australia, the BCCI announced on Saturday.
IMAGES from the Champions Trophy Group A match played between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai on Sunday
