New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has lauded Tilak Varma's transformation into an accomplished finisher, a role he showcased with an unbeaten 51 to secure India's victory in the second T20I. Santner, who has played alongside Varma at Mumbai Indians, noted the left-hander's adaptability from a No. 3 batter to a crucial middle-order and death-phase performer.
A crucial 69-run partnership between Tilak Varma (51* off 26) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26 off 13) propelled India to a thrilling four-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
A strong India A squad, featuring senior team members like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will play New Zealand A in a four-day match starting Saturday, serving as crucial preparation for the senior team's upcoming two-Test series.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has been added to the Indian squad for the second T20I against New Zealand as a cover for Ishan Kishan, who sustained a low-grade right adductor strain and is ruled out of the upcoming match. Kushagra, currently with the India A squad, will join the main team.
Indian batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I against New Zealand due to low grade right adductor strain, the BCCI said in a statement.
India face a bowling test in the second T20I against New Zealand after conceding 226 in the opener, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi expected to feature.
Ishan Kishan's injury has left the door ajar for the 15 year old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was seen batting during India's optional practice session on Friday.
After the match, Naman Dhir also said that Abhishek's pep talk, especially the Punjabi bit pumped up the players.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has made history by becoming the first bowler to take multiple four-wicket hauls against India in T20 Internationals, achieving this feat during the second T20I at Christchurch.
Shreyas Iyer admits India feared losing their chase against New Zealand before Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy showed character to seal a thrilling T20I win.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer lauded all-rounder Naman Dhir for his crucial role in India's record-breaking 226-run chase against New Zealand in the first T20I. Iyer highlighted Dhir's versatility and calm demeanour under pressure. Sanju Samson's explosive start and the team's adaptation to changing pitch conditions were also key factors in India's highest-ever T20 chase.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has made history by becoming the first batter to hit 100 sixes in the powerplay phase of a T20I innings, surpassing Rohit Sharma's record during a match against New Zealand.
Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt received a two-match suspension for breaching prescription medication requirements outside competition, with Cricket Australia confirming no performance-enhancing intent as she accepted the sanction and apologised.
Six Games, Big Impact: Naman Dhir Catches India's Eye.
India opener Sanju Samson discusses the challenges of a tight schedule and differing conditions ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand, emphasising reliance on experience over extensive preparation.
Nitish Kumar Reddy opens up on managing workload and staying injury-free after helping India beat New Zealand in a thrilling second T20I.
Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has claimed the record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in T20 Internationals in a calendar year, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's previous best.
Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara believes that consistency is 'overrated' for top-order batters in T20 cricket, expressing confidence in Sanju Samson's ability to regain form with a single impactful innings.
Sanju Samson continued his superb form with the bat, smashing a blistering 67 off 33 balls to power India to their highest chase in T20 cricket, overcoming a mid-innings stumble for a four-wicket win in the series-opener against New Zealand.
India may rest Jasprit Bumrah for the New Zealand ODIs to keep him fresh for the crucial Test series as they chase a place in the World Test Championship final.
The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has partnered with Golf New Zealand to enhance India's golf development and high-performance ecosystem. Gregg Thorpe, General Manager of High-Performance & Talent Development at Golf New Zealand, visited India to assess facilities and interact with stakeholders, aiming to build a strategy for future success, including potential Olympic hosting in 2036.
Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin has lauded young batter Tilak Varma for his composed match-winning knock against New Zealand in the second T20I, expressing his strong desire to see Varma represent India in Test cricket.
Captain Shreyas Iyer believes the return of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will significantly address the Indian T20 team's lack of experience in its bowling attack, especially after recent series where new bowlers struggled.
Former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri embarked on one of the world's longest non-stop commercial flights, travelling from Dubai to Auckland for India's upcoming tour of New Zealand, praising Emirates' hospitality for making the 16-hour journey 'an absolute breeze'.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin praised Sri Lanka's "unreal" 400-run chase against England, highlighting their determination. He also commended Harry Brook's double century and stressed the importance of promoting Test cricket. Azharuddin also congratulated the Indian team for their T20I victory against New Zealand.
Pacers Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj have been included in India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer will captain the team in the final two ODIs, while Shubman Gill focuses on red-ball cricket. The article also lists the full ODI and Test squads, with the Test series starting on November 19.
India has announced its squads for the upcoming two-Test and five-ODI series against New Zealand. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named in the Test squad, subject to fitness clearance, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returns for the Test leg. Shubman Gill will captain the Test side and the first three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer leading the final two ODIs.
Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls secured a thrilling four-wicket win for India against New Zealand in the first T20I, showcasing his potential as a reliable finisher for the national side, drawing praise from cricket legends like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Shastri.
As the cycle enters a crucial phase, the teams now look to strengthen their case for a top-two finish.
India opener Sanju Samson discussed the team's strategy of "killing games in the powerplay" after his explosive 67-run knock led India to a record-breaking T20I chase against New Zealand. He highlighted the team's consistent aggressive approach, especially after their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
India have added veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar as cover for Arshdeep Singh ahead of the fifth T20I against West Indies at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Auqib Nabi's Surrey stint will provide crucial first-class exposure in England as the J&K pacer seeks to strengthen his case for India's Test squad for New Zealand.
Mohammed Shami remains determined to reclaim his India place after another snub, prioritising a full domestic season, consistent performances and skill development ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has expressed his disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, suggesting that the lack of international game time could negatively impact the young opener's confidence and form.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for their 'power, talent, intent' and exceptional mental control, highlighting their fearless approach despite social media pressure.
Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of the seven-member India squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar who was recalled to the national team. Kulwant Khejroliya will join the squad as Bhuvneshwar's replacement for the tournament scheduled from October 30 to November 1.
India captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the drawn five-match T20I series against the West Indies, suggesting India could have performed better with the ball in their lost games. West Indies captain Shai Hope expressed satisfaction with his team's progress despite missing a series win. India is now set to tour New Zealand for another five-match series.
Former chief selector M S K Prasad wants Mohammed Shami considered for the New Zealand series and the 2027 ODI World Cup while former bowling coach Bharat Arun says the pacer has nothing left to prove.
India's T20 captain Shreyas Iyer stated that young batting talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cannot immediately join the playing XI due to the consistent performance of current openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who were instrumental in India's T20I World Cup win.
Stephen Fleming, the new head coach of England's Test team, has expressed his desire for future national teams to be led by English coaches, committing to developing home-grown talent during his tenure.
