Asianet Newsable

IND vs IRE: India's T20I Series Against Ireland's Match Timing Rescheduled - Here's Why?

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:59:16 +0530

The India-Ireland men's T20I series has been rescheduled to support our Women in Blue. Both T20Is on Friday and Sunday, respectively, will now start an hour early. A spokesperson for Cricket Ireland confirmed that the match will begin at 6 PM IST (1:30 PM local time), instead of the usual 7 PM IST.

This change was made so that cricket fans don't have to choose between two big games. Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match against Australia, which starts at 7 PM. They are playing for a spot in the semi-finals, so it's a must-watch game. This new timing allows fans to enjoy both matches live. The men's T20 series against Ireland is being held in Belfast on Friday and Sunday.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have Separate Changing Room on the England Tour? Explained

What about the England series timings?

Right after the Ireland tour, the team heads to England for a five-match T20 series, and the timings are all different. Three matches in Chester-le-Street, Nottingham, and Bristol will start late at 10 PM IST. The other two games, in Manchester on July 4 and Southampton on July 11, will be at the regular 7 PM IST slot. Following the T20s, there are three ODIs, all of which will start at 3:30 PM IST.

India's First T20I in Belfast

This is a historic moment for the Indian men's team as they are playing a T20 International in Belfast for the first time. The last time Team India played here was way back in 2007 for a few ODIs against South Africa and Ireland. In recent years, India has only played in Dublin, winning all six T20s they played there in 2018, 2022, and 2023.

Shreyas Iyer's Captaincy Debut, Eyes on Young Vaibhav

This series is also bringing some new changes to the team. Mumbai's Shreyas Iyer, who also bats for Punjab Kings, will be making his debut as the Indian captain. Also, everyone is waiting to see if 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi will make his debut in an Indian jersey. He is part of the squad for both the Ireland and England tours.

Former Player M.V. Narasimha Rao to Ring the Bell

To kick off the second T20I on Sunday, former Indian leg-spinner M.V. Narasimha Rao will ring the traditional bell at the Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast. Rao played four Tests for India between 1978-79 and later moved to Ireland. He also has a Ranji Trophy win under his belt as the captain who led Hyderabad to victory against Delhi in the 1987-88 season.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ, 3rd Test: England Skipper Ben Stokes 'Apologises' to Team After Nightclub Incident

Mega IPL Trade: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav's DC-LSG Swap Deal Sparks Social Media Buzz

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:13:51 +0530

After a week of speculations and reports, it has been officially confirmed that the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants completed the much-anticipated trade deal involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the IPL 2027.

It’s been a month since the IPL 2026 concluded, and the rumour mill has finally culminated in one of the most shocking player swaps in tournament history. The trade deal saw Rishabh Pant returning to the Delhi Capitals, where he spent nine IPL seasons, while Kuldeep Yadav headed to the Lucknow Super Giants as part of the swap.

The trade deal was already in talks between the DC and LSG before they officially announced it to the public, following the BCCI’s approval of the paperwork, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about moves of the off-season.

Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal to Rishabh Pant: 5 Stars Likely to Switch Teams via Trade Ahead of IPL 2027 Season

Pant Takes 44% Paycut for Emotional Homecoming

After spending two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, where he captained the side after being acquired for a record INR 27 crore in the 2025 mega-auction, Rishabh Pant is officially making a sensational return to the Delhi Capitals.

To facilitate this emotional homecoming to the franchise where he spent the first nine years of his IPL career, the star wicketkeeper-batter has agreed to take a pay cut of 44%, reducing his salary from INR 27 crore to INR 15 crore per season. This significant financial adjustment clears the way for him to rejoin the team where he originally made his name, sparking immense excitement among the fan base.

Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, moved to the opposition direction for INR 13.5 crore, 25 lakhs more than his previous retention salary of INR 13.25 crore. The total money involved in this IPL trade deal amounts to a staggering INR 28.5 crore in combined player values, making it one of the most high-stakes swaps in the history of the league.

Announcement Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav complete high-profile trade between @DelhiCapitals and @LucknowIPL. Rishabh Pant all set to rejoin #DC at INR 15 Crore whereas Kuldeep Yadav will join #LSG at INR 13.5 Crore. More Details ▶️ https://t.co/64HeOX143I… pic.twitter.com/tIEvj7fgNo

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 23, 2026

Though Delhi Capitals managed to bring back Rishabh Pant, under the leadership of Parth Jindal, the franchise will reportedly pay INR 13.75 crore in cash adjustments to LSG to balance out the overall valuation of the trade. This will take the total deal amount to INR 42.25 crore for the Delhi-based franchise, factoring in both the player valuations and the additional balancing fee.

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav were teammates at the Delhi Capitals for five seasons, and now, they will continue to be part of high-stakes IPL dynamics, albeit in different camps as the league gears up for another thrilling cycle.

Fans React to Pant–Kuldeep Mega Swap Deal

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav’s blockbuster swap between the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants triggered massive reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts giving their takes on the high-profile trade.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts expressed mixed emotions over the blockbuster swap, with many celebrating Rishabh Pant’s emotional return to Delhi Capitals, others praising Kuldeep Yadav’s move to Lucknow Super Giants, his home-state franchise, while some debated the fairness of the deal and called it one of the most dramatic trades in IPL history.

Others highlighted it as a ‘win-win' trade, noting Pant’s emotional return to DC and Kuldeep’s upgraded role at LSG, while some called it a defining off-season move that could reshape both franchises ahead of IPL 2027.

Time for a new winner in #IPL2027!

— Nikhil (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 23, 2026

Homecoming season! Pant back where he belongs ❤️ and Kuldeep finally in UP colours. DC fans eating good, LSG got their spinner. Win-win minus Pant’s wallet

— Riya (@RiyaxKohli) June 23, 2026

Guess Delhi’s captaincy just got a new spin on it, and Pant’s back where the Wi‑Fi is stronger. Nice swap!

— tino.official (@hWzSTjwkt8Yr5zT) June 23, 2026

Still don’t understand who benefits from this trade? As funny as it sounds, I think LSG are better off cause of this

— Yelloveinshambles (@Yelloveinpieces) June 23, 2026

Rishabh Pant back in the den pic.twitter.com/Cc7h3ia0ZT

— Justin ipl (@JustinBeerBall) June 23, 2026

Welcome home Spidey thanks God it's happened now

— Raghubir Jha (@miichtaraghu) June 23, 2026

Kuldeep will be a big miss, hope he excels in LSG and makes a comeback in IPL like he did when he initially joined DC.

— Archit Gupta (@code_401) June 23, 2026

Welcome home, Rishabh Thank you and good luck, KD https://t.co/qy2QPQXKkv

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) June 23, 2026

When Rishabh Pant parted ways with Delhi Capitals, I literally cried for days. I always wanted him to play for just one franchise. After supporting Delhi Capitals from 2017 to 2024 it was hard to accept. But finally we are back again.❤️ https://t.co/L9zqwzkcV2 pic.twitter.com/fuwzH0pXeR

— Drona (@drona_17) June 23, 2026

You better not break my heart ever again rishabh.. https://t.co/P2WgvayvAe

— Devansh Shukla. (@Nexusofjoy) June 23, 2026

Rishabh Pant spent two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, leading the side to 10 wins in 28 outings and amassing 581 runs, including a century and 2 fifties, at an average of 26.40 and a strike rate of 135.74.

Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, was one of the key bowlers for the Delhi Capitals, picking 72 wickets, including 3 four-wicket hauls, at an average of 26.30 and an economy rate of 8.64 in 65 matches.

Also Read: From Roger Federer to Carlos Alcaraz: Sanju Samson Links Cricket Legends to Tennis Royalty

IND vs IRE: Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut in T20I Series against Ireland?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:30:11 +0530

Ahead of the T20I series against Ireland, starting on June 26, Team India received a big blow, as all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out due to a left quadriceps injury. Nitish was part of the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan, where he sustained a left quadriceps injury that has ruled him out of the UK white-ball tour.

Nitish Kumar Reddy reportedly felt discomfort in his left quadriceps following the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, prompting the BCCI medical team to advise a period of rehabilitation. This was a big setback for the Men in Blue, as it deprived the team of a frontline seam-bowling option, especially with primary all-rounder Hardik Pandya also sidelined due to conditioning niggles.

With Nitish Kumar ruled out of the Ireland and England T20I series, the BCCI selectors drafted in Suryansh Shedge as a like-for-like replacement for Hyderabad all-rounder for the tour of the UK.

Also Read: India's Sree Charani crowned new No.1 T20I bowler in ICC rankings

Suryansh Shegde Earns Maiden National Call-Up

The Mumbai and Punjab Kings all-rounder Suryansh Shedge earned his maiden national call-up as a replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose quadriceps injury sidelined him for the entire UK white-ball tour.

Suryansh was part of India A’s recently concluded ODI Tri-Nation series involving Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, with all the matches being in Dambulla. The 23-year-old played a pivotal role in helping India A clinch the trophy. Suryansh’s best performance came against Sri Lanka A, where he scored 72 off 66 balls and picked a wicket.

Just a couple of days after India A defeated Sri Lanka A in the final, Suryansh received his maiden national call-up to the senior Indian side for the UK tour. Since Hardik Pandya was also unavailable for the T20I series against Ireland and England due to a recent injury setback, the selection committee decided to draft in Suryansh Shedge for the UK tour.

News Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in #TeamIndia's squads for Ireland and England series.More Details | #IREvIND | #ENGvIND https://t.co/M92NI1TbE0

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2026

The inclusion of Suryansh Shedge makes India’s squad relatively young and vibrant, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side, Tilak Varma serving as a vice-captain, and the likes of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prince Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Shivam Dube complete a highly dynamic and talented touring party for the UK.

Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut?

Suryansh Shedge’s inclusion in the India squad for the T20I assignment against Ireland and England has sparked discussions on his potential international debut in the three-match series against the Irish side, with team management expected to assess his form and role clarity before deciding on his final XI selection.

The Mumbai all-rounder’s inclusion in India’s playing XI appears to be on the cards, as his dynamic skill set as a pace-bowling all-rounder and finisher makes him a highly suitable candidate to walk straight into the playing XI. In India A’s ODI tri-series, the 23-year-old aggregated 147 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 36.75 and a strike rate of 120.49 in five matches.

Suryansh is known for his fearless ball-striking and explosive finishing capabilities in the death overs, alongside providing a handy right-arm medium-pace bowling option. In the IPL 2026, the all-rounder aggregated 158 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 175.55 in seven matches, making a case for a possible T20I debut against Ireland.

Given India's lack of seam-bowling all-rounders with both Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined, Shedge is highly likely to walk straight into the playing XI as the team seeks middle-to-lower order balance for the opening T20I against Ireland on June 26 in Belfast.

Also Read: Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Reddy for Ireland, Eng T20Is

IPL Trade: LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka’s ‘12-15 Years’ Vision on Rishabh Pant Ends in Collapse (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:12:52 +0530

After enduring two tough IPL seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant officially parted ways with the franchise and returned to Delhi Capitals through a trade deal involving Kuldeep Yadav on Tuesday, June 23.

After weeks of speculations and rumours, the LSG and DC completed a blockbuster trade deal, with Pant and Kuldeep heading to opposite camps ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Rishabh Pant agreed to 44% paycut, reducing his salary from a record INR 27 crore to 15 crore, while Kuldeep Yadav moved to LSG for INR 13.5 crore.

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 23, 2026

The trade deal was already in talks between the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants before it was finalised following the approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the paperwork completion, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about moves of the off-season.

The total money involved in this IPL trade deal amounts to a staggering INR 28.5 crore in combined player values, alongside INR 13.75 crore, which the Delhi Capitals will reportedly pay in cash adjustments to LSG to balance out the overall valuation of the trade. The total will take to INR 42.25 crore, making it one of the most high-stakes and complex swaps in the history of IPL.

Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal to Rishabh Pant: 5 Stars Likely to Switch Teams via Trade Ahead of IPL 2027 Season

Sanjiv Goenka’s Long Vision on Rishabh Pant Collapses

As Rishabh Pant returned to the Delhi Capitals, where he spent the first nine seasons of his IPL career, the Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka saw his highly ambitious, long-term project with the star wicketkeeper fall apart completely.

After LSG acquired the services of Pant for INR 27 crore, which made him the most expensive IPL player, Goenka charted out a long-term ambition and vision for the franchise with the wicketkeeper-batter at the centre of it.

In an old interview, the LSG owner envisioned building a dynasty that would dominate the league for over a decade, putting Pant in the same league as legendary Indian captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

“He will play for 12–15 years. This is a journey of how we will win 5 IPL titles in 15 years, maybe even 6 titles. People right now talk about Mumbai and Chennai as the most successful teams, and say Mahi and Rohit are brilliant, undeniably brilliant. But mark my words, in 10 years they will say: Mahi, Rohit, Rishabh,” Goenka said.

Acc to Sanjiv Goenka ppl after 10 year will say Mahi, Rohit and Rishabh, but only in two years he removes Rishabh Pant from captaincy and as team as well. Happend with KL and now with Pant. Who would want to go to LSG pic.twitter.com/fPzddsCEsI https://t.co/u9LD2T0aGR

— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) June 23, 2026

Sanjiv Goenka revealed his long vision for the Lucknow Super Giants just after the franchise signed Rishabh Pant for a record INR 27 crore in the 2025 mega-auction. However, the grand blueprint failed to materialise on the field as the team struggled for consistency under Pant’s captaincy in the previous two seasons of the tournament.

What Led to Rishabh Pant’s Exit from the LSG?

Rishabh Pant had a tough two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, not only as a captain, but also his overall batting performance did not live up to the massive price tag. Under his leadership, Lucknow won only 10 matches in 28 outings, with a win percentage of 35.71%, and inconsistent results led to his reassessment of his role.

With the bat, the southpaw aggregated 581 runs, including a century and 2 fifties, at an average of 26.40 and a strike rate of 135.74, which failed to justify the massive INR 27 crore price tag. After yet another disappointing IPL season, LSG management hinted at a potential change in leadership, which resulted in Pant stepping down as captain.

Rishabh Pant’s exit from the franchise was not merely a result of poor on-field performances but also stemmed from growing tension behind the scenes. It was reported that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka's involvement in team matters and public reactions created an uncomfortable environment.

Goenka’s meeting with the players and having a conversation with the coaching staff and ex-captain Rishabh Pant after every match became one of the talking points of the tournament, highlighting the mounting pressure within the dressing room. Pant’s reported internal rifts with the management created a friction that ultimately made his continuation with the franchise untenable.

However, neither the LSG nor Rishabh Pant ever publicly criticised one another, choosing instead to maintain a dignified silence regarding the dressing room dynamics. Both camps apparently preferred to keep the specifics of their internal discussions private, allowing the massive off-season trade to speak for itself as both player and franchise sought a fresh start.

Also Read: ‘Poster Boy of Indian Cricket’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s First India Jersey Sparks Social Media Frenzy

Who Will Lead Lucknow Super Giants?

With Rishabh Pant returning to the Delhi Capitals through a trade deal, Lucknow Super Giants have been left with a massive void in both the leadership and batting departments. While the franchise acquired Kuldeep Yadav for INR 13.5 crore to bolster the spin attack, they have yet to officially announce a new captain to lead the team for the upcoming IPL 2027 season.

Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram are emerging as potential frontrunners to take over the leadership responsibilities for the LSG, given their extensive international and T20 captaincy experience. Nicholas Pooran might also be entrusted with leadership responsibilities, leveraging his established tenure and comfort within the LSG setup.

When Rishabh Pant joined the LSG, the franchise viewed him as a long-term captain, but his stint ended after two tumultuous seasons. Given the shadows of these failures and the high-profile exit of their marquee leader, the Lucknow-based IPL franchise is facing a critical juncture.

Since Sanjiv Goenka has a long vision for his franchise, the team management is expected to focus on building a well-rounded, stable core rather than pinning all their championship hopes on a single high-priced superstar. Though LSG have three captaincy options, they might look to the mini IPL auction to secure a dynamic, long-term leader who can anchor the franchise for years to come and restore stability at the top.

IND vs ENG: Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have Separate Changing Room on the England Tour? Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:18:41 +0530

The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already departed with the Indian senior squad to Belfast for the two-match T20I series against Ireland, starting on June 26. Thereafter, Sooryavanshi will land in the United Kingdom for the T20I assignment against England, which will begin on July 1.

The 15-year-old Sooryavanshi has been included in both India’s T20I squads, making him the youngest player to be picked in a national roster for the international series, surpassing batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 37-year-old record by earning his maiden senior national call-up at the age of just 16.

Though the young batting sensation is yet to arrive in England, the buzz around the 15-year-old prodigy and youngest national call-up has already grabbed headlines in English media, with experts and former cricketers discussing his rapid rise and the attention his inclusion has generated ahead of the England tour.

Also Read: ‘Poster Boy of Indian Cricket’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s First India Jersey Sparks Social Media Frenzy

Sooryavanshi To Get a Separate Changing Room in England

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the India T20I squad are expected to touch down in England right after the conclusion of the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast, as the distance between both nations is relatively short, allowing for a swift and seamless transition into the UK leg of the bilateral series.

The eyes will be all on Sooryavanshi, whose batting talent has already taken the cricketing world by storm and is expected to showcase his blistering stroke-play and fearless intent on English soil. However, ahead of his arrival in England, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will be providing a separate changing room for the young batting sensation.

According to a report by The Guardian, Sooryavvanshi will not share the communal dressing room with his senior teammates before and after matches, and thus he will be given the separate facilities across all the venues, where India will play in Durham, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, and Southampton.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use separate changing facilities during the England tour.- As the England series is an ICC event, ICC and ECB safeguarding protocols will be in force.- Both bodies prohibit players under 16 from using adult changing rooms, so Sooryavanshi will… pic.twitter.com/D4aaKsaiMZ

— Indian Cricket Ministry (@Tejashyyyyyy) June 24, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might be a part of India’s senior squad for the England tour, but he won’t share the dressing room with his adult teammates before or after the matches, complying with strict youth safeguarding laws.

Moreover, Sooryavanshi’s parents are also accompanying him to England, the expense of which will be completely borne by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) o ensure the 15-year-old prodigy receives constant familial support and personal care off the pitch while navigating his historic maiden UK tour with the senior team.

Why the Separate Changing Facility?

The decision to provide a separate changing room facility for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stemmed from strict child protection laws and sports governance protocols. The matches hosted in England come under the jurisdiction of the ECB and the International Cricket Council, which mandate that minors under the age of 16 cannot share adult communal dressing rooms.

Under the mandatory ECB and ICC frameworks, which are called ‘Safe Hand’ policies, any cricketer below the age of 16 from all nations is required to have separate changing and safeguarding arrangements to ensure their protection and well-being in professional environments.

The precedent is not limited only to cricket, as similar safeguarding protocols are strictly enforced across all major sports in the United Kingdom. A high-profile domestic parallel occurred in English football when Arsenal Youth Academy sensation Max Dowman, who was 15 years old when he had to use separate changing facilities from the senior squad until he turned 16 in December.

The ECB's liaison officer will work with the BCCI with regard to the separate changing room facility for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before the India squad arrives in England for the T20I leg of the white-ball series. However, Sooryavanshi can engage with his teammates in the dugout, team huddles, and tactical meetings while play is actively underway.

Also Read: ‘Confirm Ho Gaya Bhai’: Axar Patel Reveals Hilarious Call behind Rishabh Pant’s DC return (WATCH)

‘Poster Boy of Indian Cricket’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s First India Jersey Sparks Social Media Frenzy

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:35:09 +0530

The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his first Team India jersey ahead of the first T20I of the three-match series against Ireland, starting on June 26. Sooryavanshi was included in India's senior squads for the T20I assignments against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games 2026.

Sooryavanshi’s fast-track to the Indian senior side is apparently part of the BCCI’s selection committee strategy to infuse fresh, dynamic talent into the T20I setup for the 2028 T20 World Cup and LA Olympics 2028 cycle. Following his stellar and record-breaking IPL season, where he amassed 776 runs and became the youngest Orange Cap winner, the precocious left-hander has firmly established himself as a generational talent.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was recently part of India A in the ODI Tri-Nation Series involving Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, which the Tilak Varma-led side clinched the trophy after defeating Sri Lanka A in the final in Dambulla.

Also Read: 'Temperament is a Choice': Anand Mahindra Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Knock in IND A vs SL A Final

An Emotional Moment for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might’ve played for India U19 and India A, but receiving the senior national team jersey brought out an entirely different wave of emotion. In a video posted by BCCI on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Sooryavanshi was seen unboxing his maiden Indian jersey, which was delivered by throwdown specialist Raghavendra Dwivedi.

Expressing his overwhelming emotion after receiving his first senior Indian jersey, the 15-year-old stated that he was speechless and deeply emotional, saying it felt like a dream come true milestone, adding that something he had imagined since childhood but never expected so soon.

“Words cannot explain it. The reason I picked up a bat from day one and went to the cricket ground for practice, today that dream was fulfilled. The biggest step towards that journey was completed today,” Sooryavanshi.

“I truly cannot put this feeling into words. I felt like a dream. The moment I saw that T-Shirt, I couldn’t stop smiling. Sometimes, something happens that you never even imagined could happen. And when it finally does, you don’t know how to react. That was exactly how I felt,” he added.

Ladies & GentlemenThe moment the nation has been waiting for has arrived! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in #TeamIndia jersey. Witness this incredibly special moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sUUytFMPVw

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection to the India squad made him the youngest player to receive a senior national call-up, eclipsing former captain and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 37-year-old record of being the youngest male cricketer to be selected for the senior Indian team.

A Nation Pins Its Hopes on the Teen Prodigy

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi receiving his first senior Team India jersey was not only his personal achievement, but also the achievement of those who demanded his inclusion for a long time. Fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), expressed unbridled excitement over the 15-year-old taking the next big step in his career.

Taking to his X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts celebrated Sooryavanshi as a generational talent and ‘poster boy’ of Indian cricket, praising his skill, humility, and aggressive style, while hailing his historic rise, emotional jersey moment, and predicting a long, record-breaking future in Indian cricket.

Others simply wished him success and saw it as the beginning of a long, promising international career.

Our boy is ready to rule the sport. https://t.co/mHPWxS8IX1

— Abinash (@abinashp01) June 23, 2026

Super talented Down to earth Honest Aggressive https://t.co/8YMDIyy51t

— Magadh Updates (@magadh_updates) June 23, 2026

I never thought that Sachin Tendulkar's record of being the youngest debutant for Team India will be broken after seeing the competitive nature of our domestic cricket and the IPL.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a special kid and may god protect him from all the evil eyes https://t.co/0GNaPwsVQm

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) June 23, 2026

Such a beautiful moment of his life. And he's so humble to touch feet of person. May God bless you with happiness and health Vaibhav. ❤️ https://t.co/bCERWidno0

— Prapti Buch (@i_m_prapti) June 23, 2026

Youngest sensation in blue. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready to shine ✨#VaibhavSooryavanshi #TeamIndia https://t.co/8jseLHBkmw

— NeoCric (@ShrashuRishu05) June 23, 2026

So BCCI has officially madr him the poster boy of Indian cricket. He will be taken good care by TM but will be treated like a brand now by BCCI to crack deals with broadcasters and sponsors. #vaibhavsurvanshi https://t.co/47c29EK3X1

— Cricket Vibes_Arjav (@IamArjav) June 23, 2026

You have earned every bit of that jersey brother, wear it with pride & do justice to it❤️ you got millions behind cheering for you.Gonna see a lot of 03- Sooryawanshi over the next 20 years https://t.co/409kWLJ0wW

— Arnav (@TheDrArnav) June 23, 2026

This is it!Vaibav Sooryavanshi in #TeamIndia colours. https://t.co/HXf5IcKr3I

— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) June 23, 2026

All the best, young man! A long road awaits, filled with records to break and new ones to create.After witnessing the debut of Sachin Tendulkar, we are now fortunate to witness the debut of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. History in the making once again! https://t.co/FmhxQ0GnXx

— Jyothi (@Jyothi_esl) June 23, 2026

From Dream to Reality: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Steps Up for India - A New Era Begins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Blue #TeamIndia #INDvENG #INDvIRE https://t.co/IvReIdWg9i

— Rayapudi Dinesh Babu (@DineshRayapudi) June 23, 2026

Unreal player. Unreal moment ⭐️

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 23, 2026

Im not a huge cricket fan, but I am watching cricket now because of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. What an absolute legend!

— Suraj Sahoo (@suraajsahoo) June 23, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to make his international debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, which begins on June 26. With millions of eyes on the batting prodigy, the cricketing fraternity waits with bated breath to see if the young sensation can translate his domestic and IPL exploits onto the international stage.

Having already played in overseas conditions in England, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe with the India U19 team, Vaibhav appears to be well-equipped with challenges of international cricket.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah's ODI Comeback: How Many Matches Has Pacer Missed Since 2023 World Cup Final?

‘Band Back Together’: Brendon McCullum Clears Air on Rift with Ben Stokes Amid Nightclub Brawl Row

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:58:27 +0530

England coach Brendon McCullum has denied his relationship with Ben Stokes was damaged by the nightclub controversy that forced the captain into exile for the second Test defeat against New Zealand.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped after breaking a midnight curfew in an incident at a London nightclub following England's first Test win at Lord's.

McCullum said he was concerned and worried about Stokes in the aftermath of the all-rounder's late-night antics, which sparked suggestions he might be stripped of the captaincy or retire from international duty.

The pair were largely cleared in two subsequent investigations, receiving only a written warning from the England and Wales Cricket Board for breaking "specific contractual obligations".

Two unprovoked attacks on Atkinson in the nightclub occurred when Stokes was elsewhere, while the Cricket Regulator ruled there was insufficient evidence against them to justify further punishment.

Also Read: Is England Star Jacob Bethell's Secretly Dating an Indian Mystery Girl? Rumours Erupt

McCullum Refused to Speak on Stokes' Nightclub Row

McCullum had declined the opportunity to publicly back Stokes while the probe took place, leading to renewed speculation over the pair's bond after a dismal Ashes defeat in Australia that was marred by drinking controversy surrounding England's players.

England slumped to a heavy second Test defeat in the absence of their skipper and one of their key fast bowlers.

But Stokes and Atkinson are back in the squad for the third Test, which starts in Nottingham on Thursday, and trained with their team-mates at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

No Rift Between Stokes and McCullum

And McCullum claimed he is still on good terms with Stokes after a lengthy chat prior to England's net session.

"I've had a good catch-up with him this morning, an hour and a bit talking, and he was outstanding," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"He looks ready to go, he's enthusiastic about the week and, obviously, from our point of view, it's nice to have the band back together."

McCullum Considers Stokes a ‘Good Friend’

Asked if recent events had made their relationship more tense, McCullum said: "Not at all. We talked about that this morning. I said 'do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?'

"He said 'no, I have no idea'. I said to him 'as far I'm concerned, I consider you a good friend'.

"Obviously we've been through a lot together as a working pair in leadership positions here in English cricket.

"In the end, we both want what's right and what is the best for English cricket and we're crystal clear on the direction we want this team to take."

Stokes and Atkinson return to England Squad for the Final Test

Stokes and Atkinson are back in the England line-up for the third Test as the selectors made four changes.

Jamie Smith is back following the birth of his second child and replaces James Rew at wicket-keeper.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir, who did not bowl a single over in his previous appearance at Lord's, is picked with extreme heat this week expected to favour slow bowlers.

Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer are the fast bowlers, leaving Ollie Robinson on the sidelines.

The 32-year-old took career-best figures of 7-77 on a bowler-friendly pitch at Lord's in his first Test in more than two years.

But he withdrew from the second Test due to a knee injury and has been unable to reclaim his place.

Also Read: England lose 12 WTC points, fined for slow over rate vs New Zealand

Hardik Pandya Trade: KKR Makes A Big Move, Offers Captaincy To Lure Him From Mumbai Indians!

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:48:10 +0530

Mumbai: It looks like another massive trade is on the cards in the IPL, even before the 2027 season. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have reportedly started a major push to get Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya on their side.

If Hardik agrees to the move, KKR has promised to make him the captain. News agency PTI reports that the Kolkata management has already had several rounds of talks with Mumbai Indians on this.

Last IPL season, Mumbai Indians finished ninth on the points table under Hardik Pandya's leadership. In the two seasons since he returned as captain, Mumbai only made it to the playoffs once in 2025, finishing third. After last season's poor show, Hardik's own social media posts had hinted that he might be looking to leave the Mumbai team.

KKR had contacted the Mumbai franchise last year itself

Last season, Kolkata had made Ajinkya Rahane a temporary captain, but he failed with both the bat and his leadership. KKR is grooming youngster Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for the future. However, the Kolkata management wants an experienced captain like Hardik right now to win the title.

Sources close to the IPL told PTI that KKR had approached Mumbai officials at the end of last season. But the talks didn't get much attention back then because of Reliance's Annual General Meeting. Now, Kolkata has started the discussions again with full force.

The ball is in Mumbai's court

Kolkata is keen on a direct cash deal to trade for Hardik. But it's not clear if Mumbai wants money or a player swap. Former England captain Michael Vaughan had earlier predicted a possible swap deal, suggesting Australian all-rounder Cameron Green could go to Mumbai in exchange for Hardik to KKR.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals had also approached Mumbai Indians for Hardik. Their plan was to trade their superstar Yashasvi Jaiswal to Mumbai to get Hardik.

But these talks fell apart right at the beginning. Besides, Rajasthan Royals has already picked Assam's Riyan Parag as their long-term captain. So, Hardik has very little chance of getting the captaincy there. For Hardik, who wants to be a captain, the Kolkata Knight Riders' offer is much more attractive than Rajasthan's.

According to IPL rules, players cannot negotiate trades directly with franchises. Once the teams agree on a deal, the trade can only be completed with the player's consent. If the player says no, he has to be released into the auction.

IND vs IRE: What To Expect From Team India in the T20I Series Against Ireland? Here are 5 Key Things

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:00:06 +0530

Team India, led by Shreyas Iyer, faces Ireland in a two-match T20I series with a young squad, marking the start of their 2028 T20 World Cup cycle. The series may see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut and test India’s new aggressive approach.

Team India will lock horns with Ireland in the two-match T20I series, with the opening game taking place at Civil Service Cricket Club Ground in Belfast on Friday, June 25. The Men in Blue will be led by Shreyas Iyer, who replaced the T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma will serve as a vice-captain.

The 16-member squad is relatively young and dynamic, featuring a perfect blend of explosive youth and seasoned international campaigners ready to stamp their authority on the global stage. With the inclusion of batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and rising fast bowling star Prince Yadav, the squad represents an exciting dawn of fearless, modern-day T20 cricket.

A special journey begins for #VaibhavSooryavanshi as he departs with #TeamIndia for their tour of Ireland & England! #IREvIND | #ENGvING starts WED, 1st JULY pic.twitter.com/l70j5kCpDG

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 23, 2026

The upcoming T20I series against Ireland is the beginning of India’s 2028 T20 World Cup and LA Olympics cycle, signalling a strategic shift towards building a young, fearless, and dynamic squad for the future.

On that note, let’s take a look at what to expect from the Men in Blue in the T20I series against Ireland.

India’s T20I side is set for a transition, as Shreyas Iyer took over the reins of the team as captain, with Tilak Varma as his deputy. This marks a new dawn of Indian T20I cricket, offering a fresh leadership perspective as the team builds towards the T20 World Cup 2028 and LA Olympics, which will take place in the same year.

After the era of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav, the selectors are placing their trust in a dynamic younger generation to carry the aggressive brand of cricket forward at the international level. Skipper Shreyas Iyer has been entrusted with the responsibility of instilling fearless intent while ensuring tactical flexibility on the field during this bilateral assignment.

Alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir, Iyer will look to experiment with batting combinations and utilize various bowling options in different phases of the innings.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut in T20I Series against Ireland?

The excitement around India’s upcoming T20I assignment against Ireland has been primarily centred around the potential international debut for the young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At the age of 15, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to be selected to the national squad, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 37-year-old record.

After his record-breaking IPL season, where he amassed 776 runs and became the youngest Orange Cap winner, and a rapid 29-ball 94 for India A in the ODI Tri-Nation Series against Sri Lanka A, Sooryavanshi is on the verge of receiving his maiden India cap, which would mark his exciting captain in his young career.

The excitement has already been generated in Belfast, as tickets are reportedly selling fast and extra seats are likely to be added to accommodate a large crowd at the Civil Service Cricket Club, which presently has a 7000-seater capacity, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for the highly anticipated series opener.

India’s fast bowling line-up has been stacked up with a blend of raw pace and seasoned campaigners, allowing the team management to manage the player workloads effectively across the short series.

Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are expected to play both matches of the T20I series, spearheading the attack with their ability to extract swing and generate disconcerting bounce in helpful Irish conditions. Prasidh Krishna and Prince Yadav will likely be rotated in the playing eleven to give them crucial game time and test the team's bench strength in overseas conditions.

With a five-match T20I series against England coming up after the Ireland tour, the team management will treat these matches as a vital testing ground to finalize their core pace attack for the upcoming high-profile tour.

India’s batting line-up is looking revamped with the inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, skipper Shreyas Iyer, and Suryansh Shedge, who was added as a replacement for an injured all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Alongside Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, the batting order boasts incredible depth, promising an explosive brand of cricket where the batters are given the freedom to attack from the very first ball. Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar provide incredible all-round stability in the middle order, giving the side the luxury of fearless hitting without compromising on batting depth.

Even if the top-order combination changes, with potential debutant Sooryavanshi opening alongside Abhishek, Samson moving to No. 3, and Ishan batting at No. 4, the batting line-up still retains enough firepower to dismantle any bowling attack.

Also Read: ‘Judge Him at 22’: Kapil Dev Gives Perspective on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Early Stardom

The Men in Blue will head into the T20I series with a heavily lopsided record against Ireland. India has won all 8 completed T20I encounters against the Irish side, maintaining a flawless 100% win record.

Ireland will begin a fresh cycle under new captain Lorcan Tucker, but they are missing the five frontline seam bowlers to injuries, including Joshua Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy, and Jordan Neill, leaving their bowling attack heavily depleted. This could give an edge to Team India, making the young and fearless squad overwhelming favourites to seal the series comfortably.

With India’s batting line-up and bowling attack looking balanced and raring to go, this series serves as the perfect launchpad for the next generation of cricketing superstars to stamp their authority on the international stage.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India Jersey No. 3: Heartwarming Reason Behind Teen Prodigy's Number REVEALED

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:44:33 +0530

The 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received Team India jersey number 3 ahead of the two-match series against Ireland, with the opening game taking place at Civil Service Security Club Ground in Belfast on Friday, June 26.

Sooryavanshi was picked in India squads for the T20I assignments against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games 2026, making him the youngest player to ever be selected to the national squad in international cricket, breaking a 37-year record previously associated with Sachin Tendulkar, marking a new milestone in Indian cricket.

Ahead of his potential India debut, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his first senior Men in Blue jersey, with his name on the back and jersey number 3, marking a special moment in his young career as he prepares to step onto the international stage for the first time.

Also Read: ‘Judge Him at 22’: Kapil Dev Gives Perspective on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Early Stardom

Why did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Choose Jersey No.3?

At Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wore jersey number 12 in IPL 2025 before switching to No.3 in IPL 2026, which has now become associated with his rise in domestic cricket. However, as he steps into the senior national team, he has been assigned jersey number 3.

Vaibhav’s choice to wear jersey number 3 for India came from a playful suggestion by his mother, Aarti. In an interview during the Rising Stars Asia Cup last year, the 15-year-old said she noticed that the digits of his previous number 12 (RR's jersey number in IPL 2026) add up to 3 (1+2=3), and therefore suggested he switch to the single-digit number as a lucky charm.

“My mother told me that since my previous jersey number was 12, and the digits 1 and 2 add up to 3 (1+2=3), I should use the single-digit 3 instead. She said it might be a lucky number for me,” Vaibhav said as quoted by NDTV Marathi.

Ladies & GentlemenThe moment the nation has been waiting for has arrived! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in #TeamIndia jersey. Witness this incredibly special moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sUUytFMPVw

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi donned the same jersey number during the Asia Cup Rising Stars last year and the recently concluded India A's ODI Tri-Nation Series. While playing for the India U19 team, Sooryavanshi wore jersey number 18, which is very synonymous with Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana, who are massive inspirations for young cricketers across the country.

Embracing the No. 3 jersey now, the teenage prodigy hopes it brings him the same good fortune and success as he begins his senior international career.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make His India Debut in First T20I vs Ireland?

As Team India is set to begin their 2028 T20 World Cup and LA Olympics cycle with a T20I series against Ireland, the spotlight will be on the young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has already taken the cricketing world by storm with his explosive batting and fearless strokeplay in IPL, youth, and domestic cricket.

According to reports, the 7,000-capacity Civil Service Cricket Club Ground is expected to see strong attendance, with additional interest from fans eager to witness the youngster’s potential international debut. Ticket demand has also reportedly surged following his inclusion in the squad.

Given the immense hype, the Team India management is expected to hand Sooryavanshi his maiden India cap ahead of the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast. Should he make his international debut, Sooryavanshi is likely to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are expected to bat at No.3 and 4, respectively.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s potential India debut marks a watershed moment for Indian cricket. If he takes the field on Friday, the prodigy will officially eclipse Sachin Tendulkar’s 37-year-old national record, becoming the youngest male cricketer to debut for India in international history.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut in T20I Series against Ireland?

Who is Abhishek Porel? DC Wicketkeeper Accused Of Sexual Assault and False Marriage Promise

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:52:36 +0530

The Bengal and Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has landed in big trouble after a woman accused him of sexual assault, physical assault, and criminal intimidation. Porel was part of the IPL 2026, where he featured in just four matches and scored 108 runs for the DC.

Porel also featured in the recently concluded Bengal T20 League 2026, where he played for Kolkata Royal Tigers and was the fourth-highest run-getter of the tournament, with 275 runs, including 3 fifties, at an average of 68.75 and a strike rate of 159.88 in six matches. KRT had a disappointing season, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just 1 win in six outings.

Abhishek Porel is currently in Bengaluru, where he is reportedly undergoing rehabilitation and recovery following a shoulder injury sustained during the recently concluded Bengal T20 League.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut in T20I Series against Ireland?

What is the Allegation against Abhishek Porel?

A victim, alongside her mother, lodged a complaint against Abhishek Porel at the Mogra Police Station in West Bengal’s Hooghly district.

As per the reports, the complainant and her mother accused the Bengal cricketer of physical assault, criminal intimidation, and sexual assault under the false pretext of marriage, claiming they were in a relationship for the past three years before he ‘distanced’ himself and refused to honour his commitment.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that Abhishek has engaged in sexual intercourse on the pretext of marriage, detailing accusations of physical intimacy over the last three years and later turning violent and abusive when she pressed him to keep his promise. The police stated that the complaint has been received and an inquiry has begun.

"We have received a complaint and started an investigation," a police official told PTI.

Cricketer Abishek Porel Accused of Cohabitation on Promise of Marriage, Complaint Filed; Player Denies AllegationsA complaint has been lodged against Indian Premier League (IPL) cricketer Abishek Porel at Magra Police Station in Hooghly district, alleging that he cohabited with…

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) June 23, 2026

Abhishek Porel became the latest to be accused of sexual assault and intimidation after RCB pacer Yash Dayal, who was also enmeshed in a controversy surrounding similar complaints last year.

The rising legal troubles for active cricketers have once again put the spotlight on player conduct off the field, given the serious allegations levelled by the complainant, which are currently undergoing formal police verification.

Abhishek Refuted Allegations

The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has denied the allegations by the woman, calling it ‘baseless’, adding that he will talk to the police and cooperate fully with the investigation to clear his name.

"I am playing well now, so various things are coming up," Porel was quoted as saying in the media.

“I will talk about this when the police investigate. I have not spoken to the police yet," he added.

Abhishek Porel’s denial of the allegations by the woman highlights the conflicting narratives between the complainant and the cricketer as the legal process begins. While the formal complaint has been initiated by the Mogra Police Station, the focus now shifts to how law enforcement handles the statements and evidence collected from both sides.

Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal to Rishabh Pant: 5 Stars Likely to Switch Teams via Trade Ahead of IPL 2027 Season

Who is Abhishek Porel?

Abhishek Porel is a well-known name in Indian domestic cricket and the IPL. Born in October, 2002, Porel represents Bengal in domestic cricket, featured in all three formats, including the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, and has established himself as a prominent wicketkeeper-batter in the domestic circuit.

Since making his domestic debut for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Baroda in February 2022, followed by his T20I and List A debuts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy matches against Odisha and Puducherry, respectively, that year, Abhishek has grown into a vital cog for both his state side.

Abhishek Porel shot to fame when he earned his first-ever IPL contract from Delhi Capitals, where he played as a middle-order batter and quickly evolved from an injury replacement for Rishabh Pant into a cornerstone of the franchise’s young wicketkeeping setup and emerging batting core.

In his IPL career, Abhishek has aggregated 769 runs, including 4 fifties, at an average of 25.63 and a strike rate of 145.36 in 35 matches. In domestic cricket, he has scored 1408 runs in first-class cricket, 833 runs in List A cricket, and 1590 runs in T20S. He has also travelled with the India A squad on tours of Australia and the United Kingdom.

IND vs IRE, 1st T20I: Ishan Kishan's Special Mentorship Chat with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:55:12 +0530

Under the supervision of coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, the 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had his first-ever practice session with the senior Team India team ahead of the first T20I of the two-match series against Ireland at Civil Service Cricket Club Ground in Belfast on Friday, June 26.

Following his record-breaking IPL season, where he scored 776 runs and became the youngest Orange Cap winner, Sooryavanshi was fast-tracked to the Indian senior squad by including him in the 15-member roster for the T20I assignments against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games 2026.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was recently part of India A’s ODI Tri-Nation series, where he played a blistering 29-ball 94 against Sri Lanka A in the final, bringing up the fastest half-century in List A cricket history off just 11 deliveries.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Who is Jai Moondra? Indian-Origin Set to Make Ireland Debut in T20Is against India

Ishan’s Mentorship Chat With Vaibhav Goes Viral

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the entire India squad had their first nets session under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the young batting sensation was spotted taking valuable advice from senior batter Ishan Kishan on the sidelines of the training session.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), Ishan Kishan was seen having an engaging conversation and sharing insights with Sooryavanshi, who patiently listened to a fellow southpaw on the practice ground, where the senior batter appeared to offer guidance on handling the pressures of international cricket.

Since Sooryavanshi had his first nets session with the senior team, a completely different environment from age-group and domestic cricket, Kishan's timely advice and comforting presence acted as a major confidence booster for the teenager.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with Ishan Kishan post Nets. #IREvsIND #VaibhavSooryavanshi pic.twitter.com/Bky8lZUvPu

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) June 25, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan are at two opposite ends of their cricketing journeys, one preparing for a potential international debut at just 15, and the other looking to re-establish himself as a regular in the Indian setup, especially in white-ball cricket.

Despite the difference in experience, the interaction reflected the strong camaraderie within the squad and the willingness of senior players to guide emerging talents.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make His International Debut?

The anticipation around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making his T20I debut in the two-match series against Ireland is growing with each passing day, as fans eagerly await the youngster’s first appearance in Indian colours. However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted the fairness when it comes to team selection.

Speaking to the reporters on the eve of 1st T20I vs Ireland in Belfast, Kotak stated that the captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir will take the final call on Sooryavanshi's debut, stressing that team selection must be based on merit and fairness to players already performing consistently.

“Today evening, the captain and head coach will decide about the team. And if he plays great, if he doesn't play also for me, that is great because he is part of the Indian team. And I am sure that he will get his dues and his opportunities,” Kotak said.

“So I don't think that just to give him an opportunity, we should drop someone who has already been scoring runs. That also won't be right. I think there is a very thin line between trying to give somebody an opportunity and you are being unfair to some other player," he added.

Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi "He will get his opportunity but I don't think just to give him opportunity we should drop someone who has been scoring runs that will be unfair to them" :- @im_sandipan youtube channel pic.twitter.com/Vxd1QbdkgK

— Sawai96 (@Aspirant_9457) June 25, 2026

If Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes his debut in the first T20I against Ireland, he will become the youngest player to ever represent Team India in international cricket, surpassing women's cricketer Shafali Varma’s record of 15 years and 239 days.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: India's T20I Series Against Ireland's Match Timing Rescheduled - Here's Why?

ENG vs NZ, 3rd Test: England Skipper Ben Stokes 'Apologises' to Team After Nightclub Incident

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:49:48 +0530

Returning captain Ben Stokes insisted he had been "man enough" to apologise to his England team-mates after missing the last Test for breaching a curfew.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped from the second Test against New Zealand after breaking a midnight curfew in an incident at a London nightclub celebrating England's first win in the series opener at Lord's.

In their absence, an England team led by stand-in captain Joe Root and showing five changes -- including three debutants -- suffered a 253-run thrashing at the Oval as New Zealand levelled the series at 1-1 heading into the Nottingham finale at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma conferred with Padma Shri; BCCI congratulates former captain

Stokes ‘Back Properly’ After Nightclub Row

The curfew breach came following the drinking controversies that marred England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

Both Stokes and Atkinson, issued with a written conduct warning while cleared of any wrongdoing in a physical altercation, have been restored to the England team for the series decider.

Stokes said he was "back properly" for the finale, but declined to say if he was back for good while speaking to reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday -- his first public comment on the incident since he was omitted from the second Test.

"I hope you (the media) respect in terms of this whole week, I'm (only) focusing on this week," he said.

"That's where my focus is at right now... I'm here as captain of this team and all I want to do is get the team focused on winning here," insisted Stokes, who made 95 for county side Durham last week.

"We are 1-1 in a three-match series and this week is massive for the team."

‘Take Responsibility’

Stokes, asked if he had apologised to the team when he spoke before training on Wednesday, said: "Of course. That was one of the first things I had to do as captain.

"It's all fine, everything being fine and dandy, when it's going well but you need to take responsibility for things as well.

"You need to be big enough and man enough to be able to take that upon your shoulders, look everyone in the eye who it's affected and apologise how you need to apologise. That's something I did."

In a subsequent interview with the BBC, Stokes said the incident had led him to consider if he could continue to represent England just as a member of the team after four years as captain.

"I'm 35 now and, even before this stuff all happened, I thought, 'Could I ever see myself playing for England and not being captain?'. It's a question I've never really been able to answer," he said.

"I love playing for England, I love being captain of this team and that's where I’m at with everything."

Also Read: ICC Test Rankings: Joe Root reclaims No.1 spot, Matt Henry joins Bumrah

Stokes Dismisses Rumours of Rift with McCullum

Stokes refused to be drawn on the vexed issue of whether players knew the curfew still applied the night after a match had finished, as well as during a game.

But he was more forthcoming about his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum, saying reports of a rift with the former New Zealand captain that first surfaced during the Ashes loss were wide of the mark.

"It's been a big misconception around me and Brendon," said Stokes. "We are genuinely very good mates.

"We certainly haven't drifted apart, as there's a bit of speculation about. Not agreeing on everything shouldn't be seen as a divide between me and Brendon."

Stokes is set to get an enthusiastic reception in Nottingham and he acknowledged the public backing he had received during his brief international exile.

"It's something I don't want overlooked, the love and support I felt with all the speculation," he said.

IND vs IRE: Why Shreyas Iyer’s Instagram Bio Shows ‘Second DOB: 25/12/2025’? Cryptic Date Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:38:03 +0530

Shreyas Iyer will officially take over Team India’s T20I leadership duties when the Men in Blue take on Ireland in the first of the two-match series at Civil Service Cricket Club Ground in Belfast on Friday, June 26.

Iyer succeeded Suryakumar Yadav, who led Team India to a successful T20 World Cup title defence in February this year. The 31-year-old returned to T20I after nearly three years, with his last appearance in December 2023 during the home bilateral series against Australia.

Iyer was appointed as captain following his impressive leadership prowess, which saw him guide Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph in 2024 and Punjab Kings to the final in 2025. Shreyas Iyer has also been in stellar form with the bat, making him an automatic choice for the leadership role across formats.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: India's T20I Series Against Ireland's Match Timing Rescheduled - Here's Why?

Shreyas Iyer Modifies his Instagram Bio Before India Captaincy Debut

As Shreyas Iyer is set to lead Team India for the first time in international cricket when he takes the field in the T20I series opener against Ireland in Belfast, the middle-order caught the attention of his fans, cricket enthusiasts, and netizens by changing his bio on his official Instagram handle.

On his Instagram account, which has over 16 million followers, the 31-year-old cryptically updated his bio to display ‘Second DOB: 25/12/2025’, sparking widespread curiosity among his fanbase regarding the significance of the date.

Shreyas Iyer was born on 6th December 1994, and the birth date on his bio does not refer to his real date of birth. India's middle-order batter did not officially explain the meaning behind the update, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts scrambling to decode the mystery behind the cryptic ‘Second DOB: 25/12/2025.’

Shreyas Iyer is known for his quiet and reserved demeanour off the field, but this unexpected social media activity has certainly set tongues wagging ahead of his captaincy debut in the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast.

Iyer’s social media presence, especially on Instagram, largely serves as a platform for sharing glimpses of his rigorous training routines, stylish off-field fashion, and commercial endorsements, making this sudden personal addition all the more unusual and intriguing to his followers.

A Cryptic ‘Second Birth’ by Shreyas Iyer Decoded

Shreyas Iyer’s second birth date, listed as ‘25/12/2025’, has sparked widespread discussions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter). However, one user tried to decode the mysterious date on his Instagram bio.

Taking to their X handle, user ‘Shreyasian96’ suggested that the date marks Shreyas Iyer’s comeback after his spleen injury, which he sustained during the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October last year, and symbolises a “second birth” in his cricketing journey.

Shreyas suffered a life-threatening spleen injury, which required an operation and sidelined him from the cricketing action for three months before returning to action for the home ODI series against New Zealand in January. Iyer’s injury almost put his career in jeopardy before the intervention of expert medical care allowed him to make a steady and inspiring recovery.

25.12.2025 was the day Shreyas Iyer picked up the bat again after recovering from a life-threatening injury. It wasn't just a return to cricket, it was the start of a new chapter for him. Maybe that's why the 25th holds a special place in his heart and he put that date on his… https://t.co/cfrH794Mm1 pic.twitter.com/AwFB5cl8KV

— Soman. (@Shreyasian96) June 25, 2026

It is believed that ‘25/12/2025’ was when Shreyas Iyer officially reported at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to officially begin his final phase of rehabilitation and recovery as part of his journey back to full competitive fitness.

This milestone marked the exact day he was finally able to pick up a cricket bat again after recovering from a life-threatening spleen injury sustained in October 2025. Now, Shreyas Iyer’s international career has taken a step ahead after being selected to lead the national side in the shortest format of the game.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Who is Jai Moondra? Indian-Origin Set to Make Ireland Debut in T20Is against India

IND vs BAN, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: India’s Catching Woes Hand Bangladesh Early Reprieves

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:28:21 +0530

Team India’s fielding woes have come under scrutiny after dropping multiple catches during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Bangladesh at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on Thursday, June 25.

After being put to bowl first by Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana, the Women in Blue restricted the opposition to 136/8 in 20 overs. Opener Juairiya Ferdous (33), Nigar (32), and Sobhana Mostary (22) managed to score 20 or more runs, while the rest of Bangladesh’s batting line-up failed to deliver.

For India, Radha Yadav led the bowling attack with figures of 3/28 at an economy rate of 7.00 in her spell of four overs. Shree Charani picked up two wickets while conceding 21 runs at an economy rate of 5.20 in four overs. Apart from Radha and Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur (1/21) and Nandni Sharma (1/32) chipped in with crucial wickets.

Also Read: Shree Charani breaks Poonam Yadav's T20 WC record for most wickets

India’s Catching Woes In Spotlight

As India managed to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 136/8, the innings break was heavily dominated by discussions surrounding the sloppy fielding display inside the circle. The powerplay witnessed a forgettable fielding performance as the Women in Blue shelled, shelled straightforward chances, letting Bangladesh off the hook early in their innings.

In the first five overs of Bangladesh’s innings, the Women in Blue dropped a total of four catches, including two by Nandni Sharma and one each by Radha Yadav and Yashtika Bhatia, allowing the opposition batters to settle in and build crucial early momentum.

Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was given not one but three lifelines, while Shobana Mostary was also dropped as the Bangladeshi batters made the most of the sloppy fielding to forge a vital partnership. The dropped catches by Team India let Bangladesh off the hook and prevented them from being bowled out for a much lower total.

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In the previous match against South Africa, Radha Yadav dropped two crucial catches of Marizanne Kapp, who went on to play an unbeaten match-winning knock of 81 off 45 balls, proving that fielding lapses are turning into a persistent and worrying trend for the team in this mega event.

Though India managed to restrict Bangladesh to 136/8, the sloppy fielding display has once again put the team's overall fitness and preparation under the scanner during this marquee event.

Frustrated Fans React to Nightmare Start with the Ball

India’s fielding lapses, especially dropped catches, have sparked debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where fans and cricket enthusiasts vent their frustration over the sloppy fielding and repetitive errors.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts expressed frustration over India’s sloppy fielding, calling it ‘very bad’ and ‘frustrating to watch,’ while highlighting repeated dropped catches in recent matches. Many pointed out that dropped catches against South Africa had already proved costly, warning that poor fielding could hurt India’s chances in the tournament

Many also stressed that ‘catches win matches,’ urging the team to improve their fielding standards, while warning that repeated lapses could prove costly in crucial knockout games of the tournament.

Very bad .. quite frustrating to watch

— vinay gunavante (@VGunavante72286) June 25, 2026

Last match Marizanne Kapp dropped twice.

— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) June 25, 2026

Very common in women's cricket. Per match drop rate is about 6 catches this world cup.

— QI CRICKET (@QICricket) June 25, 2026

Radha Yadav dropped 3 catches in the last 2 matches, and India have already dropped 4 catches in this match, including one by Yastika and 2 by Nandini.We lost the last match largely because of Radha Yadav's 2 dropped catches, and now she has dropped another one today.What… pic.twitter.com/PJMFrSyNub

— TEJASH (@LoyleRohitFan) June 25, 2026

Catches win matches! Three chances missed by India today.These errors can cost dearly in ICC tournaments. pic.twitter.com/Sktc8h477C

— Pratika's Poetry (@RRoyal_Reaper) June 25, 2026

FOUR CATCHES DROPPED IN LESS THAN FIVE OVERS!India's fielding has been unusually sloppy, with four chances put down inside the opening five overs of the innings. Remarkably, this is the second time in the tournament that more than three catches have been dropped in… pic.twitter.com/78MHjHfhjT

— Harshit Vats (@Class9Scholar) June 25, 2026

India dropping catches like they’re trying to keep Bangladesh in the game. This over has been an absolute nightmare in the field. #INDvBAN #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Si8pVxCkBH

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 25, 2026

SHOCKING FIELDING FROM INDIA! The Indian women’s team dropped FOUR catches in the first five overs against Bangladesh. Chance 1 – Dropped Chance 2 – Dropped Chance 3 – Dropped Chance 4 – misjudgedAt the highest level, you simply can’t afford to give… pic.twitter.com/AtrEdrfHy0

— Haseeb’s Talks (@jabhaikamkar) June 25, 2026

What a pathetic display by team india . 4 dropped catches , easy miss fields . No balls By doing this they lost against SA and almost got themselves knocked out of this WC . Radha yadav best fielder has dropped last match and two more catches in this one . https://t.co/4wCgqmtvJg

— Kishore Lodha (@kishorelodha) June 25, 2026

No genuine Indian fan wants India to lose. But four dropped catches against Bangladesh is a serious concern. Even if India win, what positive did we get? Catches don’t just win matches, they win tournaments. Fielding must improve. pic.twitter.com/X85iu1zAnD

— vaibhav singh (@Cricsinvaibhav) June 25, 2026

Poor bowling and fielding by team India. Only way to semi is win against Australia which isn't very easy for this team.#INDWvsSAW

— Anbu Sampath (@anbusampath) June 21, 2026

"If" India eliminates from this Women's T20 World Cup, one of the main reasons of it will be there ground fielding & dropped catches. Bitter but a fact.#TeamIndia#WomenInBlue#T20WorldCup_2026

— Prakhar Pandya (@PrakharPandya4) June 25, 2026

India Women have dropped 4 catches in 5 overs and paying the price

— bhatnaturally  (@bhatnaturally) June 25, 2026

Meanwhile, Team India is aiming for a spot in the semifinal race, knowing that a comprehensive victory is essential to boost their Net Run Rate (NRR) and keep their semifinal destiny in their own hands.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: India's T20I Series Against Ireland's Match Timing Rescheduled - Here's Why?

‘Judge Him at 22’: Kapil Dev Gives Perspective on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Early Stardom

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:18:25 +0530

Former India captain and legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, shared his thoughts on the early stardom of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At the age of 15, Sooryavanshi’s career has witnessed a rapid rise, drawing inevitable comparisons to legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar.

Following his record-breaking IPL season, where he amassed 776 runs and became the youngest Orange Cap winner, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20I assignments against Ireland and England, as well as the 2026 Asian Games. He became the youngest player to be picked in a national squad, surpassing Tendulkar’s 37-year-old record.

The 15-year-old was recently part of India A’s tri-nation ODI series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, wherein he played a blistering knock of 94 off 29 balls against Sri Lanka A in the tri-series final, firmly proving his mettle ahead of the international season.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: Will Suryansh Shedge Make His Team India Debut in T20I Series against Ireland?

‘He Is Just a Kid Enjoying his Cricket’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise and his inclusion in the India senior squad for the upcoming T20I assignments have taken the cricketing fraternity by storm, prompting veterans to urge caution regarding the enormous weight of expectations.

The 1983 World Cup-winning Kapil Dev gives his perspective on Sooryavanshi’s early stardom, stating that it is unfair to burden the teenager with heavy expectations at such a tender age. He added that a batting prodigy’s true greatness can be only evaluated once he has spent years facing the rigours of top-flight cricket.

“Vaibhav is too young. But yes, he is a special talent and full stop. He is a 16-year-old kid, and everything he has is only cricket. Right now, he is just a kid enjoying his cricket,” Kapil Dev told the Indian Express.

“Once he reaches 20-22, then we will judge him. But no doubt his talent is extraordinary. He is like Sachin at the age of 16, but can he play that long? He has to go a long way." he added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson reached for Ireland T20i Series Remaining players are still in India pic.twitter.com/HbeEbD10I8

— Raja (@_raja_kumar) June 24, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s exceptional talent has been on full display during the IPL, U19 World Cup, as well as the recently concluded A ODI Tri-Nation series, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting young prospects in world cricket today.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make His India Debut in Series vs Ireland?

The upcoming T20I series against Ireland is India’s first assignment as part of the T20 World Cup 2028 and LA Olympics Games cycle, signalling a strategic youth overhaul by the selection committee. The 15-year-old travelled with the India squad to Belfast, where they will play the two-match series against Ireland.

The BCCI selection committee’s decision to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India’s senior squad appeared to stem from his fearless approach, exceptional consistency in IPL and U19 World Cup, and the need to groom a dynamic core for the upcoming multi-nation marquee event.

After his blistering performance in the ODI Tri-Nation series final against Sri Lanka, Sooryavanshi strengthened his case for his inclusion in the playing XI for the two-match series against Ireland. Having played with the U19 team in overseas conditions in England, Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and now Sri Lanka, the teenager possesses a level of overseas exposure that makes him well-equipped to handle the lively pitches and swinging conditions in Belfast.

However, with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan also vying for the top-order slots, the team management faces a delightful yet tricky selection headache regarding whether to hand the youngster a debut cap immediately or ease him into the setup.

It remains to be seen how the Team India management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, balances the desire to groom the precocious teenager with the need to field a competitive side in the opening fixture.

Also Read: IPL Trade: LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka’s ‘12-15 Years’ Vision on Rishabh Pant Ends in Collapse (WATCH)

Richest Cricketers: From Sachin to Dhoni - Who Holds The Crown in Ultimate Wealth League?

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:37:11 +0530

Cricketers today earn huge wealth not just from matches but also from brand deals, endorsements, and businesses. As per 2026 estimates, several stars have built massive fortunes off the field. Here are the top five richest cricketers worldwide.

Cricket is no longer just a sport; it's a multi-crore business. Players earn big bucks from brand endorsements and their own ventures. As per 2026 data, Indian cricketers are ruling the rich list. Let's find out who these wealthy players are and what their net worth is.Sachin Tendulkar, the 'God of Cricket', retired over a decade ago but still tops the list of richest cricketers. His total net worth is around ₹1,400 crore ($170 million). Big brand deals with BMW, Jio, and Pepsi, plus smart investments in sports franchises, keep him firmly at number one.

Among currently playing cricketers, Virat Kohli is the wealthiest in the world. He has a net worth of about ₹1,050 crore ($125 - 127 million). Kohli earns crores from his BCCI A+ contract, his IPL salary with RCB, and as a global brand ambassador. His massive social media following also boosts his brand value.

Also Read: Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma: Top 5 Indian Cricketers Who Earn the Most on Instagram

'Captain Cool' MS Dhoni's brand value hasn't dipped even after retirement. With a net worth of around ₹1,050 crore ($111 - 127 million), Dhoni earns from his IPL salary with Chennai Super Kings and has invested in several startups. He also makes money from his ventures in agriculture, gyms, and real estate.South Africa's Jacques Kallis, one of the world's greatest all-rounders, is fourth on this list. He has built a fortune of about ₹580 crore ($70 million) from his international career, T20 league fees, and post-retirement roles as a coach and brand ambassador for various teams.

Australia's most successful captain, Ricky Ponting, has a net worth of about ₹580 crore ($65 - 70 million). Besides his earnings from international cricket, he works as a high-paid coach in global leagues like the IPL and as an expert analyst for major sports channels.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli to MS Dhoni: 10 richest cricketers in India

Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Can New Zealand Qualify for Semifinal After Win over Scotland?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:00 +0530

New Zealand keeps its hopes of defending the Women’s T20 World Cup alive with a victory over Scotland in Group B at the County Cricket Ground in Bristol on Tuesday, June 23. The White Ferns defeated the Scottish side by six wickets to register their second consecutive win of the tournament.

With a 132-run target, New Zealand chased it down with 10 balls to spare or 18.2 overs. Izzy Sharp led the run chase with a knock of 62 off 43 balls, including 8 fours and a six, at a strike rate of 144.19. Her 101-run partnership with Brooke Halliday, who was unbeaten on 41 off 38 balls, steered the White Ferns to a comfortable victory.

Earlier, skipper Ameila Kerr led the bowling attack, registering figures of 3/17 at an economy rate of 4.20, to restrict Scotland to 131/7 in 20 overs. Lea Tahuhu (1/19) and Nensi Patel (1/25) also chipped in with disciplined spells to keep the Scottish batting lineup under tight control.

Also Read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s Pre-Tournament Celebration Shoot Goes Viral After Early Exit (WATCH)

New Zealand’s Title Defence is Still Alive

New Zealand, led by Amelia Kerr, carried the pressure and expectations of being the defending champions, having won their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, defeating South Africa in the final. The White Ferns didn’t have an ideal start to their title defence, as they lost two back-to-back matches against West Indies and Sri Lanka.

The Kerr-led side’s defeat to Sri Lanka came as a shock for the cricket fraternity, as it severely dented their early tournament momentum and put their qualification hopes in immediate jeopardy. However, New Zealand made a comeback with a narrow four-run victory over Ireland, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.

Now, the win over Scotland has further brightened their campaign, keeping them in contention for a spot in the semifinal. From two losses on the trot to back-to-back victories, the White Ferns have orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to stay firmly in the hunt for the knockout stages.

New Zealand weather the early storm against Scotland and keep their #T20WorldCup campaign alive : https://t.co/k75GZNjwiU pic.twitter.com/QvYlSdxxFW

— ICC (@ICC) June 23, 2026

With two wins and as many losses, New Zealand are currently at the third place in Group B with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.122, keeping their semi-final destiny tantalisingly close yet dependent on other results.

Behind them are England and the West Indies, who are still unbeaten in the tournament so far, and occupy the top two spots in the Group B table, leaving New Zealand with a steep hill to climb.

How Can New Zealand Qualify For The Semifinal?

After a crucial victory over Scotland, who have been knocked out of the tournament, New Zealand stays mathematically alive in the race to the semifinals. The White Ferns will have to win their final group fixture against England in order to have realistic chances of qualifying for a spot in the semi-finals.

However, the victory against England wouldn’t be enough for New Zealand to book their spot in the semifinals. The defending champions will need England and Ireland to defeat the West Indies in their respective matches to keep the Caribbean side from pulling out of reach. If the West Indies win either of the two matches and New Zealand defeat England, White Ferns’ semifinal qualification will boil down to NRR.

In case England lost both the final group stage matches against West Indies and New Zealand, it could trigger a complex multi-team logjam on 6 points, bringing Net Run Rate (NRR) into play to decide the semifinalists.

Though New Zealand are mathematically alive in the semifinal race, their fate is ultimately out of their hands and depends heavily on heavy margins of victory in remaining fixtures to boost their Net Run Rate.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Chamari Athapaththu Admits Captaincy Failure as Sri Lanka Stare at Exit

‘Confirm Ho Gaya Bhai’: Axar Patel Reveals Hilarious Call behind Rishabh Pant’s DC return (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:28:17 +0530

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel revealed a hilarious conversation with Rishabh Pant following his return to his home franchise through a trade deal involving Kuldeep Yadav on Tuesday, June 24.

After two tumultuous IPL seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, Pant returned to the DC, where he spent the first nine seasons of his IPL career, for INR 15 crore, taking a paycut of 44% from his previous hefty price tag of INR 27 crore at LSG. As part of the swap deal, Kuldeep headed to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on his existing contract worth INR 13.5 crore.

The blockbuster trade deal between DC and LSG marks a massive reshuffle ahead of the upcoming IPL season, bringing an end to Pant’s tumultuous stint with the Super Giants. Pant’s exit from the LSG was already on the cards after the management hinted at a change in leadership before his resignation as a captain.

Also Read: Mega IPL Trade: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav's DC-LSG Swap Deal Sparks Social Media Buzz

Axar Reveals Call Behind Pant’s DC Return

As Rishabh Pant was confirmed to make his Delhi Capitals return before the official announcement was made by the franchise, he made sure to break the exciting news to his close friend and captain first.

In a video posted by the DC on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Axar opened up about the hilarious late-night phone call he received from the explosive wicketkeeper-batter. The spin-bowling all-rounder admitted that he missed a few calls as he was busy with his child, but once he returned the call, an ecstatic Pant couldn't contain his joy.

“He called me late at night and said, 'Confirm ho gaya bhai, main wapas aa raha hoon' (It's confirmed, brother, I'm coming back)," the DC skipper recounted the call.

Furthermore, Axar used a famous Hindi proverb to describe Pant’s homecoming.

“Subah ka bhula agar shaam ko ghar wapas aa jaye toh use bhula nahi kehte,” the DC skipper said. (If someone who loses their way in the morning returns home by evening, they are not considered lost)

"Bhai, main wapas aa raha hun." Bapu & the whole of Dilli waited to hear just that ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5k1nDtNUTM

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 23, 2026

After Rishabh Pant left the Delhi Capitals and was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants, Axar Patel was appointed as the captain, a role he embraced with determination, but the dynamic of the team is now set for a major shift with the explosive wicketkeeper-batter back in the ranks.

Axar Patel Backs Rishabh Pant With Full Freedom at DC

Further speaking on Rishabh Pant’s return to the Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel assured the wicketkeeper-batter that he will step into a completely stress-free environment and enjoy absolute autonomy on the field.

“We had a mutual understanding of what he can do in this situation and what he can’t. As a friend and as a captain, I told him he has no extra pressure from me or the franchise. It is his home, Delhi is his team, and I don’t have to say much,” Axar said.

“He will get full freedom as captain from my side. Just enjoy yourself, enjoy your role. Form is temporary, class is permanent. You are a player of that category, and you have full freedom from our side,” he added.

.@RishabhPant17, Bapu has a message for you pic.twitter.com/hHJ5DpFnIz

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 24, 2026

Rishabh Pant was the backbone of Delhi Capitals’ batting line-up, amassing 3284 runs, including a century and 18 fifties, at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93 in 111 matches.

Now, Pant’s return to the DC after enduring two tough seasons at the Lucknow Super Giants, where he led the side to just 10 wins in 28 outings and aggregated 581 runs, marks a highly anticipated fresh start for both the player and the franchise.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant’s DC Return: Reason Behind Ex-LSG Skipper’s Massive 12 Crore Paycut Explained

IND vs IRE: Who is Jai Moondra? Indian-Origin Set to Make Ireland Debut in T20Is against India

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:01:07 +0530

Team India and Ireland will lock horns in the upcoming two-match T20I series, with the opening game taking place at the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Belfast on Friday. India and Ireland are facing off for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the Men in Blue defeated the Irish side by 8 wickets.

The two sides will meet for the ninth time in T20Is when India and Ireland take the field in the series opener in Belfast. In their previous eight encounters in the shortest format, the Men in Blue have emerged victorious on every occasion, highlighting the one-sided nature of the rivalry.

India will be led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, who succeeded T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav, while Ireland will be captained by Lorcan Tucker after Paul Stirling stepped down following the team's group-stage exit at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Also Read: IND vs IRE: India's T20I Series Against Ireland's Match Timing Rescheduled - Here's Why?

Indian-Origin in Ireland Squad

As the spotlight is on the young Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is potentially set to make his international debut in the T20I series against Ireland, there is another fascinating subcontinental connection making headlines.

The Irish squad features Indian-origin left-arm pacer Jai Moondra, who is set to make his international debut for Ireland against the county of his birth. With five frontline bowlers, including Joshua Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy, and Jordan Neil, who were unavailable due to respective injuries, the selection committee was forced to look at domestic depth.

Jai Moondra’s consistent performance in domestic cricket, where he plays for Leinster Cricket Club and Leinster Lightning, earned him a spot in the 15-member Ireland squad for the two-match T20I series against Team India.

A Tale of Two Potential Debuts in Belfast! vs As India tours Ireland for T20Is, all eyes are on two young talents with Indian roots on opposite sides of the field. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (15) on the brink of India debut & Jai Moondra (29) eyeing his first cap for Ireland.… pic.twitter.com/4BnzuzOK43

— The Third Umpire (@crickeverse) June 24, 2026

With an inclusion in the Ireland squad for the bilateral series at the international level, Jai Moondra became the fifth Indian-origin player after Simi Singh, Raman Lamba, MV Narasimha Rao, and Robin Waters to represent the Irish side, bringing a unique cross-border flair to the historic bilateral contest at Stormont.

Who Is Jai Moondra?

Jai Moondra was born on January 10, 1997. Moondra hails from the Tonk district of Rajasthan, where his late father, Giriraj Moondra, was a businessman who ran an ancestral engine parts shop. Moondra’s father played a pivotal role in pushing him to passion for the sport despite the lack of formal cricket academies in the area.

After completing his graduation in 2019, Moondra moved to Ireland on a student visa in 2021 to pursue M.Tech in Electronics and Communication at Technological University Dublin. While pursuing postgraduate studies, the 29-year-old pacer continued chasing his passion for leather-ball cricket, playing for the local club side Leinster Lightning.

A bowler born in Tonk — a smalltown near Jaipur in Rajasthan.Now selected to bowl against Indiafor Ireland in a T20I series.This is Jai Moondra.And this story is pure cricket. #JaiMoondra #IREvsIND #BeyondTheBoundary pic.twitter.com/Lu6e0HnBkT

— Beyond The Boundary ‼️ (@NamanShah2607) June 25, 2026

Following his completion of M.Tech, Moondra was working as a Product Development Engineer at Intel Corporation's Leixlip facility in Ireland, before leaving his corporate career to pursue cricket professionally. In 2025, Jai Moondra gave up his Indian citizenship and obtained an Irish passport, officially paving the way for him to transition from a corporate professional to a full-time international cricketer.

Moondra’s performance on the Irish domestic circuit, where he caught the eye of national selectors, leading to a surprise call-up to the national squad for the series against the world champions. Now, he is on the verge of making his international debut against the country of his birth, completing a remarkable journey from the dusty grounds of Tonk to the international stage at Stormont.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have Separate Changing Room on the England Tour? Explained