Finally, Cricket's one of the biggest festivals is here. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will kickstart with the match between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and runner ups Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match is scheduled for 26th March 2022 from 7:30 PM onwards.
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Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Match 1 Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Date & Time: 26th March 2022 at 7:30 pm (IST) Where to Watch Live: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar, and JIO TV.
Pitch Report: CSK vs KKR : Match 1
Pitch Report: The pitch at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai is a balanced pitch. The pacers have earned 67% of the total bowling fantasy points at this venue.
Head to Head Stats:
Matches Played: 25 Won by CSK: 16 Won by KKR: 08 No Result: 01
The defending champions are starting a new season against their last year's finalists Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has handed over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja just one day before the start of the big tournament. Jaddu will lead the side while MSD will play as a keeper-batsman. Moeen Ali has joined the team yesterday but he will be in quarantine during the first game and will join the team after the first game.
Ruturaj will be one of the crucial members of the side while his eye will be on T20 World Cup selection later this year. Csk's squad is looking good again as it fills up all the criteria including some young gun in the team
The Kolkata Knight Riders have got their new skipper in the form of Shreyas Iyer, who has already led Delhi Capitals to the finals of IPL. The squad is looking equally strong to challenge the yellow army. Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch will miss the first 3-4 matches as they are on national duty. It means that both Narine and Russell will play while Sam Billings might get some matches as keeper-batsman. KKR might go with three overseas options as the main overseas players are not in the team.
CSK vs KKR: Match 1: Possible Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings :
Ruturaj Gaikwad Devon Conway Robin Uthappa Ambati Rayudu Ravindra Jadeja (C) MS Dhoni (wk) Shivam Dube Dwayne Bravo Tushar Deshpande Chris Jordan Adam Milne
Kolkata Knight Riders :
Venkatesh Iyer Ajinkya Rahane Nitish Rana Shreyas Iyer (C) Sam Billings (wk) Andre Russell Sunil Narine Tim Southee Shivam Mavi Umesh Yadav Varun Chakravarthy
Shreyas Iyer is on the verge of a comeback to India’s Test and T20I squads after dominating in ODIs and IPL 2025. Let's have a look at Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests.
Shreyas Iyer is on the verge of a comeback to India’s Test and T20I squads after dominating in ODIs and IPL 2025. Selectors now see Iyer as an all-format solution for India’s middle order, especially ahead of the Asia Cup and West Indies Test series. His comeback is expected to bring stability and experience, especially on spin-friendly tracks where India has struggled lately.
Iyer has been out of favour in Tests since a back issue and poor form saw him lose his berth during the home series against England last year. The decision-makers, however, feel Iyer has done all the right things since losing his contract after expressing a reluctance to play domestic cricket.
Let's have a look at Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests.
Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests
105 vs New Zealand (2021)
It was one of Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests against New Zealand in the first test match in Kanpur. Iyer played a phenomenal knock of 105 runs off 171 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. This knock was memorable for Iyer as it was his debut hundred in the test match against New Zealand.
92 vs Sri Lanka (2022)
Iyer played a gem of a knock in the pink-ball Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sri Lanka in 2022. India were 86/4 after electing to bat. Iyer shone with a blistering 92 off 98 deliveries, whipping 10 fours and four maximums.
He played with the tail-enders and was the last man to be dismissed (252/10). India eventually won by 238 runs.
87 vs Bangladesh (2022)
Bowling first, India folded Bangladesh on 227. India, however, had a shaky start and were down to 94/4. Iyer then joined hands with a ferocious-looking Rishabh Pant and the duo plundered 159 runs for the fifth wicket. The pair played a part as India snatched an 87-run lead (314/10).
Iyer smacked 87 off 105 deliveries (4s: 10, 6s: 2), lifting India from the trenches.
86 vs Bangladesh (2022)
India stumbled in the first Test too (112/4 in 31.4 overs). They needed to keep the Tigers at bay. Iyer and Cheteshwar Pujara delivered the needful, stitching a 149-run partnership before the latter departed (261/5).
Iyer got out the next day after a well-struck 86 off 192 deliveries. India ended up scoring 404 in the first innings and eventually won by 188 runs.
67 vs Sri Lanka (2022)
Rishabh Pant put the Sri Lankan attack to the sword with a record-breaking half-century while Shreyas Iyer yet again conjured up a measured fifty to let India grab complete control of the second Test over Sri Lanka.
Pant’s 31-ball 50 and Iyer’s 67 after useful contributions from top-order batters meant that India set Sri Lanka a mammoth 447-run target after declaring their second innings at 303 for nine.
It was another mature knock from Iyer while playing only his second innings in the purest format. India (41/3) were in a spot of bother when the debutant arrived. Despite running out of partners, Iyer managed to carve a 125-ball 65. He ended up top-scoring for the hosts.
He was noted for fetching pivotal stands with Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha, helping India reach 167/7.
BCCI has announced the schedule for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 which begins on August 28 in Bengaluru. After this, the announcement of the names of team captains has also started. This time also, like the old format, teams from four zones will participate in it. Now, as per the latest developments, the squad of West Zone has been announced.
While Shardul Thakur has been made the new captain of the team, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have not found a place in the team.
Shreyas and Jaiswal will play under Shardul's captaincy
The West Zone team has been announced for the Duleep Trophy. This time the captaincy has been handed over to Shardul Thakur. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen playing under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur. Apart from this, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tushar Deshpande have also been included in the team.
However, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have been playing continuously for this team, are not seen in the squad this time.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane last played a Test match for India in 2023. Pujara played a crucial role in India’s Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Notably, Rahane captained Team India to a memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2020-21 despite several key players being unavailable.
Shreyas Iyer set to available for West Zone
Shreyas Iyer had made himself available for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The middle-order batter has played 14 Test matches for India. However, he has not been part of the Test setup since February 2024, when he last featured against England.
Iyer was a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in Dubai earlier this year. He also scored 480 runs in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at an average of 68.57, including two centuries. He continued his form into the IPL, where he led Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade.
According to Cricbuzz, South Zone and West Zone have been handed direct qualification into the Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinals. And the two quarterfinals are already set.
ICC Rankings: Abhishek Sharma becomes No.1 T20I batter, Gill and Hardik at top in ODI, Bumrah in tests
As per the latest ICC rankings, India's Abhishek Sharma clinched the No.1 ranking in the T20I batting ladder. Meantime, Shubman Gill continued to be ICC No. 1-ranked ODI batter. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah strengthened his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Bowling rankings.
As per the latest ICC rankings, India's Abhishek Sharma clinched the No.1 ranking in the T20I batting ladder. Meantime, Shubman Gill continued to be ICC No. 1-ranked ODI batter. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah strengthened his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Bowling rankings.
Hardik Pandya continued to be No.1 all-rounder in T20Is while Ravindra Jadeja achieved his career-best 29th ranking in ICC Test Batting ladderboard. With his 150 in Manchester, Joe Root stabilised his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Batting rankings.
Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests | Bumrah leads the list
Jasprit Bumrah has taken the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. Ishant Sharma, and Kapil Dev and a few other Indian legends follow him on the list.
Indian bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England.
In this article, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Jasprit Bumrah | 51 Wickets
One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 51 wickets in just 11 matches (20 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.
Bumrah achieved his 51st Test wicket during the second innings of the fourth Test match against England in Manchester. With this, he achieved a milestone of 50 Test wickets in England. He joins Wasim Akram (53) and Ishant Sharma (51) as the only Asian bowlers to reach this mark. He now has 51 wickets, averaging 26.38 and an economy rate of just 2.79. He also has 4 five-wicket hauls to under his name.
Bumrah's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2018-2025
11
20
51
96
440.0
2.82
24.39
5/64
9/110
2. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets
Ishant Sharma during his 5-wicket haul against England in 2018. Image | Cricshots
Ishant Sharma is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.
Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.
Kapil Dev in action against England in a test match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the third-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.
Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.
Dev stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1979-1990
13
22
43
129
563.1
2.99
39.18
5/125
8/168
4. Anil Kumble | 36 Wickets
Anil Kumble celebrating a successful dismissal during his test career for India. Image | YouTube
Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.
Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."
Kumble's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1990-2007
10
19
36
113
524.5
2.84
41.41
4/66
7/159
5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi in action for India during his test career. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.
He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.
Singh Bedi stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1967-1979
12
18
35
133
524.5
2.54
38.08
6/226
6/111
6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets
Mohammed Shami playing against England in a test match in 2022. Image | Instagram
Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.
Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.
Shami's status vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2014-2022
12
21
34
65
402.3
3.56
42.14
4/57
6/108
7. Mohammed Siraj | 32 Wickets
Mohammed Siraj, who made his debut in the Boxing Day Test of 2020, holds the seventh position with 32 wickets in just 9 matches at an average of 35.93 and an economy rate of 3.93.
Siraj also recorded the second-best bowling performance by an Indian at Edgbaston in Test cricket since Chetan Sharma’s 6/58 in 1986. The Hyderabad-born cricketer also became the first visiting pacer to bag a six-wicket haul at Edgbaston since 1993.
Siraj's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2021-2025
9
16
32
43
292.2
3.93
35.93
6/70
8/126
8. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets
B.S. Chandrashekhar in action for India during his test career. Image | Heritage Times
The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).
His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.
Zaheer Khan celebrating a successful dismissal in a match against England in 2011. Image | Firstpost
One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the ninth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era.
Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.
Khan's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2002-2011
8
14
31
81
296.5
2.92
27.96
5/75
9/134
10. Ravindra Jadeja | 29 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the tenth position with 29 wickets in 14 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.
Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.
Vinoo Mankad in action for India during his test career. Image | Cricket Times
Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches.
With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.
ENG vs IND, 4th test: Three Indian players ruled out, what could be possible Indian lineup?
Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy have been ruled out of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester. Here is the possible lineup of the Indian cricket team in the fourth test.
Indian cricket team management suffered major setbacks ahead of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester, starting from Wednesday. Two Indian pacers, Akash Deep and Ashdeep Singh, have been ruled out of the 4th test along with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
With three players already ruled out due to injuries, Shubman Gill and company will have to find solutions within the squad to name a strong playing XI at Old Trafford.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was hit on his bowling hand, needed stitches. As per the reports of the Indian Express on Sunday, the Medium Pacer will need at least 10 days to recover. This has already ruled him out of the fourth test, and he is unlikely to return for the final test starting on 31st July.
Arshdeep Singh suffered a finger injury while bowling at the nets. Image | BCCI on X
As per the same report by The Indian Express, another pacer, Akash Deep, who was India's hero in their first-ever Test win in Birmingham, has issues with his groin and back. The Indian team management does not want to take risks with his injuries, and thus, he will be monitored as a precaution.
On the other hand, Hindustan Times reported that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy suffered an injury during the gym session on Sunday. So he is also ruled out of the fourth test at Old Trafford Stadium.
In the situation where India are trailing by 1-2 in the Test series and needs to win the 4th test, to be in contention to win the series, Gautam Gambhir and company will have to dig deep to find solutions.
Here are the solutions India can go for during the 4th test.
#1 Bumrah, Siraj, Shardul, and who?
Shardul Thakur during a parctice session. Image - BCCI on X
With both Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh being ruled out, there is certainty that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will be India's leading pacers in the fourth test. Although our questions on the workload management of both those pacers, they will have to be at their best if India wants to bring balance to the series.
Now, with Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury, India will have to go back to Shardul Thakur, who played in the first test in Leeds. The Mumbai all-rounder only scored 4 runs and took two wickets in that match.
But if India wants to go for another pacer, they will have the option of Prasidh Krishna and newcomer Anshul Kamboj. Krishna, who did not do very well in the first two test matches, might not be brought back. In that case, Kamboj, who has done well in the first-class games he has played so far, is likely to get his test cap.
Kuldeep last played a test match in 2024. Image | BCCI on X
Now, this has been an inclusion that Indian fans have been waiting for from the first test. Kuldeep, who last featured in test matches for India in 2024 against New Zealand at home, can bring the ex-factor in the bowling lineup. But this will leave the batting lineup a bit thin.
Since Gautam Gambhir has always looked to go for that added batting cushion, it will be hard for Kuldeep to find his place. Even if he plays, will India look to sacrifice Washington Sundar? This would be a very hard question to answer.
#3 Jurel to keep, Pant to play as a specialist batter
Jurel kept wickets for India during the Lord's test. Image | BCCI on X
Along with these three injuries, we had already reported that Rishabh Pant has not recovered fully from the finger injury he suffered during the Lord's Test. In that case, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wicket at Lord's, is likely to play as a wicket keeper while Rishabh Pant could play as only a specialist batter.
If Jurel comes in, India can leave Shardul out and bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. However, it will only depend on the pitch condition.
ENG vs IND, 4th test: India's possible lineup
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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