BCCI announced the Indian Cricket schedule 2023 for the upcoming MasterCard home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia on Thursday. India's 2022-23 international home season will begin in January 3 with a three-match T20I and three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

According to the announcement, India has to play 9 ODIs, 6 T20s, and 4 Tests at home next year. All these matches will be played within 78 days. These tours are important in terms of preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023 to be hosted by India in October-November next year. Team India will play 11 matches in the month of January. These include 6 ODIs and 5 T20s. They have to play white ball matches against New Zealand after Sri Lanka. The last match of the T20 series against the Kiwis will be played on February 1.

At the same time, Australia's tour is going to be big, because the Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 4 Tests will be played here as well as 3 ODIs. In the next three months, teams from three countries will come to India to play matches, and till March matches will be played continuously. Sri Lanka and New Zealand teams will tour India in January. While the Australian team will be in India in February and March.

Indian Cricket Schedule 2023:

India's Schedule for Sri Lanka Series

India's Schedule for New Zealand Series

India's Schedule for Australia Series

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has suddenly returned to India, citing a family emergency as the reason. A BCCI source has given this information to news agency PTI.

The source said that Gambhir had to return to take care of his mother, who has been admitted to a hospital in New Delhi due to health complications. The Shubman Gill-led Indian Test team is in England to play a five-match IND vs ENG series, starting June 20 in Leeds.

Also Read: Exclusive: Advised by Sourav Ganguly, Abishek Porel gets coached by Yuvraj Singh; this is what he learned

Doeschate will look after the team for now

In Gambhir's absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate will oversee the team during the four-day intra-squad match between India and India A starting from Friday. He will be assisted by other coaching staff like bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Shitanshu Kotak. If all goes well at home, Gambhir is expected to return to England within a week.

Indian team would like to test its preparations

The Indian team will play intra-squad matches to finalise its preparations ahead of the IND vs ENG five-match Test series. India A played two unofficial Test matches against England Lions and the batsmen showed their prowess in them. Such matches are important for the preparation of the team before any series. India has opted to play this match in an empty stadium so that the opposing team does not get a clue of their strategy.

All eyes will be on Kuldeep-Jadeja

In this match, the performance of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will be watched and an interesting competition is expected between these two to make a place in the final eleven of the Indian Test team.

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel had said on Wednesday that the match is crucial for India's preparation as it is difficult to develop the ability to bowl and field 90 overs in a day through normal practice sessions. This match will give the Indian team management a good opportunity to assess its players, especially the bowlers, in match situations.

Also Read: Ellyse Perry predicts the winner of WTC 2025

This will help ensure that the bowlers, be it spinners or pacers, are in the required rhythm in the actual match. Gambhir will have to do some brainstorming to pick the only specialist spinner for Headingley.

Jadeja has a good batting record abroad but if India has to take 20 wickets then Kuldeep's role will become important. Kuldeep can prove to be a good partner of fast bowler Jaspreet Bumrah in the conditions here. Jadeja vs Kuldeep is the biggest puzzle for the playing XI that the team management will have to solve.

Eyes will be on fast bowlers as well

Similarly, this match will give the team management and captain Shubman Gill a chance to see which ball works better in these conditions - Akash Deep's full length or Prasidh Krishna's back of the length. Bumrah, who will be playing a red ball match after six months, will get a chance to bowl multiple spells and test his fitness. He has played only IPL since returning from a lower back injury.

Australian captain Pat Cummins made history by taking a five-wicket haul in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. He went past India's Bishan Singh Bedi in an all-time list of captains with most five-fers in Test cricket history. Cummins ran through the South African batting unit, leading Australia's fightback after they were bundled out for 212 in the first innings.

Also Read: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

In this article we will be discussing about the most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Test cricket.

Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

5. Jason Holder (West Indies) | 7 Times

Former Windies captain Jason Holder holds the fifth spot in this list. Holder picked up a 5-wicket haul seven times as a captain in Test cricket. Overall with the ball, Holder has 162 scalps at 30.27. He has eight five-wicket hauls to show besides a solitary match 10-fer. He claimed 1/39 across 17 overs in the first innings.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi (India) | 8 Times

Former Indian left-arm spinner, late Bishan Singh Bedi, is fourth on this list. Bishan Singh Bedi played 67 Tests for India and picked up 266 wickets at an average of 28.71 with 14 five-wicket hauls. When he retired, he was India's leading wicket-taker in the longest format.

He captained India in 22 Tests between 1975 and 1979, taking over from the great Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. During his time as Test captain, Bishan Singh Bedi bagged as many as eight five-wicket hauls.

3. Richie Benaud (Australia) | 9 Times

Former Australian all-rounder, late Richie Benaud, is second on this list. The legendary cricketer was among the most influential players of his time back in the day. From 1958 to 1963, he led Australia in 28 Tests. Australia dominated under his leadership and never lost a single series.

As Test captain, Richie Benaud picked up nine five-wicket hauls and is above Pat Cummins having played fewer Tests. Benaud represented Australia in 63 Tests in his career and bagged 248 wickets at an average of 27.03 with 16 five-wicket hauls overall.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia) | 9* Times

Current Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins, who previously had eight five-wicket hauls to his name as captain in the longest format, overtook Bishan Singh Bedi to move to number three on this elite list with his five-fer against South Africa in the 2025 WTC final.

Cummins now has nine five-wicket hauls as Test captain in his career. The Australian quick has played 67 Tests and has 294 wickets at an average of 22.43 with 13 five-wicket hauls so far (67 being the ongoing 2025 WTC final). He also broke several records with his stunning performance against South Africa.

Also Read: Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa

1. Imran Khan (Pakistan) | 12 Times

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Imran Khan tops the list of most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests. From 1982-1992, Imran Khan led Pakistan in 48 Test matches. He is the only captain to take 5-wicket hauls in more than 10 times in Test cricket.

As Test captain, the former all-rounder bagged 12 five-wicket hauls, which is the most by any bowler to date. Overall, Imran Khan played 88 Tests in his international career and picked up 362 wickets at an average of 22.81 with 23 five-wicket hauls. Imran has also taken 10 or more wickets in 4 matches in his Test career, which is the most taken by any captain in this format.

South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

The cricket world, known for its constant evolution, has seen a drastic shift in a month. Over the past month, six notable players have chosen to conclude their careers on the global stage.

From legendary batsmen to powerful all-rounders, these departures mark a significant moment in the history of cricket. These aren't just names; they are players who have shaped matches and won the hearts of millions.

Explore the list of 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month.

1. Rohit Sharma (Test retirement) | May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a batsman, as well as India's captain in tests. His test career lasted for 12 years since his debut in 2013.

Sharma transformed himself into a brilliant test opener in the latter half of his career. One of his defining moments in Test cricket arrived in 2019 against South Africa, where he hammered a majestic 212 runs as an opener, showcasing his ability to wear down opposition attacks.

He is the fifth-most successful Test captain for India, leading to 12 Test victories.

Rohit Sharma's stats in tests:

2. Virat Kohli (Test retirement) | May 12, 2025

Following Rohit's retirement, India lost the era's most dominant force in test cricket. The announcement of Virat Kohli's test retirement on May 12, 2025, resonated globally, leaving everyone shocked and upset. 

Kohli approached the test format with a fierce competitive spirit and hunger for runs. His dedication and skill set in this format saw him notch 7 double centuries in his test career. He also became the most successful test captain of India during the 8 years (Dec 2014-Jan 2022) of his captaincy tenure, leading to 40 wins.

This decision of Kohli to step away from tests also brought the interests of Indian fans in tests in question. This retirement indeed marked the end of an era.

Virat Kohli's stats in tests:

3. Angelo Mathews (Test retirement) | May 23, 2025

Sri Lanka's enduring test pillar, Angelo Mathews, concluded his test career on May 23, 2025. He left behind a legacy of resilience and crucial performances as an all-rounder. 

Mathews possessed the ability to adapt his game and accelerate when required. His unbeaten 200 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020 stand out as one of his vital contributions. He also took a total of 33 wickets in tests.

He led Sri Lanka in 34 matches as a captain and won 13 among them.

Angelo Mathews' stats in tests:

4. Glenn Maxwell (ODIs Retirement) | June 2, 2025

Australia's one of the most captivating hitters and match-winners, Glenn Maxwell, announced retirement from ODIs on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to turn the game around, he had an amazing ODI career.

Maxwell's career has many moments to highlight, but nothing can match his astonishing 201* runs against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Coming back with a back injury, this innings was a masterclass in aggressive and controlled batting.

He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, which goes down in the history of ODI cricket.

Glenn Maxwell's stats in ODIs:

5. Heinrich Klaasen (International retirement) | June 2, 2025

On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen announced his international retirement, which marked the end of a relatively short yet impactful career as a destructive batsman in white-ball cricket. 

Since his international debut for South Africa in 2018, he has been a hard-hitter of the ball and has become one of the most feared finishers in limited-overs formats. His phenomenal 174 runs off just 83 balls against Australia in an ODI in 2023 stands as a testament to his raw hitting power and ability.

Heinrich Klaasen's international stats (2018-2025)

6. Nicholas Pooran (International retirement) | June 10, 2025

The West Indies batter, Nicholas Pooran, announced his international retirement on June 10, 2025, at the age of just 29. This marked one of the earliest retirements for a high-profile West Indies player.

As a left-hander wicket-keeper batsman, Pooran quickly established himself as an electrifying hitter in white-ball cricket. He brought an aggressive approach to the crease, with the potential to turn the game in his favour.

He has done exceptionally well in his short-lived international career. His 98 runs off 53 balls against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup perfectly tell the story of his talent.

Nicholas Pooran's international stats (2016-2025):

As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.

Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Jasprit Bumrah | India

Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09. 

Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah stats in WTC 2023-2025

Pat Cummins | Australia 

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa. 

His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.

Pat Cummins stats in WTC 2023-2025

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mitchell Starc | Australia 

Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.

Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.

Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025

Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25

Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.

Read Also: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Here are the other players who crossed the 60 wickets mark and deserves a shoutout in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.