Rahul Dravid drops a hint of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul's comeback for the Asia Cup and World Cup after India's defeat against West Indies

India Cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid hinted Shreyas Iyer and Kl Rahul's return to the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

Aug 14, 2023, 2:34 PM2 min read

Rahul Dravid drops a hint of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul's comeback for the Asia Cup and World Cup after India's defeat against West Indies

Team India lost a bilateral series for the first time in 17 years against West Indies. India were hammered by an outstanding 107-run stand between Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King as the hosts failed to make the T20 World Cup last year. West Indies sealed an eight-wicket win with 12 balls to spare. Head coach Rahul Dravid admitted to the shortcomings and dropped hints of some players' comebacks for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

Read Also: Shivamogga Lions commence their inaugural campaign with a dominant victory over the Mangaluru Dragons

One of the major concerns for the Indian ODI side has been the middle order. In the absence of injured stars, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have struggled with the line-up experiments. Head coach, Rahul Dravid revealed in the post-match that both the star batters will make a comeback in the Asia Cup.

"We have a few guys coming back from injury so we first have to give them opportunities to play. To be really honest, I haven't given a thought about Asia Cup at this stage," he said. "We have some time off and then will have a camp at the NCA in Bengaluru from the 23rd. We will be assembling as a one-day team there to prepare for the Asia Cup," he added. India will open their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2 before facing Nepal on September 4 as part of their group stage matches.

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India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups

India, the reigning T20 World champions, are gearing up to host England in a five-match T20I series. The series will begin on January 22, with the first match being played at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Here's the India vs England 1st T20I preview.

Jan 21, 2025, 10:30 AM4 min read

India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups - Sportzpoint.com

The five-match T20 series between India and England starts in Kolkata from January 22, Wednesday. 

This series is an opportunity for both India and England to test themselves before the Champions Trophy.

India won the T20 World Cup last year by defeating South Africa.

Also Read: What happened when India played a T20I game last time at the Eden Gardens?

Since that final, Team India has played 11 T20s and has not lost a single one. Only one match was a tie against Afghanistan.

At the same time, England has not won any T20 series in India for 14 years. In such a situation, England team led by Jos Buttler would like to change this history.

Shami to return after 14 months 

India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups - Sportzpoint.com

In the India vs England series, everyone's eyes will be on Mohammed Shami, who has returned to the Indian team after 14 months.

Shami's performance will be special for India, because he performed brilliantly in the 2023 ODI World Cup

He took 24 wickets, which included 7 wickets against New Zealand in the semi-final.

Shami's comeback will be seen during this series, especially when India has recently faced inadequacy in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah is also injured and is unlikely to play in the Champions Trophy, which makes Shami's comeback all the more important.

Axar Patel is the vice captain

All-rounder Axar Patel has been made the vice-captain of India for the T20 series, who has performed brilliantly in the T20 World Cup last year. 

Also, all eyes will be on the performance of Sanju Samson, who could not make it to the Champions Trophy squad.

After this series, India also has to play three ODI matches against England.

Along with Shami, England team's fast bowler Joffra Archer is also returning, who has joined the team after recovering from injury. Mark Wood will also join the team.

India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview

India vs England | Head-to-Head Record

Overall Record Matches India Won England Won
Total 24 13 11

So far 24 T20s have been played between India and England. Out of these, 13 have been won by India and 11 by England. 

On Indian soil, the hosts have six wins and five defeats against the Brits.

That means the competition between the two has been equal.

In their last T20I meeting, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side crushed England, in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.

However, England had earlier defeated India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final by 10 wickets.

India vs England | Pitch Report 

The first T20 will be played between India and England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

The wicket here is considered good for batting. But, due to it being winter season, dew can have a big impact on the match. 

For this reason, the role of toss can also be important. India has won its last 5 T20s at this ground. India has not lost here since 2018.

India vs England | Weather Report 

The weather will be kind in the first T20 to be played between India and England in Kolkata. 

There is no possibility of rain on Wednesday. That means the audience will get to see the full thrill of 40 overs.

India vs England | Probable Lineups

India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups - Sportzpoint.com

India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (VC), Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy.

England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood.

India vs England | Squads

India T20 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Mohd Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harisht Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakrabarthy and Washington Sundar.

England T20I Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood

India vs England | Key Players to Watch Out

Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Rinku Singh

India vs England | Streaming Details 

India vs England 1st T20I is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

The match begins at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss set for 6:30 PM IST. 

Fans can catch IND vs ENG 1st T20I live on Star Sports for TV coverage, while live streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar app.

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Most Wickets in Champions Trophy

This tournament was first played in the year 1998 and a total of eight editions have taken place so far in which several bowlers have made their mark with their performances. Let's take a look at the bowlers with most Wickets in Champions Trophy.

Jan 20, 2025, 2:31 PM3 min read

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9. 

This tournament was first played in the year 1998 and a total of eight editions have taken place so far. 

Also Read: Most Runs in Champions Trophy

Now the tournament is finally going to be back after eight years since its last edition in England and Wales in 2017, where the current hosts Pakistan were crowned champions for the first time after defeating arch-rivals India in the final. 

Teams which finished in top eight after the league stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup, including the hosts Pakistan, are divided into two groups of four teams each for the upcoming edition. 

Throughout the years, there have been several bowlers who have made their mark in Champions Trophy with their performances.

Let's take a look at the bowlers with most Wickets in Champions Trophy history.

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy | Top 5 List

#1 Kyle Mills | 28 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former New Zealand bowler Kyle Mills is at number one among the most successful bowlers of the Champions Trophy. 

The right-arm pacer has finished among leading wicket-takers multiple times during his Champions Trophy stint from 2002 to 2013.

The Kiwi pacer has taken 28 wickets in 15 innings at an economy of 4.29 and an average of 17.25 in the history of this tournament. 

His best performance during this period has been 4 wickets for 30 runs.

2# Lasith Malinga | 25 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga is the second-highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy.

The right-arm fast bowler has taken 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 5.31 and an average of 30.64 in the Champions Trophy from 2006 to 2017.

During this period, Malinga's best performance has been 4 wickets for 34 runs.

3# Muttiah Muralidaran | 24 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Sri Lanka's great spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is at third place in this list. 

Muralitharan has taken 24 wickets in 17 matches of the Champions Trophy from 1998 to 2009 with an economy of 3.60 and an average of 20.16. 

During this period, his best performance was 4 wickets for 15 runs.

Muralitharan was the leading wicket-taker in the 2002 Champions Trophy, where Sri Lanka shared the trophy with India in a rain-affected final. 

Also Read: ICC Men's Champions trophy winners list

4# Brett Lee | 22 Wickets

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has taken 22 wickets from 16 matches in Champions Trophy from 2000 to 2009 at an economy of 4.79 and an average of 26.86. 

During this period, His best performance has been 3 wickets for 38 runs.

He also played a monumental role in Australia’s back-to-back title campaigns in 2006 and 2009 respectively. 

5# Glenn McGrath | 21 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Australia’s fast bowling great, Glenn McGrath is the fifth highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy. 

The right-arm pacer has taken 21 wickets from 12 matches in Champions Trophy from 2000 to 2006 at an economy of 4.03 and an average of 19.61. 

During this period, McGrath's best performance was 5 wickets for 37 runs.

He finished as the highest wicket-taker for Australia in their maiden title campaign in 2006.

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Most Runs in Champions Trophy

When it comes to runs in any tournament, batters never disappoint and make the game blaze. With tournament is about to commence from February in Pakistan and UAE, let's take a look at the batters with most runs in Champions Trophy history.

Jan 20, 2025, 11:39 AM3 min read

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in the hybrid model from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE. 

During this time, the top 8 teams of the points table of the ODI World Cup will take the field with the intention of winning the title.

Also Read: ICC Men's Champions trophy winners list

When it comes to runs in any tournament, batters never disappoint and make the game blaze.

So, before the start of tournament, let's take a look at the batters with most runs in Champions Trophy history.

Most Runs in Champions Trophy | Top 5 List

1# Chris Gayle | 791 Runs

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

West Indies' legendary batsman Chris Gayle has the most runs in Champions Trophy history. He was one of the most blistering batters in all forms of the game.

Gayle has scored a total of 791 runs in 17 matches at an excellent average of 52.73, in which his highest score has been 133 not out. 

In this ICC tournament, he has scored 3 centuries and 1 half-century.

2# Mahela Jayawardene | 742 Runs

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Sri Lankan cricket icon Mahela Jayawardene was known for his excellent batting technique and classic style. 

Jayawardene was one of the prominent players in the Sri Lankan cricket history. He has the second highest number of runs in the Champions Trophy.

In 22 matches, he has scored 742 runs at an average of 41.22 and with the help of 5 half-centuries, in which his highest score was 84 not out.

3# Shikhar Dhawan | 701 Runs

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former Indian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan, known as 'Gabbar' across the world, is famous for his extraordinary batting technique and aggressive batting style. 

He was also known as “Mr. ICC”, thanks to his astonishing stats in ICC tournaments.

Dhawan is the top Indian and third batsman in the world to score the most runs in Champions Trophy.

During the Champion Trophy, he scored a total of 701 runs in 10 matches at an excellent average of 77.88. His highest score in the tournament was 125 runs with three centuries and half-centuries. 

Dhawan was also chosen Player of the Tournament in India's title win in 2013.

4# Kumar Sangakkara | 683 Runs

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Another Sri Lankan legend, Kumar Sangakkara, is famous for his extraordinary batting skills. He is the fourth highest run scorer in the Champions Trophy. 

In this tournament, Sangakkara scored a total of 683 runs while playing 22 matches, during which his highest score was 134 not out. 

He also has 4 half-centuries and a century in his name in the tournament.

5# Sourav Ganguly | 665 Runs

Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

India's legendary former captain Sourav Ganguly is the second Indian in the list of world's top-5 batsmen who have scored most runs in Champions Trophy. 

Fondly known as “Dada”, Ganguly was one of the elite players of off-side, that’s why he was known as “God Of Off-side”.

Ganguly played a crucial part in India’s resurgence in the limited-overs format.

During the Champions Trophy, he scored 665 runs in 13 matches, with his highest individual score in the tournament being 141 not out.

He also smashed three centuries and half-centuries in this tournament.

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What happened when India played a T20I game last time at the Eden Gardens?

Discover the thrilling details of India's last T20I match at Eden Gardens, including the result, key performances, and historical significance. Read all about the memorable game and its impact.

Jan 19, 2025, 11:27 AM3 min read

What happened when India played a T20I game last time at the Eden Gardens?-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

T20I cricket is returning to the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, where the Indian Cricket Team will face England in the opening match of a five-match T20 series. 

The iconic stadium last hosted an international match on November 16, 2023, when Australia and South Africa faced off in the second semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

However, do you know when Eden Gardens last hosted a T20I match? It was when India faced West Indies in the last match of a three-match T20I series on 20 February 2022. 

In the match, the Indian team defeated the Carribeans by 17 runs to manage a clean sweep, winning the series by 3-0.

When India played a T20I game last time at the Eden Gardens

Image

Having a 2-0 lead, India already had one hand on the trophy when they faced West Indies for the last match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Kieron Pollard-captained West Indies side won the toss and elected to bowl first.

After an early departure of opener Ruturaj Gaikwad on 4 (8), Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer took a hold to rotate the innings and made a good partnership. Kishan made 34 off 31 and Iyer made 25 off 16 deliveries before going to the pavilion.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma made only 7 off 15 balls, leaving the team in trouble after he was bowled by Dominic Drakes in the 13th over. India was on 93/4 at this point.

However, Suryakumar Yadav took it all on himself and made a blazing 65 runs off just 31 deliveries, studded with one boundary and seven sixes! On the other end, Venkatesh Iyer provided solid support to Surya as he remained not out on 35 off 19, an innings with four boundaries and two over-boundaries.

India finished their innings on a safe total of 184/5, leaving a tough job for the West Indian batters.

In response, West Indies faced early calamities with both of their openers going back to the pavilion within the first three overs. Deepak Chahar took both wickets to startle the Windies innings.

Nicholas Pooran held the ground for the Caribbeans in the first down, building a composed innings of 61 off 47 balls. The rest of the team did not have much to deliver as only Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd tried to build some resistance. 

Although Powell and Shepherd respectively scored 25 (14) and 29 (21); West Indies ended their innings on 167/9, handing India a victory by 17 runs.

India lifted the trophy with a clean sweep over West Indies, whereas Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series

This series win was visibly significant, leaving doors for the selectors to see a potential leader in Suryakumar Yadav for India in the T20Is. Suryakumar indeed has succeeded Rohit Sharma as the captain for the Indian team in T20I.

Suryakumar Yadav is set to captain India in the 5-match series against England, from January 22nd to February 2nd, 2025.

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Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team

8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, which are divided into 2 groups. India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Jan 18, 2025, 11:15 AM4 min read

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team | Sportz Point

Teams of 7 countries have announced their squads for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. ICC had demanded squads from all the teams by January 12 only.

India has recently announced their squad in which Rohit Sharma will command the team and Shubman Gill will do the vice captaincy.

Pakistan has not announced the squad yet. However, it is expected that they will announce the team soon. 

Also Read: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Groups

A total of 8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025. The teams are divided into 2 groups.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Group A

  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan

Group B

  • Afghanistan
  • England
  • Australia
  • South Africa

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads

Group A

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja. 

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 India squad

Bangladesh:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Bangladesh | sportzpoint.com

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

New Zealand:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - New Zealand | Sportz Point

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Yet to announce.

Group B

Afghanistan:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

Reserves:

Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

England:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - England | Sportz Point

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

Australia:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Australia | Sportz Point

Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

South Africa:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Read Also |  ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Schedule 

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.

Date Match Group/Stage Time (Local) Venue
February 19, Wed Pakistan vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 20, Thu India vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 21, Fri Afghanistan vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 22, Sat Australia vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 23, Sun India vs Pakistan Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 24, Mon Bangladesh vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 25, Tue Australia vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 26, Wed Afghanistan vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 27, Thu Pakistan vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 28, Fri Australia vs Afghanistan Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 1, Sat England vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
March 2, Sun India vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 4, Tue Semi-final 1 Knockout 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 5, Wed Semi-final 2 Knockout 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 9, Sun Final Final 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai Int. Stadium

 

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