The Indian cricket team has decided to rest pace bowler Mohammed Siraj from the upcoming WI vs IND ODI series. The decision was made to manage Siraj's workload effectively, considering his recent impressive performances.
During the two Test matches against West Indies, Mohammed Siraj showed his skills with the ball, taking a total of seven wickets. In the first Test, which was played on a flat Port-of-Spain pitch, Siraj's outstanding performance of taking five wickets led to the home team's batting falling apart on the fourth morning.
Mohammed Siraj after taking his second five-wicket haul in test cricket. Image: Getty
Before the West Indies tour, Siraj was a vital part of the Indian team during the World Test Championship final at The Oval against Australia. He played a significant role in India's victory by capturing five wickets in the match, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings.
In the One-Day International format, Mohammed Siraj's last assignment was against Australia at home in March 2022. During that series, he emerged as the top wicket-taker for India and the second-highest wicket-taker overall, making his presence felt on the international stage.
Impressively, since the beginning of 2022, Mohammed Siraj has been India's most successful bowler in ODIs, bagging an impressive tally of 43 wickets. His consistent performances have made him a key asset for the Indian cricket team across formats.
India's decision to rest Siraj for the ODIs against West Indies reflects the team's focus on player management and ensuring that their key players remain in top physical condition. As of now, no replacement has been named for Siraj in the ODI squad, but the team remains optimistic about maintaining their unbeaten streak in the World Cup with the depth and talent available.
After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.
Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.
The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.
India will play New Zealand twice
India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.
It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.
India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026
In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.
The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.
Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension
If the IPL 2025 resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return.
Due to the increasing conflict between India and Pakistan, BCCI has postponed the IPL 2025 for a week. BCCI gave this information on Friday. The board said that it has taken this decision keeping in mind the concerns of the players and the sentiments of the fans. The new schedule of IPL will be released depending on the situation.
At the same time, according to media reports, all foreign players have been asked to return to their country. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and South Africa Cricket Board have expressed concern over their players. There are still 12 league matches and 4 playoff matches left in IPL 2025. The final of the tournament was to be held on 25 May.
It is believed that India's tour of Bangladesh in August will be cancelled. The Asia Cup to be held in September will also be postponed. The remaining matches of IPL can be held in India in their place.
It is difficult for BCCI to bring back foreign players
The biggest challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in resuming the IPL in May is to bring back foreign players. As soon as the IPL was announced to be postponed for a week, most of the foreign players returned to their respective countries. The remaining players will leave India by Saturday.
It will be interesting to see how BCCI brings back the foreign players and restarts the tournament. Because without them, it will be difficult to organize matches.
Players will start playing for the country
If the IPL resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return. The biggest reason for this is that many players will be playing for their national team then.
The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also scheduled to be held between the Australia and the South Africa at Lord's from June 11.
Starting the tournament is not easy
BCCI has kept all three grounds ready. Despite this, officials believe that it will not be easy to restart this competition now. All the teams were informed about this on Friday without any formal announcement. People from many teams are saying that all the remaining matches can be held at the end of the year.
Punjab-Delhi match had to be canceled midway
On the night of 8 May at around 8.30 pm, Pakistan attacked the borders of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan of India with missiles and drones. During this time, a match was being played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It had to be stopped midway.
Gujarat on top, 3 teams out of the playoffs race
By the time IPL 2025 was halted midway, 57 matches of the league stage had been completed. The 58th match was halted midway. After 57 matches, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore had the highest points in the points table with 16-16 points.
GT remained on top due to better run rate. Punjab was third, Mumbai fourth and Delhi fifth. Whereas Chennai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad teams were out of the playoff race.
When the tournament was stopped, 4 teams had 2-2 matches left. Whereas 6 teams including Gujarat and Bangalore had not played 3-3 matches. A match was to be played between Lucknow and Bangalore in Lucknow on Friday, but the tournament was stopped before that.
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?
Rohit played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. 38-year-old Rohit had already retired from T20I cricket. For now, he will continue to play for India in the ODI format and he is also the captain of Team India in this format. After this announcement by Rohit, his 11-year long Test cricket career also came to an end.
Rohit Sharma had a very good Test cricket career and he played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket.
Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.
Rohit scored most centuries as an opener
Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 Test matches played in his career at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, but he scored the most centuries as an opener.
Rohit was elevated to that role for the first time in October 2019, and since then, no other opener has scored as many tons. Overall, only four batters have scored more Test tons than Rohit in this period.
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most sixes for India
Rohit has hit a total of 88 sixes in his Test cricket career and is second on the list of batsmen who have hit the most sixes for India in the longer format of cricket. If he had hit 3 more sixes in the Test, he would have become the batsman who has hit the most sixes in Tests for India. The record for hitting the most sixes in Tests for India is held by Virender Sehwag who hit a total of 90 sixes.
Sr
Player
6s
M
Inn
R
Ave
100s
50s
1
Virender Sehwag
90
92
178
8503
49.43
23
31
2
Rohit Sharma
88
59
116
4301
40.57
12
18
3
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
78
82
144
4876
38.09
6
33
4
Rishabh Pant
73
41
75
2948
42.11
6
15
5
Sachin Tendulkar
69
173
329
15921
53.78
51
68
6
Ravindra Jadeja
68
70
118
3370
34.74
4
22
7
Sourav Ganguly
57
101
188
7212
42.17
16
35
Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most centuries for India in won Test matches
Rohit Sharma is at number 5 in the list of batsmen who have scored the most centuries in Test matches won by India. He has scored a total of 12 centuries in Test matches won by India. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list with 20 centuries.
As an opener in Test cricket, Rohit scored a total of 2697 runs in 66 innings for India. During this period, his average was 42.81 while in these 66 innings, he also scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His best score as an opener in Tests was 212 runs.
Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI Match Report | Dominant India registers easy victory on Sri Lankan soil
India defeated Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the rain-affected opening match of the Tri-Nation ODI series with stellar bowling and batting performances, including a half-century from Pratika Rawal and valuable knocks from Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol.
India started the Tri-Nation Women's ODI series with a winning note as they defeated the host Sri Lanka by 9 wickets. India chased down Sri Lanka's 148-run target with 56 balls remaining in the match after Indian spinners dominated the Sri Lankan batters in the first innings.
The match was initially interrupted by rain which resulted in the loss of overs, reducing to 39 overs a side. Indian announced their arrival with an impressively controlled victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium stadium, Colombo.
Indian spinners dominated the game from the start
The Sri Lankan team, batting first, struggled to build partnership and were bowled out for 147 in 38.1 overs. Indian bowlers dominated the entire first inning with Arundhati Reddy dismissing the Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and getting an early wicket for the team. It followed by an exceptional bowling performance leading to a constant flow of wickets, which completely shattered Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.
Sneh Rana during her 3-wicket haul in the first match of Tri-Nation ODI Series IND-W vs SL-W. Image | Instagram
Sneh Rana was a star performer, who took 3 crucial wickets for India, with Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani taking 2 wickets each. Additionally, the on-field efforts of the Indian team was commendable in today's match.
During the second inning, India started off comfortably with the bat, without trying to rush things out. The opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, formed a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket. Smriti Mandhana missed out on her 31st ODI half-century and was dismissed at 43 (off 46 balls).
Harleen Deol came to bat next and played composed cricket, scoring 48 runs from 71 balls. Sri Lanka failed to take more wickets, and Harleen Deol sealed the win for India with her exceptional half-century from 62 balls.
Both teams fielded 2 debutants
Sree Charani and Kashvee Gautam before their debut for India in the ODI Tri-series against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram
Kashvee Gautam (22-year-old), who impressed the fans with her bowling for Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025, along with the star of Delhi Capitals, Sree Charani (20-year-old), made their Internationaldebut for India in this match. Charani picked up 2 wickets with an economy of 3.25 in today's match.
Sri Lanka also handed debuts to Malki Madara and Piumi Badalge.
India's shield-like batting power
Pratika Rawal and Harleen Kaur during their partnership of 87 runs from 119 balls against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram
The Indian batters showcased an amazing quality of batting in this format. Smriti Mandhana, along with Pratika Rawal, provided a good start in the initial overs. They kept the flow of runs going with their bat. Smriti departed at 43 (from 46 balls) while trying to loft the ball over the bowler (Inoka Ranaweera), and wasn't lucky enough to make it through.
Harleen Deol stepped in after the wicket and made no mistakes, adding 48 runs off 71 balls from her bat. Pratika Rawal scored 50 off 62 balls, putting the winning runs on the board for India.
It felt like Indian batters were quite difficult to get out and stood up like solid walls, without losing their wickets.
Steady headstart for India
India's win has lift up the team's spirit and confidence to another level. This was also a glimpse of the solid form and composure that the players hold in this Tri-series squad.
In today's match, each bowler had an economy below 5, and the batters were incredible in chasing down the total, without losing many wickets.
The challenge ahead for Sri Lanka
This defeat against India serves as a reminder for Sri Lanka to assess and improve their shortcomings. They failed to build partnership throughout the game, which led to a low total on the board. Hasini Perera's 30 from 46 balls was the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in this match.
Immediate Reflections and Long-term Goals
This being the ODI World Cup year, the immediate reflections for both the teams would be to shape their strategies, set grounds and make effective adjustments with the stage of the Tri-Nation ODI series among India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
Weird Styles: Indian players with unusual bowling actions
Several Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah have left a lasting impression by their unique bowling style. Let's dive into the list of Indian players with unusual bowling actions in the history of cricket.
Many Indian bowlers have distinguished themselves with their unique bowling styles, which sometimes have also been referred to as weird. In cricket, minor styles and actions like this can grab the attention of spectators and get them hooked.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah in action against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Image | Pinterest
Jasprit Bumrahis among one of the anticipated names for this category. His unorthodox action with a hyperextended arm caught everyone's attention during his IPL debut for MI, back in 2013.
Bumrah was trolled in the initial stage of his career for the kind of elbow placement and compact run-up in his bowling style, which looks odd.
Regardless of what people say, his action indeed adds a unique value to his incredible bowling.
Shivil Kaushik
Shivil Kaushik bowling in a match against KKR in IPL 2017. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Shivil Kaushik is an Indian spin bowler who played for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016. He stood-out during his IPL debut because of his peculiar action that several spectators found bizarre.
His action closely resonates with the former South African cricketer Paul Adams, who was often described as a “frog in a blender.” Since then, Shivil became a mandatory part among Indian players with unusual bowling actions.
Debashish Mohanty representing India in 1999. Image | Facebook
The former Indian cricketer, Debashish Mohanty is an ideal fit for the list due to his open-chested action, appearing weird in a way. Mohanty’s action with his lanky frame was often considered more dangerous than his swing bowling.
This kind of action was quite exhausting, and he was once advised to bowl off-spin in order to save energy and prevent injuries.
Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav during his spell against South Africa in an ODI in 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Kedar Jadhav, the former Indian off-spin bowler, is widely known for his unusual side-arm sling style. His hand almost aligned with the umpire’s belly at the time of releasing the ball, which resulted in slower deliveries with little bounce.
Jhadav’s extraordinary style as a spinner holds a solid place in the list for Indian players with unusual bowling actions.
K.C. Cariappa
K.C. Cariappa in action against KKR in IPL 2016. Image | ESPNcricinfo
K.C Cariappa is an Indian bowler, who played for teams like Kings XI Punjab, KKR and RR in IPL. He is known to be a “mystery spinner” with an unusual round-arm action. His ability to bowl off-spin without changing the grip was challenging for batsmen.
Legendary leg-spinner B.S Chandrashekhar had an unusual whipping action accompanied by a long and bouncy run up which was hard to predict for a batter. He is one of the Indian players with unusual bowling actions and the greatest leg-spinners.
Kamran Khan playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2009. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Kamran Khan is an Indian fast-medium bowler, who played for Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors in the early seasons of IPL. His slung action was a debatable topic of discussion back in the days.
Khan’s unusual action caused trouble for him as he had to face rehabilitation period when the matter of “illegal action” came into light.
Murugan Ashwin
Murugan Ashwin bowling in a match for Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2016. Image | SportsCafe.in
Murugan Ashwin is an Indian spin bowler who gained recognition after his IPL debut for RPS in 2016. He later played for teams like MI, RR, PBKS and DC. His bowling action has a degree of mystery to it, with an unusual twist of the arm and wrist.
Manoj Tiwary in action during a match against SRH in IPL 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Manoj Tiwary is an Indian batter who occasionally bowls with a weird action. He was faced with trolling, and people called it strange after his bowling spell in a match in IPL 2018.
His action was also compared to the slingy style of Lasith Malinga, recreated as a spin bowler.
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