Thursday, April 30
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive rise has reshaped India’s T20 blueprint. With a strike rate touching 200, fear factor in the powerplay and consistency to match intent, the left-hander has become indispensable to India’s T20 World Cup title defence. Beyond numbers, it is the psychological impact he creates that gives India a decisive edge.
India secured an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand, clinching the T20I series 3-0. Abhishek Sharma's rapid 14-ball fifty and Suryakumar Yadav's attacking half-century powered India's chase, completing the target in just 10 overs. This dominant performance highlighted India's batting prowess and sealed a memorable series win.
Shreyas Iyer will continue to be with India T20I team for the remaining two T20Is vs New Zealand as Tilak Varma's return to competitive cricket has been delayed. Iyer was initially picked for only the first three games but will now continue to be with the side for remainder of the series.
Yuvraj Singh acknowledged Abhishek Sharma's rapid T20I fifty, a feat just shy of his own record. Sharma's aggressive batting propelled India's powerplay score, showcasing his fearless approach and strategic thinking. This explosive performance marks him as a significant emerging talent for India's T20 World Cup aspirations.
India's Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and allrounder Shardul Thakur will miss Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Delhi due to injuries and illness. Pant is recovering from a side strain, Jaiswal from stomach pain after food poisoning, and Thakur from a calf injury. Mumbai has already qualified for the quarterfinals.
Former India all-rounder Madan Lal backed the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the 2026 T20 World Cup, deeming it justified and timely. He suggested external influence led to Bangladesh's withdrawal, calling it a significant mistake that opens opportunities for Scotland.
Shahid Afridi criticises the ICC for its perceived double standards after Bangladesh was removed from the 2026 T20 World Cup. He contrasts this with India's security concerns being accommodated for the 2025 Champions Trophy, highlighting a lack of fairness in global cricket governance.
India crushed New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I to seal the series 3-0. Bumrah’s 3/17, backed by Hardik, Bishnoi, and Rana, restricted New Zealand to 153/9. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s 68 off 20 and Suryakumar Yadav’s 57 off 26 powered India to 155/2 in just 10 overs, completing a commanding win.
Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, supports the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026. This follows Bangladesh's refusal to participate as scheduled, citing security concerns that the ICC and independent assessments found unsubstantiated. The ICC's move aims to maintain tournament integrity and avoid setting problematic precedents.
Sanju Samson's T20I struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball against New Zealand. His recent lean patch, with scores of 10, 6, and 0, has intensified discussions about India's opening combination. Meanwhile, India's bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted New Zealand to 153 for 9.
