Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has been thrown into crisis following the withdrawal of Mitchell Starc, further compounding the absence of several senior players. With Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh (back), and Marcus Stoinis (retirement) all ruled out, the squad has undergone significant changes, raising concerns about its ability to compete at the highest level.

With Starc stepping away for personal reasons, Australia is set to enter an ICC event without its legendary fast-bowling trio for the first time in over a decade. The reshuffled squad now places added responsibility on untested quicks Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis, under the leadership of Steve Smith, who has been named captain in Cummins’ absence.

Major reshuffle in Australia’s squad

Starc’s decision comes after his grueling workload in the recent Test series against India and Sri Lanka, where he was the only frontline pacer to play all seven matches. His withdrawal has led to an inexperienced pace attack, with selectors turning to Johnson, Ellis, Abbott, and Dwarshuis—none of whom have played a major ICC tournament before.

The absence of Marsh and Stoinis has further disrupted the team’s balance, leaving Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to shoulder the all-rounder responsibilities. Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will lead the spin attack, with Maxwell’s off-spin expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan and UAE conditions.

Leadership shift as Smith takes charge

With Cummins ruled out, Smith returns to lead the side, having previously captained Australia to a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. However, his squad lacks the experience and firepower that has made Australia a dominant force in ICC events over the years.

Despite the setbacks, the team still boasts a strong batting core, featuring Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short add depth at the top of the order.

Uncertainty looms over Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign

Australia now faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for the tournament with a heavily depleted squad. With five key players missing, concerns have been raised over the team’s ability to match up against top-ranked sides. The opening clash will serve as the first major test of how this revamped squad can adapt to the conditions and handle the pressure of an ICC tournament.

Sri Lanka have named a strong squad for their upcoming two-match ODI series against Australia, set to be played in Colombo on February 12 and 14. This series comes on the heels of their 2-0 Test series loss in the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy.

Charith Asalanka will continue as the white-ball captain, with Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis returning to the ODI setup following their performances in the Test series.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay makes his comeback to the ODI squad after impressing in the Test series, where he took three wickets and scored a half-century in his lone appearance at Galle. Nuwanidu Fernando, the young off-spinner, also returns to the 50-over format.

Sri Lanka squad for Australia ODIs:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga.

The series will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, as Sri Lanka look to bounce back from their recent Test series defeat and fine-tune their squad for the global event.

Former star batsman Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, the BCCI announced today. Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid, who stepped down following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The 42-year-old Gambhir, who played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract. He will oversee all formats of the game.

This move comes after Gambhir’s successful stint as mentor for IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders. VVS Laxman, who declined the role, continues as director at the National Cricket Academy.

Gambhir’s appointment signals a new era for Indian cricket, with his aggressive style expected to shape the team’s approach in upcoming tournaments.

In a hilarious moment during the felicitation ceremony of the Indian cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, captain Rohit Sharma was left speechless by a viral reference to one of his famous stump-mic lines.

Gaurav Kapur’s Unexpected Question

During the event, presenter Gaurav Kapur made an unexpected reference to a video that went viral earlier in 2024. The video showed Rohit Sharma uttering the iconic one-liner “koi bhi garden mein nahi ghoom” during the home Test series against England.Kapur, taking advantage of India’s unbeaten run to the T20 World Cup title, asked Rohit: “You have become the first team to win the men’s T20 World Cup undefeated. You did not lose a single game. It was a complete team effort. Is it safe to say ek bhi mein koi ek minute keliye garden mein nahi ghooma?”

Gaurav Kapur said, "it is fair to say that koi bhi ek minute ke liye bhi garden mein nahi ghuma". 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/lHqjc92re7

— Kuljot⁴⁵ (@Ro45Kuljot) July 4, 2024

Rohit’s Reaction and Teammates’ Laughter

Rohit burst into laughter as the crowd at Wankhede went berserk, while Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, who were seated in front of the stage, could not stop laughing as well. The unexpected reference to the viral video caught Rohit off guard, leaving him speechless for a brief moment.

Rohit’s Dedication of the Trophy

Despite the humorous moment, Rohit, who lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the second time in his career, dedicated the title to the entire nation.”Firstly… since we came to India, it’s been wonderful. The reception we’ve received here tells you the kind of enthusiasm people had for this trophy. Yes, of course, it means so much for us but it’s for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, I think the people who’ve been wanting us to win the trophy, it [trophy] belongs to them,” Rohit said.The felicitation ceremony was part of the grand welcome the Indian team received upon their return to India after winning the T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi before traveling to Mumbai for the open-bus road show and the Wankhede Stadium event.

The Zimbabwe vs India T20I series kicks off on July 6, 2024, at Harare Sports Club. Our Zimbabwe vs India prediction favors the visitors, but Zimbabwe’s home advantage could make for a thrilling contest.

India’s New T20I Era Begins

With veterans retiring, India’s T20I squad sees a fresh lineup:

• Captain: Shubman Gill
• Key players: Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Tushar Deshpande

This series offers emerging talents a chance to cement their spots before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s Experienced Side

Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, boasts seasoned players:

• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Milton Shumba
• Innocent Kaia
• Wessley Madhevere

Despite a recent series loss to Bangladesh, Zimbabwe aims to rebound against India.

Pitch and Weather Forecast

• Venue: Harare Sports Club
• Pitch: Batting-friendly, may favor spin later
• Weather: Clear, 23°C, low humidity

Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I: Match Winner Prediction

Our Zimbabwe vs India prediction leans towards an Indian victory, considering their squad depth. However, Zimbabwe’s home advantage could lead to a closely fought match.

Who will win between Zim vs India?

Google’s win probability suggests India 88%, Zimbabwe 12% before begining of the match.

Dream11 Prediction for Zimbabwe vs India

• Wicketkeepers: Dhruv Jurel, Clive Madande
• Batters: Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza
• All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Luke Jongwe
• Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Avesh Khan (vc)

Watch the Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.

Disclaimer: This Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I prediction is based on current information, team form, and expert analysis. However, cricket is unpredictable, and actual match outcomes may differ. This prediction should be used for informational purposes only and not for betting or gambling. Always exercise caution and responsible judgment when considering predictions.

Dream11 team suggestions are speculative and do not guarantee success. Player performance can vary, and last-minute changes may occur. Users should conduct their own research and comply with applicable laws before participating in fantasy sports.

Cricket fans in India eagerly await the upcoming five-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and India, set to commence on July 6, 2024 at the Harare Sports Club. The series marks the beginning of a new era in Indian T20I cricket, with several senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing their retirement from the format. Shubman Gill will lead a young Indian side featuring promising talents from the IPL, including Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.

Zimbabwe vs India Live Streaming and Telecast Details

For fans in India, the Zimbabwe vs India T20 2024 series will be available for live streaming on the Sony LIV app and website. The matches will also be telecast live on the following Sony Sports Network channels:

• Sony Sports Ten 5
• Sony Sports Ten 5 HD
• Sony Sports Ten 3
• Sony Sports Ten 3 HD
• Sony Sports Ten 4
• Sony Sports Ten 4 HD

The series will be a crucial one for both teams, as they look to build their squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2025. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, will be eager to put up a strong performance at home, while India will aim to unearth new talent and establish a strong bench strength.

Zimbabwe vs India full match schedule – read here

With the live streaming on Sony LIV and the live telecast on the Sony Sports Network, fans in India can catch all the action from the Zimbabwe vs India T20 2024 series. The series promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to make their mark in the shortest format of the game.

The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, will embark on a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting July 6, 2024 in Harare. The series will be played entirely at the Harare Sports Club, with all matches starting at 4:30 PM IST.

The schedule for the Zimbabwe vs India T20I series is as follows:

Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I

• July 6, Saturday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 2nd T20I

• July 7, Sunday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 3rd T20I

• July 10, Wednesday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 4th T20I

• July 13, Saturday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 5th T20I

• July 14, Sunday, 4:30 PM IST

The series will mark the beginning of a new era in Indian T20I cricket, with several senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing their retirement from the format. Gill will lead a young Indian side featuring promising talents from the IPL, including Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.The series will be crucial for Zimbabwe as well, as they look to make the most of the opportunity to face a strong Indian side at home.

Indian Squad for the series against Zimbabwe

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Abhishek Sharma
• Rinku Singh
• Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)
• Riyan Parag
• Washington Sundar
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Avesh Khan
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Mukesh Kumar
• Tushar Deshpande
• Shivam Dube
• Sai Sudarshan
• Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper)
• Harshit Rana

Zimbabwe Squad for the series against India

• Sikandar Raza (captain)
• Faraz Akram
• Brian Bennett
• Johnathan Campbell
• Tendai Chatara
• Luke Jongwe
• Innocent Kaia
• Clive Madande (wicket-keeper)
• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Wellington Masakadza
• Blessing Muzarabani
• Dion Myers
• Antum Naqvi
• Richard Ngarava
• Milton Shumba

The matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website.

Monank Patel, the Indian-born American cricketer, has made a significant impact on the United States national cricket team. Born on May 1, 1993, in Anand, Gujarat, India, Patel moved to the United States in 2016 and has since become a permanent resident.

Early Cricketing Journey in India

Patel’s cricketing journey began in India, where he played for Gujarat at the under-16 and under-18 levels. After receiving a green card in 2010, he settled in New Jersey and quickly made his mark on the American cricket scene.

Impressive Performances in International Tournaments

In August 2018, Patel was named in the United States squad for the 2018–19 ICC World Twenty20 Americas Qualifier tournament, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer with 208 runs in six matches. His impressive performance continued in the 2018–19 Regional Super50 tournament in the West Indies, where he scored the first century by an American batsman in the tournament and finished as the leading run-scorer for the United States with 290 runs in seven matches.

Debut in T20I and ODI Cricket

Patel’s consistent performances earned him a spot in the United States Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against the United Arab Emirates in February 2019, marking the first T20I fixtures to be played by the United States cricket team. He made his T20I debut against the UAE on March 15, 2019.

In April 2019, Patel was named in the United States cricket team’s squad for the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia, where the team gained One Day International (ODI) status. He made his ODI debut for the United States on April 27, 2019, against Papua New Guinea, in the tournament’s third-place playoff.

Leadership Role and Captaincy

Patel’s leadership qualities were recognized in October 2021 when he was named as the captain of the American squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier tournament in Antigua. In May 2024, he was once again named the captain of the American squad for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament.

Playing Style and Recent Successes

Patel’s batting style is that of a right-handed top-order batsman and wicket-keeper. He has played a crucial role in the United States’ success in recent years, leading the team to victories over Canada and Bangladesh in a bilateral T20 International (T20I) series ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Vision for the 2024 T20 World Cup

Ahead of the team’s clash against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Patel expressed his team’s vision to qualify for the Super Eights and showcase their talent against top teams in the world. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward the momentum from their first game against Canada and focusing on tackling experienced Pakistani bowlers like Mohammad Amir.

Monank Patel’s journey from Gujarat to becoming the captain of the United States national cricket team is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership abilities. As the United States continues to make strides in international cricket, Patel’s role as the team’s captain and star player will be crucial in their quest for success on the global stage.

Pakistan’s cricketer Azam Khan recently faced an unpleasant situation during a match against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024. After being dismissed, Azam was subjected to verbal abuse from a fan in the stands. The fan, who was clearly out of line, began body-shaming him, which led to a heated exchange between the two.

In a shocking display of composure, Azam Khan maintained his cool and responded with a piercing “deadly stare” that left the fan and the entire stadium in awe. The stare was so intense that it seemed to convey a clear message to the fan: “I won’t engage with your negativity.”

Watch video:

Azam khan looking at fans angrily…#T20WorldCup #PAKVUSA #worldcup2024 #T20WorldCup2024 #azamkhan #BabarAzam𓃵 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/HlOq6wEfnU

— Bitta Chahal (@bittachaha) June 6, 2024

The incident highlights the growing issue of fan abuse in sports, where players are often subjected to personal attacks and insults. It is crucial for fans to understand that their behavior can have a significant impact on the players’ mental well-being and performance.

Azam Khan’s reaction to the situation was a testament to his maturity and professionalism. Despite being provoked, he chose not to engage with the fan and instead focused on maintaining his composure. This kind of behavior is essential in maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere in sports.

The incident also underscores the importance of proper fan management and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It is the responsibility of the organizers and authorities to ensure that fans behave in a respectful manner and that players are protected from such abuse.

Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for the IPL 2024 season set to kick off on March 22, promising another thrilling edition of the prestigious tournament. The anticipation is palpable, especially with the highly anticipated opening clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), poised to captivate fans with its electrifying start. While the initial schedule for the first 17 days, comprising 21 enthralling matches, has been unveiled by IPL organizers, the complete fixture list is yet to be finalized due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India. Nevertheless, excitement is at an all-time high as fans eagerly await the action-packed season ahead.

Adding to the excitement, on March 25th, Monday, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is scheduled to lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Bengaluru at 7:30 PM.

In IPL history, Bangalore and Punjab have squared off in 31 matches, with Punjab emerging victorious on 17 occasions, while Bangalore clinched victory in 14 encounters, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.

Here’s the Fantasy Playing XI for the anticipated RCB vs PBKS clash:

1. Virat Kohli (C)
2. Faf du Plessis
3. Cameron Green
4. Rajat Patidar
5. Mohammed Siraj
6. Karn Sharma
7. Shikhar Dhawan (VC)
8. Sam Curran
9. Liam Livingstone
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Rahul Chahar

With a lineup of talented players ready to showcase their skills, fans can expect an exhilarating clash as RCB and PBKS vie for supremacy on the cricketing field.

Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the IPL matches scheduled for March 24, featuring intense clashes between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur at 3:30 PM, followed by Gujarat Titans (GT) locking horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) in Ahmedabad.

In IPL history, Gujarat and Mumbai have faced each other in 4 matches, with both teams securing victories on 2 occasions each, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.

As anticipation builds up, let’s take a look at the fantasy XI for the IPL 2024 clash between GT and MI:

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Ishan Kishan (WK)
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Hardik Pandya
5. Gerald Coetzee
6. Shubman Gill (VC)
7. Kane Williamson
8. Rahul Tewatia
9. Rashid Khan
10. Mohit Sharma
11. Jasprit Bumrah

With a lineup of talented players ready to showcase their skills, spectators can expect thrilling contests in both matches, adding to the excitement of the IPL 2024 season.

Cricket fans are gearing up for an exciting showdown as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare to take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an IPL match on March 24 in Jaipur at 3:30 PM. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams on the IPL stage.

In their IPL history, Lucknow and Rajasthan have faced each other in 3 matches, with Rajasthan emerging victorious twice, while Lucknow secured a win on one occasion, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Following the clash between RR and LSG, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to another exciting match between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Ahmedabad.

As fans eagerly await the matches, discussions are already underway about the fantasy playing XI for the RR vs LSG encounter:

1. KL Rahul (C)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (VC)
3. Jos Buttler
4. Sanju Samson (WK)
5. Quinton de Kock
6. Nicholas Pooran
7. Shimron Hetmyer
8. Trent Boult
9. Mark Wood
10. Ravi Bishnoi
11. Avesh Khan

With a lineup of talented players set to showcase their skills, spectators can anticipate a riveting showdown between the Rajasthan Royals and the Lucknow Super Giants, adding to the excitement of the IPL 2024 season.