In our cricket news today round-up, India make squad adjustments in New Zealand as Ishan Kishan sits out the second T20I with an adductor injury, bringing in Kumar Kushagra. At home, India Women opened their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a dominant nine-wicket win in Vadodara behind Pratika Rawal's century. Elsewhere, Sri Lanka pulled off a historic 430-run chase against England in Rawalpindi, the ICC awarded Pakistan the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup under a hybrid setup, and Australia reflect on a heavy Test loss in South Africa.
Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of Second T20I as Kumar Kushagra Earns Call-Up
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch. Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening match of the series.
The Men's Selection Committee has added uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra to the senior squad as cover. Kushagra was already in Christchurch with the touring India A contingent and has linked up immediately with the main team.
“Ishan Kishan is ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.”
BCCI
Why it matters: India must adjust their wicketkeeping options ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand.
↑ HeadlinesGlenn Phillips Urges Better Bowling Execution After Historic India Chase
Following New Zealand's four-wicket defeat in the first T20I in Christchurch, all-rounder Glenn Phillips credited India for completing their highest successful chase of 226. Phillips, who scored an unbeaten 82, noted that New Zealand must take more wickets in the middle overs.
Phillips emphasized the need for better execution in the field for the upcoming matches. He also pushed back against claims regarding the tally of dropped catches during the series opener.
“We've got all our plans on the drawing board, but at the end of the day, you've got to execute them.”
Glenn Phillips
Why it matters: New Zealand are focusing on middle-overs bowling and fielding discipline to bounce back in the series.
↑ HeadlinesPratika Rawal Century Powers India Women to Win Over Zimbabwe in First ODI
India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by nine wickets in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara to take a 1-0 series lead. Chasing 198, Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten 100 off 96 balls and Shafali Verma hit 64 not out off 33 deliveries to complete the chase in 27.1 overs.
Earlier in the match, Shree Charani recorded career-best bowling figures of 4 for 23. Her spell helped bowl out Zimbabwe for 197 in the opening fixture of the three-match series.
Why it matters: India take an early lead in the three-match ODI series on the back of strong individual performances.
↑ HeadlinesSri Lanka Complete Second-Highest Successful Run Chase in Men's ODI History
Sri Lanka defeated England by two wickets with one ball remaining in Rawalpindi after chasing down a target of 430. The result marks the second-highest successful run chase in men's ODI cricket history.
Pavan Rathnayake anchored the innings with 130 off 106 balls, alongside 97 runs each from Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka. Janith Liyanage added an unbeaten 61 off 27 deliveries to finish the game, with the combined match aggregate of 859 runs standing as the second-highest in ODI history.
Why it matters: Sri Lanka have rewritten the record books by hunting down 430 against England in a historic ODI clash.
↑ HeadlinesSabbhineni Meghana Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket
Indian top-order batter Sabbhineni Meghana has announced her retirement from all formats of professional cricket at the age of 30. She shared the decision via social media.
Meghana played three ODIs and 17 T20Is for India, won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and lifted the 2024 WPL title with Royal Challengers Bangalore. She stated that she plans to remain involved in cricket by mentoring younger players.
Why it matters: A Commonwealth Games silver medallist and WPL champion brings an end to her professional playing career.
↑ HeadlinesICC Awards 2028 Women's T20 World Cup to Pakistan Under Hybrid Model
The International Cricket Council has announced that Pakistan will serve as the primary host for the 12-team Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled from September 7 to October 1, 2028.
Due to political tensions, India will not travel to Pakistan, and their matches are set to be played at a neutral venue, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the preferred option. The setup continues the hybrid hosting model agreed upon by both boards for major events.
Why it matters: Fans now know the hosting structure and venue arrangements for the 2028 global women's tournament.
↑ HeadlinesBCCI Appoints Parvinder Awana as Junior Selection Committee Chairperson
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed former India fast bowler Parvinder Awana as Chairman of the Junior Cricket Committee. The decision followed an application screening and interview process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee.
Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel, and N. Arjun Yadav were also named as committee members. The BCCI confirmed that the fifth member of the junior panel will be appointed shortly.
“The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) conducted a selection process for the appointment of members to the Junior Cricket Committee. The CAC screened and interviewed applicants and, following the process, recommended the appointment of Parvinder Awana as Chairman, along with Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel and N. Arjun Yadav as members of the Committee.”
BCCI
Why it matters: The new committee will oversee the identification and selection of India's rising junior talent.
↑ HeadlinesShikhar Mohan Earns Maiden India A Call-Up for New Zealand Tour
Jharkhand opening batter Shikhar Mohan has been called up to the India A squad for the remaining two four-day matches against New Zealand A. The 21-year-old earned his maiden selection following consecutive centuries in the Ranji Trophy.
Mohan will link up with the squad ahead of the match starting on October 31 at Hagley Oval. He replaces KL Rahul, who is preparing for the upcoming ODI leg of the tour.
“It is perfect timing. He is in good form. Scored two centuries in Ranji. Had a great Duleep Trophy final and Irani Trophy as well.”
Ishank Jaggi
Why it matters: Consistent domestic performances have earned a young opening batter his first opportunity with India A.
↑ HeadlinesPat Cummins Urges Improvement Following Australia's Heavy Test Defeat
Australia captain Pat Cummins stated that his team must address significant performance concerns after suffering an innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The loss levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
Cummins acknowledged that Australia fell well short of their standards during the second Test. He added that the squad faces challenging selection decisions before the deciding match in Cape Town.
“Clearly need to be a lot better than that if we want to compete”
Pat Cummins
Why it matters: The series between Australia and South Africa is tied 1-1 heading into a decisive final Test.
↑ HeadlinesTaskin Ahmed Recalled to Bangladesh Test Squad for West Indies Opener
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has named a 15-member squad for the first match of their two-Test World Test Championship series against the West Indies in Mirpur. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed returns to the squad after missing the earlier one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Batter Litton Das has been included despite nursing a recent hip injury. Fast bowler Nahid Rana was excluded as he continues his recovery from a side strain.
Why it matters: Bangladesh welcome back a senior pacer as they begin their home World Test Championship series.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Joe Root became the first England batter and 34th overall to reach 8,000 men's ODI runs during his 69-run knock against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
- Cricket Australia officially launched the 12th edition of the Women's Big Bash League in Sydney ahead of its opening matches on October 29.
- Nepal's under-19 women's team will play a triangular series in Bengaluru against India U-19 Women 'A' and 'B' sides from November 10 to 22.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ishan Kishan not playing in the second T20I against New Zealand?
Ishan Kishan was ruled out of the match after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening T20I in Christchurch.
Who replaced KL Rahul in the India A multi-day squad?
Jharkhand opener Shikhar Mohan was called up to replace KL Rahul as Rahul prepares for the upcoming ODI leg of the tour.
Where will India play their matches in the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup?
India will not travel to primary host Pakistan due to political tensions, with their fixtures set to be held at a neutral venue, where the United Arab Emirates is the preferred option.
Who top-scored for Sri Lanka in their record chase against England?
Pavan Rathnayake led Sri Lanka's chase of 430 with 130 runs off 106 balls in Rawalpindi.
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