Indian squad announced for Under-19 Asia Cup 2025

 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian team for the Men's Under-19 Asia Cup. The tournament will be played in Dubai from December 12-21. Ayush Mhatre has been named the captain of the Indian team.

India has been placed in Group A of the Men's Under-19 Asia Cup. This group includes Team India along with Pakistan, while two other teams will qualify for the group through qualifiers. Group B will include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and another qualifying team.

Eight teams will participate in the Under-19 Asia Cup. The tournament will begin on December 12. In the opening match, Team India will face Pakistan in Qualifier 1 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. On the same day, they will face Pakistan in Qualifier 3 at The Seven Stadium. A high-voltage match will take place between India and Pakistan on December 14. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be held on December 19.

Under-19 Asia Cup Groups

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 3
• Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Qualifier 2

Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yuvraj got a place

The Indian Under-19 squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup has been announced. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Tripathi, and Abhigyan Kundu have also been included in the squad. Yuvraj Gohil and Kanishk Chauhan will play in the middle order.

India's Under-19 Asia Cup match schedule

• December 12 - India vs. Team Qualifier 1
• December 14 - India vs. Pakistan
• December 16 - India vs. Team Qualifier 3

Indian team for Under-19 Asia Cup

Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (Vice-Captain), Vedant Tripathi, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvesh Singh, Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Dipesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness), Uddhav Mohan, Aron George

Standby - Rahul Kumar, Hemchudesh J, B.K. Kishore, Aditya Rawat

Top 5 highest run-scorers in India vs South Africa ODI history

 ODI matches between India and South Africa have always featured high-quality cricket, featuring world-class batting, formidable pace attacks, and thrilling contests. Over the years, many outstanding batsmen from both teams have dominated matches with consistent and match-winning performances.

Over the decades of India vs South Africa ODI cricket, whenever these two teams have met, here's a look at the five batsmen who have scored the most runs in the format.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The great Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer against South Africa, with 2,001 runs. He did so in 57 ODI innings at an average of 35.73. His low average is probably because he faced world-class attacks on pitches that were easy for bowlers, at a time when modern ODI rules did not favour batting. Sachin Tendulkar scored 5 centuries and 8 fifties against South Africa, including a century during the 2011 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match in Nagpur.

2. Jacques Kallis

South Africa's Jacques Kallis scored 1,535 ODI runs against India in 34 innings at an average of 61.40. He remained not out nine times and finished matches with his characteristic calmness and control. Of his 17 centuries in ODI cricket, Jacques Kallis scored two against India, including 11 extras of 50 or more. Overall, Kallis remains South Africa's leading run-scorer against India in ODIs, even a decade after his retirement from the game.

3. Virat Kohli

Indian run-machine Virat Kohli has scored 1,504 runs in 29 ODI innings against South Africa at a high-volume average of 65.39, the most among all players to score more than 300 runs in India vs South Africa ODIs. Virat Kohli scored 558 of these runs in a single series against South Africa in 2018, where his three match-winning centuries helped India win the series 5-1. Moreover, Kohli's 558 runs from that tour are the most runs scored by any batsman in a single bilateral series. Overall, Virat Kohli has scored five centuries and eight half-centuries against South Africa at a tremendous strike rate of 85.74.

4. Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten tormented the Indian bowlers in almost all his 26 ODIs between 1995 and 2001. The legendary left-handed opening batsman scored 1,377 runs at an impressive average of 62.59, which was 1.5 times his career ODI average of 40.95. Gary Kirsten scored four centuries and nine half-centuries against Team India, with his biggest achievement being an innings of 133* in the opening match of the 2001 South Africa ODI Tri-Series in Johannesburg in October 2001.

5. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers 1,357 runs in ODIs against India are nowhere near his strike rate of 111.13. Former South African captain and explosive middle-order batsman AB de Villiers loved to mock Indian bowlers, especially in ODIs, as he averages 48.46 against them. He scored six centuries against India, including three in a single series in 2015, where he amassed 358 runs at an impressive average of 89.50. Overall, AB de Villiers played 32 ODIs against India, scoring 1,357 runs, and crossing the 50-run mark 11 times.

5 batsmen who scored the slowest century in Test cricket

 It wouldn't be wrong to call Test cricket the perfect platform for patience, concentration, and technique. The goal here isn't just to score runs; staying at the crease for long periods of time to put the team in a strong position is equally important. This patience is reflected in some of the slowest Test centuries ever, which are still remembered with great respect in cricket history.

Rank	Batsman	Team	Opponent	Minute (to reach 100)	Match details
1	Mudassar Nazar	Pakistan	England	557	Lahore, 1977/78
2	DJ McGlew	South Africa	Australia	545	Durban, 1957/58
3	AP Gurusinha	Sri Lanka	Zimbabwe	535	Harare, 1994/95
4	JJ Crowe	New Zealand	Sri Lanka	516	Colombo (CCC), 1986/87
5	Sanjay Manjrekar	India	Zimbabwe	500	Harare, 1992/93

1. Mudassar Nazar - Pakistan

Pakistan's Mudassar, who reached his century in 557 minutes against England in Lahore in 1977-78, was not only a slow batsman but also a prime example of how to rescue a team in difficult situations. His innings is still considered the slowest century in Test history.

2. Jackie McGlew - South Africa

South Africa's Jackie McGlew, who scored a century in 545 minutes against Australia at Durban in 1957-58. Bowling was very difficult in those days, and the pitches were not very good for batsmen. In such an environment, McGlew's innings was highly praised.

3. Asanka Gurusinha - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Asanka Gurusinha, who reached his century in 535 minutes against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1994-95. This innings was highly strategic, as Sri Lanka's priority in that match was to avoid defeat, and Gurusinha bided his time accordingly.

4. Jeff Crowe – New Zealand

New Zealand's Jeff Crowe scored a century in 516 minutes against Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test in 1986-87. This innings shows how a calm mind and proper technique can trouble bowlers for long periods.

5. Sanjay Manjrekar - India

India's Sanjay Manjrekar reached his century in 1992-93, playing a 500-minute blockathon in Harare. Despite a difficult pitch, a slow outfield, and a tight bowling attack, Manjrekar's century is considered one of the classic innings of Indian cricket.

Latest WTC Points Table (2025-2027): India vs South Africa after 2nd Test

 The ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 (also known as the ICC WTC 2025–2027) is a Test cricket tournament, the fourth edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Losing the second Test has significantly hurt the Indian team in the World Test Championship points table. Team India has now fallen below Pakistan in the points table. Pakistan is now fourth, while India is fifth. India was set a huge target of 549 runs in Guwahati, but in response, India's second innings was reduced to just 140 runs.

Earlier, South Africa defeated Team India by 30 runs in the Kolkata Test. Now, the Indian team, captained by Rishabh Pant, has suffered a massive defeat by 408 runs in Guwahati. South Africa has clean swept India in a Test series at home after 25 years.

India loses in the WTC points table

Before the South Africa Test series, Team India was ranked fourth, but after losing the series 0-2, it has slipped to fifth. India's points percentage has now reached 48.15. Recalling the past three finals, Team India seems a long way from reaching the final. Pakistan's points percentage is 50, which puts it above India in the points table.

Australia is currently the table topper, having won all four of its matches so far and has a points percentage of 100. South Africa, which won the series against India, has firmly secured second place, reaching 75. Sri Lanka is currently at third.

Latest WTC Points Table (2025-2027)

POINTS TABLE -

No	Team	M	W	L	T	NR	PCT	Pts	Recent Forms
1	Australia	4	4	0	0	0	+100.00	48	WWWW
2	South Africa	4	3	1	0	0	+75.00	36	WWLW
3	Sri Lanka	2	1	0	0	1	+66.67	16	WD
4	Pakistan	2	1	1	0	0	+50.00	12	WL
5	India	9	4	4	1	0	+48.15	52	LLWLD
6	England	6	2	3	0	1	+36.11	26	LWDLL
7	Bangladesh	2	0	1	0	1	+16.67	4	LD
8	New Zealand	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0	NR
9	West Indies	5	0	5	0	0	0.00	0	LLLLL

Top 3 highest-paid retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction

 On November 14, all 10 IPL franchises announced the players they decided to retain and those they decided to release ahead of the mini-auction, which will take place in Abu Dhabi in December. Some teams showed complete confidence in their star players and decided to retain them despite their mixed performances. With the auction coming up soon, here are the top three highest-earning retained players for IPL 2026.

1. Rishabh Pant (LSG)

Rishabh Pant remains the most expensive player in IPL history. Notably, he was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, LSG decided to retain Pant as both their captain and a key player. Pant did not have a good 2025 season. In 13 innings, he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17. However, the franchise showed faith in him, believing that his form and leadership would improve. LSG retained him.

2. Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings)

Punjab Kings signed Shreyas Iyer for the 2025 season. He became the second most expensive player with a price tag of ₹26.75 crore. Before the 2026 auction, Punjab had retained him for the same amount. Iyer proved his mettle last season, especially as captain, leading Punjab Kings to the final, where they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He scored 604 runs in 17 innings at an impressive average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, the best of his IPL career. Due to his strong leadership and consistent run-scoring, the franchise retained him till 2026.

3. Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen has been retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹23 crore, making him the third-highest-paid player retained this season. Notably, Klaasen scored 487 runs in 14 matches during the IPL 2025 season, proving his value as a reliable finisher and power-hitter. Klaasen has been one of SRH's most reliable batsmen. So far, he has played 39 innings for SRH, scoring 1,414 runs, including two centuries and seven fifties, an impressive record for a middle-order player.

Who is the highest run-scorer in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC)?

 Since the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), the pace of scoring runs in Test cricket has become even more intriguing. Amid challenging conditions, fast bowling, and the test of spin, many great batsmen have proven their mettle in the longer format. Topping the list is former England captain Joe Root, who set a new record for most runs in the WTC.

1. Joe Root - England

England's Joe Root remains the WTC's top run-scorer, amassing 6,088 runs in 70 matches played between 2019 and 2025. His highest score is 262, demonstrating his ability to stay at the crease for long periods and tire out opponents. An average of 52, 21 centuries, and 22 half-centuries have made him one of the most reliable Test batsmen of our time.

2. Steve Smith - Australia

Australian legend Steve Smith has scored 4,297 runs in 56 matches. With 13 centuries and 19 half-centuries, Smith is known for his unique technique and patient batting. His brilliant innings of 211 runs and an average of nearly 50 make him a strong contender for the number one spot after Root.

3. Marnus Labuschagne - Australia

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne is third with 4285 runs. Scoring at an impressive average of 48 in 98 innings, Labuschagne has proven himself a superstar of modern Test cricket. His massive innings of 215 runs and 23 consecutive half-centuries are a testament to his consistency.

4. Ben Stokes - England

England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, is fourth on this list with 3,624 runs. His aggressive batting and ability to turn matches around in difficult situations have made him special. Eight centuries and 17 half-centuries in 105 innings demonstrate his position as the backbone of England's batting lineup.

5. Travis Head - Australia

Australia's explosive middle-order batsman, Travis Head, has established himself as a match-winner in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC). Head's batting ability, which includes not only his ability to score quickly but also his ability to handle pressure in critical situations, makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in modern Test cricket. Travis Head has scored 3,444 runs. His strike rate of over 73 makes him a unique Test batsman.

Top 5 players with the fastest century in Ashes history

 The first Test of the 2025 Ashes in Perth ended in just two days, and the star of the match was none other than Travis Head. Coming in as an opener, he decimated England in every way. Chasing a target of 205, Head adopted his T20 style and scored 123 runs off just 83 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes. This brilliant innings put him on the list of fastest centuries in Ashes history.

1. Adam Gilchrist – 57 balls (Perth, 2006)

The fastest century in Ashes history belongs to Adam Gilchrist, who scored a brilliant century in the 2006 Ashes in Perth; and it was one of the greatest Test innings ever. Batting at number seven, Gilchrist used his timing to perfect the English bowling attack, hitting 12 fours and four sixes, and reached his century off 57 balls.

2. Travis Head – 69 balls (Perth, 2025)

Travis Head led a brilliant counter-attack under pressure in the first Ashes match at Optus Stadium in Perth in 2025. He scored 123 runs off 83 balls, including a brilliant century off 69 balls, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes. Head's impressive strike rate of nearly 148 kept England under constant pressure.

3. Gilbert Jessop 76 balls (The Oval, 1902)

In 1902, when helmets didn't exist and pitches were unpredictable, Gilbert Jessop played an innings that people still talk about today. Chasing a target of 263 in the Fifth Test at the Oval, Jessop came to the crease when England were 48/5 and shared a partnership of over 100 runs with George Hirst. Gilbert played with passion, scoring a brilliant century off just 76 balls. He held on to his place and led England to a historic 1-wicket victory.

4. Travis Head – 85 balls (Brisbane, 2021)

The 2021 Ashes began in Brisbane, and the Australian team was in excellent form from day one. Pat Cummins' five wickets in the first innings restricted England to 147 runs. In response, Travis Head, batting at number 5, played a blistering innings. He reached his century off just 85 balls off Jack Leach. Head capitalized on this momentum, scoring 152 runs from 148 balls at a strike rate of 102.70, including 14 fours and four sixes. His innings laid the foundation for Australia's nine-wicket victory.

5. Joe Darling – 85 balls (Sydney, 1898)

In 1898, Joe Darling clinched the Ashes series with a century off 85 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground. At a time when controlled and defensive scoring was the norm, Darling's innings were remarkable. He attacked the bowlers, unleashing powerful drives and punches through the off-side, and played explosive strokes that were a far cry from the conservative batting style of the time.

WPL 2026 Player Auction List With Price

 The BCCI has released the list of players available for the Tata Women's Premier League 2026 auction. A total of 73 slots are available for the upcoming edition. The auction will take place in New Delhi on November 27, 2025. The auction will begin with the marquee set, which includes eight players, including Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh.

The Women's Premier League 2026 will be the fourth edition of the tournament, scheduled to be played between January 7 and February 3. A total of five teams (Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and UP Warriors) participate. In the three editions played so far, Mumbai Indians have won twice and Royal Challengers Bangalore once.

A total of 277 players are included in the WPL 2026 list

The auction list includes 194 Indian players, including 52 capped and 142 uncapped. Fifty slots are available for Indian players. The list also includes 66 foreign capped and 17 foreign uncapped players, leaving 23 vacant slots.

Ashes 2025-26: AUS vs ENG Test Series, Head to Head, Schedule, Squads

Cricket's oldest and most trusted Ashes is returning to thrill the world in 2025-26. The five-match Test series, to be played on Australian soil from November 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026, will not only be a battle of bat and ball, but also a battle for honor, history, and the ultimate.

Australia looks as strong as ever at home. The team will be led by Steve Smith, who has been in excellent form in recent months. However, injuries have dealt an early blow to the Australian team. Fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test, giving Smith the captaincy.

England will be looking to win its first Ashes series in Australia since 2010-11 when Ben Stokes' team, led by stand-in captain Steve Smith, takes on a weakened home team at Perth Stadium on Friday. Steve Smith announced the Australian playing XI a day before the match, confirming the selection of two new players for the Perth Test.

Brendan Doggett will make his Test debut. Scott Boland is also included in the playing XI. Doggett's inclusion marks the first time there will be two Indigenous players in the Australian men's Test team.

Smith said in the press conference, It's good to see the depth in the squad. We know what Scotty Boland can do, and Doggett is in great form at the moment.

Australia vs England Head-to-Head Record in Tests

• Matches played: 361
• Australia: 152
• England: 112
• Drawn: 97
• Last result: England beat Australia by 49 runs (The Oval, 2023)
• Last series result: England 2-2 Australia (2023)
• Most runs (Australia)*: Steve Smith: 3,417
• Most runs (England)*: Joe Root: 2,428
• Most wickets (Australia)*: Nathan Lyon: 110
• Most wickets (England)*: Mark Wood & Ben Stokes: 41

Ashes 2025-26: Squad

Australia squad: Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherold, Cameron Green, Bo Webster, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc

England squad: Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (captain), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

Where to watch Ashes 2025-26 live in India?

Indian viewers will be able to watch the Ashes 2025-26 live on the Star Sports network. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

The Ashes, 2025-26 Schedule

Venue - Perth Stadium

AUS 

 ENG

UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 21-Nov-2025 08:00 AM

Venue - The Gabba

AUS 

 ENG

UpcomingMatch starts at - Thu 04-Dec-2025 09:30 AM

Venue - Adelaide Oval

AUS 

 ENG

UpcomingMatch starts at - Wed 17-Dec-2025 05:30 AM

Venue - Melbourne Cricket Ground

AUS 

 ENG

UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 26-Dec-2025 05:30 AM

Venue - Sydney Cricket Ground

AUS 

 ENG

UpcomingMatch starts at - Sun 04-Jan-2026 05:30 AM

Indian bowlers who failed to take a 5-wicket haul in ODI cricket

 Taking a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket is a remarkable achievement for any bowler. However, there are some Indian bowlers who have performed exceptionally well throughout their careers but have never achieved a five-wicket haul in ODIs. Two of them have even been world champions. Here, we will tell you who are the five Indian bowlers who have failed to take a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

1. Axar Patel

Team India's star all-rounder, Axar Patel, made his ODI debut in 2014. Currently, he is one of the team's most consistent players. In 71 ODIs, he has taken 75 wickets at an economy rate of just 4.49. His best performance is 3 wickets for 24 runs.

2. Roger Binny

Roger Binny's bowling played a crucial role in helping the Indian team win the 1983 World Cup. Roger performed brilliantly throughout the tournament. He played a total of eight matches in the tournament, taking the highest number of wickets at 18. Binny's best ODI performance was 4 for 29, which also came in the 1983 World Cup.

3. Ishant Sharma

Former fast bowler Ishant Sharma was a key bowler for Team India in ODI cricket for a long time. In his ODI career, Ishant took 115 wickets in 80 matches. His best ODI performance is 4 wickets for 34 runs. Ishant played his last ODI in 2016.

4. Umesh Yadav

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav is currently out of the Indian team, but he hasn't yet retired from international cricket. He played his last ODI in 2018. Between 2010 and 2018, Umesh played 75 ODIs, taking 106 wickets. His best performance was 4 for 31.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. However, Ashwin has never taken a five-wicket haul in an ODI. He played 116 ODIs for India between 2010 and 2023, taking 156 wickets. His best ODI performance was 4 for 25.

India 5 lowest target which they failed to chase in Tests

Shubman Gill-led Team India suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of South Africa on the third day of the Kolkata Test. The hosts failed to chase down a target of 124 runs and were bundled out for just 93 runs in the fourth innings. With this win, the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. However, this defeat has raised many questions about Team India's World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. The target of 124 runs, which India failed to chase, is now one of their lowest scores in the red-ball format.

1. 193 Runs, India vs England, Lord's 2025

In this match played at Lord's, England scored 387 runs with the help of Joe Root's 104 runs. For India, KL Rahul scored 100 and Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja scored 74 and 72 runs respectively. India equalized the score of 387 runs. England scored 192 runs in the second innings. Root again played the highest innings of 40 runs. India definitely got the target of 193 runs. Ravindra Jadeja scored 61 runs but he did not get support from other batsmen. India was all out for 170 runs. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes took three wickets each.

2. 176 Runs, India vs Sri Lanka, Galle 2015

The Indian team must have been deeply shocked by the defeat in this match in August 2015. Under Virat Kohli's captaincy, India had taken a good lead in the first innings. Sri Lanka had scored 183 runs in the first innings. In response, India posted a mammoth total of 375 runs, thanks to centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. India gained a lead of 192 runs. Sri Lanka scored 367 runs in the second innings, thanks to Dinesh Chandimal's 162 runs. India had a target of 176 runs. But the Indian team succumbed to the left-arm spin of Rangana Herath and was all out for 112 runs.

3. 121 Runs, India vs New Zealand, 2024 Wankhede

India lost the home Test series against New Zealand 0-3 last year. In the final match of the series, India lost by 25 runs. New Zealand scored 235 runs in the first innings. Daryl Mitchell scored 82 and Will Young scored 71. In reply, India scored 263 runs. Shubman Gill scored 90 and Rishabh Pant scored 60. New Zealand scored 174 runs in the second innings. Will Young again scored a half-century and scored 51 runs. India was set a target of 147 runs, but the entire team was all out for 121 runs.

4. 93 Runs, India vs South Africa, November 2025

In this match played in Kolkata, India was given a target of only 124 runs. India had all out South Africa for 159 runs in the first innings. In reply, India scored 189 runs. India had got a crucial lead of 30 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, thanks to captain Temba Bavuma's 55 runs, South Africa was able to reach 153 runs. Now India had a target of 124 runs. But on a pitch helpful for spinners, the Indian team was all out for only 93 runs. Simon Harmer took 4 wickets in both innings.

5. 81 Runs, India vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 1997

Sachin Tendulkar was in tears after India's defeat. Sachin was the captain of India and the target of 120 runs was not a big one. However, the Indian team failed to achieve it. West Indies scored 298 runs in the first innings. Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 137 runs. In reply, India scored 319 runs. Sachin Tendulkar scored 92 runs and Rahul Dravid scored 78 runs. West Indies were all out for 140 runs in the second innings. India was all out for 81 runs in the second innings. VVS Laxman, who opened the innings, scored the highest 19 runs.