Indian star Ishan Kishan, who was ignored in the India squad for the England Test Series 2025, has made a remarkable debut at the County Championship 2025. Nottinghamshire signed on a short-term contract to make up for Kyle Verreynne’s absence as he is away for international duty. His aggressive batting against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge on 23 June 2026 turned heads as he made his remarkable debut for county cricket.

Ishan Kishan’s Dream Debut At County Championship

Ishan Kishan came at number six and scored 87 runs off 98 balls, with 12 fours and a six. This resulted in a strike rate close to 89, marking a dream debut for Kishan. His innings were marked by fearless stroke play, which helped stabilise and boost the team’s total to overcome 450 runs.

Ishan Kishan’s dream debut eventually ended by England spinner Dom Bess, and he narrowly missed a century. However, it doesn’t overshadow the outstanding performance he gave yesterday.

Out Of The Indian Squad Since…

Before his county stint, Ishan Kishan had been out of the Indian team since December 2023, after he decided to opt out for the South Africa Test Series. Although he has played only two Tests for India with a fifty to his name, Kishan is known for his attacking skills in limited-overs cricket. He boasts an ODI average over 42 with a double century and nearly 800 T20I runs at a strike rate of 124. His recent IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad was productive, scoring 354 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate above 152, including a century.

Future Hopes For Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan’s strong start in England comes at a great time as he aims to stay in the selectors’ frame for future India matches, having recently reclaimed a BCCI central contract in the C-grade bracket.

Also read:  Tilak Varma Signs with Hampshire for County Championship Stint

In this article, we mention Some lesser-known facts about Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, a renowned Indian cricketer, is celebrated for his impressive career on the cricket field. However, beyond his batting prowess lies a fascinating persona with many intriguing facets that often escape the spotlight.

Also Read: 5 World Cup Winners To Serve As Head Coach Of Indian Cricket Team

Here are five lesser-known facts about the man behind the cricketer Gautam Gambhir

• Adoption by Grandparents: Born into a humble family, Gambhir’s life took an unexpected turn when he was adopted by his grandparents soon after birth. What began as a visit to introduce the newborn to his grandparents turned into a lifelong bond.
• Nurtured by Grandparents: Enveloped by their love and care, Gambhir grew up under the nurturing guidance of his grandparents. This upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character and resilience.

• Marriage and Family Life: Beyond the cricketing arena, Gautam Gambhir finds solace in the warmth of family life. In 2011 he married Natasha Jain beginning a journey of companionship and love.
• Cherishing Family Moments: The couple is blessed with two daughters, Aazeen and Anaiza. Gautam Gambhir cherishes every moment spent with his beloved family often indulging in long drives and quality time together.

• Passion for Gaming: While Gambhir’s exploits on the cricket field have garnered widespread acclaim, he harbours a passion for gaming off the pitch.
• Hobbies and Interests: He enjoys reading and adrenaline-fueled drives, and finds joy in immersing himself in the virtual realm of PlayStation games, unwinding amidst the digital landscapes of virtual competition.

• Historical Feat in Test Cricket: In 2009, Gautam Gambhir etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by achieving a rare feat in Test cricket.
• Consecutive Centuries: He became only the fourth Indian batsman to score three consecutive centuries in the longest format of the game, showcasing his batting prowess and resilience and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
• Aspiration to Serve in the Armed Forces: Amidst his cricketing pursuits Gautam Gambhir harboured aspirations beyond the boundary ropes. He had a deep-seated desire to serve his nation by joining the armed forces.
• Reflections on Regret: Reflecting on his journey Gambhir expressed regret at not pursuing his passion for the military citing it as his “first love” and a poignant reminder of unfulfilled aspirations.

As IPL 2024 is knocking on the doors, the fans will be excited to find the top batsmen of CSK in IPL 2024. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are yet to storm into another Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign in 2024. Their success largely relies on a supremely talented batting lineup featuring seasoned veterans and emerging young stars who have reliably produced impactful performances throughout the season. We shall delve into finding the top batsmen of CSK in IPL 2024.

1. Devon Conway

At the forefront of CSK’s batting exploits is New Zealand opener Devon Conway who is enjoying a breakout IPL season. In his first appearance in the prestigious T20 tournament, Conway has set the standard amongst the league’s elite batsmen with a superior stat line – 672 runs scored at an average of 51.69 and an excellent strike rate of 139.70. Having adapted seamlessly from international cricket to the IPL, Conway has entrenched himself as an indispensable asset at the top of the order for the two-time champions.

2) Ruturaj Gaikwad

Forming a formidable opening pair with Conway, talented Indian youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad is also enjoying an excellent campaign having amassed 590 runs at 42.14. Known for his consistency and textbook stroke play, Gaikwad continues developing as one of cricket’s rising batting stars. The duo and Conway have given CSK a platform for posting intimidating totals.

The ever-reliable presence of Shivam Dube has helped align the middle order during the middle overs phase. His IPL experience has been essential for steadying the innings and shepherding the lower order. Though Dube’s statistics—1099 runs at an average of 28.18 may not reflect it, his contribution to pinch-hitting cannot be ignored.

3) Ajinkya Rahane

Similarly, seasoned international star Ajinkya Rahane has lent vital composure and skill to the middle order while accumulating crucial runs. Rahane’s savvy batting presence is an enormous asset in high-pressure situations.

4) Ravindra Jadeja

Underpinning the senior statesmen in the CSK top and middle order is an emerging crop of young Indian talents. Ravindra Jadeja has impressed when given opportunities showcasing composure and years of experience.

5) Shaik Rasheed

Teenage prodigy Shaik Rasheed has also earned plaudits from pundits as an exciting batting prospect for the future. With nurturing from the veterans, these young talents continue to develop as the next generation for the CSK batting lineup.

6) MS Dhoni

Completing a lineup replete with skill is the hard-hitting power of MS Dhoni still capable of unleashing his signature explosive finishing style late in the innings. Acting as finisher and Captain, Dhoni’s leadership and batting prowess remain pivotal to CSK’s identity and success to this day.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been a dominant force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with a history of consistent success. In the IPL 2024, CSK’s triumph can be attributed to several key factors. The team’s flexible and well-balanced batting lineup, featuring top performers such as Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube, has been instrumental in securing crucial victories. Additionally, the astute leadership of MS Dhoni and the team’s mastery of Net Run Rate (NRR) calculations have further contributed to their success. CSK’s ability to adapt to different match situations and the exceptional performances of their players have solidified their position as one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. With this optimum blend of world-class top-order power, veteran middle-order composure, and young talent, the Chennai Super Kings have constructed a supremely versatile batting card. Flexible to adopting aggressive or steady approaches, this deep batting roster has delivered vital performances that anchor CSK’s push for the playoffs. Underpinning yet another successful season, the Chennai batting firepower promises to drive the team to the coveted IPL crown.

The India vs South Africa 2023-24 tour will feature an exciting series of T20, ODI, and Test matches. The schedule, match timings, squads, and live-streaming details have already been announced, providing cricket fans with a comprehensive overview of the upcoming action.

Schedule and Match Timings

• T20 Matches:
  • 1st T20I – December 10 – 7:30 PM IST
  • 2nd T20I – December 12 – 8:30 PM IST
  • 3rd T20I – December 14 – 8:30 PM IST
• ODI Matches:
  • 1st ODI – December 17 – 1:30 PM IST
  • 2nd ODI – December 19 – 4:30 PM IST
  • 3rd ODI – December 21 – 4:30 PM IST
• Test Matches:
  • 1st Test – December 26-30 – 1:30 PM IST
  • 2nd Test – January 3-7 – 1:30 PM IST

The matches will be telecasted on the Star Sports network in India, with live streaming available on Disney+Hotstar.

Squads

The squads for the India vs South Africa series include a lineup of talented players from both teams, promising an intense and competitive showdown on the cricket field.

India’s Squad

T20I squad vs South Africa: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.

ODI squad vs South Africa: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, KL Rahul (C and WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar.

Test Squad vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.

South Africa’s Squad

T20I squad vs India: Aiden Markram (C), David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Heinrich Klaasen, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2nd T20Is only), Marco Jansen (1st and 2nd T20Is only), Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi(1st and 2nd T20Is only), Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams.

ODI squad vs India: Aiden Markram (C), David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Mihlali Mpongwana, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottniel Baartman.

Test Squad vs India: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee.

As the RCB think tank gears up for the pivotal IPL 2024 Auction armed with financial firepower, enhancing bowling ammunition and securing versatile all-rounders are set to take centerstage in roster augmentation plans.

With significant funds at their disposal having released underperforming stars like Jason Behrendorff and Sherfane Rutherford, RCB have granted themselves serious spending capability to plug long-standing squad gaps that have hampered title ambitions.

The prime focus will revolve around acquiring versatile fast-bowling assets capable of running riot on batting paradises of Indian surfaces. Left-arm Australian speedster Mitchell Starc encapsulates the potency and menace RCB’s pace battery has sorely lacked save the talented Mohammed Siraj. Starc boasts invaluable experience in subcontinental conditions with his angled barrage of yorkers and early swing likely to translate into consistent strikes that no total is safe against.

Domestically, the canny medium pacer Siddharth Kaul also promises to enhance variety in RCB’s bowling plans with his ability to mix up deliveries utilizing different release points. Kaul lends a mercurial change of pace to outfox power hitters, making him a potentially shrewd addition.

In the spin department, securing the services of dexterous off-spinner Travis Head would lend much-needed control and attacking craft in the middle overs – a phase where RCB has often hemorrhaged runs. Head’s four-over parsimonious spells coupled with his clean striking prowess down the order feels like an optimal solution to balance the side.

All-rounders capable of achieving dual-impact player status also rank highly on Coach Sanjay Bangar’s wanted list given their force multiplication effect on flat decks. RCB appears keen to reacquire the services of Daniel Sams – whose clever slower balls and ball-striking flair brand him as a viable asset to shore up bowling depth while adding batting fireworks.

Additionally, the seasoned Kedar Jadhav promises to reinforce RCB’s middle-order stability while also rolling his arm over with clever cutters and dipping sliders. Jadhav’s experience and adaptability make him a potentially worthwhile recruit.

In terms of overseas targets, RCB should table enticing bids for the English batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone whose emergence as a bonafide match-winner merits quite a payday. Livingstone’s ability to hit outrageous lengths right from the get-go and deceive the best with both wrist and finger spin ticks multiple boxes. He amplifies RCB’s batting might while also furnishing a spin-bolstering option.

With balance and depth reinforcement as the overriding recruitment priorities, as RCB sets sights on finally capturing elusive IPL glory in 2024, furnishing match winners across departments appears as the chosen path ahead.

In conclusion, RCB has placed itself in an optimal position roster-wise courtesy of smart retention choices and cap management to acquire missing pieces of the puzzle. The 7 slots and INR 40 crores auction purse grant Bangar and captain Du Plessis ample flexibility to handpick targets that correct long-standing squad imbalances. How shrewdly they invest funds into securing multi-skilled talents over one-dimensional stars will likely decide whether RCB lift that coveted crown in 2024!

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an extension of the contract for Head Coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of the Indian men’s senior cricket team. This announcement was made on Wednesday, despite the recent disappointment of India’s early exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Rahul Dravid’s previous contract as head coach was set to expire following the conclusion of the home 50-overs World Cup. However, after discussions, the BCCI has now engaged to extend his tenure. The exact duration of the contract extension is yet to be officially confirmed. It is widely expected though that Dravid will continue serving as India’s head coach at least through the next ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024.

Overall, while India fell short of expectations at the recent 2023 ODI World Cup, the BCCI has shown continued faith in Rahul Dravid’s leadership. Both he and his supporting coaching staff will remain in place guiding the Indian men’s cricket team through future tournaments and series.