Jake Weatherald's inclusion in the Ashes 2025 squad has intrigued the cricketing public, with many people speculating over the mystery of the man selected for an unsuspected opportunity. Weatherald has a reputation for being reliable and proven domestic form. His selection for the first test was somewhat unexpected but did demonstrate to the selectors their confidence in Weatherald's current form and ability to cope in a pressurized environment. His strong run of performances throughout this year's Sheffield Shield batting tallied Weatherald up to become a top performer of the season, leading him to have finally been selected for the Baggy Green on one of the biggest stages of cricket.

The Australian selectors made some brave choices leading into the series, selecting the squad and discarding Sam Konstas, who had only opened during the West Indies tour, while Nathan McSweeney also missed out, possibly due to not being able to find much rhythm with the bat. Both had been challenged early in the competition in their Sheffield Shield matches making the perfect opportunity for Weatherald. The management also considered Matt Renshaw's selection after he was involved in the ODI setup, but it was Weatherald who secured the opening spot in the Ashes lineup through a weight of timely scores.

See Also: 3 mega players who might be released ahead of IPL 2026 ft Liam Livingstone

Who is Jake Weatherald?

Jake Weatherald has been one of Australia's most reliable run-scorers in domestic cricket for a long time, and it was his recent form that forced selectors to reward him. Last season in Sheffield Shield cricket, the left-hander led the way with the bat, scoring 906 runs in 18 innings at 50.33, including three centuries. Weatherald's insatiable hunger for runs and ability to adjust to different conditions made him one of the most reliable domestic performers, and it added to his case for national selection in the lead-up to the Ashes in 2025.

Weatherald started the new Shield season of 2023-24 with continued form, scoring back-to-back fifties against Queensland and following that with a determined 94 on a difficult Perth surface against Western Australia. His early-season scores of 67, 57, 18, 94, 0 and 12 show that he is not only in form, but has the mental toughness to score when conditions are challenging. Weatherald has scored 5269 runs at an average of 37.63 in 143 innings of First-Class cricket, including 13 centuries and 26 50s, which supports his case for inclusion in the national team.

Outside of red-ball cricket Weatherald has demonstrated versatility in the white-ball format too. In 51 List A games, he has scored 1,602 runs at an average of 33.37 with 8 fifties and 4 hundreds - while in the BBL he has scored 2,176 runs at a 131.24 strike rate with 15 fifties and a hundred. Weatherald notably delivered a match-winning innings in BBL 2017/18 Final, leading Adelaide Strikers to the championship. At 31 years of age, Weatherald looks to be a player in great form and his impressive performance in challenging early-season testing conditions has solidified him as one of Australian cricket's top batting prospects.

Will Jake Weatherald feature in playing XI for the opening Test of Ashes 2025?

The question now that Jake Weatherald's credentials have been established, is whether he will be selected in Australia's playing XI for the Ashes opener. Australia's 14-man squad has several top-order players including Usman Khawaja, Weatherald, and Marnus Labuschagne. The main conflict for selectors is whether to keep Cameron Green at No.3, where he has been versatile, or whether to put Labuschagne back in his preferred role. If Labuschagne returns to one-down, it is likely that Weatherald will be asked to partner Khawaja as an opening pair, creating a reminiscent left-handed opening pair to that of David Warner's days.

Australia could also decide to pick all three – Labuschagne, Green, and Weatherald – by putting Green further down the order at 5 or 6 to bolster the middle order and allow each batter to bat in their natural position. Weatherald was chosen, he would be Australia’s oldest Test debutant since Scott Boland, who had a breakout performance in the previous home Ashes. This is reflective of Australia’s growing confidence in seasoned domestic players who have earned their opportunity after productive years of high performance in the Sheffield Shield.

Ashes 2025 Series schedule:

Australia's First Test squad for Ashes 2025 

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England's First Test squad for Ashes 2025

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

In a historic and surreal moment for over a billion cricket fans across India and beyond, the Women's Cricket Team were crowned 'World Champions' for the first time, after defeating South Africa in a hard-fought finale in Navi Mumbai. With expectations so high, all the eyeballs on them, and widespread support, the Indian ladies, with immense determination and grit, elevated their game. They, in unison, produced a heart-stopping moment in front of the 45000-strong capacity crowd at the DY Patil Stadium, to lift the cup of their dreams. In a cracker of a final, Deepti Sharma's all-round brilliance, Shafali Verma's top-order batting exploits, coupled with her incisive part-time bowling, and Amanjot Kaur's brilliance on the field, helped the team win their maiden ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, in their third appearance in the final. In what seems to be a ground-breaking occasion, this triumph, from years of heartbreak to history, is a revolution in women's cricket in India. Moreover, it resonates aptly with the men's victory in 1983, with Harmanpreet Kaur's final wicket catch synonymous with Kapil Dev's heroics back then. 

See Also: 'We Got Rs 1,000 Per Match' - Mithali Raj’s shocking revelation about the 2005 World Cup resurfaces

The Summary of the Final, India Vs South Africa, 2025

India backed a batting display of controlled aggression with a stupendous bowling performance, assisted by some fine fielding moments. They played with composure and never let the pressure of a home final get to them. Consequently, they gave everyone memories of a lifetime.

 Crucial Stands and Contributions for India - 

1st Wicket: 104 runs (106 balls) between Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58) and Shafali Verma (49 off 48). 

2nd Wicket: 62 runs (62 balls) between Shafali Verma (38 off 30) and Jemimah Rodrigues (23 off 32).

Deepti Sharma: 58 runs (58 balls) and 9.3-0-39-5

Crucial Contributions for South Africa -

Laura Wolvaardt (Proteas Skipper and their lone warrior in the final run-chase): 101 runs (98 balls).

The Subplots that shaped India's Campaign

Smriti-Pratika Opening Duo 

Sparks flew when the openers finally fired. Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, and Pratika Rawal's 155-run stand against Australia reignited India's top-order, even in a losing cause, then at the round-robin stage. This marked a turning point as belief began to develop. The blueprint was adopted for what was to follow in the latter half of the tournament. Under pressure in a must-win game against New Zealand, Smriti smashed a match-defining ton. With Pratika, who also struck a century in that match, she had a mammoth opening stand of 212 runs. This powered India into the knockouts after a massive scare of three consecutive league stage defeats against South Africa, Australia and England. 

However, the team suffered a major blow during the washed-out match against Bangladesh, when Pratika fractured her ankle. While fielding, she had a nasty fall, got severely injured, and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. She finished her World Cup campaign as the second-highest run scorer of the team. 

Shafali's Redemption

Overlooked as part of the squad for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, and not even in the reserves at the start, Shafali Verma experienced agony, confusion and eventual ecstasy, all combined during a brief period of time. Destiny had better plans. Called up for the knockouts, as a replacement for the injured opener Pratika Rawal, the Haryana player seized her moment with an all-round performance in the final. Scripting a fairytale, she scored a knock of 87 runs at a blistering rate and backed it up with her surprise part-time bowling. Full of confidence, trusted by the skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, and the team management alike, she scalped two crucial Proteas wickets. This provided India with the necessary impetus for a breakthrough and recharged their hopes for the ultimate glory. Her valuable returns made her presence feel like going from once forgotten to forever unforgettable. She was also adjudged the player of the match in the final. 

Jemimah, India's Gem

Jemimah Rodrigues produced a magical batting display in the semi-final clash against Australia, the seven-time champions, then-holders, and unbeaten in the tournament until that point. Chasing a humongous total of 339 runs and in a situation full of pressure, the Mumbai player, in front of her family, played the innings of her life. She scored an unbeaten 127 to take India into their third ODI World Cup final. An emotional Jemimah, post the match, admitted her struggles with mental health, being dropped from the team, and the feeling of support from her loved ones and coaches. She further thanked the Almighty for enlightening her path and helping her navigate the tough times.  

Amanjot's Clutch Moments

Amanjot Kaur had a World Cup debut to remember. In India's opening match against Sri Lanka, her knock of 57 runs and a 104-run partnership with Deepti Sharma rescued the team from an early collapse. Her resilience during that crisis paved the way for lower-order batters to fight in case the top order stumbles.

In the final, her brilliance in the field proved to be the difference between the sides. The Punjab player first left her mark by producing a heist, a scintillating run-out of the South African opening batter T. Brits. Fielding at mid-off, Amanjot ran the Proteas player, stealing a single, out, by directly hitting the stumps. Secondly, towards the end, at the most crucial and deciding moment of the match, Kaur caught the opposition skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, and their best batter, on 101 runs, at the deep midwicket position. The Indian all-rounder covered good ground to get under the ball, but in a heart-skipping moment for everyone, fumbled twice before holding onto the catch in her third attempt.

Richa's Power

India's wicket-keeper batter, Richa Ghosh, became synonymous with the counter-attacking style of cricket in this World Cup. Her explosive batting punches provided India with a great finish towards the end. Her unbeaten innings of 94 runs against South Africa in the league stage was a show of immense instinct, power and hitting skills. Her display proved that India's middle and lower order could fight back hard in times of distress and otherwise. 

Deepti's All-Round Brilliance

India's Deepti Sharma bagged the player of the tournament award for her all-round exploits in the recently concluded Women's World Cup 2025. She finished as the highest wicket-taker in the competition, scalping 22 wickets in total. Her batting didn't go unnoticed either. She finished as India's sixth-highest run scorer, amassing 215 runs in 9 matches, and with three half-centuries. With a fifty and 4 wickets, she stood tall in the 4-run loss to England. During the final, her run-a-ball score of 58 runs, coupled with a fifer in bowling, sealed her 'Most Valuable Player (MVP)' status. 

Champions of the World 💙🇮🇳

I’ve seen this dream for over two decades, to watch the Indian women lift that World Cup trophy.

Tonight, that dream finally came true.

From the heartbreak of 2005 to the fight of 2017, every tear, every sacrifice, every young girl who picked up a… pic.twitter.com/MgClC7QE9J

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 2, 2025

The Women's World Cup 2025 triumph is not only a result of the collective effort from the present team India players but also a reflection of the contributions made by the legends of the game. Without the dedication, perseverance, and resilience from some of the former India women's cricketers, Team India could not have won the World Cup in 2025. Behind the historic feats, there are multiple creators who dared to dream big. Through this article, we will try to find out 5 legends of Indian women's cricket, without whom the current scenario could be different. 

Diana Edulji: 

When cricket was limited for girls across the nation, Diana Edulji was the person who inspired the girls to take part in the game. From a young cricketer to becoming a part of the cricket administration, her journey is no less than an epic. She was known for her fierce spin bowling abilities and played for India from 1976 to 1993, a career of three long decades. The slow left-arm orthodox appeared in 20 Test matches and 34 One Day Internationals for India. In the longest format of the game, she amassed 404 runs and claimed 63 wickets at an impressive average of 25.77. And in ODIs, Edulji got 46 wickets, maintaining a remarkable bowling average of 16.84, and scored 2011 runs as well. It was her dream to see the Indian Women's Cricket Team with the World Cup in hand. Harmanpreet Kaur-led India made her dream true.

"I just have no words to explain. This is the proudest moment of my life. 50 years of my being on the cricket field as a player and an administrator. I am just absolutely thrilled… that star on the jersey, it’s now come true, and it’s a proud moment for me," the stalwart said. 

Neetu David:

Inspired by Diana Edulji, Neetu David dared to dream as a cricketer at the highest level of the game. The former India spinner, who is now the BCCI women’s selection committee chairperson, was a key figure behind India's 2005 World Cup run to the final, where they ended their campaign as the second-best team of the tournament. David was the highest wicket-taker in the 2005 Women’s World Cup with 20 wickets. Apart from the World Cup record, another feat of Edulji, to date, remains unmatched. She holds the best bowling figures in women’s Tests with 8/53 against England.

Read More: WATCH: Only Rs 1000 per match! Mithali Raj shocking revelation after World Cup 2025 Final

Anjum Chopra:

Like Neetu David, Anjum Chopra was also an integral part of the 2005 World Cup team India. She was the first Indian women's cricketer to play 100 ODIs. Throughout her illustrious career, the former batter featured in 127 ODIs, 12 Tests, 18 T20s, and 4 World Cups. For exceptional batting qualities and dedication to the game, Chopra was honored with the Arjuna Award (2007) and Padma Shri (2014) and also received the ICC Player of the Match title thrice. After retiring from professional cricket, she emerged as one of the most influential characters in Indian women's cricket. 

Mithali Raj:

The former India captain, under whose leadership stars of the present team like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma cemented their positions in the international cricket arena. Raj led Team India in multiple World Cups but was not fortunate enough to claim the title. Mithali Raj, probably the first superstar of Indian women's cricket, represented India 333 times across formats to score 10,868 runs. 

Jhulan Goswami: 

The legendary figure of Indian cricket inspired multiple generations through his unmatched pace bowling skills and leadership skills. The Padma Shri awardee was the first ever Indian woman to take 200 wickets in ODIs. Goswami played over 200 ODIs and more than 70 Test matches for India. She was honored with the ICC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2007.

Quinton de Kock’s surprising return to South Africa’s white-ball setup has generated a fresh discussion about chances of him being included in the T20 World Cup 2026 group. He recently announced his retirement from ODIs following the 2023 World Cup and took a step back from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup Final, but the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has now made the decision to represent the Proteas again. He may have reaffirmed his commitment to his country through his decision, but South Africa’s selection panel have also clarified that experience alone will not guarantee a spot for him; form, fitness, and consistency will be key factors.  

De Kock's 32 years old now so let's see if he can make the adjustment back into a much-changed South African squad built on competition, youth, and accountability. Head Coach Shukri Conrad has already made it clear that de Kock will need to perform leading up to T20 World Cup 2026, with the next 14 T20Is regarded as the opportunity for him to do just that. despite his track record of success and inherent match-winning qualities, his recent game performances have been poor and other questions persist about whether he is fit and prepared to return to the player in February. He will have a labour on his hands if he wishes to maintain his place in the South African set up over the next few months.

See Also: WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur's father lifts her like small child in joy after winning Women's World Cup 2025

Quinton de Kock: Opening Slot & Selectors’ Dilemma

The most significant obstacle de Kock faces is recovering the opening position, which is currently held by in-form pair Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. The selection panel is set on retaining this combination of openers, meaning that de Kock must fight to regain a position he once called his own. Despite a well-known record as a top-order batter, de Kock has not performed as expected in recent T20 leagues and tournaments. The players who are picked will be influenced by his ability to adapt to new environments and execute his form.

De Kock's return does not only offer us a chance to consider his individual form and fitness level, but it also raises broader considerations regarding South Africa's longer-term plans. The team management is moving slowly and tenderly toward a younger cohort of players, in anticipation of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Thus they consider the balance between experience and the future. When we factor in the value of de Kock's leadership, experience and big-match temperament, the question remains - does he still fit in the structure of the evolving team, and can he execute consistency as well as proven fitness to fit the demands. The Proteas now want to put together a flexible, future-looking squad which can develop sustainable success.

To sum up, Quinton de Kock is not guaranteed a spot in the South African T20 squad for World Cup 2026. He has returned to show he still has something to offer at the top level of international T20. To earn his place, de Kock will need to show he still has the touch to be impactful, and that he is still able to work within whatever the team re-establishes as its rhythm and needs to be consistent enough. The next few months will be de Kock's audition — one that will test not just skill but desire and willingness to be part of the national teams recovery.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have put an end to their 18-year run by winning their first-ever IPL title last season. Now that they have crossed that barrier, the franchise will target the title once again in IPL 2026. With a title-winning attitude behind them, RCB will be looking to build an even stronger and balanced squad for the new season.

See Also: 3 cricketers who scored a 50 and took 5 wickets in an ICC World Cup game ft. Deepti Sharma

In order to do that, the team management will be assessing the squad and will likely make key decisions during the IPL 2026 mini auction in December. But before that, they have to release some players before the retention deadline of November 15. On that note, here are three well-known players who may be a part of RCB’s Released Player List for IPL 2026;

Mayank Agrawal

The seasoned right-handed batsman, who remained unsold in the previous auction, was subsequently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal during IPL 2025 for INR 1 crore. He participated in 4 matches, scoring 92 runs at an average of 31.66 and a high score of 41. While he provided stability when required, his contributions were not substantial enough for him to be considered for a long-term role in the squad. 

With Padikkal announcing he has recovered and is ready to return to the team, RCB now have the opportunity to release Mayank Agarwal and create freed-up space in the one available squad slot, as well as budgetwise. At 34, Agarwal is nearing the end of his professional career and the franchise may consider investing in younger players that will fit better into their long-term plans for the future.

Lungi Ngidi

The South African pacer was signed by RCB mainly to serve as a backup option for their pace attack and played just two matches in the IPL 2025 season - as a cover for Australia's Josh Hazlewood. In those matches, he made a good impression with four wickets, despite an elevated economy rate of 10.12 which suggested levels of inconsistency in his ability to control the run rate against opposition top-order batters.

RCB may consider releasing him in advance of the mini-auction given the limited scope for him in the team and their apparent desire to bring in an overseas pace option with a more extensive skill set. This would provide RCB with an additional overseas slot and increase the purse by INR 1 crore. This would allow RCB the flexibility to go for a higher impact fast bowler, or an all-rounder who strengthen both components of their bowling unit, as they look to gain competitive balance and depth going into IPL 2026.

Liam Livingstone

RCB signed England's explosive all-rounder for a whopping INR 8.75 crore, but his on-field performance did not back up this signing. In 10 matches during IPL 2025, he only scored 112 runs at 16 average and 133 strike rate, and picked up just two wickets. His inconsistent batting and bowling often had the franchise looking for more reliable middle-order players.

While Liam Livingstone regained his form in The Hundred later in the year, his better effort in a shorter format may not be enough to earn him a spot on the roster.Ultimately, he comes with a large price tag and did not contribute much last season and might be the best option for RCB to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. In doing so, it frees up a considerable amount of their budget, so they can pursue more stable players who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Following a strong start to their campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India has run into problems. Back-to-back defeats to South Africa and Australia have put Harmanpreet Kaur’s side under pressure with no margin for error in their next matches. Nevertheless, India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals are still alive but will need to go well for them in their next games. India had begun the tournament strongly winning against Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS) and arch-rivals Pakistan by 88 runs so were looking good to challenge for the top four.

See Also: Ravindra Jadeja writes new international record during IND vs WI 2nd Test in Delhi

However, they faltered and lost to South Africa and Australia. Against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, India scored 251 runs, with Richa Ghosh scoring a very good 94 runs off 77 balls, and lost by 3 wickets. Then the next match was an encounter with Australia. India scored a massive 330 runs, with half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, but Alyssa Healy smashed 142 runs and led Australia to the highest successful chase of 330 runs in Women’s ODI, winning with 6 balls remaining, leaving India under immense pressure.

India's current standing in Women's World Cup 2025 Points Table

India Women remaining fixture in Women's World Cup 2025

IND-W Women's World Cup 2025 Qualification Scenarios

• India must win at least two of their remaining three matches to stay in contention for the semi-finals.

• Winning all three matches: India will finish with 10 points, guaranteeing a semi-final berth regardless of other results.

• Winning two and losing one: India will reach 8 points, which may be enough if their net run rate remains higher than teams like South Africa or New Zealand.

• Losing two or more matches: India’s qualification will depend on other results, especially the outcomes of South Africa and New Zealand’s remaining games.

Ravindrasinh Jadeja, or fondly called 'Sir Jadeja', is a rare breed in the sport of cricket. Consistent, utility, and charismatic players like him seldom go unnoticed, bringing a great deal to the table by contributing immensely and efficiently. An all-rounder by nature, his bowling and batting skills are impeccable and immaculate. His energetic and rock-solid presence in the middle has often drained the opposition, effectively resulting in calmness amid chaos. While batting, his tenacious ability to hold one end and anchor the innings adds another element to his armoury that is unique to proper batters. A straight addition to any side in world cricket, the Gujarati player, also counted as one of the fittest players ever to grace the game, is three-dimensional, and his fielding prowess is second to none. Winning people over with his noble deeds, he now sits as one of the better players, if not the best, in the Indian cricketing fraternity. And the circuit needs a regular influx of more such characters who are synonymous with effervescence and full of class. 

With a sharp and elite mentality, supreme talent, stringent hard work, and precision skill-training, over the years, Jadeja has outstandingly nourished and championed his skills to perfection. Always invested in improvements, he has brought about an evolution in his test batting and developed the elegant art of patience. The southpaw's game awareness, leadership skills, temperament, and transactional style of play have transformed him into an assured batter who loves his profession as much as anything. Mastering the game magnificently and exceptionally has fetched him several team and personal accolades. Besides all recognition, the 2019 Arjun Award, India's second-highest sporting honour, etched his name as one of the greats, and currently, with glorious strides, he is building an inspiring legacy of his own. Moreover, presently, the left-hander deservedly holds the number one rank in the ICC test all-rounders' rankings. 

See Also: 4 Records Made by India on Day 3 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test ft. Shubman Gill

Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Evolution

A player who has had a stellar 2025, so far, with the bat in his hands, Jadeja's sublime performances have consolidated the balance of the Indian side. With the recent retirements of some of the seniors, his stay at the crease has acted as a glue between the top and the lower order. His middle-order batting has eased the transition process, further allowing the youngsters to settle into the dynamics of the longest and toughest format of the game. Additionally, he has also acted as a bridge between the incumbents and the newcomers, making them feel adept around him. Having finished the England tour on a high as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the five-match test rubber, with an incredible average of 86 across 10 innings, and with some series-defining performances, he continued from where he left off. Scoring an unbeaten 104 runs and coupled with 4 wickets in the second innings of the first test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, against the West Indies, the Indian all-rounder, bagging the man of the match title, had a stupendous start to the home season. On the way to the 6th ton of his test career, Jadeja reached a few milestones. His promising innings included 5 sixes, and that makes him the fourth-ranked Indian player for smashing the most sixes in test cricket. With a tally of 80 sixes in 86 matches, he now just trails Virender Sehwag, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma. He also possesses the most fifty-plus scores (7 in 7 games) in the format in the current year, yet.

HUNDRED BY THE VICE CAPTAIN. 🇮🇳

- A spectacular century by Sir Ravindra Jadeja. He’s having an unbelievable run in Test cricket. What a cricketer! 💯 pic.twitter.com/bCsp1p2yuq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 3, 2025

When asked about his batting display during the post-match presentation, Jadeja had a few things to say - "Yeah, I have been working hard with my batting. We had a two-month off, there was no Test cricket or ODIs. I was working on my fitness, and I went to the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, worked on my skills and fitness. Yeah, absolutely (on his recent batting form). I had been batting at number 8 and 9 a few years ago, but now I have my place at 6. I have time to prepare myself, and I can pace my innings. I don't need to hurry; I don't need to rush unnecessarily. I can go out there, take my time and just pace my innings. I always love playing on red soil pitches. It's fun because, as a spinner, you get more turns and bounce. So, always as a spinner, you want that. I think I was enjoying it, and as I got to know that we are playing on red soil, I thought it would be okay for batting and bowling as well. If the wicket is flat, you can score runs. If the ball is turning, then you can enjoy bowling on the red soil. Obviously, I would like to thank the coach, captain and management and selectors because, being the vice-captain, you are always there as a team's special member, and that honour always pleased me. And yeah, whenever the team requires, whatever suggestion or regarding anything, I am always there and happy to do it. No, I am still not there (on being asked if he was the leader of the spin bowling department). Ash was there. I am not the captain. Kuldeep has also played many games for India. Washi (Sundar) has also played many games. So I think all in all, everyone is experienced enough, and there's no need to give unnecessary suggestions to anyone. So everybody is working hard. Everyone is positive. That's good to see."

Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Stats

Since 2021, across 36 tests, the Indian maverick has been the leading scorer (2064 runs) and wicket-taker (118 wickets) among the top all-rounders.

Jadeja attributes his batting evolution, the richness in form, the decisiveness towards calculated risks, and the consequent recent purple patch to clarity and stability. A fixed batting position, instead of being fluid, has allowed him to train specifically and against certain challenges thrown by red-ball cricket. The quality of batting longer than usual and with more responsibility is courtesy of intense training and seniority in the team, respectively. The recurring practice sessions, hitting and middling ball after ball, visualising opponent field positions, hunting gaps, and simulating match scenarios, have all strengthened his anatomy while improving his cricketing mettle. Sustaining such intended routines can only make him and the Indian cricket team progress leaps and bounds. If so, fans would get to witness the Saurashtra player's sword-show celebration match after match.

Like any player, Jadeja has had his ups and downs, but he never quit. There was a time in the first half of his international career when his place in the Indian team was unsecured, and he was even dropped. However, his resilience and determination kept him going through serious injuries and lean phases. Nothing deterred him, and all those hardships have culminated in one of the most decorated and successful cricketers of all time, in Ravindra Jadeja, or aptly known as 'Sir Jadeja'. 

After Pakistan's loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, it rekindled conversations about Babar Azam's future in Pakistan's T20I plans. Once a cornerstone of the batting lineup, the previous exclusion of Azam from the T20 squad earlier this year caught many off-guard. National head coach Mike Hesson had stated that Azam would need to improve his strike rate and ability to rotate strike against spin in order to be called back on to the T20 journey with the team. However, given Pakistan's difficulties at the top of their batting order throughout the year, should Babar Azam be called back into Pakistan's T20I plans? 

See Also: Why Harmanpreet Kaur changed her Jersey number from 7 To 23 ahead of the ODI World Cup 2025: Know the reason

Looking at the trends from 2023's T20I tournament, there is clearly an issue with Pakistan's top-order performances. While several different players have batted in the top-three positions, the majority have struggled to provide stability. The strike rates have been unusually low, the slow start meant Pakistan were unable to secure the momentum necessary within the powerplay. In contrast to the current top-order batting unit, Babar Azam's experience and unique ability to 'anchor' innings may potentially provide the team with the consistency they presently lack. Below is a table of Pakistan's top-order batters batting in the T20I format in 2023:

Babar Azam in T20Is

After the Asia Cup embarrassment, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) recently announced several changes to its squad, including summoning Shadab Khan and reporting Shaheen Shah Afridi back to the Test squad. This is a clear signal of a shift in policy that will see the team's reliance on experience to stabilize a developing but inconsistent side. Introducing Babar Azam back into the T20 squad could have a dual impact - bolstering the batting line-up while providing some added leadership to help younger players when needed.

In summary, if Babar Azam returns, he would need to reconsider his previous issues with strike rate and innings management. However, Azam has shown himself to be a reliable contributor to an innings, particularly in pressure situations. Pakistan's batting is currently inconsistent, and there is a need for a balanced batting strategy at the top. Introducing Azam back to the T20 squad may provide Pakistan T20 with the batting stability and experience required for future international assignments.

Team India’s all-rounder Shivam Dube was rested for the Super 4 encounter against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, September 26. Despite his absence, the Men in Blue extended their unbeaten streak in the Asia Cup 2025, clinching a nail-biting win in a super over to set up their final group clash against Pakistan.

Dube’s inclusion in the XI has often been a topic of debate, as it has limited Arshdeep Singh’s opportunities throughout the tournament. While the all-rounder has only faced 18 deliveries so far, he has made an impact with the ball, claiming five wickets, including a decisive spell against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage.

However, India’s team combination for the final is uncertain due to multiple injury concerns from the Sri Lanka game and Arshdeep’s brilliance in the death overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav now faces a tough selection call, with Dube’s role under the spotlight.

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Why is Shivam Dube Important for the IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final?

With the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan approaching, team balance becomes crucial for India. Shivam Dube’s all-round abilities could play a vital role. Here are three key reasons why recalling him for the high-pressure clash would benefit India.

• India must stay focused on their original strategy despite Sri Lanka scare

Recency bias often plays a role in shaping opinions, especially after Arshdeep Singh’s excellent performance against Sri Lanka. While his brilliance at the death was commendable, the team management already knew his capabilities. His absence wasn’t due to oversight but a tactical move to prioritize balance by keeping Shivam Dube in the XI.

India has consistently trusted this combination in important matches, and it has proven effective on multiple occasions. One tight finish in what was essentially a dead rubber doesn’t mean the approach is flawed. Instead, it highlights the thin margins in high-pressure contests rather than suggesting wholesale changes.

The decision to back Dube was made with full awareness of the trade-offs involved. His role offers depth with both bat and ball, solving bigger concerns for the team. A single game shouldn’t undo the carefully thought-out strategy, especially since India wasn’t drastically better after altering the balance.

• India must strengthen their middle-order depth to maximize stability

India may have remained unbeaten in the Asia Cup 2025, but their dominance has not been flawless. Much of the batting has revolved around Abhishek Sharma, who has contributed over 40% of the team’s runs. On the bowling side, Jasprit Bumrah and the spinners have carried most of the workload.

The real concern has been India’s middle order, which has struggled to adapt against the older ball. Despite these challenges, the side has often managed to recover, thanks to the depth in their batting lineup. This balance has allowed them to stay competitive even in tough match situations.

There may be a strong case for including Arshdeep Singh to strengthen the bowling, but India’s middle order is already struggling for form. Suryakumar Yadav is enduring a lean patch, Sanju Samson is still adjusting, and both Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have not delivered consistently at the death.

With Jitesh Sharma unavailable, Shivam Dube remains the only realistic option to provide stability and balance. India’s greatest strength lies in their ability to keep playing aggressive cricket regardless of conditions, and that is possible only when their batting depth remains intact. Sacrificing it for an extra bowler could backfire.

• Shivam Dube’s role crucial to counter Pakistan spinners during middle overs

In recent matches against Pakistan, India’s batting unit—barring Abhishek Sharma—appeared unusually cautious when facing spin. The middle order struggled to rotate strike or build pressure, allowing Pakistan’s spinners to control long passages of play effectively.

Abrar Ahmed, in particular, proved difficult to handle. In the group stage, he bowled his full quota, conceding just 16 runs without picking up a wicket. Later, in the Super 4 stage encounter, he was even more economical, giving away only 10 runs in two overs. His tight spells highlighted India’s vulnerability and underlined the need for a more proactive approach in the middle overs.

India cannot afford to let Pakistan’s mystery spinner dictate the middle overs, and they need a designated batter to counter him. Shivam Dube, despite his failed experiment at No. 3 against Bangladesh, fits the profile with his reach and six-hitting ability against spin.

While Tilak Varma is another left-handed option, his strike rate of 122.85 across 70 balls shows he hasn’t been fully effective. Axar Patel has better numbers with a strike rate of 150, but his limited sample size doesn’t make him a reliable choice.

Dube’s returns in the Asia Cup 2025 haven’t been exceptional, but his proven capability against spinners makes him a tempting option. Interestingly, India remain unbeaten in T20Is since 2019 whenever Dube has featured.

The Asia Cup 2025 has produced several subplots, and each of them narrates a unique but intriguing story. Sports offer a great stage, similar to life, real and unscripted. In a format mainly run by tactics and statistics, each ball is an event, and the best form of data analysis dictates its outcome. Any change, experiment, or shuffle is potentially backed by the right blend of concrete game plans, experiential learnings, and holds a certain meaning. If the results are favourable, desired, and that significance persists frequently, then the purpose gets upheld, lest it solely turns into a discussion in hindsight. T20, international cricket's shortest format, is extremely demanding and subject to intense and perennial evolution. With plenty of data and insights available, it requires a deep understanding of both the current situation and foresight.

Indian cricket has always been fortunate and privileged to be blessed with an abundance of talent. The domestic structure here is immensely organised, equipped with world-class and international standard facilities, and supervised under great coaching. The by-product is players who are supremely skillful and a secure investment for the future. The 20-over game has shifted the way the sport is looked at. The transition implies that squads are now built with an influx of all-rounders, drifting away from the notion of including just pure batters or bowlers. Teams look for players who are multi-dimensional in their skills, and thus including a maximum of them improves the balance of the side. Captaining such units is a dream because the skipper is spoilt for choice in all facets of the game. It imparts flexibility and allows a sustained form of aggression through all departments. 

See Also: Top 5 experts criticize India’s batting order shifts vs Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2025

Despite India being on a winning streak so far, in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, and now gearing up for the final on 28th September, it is their batting order that has been under some form of spotlight. The team has been playing with an astonishing eight proper batters since their premier match of the continental tournament, and except for the openers, no other player has their own fixed position to bat. This situation demands both flexibility and maximum individual efficiency, regardless of the concurrent game status and time of going into the middle. The team combination has permitted them to adopt an all-out aggressive tactic to post as high a total as possible and provide their quality bowlers sufficient runs to defend. Different ground dimensions, variable pitch conditions, opposition bowlers, match-ups, and instincts have also influenced the batting order and, at times, enforced the group to maintain a left-right combination in the middle. 

India have played five matches yet in the continental competition and are slated to play two more. So far, they have not had a pre-decided batting line-up, and the positions are determined largely while the match is on. In some matches, the order has been a tad wayward and has attracted criticism from several former players, leaving them scratching their heads. Against weaker teams or in relatively insignificant games, the senior batters might give their space to those who have not had much exposure preceding that match. During dead rubbers, this might be more prevalent. For example, the described mould was quite apparent against Oman and Pakistan (super fours), with regards to the batting positions of the skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

Either advantageous or not, it can't be comprehended this soon because the sample size is way too small. However, if it persists until the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, it will become a norm, and the players might get accustomed to it. Any change takes time, and the players adapting to it would fit right into the system. The real test would come against tougher opposition and in a crunch match situation. Until then, however long it sustains, it will be no short of relevance, challenges, and surprises, for sure. Again, it will be either a hit or a miss, and that will be judged based on both individual and team performances. If India keep recording wins, and with the same crop of players, this batting shuffle might lose its sheen and discard itself from the mainstream. 

🗣️ 'When you change his position, you are obliged to give him a longer rope'@cricketaakash on the Sanju Samson question #TimeOut pic.twitter.com/RcayLjl7C3

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 24, 2025

India's current set of batters in T20Is (As seen in the Asia Cup 2025)

Abhishek Sharma (opener), Shubman Gill (opener), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.