Recently, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin unmasked a fraudster pretending to be Australian cricketer Adam Zampa, who attempted to deceive Ashwin into giving him contact numbers of Indian players. This again highlights the impersonation attempts that cricketers often face online because of the global popularity and following that cricketers have. Ashwin, who is famous for his sarcasm both in and outside the cricket field, tackled the situation intelligently and even posted screenshots of the funny conversation on his Instagram page.

The impersonator, who claimed to be Adam Zampa, had called Ashwin on WhatsApp and asked for phone numbers of players like Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube. Ashwin simply played along, feigning consent before turning the tables on the imposter. Sharing the exchange, he captioned his Instagram story: “Fake Adam Zampa tries to strike.” Fans were amused by his calm and humorous response to the scam attempt.

Interestingly, when the impersonator insisted he already had MS Dhoni’s number, Ashwin asked him to share it instead, which left the fake Zampa speechless. Fans applauded Ashwin's quick thinking and sense of humor regarding the online scammers.

Ashwin Reveals Previous Impersonation Incident and Defends Harshit Rana

This isn’t the first time Ashwin has dealt with impostors. He recalled a past encounter where someone pretended to be his former Chennai Super Kings teammate Devon Conway and asked for Virat Kohli’s phone number. Realizing it was fake, Ashwin immediately blocked the person.

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/vPPSeqrvbz

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 19, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Ravichandran Ashwin slams Gautam Gambhir for Kuldeep Yadav's omission from AUS vs IND 1st ODI

Recently, Ashwin also defended young pacer Harshit Rana after his poor outing against Australia in the first ODI. He urged fans not to make personal attacks on players, saying, “We can criticize their cricketing skills, but it shouldn’t get personal. It may be funny once or twice, but it shouldn’t be a running theme.” His mature response reinforced his image as one of Indian cricket’s most respected voices on and off the field.

Australia will miss their veteran premier leg spinner, Adam Zampa, and wicket-keeper, Josh Inglis, for the opening ODI clash against India at Perth, starting on September 19. The former is missing due to paternity reasons, while Inglis hasn’t fully recovered from the calf-strain that kept him out of the T20I series against New Zealand.

The selectors have called Mathew Kuhnemann and Josh Phillippe for the India games as replacements. The latter is set to keep wickets for the first time in an ODI while Alex Carey plays a Sheffield Shield game as part of their Ashes 2025-26 preparation. Inglis has also been ruled out of the second ODI in Adelaide when Carey returns to the squad.

See Also: Mohmmed Siraj collapses after long spell to get king-like treatment during IND vs WI 2nd Test in Delhi

Zampa’s wife is in the late stages of pregnancy with their second child. He has decided to stay at home in NSW, as Perth is a challenging place to return from. He is expected to return for the next two games in Adelaide and Sydney before the following five-match T20I series, all of which will be played on the east coast.

Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis to miss Australia’s opening Perth ODI vs India

Kuhnemann has been called for the Perth game, which will be his first ODI in three years at home since facing Sri Lanka in 2022. He traveled across the world for the WTC final, a five-match T20I trip to the Caribbean, the three-match ODI and T20I series at home against South Africa, and the three-match T20I series against the Blackcaps, but featured in just one game in Jamaica.

Philippe hasn’t played an ODI since the Caribbean tour in 2021, when he played as a specialist batter. He hasn’t played any format for the national side since 2023, but has been an impressive performer for the A side in red-ball series and has an excellent one-day domestic record for NSW and Western Australia.

Australia’s updated ODI squad vs India

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

The runners-up of the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad, who went though an excellent season thanks to some incredible batting and bowling performances under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, couldn’t repeat the same dominance in the recent edition and ended at the sixth position in the points table to earn just six victories in 14 encounters at a net run rate of -0.241. 

Sunrisers started their campaign with a 44-run IPL victory against the Rajasthan Royals at home before facing four successive defeats in the event. By the time they grabbed three consecutive victories in the business end of the competition against Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, it was too late for the side.

See Also: Top 3 players to watch from Hong Kong ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, Hyderabad will need to make some changes to the playing eleven and, more importantly, to the squad. They could also leave a few players with an aim to get them back for a low price during the mini auction of the next season.

Let’s take a look at the five players that the Sunrisers Hyderabad might release before IPL 2026, featuring Ishan Kishan.

5. Ishan Kishan

The left-handed Indian wicket-keeper batter, Ishan Kishan, came into the franchise for a huge price of INR 11.25 crore and scored a century in the opening clash against Rajasthan. But he couldn’t hold the same form and rhythm for the rest of the season and ended with just 354 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.58.

Kishan has scored over 300 runs in the last four editions of the tournament. The SRH management can aim to get the batter back in the squad during the mini auction. On many occasions, the southpaw struggled to get going from the start, which was a concern for the franchise.

4. Mohammed Shami

During a recent interaction with India’s veteran and one of the premier pacers, Mohammed Shami, the fast bowler revealed that he could keep cards and doors open to get selected in other franchises for the next season of the IPL. The right-arm pacer couldn’t find his right line and length in most games and was bashed for several runs, which cost the 2016 champions in the power play.

Shami, who has collected 133 IPL wickets in 119 innings at an average of under 29 and a strike rate of below 20 with an economy rate of 8.63, thanks to the two four-wicket hauls in an inning, has bagged only six scalps in nine innings in 2025 at an economy rate of over 11.

Looking at how Shami has performed in his international career in recent years, it would be wiser for the franchise to leave the Bengal pacer and get him back for a lower price than INR 10 crore.

3. Abhinav Manorhar

Abhinav Manohar, the former Gujarat Titans player, came to the Sunrisers Hyderabad side last season for a price of INR 3.20 crore. He was known for his incredible aggression with the bat in the lower order to help the franchise give a good finish. But he somehow failed to repeat the same thing during the last edition of the event.

Manohar, who clubbed 114 runs in six IPL innings at an average of 19 and a strike rate of over 137 in 2023, got just 61 runs in five innings of the IPL 2025 at a strike rate of only 100. On many occasions, he failed to offer them a good finish in the lower order.

Either the Sunrisers could think of changing the player or bring him back for a lower price for the new edition.

2. Adam Zampa

It’s incredibly hard to believe how the veteran Australian leg spinner, Adam Zampa, despite being one of the successful white-ball bowlers of the national side, hasn’t been able to crack the IPL code yet. Sunrisers brought him after releasing Wanindu Hasaranga. But the 33-year-old in two innings of the IPL 2025 picked up only a couple of wickets at an average of 47 and an economy rate of nearly 12.

Zampa’s T20 experience isn’t new, with him collecting 386 wickets in 307 T20 innings at an average of 21.53 and an economy rate of 7.48. Hyderabad can think of getting better options than the spinner, whom they bagged for a price of INR 2.40 crore.

1. Rahul Chahar

The 26-year-old Indian leg spinner, Rahul Chahar, was at times one of the vital members of the eleven for the Mumbai Indians when they won the IPL 2020. But his form has gone down in the last couple of seasons of the league.

In 2025, he came to the franchise for a price of INR 3.20 crore and could not open his account in the solitary game he played at the Wankhede against the Mumbai franchise. Even in that clash, he bowled just one over, and he could be one of the bowlers to get left out of the side.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been penalised for using inappropriate language during the three-match home ODI series opener against South Africa last Tuesday (August 19) at Cairns, where the Proteas won by 98 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

Adam Zampa's inappropriate language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast

During the 37th over of the first innings of the match, the 33-year-old Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa used inappropriate language after a misfield and overthrow during his bowling. That language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast.

After that match, Zampa was reprimanded for being found guilty of having breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” It was his first offence in the last 24 months. While it was a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, Zampa has been penalised one demerit point, which he has to carry on for the next 24 months. 

The sanction was proposed by the match referee Andy Pycroft. As Zampa accepted the official sanction after admitting the reported offence, there was no formal hearing required. 

In the case of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, a player faces a penalty of a maximum of 50 per cent of the player's match fees and one or two demerit points. 

See Also: Star South Africa player reported for suspect bowling action

Keshav Maharaj was hero with the ball in AUS vs SA first ODI

With the help of three half-centuries, South Africa scored 296/8 in 50 overs. While Travis Head (4/57) picked up four wickets, Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) and Adam Zampa (1/58) were the other Aussie bowlers to pick up at least one wicket. In reply, Australia were bowled out for only 198 runs, where the 35-year-old left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recorded his first ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 10-1-33-5. 

In a move that has caught many IPL fans by surprise, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran has made a bold mid-season signing during IPL 2025, bringing in 21-year-old Karnataka batter Smaran Ravichandran, a promising talent who had been part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp earlier this season. Though Smaran wasn't officially part of the RCB main squad list, he had left everyone in their camp impressed with his aggressive strokeplay and powerful hitting. Since RCB could not find a place for him owing to squad restrictions, it was only a question of time before some other franchise came calling, and that's what happened after SRH fell short of alternatives following a critical injury blow.

The move to bring in Smaran was in the aftermath of a huge setback for Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling department. Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa was out for the rest of IPL 2025 after suffering from a recurring shoulder injury. Zampa, who appeared as an Impact Player in two high-scoring matches, bowled 1/48 and 1/46 but developed soreness in his bowling arm subsequently. After initial hopes for recovery, he was flown back to Australia for further treatment, bringing an end to his IPL season.

SEE Also: Former India player's foundation pledges to care of suffering Vinod Kambli

Zampa's non-availability created a vacuum not only in SRH's spin attack but also in their strategic acumen. And with the team reeling at 9th position in the points table, just 2 wins from 6 matches, something had to be sacrificed. Enter Smaran Ravichandran. Not a spinner like Zampa, but SRH decided to deploy the cover slip chance to strengthen their batting a shrewd switch in light of their batting breaks in important matches. Picked up at his base price of INR 30 lakh, Smaran now has a golden opportunity to play his first IPL and demonstrate why he's being hailed as one of India's most thrilling emerging talents.

Smaran's Domestic Form Makes a Strong Case

Smaran Ravichandran's figures in domestic cricket tell us plenty about his ability. In seven first-class games, the elegant left-hander has accumulated more than 500 runs at an average of 64.50, with a fine double hundred against Punjab that defied attention on the Ranji Trophy circuit.

In List A cricket, his numbers are equally impressive: 433 runs in 10 games at a mind-boggling average of 72.16, with two centuries already to his credit. And in the T20 format, Smaran has demonstrated that he can change gears with ease, scoring 170 runs from just six games at a blistering strike rate of 170. But perhaps the strongest performance of all was not during a telecast game, but during a practice game. While in the RCB camp, Smaran hit 88 from 33 balls in an intra-squad game, a knock that was widely shared on social media and had fans questioning why he had not been selected during the auction. Whereas RCB could not accommodate him into their team by the injury replacement clause of IPL, SRH have now made maximum use of the situation. 

Also Read: Why did Virat Kohli delete his Instagram Posts? Star Batter finally reveals the reason

A New Beginning for SRH and Smaran

With six games in hand out of the total eight, the Sunrisers need a turn. Their previous victory, a glorious win over Punjab Kings in Hyderabad, was fuelled by Abhishek Sharma's scorching hundred. But the team realizes it has to be consistent across the board if they want to battle for a playoff berth. The signing of Smaran introduces a new impetus into the fray, and with his home and practice-match heroics, there is genuine anticipation about what he might produce in the orange jersey. Fans will be keen to know whether he is presented with his maiden IPL cap in SRH's next matches, perhaps even in the pressure-cooker match against a top-class rival.

At the same time, Zampa's injury is another problem for Australia, with the leggie not due back on the field until after the T20I series against the West Indies in the Caribbean later in July. With his valuable contribution to Australia's 2023 ODI World Cup victory, Zampa's rehabilitation will be taken seriously by Cricket Australia as they work toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. But for the moment, attention turns to Smaran and whether this mid-season masterstroke by Kavya Maran can turn the tide of fortunes for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been dealt a significant blow in the IPL 2025 season, with Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. SRH has since announced his replacement for the remainder of the competition.

Zampa, who played two matches for SRH and picked up a wicket in each game, has missed the last four fixtures due to injury. The details of his injury remain unclear. His absence is particularly significant as SRH has faced batter-friendly pitches at home, where Zampa could have been more valuable, especially in away games. With 31 wickets in 22 IPL matches, Zampa was a key acquisition for SRH, who secured him for INR 2.40 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.

Smaran Ravichandran, a 21-year-old left-handed batter from Karnataka, has been named as Zampa's replacement in the SRH squad. Ravichandran has an impressive domestic record, with 516 runs in seven first-class matches, 433 runs in 10 List A games, and 170 runs in six T20s. Known for his consistency, he has scored two centuries and two half-centuries in List A cricket and two centuries in first-class cricket. Ravichandran’s recent form includes scores of 76 and 101 in List A and a stunning 203 in first-class cricket.

See Also: IPL 2025: Who is Shaik Rasheed making debut against Lucknow Super Giants in match 30?

New domestic cricket star Smaran Ravichandran replaced Zampa

Welcome aboard, Smaran. 🔥

He joins our squad as the replacement of Adam Zampa, who is ruled out due to injury. #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/YC6Xl6u8Kv

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 14, 2025

IPL 2025: SRH are struggling 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the IPL 2016 champions and runners-up in IPL 2024, are facing a tough time in the IPL 2025 season. They began the campaign on a high note with a commanding 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals, posting the second-highest total in IPL history—286/6. However, their momentum faltered as they went on to lose four consecutive matches, before bouncing back with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their last outing, successfully chasing a target of 246 with ease.

With just four points from six matches, SRH currently occupy the ninth position in the IPL 2025 points table, following 29 matches into the season. Despite a strong start and a thrilling win over Punjab, the team has struggled with consistency, leaving them with a lot to prove as the tournament progresses.

Champions Trophy matches have ignited the fire in cricket fertility the tournament is commencing after 8 years gap due to the pandemic. Reciprocating the ODI World Cup nearby the panel decided to allocate in 2025. ODI world champions are getting ready for another big event but this time it's quite different. 
Before the start of the tournament, many international players were injured including Australian players. The long run of the Bgt series has uplifted Australia with a series of injuries to their main players. Even countries like India, and New Zealand are also substantially lacking their main players before entering the tournament. 
Read More: England Will Be Completely Different Team In ICC Events Says Jos Butler

Steve Smith Leading The Command Once Again

Australia has been a powerhouse in the cricketing world the players and the captains they have produced are remarkable that's why they are holding many ICC trophies not relying on one individual. This Champions Trophy is going to be quite a tough one for them as they have lost their leader Pat Cummins. After the sandpaper scandal, the Australian Board decided to give the captaincy to a non-familiar guy and they chose Pat Cummins. 
 Pat Cummins was never disappointed with the decision even though he worked on his game and the 2023 World Cup made him eternal his captaincy was spot on, another big tour he had to deal it was Bgt which they haven't won till 10 years and guess what Pat Cummins bought back Bgt trophy to Australia after 10 years. From there Australia's problem started when they had to lose their main man due to an ankle injury. Now Steve Smith will be leading Australia for this Champions Trophy. 
Every Term Is Possible
Australia's batting possesses more power than any other team you name them Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, or Josh Inglis they can win you games from scratch but the main problem arises concerns their bowling where there is nothing to say much about their main players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins are out of tournament leaving Adam Zampa the recognised bowler in the team who had to lead the bowling side. 
It would be quite hard for Australia to defend a total though if they are batting first quite safely but rely much due to the recent form Australia is having, during a recent series against Sri Lanka they lost both their ODI matches even after the World Cup victory the winning record is not so impressive for Australia. But they are quite different in the ICC tournament where every individual gives a significant performance on their given day.
Read More: Former Mumbai Captain And Selector Milind Rege dies at the age of 76
Australia are in Pool A where they gonna face England, South Africa and Afghanistan. It would be easy for Australia to regain their confidence they have to be careful against Afghanistan because their track record is so poor as they knocked them out in the last ICC T20 World Cup. Still neglecting Australia is asking for trouble

The Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah has been nothing short of a sensational two days of intensive hammer sessions, with teams spending massive sums on a plethora of star cricketers. Despite the flash and expenditure of significant money, some other teams conducted their business very sensibly.

A few big-name stars went for a lower price than fans may have expected. Some franchises made good timing decisions and were fortunate to obtain away match-winners at a lower cost than expected. Having said that, here are the top five steal deals from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Glenn Maxwell- INR 4.2 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Mighty Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell got a new side in the form of a homecoming with the Punjab Kings (played from 2014 to 2017 and 2020), obtaining a deal for INR 4.20 crore. The 36-year-old was released after three seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and instantly became a target for several teams.

Sunrisers Hyderabad started the bidding battle, followed by Chennai Super Kings until Punjab Kings won the sale at a lower price. PBKS took advantage of an excellent chance to boost its presence abroad for the next season. Maxwell's IPL career encompasses 134 matches and includes 2,771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73 and 37 wickets.

Sam Curran- INR 2.40 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Sam Curran is back in yellow; this time, he's a bargain at INR 2.4 crore. Curran's bowling at the death and ability to swing the new ball make him a valuable asset. Add to that his development as a pinch hitter capable of batting higher up the order, and you have the ideal all-rounder.

His flexibility bridges weaknesses in both the batting and bowling areas. Curran's return seems like a masterstroke, whether he's partnering Matheesha Pathirana in slog overs or adding depth to the batting lineup. In 59 IPL appearances for Chennai Super and Punjab Kings, he scored 883 runs and took 58 wickets.

Adam Zampa- INR 2.4 Crores (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad made one of the finest moves of the IPL 2025 auction, signing Australian spinner Adam Zampa for only INR 2.40 crore, which helps fill their spinmeister's void. Following a brief bidding battle with the Rajasthan Royals, the seasoned leg-spinner was unexpectedly bought for nearly his introductory price of INR 2 crore.

His IPL career, which began with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, has seen noteworthy performances, including a spectacular 6/19 against his current side, SRH. As his history from spells at RCB and RR suggests, Zampa's arrival at this price range might be the season's best bargain. In his 14-match IPL career, he has 21 wickets at 7.74.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Shocking Unsold Star Players in the IPL history

Quinton de Kock- INR 3.6 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, pulled off a masterstroke by signing South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for only INR 3.60 crore. After the Lucknow Super Giants declined to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, KKR took the chance to improve their team. His probable connection with Sunil Narine at the top of the order will help the team get off to a solid start. 

With his recent international and franchised-based league performances, De Kock can give a vital, robust start to the team's batting. De Kock provides experience, having played 107 IPL matches and scored 3,157 runs, including 23 half-centuries and two centuries.  

Washington Sundar- INR 3.2 Crores (Gujarat Titans)

Washington Sundar was among the most remarkable Indian all-rounders at the auction, and many expected him to sell for a high price. However, he eventually signed with the Gujarat Titans for INR 3.20 crores. GT defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a bidding battle to gain his contract. 

He is a wily off-spinner who has recently been in excellent form. Sundar has played 60 IPL matches and taken 37 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54. He has also scored 378 runs with a strike rate of more than 116, which might help the Titans' lower middle-order batting lineup.

In a thrilling second ODI at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Haris Rauf’s phenomenal 5/29, tore through the Australian batting lineup to dismiss them for a mere 163. After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first—a decision that proved fruitful from the very beginning. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing both Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, placing Australia on the back foot right away.

The struggles for the Australian batsmen didn’t end there, as Pakistan’s bowling attack continued to put immense pressure. Rauf, who was in sensational form, swiftly picked up his second five-wicket haul in ODIs. He accounted for key players like Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins. His relentless pace and precision kept the Australian middle order from settling in, and Pakistan’s bowlers maintained their dominance throughout the innings.

Rizwan and Zampa’s lively DRS exchange

The game also saw a light-hearted moment between Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and Australian bowler Adam Zampa. Rizwan, who was exceptional behind the stumps with six catches, shared a comical exchange with Zampa. At one point, Rizwan asked, “Did you hear something?” to which Zampa responded, “You are appealing for everything?” Rizwan then inquired, “Should I take the review?” Zampa cheekily replied, “Yes, you should.” Rizwan proceeded with the review, only for the DRS to confirm a "not-out" decision, adding a memorable moment to an otherwise tense match.

See Also: Mohammad Nabi likely to retire from ODI cricket after Champions Trophy

As the wickets kept tumbling, Zampa himself tried to keep Australia’s scoreboard ticking with some resistance. After being dropped by Rizwan, he went on to hit a six and a four off Naseem Shah, pushing his score to 17. But the efforts weren’t enough to save Australia from their collapse, with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling performance and Rizwan’s sharp fielding ensuring the hosts were all out for 163.

Rizwan: Did you hear something?

Zampa: You are appealing for everything?

Rizwan: Should I take the review?

Zampa: Yes, you should

- Rizwan takes the review and DRS says Not-out.

RIZWAN 🤝 ZAMPA 😄🔥 pic.twitter.com/79RE2MaIPN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 8, 2024

Pakistan’s commanding position in the series

This bowling performance places Pakistan in a commanding position in the three-match series, especially with such a low target to chase. Rauf’s exceptional five-wicket haul, Afridi’s early breakthroughs, and Rizwan’s brilliant performance behind the stumps not only boosted Pakistan’s morale but also exposed Australia’s batting vulnerabilities against high-quality pace bowling. With Pakistan looking to seal the series, Australia now faces the uphill task of rethinking their approach in the final ODI.

Veteran Australia spinner Adam Zampa opted out of IPL 2024 due to being “completely drained” from the last 12 months where he had played a lot of cricket and also he wants to keep his focus on June’s T20 World Cup.

However, Zampa was about to join Rajasthan Royals but withdrew on the eve of the season. He was there in the Royals’ previous campaign. He also played a key role in Australia’s ODI World Cup last year where he played with various injuries. He then briefly stayed for the beginning of the T20I series against India as well.

“I’m completely drained from 2023” – Adam Zampa

However, he also played in the BBL for Melbourne Renegades where he made eight appearances followed by the white-ball series against West Indies and New Zealand as well.

“There are several reasons why the IPL wasn’t for me this year. I think the most important one was the fact that it’s a World Cup year and I’m completely drained from 2023,” Adam Zampa told the Willow Talk podcast. “I did the full IPL last year. Obviously, the World Cup was three months in India as well.

“So I had the best intentions of trying to play the IPL again this year. But once push came to shove, I felt like I just couldn’t really offer the Rajasthan Royals the best version of myself and looking forward to the World Cup, that’s what’s more important to me, that’s for sure,” he again added.

Adam Zampa, who played six games for Royals last season where he took eight wickets, also wasn’t sure how many games he would get this time considering the franchise have Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

Adam Zampa played key roles in Australia’s 3 title wins

“It came down to my decision being I probably need to put my body and my mental health first,” he said. “Then you throw a lot of other things into the equation as well, like the fact that I’ve got a young family. It’s not easy to spend nine weeks in India in my situation where I’m fighting for my spot in the team as well. It’s not like I can say to myself, ‘well, that’s alright I’ve got 14 games to prepare for a World Cup’. I don’t know whether or not that’s actually going to be two games or four games or six games. So I kind of worked out that maybe just to rest, putting my family first, putting my body first, was better for me,” he again shared.

“It’s not an easy decision because you’ve always got that voice in the back of your mind going, ‘pulling out of the IPL, what are people going to say? What happens the next time you want to go to the IPL? Do people kind of paint you with that brush?’. But I wasn’t too fussed about it once I made that decision, I knew it was the right one,” Zampa stated.

However, Adam Zampa will be a key player in Australia’s all three men’s world title wins at the T20 World Cup, the Test Championship and the ODI World Cup as well. Notably, the initial World Cup squad needs to be announced by May 1 but can be freely amended on May 25 as well.