Kane Williamson is not playing in the IPL this year, but the New Zealand veteran still has a sharp eye on the future of cricket. During a recent chat on the Bombay Sport Exchange show by the Times of India, he was asked a pretty simple question: who are the next big stars of world cricket?

And as always, Kane gave a calm, thoughtful answer. He named five young players who, in his opinion, could define the next era of international cricket once the likes of himself, Kohli, Smith, and Root move on.

Here’s the list he gave, and it’s a solid mix of flair, form, and future potential:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Rachin Ravindra
• Harry Brook
• Cameron Green

Let’s take a look at why each name was cut.

ALSO SEE: T20 Mumbai League ropes in star players; Iconic batter becomes League's face

Yashasvi Jaiswal – The Breakout Star from India

Yashasvi’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. At just 22, he’s already racked up nearly 1,800 runs in Test cricket at an average above 50, and he’s done it with flair. His aggressive strokeplay and fearless attitude make him a perfect fit for modern-day cricket, but it’s his calm under pressure that truly sets him apart. He’s also part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and looks like someone who’s just getting started. ODI debut? Still pending. But it’s only a matter of time.

Shubman Gill – The Future Captain in the Making

Shubman Gill carries the aura of a future Indian captain, mature, composed, and incredibly consistent. With a classical technique and an eye for big runs, he’s already proven himself across formats. Nearly 2,800 runs in ODIs at an average close to 60, five Test centuries, and a cool head in high-pressure situations make him one of the most complete young batters in the game today. Whether it’s the IPL or a tense Test match overseas, Gill rarely looks out of place.

Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand’s Next Big All-Rounder

A true all-format asset, Rachin Ravindra has quietly become a key figure in New Zealand’s plans. He’s already notched up over 1,000 Test runs, including a mammoth 240, and can bowl handy left-arm spin. What makes Rachin special is his adaptability. he can bat anywhere in the order, adjust to any format, and still find ways to make an impact. Kane Williamson sees in him a mirror of the dependable Kiwi spirit.

Harry Brook – England’s Bazball Poster Boy

Harry Brook is redefining what aggressive Test batting looks like. Just 24 Tests in and he’s already closing in on 2,300 runs at an outrageous average close to 60. Eight centuries. A top score of 317. And he’s just been handed England’s white-ball captaincy. Brook is bold, fearless, and thrives under pressure, a perfect match for England’s high-octane approach under the Bazball banner. If there’s one player who looks like he could rewrite Test cricket's norms, it’s Brook.

Cameron Green – Australia’s Powerhouse in Progress

Cameron Green’s numbers may not scream superstar just yet, but the potential is unmistakable. He’s an old-school Test all-rounder with modern-day power over 1,300 runs in Tests, a top score of 174 not out, and the ability to crank it up with the ball. Injuries have slowed him down a bit, but when fully fit, Green is one of the most impactful players Australia has. Think of him as the long-term engine room of Aussie cricket.

ALSO SEE: Moment of the Match: Jaiswal to Starc – 'Very Well Bowled, Legend'

Still In the Game, Just Off the Field

Even though Kane went unsold in the last IPL auction, he’s stayed involved with the league through commentary and mentoring. He spent time at a local academy in Mumbai recently, sharing his experience with young players. When asked which shot he’d love to borrow from another batter, he smiled and picked Virat Kohli’s wristy leg-side flick. A classy choice, and a nice nod to a fellow great.

Williamson will be joining the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League later this month. After that, he’s expected back in New Zealand colours for a T20I tri-series in July featuring Zimbabwe and South Africa. Kane’s picks for the next Fab Five show he’s been watching closely and thinking ahead. These five have already made their mark, but with someone like Williamson backing them, the spotlight is only going to get brighter.

English cricket is likely to undergo captaincy changes in both shorter formats, with swashbuckling batsman Harry Brook the most probable new T20I skipper. Captain of England’s ODI team, though, could either be Brook or the one with lots of experience, Ben Stokes.

Brook to Replace in T20Is

Harry Brook is reportedly England's pick to be the new T20I captain. The 25-year-old is one of the names on the lips of English cricket fans due to his aggressive batting style and his skills displayed when the situation calls. England goes into the T20 World Cup with the appointment of Brook, which obviously means that they are looking to play with more intent and without fear.

Also Read: KKR vs SRH IPL 2025: Who is SRH's new all arounder Kamindu Mendis?

As it is, Brook has been playing a frontline role in England's T20 team and has made an impact in the world through his various domestic and franchise performances. Awards and recognition have also been coming his way for his excellence in leadership, and because of that, he has been named as the next captain to Jos Buttler if he leaves his place eventually.

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

ODI Captaincy: Brook vs Stokes

While it may seem that Brook has got the T20I captaincy already, ODI captaincy is a different story. Ben Stokes is not out of the picture of becoming the ODI captain of England; he currently serves his national team in Test formats and is still determined to lead it as a senior and recognised player in his upcoming games in the World Cup and the Ashes series.

🚨 BROOK & STOKES AS CAPTAINS. 🚨

- Harry Brook set to become England's T20i captain.

- Brook or Ben Stokes could become England's ODI captain. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/EB8hzoo4zG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 3, 2025

Also Read: Rinku Singh’s 50th IPL Milestone: A journey of grit and glory

The choice of Ben Stokes as England ODI captain would still be sensible considering that he led his country to a historic World Cup victory in 2019 and contributed to the other important successes of the team in different formats. On the other hand, Stokes recently declared his retirement from ODIs, which implies doubts about him as the long-term captain. If a long-term leader is essential, Brook would be the perfect choice, ensuring that the 50-over match continues under new dynamics among players.

England’s Leadership Transition

England is in a dilemma with the future of Buttler as the limited-overs captain being unclear and Eoin Morgan still highly revered for his leadership. If they now hand the baton to Brook to lead the limited-overs format for both white-ball and red-ball, this will be where it all begins, but handing Stokes the ODI reins would provide stability and experience.

As England’s cricket board deliberates, all eyes will be on the official announcement that could shape the team’s white-ball future for years to come.

Harry Brook was purchased by the Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in a mega auction held in November 2024. He sited the need to shift focus to the England national team as the reason behind his withdrew from the IPL. In his own words: 

“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.” 

He elaborated further on international duties and the need to recuperate from an extremely tough phase in his career. 

The Board in Charge of Cricket in India (BCCI) has established guidelines for these kinds of withdrawals. It is part of their policy that a foreign player who agrees to an auction, gets selected, and subsequently becomes unavailable before the commencement of the season, shall be barred from participation in either the IPL or its auctions for a two year period.

Communications have been conducted with ECB and Brook regarding BCCI's decision to impose two-year suspension on Brook, which comes under the BCCI policy. 

This is to ensure a proper commitment from players while also addressing concerns raised from franchises about players pulling out at the very last minute. 

🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨

England batter Harry Brook has been banned from the IPL after skipping this year’s tournament at the very last minute. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤯

As per the new BCCI rules, the Delhi Capitals batter will be ineligible to participate for the next two years ❌#HarryBrook… pic.twitter.com/Lo9j7KCF2n

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 13, 2025

Also Read: Rohit Sharma’s Ultimate Dream: Winning the 2027 World Cup for India

This is not the first time that Brook has pulled back from the IPL. In 2024, he opted out of the tournament because his grandmother passed away. The recent decision makes debates around Brook's future plans with the IPL and its impact on his career arguably more heated than they were before. 

It will be hard not to notice Brook's already visible support for England's cricketing prospects. The side is currently looking for a new captain after Jos Buttler decided to stand down post England's dismal showing at the Champions Trophy. Brook is in pole position to take over the captaincy and the fact that he is stepping up speaks volumes about his desire to shoulder more responsibility. 

Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL 2025 contract with Delhi Capitals for the second year in a row, which could lead to a two-year ban. His withdrawal has raised concerns, as IPL teams are unhappy with overseas players backing out at the last minute.has pulled out of his IPL contract with Delhi Capitals for the second year in ipl, which could lead to a two-year ban from future seasons in ipl. According to ESPNcricinfo, the ECB informed the BCCI about Brook’s decision last week, and the message was passed to Delhi Capitals. The team signed him up for INR 6.25 crore in the mega auction.

There’s no official statement from the IPL, and Harry Brook hasn’t given a reason for pulling out from the ipl. However, he is one of the top choices to replace Jos Buttler as England’s captain after their early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. Since he plays all formats and still has 18 months left on his ECB central contract, managing his workload could be a reason for his decision. The ECB has been asked for a comment.

A big move by Harry Brook, since it may rule him out of future IPL seasons too. I presume he's been told he's being made England white ball or ODI captain. pic.twitter.com/kdPUwx26Yu

— Danny (@dafrankland) March 9, 2025

Brook now faces the risk of a two-year IPL ban. The rule was introduced before the 2025 auction after all 10 franchises raised concerns about overseas players pulling out at the last minute.

🚨Harry Brook Pulls Out of IPL 2025🚨

a Blessing in Disguise for Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals should go for a Leftie option as Brook's Replacement. pic.twitter.com/LgQZnAuEuQ

— Jyotirmay Das (@dasjy0tirmay) March 9, 2025

Last September, the IPL officials said that teams that any overseas player who signs up for the auction and then pulls out after being picked will be banned from the ipl for two seasons. The only exception is if the player has an injury or medical condition, which must be confirmed by their home board.  

ALSO READ: Watch: People Across India Celebrate Champions Trophy 2025 Victory in Grand Style

This is the second year in a row that Harry Brook has withdrawn from the IPL at the last minute, both times from Delhi Capitals. Last March, just 10 days before their first game, he pulled out of the 2024 season to be with his family after his grandmother passed away. He had already missed England’s Test tour of India in February for the same reason.  

The IPL 2025 starts on March 22, with Delhi Capitals playing their first match against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam on March 24. Along with finding a replacement for Brook, the team has not announced their captain for the season yet. Brook has played only one IPL season so far, in 2023, with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He struggled to make an impact, scoring 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.11. However, more than half of those runs came in one stunning innings an unbeaten 100 off 55 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in 2023.

In a shocking change of events, the English cricketer is set to withdraw from the IPL Delhi Capitals contract for the second year consecutively. The decision has caused a stir in the cricketing community, and could have serious ramifications for the talented batsman.

Reports claim that Brook’s withdrawal from IPL due to personal reasons might land him with a two year ban from the tournament. The Delhi Capitals, who had high hopes for the young player and now they have to adjust their squad for this already nearing season.

Brook, known for his powerful strokes, was supposed to be a welcome boost for the team. His withdrawal marks the second year in which he refuses to participate in the multi-million dollar T20 league and now the analysts have another puzzle to solve. There is no official reason given for this decision but it is rumored to be personal or that of scheduling conflicts.

Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL deal with Delhi Capitals

As a consequence, he could face a two-year ban from future editions of the competition

Full story: https://t.co/Fp53HVB49U pic.twitter.com/VIvp1CATVk

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 9, 2025

Also Read: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Celebrate India’s Champions Trophy Win with Dandiya

If Brook's withdrawal is seen as a violation of the contract, the IPL authorities will analyze the likelihood of issuing a two-year ban. This further complicates the IPL buildup as now there is suspense on how the Delhi Capitals will deal with the loss of such a promising player.

For the complete story, fans are advised to keep an eye out from credible sources. With the greater portion of the cricketing world still expecting more details, the direction now goes towards Brook, the Delhi Capitals. How will this decision affect their prospects in the upcoming IPL season?

Jos Buttler resigned as England white-ball cricket captain after the side's premature ICC Champions Trophy exit. The resignation has sparked rumors of possible replacements ready to spearhead England limited-overs cricket into a fresh era. There are three well-known candidates, as follows:

1. Harry Brook – The Emerging Talent

Harry Brook, 26 years old, has quickly become an intimidating batsman across all formats. Fresh from being appointed as vice-captain by Buttler, Brook captained England in a September 2024 five-match ODI series against Australia, amassing the most runs, illustrating his leadership prospects. His style of batting fits into England's contemporary white-ball cricket approach. There have, however, been concerns about pushing him too early at a relatively young age with a suggestion of caution before assigning him the role of captain. 

2. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone has experience as well as the ability to fill several roles. He led England on a West Indies tour when Buttler was not available, hit an unbeaten 124, and won the match. His ability to perform with both bat and ball makes him a serious contender, even though he lacks experience as an international captain.

3. Ben Duckett – The Dependable Performer

Ben Duckett has been a dependable performer for England, especially in difficult situations. His adaptability and composure make him a dependable option in the batting lineup. Duckett's domestic cricket experience and present form could make him a good bet for leadership. But his lack of experience in captaincy roles at the international level could be a factor the selectors would have to consider.

 The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has a significant decision to make at this  moment. They should consider factors like experience, leadership, and pressure handling. This is because there is the  need to consider the workload of the players who are likely to represent England in different formats. The new  captain will be an important factor in determining whether England will continue to be a force in limited overs cricket or not.

Indian ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill took one of the unforgettable catches in the Cuttack ODI to take a crucial wicket of the set batter Harry Brook.

After the English captain Jos Buttler chose to bat first in the Cuttack ODI, openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provided a strong start with an 81-run partnership for the first wicket. While Salt scored 26 runs, Duckett scored 65 off 56 balls after hitting ten fours. 

Joe Root and Harry Brook handled the post-powerplay situation very well as they had a crucial 66-run partnership off 85 balls for the third wicket. While Root was in full control of time progress, Brook was trying hard to find his form by putting his disappointing performances this tour behind him.

With the help of three fours and one six, Brook scored 31 off 51 balls before he was dismissed. The right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana just returned to a new spell in his previous over, and the skipper Rohit Sharma’s plan proved successful in Rana’s next over. 

It was an off-cutter from Rana, which he set up for Brook. The English batter fell into that as his mistiming shot created a chance. It was a very tough chance for Shubman Gill as he was running back to grab that. Gill never lost his sight as he always kept his eye on the flying ball from mid-off and successfully grabbed that brilliant catch. 

#HarshitRana dismisses #HarryBrook with a brilliant catch by #ShubmanGill, giving India its 3rd wicket of this match! 👏🏻

📺 Start watching FREE on Disney+ Hotstar ➡https://t.co/1Z9DlYa3MT#INDvENGOnJioStar 2nd ODI 👉 LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar & Sports 18 pic.twitter.com/4fa5IDqI2k

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 9, 2025

Fearless India secured the home T20I series before the last game of the T20I series, as they beat England in the Pune T20I on Friday night and have taken a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

After England captain Jos Buttler chose to field first at Pune, India scored 181/9 in 20 overs. In reply, England were all out for 166 runs in 19.4 overs, as India won the match by 15 runs.

Saqib Mahmood brought early blows

England got a great start as Saqib Mahmood was playing his first game and took three wickets in his first over as India were down to 12/3. After scoring 12 runs in the first over of Jofra Archer, Sanju Samson (1) and Tilak Varma (0) were dismissed in the first two deliveries of the second over of the innings, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (0) lost his wicket on the last ball of the over as Mahmood finished the over with a maiden and three wickets. 

In the tough moment, opener Abhishek Sharma and middle-order batter Rinku Singh handled the situation strongly. However, both lost their wickets at crucial moments, as Sharma scored 29 and Singh scored 30 runs. 

While India were struggling at 79/5, Shivam Dube made a great comeback in the T20I side and Hardik Pandya set up a strong partnership. They had an 87-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the largest ever T20I partnership for the fifth or lower wickets against England. 

See Also: Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya set a record-breaking T20I partnership against England

Hardik and Dube scored 50s

After a cautious start, Hardik completed his fifty in 27 balls. The right-handed batter scored 53 off 30 balls with the help of four fours and four sixes before Jamie Overton dismissed him. Meanwhile, Dube took 31 balls to complete his half-century. Before he was run out on the final ball of the innings, the left-handed batter scored 53 off 35 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes. While Dube got a hit on his helmet in the final over of the innings, India used a concussion substitute as Harshit Rana replaced the all-rounder, which has triggered a new controversy. It was Rana's T20I debut, which happened in a dramatic way.

Among the English bowlers, Saqib Mahmood took three wickets (3/35) and Jamie Overton bagged two wickets (2/32).

England were 62/1

In chasing, England got a great start as Phil Salt and Ben Duckett dominated the Indian bowlers. Indian bowlers seemed clueless to restrict Duckett, but on the final ball of the powerplay, Ravi Bishnoi dismissed the left-handed batter for 39 off 19 balls (seven fours and one six), as England scored 62/1. 

Opener Salt (23) and captain Jos Buttler (2) were dismissed quickly as Axar Patel and Bishnoi took the wickets, respectively, and the visitors were battling at 67/3.

Harry Brook's 50 went in vain

England were losing the wickets at regular intervals, while Harry Brook finally found his form despite not getting enough support from the other end. 

Firing Brook (51 off 26 balls; five fours and two sixes) completed his half-century in 25 balls but he threw his wicket on the next ball as Varun Chakravarthy once again won the battle against him.

In the last moment, Jamie Overton battled hard with his big shots. But his questionable no single theory, which was instructed by Adil Rashid, ended England’s last hope. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Ravi Bishnoi (3/28) and concussion-sub Harshit Rana (3/33) bagged three wickets each, and Varun Chakravarthy (2/28) got two wickets. 

While Mumbai will host the last game of the T20I series on Sunday (February 2), India have already secured the T20I series with a lead of 3-1.

During the Chennai T20I, Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy once again provided control for the hosts against England. While Harry Brook was once again foxed by Chakravarthy, former Indian cricketers and present commentators, Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, teased him by mentioning the smog-free Chennai T20I.

Harry Brook blamed smog for their Kolkata T20I batting failure

Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosted the five-match T20I series opener between the hosts India and the visitors England last Wednesday night. After India sent the visitors to bat first, England scored 132 all out in 20 overs, and India chased down the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets. Apart from the English skipper Jos Buttler (68), none of the other English batters managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings.

Talking about their poor batting performances, especially against the Indian spinners, Harry Brook blamed the smog condition in Kolkata.

See Also: Jos Buttler becomes 1st English batter to hit 150 T20I sixes

Brook once again fell early in Chennai T20I

Meanwhile, MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) is hosting the second game of the T20I series on Saturday. Although the vision is clearer in Chennai than in Kolkata, England batters once again disappointed despite their skipper Jos Buttler once again providing a powerful start. 

It was the seventh over of the first innings of the Chennai T20I when the Kolkata T20I hero Varun Chakravarthy bowled Harry Brook for 13 runs. Brook seemed clueless in that dismissal while the Indian commentators started teasing his dismissal by mentioning the smog. 

Ravi Shastri - you don't need the smog tonight. It sneaked through. 😂

Sunil Gavaskar - Chakravarthy might be asking if there's any smog? pic.twitter.com/MDWpwaNGks

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 25, 2025

Former Indian cricketer and head coach, Ravi Shastri said, “That’s through it. Once again, it’s Varun Chakravarthy. You don’t need the smog. This is sneaked through, and it's crushed into the stumps.”

Meanwhile, the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar added, “You said it, you said it. The light is clearer here, and there were some smog in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, no smog here.”

England Blame Indian Smog for Spin Troubles

Harry Brook(Vice captian), said his team had trouble because of how smoky the air was when they played cricket against India in Kolkata. They were trying to strike the ball , but they only got 132 runs and they lost all wickets. Brook got out because he couldn't see the ball moves that India's spin bowlers, such as Varun Chakravarthy, were doing.

These Spin tricks were very important because they made England's players sent back to the pavilion. After the game, he said, I didn't play against Bishnoi, but it's literally hard or difficult to know what Chakravarthy is going to do with the ball. The spinning of the ball were  excellent and made it tough for England.

ALSO READ: literallyMs Dhoni using mobile during his practice session sparks curiosity 

Harry Brook said, "it was harder to pick the ball due to the smog in Kolkata. Hopefully, the air is a bit clearer in Chennai and we can see the ball a bit easier". (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/7IozT0UcAJ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 24, 2025

It was as though the smoky air was there, but directed inward, yet externally applied which means it felt like it got all inside England's heads, but it was actually the air all around them, making things hard. Since they lost, England's coaches said, we need to change our plan of action, and are making the team a bit different ahead of the next game in Chennai, where they try to move the ball using sticks in Chennai.

They're bringing in Brydon Carse to help them understand the other team out. England's team is trying very hard to win the next match . Now, they have to get used to the manner the ball spins a lot in India and we know  that chennai is famous about spin pitches. And finally Englang is Preparing hard to win the match in Chennai.