Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Prabhsimran Singh credited two former cricketers for helping him evolve as a more mature batsman. Singh has been with the Punjab-based franchise since 2019. For the first four seasons, from IPL 2019 to IPL 2022, he got to play only 6 matches. His luck started to shine when Shikhar Dhawan came as the captain in 2023. He assured Singh about regular chances. From then, the emerging keeper-batter started to grow his batting skills at a rapid pace. During a recent conversation, the 25-year-old opener said that it was Shikhar Dhawan who helped him a lot for a possible turnaround. In IPL 2023, Prabhsimran smacked his first IPL century, which was against Delhi Capitals. He concluded the season with an impressive 358 runs at a strike rate of over 150 after playing 14 matches.

In the previous Indian Premier League, as captain, he proved to be an integral part of PBKS at the top of the batting order. In 17 matches, the batter scored 549 runs at an average of 32.49 and a strike rate of 160.52.

"When Shikhar paaji was appointed as the captain two years ago, he gave me the surety that I will play all the games. In the same season, I scored a century. It was a turning point in my career," the PBKS opener said. 

Read More: No Excuses, Only Effort: Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s Powerful Lesson for Cricket’s Next Generation

Yuvraj Singh also played a vital role

Prabhsimran also mentioned how another former India international, Yuvraj Singh, helped him to shape his playing style. Singh and some other well-known Indian talents used to practice under Yuvraj. Those training sessions proved effective for Prabhsimran Singh. 

"Yuvi paji has played a big role in my career. I always talk to him like a brother and not like a player. I, Abhishek, Naman Dhir, and Nehal Wadhera practice with him. We had 10-12 days of camp with him last time around. He knows very well on what exact things we have to work on. On a weekly basis, I get to speak with him. He has supported me a lot," he added. 

The former Indian opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan, during his playing days, used to get the spotlight for his attacking shots and flamboyant batting with an infectious personality. However, the time has changed. In a recent video that has gone viral, the southpaw has been seen with his girlfriend, Sophie Shine, who captured his attention with a heart-warming gesture.

Sophie has shared a reel of the former Indian batter on Instagram that has won the hearts of the fans. In the video, she welcomes Dhawan back home in a different manner, by singing the famous Bollywood song, Mera Piya Ghar Aaya O Ram Ji.’ The choice of the song was excellent, signaling the love and joyous moment.  

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In the caption of the video, Sophie has written ‘my Hindi lessons are coming in handy’ as the line does not show the personal touch, but also reveals the ongoing efforts of learning Hindi and embracing Indian traditions. For any non-Hindi speaking person, it’s a great attempt to try the language, as the fans have praised her efforts to adapt to the Indian culture.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan teaches his wife Hindi language in hilarious conversation

The reel went viral rapidly with the fans, and the following showered their love and affection for the duo. Many admired Sophie’s effort to sign in the Indian language, while a few have pointed out how the simple occasion has displayed her wish to get mellowed into the Indian culture of Shikhar Dhawan.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Soph (@sophieshine93)

Her gesture has stood out as an example for many in the cultural association with effort and affection. Dhwan continues to entertain his fans off the field, having retired from the international cricket of the Indian team. He didn’t feature in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League and just played the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 for the Blue Brigade in England.

Dhawan was the first to pull his name out of the contest against Pakistan during the Legends’ league, after the broken political relationship between the two neighboring countries. India didn’t play the group-stage game or the semi-final of the event against the Green Brigade.

The former left-handed opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan, has seen the funny side of the former Test captain and his long-time white-ball opening partner, Rohit Sharma, as he looked back at the moment when the latter gave that funny ‘garden mey ghumna nehi’ moment during the second Test of the series last year against England in Vizag.

With the stump mic turned on, the Nagpur-born was heard to tell the words about the players. Later, the veteran finally revealed that he had already suggested that the players give their best in the field, especially at the crucial juncture of the game. But seeing a few players not getting serious enough, Rohit Sharma threw the iconic dialogue at the Indian players. 

See Also: [WATCH] Chris Gayle comments on his bond with Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and WCL future

‘Yeah, that one from the game (Test match in Vizag against England last year). Yeah, he was having a go at the boys. See, as a leader, it’s very important to give that free hand. But at the same time, you must keep the boundary. And Rohit keeps the balance very nicely. I love him as a leader.’ Shikhar Dhawan expressed during a recent podcast.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan reveals Rohit Sharma’s fun side as Indian leader

Dhawan, who was present during the recent World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 competition in England, has smashed 2315 runs in 58 Test innings along with 6793 runs in 164 ODI innings at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, notching up 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries, highlighting Rohit’s leadership.

Shikhar Dhawan talks about Rohit Sharma's iconic 'Garden
wale boys' moment and his captaincy style.🔥

The bond between them is truly special ❤️

pic.twitter.com/kHoD8bLDr0

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) August 2, 2025

‘He is himself, and that’s how I know Rohit from the early days in his career. And I know him now as well. So, it’s beautiful to see him in his full character leading the side. And he does it very well. I am sure all the players love and respect him so much. And (funnily), it’s good that you shouldn’t hang around in the garden.’ Dhawan shed light.

The Delhi batter recently pulled himself out from the group-stage clash of the WCL 2025 against Pakistan due to the recent outrage against the arch-rivals. Even when the two sides meet each other in the semifinal clash, India cancelled the game due to the same reason as the Green Brigade qualified for the final, where they will face the South African champions.

After multiple underwhelming test performances, Sri Lanka was then far away from their top. India, the touring team, led by Virat Kohli, was oozing with confidence. Though, a cricket match can't be judged thoroughly with only pen and paper. So, the home team had a chance to shine. But they couldn't.

Team India was then on a different level. On July 29, 2017, India defeated Sri Lanka by 304 runs at Galle. Shikhar Dhawan was the man of the match for his first-innings 190-run knock, which was his career-best total in Test cricket.

Nuwan Pradeep's 6-wicket figure was overshadowed because of landmark performances by Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara. Both were rock solid in the first innings of the game, and both got 150-plus runs. Dhawan's 190 off 168 was well accompanied by Pujara's 153 off 265. Ajinkya Rahane and Hardik Pandya in the middle scored half a century each. Because of multiple individual brilliance, India posted 600 in the first phase of the match.

Read More: 'Only my son doesn't get...'- Washington Sundar's father makes explosive comments after ENG vs IND 4th Test

Virat Kohli also joined the party with a century 

Sri Lanka, in search of miracles, registered only 291. The situation got worse for them in the second innings when their skipper Rangana Herath and Asela Gunaratne did not come to bat because of injuries. Showing no mercy against the vulnerable Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli did not allow them to bat on a follow. In the process, Kohli himself smashed a ton. Sri Lanka needed 550 runs to save the match, which was by then out of their range, and India won the match by 304 runs. 

"I really enjoyed batting over here. I just watched the ball and backed my game. There is a very healthy competition for the opening spot on the side, and it keeps me on my toes," Dhawan said after the match. 

The Indian Champions are struggling in this tournament, losing both their matches and currently occupying the bottom position in the points table. They lost their last match by 4 wickets against the Australia Champions, failing to defend the target of 204 runs.

On the other hand, the England Champions have faced a difficult campaign, collecting just one point across four matches, and that came via a match that was called off because of rain.

IAC vs EDC Match Details

Date: July 27th, 2025

Time: 9:00 PM IST

Venue: Headingley, Leeds

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IAC vs EDC Weather Report

Clear weather

Also Read: WCL 2025: SAC vs AAC Prediction– Match 12, Who will win today?

Top Batters IAC vs EDC 

• Phil Mustard (EDC) - 101 runs in this tournament 

• Eoin Morgan (EDC) - 89 runs in this tournament

• Samit Patel (EDC) - 78 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler IAC vs EDC

• Stuart Meaker (EDC) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

• Piyush Chawla (IAC) - 5 wickets in this tournament

• Ajmal Shahzad (EDC) - 3 wickets in this tournament

IAC vs EDC Recent Performance

IAC vs EDC Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If EDC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- EDC is expected to score 160-170 runs

• Result prediction- IAC will win the match by 5 Wickets.

Scenario 2- If IAC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- IAC is expected to score 200-210 runs.

• Result prediction- IAC will win the match by 20-30 Runs

IAC vs EDC Predicted Playing XI

England Champions (AAC) Playing XI 

Phil Mustard (wk), Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Ambrose, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Dimitri Mascarenhas.

India Champions (SAC) Playing XI

Robin Uthappa (wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh (c), Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul.

IAC vs EDC Complete Squad

England Champions -

Phil Mustard (wk), Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Ambrose, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Sir Alastair Cook, Chris Tremlett, Ryan Sidebottom, James Vince, Usman Afzaal

India Champions -

Robin Uthappa (wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh (c), Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Stuart Binny, Varun Aaron, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun

IAC vs EDC Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

India Champions To win

We predict that India Champions will be winning this WCL 2025 match. The likes of Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Piyush Chawla will be key players to watch out for.

Callum Ferguson played a brilliant inning under pressure to lead Australia Champions to a thrilling four-wicket victory over India Champions in Match 10 of the World Championship of Legends 2025 at Headingley, Leeds. Chasing 204, Ferguson scored a spectacular 70* off just 38 balls as he helped his side finish their innings with just one ball remaining, continuing their unbeaten run in the tournament.

India Champions Innings

After being asked to bat first, the India Champions produced a formidable 203/4 in their 20 overs. Robin Uthappa provided a quick-fire 37 off 21 balls, but the innings was shaky early on as Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina fell cheaply. Shikhar Dhawan kept the innings going with a masterful unbeaten 91 off 60 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six. The finishing touches were supplied by Yusuf Pathan, who hammered 52* off only 23 balls, taking India over the 200-mark. Daniel Christian was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with 2/34.

Australia Champions Innings

Australia’s reply started with fireworks from Chris Lynn, who smashed 25 off 10 balls before falling to Harbhajan Singh. The innings suffered a mini-collapse with Marsh and Dunk departing in quick succession. At 65/4, the chase looked shaky, but Daniel Christian’s 39 and Ferguson’s calm aggression turned the tide. Despite losing Christian in the 17th over, Ferguson kept the scoreboard ticking, punishing the loose deliveries and sealing the win with support from Rob Quiney (16* off 8). India’s bowlers started well, with Piyush Chawla claiming 3/36 and Harbhajan Singh getting 2/33, but the inconsistent death bowling from the Indian pacers, particularly with Vinay Kumar and Siddarth Kaul, dropped catches, and poor misfields at key moments helped Australia pull ahead in the end.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka's full match schedule with dates and timings revealed

India Champions vs Australia Champions: Scorecard

India Champions – 203/4 (20 Overs)

Australia Champions – 207/6 (19.5 Overs)

The former off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, has shared pictures of the moments he shared with the former opener of the side, Shikhar Dhawan, besides playing for the India Champions during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. Harbhajan didn’t feature in the first game of the tournament for the Blue Brigade against South Africa in Northampton.

Harbhajan Singh shared the pictures of Dhawan's special event ‘Beyond the Boundary’ at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, which was also attended by some of the other notable players like Suresh Raina,Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and others.

See Also: [WATCH] Rishabh Pant comes out to bat amidst fractured toe during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘An inspiring evening with my brother, Shikhar Dhawan, at the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation. The incredible work he’s doing for society is truly commendable. I wish and pray that he continues this beautiful journey of giving back. May God bless you with immense strength and boundless energy to keep making a difference. Proud of you, brother. More power to you!’ The former Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, revealed in an Instagram post.

Harbhajan Singh attends Shikhar Dhawan’s special event at Lord’s

Dhawan was a strong member of the Indian top order during a career that lasted for nearly a decade. He retired from international cricket with 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for his 10867 runs. He and Harbhajan expressed their best wickets to the Indian team, who are fighting for the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Harbhajan Turbanator Singh (@harbhajan3)

‘All my best wishes are with them, and they're playing really good cricket. And I'm very, very proud of them. India is currently trailing 1-2 in the series. They showed great character as a team; they're a young team. And winning the second game after losing the first one—that was great character. I feel that they're playing great cricket. Of course, it's 2-1 at the moment. But I'm sure that they will turn the tables for us.’ The veteran expressed on the sidelines.

"Shikhar has always been a younger brother to me. We have played a lot of cricket together. And more than cricket, he is like a brother to me. So, I want him to keep on growing every day and keep on doing something for society as well. So, a lot of love, a lot of affection.’ Harbhajan shed light during the event ‘Beyond the Boundaries.’

Due to featuring for the India Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, the former opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan, is in England alongside some of his former teammates, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, and others. Known for his fearless batting, Dhawan and his side are aiming to defend their title. 

However, a clip of his interaction has gone viral with his girlfriend, Sophie Shine, on the sidelines of the event. The video is moving on social media from the WCL 2025 event. At the beginning of the year, the Ireland-born confirmed their relationship through a social media post. Shine, as reported, works for a multinational firm as a product consultant.

See Also: 'Worried about my son...'- Salman Ali Agha's father drops bombshell on his son's health after Pakistan's T20I series defeat against Bangladesh

The video shows Shine walking past the side screen after the end of the game. Dhawan was also heard to ask her girlfriend to jump over the advertising board. They finally met and spent a few minutes outside the boundary rope. The moment seemed to have happened just after their second clash of the event against South Africa Champions in Northampton.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan asks her girlfriend to 'jump in' after WCL 2025

It wasn’t a great evening for the left-handed batter, who managed only one run in four deliveries in the contest after being bamboozled by a fiery yorker against Hardus Viljoen. The team, under the captaincy of Yuvraj Singh, could not do well, giving away 208 runs in the first innings with the former leader, AB de Villiers, celebrating an unbeaten half-century.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shoaib Shahid Rajput (@what_shoaib_saw)

India kept on losing wickets in the chase and ended up with 88 runs short of the target. Their next game will be against Australia on July 26, and the simple aim will be to get the first victory of the season. Due to many Indian players’ decision to avoid the previous clash against Pakistan, including Shikhar Dhawan, the opening game was cancelled.

‘This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025.’ Dhawan shared a screenshot of the mail he claimed to have been sent to the organizers while making the decision.

The upcoming WCL 2025 clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions has been hit by another boycott. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has joined the likes of the Pathan brothers and Harbhajan Singh to boycott the fixture with their arch-rivals, scheduled to take place on Sunday. Dhawan's decision came in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor on May 11. The decision was formally communicated over a call and via WhatsApp message. 

The move was made in an effort to stand in solidarity with the nation and its armed forces, who put their lives on the line to defend the country during Operation Sindoor. Relations have been sour between the two ideologically opposed nations since the Pahalgam terror attacks, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians on April 26. In a tit-for-tat response, the Indian government launched a fierce military campaign against Pakistan to avenge the losses of the fallen souls. 

The latest flashpoint between the two countries has left the future of the upcoming Ind-Pak clashes in serious doubt. 

See also: Should India boycott playing Pakistan at WCL 2025?

Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025

Former Indian and Pakistani cricketers at loggerheads over Pahalgam terror attacks

Former players from both sides attacked each other on social media when India's military operation was underway in full swing. Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi issued a distasteful remark at that time, which severely undermined the credibility of our government and the armed forces. And once it was revealed that Shahid Afridi would take part in the upcoming WCL clash, fans began mounting pressure on the Indian players and urged them to boycott the match.

While as many as four Indian players have formally conveyed their unwillingness to participate in the marquee clash, there has been no confirmation of a last-minute withdrawal or boycott from the Pakistani camp. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of the Ind-Pak WCL clash, with many reports suggesting that the fixture could get called off. This is an evolving story, and more details are awaited at this stage.   

The former Indian opening batter, Shikhar Dhawan, was spotted with his girlfriend Sophie Shine, as the batter shared a funny reel on his Instagram account where the couple was enjoying their time. A few days ago, he made a public announcement where he revealed the name of his lady love. 

India's opener, who has been in the news over his divorce in the past and also the inability to spend time with his son Zoravar since then, has found love in the air again. In a post, shared by him, he confirmed dating a girl who is from Iceland.

See Also: [WATCH]: First appearance of MS Dhoni's Indian Army-themed customized Hummer

Various reports have revealed that Sophie works as a product consultant and has a degree in Marketing and Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology. The girl, who is from Iceland, has an academic background from the Castleroy College, with the credentials of impressing anyone. She also serves the role of the Second Vice President at the Northern Trust Corporation, which is in Abu Dhabi, at the moment. Dhawan, very frequently, shares funny reels with them on his Instagram account.

WATCH: Shikhar Dhawan and Girlfriend Sophie Shine in Instagram reel

Sophie was spotted with Dhawan in many places, watching the cricket matches with the former Indian opening batter, but it was the southpaw who confirmed their relationship status a few days ago to the public. The left-handed batter finished as India’s tenth leading run-getter with 6973 runs in 164 innings at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of over 91, thanks to 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries at the best score of 143 runs.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

When it comes to the shortest format of the game, the 39-year-old has smacked 1759 runs in 66 innings at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36, with the help of 11 half-centuries at the best score of 92 runs. Dhawan didn’t feature in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), while in 2024, he drilled 152 runs in five innings before getting injured.

Overall, he has got 6769 runs in 221 IPL innings at an average of 35.25 and a strike rate of 127.14, with the help of 51 half-centuries and two centuries, thanks to the best score of an unbeaten 106 runs.