Cricket Ireland and the Italian Cricket Federation have jointly announced a three-match bilateral T20 International series set to take place in Dubai in late January 2026. The series will act as crucial preparation for both teams as they gear up for their respective campaigns in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland and Italy have faced each other only once before in a T20I – during the 2023 European Qualifier in Edinburgh, where Ireland secured a tight seven-run win. The sides also met in a non-T20I Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by two wickets.

The upcoming fixtures will be historic for Italy, marking their first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. For Ireland, the games come immediately after the announcement of two additional T20Is against the UAE, forming a full preparatory block in Dubai before the World Cup.

Ireland vs Italy T20I Series Schedule

Following the series, Ireland will also meet the UAE on 29 and 31 January before travelling to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, where they find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. Italy, meanwhile, head to India for the tournament and will compete in Group C against England, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket, Richard Holdsworth, said the series offers ideal match practice in hot conditions after coming out of the Irish winter. Italian federation president Maria Lorena Haz Paz termed the series “historic” and believes it will help raise the profile of Italian cricket as they prepare for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance.

Just five days after hammering a career-best unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka, Sahibzada Farhan walked out with confidence in Match 6 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi. But this time, the script flipped dramatically. The in-form opener managed just 9 off 7 balls, falling to a sharp delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, triggering a wave of reactions across social media.

Pakistan, chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive 184/5, were rocked early at 29/1, with fans quick to remind Farhan of his earlier heroics, and equally quick to express their frustration. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded timelines, with the phrase “Aur banao documentary..” trending among disappointed supporters. The comment referenced the hype that followed Farhan’s match-winning knock last week, which had catapulted him into the spotlight.

Sri Lanka, playing for a spot in the final, showed far more discipline with the ball this time. Chameera’s fiery two-over spell (3 wickets for just 3 runs) dismantled Pakistan’s top order, claiming Farhan, Babar Azam (0), and Fakhar Zaman (1) in a devastating burst.

Farhan’s early exit sparks fan backlash as Pakistan stumble in high-stakes chase

Despite the early collapse at 43/4, Pakistan stayed afloat through Usman Khan’s counterattacking 33 off 22 and skipper Salman Agha’s steady 23 off 21, but the pressure of chasing close to 10 an over kept mounting. Farhan’s dismissal, however, remained the talking point, largely because of the contrast with his recent brilliance. 

For Sri Lanka, the wicket was huge. For Pakistan fans, it was a reality check. Sri Lanka’s batting earlier was powered by a superb 76 off 48 by Kamil Mishara and a rapid 40 off 23 from Kusal Mendis, taking them to a strong 184. Pakistan’s bowlers, except Abrar Ahmed (2/28) and Salman Mirza (1/29), struggled for consistency.

ALSO SEE: WPL 2026 Auction: Full updated squad list for all teams revealed

With a place in the final on the line, the stakes were already high, and Farhan’s early exit only intensified the drama. Whether this dismissal proves to be a blip or the start of a form dip will be known soon enough, but for now, fans have made their verdict clear in typical Twitter fashion.

🚨Wicket Loss

Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT!

c Janith Liyanage b Dushmantha Chameera.#SportsSide | #TriNationSeries | #PakistanCricket | #CricketKiJeet | #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/3Rxvp7s5aq

— Sports Side (@TheSportsSide1) November 27, 2025

🏏 PAK vs SL Highlight 🏏

🔥 Edge & taken!
Maheesh Theekshana strikes — Sahibzada Farhan departs! 🎯

PAK - 29/1 (3.4 Overs)

Pakistan need 156 runs#PAKvsSL #PAKvSL #T20I

— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) November 27, 2025

Pakistan lose their first wicket.

Sahibzada Farhan departs for just 9.#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/bJse32gKky

— Ramzy 🇵🇰🇬🇧 (@Ramz_004) November 27, 2025

Pakistani Bowlers must take wicket of Opener Mishara who has made 39 runs in 24 balls. He is a dangerous player. SL score at the moment is 96/2. Ten overs are bowled. This means that if their wickets will not fall they can give target around 200 runs to Pakistani Team. #PAKvSL

— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) November 27, 2025

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a three-match T20I series in January 2026, with both boards finalising the schedule as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The series is expected to run from January 8 to 12, with all matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan are set to play all their fixtures on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model. The arrangement ensures Pakistan and India avoid touring each other during ICC events, while still allowing them to compete at neutral venues.

Sources close to the development have confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant talks over the short series, which has now been tentatively finalised. The matches will provide Pakistan crucial match time in subcontinental conditions just weeks before the global tournament. With pitches in Dambulla expected to mirror those used during the World Cup, the series will help Pakistan fine-tune combinations and adapt to local surfaces.

Renovation Work Forces Shift to Dambulla as Sri Lanka Fight for Tri-Series Final Spot

The decision to host all three matches in Dambulla comes amid ongoing renovation work at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. These upgrades, being carried out ahead of the World Cup, have also forced SLC to postpone the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), originally planned for the November–December window.

ALSO SEE: Pakistani star performer to light up DP World ILT20 Season 4 opening

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are currently in Pakistan as part of a competitive T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe. Pakistan have already sealed a place in the final, while Sri Lanka must win their final group match, and by a significant margin, to stay in contention. Zimbabwe hold second place with one win from four matches, while Sri Lanka remain third with a net run rate of –1.324.

Tentative Schedule – Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

The short series promises high-intensity preparation for both sides as they gear up for the biggest T20 event of the year.

On November 11, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Islamabad which led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking proactive measures by officially announcing the alterations to the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, comprising One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tour, however, has been made possible under a new schedule and different locations thanks to the consensus of PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which was born out of the security issue.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs Rescheduled

The second and third ODIs of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series now stand each one day later than initially planned. Matches that were originally to take place on November 13 and 15, are now rescheduled to November 14 and 16. Both games will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Revised ODI Schedule

The new playing dates are part of an enhanced security plan after the blast, which raised the concern of the Sri Lankan players and staff touring India.

Tri-Nation T20I Series Change of Start Date

Moreover, the PCB has also revised the schedule for the T20I tri-series. The tournament, which was originally planned to start on November 17, has now been pushed back to the 18th, when the first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

ALSO SEE: Kolkata Knight Riders rope in former CSK legend as Assisstant Coach for upcoming IPL 2026

Besides this, the other important aspect is that the whole tri-series will be played in Rawalpindi only, unlike the earlier plan of moving some games to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore besides Rawalpindi. The security situation dictated this choice.

Revised Tri-Series Schedule

Sri Lanka Confirms Tour Will Continue

SLC in a press release was very clear that the tour will proceed as planned after the discussions with PCB. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has given the option to each player who is not feeling comfortable in the situation to go back home, and if needed, the replacements are already available.

Although the terror attack has caused a disturbance, both boards have not changed their minds about the series being finished without any problems and in a secured environment.

In a match filled with drama, twists, and late nerves, Alick Athanaze produced one of the standout moments of brilliance as the West Indies faced New Zealand in the third T20I in Nelson. Although the visitors eventually fell short by nine runs, Athanaze’s direct hit to run out Devon Conway was a moment that briefly turned the tide in their favour.

The dismissal came at a crucial stage of the innings. Conway, who had looked in sublime touch with 56 off 34 balls, was anchoring New Zealand’s innings alongside Daryl Mitchell. The hosts had just crossed 90 and were eyeing a total well above 180 when Mitchell pushed a delivery from Shamar Springer towards deep midwicket and called for two. Conway, backing his partner’s call, turned for the second but underestimated Athanaze’s speed and accuracy in the field.

Alick Athanaze’s brilliant direct hit to run out Devon Conway steals the spotlight in Nelson

Sprinting swiftly to his left, Athanaze picked up the ball cleanly and unleashed a flat, bullet throw to the non-striker’s end. The direct hit caught Conway inches short of his ground, a stunning piece of fielding that sent the West Indies players into celebration. The run-out not only removed New Zealand’s in-form batter but also halted their momentum just when they were threatening to explode in the final overs.

Watch the video:

Direct hit and gone! ☄️

Alick Athanaze hits bullseye from deep to send Conway packing 🤯 #SonySportsNetwork #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/x8iluCv3CW

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2025

ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup 2026 to start on this date as renowned IPL venues to host semifinal and final

Athanaze, who had earlier contributed a solid 31 with the bat, showcased his all-round value in the side. The direct hit exemplified his sharp awareness and athleticism, two traits that have made him one of the most promising young cricketers in the Caribbean setup.

Although New Zealand eventually posted 177 for 9, Athanaze’s run-out proved a turning point, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts lose six wickets for just 35 runs. It was only due to Conway and Mitchell’s earlier efforts that New Zealand had a defendable total on the board.

In the end, despite a late West Indies resurgence led by Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, the visitors fell agonizingly short. Yet, Athanaze’s moment of brilliance in the field stood out, a reminder that one piece of fielding can change the flow of a T20 game in an instant.

In the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, consistency is a rare characteristic. However, an individual can dominate an entire series of matches with match-winning performances across multiple games, inspiring confidence in teammates, and winning Player of the Series award as a badge of dominance. India has produced a long list of such match-winners in the batting, bowling and all-rounder disciplines, who have defined a moment, turned a contest around, and stamped their authority on world cricket. From the calm brilliance of Virat Kohli, the explosive nature of modernity of Suryakumar Yadav, the death-over brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah and the fearlessness of youth in Abhishek Sharma, there is an indelible impression made by all of these names. 

Now let us look at the Indian cricketers in T20Is with the most Player of the Series awards, which is ultimately a list of modern match-winners, who have contributed to India's ascendency in the shortest form of the game.

1) Virat Kohli – 7 Awards

Virat Kohli, the public face of Indian cricket for the past ten years, remains on top with an incredible record of seven 'Player of the Series' awards in T20 international cricket. His consistency, particularly in chasing, and ability to remain calm under pressure, has led to him being called the “Chase Master." Kohli's T20I legacy is defined not only by runs but by his ability to deliver at the opportune moment and when needed most.

During his seven series, Kohli scored 1,842 runs at a staggering average of 92.10 and strike rate of 145.38, including three centuries and fourteen half-centuries. Kohli has turned those tremendous moments of high-pressure into personal milestones for themselves, from his unforgettable 90* against Australia in Mohali in 2016, to his perfect 122* against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Most notably, India has never lost a bilateral T20I series in which Kohli earned Player of the Series meaning he had an unmistakable effect.

2) Suryakumar Yadav – 5 Awards

Redefining batting in the modern-day phenomenon of Indian T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav is already well on the way to moving into the category of the greats. With five Player of the Series awards under his belt, and the kind of fearlessness associated with his batting, in addition to the 360-degree shot-making, Suryakumar Yadav has become a true nightmare for bowlers around the world. In a short span of time, he has already become the standard for creativity and confidence, blending both style and reliability.

In performances that have earned him Player of Series honors, Suryakumar has scored 1,103 runs at an average of 71.40 and a remarkable strike rate of 181.63, complete with two centuries and eight fifties. Some of his most impactful series include the 2022 tour to the West Indies in which he scored three fifties in three matches, and the 2023 series played at home against Sri Lanka in which his innings of 112 not out and 51 not out spoke of his superiority when it comes to adaptability. One of the most iconic shots in modern cricket is his one-handed pick-up flick over fine leg to bring events into even further perspective, perfectly illustrating both his fearless batting and silly shot-making style.

3) Jasprit Bumrah – 3 Awards

When you talk about match-winning spells, Jasprit Bumrah is simply in a class of his own. The spearhead of India’s bowling attack and a maestro of precision, Bumrah has won three Player of the Series awards based on his ability to change matches on the ball. He can break partnerships during the Powerplay and gluttonize batters during the death - he is always an influence.

In series when Bumrah has been the best, he has taken 38 wickets at an average of just 11.21 and an economy rate of 5.83, and in that time he has taken two five-wicket hauls, including his career-best 6/12 against England in 2025. Bumrah's spells in Durban, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad have been iconic to India's T20 supremacy. Even more astonishingly, Bumrah owns the record for most wickets taken by an Indian in T20I series deciders - that demonstrates his talent for striking when the pressure is at its peak.

4) Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 3 Awards

Quiet, composed, and simply effective, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of India's best new-ball specialists in white-ball cricket. He can swing the ball both ways and control the run-rate in the powerplay - three Player of the Series awards in T20Is serves as evidence. For almost a decade, Bhuvi has been India's first-choice player to get wickets with the new ball.

In his Player of the Series winning performances, he has taken 34 wickets at an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 6.41, with a best performance of 5/4 against South Africa in 2018. From the memorable five-for in Johannesburg to his spells against Australia and Sri Lanka, Bhuvneshwar showed that 'smart' bowling can win games, not just 'fast' bowling. His knuckleball, always disguised, continues to deceive some of the world's best batters.

ALSO SEE: Who Is Jake Weatherald? Unexpected Ashes 2025 selection poised for an Australian debut

5) Hardik Pandya – 3 Awards

Hardik Pandya is India's go-to all-rounder when it comes to T20 internationals, consistently demonstrating an affinity for the big moment. He has attained three Player of the Series awards, showcasing his ability to change the game with both bat and ball with the ability to shift the fortunes of the match entirely by himself. He is one of the most valuable T20 players in the world due to his ability to strike the ball cleanly and bowl seamers cleverly.

During his Player of the Series awards, Hardik has had a successful career that has included scoring 612 runs at 51.00 average, taking 29 wickets, and achieving a strike rate of 158.5. Some of his best performances included the 2022 Player of the Series run against England which featured an incredible all-round performance of 71* off 33 balls, and taking 4 wickets for 16 runs as well as match-winning performances against the Sri Lankan series in 2021 and a series win against Bangladesh in 2024. Hardik has been India's go-to when they have required a moment of magic, either with the wicket or the boundary.

6) Rohit Sharma – 2 Awards

The Hitman of Indian cricket has been known for quite a while for making a small start turn into a statement. Apart from his two Player of the Series awards, Rohit’s temperament to perform in big matches and timing has frequently set the tone for India's T20 success. When in form, there are few bowlers in world cricket who can hold him back.

Rohit has, in his series as mentioned, accumulated 378 runs with the glistening average of 94.50 and strike-rate of 161.5 - these include his phenomenal 121* against South Africa in 2022. Rohit’s twin tons in their series against West Indies and South Africa will always be acknowledged as hallmarks of India's T20 journey thus far. Whether loading up with KL Rahul at the other end, or the sole opener, Rohit's graceful and powerful combination continues to rank him as India's most trusted match winner.

7) Abhishek Sharma – 2 Awards*

The youngest and most recent player on this elite list is Abhishek Sharma, India's up-and-coming T20 star. The left-handed opener had a breakout year in 2025, earning two Player of the Series titles in his first season- no small feat, which illustrates how talented and composed a player- and person he really is. 

In Abhishek's two Player of the Series series, he scored 412 runs at an average of 82.40 and a strike rate close to 200, with 2 centuries and 3 fifties. Abhishek's innings of 124* vs Zimbabwe and 102* vs Sri Lanka proved his power, calmness as he batted and his range of shot-making. Still early in his career, Abhishek has found a way to dominate the powerplay, an entirely new attacking approach at the top for India. At this early stage of his career he is already being touted as one of India's brightest T20 stars- fearless, focus and full of flair.

FAQs

1. Who has the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20Is? 
With 7 Player of the Series awards in T20 internationals, Virat Kohli holds the record among Indians. 

2. How many Player of the Series does Suryakumar Yadav have? 
India's sensational middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav has won 5 Player of the Series awards in T20 internationals.

3. Which bowlers have the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20Is? 
Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar share the distinction of being the bowlers with the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20 internationals, each with 3 awards. Both bowlers have been a match-changing accountant with ball in hand - Bumrah at the death and Bhuvneshwar at the powerplay.

4 How many Player of the Series awards has Hardik Pandya won in T20I formats?
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has earned the Player of the Series award three times in T20I internationals, displaying his ability to shine with both bat and ball as an all-rounder on the biggest stage while it matters most.

5 Who is the youngest Indian to win multiple Player of the Series awards in T20Is?
In 2025, Abhishek Sharma became the youngest Indian to accumulate two Player of the Series accolades after only 11 T20I matches, quickly becoming one of India's next T20 stars as an aggressive left-handed opener.

Sri Lanka are all set to return to international cricket this month with a tour of Pakistan that includes a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selectors have named 16-member squads for both formats, with Charith Asalanka taking charge as captain in what will be his first full assignment as skipper across formats.

Asalanka to lead a refreshed Sri Lankan side

The selectors have shown confidence in 27-year-old Charith Asalanka, who has been one of the team’s most reliable middle-order batters in recent years. His calm leadership and consistent form have earned him the responsibility to guide a young Sri Lankan side in both the ODIs and T20Is.

There have been a few forced changes in the squad due to injuries. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, a key bowler in recent months, has been ruled out with a knee injury, paving the way for Eshan Malinga to make the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, who was originally included in the T20I side, has been sidelined as he recovers from an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando replacing him.

Crucial preparation ahead of T20 World Cup

The tour will not only mark Sri Lanka’s return to action but will also serve as valuable preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The upcoming matches will give the selectors a closer look at emerging talents such as Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake, who are pushing for permanent places in the white-ball setup.

All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will provide the spin firepower, while Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe to provide strong competition

Pakistan come into the series on the back of a busy home season, having drawn their ODI series against South Africa and won the T20Is 2–1. They also recently reached the Asia Cup final after defeating Sri Lanka in the Super Fours, so the hosts will be full of confidence.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have been showing signs of resurgence with their younger squad and will be eager to challenge both subcontinent giants in the tri-series.

ALSO SEE: ICC expands women's ODI World Cup to 10 teams from 2029 edition

Full Schedule: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan & T20I Tri-Series

Sri Lanka squads

ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

T20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

Chasing down the 168-run target in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at Carrara Oval on Thursday (November 6), Australia faced a massive batting collapse, as they had an unwanted record in the game.

After the Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh chose to field first, India scored 167/8 in 20 overs. In reply, Australia were bundled out for only 119 runs, as India won by 48 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the away series with one match to go. While the hosts were once fighting at 91/3, they lost their last seven wickets for only 28 runs. It was Australia's record for the fewest runs added for the last six wickets in a home T20I, while their previous record was 50 runs against Pakistan during the 2010 Melbourne T20I. 

WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy clean bowled Glenn Maxwell during AUS vs IND 4th T20I

Least runs added for last six wickets by Australia in a T20I innings

• 14 runs vs Bangladesh (Mirpur, 2021)
• 27 runs vs Pakistan (Gros Islet, 2010)
• 28 runs vs India (Carrara, 2025)
• 29 runs vs Pakistan (Mirpur, 2014)
• 38 runs vs Pakistan (Dubai, DICS, 2012)
• 38 runs vs West Indies (Gros Islet, 2021)

Australia's 119 all out became their second-lowest home T20I totals. Their lowest home T20I total record is 111 all out against New Zealand during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022. 

Lowest home T20I totals for Australia (only completed innings)

• 111 all out vs New Zealand (Sydney, 2022)
• 119 all out vs India (Carrara, 2025)
• 127 all out vs Pakistan (Melbourne, 2010)
• 131 all out vs India (Melbourne, 2012)
• 133/8 vs Sri Lanka (W.A.C.A, 2010)

Meanwhile, India recorded their biggest T20I victory (by runs) against Australia in Australia, as they won the Carrara T20I by 48 runs. It is their second-largest T20I winning margin against Australia, after their 73-run victory during the ICC World T20 2014. 

Largest T20I winning margin for India against Australia (by runs)

• 73 runs at Mirpur in 2014
• 48 runs at Carrara in 2025
• 44 runs at Thiruvananthapuram in 2023
• 37 runs at Adelaide in 2016
• 27 runs at Melbourne in 2016   

India set Australia a target of 168 runs to win the fourth T20I in Queensland, ending their innings at 167/8. Shubman Gill top-scored for India with 46 runs, while Australian bowlers Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa took three wickets each. With the series tied 1-1, both teams were eager to take the lead in the five-match series.

 Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav lost the toss to Mitchell Marsh, and India was asked to bat first. Opener Abhishek Sharma, known for quick scoring, failed to make an impact and was dismissed early. Despite the slow start, India’s middle order kept the scoreboard moving. The Australian fielders, especially Tim David, were kept busy as India looked to post a competitive total.

The match took an unexpected turn when Tim David became the center of controversy. The Australian cricketer took a brilliant running catch to dismiss Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, but his celebration that followed left everyone shocked. What started as a great fielding moment quickly turned unpleasant when David’s obscene act was shown on camera, drawing criticism from fans.

Tim David’s Controversial Celebration Goes Viral

Tim David was already involved in the field, having taken one catch earlier. His second came when Xavier Bartlett bowled a slower delivery that Suryakumar Yadav mistimed. The ball flew toward mid-wicket, and David ran to his left to complete the catch near the boundary. Suryakumar departed after scoring 20 runs off 10 balls.

Watch the video here

What is this celebration from Tim David😭 pic.twitter.com/8lhMMTZMi4

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) November 6, 2025

After catching the ball, David celebrated with an obscene gesture, simulating the licking of the ball in front of the crowd. The act seemed disrespectful and uncalled for; it went viral in no time on the internet. Fans termed his act "disgusting" and "unsportsmanlike." Even as Australia started chasing 168, the discussion was centered around David's weird celebration, which overshadowed the pulsating India vs Australia contest.

Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has made a heartfelt appeal to former South African star AB de Villiers for guidance on improving his batting balance between T20Is and ODIs. After leading India to victory at the 2025 Asia Cup, Suryakumar is currently involved in the T20I series against Australia but has admitted he has had difficulty making the transition from of his aggressive style across the two white-ball formats.

Speaking candidly about his batting challenges, Suryakumar shared his desire to connect with the Proteas legend to understand what worked for him during his career. “If I meet him soon, then I will like to ask him how he managed to balance his T20I and ODI game. I haven't been able to do so. I thought ODIs should be played like T20Is. I want to ask him what he did to be successful in both the formats,” said Suryakumar during an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar.

The Indian skipper added a sincere plea: “AB, if you are listening to this, please get in touch with me quickly because there are important three-four years lying ahead for me. I’m very keen on playing ODI cricket also. Please help me! I couldn’t balance T20Is and ODIs.”

Suryakumar Eyes Comeback in ODI Cricket

As of November 4, Suryakumar Yadav has played one Test, 37 ODIs, and 93 T20Is for India. While getting a spot in the Test team looks difficult, he still hopes to make a comeback in ODI cricket. The 35-year-old last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup final, where India ended as runners-up

See Also: ECB announces England Men’s Central Contracts list for 2025-26

In ODIs, he has an excellent strike rate of 105.02 but has only averaged 25.76, which isn't repeatable. With many talented players in India’s middle order, he will have to perform well in domestic matches to return to the national ODI team. His recent form has been mixed, he scored just 72 runs in six innings during the Asia Cup at a strike rate of 101.40. In the current T20I series against Australia, he started with a quick unbeaten 39, but managed only 25 runs in the next two games. The final two T20Is are scheduled for November 6 and 8, giving him another chance to rediscover his rhythm.