The T20 World Cup 2026 continued, with Zimbabwe scripting a massive result. Who thought they would end their tournament as the table-toppers, beating Sri Lanka on Thursday? But they did it quite brilliantly, with Sikandar Raza’s side now marching towards Super 8 with a dangerous form and eye to upset bigger fish. Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach was vocal about a few issues in the team after a not-so-clean win over the Netherlands. The Ranji Trophy final, meanwhile, is all set to take place in Hubli.
Sanju Samson to replace Abhishek Sharma?
India have cruised into the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2026 without a single run from Abhishek Sharma, a situation few imagined for the world’s No. 1 T20I batter. After a staggering run of 1029 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate near 200, Abhishek has hit a rough patch, scoring five ducks in his last seven innings as bowlers attack his stumps and deny him width. Despite calls to replace him with Sanju Samson, whose own returns have dipped sharply, the team management remains firm. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate cited illness and backed Abhishek’s explosive potential to resurface in the second phase. Read more here.
Ranji Trophy final all set
The KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi will host the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final after Karnataka finished above Jammu & Kashmir in the group stage, earning hosting rights under BCCI rules. Jammu & Kashmir have sealed their final berth, while Karnataka advanced after taking a massive 500+ first-innings lead in the semifinal against Uttarakhand. With the M Chinnaswamy Stadium unavailable, KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad opted for Hubballi to promote cricket regionally. This will be Karnataka’s 16th final appearance. Read more here.
Pakistani players to be banned?
Pakistani cricketers are likely to go unsold at The Hundred 2026 auction, with four franchises now partly owned by IPL investors reportedly unwilling to bid for them. Similar patterns have emerged in SA20 and ILT20, where IPL-linked teams avoid signing Pakistani players amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Although the ECB maintains there is no discrimination and expects equal opportunity, reports suggest an informal understanding exists. Pakistani stars featured in previous editions, but their participation now appears unlikely. Read more here.
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Break for Suryakumar Yadav-led India
India wrapped up their T20 World Cup group stage unbeaten, defeating the Netherlands by 17 runs to make it four wins in four. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the team will take a day off before preparing for the Super 8, where they face South Africa and Zimbabwe in Group 1. While pleased with the overall performance, he admitted there are areas to refine. Against the Netherlands, Shivam Dube’s 66 rescued India from 74/3, powering them to 193/6, with key support from Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar and Tilak Varma. Read more here.
India’s coach on poor fielding
India may be unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, but their fielding remains a concern ahead of the Super 8. Only Ireland have dropped more catches, 10 to India’s 9, leaving the defending champions with a modest 68.97 percent catching efficiency. In practical terms, they convert roughly seven of every 10 chances. Four drops against the Netherlands highlighted the issue. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the concern but insisted the team is addressing it without overthinking, especially with sharper fielding units awaiting in the next phase. Read more here.
India’s issues vs spin?
India may have topped Group A in the T20 World Cup 2026, but their struggle against spin is an another concern. In 42 overs of spin, they have scored 315 runs at just over seven an over while losing 15 wickets. Pakistan, USA, Namibia and Netherlands all exposed this vulnerability, particularly with finger spin targeting India’s left-heavy line-up. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the challenge, especially with stronger spin attacks awaiting in the Super 8. With South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies boasting quality slow bowlers, India must quickly find answers. Read more here.
