📢Milton Shumba ruled out of India T20I series with hamstring injury, Innocent Kaia replaces him
Milton Shumba. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Zimbabwe batter Milton Shumba has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India with a right hamstring injury and Innocent Kaia takes his place in the squad. The withdrawal comes on the eve of the opening contest at Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23, a significant blow to Sikandar Raza's preparations ahead of the India tour.
Shumba's absence marks another injury headache for Zimbabwe after they claimed four changes to their playing group. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga earned his maiden call-up while Wessly Madhevere and pacer Newman Nyamhuri have been drafted back into the side. The all-rounder and fast bowler were sidelined during the recent Bangladesh T20I series and have now recovered in time for this assignment.
How does Innocent Kaia's recall strengthen Zimbabwe's middle order?
Innocent Kaia made his T20I debut on 17 September 2021 against Scotland. The 33-year-old right-hander returns to the squad with experience across multiple campaigns in the shortest format. His selection provides Zimbabwe cover as they navigate the loss of Shumba and look to bolster their batting depth against the world champions.
Kaia will find himself in a Zimbabwe squad hungry for momentum. Zimbabwe arrive in the series on the back of a 2-1 series loss against Bangladesh. Despite that setback, the hosts have regrouped smartly with several experienced performers returning. Madhevere and Nyamhuri have made their way back into the Chevrons' side.
What does India's form tell us about the challenge ahead?
India's form before this series frames the narrative sharply. They lost 4-0 to England earlier this month. The Men in Blue lost four matches in a bilateral T20I series for the first time and are now winless in seven games. The defeat marked the first time India lost four matches in a bilateral T20I series, handing new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer yet another unwanted record. Despite that recent difficulty, the Asian giants remain heavy favourites as the reigning T20 World Cup champions, arriving in Harare.
The first of three contests kicks off Thursday at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe will hope Kaia and their returning players can capitalise on India's vulnerability, though Shumba's hamstring setback has diminished their available firepower in a series that concludes on Sunday, July 26.
Updated Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Innocent Kaia, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Milton Shumba. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Zimbabwe batter Milton Shumba has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India with a right hamstring injury and Innocent Kaia takes his place in the squad. The withdrawal comes on the eve of the opening contest at Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23, a significant blow to Sikandar Raza's preparations ahead of the India tour.
Shumba's absence marks another injury headache for Zimbabwe after they claimed four changes to their playing group. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga earned his maiden call-up while Wessly Madhevere and pacer Newman Nyamhuri have been drafted back into the side. The all-rounder and fast bowler were sidelined during the recent Bangladesh T20I series and have now recovered in time for this assignment.
How does Innocent Kaia's recall strengthen Zimbabwe's middle order?
Innocent Kaia made his T20I debut on 17 September 2021 against Scotland. The 33-year-old right-hander returns to the squad with experience across multiple campaigns in the shortest format. His selection provides Zimbabwe cover as they navigate the loss of Shumba and look to bolster their batting depth against the world champions.
Kaia will find himself in a Zimbabwe squad hungry for momentum. Zimbabwe arrive in the series on the back of a 2-1 series loss against Bangladesh. Despite that setback, the hosts have regrouped smartly with several experienced performers returning. Madhevere and Nyamhuri have made their way back into the Chevrons' side.
What does India's form tell us about the challenge ahead?
India's form before this series frames the narrative sharply. They lost 4-0 to England earlier this month. The Men in Blue lost four matches in a bilateral T20I series for the first time and are now winless in seven games. The defeat marked the first time India lost four matches in a bilateral T20I series, handing new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer yet another unwanted record. Despite that recent difficulty, the Asian giants remain heavy favourites as the reigning T20 World Cup champions, arriving in Harare.
The first of three contests kicks off Thursday at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe will hope Kaia and their returning players can capitalise on India's vulnerability, though Shumba's hamstring setback has diminished their available firepower in a series that concludes on Sunday, July 26.
Updated Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (C), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Innocent Kaia, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
📢I bought Rajasthan Royals team in 2009 like Valentine's Day gift for Shilpa Shetty: Raj Kundra
Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra and Rajasthan Royals. (Source:iPL/instagram)
Raj Kundra, the businessman and co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, has opened up about his choice to acquire an 11.7% stake in the IPL franchise alongside his wife Shilpa Shetty, describing it as a deeply personal investment tied to affection rather than pure business strategy.
When Kundra acquired his stake in 2009, the team had already won the inaugural IPL championship the previous year. The investment immediately positioned him in one of cricket's most glamorous ventures during the league's expansion phase, giving him entry into India's sports business landscape. He also reflected on his optimism during the franchise's early years.
"I bought it like a Valentine's Day gift. I thought Shilpa had the brand value and I am putting in the money. When I bought it, the valuation of the team was Rs 700 crore; now the valuation is at Rs 16,000 crore. My share was 11.7 per cent. I was the first person who believed that this could go big," Kundra told SMTV on YouTube in an interview.
The acquisition turned out to be one of the league's most significant financial commitments at the time. Kundra's involvement with the franchise ended following the 2013 betting scandal, which left a lasting mark on his reputation and involvement in Indian cricket. Speaking about the controversy, Kundra explained his understanding of what transpired.
"We were accused of betting, and betting is not allowed. Then the team was banned for two years. Some players were banned for fixing, and as owners, we were banned for betting. What was that betting? It was like you and me sitting with each other. We would be like, 'Lagi shart?' (Want to bet?) That was the conversation. They said even that is not allowed. And we thought, you are banning us for this? The case is still sub judice with the Supreme Court," he said.
When asked whether betting actually occurs within the IPL, Kundra maintained that while a parallel market exists globally for IPL wagering in jurisdictions where it is legal, no internal wrongdoing happened within his franchise's operations.
The Justice Lodha committee handed down its ruling in 2015, imposing a lifetime ban on Kundra from all cricket activities. He acknowledged the severity of the punishment for a minority stakeholder but maintained that saving the team from further damage was paramount.
"I was the only one who was blamed. I said, 'Let's take it for the team. Saving the team was more important'," Kundra stated on the channel.
His stakes in the franchise were transferred out of his control, ending his involvement with the Royals that had begun just six years earlier.
Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra and Rajasthan Royals. (Source:iPL/instagram)
Raj Kundra, the businessman and co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, has opened up about his choice to acquire an 11.7% stake in the IPL franchise alongside his wife Shilpa Shetty, describing it as a deeply personal investment tied to affection rather than pure business strategy.
When Kundra acquired his stake in 2009, the team had already won the inaugural IPL championship the previous year. The investment immediately positioned him in one of cricket's most glamorous ventures during the league's expansion phase, giving him entry into India's sports business landscape. He also reflected on his optimism during the franchise's early years.
"I bought it like a Valentine's Day gift. I thought Shilpa had the brand value and I am putting in the money. When I bought it, the valuation of the team was Rs 700 crore; now the valuation is at Rs 16,000 crore. My share was 11.7 per cent. I was the first person who believed that this could go big," Kundra told SMTV on YouTube in an interview.
The acquisition turned out to be one of the league's most significant financial commitments at the time. Kundra's involvement with the franchise ended following the 2013 betting scandal, which left a lasting mark on his reputation and involvement in Indian cricket. Speaking about the controversy, Kundra explained his understanding of what transpired.
"We were accused of betting, and betting is not allowed. Then the team was banned for two years. Some players were banned for fixing, and as owners, we were banned for betting. What was that betting? It was like you and me sitting with each other. We would be like, 'Lagi shart?' (Want to bet?) That was the conversation. They said even that is not allowed. And we thought, you are banning us for this? The case is still sub judice with the Supreme Court," he said.
When asked whether betting actually occurs within the IPL, Kundra maintained that while a parallel market exists globally for IPL wagering in jurisdictions where it is legal, no internal wrongdoing happened within his franchise's operations.
The Justice Lodha committee handed down its ruling in 2015, imposing a lifetime ban on Kundra from all cricket activities. He acknowledged the severity of the punishment for a minority stakeholder but maintained that saving the team from further damage was paramount.
"I was the only one who was blamed. I said, 'Let's take it for the team. Saving the team was more important'," Kundra stated on the channel.
His stakes in the franchise were transferred out of his control, ending his involvement with the Royals that had begun just six years earlier.
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📢When you start playing with men, opposition will find your weaknesses, says Maninder Singh on Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Former India spinner Maninder Singh has cautioned young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that international cricket brings a different level of scrutiny compared to age-group tournaments, with opponents working hard to identify and exploit technical gaps.
Sooryavanshi managed only 42 runs across three T20I matches against England last month, including a 14-run knock in his debut. The 15-year-old was dropped from the final game of that five-match series. He made his international debut on Friday, July 4, becoming India's youngest-ever cricketer, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. Now, as he prepares for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe beginning Thursday, July 23, in Harare, experienced voices are offering him guidance on his early challenges.
"When you start playing with men after being with the U-19 players, and according to that level, he is a very, very good cricketer. But when you start playing with men, and the conditions were like that in England, where there was a little bounce, there must be some weaknesses that the international teams will catch," Maninder Singh said as quoted by News18 CricketNext.
Singh emphasized that modern cricket involves far more rigorous preparation and video analysis from opposition camps than what age-group cricket demands. International sides now conduct detailed technical study to pinpoint and target specific vulnerabilities in young players' games, particularly when they enter the senior setup with limited experience.
"It's because in today's time, so many videos are watched and attempts are made to find weaknesses. So, that will continue, and now that you have started playing international cricket, people will also wonder how this 15-year-old will make runs. So, you will get to see a little extra effort by the bowlers to outsmart him," Singh added.
The advantage with him is that his coach follows him regularly: Maninder Singh
Despite these cautions, the 61-year-old cricketer-turned-expert expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi's potential to bounce back from early setbacks.
"He is a very talented kid and he will find his own way to adapt himself in such conditions. I think he will start working towards that also. The advantage with him is that his coach follows him regularly. His father moves with him. So, his weaknesses will also be found, and they will start working on them," Singh noted.
The left-hander had a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, accumulating 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 and claiming the Orange Cap. He returns to Zimbabwe with a chance to rebuild his confidence at the venue where he smashed an unbeaten 175 from 80 deliveries to propel India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup final in February. Sanju Samson has been rested, handing Sooryavanshi another opportunity to establish himself as the format's opening batter ahead of the Asian Games in September.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Former India spinner Maninder Singh has cautioned young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that international cricket brings a different level of scrutiny compared to age-group tournaments, with opponents working hard to identify and exploit technical gaps.
Sooryavanshi managed only 42 runs across three T20I matches against England last month, including a 14-run knock in his debut. The 15-year-old was dropped from the final game of that five-match series. He made his international debut on Friday, July 4, becoming India's youngest-ever cricketer, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. Now, as he prepares for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe beginning Thursday, July 23, in Harare, experienced voices are offering him guidance on his early challenges.
"When you start playing with men after being with the U-19 players, and according to that level, he is a very, very good cricketer. But when you start playing with men, and the conditions were like that in England, where there was a little bounce, there must be some weaknesses that the international teams will catch," Maninder Singh said as quoted by News18 CricketNext.
Singh emphasized that modern cricket involves far more rigorous preparation and video analysis from opposition camps than what age-group cricket demands. International sides now conduct detailed technical study to pinpoint and target specific vulnerabilities in young players' games, particularly when they enter the senior setup with limited experience.
"It's because in today's time, so many videos are watched and attempts are made to find weaknesses. So, that will continue, and now that you have started playing international cricket, people will also wonder how this 15-year-old will make runs. So, you will get to see a little extra effort by the bowlers to outsmart him," Singh added.
The advantage with him is that his coach follows him regularly: Maninder Singh
Despite these cautions, the 61-year-old cricketer-turned-expert expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi's potential to bounce back from early setbacks.
"He is a very talented kid and he will find his own way to adapt himself in such conditions. I think he will start working towards that also. The advantage with him is that his coach follows him regularly. His father moves with him. So, his weaknesses will also be found, and they will start working on them," Singh noted.
The left-hander had a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, accumulating 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 and claiming the Orange Cap. He returns to Zimbabwe with a chance to rebuild his confidence at the venue where he smashed an unbeaten 175 from 80 deliveries to propel India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup final in February. Sanju Samson has been rested, handing Sooryavanshi another opportunity to establish himself as the format's opening batter ahead of the Asian Games in September.
Peter Clarke named Sydney Sixers WBBL coach
The current NSW WNCL coach takes over from Matthew Mott after he was appointed Sixers BBL coach
The current NSW WNCL coach takes over from Matthew Mott after he was appointed Sixers BBL coach
The current NSW WNCL coach takes over from Matthew Mott after he was appointed Sixers BBL coach
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Zimbabwe, meanwhile, handed debuts to batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri
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India hand Ashok Sharma a debut and bowl in opening T20I
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, handed debuts to batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, handed debuts to batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri
PCB announces new domestic one-day tournament to gauge World Cup options
The new National Champions Cup will start the domestic season on August 11
The new National Champions Cup will start the domestic season on August 11
The new National Champions Cup will start the domestic season on August 11
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This will be the first time a team will host India on Indian soil
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Afghanistan to host India for T20I series in Delhi
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Sports Commune terminated as Jaffna Kings owners
The franchise's 'inability to fulfil its financial obligations' was the cause of the termination
The franchise's 'inability to fulfil its financial obligations' was the cause of the termination
The franchise's 'inability to fulfil its financial obligations' was the cause of the termination
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Feroza, Amin, Sandhu shine as Pakistan go 1-0 up against Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka were restricted to 210 and Pakistan overhauled it easily to win their fifth ODI on the trot
Sri Lanka were restricted to 210 and Pakistan overhauled it easily to win their fifth ODI on the trot
Sri Lanka were restricted to 210 and Pakistan overhauled it easily to win their fifth ODI on the trot
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Salt's game-awareness turns tight contest on its head
Captain seizes chance for match-turning boundary as costly fielding error sinks Brave
Captain seizes chance for match-turning boundary as costly fielding error sinks Brave
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Sooryavanshi, Mayank help India end T20I losing streak
India were on top right from the first ball, and ended up with a comfortable seven-wicket win
India were on top right from the first ball, and ended up with a comfortable seven-wicket win
India were on top right from the first ball, and ended up with a comfortable seven-wicket win
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CA boss Greenberg 'open' to Ashes Test in India
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