‘He called me Fixer & Deshdrohi’ - Sreesanth drops bombshell on Gautam Gambhir
The incident had grabbed headlines when Sreesanth first alleged that Gambhir had used the term “fixer” against him during the LLC clash.
The incident had grabbed headlines when Sreesanth first alleged that Gambhir had used the term “fixer” against him during the LLC clash.
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📢‘He called me Fixer & Deshdrohi’ - Sreesanth drops bombshell on Gautam Gambhir
‘He called me Fixer & Deshdrohi’ - S Sreesanth drops bombshell on Gautam Gambhir after Harbhajan Singh boxing fight claim. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Former India pacer S Sreesanth has once again opened up about his heated exchange with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match in December 2023. The former fast bowler has now made fresh allegations, claiming that Gambhir not only called him a “fixer” but also labelled him a “Deshdrohi” during the on-field confrontation.
The incident had grabbed headlines when Sreesanth first alleged that Gambhir had used the term “fixer” against him during the LLC clash. Speaking recently in an interview, the Kerala-born cricketer provided more details about what transpired between the two former India teammates.
According to Sreesanth, the altercation began after he bowled a bouncer to Gambhir during the match. Recalling the sequence of events, the 42-year-old explained that Gambhir initially played an aggressive stroke before tensions escalated between the duo.
“Gauti (Gambhir) stepped out on the first ball and flicked it because he knows my (game), he’s a very good cricketer. I don’t know about the coaching part, but he’s a very good cricketer. So, I bowled the bouncer,” Sreesanth said, narrating his experience in an interview on Lallantop.
Sreesanth further alleged that Gambhir responded with verbal abuse and made remarks that crossed the line.
“And you know what he said? ‘I own you’. It was clear, he abused me. What he shouldn’t have said, he did, he called me a ‘fixer’,” Sreesanth elaborated.
The former India pacer claimed that he attempted to diffuse the situation by checking on Gambhir before the exchange became more intense.
“I leaned forward and asked him, ‘Gauti bhai, are you okay?’ Because I was huge, it looked like I would hit him. Then he was doing ‘F-F’ (using the F-word). Then he again said ‘fixer’, ‘Deshdrohi’,” he further claimed.
Interestingly, Gambhir and Sreesanth were part of two of India’s most memorable triumphs, featuring together in the squads that won the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. However, relations between the two former teammates appear to have deteriorated significantly since their playing days.
The alleged “fixer” remark is believed to be linked to Sreesanth’s involvement in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing controversy. The pacer was initially handed a life ban by the BCCI before it was later reduced to seven years, allowing him to return to competitive cricket in 2020.
Meanwhile, Gambhir has enjoyed considerable success in his coaching career. Since taking charge as India’s head coach, the former opener has guided the Men in Blue to victories in the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup in 2025, followed by a T20 World Cup triumph more recently.
‘He called me Fixer & Deshdrohi’ - S Sreesanth drops bombshell on Gautam Gambhir after Harbhajan Singh boxing fight claim. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Former India pacer S Sreesanth has once again opened up about his heated exchange with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match in December 2023. The former fast bowler has now made fresh allegations, claiming that Gambhir not only called him a “fixer” but also labelled him a “Deshdrohi” during the on-field confrontation.
The incident had grabbed headlines when Sreesanth first alleged that Gambhir had used the term “fixer” against him during the LLC clash. Speaking recently in an interview, the Kerala-born cricketer provided more details about what transpired between the two former India teammates.
According to Sreesanth, the altercation began after he bowled a bouncer to Gambhir during the match. Recalling the sequence of events, the 42-year-old explained that Gambhir initially played an aggressive stroke before tensions escalated between the duo.
“Gauti (Gambhir) stepped out on the first ball and flicked it because he knows my (game), he’s a very good cricketer. I don’t know about the coaching part, but he’s a very good cricketer. So, I bowled the bouncer,” Sreesanth said, narrating his experience in an interview on Lallantop.
Sreesanth further alleged that Gambhir responded with verbal abuse and made remarks that crossed the line.
“And you know what he said? ‘I own you’. It was clear, he abused me. What he shouldn’t have said, he did, he called me a ‘fixer’,” Sreesanth elaborated.
The former India pacer claimed that he attempted to diffuse the situation by checking on Gambhir before the exchange became more intense.
“I leaned forward and asked him, ‘Gauti bhai, are you okay?’ Because I was huge, it looked like I would hit him. Then he was doing ‘F-F’ (using the F-word). Then he again said ‘fixer’, ‘Deshdrohi’,” he further claimed.
Interestingly, Gambhir and Sreesanth were part of two of India’s most memorable triumphs, featuring together in the squads that won the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. However, relations between the two former teammates appear to have deteriorated significantly since their playing days.
The alleged “fixer” remark is believed to be linked to Sreesanth’s involvement in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing controversy. The pacer was initially handed a life ban by the BCCI before it was later reduced to seven years, allowing him to return to competitive cricket in 2020.
Meanwhile, Gambhir has enjoyed considerable success in his coaching career. Since taking charge as India’s head coach, the former opener has guided the Men in Blue to victories in the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup in 2025, followed by a T20 World Cup triumph more recently.
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MLC 2026: Match 5, WAS vs NY Match Prediction – Who will win today’s MLC match between Washington Freedom vs MI New York?
Washington Freedom (WAS) lock horns with MI New York (NY) in match No. 5 of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Washington Freedom (WAS) lock horns with MI New York (NY) in match No. 5 of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
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📢MLC 2026: Match 5, WAS vs NY Match Prediction – Who will win today’s MLC match between Washington Freedom vs MI New York?
Washington freedom vs MI new york (Source - Washington freedom vs MI new york /Instagram)
Washington Freedom (WAS) lock horns with MI New York (NY) in match No. 5 of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
This is a repeat of last year's final, where MI New York emerged victorious by five runs at the same venue. In MLC 2026, Washington Freedom started with a defeat to Seattle Orcas on Saturday. Steve Smith and Co. posted 216 in 20 overs, but the Orcas chased the total with five wickets and 14 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, defending champions MI New York are all set to start their campaign on Sunday. Led by Nicholas Pooran, MI New York have relied on continuity, retaining most of the players who brought them glory last season. The side is quite balanced, comprising plenty of match-winners with bat and ball.
WAS vs NY: Match Details
Match
Washington Freedom vs MI New York, Match 5 , Major League Cricket 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Sunday, June 21, 6:00 AM (IST)
Venue
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
Broadcast and Live Streaming
JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App & Website)
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas: Pitch Report
The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas is an excellent venue for batters. 200-plus totals have been chased down twice in two 20-over matches. Meanwhile, the game between the San Francisco Unicorns and the Los Angeles Knight Riders was reduced to 14 overs per side due to rain. The Knights chased down a formidable 151-run target with seven wickets and two balls to spare. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is the better option and defending totals is very difficult at this high-scoring venue.
WAS vs NY: Head-to-Head T20 Record
Matches Played
5
Won By WAS
4
Won By NY
1
No Result
0
First Meeting
July 6, 2024 (WAS Won)
Most Recent Meeting
July 13, 2025 (NY Won)
WAS vs NY: Predicted Playing XIs
Washington Freedom:
Mitchell Owen, Steven Smith (C), Mark Chapman, Andries Gous (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Marco Jansen, Ian Holland, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar.
MI New York:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Monank Patel, Ryan Rickelton, Nicholas Pooran (C), Tajinder Dhillon, Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Trent Boult, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar.
WAS vs NY: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen had a fantastic start to the season. In Washington's first game, he opened the batting with skipper Steven Smith and amassed 61 runs off 25 balls, belting 10 fours and two sixes. He will look to get his team off to another fiery start on Sunday.
Probable Best Bowler: Trent Boult
After a disappointing campaign in the IPL, Trent Boult would want to bounce back strongly in the MLC. The veteran left-arm seamer will have a key role to play with the new ball. If he can strike early, it will make things easier for his fellow bowlers.
Today's Match Prediction : Chasing team to win the match
Washington freedom vs MI new york (Source - Washington freedom vs MI new york /Instagram)
Washington Freedom (WAS) lock horns with MI New York (NY) in match No. 5 of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
This is a repeat of last year's final, where MI New York emerged victorious by five runs at the same venue. In MLC 2026, Washington Freedom started with a defeat to Seattle Orcas on Saturday. Steve Smith and Co. posted 216 in 20 overs, but the Orcas chased the total with five wickets and 14 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, defending champions MI New York are all set to start their campaign on Sunday. Led by Nicholas Pooran, MI New York have relied on continuity, retaining most of the players who brought them glory last season. The side is quite balanced, comprising plenty of match-winners with bat and ball.
WAS vs NY: Match Details
Match
Washington Freedom vs MI New York, Match 5 , Major League Cricket 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Sunday, June 21, 6:00 AM (IST)
Venue
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
Broadcast and Live Streaming
JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App & Website)
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas: Pitch Report
The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas is an excellent venue for batters. 200-plus totals have been chased down twice in two 20-over matches. Meanwhile, the game between the San Francisco Unicorns and the Los Angeles Knight Riders was reduced to 14 overs per side due to rain. The Knights chased down a formidable 151-run target with seven wickets and two balls to spare. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is the better option and defending totals is very difficult at this high-scoring venue.
WAS vs NY: Head-to-Head T20 Record
Matches Played
5
Won By WAS
4
Won By NY
1
No Result
0
First Meeting
July 6, 2024 (WAS Won)
Most Recent Meeting
July 13, 2025 (NY Won)
WAS vs NY: Predicted Playing XIs
Washington Freedom:
Mitchell Owen, Steven Smith (C), Mark Chapman, Andries Gous (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Marco Jansen, Ian Holland, Lockie Ferguson, Saurabh Netravalkar.
MI New York:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Monank Patel, Ryan Rickelton, Nicholas Pooran (C), Tajinder Dhillon, Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Trent Boult, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar.
WAS vs NY: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen had a fantastic start to the season. In Washington's first game, he opened the batting with skipper Steven Smith and amassed 61 runs off 25 balls, belting 10 fours and two sixes. He will look to get his team off to another fiery start on Sunday.
Probable Best Bowler: Trent Boult
After a disappointing campaign in the IPL, Trent Boult would want to bounce back strongly in the MLC. The veteran left-arm seamer will have a key role to play with the new ball. If he can strike early, it will make things easier for his fellow bowlers.
Today's Match Prediction : Chasing team to win the match
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📢'He will not come at No. 3' - Mohammad Kaif picks India’s batting line-up ahead of series vs England
Mohammad Kaif. (Photo by Chirag Wakaskar via Getty Images)
Mohammad Kaif shared his two cents on India's batting line-up ahead of the T20I series against England next month. The Men in Blue will be playing five T20Is and three ODIs against the Three Lions in the United Kingdom next month.
In the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan, Ishan Kishan has done well with the bat, continuing his stellar form from the IPL. He might not have played any game in the series if Virat Kohli had not been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. However, now that Kishan has performed impressively with the bat, there has been a debate on whether Kohli's place in the side is under threat during the England tour. However, Kaif believes that as long as the former India captain is in the squad, no one will be able to bench him.
The former Indian cricketer added that either Kishan or Shreyas Iyer could bat at No. 4 behind Kohli. Meanwhile, for the No. 5 position, he suggested a battle between spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. For No.s 6 and 7, Kaif picked KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, respectively, with an eye on next year's 50-over World Cup.
"You cannot shake Virat Kohli. He has drawn a very big line. I am talking about ODIs, at number three, it is not possible at this point for someone to cross that line and take his place. When a big tournament or a World Cup comes, the batting order will be the same. If Ishan plays also, he will not come at three, he will have to play lower. I think it will be Kohli at three, Shreyas or Ishan at four, Axar or Sundar at five, KL at six and Hardik at seven. I think this will be the team for the World Cup. No one can even become Kohli's shadow at number three at this point, forget taking his place," he said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif believes that despite putting in some stunning performances with the bat for India across the two white-ball formats, Kishan will have to wait for his chances in the ODI leg of the England tour as KL Rahul would be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, having fared remarkably in the last few years.
"What KL Rahul has done at six, his place is fixed and he will only keep wickets. Right now it is a phase of experiments with Ishan coming in and that is fine. Maybe KL would have asked for a bit of break too ight now after the IPL and telling Ishan to keep. KL is a proven player and is fit as well now. He will only play. This question has been raised before as well. Someone else coming in will have to wait. There is always a trend of running a team. His form has been great, he is scoring runs and bringing that finishing touch. He will always be ahead and Ishan will have to wait. These guys will get an opportunity once Rohit and Kohli are gone," he added.
Ishan Kishan can be a captaincy material as well: Mohammad Kaif
The cricketer-turned-expert backed Kishan to become a regular in the ODI team soon and opined that he is captaincy material, highlighting his impressive performance as the stand-in skipper of the Sunrisers Hyderabad during this year's IPL, when Pat Cummins was recovering from an injury.
"Ishan Kishan can be a captaincy material as well. He is batting well. He has a sharp brain. When Cummins was not there in the IPL, he captained brilliantly and won games for his team. He backed his bowlers very well. His time will come too," he said.
Mohammad Kaif. (Photo by Chirag Wakaskar via Getty Images)
Mohammad Kaif shared his two cents on India's batting line-up ahead of the T20I series against England next month. The Men in Blue will be playing five T20Is and three ODIs against the Three Lions in the United Kingdom next month.
In the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan, Ishan Kishan has done well with the bat, continuing his stellar form from the IPL. He might not have played any game in the series if Virat Kohli had not been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. However, now that Kishan has performed impressively with the bat, there has been a debate on whether Kohli's place in the side is under threat during the England tour. However, Kaif believes that as long as the former India captain is in the squad, no one will be able to bench him.
The former Indian cricketer added that either Kishan or Shreyas Iyer could bat at No. 4 behind Kohli. Meanwhile, for the No. 5 position, he suggested a battle between spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. For No.s 6 and 7, Kaif picked KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, respectively, with an eye on next year's 50-over World Cup.
"You cannot shake Virat Kohli. He has drawn a very big line. I am talking about ODIs, at number three, it is not possible at this point for someone to cross that line and take his place. When a big tournament or a World Cup comes, the batting order will be the same. If Ishan plays also, he will not come at three, he will have to play lower. I think it will be Kohli at three, Shreyas or Ishan at four, Axar or Sundar at five, KL at six and Hardik at seven. I think this will be the team for the World Cup. No one can even become Kohli's shadow at number three at this point, forget taking his place," he said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif believes that despite putting in some stunning performances with the bat for India across the two white-ball formats, Kishan will have to wait for his chances in the ODI leg of the England tour as KL Rahul would be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, having fared remarkably in the last few years.
"What KL Rahul has done at six, his place is fixed and he will only keep wickets. Right now it is a phase of experiments with Ishan coming in and that is fine. Maybe KL would have asked for a bit of break too ight now after the IPL and telling Ishan to keep. KL is a proven player and is fit as well now. He will only play. This question has been raised before as well. Someone else coming in will have to wait. There is always a trend of running a team. His form has been great, he is scoring runs and bringing that finishing touch. He will always be ahead and Ishan will have to wait. These guys will get an opportunity once Rohit and Kohli are gone," he added.
Ishan Kishan can be a captaincy material as well: Mohammad Kaif
The cricketer-turned-expert backed Kishan to become a regular in the ODI team soon and opined that he is captaincy material, highlighting his impressive performance as the stand-in skipper of the Sunrisers Hyderabad during this year's IPL, when Pat Cummins was recovering from an injury.
"Ishan Kishan can be a captaincy material as well. He is batting well. He has a sharp brain. When Cummins was not there in the IPL, he captained brilliantly and won games for his team. He backed his bowlers very well. His time will come too," he said.
'He will not come at No. 3' - Mohammad Kaif picks India’s batting line-up ahead of series vs England
Mohammad Kaif shared his two cents on India's batting line-up ahead of the T20I series against England next month.
Mohammad Kaif shared his two cents on India's batting line-up ahead of the T20I series against England next month.
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'You do not judge a player in one year' - Mohammad Kaif shares brutal remark on potential trade deal after IPL 2026
Mohammad Kaif did not hold back while calling out the recent reports of a trade between Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, where Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav could swap jerseys.
Mohammad Kaif did not hold back while calling out the recent reports of a trade between Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, where Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav could swap jerseys.
📢'You do not judge a player in one year' - Mohammad Kaif shares brutal remark on potential trade deal after IPL 2026
Mohammad Kaif. (Photo Source: Star Sports)
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif did not hold back while calling out the recent reports of a trade between the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, where Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav could swap jerseys.
According to Cricbuzz, the Super Giants could allow Pant to reunite with the Capitals, but they will take Kuldeep Yadav in exchange. While the Capitals already have wicketkeeping options like KL Rahul and Abishek Porel in their ranks, Lucknow do not have a reliable spinner who could make an impact through the middle overs.
Kuldeep had a disappointing outing with the ball in IPL 2026. In 12 matches, he picked up just 10 wickets at an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.30. However, Kaif said that Kuldeep's value shouldn't be judged by just one bad season. The cricketer-turned-expert also added that during the left-arm spinner's tough times, none of the teams he played for, like the Kolkata Knight Riders or the Indian team, supported him.
"If Delhi send Kuldeep to LSG, there cannot be a bigger mistake than this. Forget this one year. You do not judge a player in one year. Ganguly is also there. He always says not to judge someone who is playing for ten years on the form of one season. If you panic at this time, which KKR did, Delhi picked Kuldeep and then see what he did except this one season. It will give you a clear picture," he said on his YouTube channel.
"If Delhi has done this trade, no one supports Kuldeep when he is going through a bad time. Neither did KKR, nor did the Indian team. In the Indian team as well, he is the first to be dropped. It is difficult to find a bowler with his skill. You need to back the player. Delhi did not lose because of Kuldeep. There were a lot of errors and one of the factor was of Kuldeep. If you out the blame on one player and put him out, it will be the biggest mistake if they let him go," Mohammad Kaif added.
Mohammad Kaif. (Photo Source: Star Sports)
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif did not hold back while calling out the recent reports of a trade between the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, where Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav could swap jerseys.
According to Cricbuzz, the Super Giants could allow Pant to reunite with the Capitals, but they will take Kuldeep Yadav in exchange. While the Capitals already have wicketkeeping options like KL Rahul and Abishek Porel in their ranks, Lucknow do not have a reliable spinner who could make an impact through the middle overs.
Kuldeep had a disappointing outing with the ball in IPL 2026. In 12 matches, he picked up just 10 wickets at an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.30. However, Kaif said that Kuldeep's value shouldn't be judged by just one bad season. The cricketer-turned-expert also added that during the left-arm spinner's tough times, none of the teams he played for, like the Kolkata Knight Riders or the Indian team, supported him.
"If Delhi send Kuldeep to LSG, there cannot be a bigger mistake than this. Forget this one year. You do not judge a player in one year. Ganguly is also there. He always says not to judge someone who is playing for ten years on the form of one season. If you panic at this time, which KKR did, Delhi picked Kuldeep and then see what he did except this one season. It will give you a clear picture," he said on his YouTube channel.
"If Delhi has done this trade, no one supports Kuldeep when he is going through a bad time. Neither did KKR, nor did the Indian team. In the Indian team as well, he is the first to be dropped. It is difficult to find a bowler with his skill. You need to back the player. Delhi did not lose because of Kuldeep. There were a lot of errors and one of the factor was of Kuldeep. If you out the blame on one player and put him out, it will be the biggest mistake if they let him go," Mohammad Kaif added.
'It's the truth, and it feels bitter automatically' - Aakash Chopra addresses criticism over Harshit Rana's selection in 3rd ODI
Amid the criticism over Harshit Rana's surprising selection to the Indian team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra revealed the protocol which is followed in such situations.
Amid the criticism over Harshit Rana's surprising selection to the Indian team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra revealed the protocol which is followed in such situations.
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Reports: Hardik Pandya ruled out of England tour, Virat Kohli asked to get fitness clearance
Hardik has yet to recover from the quadricep injury that he went through while recuperating from the back spasm. On the other hand, Kohli is also undergoing a recovery from his hamstring injury.
Hardik has yet to recover from the quadricep injury that he went through while recuperating from the back spasm. On the other hand, Kohli is also undergoing a recovery from his hamstring injury.
📢Reports: Hardik Pandya ruled out of England tour, Virat Kohli asked to get fitness clearance
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. (SOurce:BCCi)
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out for India's upcoming white-ball tour of England in July 2026. Meanwhile, superstar batter Virat Kohli will have to obtain a fitness clearance from the BCCI before taking part in the three ODIs scheduled as part of the series. Both have missed the ongoing Afghanistan ODI series due to respective injuries.
Hardik has yet to recover from the quadricep injury that he went through while recuperating from the back spasm. On the other hand, Kohli is also undergoing a recovery from his hamstring injury that occurred during the IPL 2026 final, where the batter scored an unbeaten 75 for RCB to lift the second title for the franchise.
According to India Today, Hardik will not be able to participate in the England series since the fresh injury, which was earlier expected to get better in three weeks' time, will now require further time to recover from. Kohli, on the other hand, will have to prove his fitness before getting a return-to-play nod from the management, according to another report by Jagran.
With the duo's absence from the ongoing home series against Afghanistan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana were added to the squad. While Jaiswal failed to impress, Rana did not make an appearance in the series as the management chose not to rush back the pacer into action right away having recovered from a knee injury.
More follows!
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. (SOurce:BCCi)
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly been ruled out for India's upcoming white-ball tour of England in July 2026. Meanwhile, superstar batter Virat Kohli will have to obtain a fitness clearance from the BCCI before taking part in the three ODIs scheduled as part of the series. Both have missed the ongoing Afghanistan ODI series due to respective injuries.
Hardik has yet to recover from the quadricep injury that he went through while recuperating from the back spasm. On the other hand, Kohli is also undergoing a recovery from his hamstring injury that occurred during the IPL 2026 final, where the batter scored an unbeaten 75 for RCB to lift the second title for the franchise.
According to India Today, Hardik will not be able to participate in the England series since the fresh injury, which was earlier expected to get better in three weeks' time, will now require further time to recover from. Kohli, on the other hand, will have to prove his fitness before getting a return-to-play nod from the management, according to another report by Jagran.
With the duo's absence from the ongoing home series against Afghanistan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana were added to the squad. While Jaiswal failed to impress, Rana did not make an appearance in the series as the management chose not to rush back the pacer into action right away having recovered from a knee injury.
More follows!
📢'It's the truth, and it feels bitter automatically' - Aakash Chopra addresses criticism over Harshit Rana's selection in 3rd ODI
Aakash Chopra and Harshit Rana. (Photo source: Instagram/Aakash Chopra and BCCI)
Amid the criticism over fit-again Harshit Rana's surprising selection to the Indian team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra revealed the protocol which is followed in such situations. The third and final ODI is set to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20.
Rana sustained a right knee injury ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 and missed the entire tournament. He also had to skip playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Some fans wondered how Rana returned to the Indian team despite not playing any domestic matches.
Former India opener Chopra explained that as no domestic cricket is happening at the moment, Rana must have proven his fitness in a few simulation matches at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). Chopra stated that his update could come as a bitter piece of news for Rana's doubters.
"Harshit Rana's name has come in the Indian team. Someone was asking me how Harshit's name came when he hasn't played any domestic cricket. So let me just tell all of you that the rule to play domestic cricket is only applicable when domestic cricket is happening. Apart from that, you come after playing a few simulation matches in the COE, and it's equal for everyone," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
"I understand that Harshit Rana gets a lot of hate, and you might say that I am doing PR in this video. I am not doing PR. I am just explaining the protocol to you. The protocol is the same for everyone. You don't like me saying this, but it's the truth, and it feels bitter automatically," he added.
"The same is true for Harshit Rana" - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya also potentially returning to the Indian side without playing domestic cricket
Chopra added that experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who are out of action due to injuries, will directly make it back into the national team after being cleared at the CoE by the medical team.
"If Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya play now, they won't get a chance to play anything in between, but they will straightaway walk into the team because you will already come after practising and doing match simulation in the COE. The same is true for Harshit Rana," he said.
Chopra said that when domestic cricket isn't happening, it doesn't make sense for a player like Rana, who has regained full fitness, to wait for months to get back into the national team.
"Whether you like him or you hate him, you will have to understand one thing. The rules will remain the same for everyone. Don't focus on a specific person and follow the protocols. If domestic cricket is happening, you ask players to come after playing one or two matches, so that we get to know (about their fitness), but if domestic cricket is not happening, will he not play cricket for six months? It doesn't make sense," Chopra observed.
Aakash Chopra and Harshit Rana. (Photo source: Instagram/Aakash Chopra and BCCI)
Amid the criticism over fit-again Harshit Rana's surprising selection to the Indian team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra revealed the protocol which is followed in such situations. The third and final ODI is set to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20.
Rana sustained a right knee injury ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 and missed the entire tournament. He also had to skip playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Some fans wondered how Rana returned to the Indian team despite not playing any domestic matches.
Former India opener Chopra explained that as no domestic cricket is happening at the moment, Rana must have proven his fitness in a few simulation matches at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). Chopra stated that his update could come as a bitter piece of news for Rana's doubters.
"Harshit Rana's name has come in the Indian team. Someone was asking me how Harshit's name came when he hasn't played any domestic cricket. So let me just tell all of you that the rule to play domestic cricket is only applicable when domestic cricket is happening. Apart from that, you come after playing a few simulation matches in the COE, and it's equal for everyone," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
"I understand that Harshit Rana gets a lot of hate, and you might say that I am doing PR in this video. I am not doing PR. I am just explaining the protocol to you. The protocol is the same for everyone. You don't like me saying this, but it's the truth, and it feels bitter automatically," he added.
"The same is true for Harshit Rana" - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya also potentially returning to the Indian side without playing domestic cricket
Chopra added that experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who are out of action due to injuries, will directly make it back into the national team after being cleared at the CoE by the medical team.
"If Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya play now, they won't get a chance to play anything in between, but they will straightaway walk into the team because you will already come after practising and doing match simulation in the COE. The same is true for Harshit Rana," he said.
Chopra said that when domestic cricket isn't happening, it doesn't make sense for a player like Rana, who has regained full fitness, to wait for months to get back into the national team.
"Whether you like him or you hate him, you will have to understand one thing. The rules will remain the same for everyone. Don't focus on a specific person and follow the protocols. If domestic cricket is happening, you ask players to come after playing one or two matches, so that we get to know (about their fitness), but if domestic cricket is not happening, will he not play cricket for six months? It doesn't make sense," Chopra observed.
IND vs AFG 2026: Is Harshit Rana playing 3rd ODI?
India made three changes to their playing XI from Lucknow; Afghanistan, on the other hand, made four.
India made three changes to their playing XI from Lucknow; Afghanistan, on the other hand, made four.
📢IND vs AFG 2026: Is Harshit Rana playing 3rd ODI?
Harshit Rana (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As the toss got underway at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, for the third and final ODI of the series between India (IND) and Afghanistan (AFG), fans wondered whether Harshit Rana , a late entrant into the squad, made it to the Men in Blue's playing XI for the series finale.
IND vs AFG: Toss Update
The toss went in favour of Afghanistan, as the visiting skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi iterated his decision of batting first at a batting-friendly deck at Chepauk. Moreover, he said that the conditions were quite hot in Lucknow for the second ODI, and with the temperature being even hotter in Chennai, he believes that batting first is the key to winning the match here.
IND vs AFG: IND make 3 changes, as AFG seek consolation win
While Indian captain Shubman Gill appeared at the toss, he also informed that they had made three changes to their playing XI from the preceding encounter. As a result, Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey, and Nitish Kumar Reddy came back in for Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul, indicating that Harshit Rana would only carry drinks in the match.
The Afghans, on the other hand, made a whopping four changes, with Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ziaur Rahman and Fareed Ahmed Malik making their way into the playing XI for the final encounter.
IND vs AFG: What did the captains say?
Hashmatullah Shahidi, AFG captain,
"We want to bat first today. It's always hot in India in this month. Wicket also looks good. It's dry and hard. Hopefully we have a good start in the batting. In the last two games we missed some areas and didn't play the way we have played in the past. Hopefully we recover today and have good partnerships and bowl in the right areas. Four changes. Nabi is back; Azmat is playing. (Reads from his palm) Zia ur Rahman and Fareed Malik are in."
Shubman Gill, IND captain,
"Looks like a very good wicket. Would've batted first as well. It was pretty hot in the last match, and it's going to be no different here. It's about being consistent in the areas we're looking at. We'll be chasing in this match, and chasing big scores consistently and comfortably is one area where we haven't quite ticked the box yet. That's what we'll be looking at today. Three changes. Prasidh, Harsh and Nitish Reddy are back."
IND vs AFG: Playing XIs
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma , Shubman Gill (C), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav
Harshit Rana (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As the toss got underway at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, for the third and final ODI of the series between India (IND) and Afghanistan (AFG), fans wondered whether Harshit Rana , a late entrant into the squad, made it to the Men in Blue's playing XI for the series finale.
IND vs AFG: Toss Update
The toss went in favour of Afghanistan, as the visiting skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi iterated his decision of batting first at a batting-friendly deck at Chepauk. Moreover, he said that the conditions were quite hot in Lucknow for the second ODI, and with the temperature being even hotter in Chennai, he believes that batting first is the key to winning the match here.
IND vs AFG: IND make 3 changes, as AFG seek consolation win
While Indian captain Shubman Gill appeared at the toss, he also informed that they had made three changes to their playing XI from the preceding encounter. As a result, Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey, and Nitish Kumar Reddy came back in for Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul, indicating that Harshit Rana would only carry drinks in the match.
The Afghans, on the other hand, made a whopping four changes, with Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ziaur Rahman and Fareed Ahmed Malik making their way into the playing XI for the final encounter.
IND vs AFG: What did the captains say?
Hashmatullah Shahidi, AFG captain,
"We want to bat first today. It's always hot in India in this month. Wicket also looks good. It's dry and hard. Hopefully we have a good start in the batting. In the last two games we missed some areas and didn't play the way we have played in the past. Hopefully we recover today and have good partnerships and bowl in the right areas. Four changes. Nabi is back; Azmat is playing. (Reads from his palm) Zia ur Rahman and Fareed Malik are in."
Shubman Gill, IND captain,
"Looks like a very good wicket. Would've batted first as well. It was pretty hot in the last match, and it's going to be no different here. It's about being consistent in the areas we're looking at. We'll be chasing in this match, and chasing big scores consistently and comfortably is one area where we haven't quite ticked the box yet. That's what we'll be looking at today. Three changes. Prasidh, Harsh and Nitish Reddy are back."
IND vs AFG: Playing XIs
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma , Shubman Gill (C), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav
Hardik Pandya's fitness could be key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup hopes: WV Raman
Pandya's ability to balance the side by serving as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder makes him one of India's most valuable assets in the 50-over format.
Pandya's ability to balance the side by serving as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder makes him one of India's most valuable assets in the 50-over format.
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📢Hardik Pandya's fitness could be key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup hopes: WV Raman
Hardik Pandya's fitness could be key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup hopes, says WV Raman (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media/Getty Images)
Former cricketer WV Raman feels that all-rounder Hardik Pandya is slated to play a pivotal role in India's quest for a third ODI World Cup title in 2027, provided the star cricketer remains fit and available to contribute with both bat and ball.
Pandya's ability to balance the side by serving as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder makes him one of India's most valuable assets in the 50-over format. Raman believes that if the 32-year-old can consistently bowl his full quota of overs, he could offer the team significant flexibility during the marquee tournament.
"I believe that he can be a terrific cricketer for the Indian team. The flexibility he can provide if fit and able to bowl 10 overs is invaluable. But I think it will all come down to the fitness levels he can maintain," Raman was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express .
Raman also pointed out that Pandya's recurring fitness concerns remain a major factor. The former India coach highlighted that the all-rounder was initially included in India's squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan but had to withdraw due to injury issues.
"Even for this Afghanistan series, he was picked in the squad, but unfortunately, he was pulled out at the last minute because of injuries," he observed.
With India scheduled to play only around 15 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, Raman stressed the importance of using every available opportunity to build the ideal squad and identify the most effective combinations.
India have consistently reached the knockout stages of the last three ODI World Cups in recent years, but they have often fallen short at crucial moments. Raman believes the team management should focus on experimentation over the next 12 to 15 months to avoid repeating past mistakes.
"Having reached the knockout stage eight times and succeeded only twice shows that the team management needs to look at various options and get into an experimental mode," he said.
The veteran further explained that bilateral series should be viewed as opportunities to assess both first-choice players and backup options ahead of the global event.
"The 12 to 15 months leading up to the tournament are very important. They must utilise all bilateral series to try different combinations. This will help players discover themselves and allow the management to assess their main strength, bench strength and possible options as the World Cup approaches," he added.
India will enter the 2027 ODI World Cup aiming to end a prolonged wait for the trophy. The Men in Blue lifted the coveted title in 1983 and 2011 but have since endured heartbreak in several knockout matches, including runner-up finishes in 2003 and 2023.
Hardik Pandya's fitness could be key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup hopes, says WV Raman (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media/Getty Images)
Former cricketer WV Raman feels that all-rounder Hardik Pandya is slated to play a pivotal role in India's quest for a third ODI World Cup title in 2027, provided the star cricketer remains fit and available to contribute with both bat and ball.
Pandya's ability to balance the side by serving as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder makes him one of India's most valuable assets in the 50-over format. Raman believes that if the 32-year-old can consistently bowl his full quota of overs, he could offer the team significant flexibility during the marquee tournament.
"I believe that he can be a terrific cricketer for the Indian team. The flexibility he can provide if fit and able to bowl 10 overs is invaluable. But I think it will all come down to the fitness levels he can maintain," Raman was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express .
Raman also pointed out that Pandya's recurring fitness concerns remain a major factor. The former India coach highlighted that the all-rounder was initially included in India's squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan but had to withdraw due to injury issues.
"Even for this Afghanistan series, he was picked in the squad, but unfortunately, he was pulled out at the last minute because of injuries," he observed.
With India scheduled to play only around 15 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, Raman stressed the importance of using every available opportunity to build the ideal squad and identify the most effective combinations.
India have consistently reached the knockout stages of the last three ODI World Cups in recent years, but they have often fallen short at crucial moments. Raman believes the team management should focus on experimentation over the next 12 to 15 months to avoid repeating past mistakes.
"Having reached the knockout stage eight times and succeeded only twice shows that the team management needs to look at various options and get into an experimental mode," he said.
The veteran further explained that bilateral series should be viewed as opportunities to assess both first-choice players and backup options ahead of the global event.
"The 12 to 15 months leading up to the tournament are very important. They must utilise all bilateral series to try different combinations. This will help players discover themselves and allow the management to assess their main strength, bench strength and possible options as the World Cup approaches," he added.
India will enter the 2027 ODI World Cup aiming to end a prolonged wait for the trophy. The Men in Blue lifted the coveted title in 1983 and 2011 but have since endured heartbreak in several knockout matches, including runner-up finishes in 2003 and 2023.
'Really just trying to enjoy my cricket' - Henry Nicholls after second-innings century to decimate England
Nicholls came into the squad in the wake of the talismanic Kane Williamson announcing his retirement from all formats of the game.
Nicholls came into the squad in the wake of the talismanic Kane Williamson announcing his retirement from all formats of the game.
📢'Really just trying to enjoy my cricket' - Henry Nicholls after second-innings century to decimate England
ENG vs NZ 2026: 'Really just trying to enjoy my cricket' - Henry Nicholls after second-innings century to decimate England (Source- Philip Brown/Getty Image)
New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls notched up his 11th Test century in the second innings of the second Test against England at the Oval. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 119 as the BlackCaps finished the third day in a dominant position with a score of 252 for 3, leading by 352.
Nicholls made his last Test appearance in August 2025 but has been churning out the runs for Canterbury in the domestic game. He reached his century off 136 balls and put on a stand of 161 runs off 201 for the fourth wicket with Rachin Ravindra, piling further misery on the hosts.
"Being out of the team for a bit and playing domestically, [I've been] really just trying to enjoy my cricket. I certainly, in the last couple of years, feel like I've actually been playing my best cricket. For me as well, having played a significant number of Tests [58] knew what it takes at this level," Nicholls told Sky Sports after the day's play, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
"I guess I had the confidence coming in here to believe in myself. I've done it before, but to come out here today and do it and contribute in this innings [is pleasing]. It's obviously a great day personally, but from the team perspective, to bowl them out with the lead and then to be where we are now was exactly what we wanted at the start of the day," he added.
Nicholls was the highest run scorer in the 2025-26 Plunket Shield. He scored 870 runs at an average of 96.66 from 11 innings with five half-centuries and three centuries as Canterbury lifted the title. He credited the domestic cricket and the team environment for enabling him to come into the team and perform immediately.
"You've seen over the last probably four or five years, every player that's come into the group, they don't look out of place and they're really comfortable. It's a credit to domestic cricket, but the Black Caps environment as well," he said.
Nicholls came into the squad in the wake of the talismanic Kane Williamson announcing his retirement from all formats of the game. Promoted to number 3, he made an immediate impact, taking the fight to an inexperienced English bowling attack.
"I certainly knew when I was coming in for him, I wasn't going to be able to replace him," he explained. "He's just such an incredible player, but I just really enjoyed being back in the team - and even in the first innings, enjoyed being back in Test-match cricket," he added.
"In the second innings, I just wanted to try to replicate that, and you want to contribute, and you want to do all of these things. But it was just building a partnership with Rachin [Ravindra] and even Daz [Daryl Mitchell] at the end there."
England were bowled out for 291, with Matt Henry finishing with figures of 5 for 80. Matt Fisher scored his maiden first-class half-century to reduce New Zealand's lead to 100 runs, but with Nicholls' innings, they are back firmly in the driver's seat.
ENG vs NZ 2026: 'Really just trying to enjoy my cricket' - Henry Nicholls after second-innings century to decimate England (Source- Philip Brown/Getty Image)
New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls notched up his 11th Test century in the second innings of the second Test against England at the Oval. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 119 as the BlackCaps finished the third day in a dominant position with a score of 252 for 3, leading by 352.
Nicholls made his last Test appearance in August 2025 but has been churning out the runs for Canterbury in the domestic game. He reached his century off 136 balls and put on a stand of 161 runs off 201 for the fourth wicket with Rachin Ravindra, piling further misery on the hosts.
"Being out of the team for a bit and playing domestically, [I've been] really just trying to enjoy my cricket. I certainly, in the last couple of years, feel like I've actually been playing my best cricket. For me as well, having played a significant number of Tests [58] knew what it takes at this level," Nicholls told Sky Sports after the day's play, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
"I guess I had the confidence coming in here to believe in myself. I've done it before, but to come out here today and do it and contribute in this innings [is pleasing]. It's obviously a great day personally, but from the team perspective, to bowl them out with the lead and then to be where we are now was exactly what we wanted at the start of the day," he added.
Nicholls was the highest run scorer in the 2025-26 Plunket Shield. He scored 870 runs at an average of 96.66 from 11 innings with five half-centuries and three centuries as Canterbury lifted the title. He credited the domestic cricket and the team environment for enabling him to come into the team and perform immediately.
"You've seen over the last probably four or five years, every player that's come into the group, they don't look out of place and they're really comfortable. It's a credit to domestic cricket, but the Black Caps environment as well," he said.
Nicholls came into the squad in the wake of the talismanic Kane Williamson announcing his retirement from all formats of the game. Promoted to number 3, he made an immediate impact, taking the fight to an inexperienced English bowling attack.
"I certainly knew when I was coming in for him, I wasn't going to be able to replace him," he explained. "He's just such an incredible player, but I just really enjoyed being back in the team - and even in the first innings, enjoyed being back in Test-match cricket," he added.
"In the second innings, I just wanted to try to replicate that, and you want to contribute, and you want to do all of these things. But it was just building a partnership with Rachin [Ravindra] and even Daz [Daryl Mitchell] at the end there."
England were bowled out for 291, with Matt Henry finishing with figures of 5 for 80. Matt Fisher scored his maiden first-class half-century to reduce New Zealand's lead to 100 runs, but with Nicholls' innings, they are back firmly in the driver's seat.
Bangladesh vs Australia Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs AUS?
Australia won the 2nd T20I by 7 runs, and now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Australia won the 2nd T20I by 7 runs, and now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
📢Bangladesh vs Australia Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs AUS?
Bangladesh vs Australia Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs AUS? (Source:Gettyimages)
Bangladesh (BAN) will take on Australia (AUS) in the third T20I , which is also slated to be the series finale, on Sunday, June 21 , at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram .
Bangladesh will enter into this clash having already lost the series. They have been unable to pip the Aussies the way they did in the ODI leg of the tour but have offered solid fights in both the 20-over contests thus far. The Bangla Tigers came close to chasing down a mammoth 197, falling short by just seven runs in the previous clash, but they would be looking to sign off with a consolation win, nonetheless.
Australia have responded brilliantly from their ODI series loss, sealing the T20I series early. They have found their groove on wickets that have assisted spin bowling, with their batters scoring vital runs and both spinners and pacers taking wickets. They will be looking to seal the T20I series with a win to complete a whitewash.
BAN vs AUS: Match Details
Match
Bangladesh vs Australia, 3rd T20I , Australia tour of Bangladesh 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Sunday, June 21, 1:30 PM (IST)
Venue
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram
Live-streaming Details
Fancode (App & Website)
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram: Pitch Report
The pitch at Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram has been one of a sluggish nature this series, assisting spinners and slower bowlers. The Aussies were able to score a total of over 190, despite batters taking their time to score freely. Batters have not been able to get going from ball one, instead having to bide their time to score big.
BAN vs AUS: Head-to-Head T20I Record
Matches Played
13
Won by BAN
04
Won by AUS
09
No Results
00
First-ever Fixture
September 16, 2007 (AUS Won)
Most Recent Fixture
June 19, 2026 (AUS Won)
BAN vs AUS: Predicted Playing XIs
Bangladesh
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar , Parvez Hossain Emon (WK), Towhid Hridoy (C), Shamim Hossain,, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
Australia
Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
BAN vs AUS: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Matt Renshaw
Matthew Renshaw (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The left-handed Matt Renshaw has been Australia's rock in the middle order. He scored a brilliant 89 off 52 balls on a slow wicket in the 2nd T20I, an innings which took the Aussies to the dominant total of 196. Australia will be banking on him to score vital runs, which would help them seal a series whitewash.
Probable Best Bowler: Joel Davies
Joel Davies (Source : ausmencricket on IG)
Left-arm spinner Joel Davies made his debut in the first T20 and put on a brilliant showing with figures of 3 for 17. He was just able to add a solitary wicket in the second T20I but is still the joint-highest wicket-taker of the series with Adam Zampa . He has looked threatening throughout on the spin-friendly wickets and will be looking to finish his debut series on a high note.
Today's Match Prediction : Team batting first to win the match
Bangladesh vs Australia Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs AUS? (Source:Gettyimages)
Bangladesh (BAN) will take on Australia (AUS) in the third T20I , which is also slated to be the series finale, on Sunday, June 21 , at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram .
Bangladesh will enter into this clash having already lost the series. They have been unable to pip the Aussies the way they did in the ODI leg of the tour but have offered solid fights in both the 20-over contests thus far. The Bangla Tigers came close to chasing down a mammoth 197, falling short by just seven runs in the previous clash, but they would be looking to sign off with a consolation win, nonetheless.
Australia have responded brilliantly from their ODI series loss, sealing the T20I series early. They have found their groove on wickets that have assisted spin bowling, with their batters scoring vital runs and both spinners and pacers taking wickets. They will be looking to seal the T20I series with a win to complete a whitewash.
BAN vs AUS: Match Details
Match
Bangladesh vs Australia, 3rd T20I , Australia tour of Bangladesh 2026
Date and Time (IST)
Sunday, June 21, 1:30 PM (IST)
Venue
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram
Live-streaming Details
Fancode (App & Website)
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram: Pitch Report
The pitch at Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram has been one of a sluggish nature this series, assisting spinners and slower bowlers. The Aussies were able to score a total of over 190, despite batters taking their time to score freely. Batters have not been able to get going from ball one, instead having to bide their time to score big.
BAN vs AUS: Head-to-Head T20I Record
Matches Played
13
Won by BAN
04
Won by AUS
09
No Results
00
First-ever Fixture
September 16, 2007 (AUS Won)
Most Recent Fixture
June 19, 2026 (AUS Won)
BAN vs AUS: Predicted Playing XIs
Bangladesh
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar , Parvez Hossain Emon (WK), Towhid Hridoy (C), Shamim Hossain,, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
Australia
Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
BAN vs AUS: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Matt Renshaw
Matthew Renshaw (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The left-handed Matt Renshaw has been Australia's rock in the middle order. He scored a brilliant 89 off 52 balls on a slow wicket in the 2nd T20I, an innings which took the Aussies to the dominant total of 196. Australia will be banking on him to score vital runs, which would help them seal a series whitewash.
Probable Best Bowler: Joel Davies
Joel Davies (Source : ausmencricket on IG)
Left-arm spinner Joel Davies made his debut in the first T20 and put on a brilliant showing with figures of 3 for 17. He was just able to add a solitary wicket in the second T20I but is still the joint-highest wicket-taker of the series with Adam Zampa . He has looked threatening throughout on the spin-friendly wickets and will be looking to finish his debut series on a high note.
Today's Match Prediction : Team batting first to win the match
'No compromises' - Sunil Gavaskar wants BCCI to crack down on IPL no-show overseas stars
"They should also ban those who come to the IPL and, when they find they aren't being picked regularly, feign an injury and return home and then play in their domestic cricket," wrote Gavaskar.
"They should also ban those who come to the IPL and, when they find they aren't being picked regularly, feign an injury and return home and then play in their domestic cricket," wrote Gavaskar.