# Walking Wicket

> A New Age of Cricket


## Posts

- [Top 5 close matches in IPL history](https://walkingwicket.com/top-5-close-matches-in-ipl-history/): IPL history: Which are the top five closest matches that went down to the wire and thrilled fans? The Indian Premier League has, over the years, built a reputation as one of the most widely followed sporting events in the world. Beyond the star power and the scale of its brand, what truly defines the IPL is its ability to deliver edge-of-the-seat thriller games that go right down to the wire, often culminating in a dramatic final over or even the very last ball. Across 18 seasons, the IPL has produced countless nail-biters and unforgettable moments that have kept fans […]
- [IPL: Top 5 innings over the course of 18 seasons](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-top-5-innings-over-the-course-of-18-seasons/): IPL: Which are the top five innings across 18 seasons that defined matches and left a lasting impact? The Indian Premier League (IPL) has over the course of 18 seasons witnessed some extraordinary batting performances; innings that have shaped and defined the legacy of the league. While T20 cricket and the IPL is known for its high scoring games, it is the match situations that truly set a knock stand apart from the rest. Here, we take a look at some of the finest knocks in IPL history; innings that showcased exceptional batting brilliance, rose to the occasion under pressure, […]
- [IPL 2026: Expectations from new RR skipper Riyan Parag](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-expectations-from-new-rajasthan-royals-skipper-riyan-parag/): IPL 2026: What can Rajasthan Royals expect from new skipper Riyan Parag as he steps into a leadership role this season? Riyan Parag’s journey from a rising talent to the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) highlights his hard work, patience, and belief in himself. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches, the 24-year-old steps up to fill the void left by Sanju Samson. With new leadership responsibilities, a restructured team, and the pressure from previous disappointing seasons, Parag’s captaincy could shape the Royals’ future. Weight of leadership and expectationsAs the new captain, Riya Parag must tackle one […]
- [IPL 2026: SRH have a gun batting unit, but fall short on bowling firepower](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-do-sunrisers-hyderabad-really-have-strong-bowling-unit/): IPL 2026: SRH boast a powerful batting lineup, but do they have enough bowling firepower to compete consistently this season? The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter IPL 2026 as one of the most unpredictable yet dangerous teams in the league. Known for their “fierce batting” and strong bowling legacy, the team shifted their approach last season, placing greater emphasis on aggressive batting. The franchise has a proud history, winning the IPL title in 2016 and reaching the final in 2024, where they lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As the new season begins on March 28 against defending champions Royal […]
- [IPL 2026: Top 5 match-ups to watch out for](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-top-5-match-ups-to-watch-out-for/): IPL 2026: What are the top five match-ups to watch out for that could shape results this season? The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been more than just a contest between two teams but a stage where individual rivalries and match-ups dictate terms. In the preceding seasons of IPL, we have seen memorable duels on the field between a batter and a bowler. As we gear up for the new season, there are expectations of seeing several contests within the main contest. So here in this piece, we will take a look at five such key battles/ match-ups that […]
- [From Chase Master to Tone Setter: Story of Virat Kohli's rising first innings SR since IPL 2024](https://walkingwicket.com/story-of-virat-kohli-s-rising-first-innings-sr-since-ipl-2024/): IPL: How has Virat Kohli evolved from a chase master into a tone setter with improved first-innings strike rate since 2024? When he began his international career, Virat Kohli earned the reputation of being the chase master. He possesses an exceptional ability to anchor, pace, and finish run chases, backed by his sharp game awareness. Kohli knows exactly when to accelerate and when to absorb pressure, which sets him apart from many others. The same qualities have been evident in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, over the last couple of seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has further […]
- [IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant's white-ball career on the line](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-rishabh-pants-white-ball-career-on-the-line-what-should-he-do/): IPL 2026: Can Rishabh Pant revive his white-ball form and secure his place with a strong performance this season? The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) could very well be the most important one of Rishabh Pant’s white-ball career. Once seen as an all-format wicketkeeper-batter for India, Pant now finds himself at a crossroads, battling with batting inconsistency and competition in both the shorter formats of the game. That is why, for him personally, the stakes are higher and he needs to perform to his fullest potential. Sporadic appearances since T20 World Cup 2024Post his successful return to […]
- [IPL 2026: Sanju Samson's new Avatar post T20 WC heroics](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-what-will-be-sanju-samson-s-role-in-chennai-super-kings/): IPL 2026: Can Sanju Samson carry his T20 World Cup form and evolved approach into a successful IPL season? In the span of just a week, Sanju Samson’s cricketing career turned into a fairytale. He struck three fifties to win three knockout matches and helped India clinch the 2026 T20 World Cup title. Now, he will be the hottest property in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 when he turns up for his new team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The five-time champions will thank their stars that Samson found form at the right time, especially after taking a big gamble […]
- [Top 5 next-gen talents to watch out for in IPL 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/top-5-next-gen-talents-to-watch-out-for-in-ipl-2026/): IPL 2026: Who are the top five next-gen talents set to make a significant impact this season across franchises? The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a formidable testing ground for both domestic and international players. As one of the grandest leagues in franchise cricket, the 19th edition of IPL is all set to once again test the emerging Indian talents alongside established international stalwarts. Following an intense auction, IPL 2026 has shifted the spotlight onto the next generation of cricketers who are yet to make a significant impact at the highest level. After a demanding domestic season across […]
- [IPL: Which teams have best maximised batting resources since Impact Player rule adoption in 2023?](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-which-team-has-used-best-the-impact-player-rule-in-batting/): IPL: Which teams have adapted best to the Impact Player era by strengthening their batting across all phases since 2023? The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced the ‘Impact Player Rule’ in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a tactical innovation in T20 cricket. The idea was to allow teams to substitute one player from their starting eleven with a designated substitute from a list of five players named at the toss. This substitute player can bat or bowl their full quota of four overs, turning the standard 11-a-side match into a 12-a-side contest. Many veteran players […]
- [The making of a modern T20 finisher](https://walkingwicket.com/the-making-of-a-modern-t20-finisher-who-is-the-best/): What makes a modern T20 finisher special? A look at strike rates in death overs and the skills behind their success. Reflecting on any Indian Premier League (IPL) auction over the last five seasons, every franchise’s willingness to spend massive sums on finishers has remained crystal clear. It may sound puzzling to some that batters who might face only 10–15 balls per game often end up among the most expensive players. However, the reason is simple: these players possess the skill and power to change the course of a match in the blink of an eye. The term ‘finisher’ has […]
- [IPL 2026: With Ruturaj to captain & Samson likely to keep, what will be Dhoni's role in CSK?](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-what-will-be-ms-dhoni-s-role-in-csk-this-season/): IPL 2026: With Ruturaj Gaikwad set to captain and Sanju Samson likely to keep, what role will MS Dhoni play for CSK? The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2026, set to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026. Following the announcement, all teams have begun their preparations, refining strategies and working behind the scenes for this prestigious franchise tournament. This season will be particularly special, as all ten teams will, for the first time in IPL history, be led by Indian captains. Ahead […]
- [Top 5 Purple Cap contenders in IPL 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/top-5-purple-cap-contenders-in-ipl-2026/): IPL 2026: Who are the top contenders for the Purple Cap based on current form, wicket-taking ability, and consistency? When discussing the most competitive franchise league in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands at the top, featuring some of the finest players from across the globe. While the IPL is widely known for its explosive batting, bowlers play an equally crucial role. They can change the course of a match with early breakthroughs or by executing precise plans in the death overs. In such a high-pressure tournament, consistency with the ball is often the difference between winning and […]
- [Top 5 Orange Cap contenders in IPL 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/ipl-2026-top-5-orange-cap-contenders/): IPL 2026: Who are the top contenders for the Orange Cap this season based on form, consistency, and batting firepower? The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is all set to commence on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture, which promises to be a high-octane contest. If the indication from India’s T20 season so far in 2026 – particularly the T20 World Cup – is anything to go by, the new IPL edition promises to be a thrilling one. Fans could witness another […]
- [Ishan Kishan to lead SRH in absence of Pat Cummins; what makes Kishan a proper captaincy material?](https://walkingwicket.com/ishan-kishan-to-captain-srh-in-pat-cummins-absence-in-ipl-2026/): Why is Ishan Kishan considered a suitable captaincy option for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during Pat Cummins’ absence in IPL 2026? In a significant development ahead of IPL 2026, Ishan Kishan has been entrusted with the leadership of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the absence of Pat Cummins. The decision reflects not just a stop-gap arrangement but growing confidence in Kishan’s leadership credentials, built on strong domestic performances and his resurgence at the international level. While Kishan has often been viewed primarily as an aggressive top-order batter, his recent journey suggests that he is evolving into a well-rounded cricketer capable of leading […]
- [Will India persist with Suryakumar Yadav as captain in upcoming T20 WC cycle?](https://walkingwicket.com/will-india-persist-with-suryakumar-yadav-as-captain-in-upcoming-t20-wc-cycle/): Will Team Management back Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership or look for a new captain ahead of the next T20 World Cup? Post India’s successful title defence at Ahmedabad, Suryakumar Yadav made his ambitions clear – setting his sights on Olympic gold in 2028 and a third consecutive T20 World Cup title. While the intent reflects confidence and long-term vision, it also raises an important question: will SKY, who will be 37 by 2028, remain a viable option as both captain and a key batter for the next T20 cycle? Before addressing that, it is essential to evaluate what he has already […]
- [Most likely Playoffs contenders in IPL 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/most-likely-playoffs-contenders-in-ipl-2026/): IPL 2026: Which teams look most likely to reach the playoffs based on squad strength, balance, and early season form? The long wait of a year is finally over. While the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is still a few weeks away, the excitement is already building. Widely regarded as the premier franchise cricket league in the world, the IPL has become a major platform for both veteran stars and emerging talent. Teams have already begun planning strategies, negotiating with key players, and finalising their squads. The 19th season of this historic league will once again serve as a stage […]
- [Gambhir a T20 mastermind, but poor tactician in Tests - Split coaching need of the hour?](https://walkingwicket.com/do-india-look-beyond-gautam-gambhir-in-tests-split-coaching/): Gautam Gambhir excels as a T20 strategist but struggles in Tests — is it time India considers split coaching roles? With the dominance of the white-ball format, Gautam Gambhir has proven that his strategies and decisions can deliver results, as seen in India’s success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which reinforced the team’s status as a powerhouse in the format. However, the same success has not translated to the red-ball game. As India’s Test record begins to suffer, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces a dilemma: whether to continue with Gautam Gambhir as […]
- [Weaknesses every IPL team must fix in 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/weaknesses-every-franchise-must-fix-ahead-of-ipl-2026/): IPL 2026: A closer look at the key weaknesses every franchise must address this season. The blockbuster Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 begins on March 28, nearly three weeks after the completion of the recent T20 World Cup 2026. The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the curtain raiser at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Even after significant player-signings during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, all ten sides have some weaknesses heading into the 19th edition of the competition. Let’s take a look at the weakness every IPL team must fix […]
- [Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Eden heist: How India stopped Steve Waugh's invincibles](https://walkingwicket.com/remembering-india-s-famous-test-victory-at-eden-gardens-against-australia-in-2001/): The Eden Gardens heist turns 25: How India scripted a historic comeback to defeat Steve Waugh’s mighty Australians at Eden Gardens in 2001. In March 2001, Team Australia, captained by Steve Waugh, arrived at the shores of Kolkata to face Team India, and what followed over the next five days redefined the meaning of resilience. The Australian side had set a historic record of a 16-match winning streak in test cricket, and the Indian side at the time was merely surviving in the format. The Invincibles Strike FirstAustralia arrived on the crease with an overwhelming line-up and started to dominate […]
- [What's the value Blessing Muzarabani will bring for KKR in IPL 2026?](https://walkingwicket.com/what-s-the-value-blessing-muzarabani-will-bring-for-kkr-in-ipl-2026/): What value will Blessing Muzarabani add to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 with his pace, bounce, and ability to strike in key phases? After the schedule announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), every franchise has started planning, preparing, and training for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League. While some teams look fully prepared with strategies built during the IPL 2026 Auction, others may still be waiting to reveal their plans as the tournament moves forward. Amid this growing excitement, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have become one of the main talking […]
- [Rise of Jasprit Bumrah – from IPL talent to world-class bowler](https://walkingwicket.com/rise-of-jasprit-bumrah-from-ipl-talent-to-world-class-bowler/): Tracing Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable journey from IPL discovery to one of the world’s most feared fast bowlers. Since the beginning of 2021, Jasprit Bumrah has picked up 74 wickets in 53 innings of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has carried a sensational average of just 19.53 with an economy rate of under seven. India’s premier pacer has recorded a sensational dot ball percentage of 45.1 in 207.3 overs. This is a jaw-dropping modern-aged number for someone who bowls most of his overs in the powerplay and death overs. In the same period, Bumrah has collected 261 wickets in international […]
- [Report Card of outgoing Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya](https://walkingwicket.com/report-card-of-outgoing-sri-lanka-head-coach-sanath-jayasuriya/): A report card on Sanath Jayasuriya’s tenure as Sri Lanka head coach, assessing achievements, challenges, and overall impact on the team. Since the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s head coach, they have carried a win-loss ratio of 0.878 with 29 victories in 65 games across formats. That’s not a developed performance in terms of results at all under Jayasuriya’s coaching. Between the beginning of 2023 and September 2024, they won 40 international games in 79 clashes at a win-loss ratio of 1.142. Head coach Jayasuriya won the Test series and ODI series against New Zealand and India, respectively. […]
- [With limited exposure to FC cricket, to expect India Women to succeed in Tests is a chimera](https://walkingwicket.com/is-it-fair-to-expect-india-women-to-win-test-without-proper-structure/): With limited domestic first-class structure, is it realistic to expect India Women to consistently succeed in Test cricket? In Test cricket, few particular shots reflect a lot about a player’s approach and mindset. As such, during the third session of India women’s one-off Test against Australia at the WACA, Jemimah Rodrigues’ dismissal highlighted a lot of loopholes of the visiting side. Having played several white-ball games over the years, their limited exposure to FC cricket has heavily hampered their red-ball preparations. Rodrigues, out of nowhere, attempted a cheeky shot against Annabel Sutherland that went horribly wrong. On 14, she moved […]
- [Two T20 WC titles in a space of 2 years: Why India are the undisputed T20 giants](https://walkingwicket.com/top-reasons-behind-team-india-s-two-back-to-back-world-cup-titles/): Two T20 World Cup titles in two years underline India’s dominance — a look at why they are the undisputed giants of the format. India’s final match against New Zealand ended in a historic triumph in the shortest format, as they successfully defended their 2024 T20 World Cup title in the 2026 edition, proving once again that they are the masters of the format. India became the first team to win back-to-back T20I World Cup titles and the first to win the trophy on home soil. Such dominance has been built on an aggressive batting approach, exceptional squad depth, disciplined […]
- [Gautam Gambhir a T20 Talisman - Taking India to newer heights in shortest format](https://walkingwicket.com/how-gautam-gambhir-took-team-india-to-t20-world-cup-title/): Gautam Gambhir emerges as a T20 talisman, guiding India to new heights in the shortest format with sharp tactics and fearless leadership. In the ever-evolving landscape of modern cricket, few figures command as much polarising respect as Gautam Gambhir. While his tenure as India’s head coach has faced its share of scrutiny in the traditional Test arena, his impact on the T20 format has been nothing short of transformative. Under his stewardship, India have redefined the boundaries of what is possible in 20-over cricket, culminating in a historic victory at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The statistical footprint […]
- [Statistical Highlights of India's victorious T20 World Cup 2026 campaign](https://walkingwicket.com/statistical-highlights-of-india-s-victorious-t20-world-cup-2026-campaign/): A statistical breakdown of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, highlighting key numbers and standout performances. Team India created a slew of records in the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, defeating New Zealand by a staggering 96 runs in the final at Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026, to become three-time T20 World Cup champions. Team India records With this, India became, Other Team India records: Read More: T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: India’s top 3 hand third world title to their team Most runs among India batters in the T20 World Cup 2026 Batter […]
- ['Bapu for a reason' - Axar Patel is India's trump card](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-axar-patel-is-india-s-trump-card/): Axar Patel continues to prove his value with crucial contributions, emerging as one of India’s most reliable match-winners. India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad showed how strong the team has become in white-ball cricket. In modern times, it almost feels as if the centre of white-ball cricket has shifted to Gujarat. The state has produced three world-class cricketers who perform well even under pressure. One of them is Axar Patel, who once again proved his value for India. This World Cup highlighted Axar Patel’s importance to the team. His batting played a key […]
- [Ishan Kishan's comeback a life lesson for many - How he shifted perceptions with his bat](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ishan-kishan-india-comeback-a-life-lesson/): Ishan Kishan’s comeback story becomes a life lesson as he silences critics and reshapes perceptions with impactful performances. India’s third T20 World Cup triumph carries many stories of human triumph over failure, determination to succeed against all odds, and the ability to seize opportunities and climb the ladder of success. One such story that leaves a lasting impact is Ishan Kishan’s journey in the 2026 World T20. A couple of years ago, he lost his place in the national team after taking a break due to “mental fatigue.” He had a fallout with the BCCI and subsequently lost his central […]
- [Sanju Samson turns the page - India's MVP in knock out games](https://walkingwicket.com/sanju-samson-turns-the-page-india-s-mvp-in-knock-out-games/): Sanju Samson turns the page with clutch performances, emerging as India’s MVP in knockout matches during T20 World Cup 2026. You must have heard of turnaround stories in daily soap operas or movies, but here’s one fresh and hard-earned from the 22-yard pitch of cricket. It is the tale of a Kerala-born boy who, with his gentle smile, handled every ounce of pressure and every whisper of doubt only to shine bright at a stage where the world watched him write his fairy tale. For years, Sanju Samson lived in the uncomfortable space between promise and proof. He had the […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: India's top 3 hand third world title to their team](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-final-ind-vs-nz-match-report-india-beat-nz/): T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: India’s top three deliver with the bat to secure a historic third T20 World Cup title. Brief Scores: IND 255-5 (Sanju Samson 89, James Neesham 3/46) beat NZ (Tim Seifert 52, Jasprit Bumrah 4/15) by 96 runs Player of the Series: Sanju Samson (321 Runs) Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah (4/15) India’s journey to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final has been marked by consistency and resilience. After dominating the group stage, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side carried that momentum into the Super Eight stage with convincing performances against top […]
- [India missing a tight off-spinner in T20Is; what are the best options in domestic cricket?](https://walkingwicket.com/what-are-the-best-off-spin-options-for-team-india-in-domestic-cricket/): India appear to be missing a tight off-spinner in T20Is — which domestic bowlers could realistically fill that role in the national side? The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup has reached its climax, with New Zealand chasing their maiden title as they face two-time and defending champions India in the final at Ahmedabad on Sunday. While Team India have stormed into the final, losing just one game along the way, they still have a few aspects to reflect upon heading into the future. One of the most notable concerns is the absence of a quality off-spinner in their […]
- [Top 5 spells in T20 World Cup Finals](https://walkingwicket.com/top-5-spells-in-t20-world-cup-finals/): Which bowlers delivered the most iconic spells in T20 World Cup finals? A look at the top five match-winning performances. T20 cricket is often celebrated for explosive batting and dramatic run chases, but World Cup finals have repeatedly shown that bowlers can be just as decisive. On the biggest stage of the shortest format, a single spell can change the course of the match by breaking partnerships, slowing down scoring, or triggering collapses. Over the years, several bowlers have delivered remarkable performances in T20 World Cup finals, rising to the occasion when their teams needed them the most. Here’s a […]
- [Abhishek Sharma has scored just 89 runs from 7 innings in T20 WC 2026; is it time to drop him?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-should-india-drop-abhishek-sharma-in-final/): T20 World Cup 2026: With just 89 runs in seven innings, should India consider dropping Abhishek Sharma in the Final? 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10, and 9—a tally of just 89 runs at an average of 12.71. For a player who entered the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the world’s top-ranked T20I batter, these figures are a statistical anomaly that has sparked a nationwide debate. As India prepare for the high-stakes final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the central question looming over the team hotel is whether the “X-factor” potential of Abhishek […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Low-down on Ahmedabad track in this tournament](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-neumerical-view-of-ahmedabad-track-in-this-tournament/): T20 World Cup 2026: A numerical breakdown of Ahmedabad Stadium — top batters, leading bowlers, best partnerships, and how the pitch behaved. India will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8. While India are eyeing their third World T20 title, New Zealand are looking to win their maiden title in the tournament. The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which boasts a capacity of over 1,30,000 spectators. Let’s take a look at some key statistics from matches held at this venue in […]
- [In the erstwhile 'home of spin', a Kiwi batter outshines his Indian counterparts against tweakers](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-glenn-phillips-outshines-indian-batters-against-spin/): Glenn Phillips dominates spin in India’s traditional turning conditions, outshining Indian batters in their own backyard. In the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips is the third leading run-getter against spinners. He has collected 140 runs in just five innings at an average of 46.67 and a strike rate of 164.71, thanks to 11 boundaries and eight sixes. Quite surprisingly, there is no India batter in the top five. Meanwhile, only Ishan Kishan sits as the only batter of the Blue Brigadeamong the top 15 on the list. This isn’t great news for the home side. […]
- [Top 5 innings in T20 World Cup Finals](https://walkingwicket.com/top-5-innings-in-t20-world-cup-finals/): Which are the greatest batting performances in T20 World Cup finals? A look at the top five innings that defined title clashes. T20 cricket is a distinct format with its own approach and demands. It is not simply about speeding up a fifty-over game or turning singles into doubles and doubles into threes. Instead, T20 operates more like a high-risk, high-reward investment. If a team approaches T20 with the mindset of merely rotating the strike, collecting singles and doubles, and relying on an anchor to hold the innings together, it does not always reflect the true nature of the format. […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: How will India stop Seifert & Allen in Ahmedabad?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-final-ind-vs-nz-how-will-india-stop-seifert-allen/): T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: How can India stop the explosive Seifert–Allen opening pair in Ahmedabad? Among all the T20I partnerships with a minimum of 1000 runs, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have the best run rate. They have managed 1015 runs in 24 innings at a run rate of 10.95. Among the Test playing nations, England’s Jos Buttler and Phillip Salt come in the second position with a run rate of 10.41. In the history of Men’s T20 World Cups, Allen and Seifert have recorded the best aggressive partnership among those who have collected […]
- [T20 WC 2026, IND vs ENG: Top performance by Jasprit Bumrah again in a knock out clash](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-eng-jasprit-bumrah-shines-again/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah rises to the occasion with a clinical bowling performance against England. Decoding Jasprit Bumrah, a “once-in-a-generation bowler,” is no easy task. He is a master of slower balls, pinpoint yorkers, and accurate line-and-length bowling. He is a magician capable of conjuring wins from matches that seem to be drifting towards defeat. Bumrah delivered yet another such performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal against England. But before diving there, let’s try to understand how Bumrah has consistently played the superhero with the ball across formats over the past decade. Wrist […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: Pitch Report](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-final-ind-vs-nz-pitch-report/): T20 World Cup 2026 Final, IND vs NZ: Pitch report covering soil type, weather forecast, dew factor, boundary dimensions, and toss impact. The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad has begun. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is aiming to make history by winning back-to-back titles. The Narendra Modi Stadium at Ahmedabad is set to host this highly anticipated clash. The defending champions booked their place in the final with a narrow seven-run victory over England in the semifinal. Meanwhile, New Zealand secured their spot after a convincing win over the […]
- [T20 WC 2026, IND vs ENG: Axar Patel's insane catching places his output a notch above the rest](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-eng-axar-patel-s-insane-catching/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG: Axar Patel’s stunning catches steal show, placing his match performance a notch above the rest. Can a match be won by a catch? In a 500-run match, when the margin of victory or defeat is just seven runs, the value of a catch becomes extremely significant. In the semi-final against England, Axar Patel highlighted the importance of safe catching. Two crucial catches changed the course of the game. The scorecard may show that Shivam Dube took the catch of Will Jacks, but the real architect of that moment was the vice-captain himself. Everyone […]
- [Cricket returns to M Chinnaswamy Stadium: Bengaluru venue to host 5 games of IPL 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/cricket-returns-to-chinnaswamy-stadium-bengaluru-to-host-5-games-of-ipl-2026/): Cricket returns to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as Bengaluru gears up to host five matches in the IPL 2026 season. After nearly a year of uncertainty, the unmistakable buzz of IPL cricket is set to return to one of India’s most beloved grounds. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host five matches during the Indian Premier League 2026, bringing top-tier cricket back to the city after months of introspection and reform. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the venue has long been synonymous with dramatic finishes, packed stands and some of the loudest crowds in the tournament. But the stadium’s return […]
- [T20 WC 2026, IND vs ENG: Sanju Samson proves detractors wrong; breaks Archer code in SF](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-eng-how-sanju-samson-cracks-jofra-archer-code/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG: Sanju Samson silences critics with a fearless knock, finally cracking Jofra Archer’s pace threat. Before the second semi-final of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Jofra Archer had Sanju Samson’s number in T20Is. The England pacer had dismissed the India opener three times in 23 balls in the shortest format, while Samson had managed only 25 runs in the process at an average of 8.3. But March 05 told a different story. Despite a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 97 in the virtual quarter-final against West Indies in […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, SF 2, IND vs ENG: India eliminate England; reach record fourth final](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-semi-final-ind-vs-eng-match-report-india-beat-england/): T20 World Cup 2026, Semi-Final 2, IND vs ENG: India knock out England to storm into a record fourth T20 World Cup final. Brief Scores: IND 253/7 (Sanju Samson 89, Shivam Dube 43, Will Jacks 2/40) beat ENG 246/7 (Jacob Bethell 105, Hardik Pandya 2/38) by 7-runs. Player of the Match: Sanju Samson A sensational knock from Sanju Samson carried Team India to their semifinal of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they knocked out West Indies in a virtual quarter-final. On the other hand, England continued their dominance with three successive wins in the Super 8 clash. Both […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Is there a case for Kuldeep Yadav playing ahead of Varun Chakravarthy in knock outs?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-should-india-pick-kuldeep-ahead-of-varun-in-knock-outs/): T20 World Cup 2026: Should India pick Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Varun Chakravarthy for the crucial knockout matches? When India kickstarted their T20 World Cup defence, their spin attack was the least of their worries. They have the No. 1 T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, in the line-up alongside the dependable left-arm spinner Axar Patel. If they needed another spinner, they could also draft Washington Sundar into the XI to add variety to the attack. And not to forget Kuldeep Yadav, the reliable wrist-spinner capable of bamboozling batters with his variations. Yet, India have stuck with Chakravarthy and Axar in the […]
- [T20 WC 2026: India's batting lineup has failed to fire together apart from the game against Zimbabwe](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-india-s-batting-lineup-has-failed-to-fire-together/): T20 World Cup 2026: Why has India’s batting lineup failed to fire collectively apart from the Zimbabwe match? Team India have booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – for the third consecutive time – with a stunning victory over West Indies on Sunday. The record-breaking chase will give the side immense confidence ahead of their semi-final clash against England. However, the same team have also shown signs of vulnerability. Since the start of the tournament, no Indian batter has managed to deliver consistently in every match. Players such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Should Jos Buttler be dropped considering his bad form (62 runs in 7 innings)?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-should-jos-buttler-be-dropped-ahead-of-semi-finals/): T20 World Cup 2026: Should England drop Jos Buttler after his poor run of scores and bring Ben Duckett into the playing XI? Since the beginning of 2026, Jos Buttler has remained England’s lowest T20I run-getter in the top seven among those who have played at least five games. The right-handed batter has managed only 143 runs in 10 T20I innings at an average of 14.3 and a poor strike rate of 121.18, with the best score of just 39. In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Buttler has scored only 62 runs in seven innings at 8.85 at a […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Numerical view of Wankhede track this tournament](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-numerical-view-of-wankhede-track-this-tournament/): T20 World Cup 2026: A numerical breakdown of Wankhede Stadium — top batters, leading bowlers, best partnerships, and how the pitch behaved. Between the start of 2016 and the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosted eight T20Is with an impressive run rate of 9.58. A batting average of 29.75 across a total of 2,946 runs highlighted how comfortable batters have traditionally been at the venue. However, the ongoing World Cup has presented a different challenge, with the surface proving far less friendly for batters. In the 2026 T20 World Cup so […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Key battles to watch out for in India vs England semi-final](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-key-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-england-semi-final/): T20 World Cup 2026: What are the key battles to watch out for as India face England in a high-stakes semifinal? India will play England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the second semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The two teams will be facing each other for the first time in the tournament. However, the two teams have played T20I bilateral series and are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The last time the two teams played in a T20I series was last year, when India defeated England 4-1. There are a few battles […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, SF 1, NZ vs SA: Allen-Seifert bulldoze SA to take NZ into their second Final](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-semi-final-1-nz-vs-sa-match-report-sa-into-final/): T20 World Cup 2026, Semi-final 1, NZ vs SA: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert power New Zealand into their second final. Brief Scores: NZ 173/1 (Finn Allen 100*, Kagiso Rabada 1/28) beat SA 169/8 (Marco Jansen 55*, Cole McCochie 2/9, Rachin Ravindra 2/29) by nine-wickets. Player of the Match: Finn Allen (100* off 33 balls) New Zealand qualified for the semifinal of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after spending a nervy evening watching Pakistan’s narrow victory over Sri Lanka in the Super 8s. On the other hand, South Africa, the runners-up from the previous season, showed dominance in their […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Numbers that tell the story about Eden Gardens pitch this tournament](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-numbers-that-tell-the-story-about-eden-gardens-pitch-this-tournament/): T20 World Cup 2026: What do the numbers reveal about Eden Gardens pitch behaviour during the tournament? South Africa will face New Zealand in the first semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup on March 4. This edition of the tournament has seen six matches played at Eden Gardens. The last match at the venue witnessed a Sanju Samson special, where the wicketkeeper-batter struck an unbeaten 97 against West Indies to guide India into the semi-finals. Here’s a look at some key statistics from the matches played at Eden Gardens in the ongoing World T20. Team batting first has won […]
- [T20 WC 2026: Will Samson overcome the short/hard length conundrum against England in Wankhede SF?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-will-sanju-samson-overcome-short-ball-against-england/): T20 World Cup 2026: Can Sanju Samson conquer England’s short-ball strategy in the high-stakes Wankhede semifinal? Since the beginning of 2025, Sanju Samson has featured in 13 T20I innings at home. And the Super 8 fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against West Indies was only the third instance of him surviving the powerplay in those 13 innings. That reflects a strong picture of where he struggles in the recent games for India in the shortest format. Samson has an average of just 17.70 inside the first six overs of the T20Is in the last 15 months […]
- [Pakistan cricket in shambles: No SF berth in last 4 ICC events](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-wrold-cup-2026-what-is-wrong-with-pakistan-cricket/): T20 World Cup 2026: What is going wrong for Pakistan after missing semifinals in four consecutive ICC tournaments? The Pakistan Cricket Team have plummeted to new lows. They were knocked out in the Super Eights of the 2026 T20 World Cup, failing to reach the semi-finals for the fourth successive ICC tournament. If that was not enough, each Pakistan player has reportedly been fined USD 18,000 by the cricket board for their underwhelming performance in the World T20. What plagues Pakistan Cricket? Inconsistent performancesA closer look at Pakistan’s campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup highlights their unpredictability, inconsistency, and […]
- [Brook has employed spin for 72.4 overs in T20 WC 2026 - the most by any England captain at a T20 WC](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-what-is-england-success-mantra-under-harry-brook/): T20 World Cup 2026: Harry Brook deployed spin for 72.4 overs, the most by any England captain in tournament history. Change in tactics based on conditions is incredibly important in different ICC events. But it’s most important for teams to learn from past mistakes. England made the blunder of picking four seamers against India for their semifinal clash in the last ICC T20 World Cup in Guyana. And, on one of the most spin-friendly venues in world cricket, their pacers leaked 120 runs in 12 overs. Moeen Ali went unused before Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav ran through England’s middle […]
- [Afghanistan to tour India for one-off Test & three-ODI series in June 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/afghanistan-to-tour-india-for-one-off-test-and-odi-series-in-june-2026/): Afghanistan’s 2026 India tour: What can fans expect from the one-off Test and first-ever bilateral ODI series in June? Afghanistan will tour India in June 2026 for a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series as part of India’s international home calendar. The short yet significant assignment, scheduled soon after the IPL season, underlines the strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations and arrives at a crucial phase in the long-term plans of both teams. One-off Test to kick off tourThe tour will begin with a one-off Test from June 6 to June 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International […]
- [Samson does a Simmons, avenges India's 2016 World T20 SF loss against West Indies](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-how-sanju-samson-played-an-innings-of-lifetime/): Sanju Samson does a Simmons in reverse, steering India past West Indies in crucial Super 8 encounter and erasing memories of the 2016 semifinal loss. It’s not easy to be in Sanju Samson’s shoes. The wicketkeeper-batter, who watched India win the 2024 World T20 campaign from the bench, was in the dugout again when the 2026 edition kicked off. A run of poor scores saw him being sidelined; from first-choice opener to a reserve option. Ishan Kishan had leapfrogged him to partner Abhishek Sharma at the top. But the loss to South Africa in the Super Eights forced India to […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs WI: Sanju Samson anchors the chase successfully to take India into SF](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-wi-match-report-india-reach-semi-final/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs WI: Sanju Samson’s composed knock (97 off 50) guides India past West Indies and seals semifinal qualification. Brief Scores: India 199/5 (Sanju Samson 97*, Jason Holder 2/38) beat West Indies 195/4 (Roston Chase 40, Jason Holder 37*, 2/17, Jasprit Bumrah 2/36) by five wickets. The tenth edition of the T20 World Cup lived up to the expectations as one of the most important games of the tournament, between India and West Indies went till the wire. In the end, it was hosts India who held their nerves in the high-pressure run-chase, winning by five […]
- [Hardik Pandya India's MVP: Why the Blue Brigade relies on him in big tournaments?](https://walkingwicket.com/why-team-india-relies-on-hardik-pandya-in-big-tournaments/): T20 World Cup 2026: Hardik Pandya’s match-winning contributions underline why he remains India’s go-to player in high-pressure tournaments. Among those who have scored 100+ runs at number five in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Hardik Pandya has the second-best strike rate of 196.15. He has also collected the joint fourth-most runs (102) at this position in the campaign for an average of 51, thanks to six boundaries and eight sixes. Hardik always brings the balance to the side, especially in ICC events. In his presence, India have the luxury of a proper power-hitter in the middle-order and an […]
- [Zimbabwe may be eliminated from T20 WC 2026, but Brian Bennett & Muzarabani have made a statement](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-zimbabwe-out-but-brian-bennett-blessing-muzarabani-stars/): T20 World Cup 2026: Despite elimination, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani emerge as breakout stars. “Everyone loves an underdog story” – that was Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza’s reaction after his side stunned Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium. Though he delivered the line with a touch of humour during the post-match press conference, Zimbabwe’s campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup has been anything but a joke. With each passing game, they have showcased maturity, discipline, and growing self-belief, emerging as one of the most focused and confident sides in the tournament. From the very start of the tournament, […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: As the business end beckons, have SA pipped India as top favourites?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-have-south-africa-pipped-india-as-top-favourites/): T20 World Cup 2026: Have South Africa overtaken India as favourites? A statistical comparison ahead of the semi-finals. South Africa were one shot away from tearing India’s dream in the previous T20 World Cup, or rather, a few inches away from completing their ambition. Less than two years later, they have taken another strong step towards the right direction. The Aiden Markram-led side have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal even before defending champions India. The Blue Brigade came into the tournament as clear favorites to claim the title, let alone facing any hurdle to reach […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Aiden Markram has led with example to take SA to the semi-final stage](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-aiden-markram-leads-south-africa-to-another-semi-final/): T20 World Cup 2026: Aiden Markram leads from the front, guiding South Africa into the semifinals with composure and decisive performances. South Africa are the only team unbeaten so far in the T20 World Cup 2026. They have already booked a place in the semi-finals after winning two Super Eights matches against India and West Indies. However, coming into the tournament, South Africa did not have a great record in T20Is, having won only one bilateral T20I series out of their last six. They had also managed just six wins in their previous 18 T20Is before the T20 World Cup. […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Chakravarthy's disappointing outings against SA, Zimbabwe cause for concern?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-varun-chakravarthys-loosing-his-shin/): T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Chakravarthy’s quiet outings against South Africa and Zimbabwe raise questions over his impact in crunch games? India’s trump card in the 2026 T20 World Cup – Varun Chakravarthy – has fallen apart in the last two Super Eights games. He conceded 47 runs for one wicket against South Africa and 35 runs for one wicket against Zimbabwe, bowling four overs in each match. In total, Chakravarthy went for 82 runs for just two wickets in eight overs, averaging 41 with an economy rate of over 10 runs per over. This is in sharp contrast to […]
- [Realisation of dream for J&K and Redemption for coach Ajay Sharma, as UT wins 1st Ranji title](https://walkingwicket.com/jammu-kashmir-lift-maiden-ranji-trophy-title-a-dream-come-true/): Jammu and Kashmir clinch maiden Ranji Trophy title, fulfilling a long-cherished dream and marking redemption for coach Ajay Sharma. Moments after Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) beat Bengal to qualify for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, the victorious players hoisted their head coach, Ajay Sharma, on their shoulders. There were chants of ‘Ajju bhai’ around the circle. The special occasion took place a week later as they claimed their maiden title of India’s premier red-ball tournament, thanks to the first-innings lead in the drawn contest against Karnataka. The Ranji Trophy 2025/26 final victory is the beginning of a new dawn for […]
- [T20 WC 2026: India vs West Indies a virtual quarter-final now; key battles to watch out for on Mar 1](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-wi-top-match-ups-to-watch-out/): T20 World Cup 2026: What are the key match-ups to watch in India vs West Indies virtual quarterfinal on March 1? In the final Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be a virtual quarter-final, two batting powerhouses, India and West Indies, will collide against each other. West Indies lead the six-hitting charts in the tournament with 66 sixes, while India are close behind in second place with 63 maximums. Both the two-time champions are quite close in terms of smashing the boundaries during the event. The Blue Brigade and the Caribbean side have […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand or Pakistan - Who will be the second semi-finalists from Group 2?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-new-zealand-or-pakistan-who-will-be-the-second-semi-finalists-from-group-2/): T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand or Pakistan — who will clinch the second semifinal spot from Group 2? The Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has produced a sharply divided Group 2. England have already secured qualification with two wins from two matches, leaving one semifinal berth open. That spot is now a straight contest between New Zealand and Pakistan, while Sri Lanka are already out of the race. After two matches each, England sit on 4 points. New Zealand are second with 3 points (one win and one washout), while Pakistan have 1 […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ZIM: India beat Zimbabwe; will face WI now in virtual QF on March 1](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-zim-match-report-india-beat-zim/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ZIM: India overcome Zimbabwe to set up a virtual quarterfinal clash against West Indies on March 1. Brief Scores: India 256/4 (Abhishek Sharma 55, Sikandar Raza 1/29) beat Zimbabwe 184/6 (Brian Bennett 97*, Arshdeep Singh 3/24) by 72 runs. Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya (50 off 23) Defending champions India produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash Zimbabwe in Chennai, keeping their semifinal hopes alive and setting up a virtual quarterfinal clash with the West Indies in their final Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Powered by explosive […]
- [Harry Brook's epic century, in a chase against Pakistan, one of the best knocks in T20 WC history](https://walkingwicket.com/harry-brooks-hundred-against-pakistan-best-knock-in-t20-world-cup/): T20 World Cup 2026: Harry Brook delivers one of the finest knocks in T20 World Cup history with a match-winning century against Pakistan. England’s young captain Harry Brook delivered a match-winning 100 off 51 to guide his side to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele, chasing down 165 with five balls to spare. This knock not only sealed England’s semi-final spot but stands as one of the greatest centuries while chasing in T20 World Cup history. England entered the chase reeling at 35-3 early on, with Pakistan spinners […]
- [Marco Jansen has made India 'home away from home' with power-packed performance in T20 WC 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-decoding-marco-jansen-success-in-india/): T20 World Cup 2026: Marco Jansen delivers a dominant all-round display, turning Indian conditions into his personal stronghold. Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Marco Jansen was an ordinary bowler with only 20 IPL wickets in 21 innings on Indian soil. The left-arm pacer had an expensive economy rate of 9.53. However, in IPL 2025, Jansen walked out with flying colors, bagging the second-most wickets (16) for the Punjab Kings at a fine strike rate of 17.68. The Protea pacer channeled the good work later in the bilateral series against India in India. Across formats, the lanky pacer collected […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: SF Qualification Scenarios for India after loss vs SA](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-semi-final-qualification-scenarios-for-india/): T20 World Cup 2026: What must India do to qualify for semifinals after their Super 8 defeat to South Africa? India’s campaign at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup suffered a major setback following their 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first of their Super 8 fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In a tournament format where every game is important, this massive loss put India definitely in the back seat. Suddenly, the defending champions and pre-tournament favourites face the real threat of an early exit in a home World Cup. However, all is […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Chepauk pitch not a Bunsen burner this WC; has been good for batting](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-how-chepauk-pitch-behaved-in-world-cup/): T20 World Cup 2026: Chepauk hasn’t behaved like a typical turner — a statistical look at why batters have thrived. Between the start of 2016 and the beginning of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hosted two T20Is for a run rate of 8.74. The batting average of 28.91 for the aggregate of 694 T20I runs reflects the need for skill with the bat in individuals. But the pendulum has swung in the batters’ favour since the ground underwent a major upgrade ahead of the ongoing competition. In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, […]
- [Promoting Sundar ahead of Pandya, Dube & Rinku, for the sake of left-right combination, a silly move](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-should-india-send-washington-sundar-down-the-order/): T20 World Cup 2026: Was promoting Sundar ahead of Pandya, Dube and Rinku for left-right balance a tactical misstep? Defending champions India face an uphill task to qualify for the semi-finals after being comprehensively beaten by South Africa in Ahmedabad at the T20 World Cup 2026. Controversy surrounded the side right from the toss, after captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that vice-captain Axar Patel had been left out of the playing XI to accommodate Washington Sundar. SKY termed it a “tactical change.” However, Sundar bowled just two overs in the match, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket. What raised more […]
- [Tilak Varma needs to be dropped for India to have any chance in T20 World Cup 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-should-india-consider-dropping-tilak-varma/): T20 World Cup 2026: Should India drop Tilak Varma to improve balance and boost their chances in the knockout stages? With 107 runs at a strike rate of 118.88, Tilak Varma has gone through a rough patch since his return from injury in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Although the management tried various players at number three during the home series against South Africa and New Zealand, they were quite clear about going back to Tilak once fit to return. But that move has backfired so far. Against the Proteas in the Super Eight clash, the left-handed batter had […]
- [West Indies batters pack a punch against Zimbabwe; register second-highest total in T20 WC history](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-what-is-the-reason-behind-west-indies-resurgence/): T20 World Cup 2026: What sparked West Indies’ dramatic turnaround against Zimbabwe and their return to dominant T20 form? West Indies produced a breathtaking batting performance to overpower Zimbabwe and register one of the most dominant wins of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Asked to bat first, the Caribbean side unleashed an all-out assault to post 254-6 in 20 overs, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. Zimbabwe were immediately placed under scoreboard pressure and never truly recovered in the chase, eventually falling well short as West Indies completed a commanding victory by 107 runs. The match […]
- [Among Super 8 teams, India have the lowest run rate (6.91) in middle overs (7-15) in T20 WC 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-team-india-has-lowest-run-rate-in-middle-overs/): T20 World Cup 2026: India have the lowest middle-overs run rate (6.91) among Super 8 teams, raising concerns over intent and acceleration. From the 2024 T20 World Cup through the ongoing 2026 edition, India boasted an outstanding average of 37.31 against spin, along with an impressive strike rate of 160.49, the best among Full Member nations in T20Is. However, in the ongoing World Cup, those numbers have dipped sharply, with India averaging just 17 against spin at a strike rate of 122.35. During this campaign, India have lost 19 wickets to spinners across five innings while managing only 26 boundaries […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs SA: India thrashed by South Africa in their first Super 8 fixture](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-sa-super-8-match-report-ind-lost/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs SA: South Africa dominate India in their opening Super 8 clash, exposing gaps in execution and strategy. Brief Scores: SA 187/7 (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45, Jasprit Bumrah 3/15) beat IND 111 (Shivam Dube 42, Marco Jansen 4/22, Keshav Maharaj 3/24) by 76 runs. Player of the Match: David Miller Both India and South Africa finished as table toppers of their respective groups in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas, having venue familiarity heading into their opening Super Eight clash of the campaign, were perhaps the happier of the two unbeaten sides. […]
- [Australia not upto the mark in T20 cricket; Why did they fall apart in T20 World Cup 2026?](https://walkingwicket.com/top-reasons-why-did-australia-falter-in-t20-world-cup-2026/): Why did Australia falter in T20 World Cup 2026? A look at selection issues, form dips, and inability to control key phases. Australia suffered embarrassing defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, crashing out of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the group stage. This marks only the second time they have failed to progress to the second round of the tournament. In fact, since lifting the 2021–22 title, Australia have missed the knockout stage in both subsequent editions. Unlike the ODI World Cup, where they have won six of 13 titles, Australia have claimed the T20 World Cup just once […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Difference between game flow in India & Sri Lanka](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-difference-between-game-flow-in-india-and-sri-lanka/): How do matches differ between India and Sri Lanka? A phase-wise breakdown of batting trends and bowling impact in T20 World Cup 2026. The group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 ends with India, West Indies, South Africa, and Zimbabwe topping their respective groups. They are placed in Group 1 for the Super 8 fixtures. Meanwhile, all the runners-up from the group-stage games, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, will meet each other in the Group 2 Super 8 clashes. Among the 40 group stage clashes, 14 matches took place in Sri Lanka, while the remaining 26 occurred […]
- [Numbers show India's LHB-dominant batting line up has been vulnerable vs off-spin in T20 WC 2026](https://walkingwicket.com/india-s-lhb-dominant-are-vulnerable-vs-off-spin-in-t20-world-cup-2026/): T20 World Cup 2026 data reveals India’s left-hand heavy batting lineup has struggled against off-spin, exposing a key tactical vulnerability. Among the top seven in India’s batting line-up at the T20 World Cup 2026, five are left-handed. Even their two spin all-rounders, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, are southpaws, prompting opponents to regularly deploy off-spin against this line-up. The defending champions’ left-handers have averaged just 10.50, with eight dismissals in three innings against off-spinners in this campaign. Two days before their Super Eight clash against South Africa, Protea captain Aiden Markram had an extended net session with the ball. Against […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Analysis of India's three opponents in Super Eights stage](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-analysis-of-india-s-three-opponents-in-super-eight-stage/): T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight preview examines how India match up against each rival in crucial knockout-stage battles. Coming in as favourites to lift the T20 World Cup 2026 title, defending champions India finished atop Group A in the league stage. They registered four wins from four matches, boasting an impressive net run rate (NRR) of +2.50 to seal their place in the Super Eights. Their most emphatic result so far was a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. However, despite maintaining a perfect record, India are yet to deliver a truly complete […]
- [From not qualifying for T20 WC 2024 to topping group in T20 WC 2026: Story of Zimbabwe's resurgence](https://walkingwicket.com/top-reasons-for-zimbabwe-s-turnaround-in-t20-world-cup-2026/): Zimbabwe’s rise from non-qualification in 2024 to group leaders in T20 World Cup 2026 marks one of cricket’s most inspiring turnarounds. Zimbabwe’s story is one of the greatest underdog arcs in T20 World Cup 2026. Two years after failing to negotiate the African qualifying route and missing the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Zimbabwe National Cricket team have not only returned to the global stage, but they have also announced themselves as serious challengers. A string of eye-catching results in the build-up and a near-perfect Group B campaign in Sri Lanka and India have transformed perceptions. Zimbabwe are […]
- [Shivam Dube brings flair as well as fortitude to India's middle order](https://walkingwicket.com/shivam-dube-value-he-brings-to-india-s-middle-order/): Shivam Dube’s blend of flair and composure strengthens India’s middle-order engine in T20 World Cup 2026 pressure situations. Shivam Dube’s commanding knock against the Netherlands sealed India’s clean sweep of Group A at the T20 World Cup 2026 and underlined his value to the side. Each time the top order has wobbled under pressure, he has stepped in to steady the innings and rebuild momentum, ensuring the team never lost control of the contest. His middle-order contributions have been consistently vital. While others may dominate the headlines, Dube often delivers the decisive, momentum-shifting impact that sustains India’s campaign, an understated […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: What's the issue with Abhishek Sharma?](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-what-s-wrong-with-abhishek-sharma/): What’s going wrong for Abhishek Sharma? Back-to-back ducks raise concerns over approach and temperament in T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek Sharma came as a threat, the most dangerous one, the world No. 1 T20I batter with a strike rate that terrorized attacks. But three consecutive ducks have turned promise into puzzle, exposing India’s vulnerabilities in the group stage against USA, Pakistan, and Netherlands. The opener’s form heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 was blistering, particularly in the recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026. He amassed rapid fifties, including 84 off 35 balls in Nagpur (strike […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Tilak Varma's strike rate cause of concern](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-is-tilak-varma-s-strike-rate-a-concern/): T20 World Cup 2026: Tilak Varma’s strike rate of 120.5 raises questions about tempo and intent in India’s middle-order approach. India entered the T20 World Cup 2026 with one of the most balanced batting line-ups in the tournament, and Tilak Varma was expected to play a crucial role in the middle order. After a highly productive 2024 and a solid 2025 season, the young left-hander had established himself as a reliable aggressor capable of shifting gears and maintaining tempo during the middle overs. However, as the tournament progresses, questions are beginning to surface – not about his talent, but about […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NED: Shivam Dube, Varun Chakravarthy help India sweep group stage](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-ned-match-report-india-advance-to-super-8/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NED: Dube’s all-round impact and Varun ’s spin mastery help India complete a dominant group-stage sweep. Brief Scores: India 193/6 (Shivam Dube 66, Logan van Beek 3/56) beat Netherlands 176/7 (Bas de Leede 33, Varun Chakravarthy 3/14) by 17 runs. Player of the Match: Shivam Dube (66 off 31) India’s winning run continued in T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated the Netherlands by 17 runs in Ahmedabad, delivering a controlled and clinical performance. A total of 193 on a slow surface proved decisive, with Shivam Dube leading the charge with a quickfire half-century […]
- [Sri Lanka would be a force to reckon with in the Super Eight stage](https://walkingwicket.com/what-makes-sri-lanka-stand-out-in-t20-world-cup-2026/): With strong spin options and fearless top-order batting, Sri Lanka could emerge as dangerous contenders in the Super Eight phase. Sri Lanka have shown excellent form in the T20 World Cup 2026, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch. Their players have performed consistently, and the team has displayed strong cohesion in every match. With key players in top form, they are emerging as a serious challenge for any opponent. Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century against Australia highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing strength. His performance helped the team secure an important eight-wicket victory, boosting their confidence ahead of the […]
- [India vs Pakistan obsession in ICC tournaments must go; random draw may produce better cricket](https://walkingwicket.com/should-icc-move-beyond-india-vs-pakistan-in-world-cups/): Should ICC move beyond fixed India vs Pakistan clashes? A random draw system could enhance unpredictability and overall tournament quality. The India vs Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most powerful narratives in world sport. But in the T20 World Cup, the numbers now tell a story that raises an uncomfortable question: Is the contest still competitive enough to justify placing the two teams in the same group every tournament? India’s dominance in the T20 World Cup editions has become overwhelming. The two sides have now met nine times in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup, with India […]
- [Amid T20 WC frenzy, KL Rahul quietly carving his own path; scores consecutive hundreds in Ranji](https://walkingwicket.com/ranji-trophy-2025-26-kl-rahul-scores-back-to-back-centuries/): Amid the T20 World Cup buzz, KL Rahul returns to red-ball form with consecutive Ranji centuries, quietly reinforcing his longer-format credentials. In the electric buzz of the 2026 T20 World Cup, where India stars chase glory under floodlights in distant stadiums, one cricketer has chosen a quieter battlefield. KL Rahul, the elegant opener from Karnataka, is scripting a story of grit and revival in the Ranji Trophy knockouts. Scoring consecutive hundreds, first a masterful 130 in the quarter-final against Mumbai, then another gem in the semi-final against Uttarakhand, he’s not just piling runs on domestic pitches; he’s rebuilding his case […]
- [Ishan Kishan 2.0 a different beast to handle; proves his worth in tricky conditions at Premadasa](https://walkingwicket.com/ishan-kishan-2-0-what-makes-him-so-successful/): Ishan Kishan’s evolution shines through in Colombo as he conquers difficult conditions with a measured yet impactful batting display. A few months ago, Ishan Kishan was nowhere in contention for selection in India’s 2026 World T20 squad. However, his performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, coupled with Shubman Gill’s poor returns as an opener, prompted the selectors to pick Kishan as the second-choice keeper-batter behind Sanju Samson. Once Kishan got the opportunity to bat at No. 3 as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma in the New Zealand series, the southpaw seized it with […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK: Kishan smothers Pak's hyped spin attack; India through to Super 8](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-pak-match-report-india-beat-pak/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK: Ishan Kishan dominates Pakistan’s much-hyped spin attack as India seal Super 8 qualification with authority. Brief Scores: India 175/7 (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32, Saim Ayub 3/25) beat Pakistan 114 (Usman Khan 44, Varun Chakravarthy 2/17, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17) by 61 runs. In what was billed as the “Greatest Rivalry,” the India-Pakistan clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium failed to live up to expectations. It ultimately turned into a one-sided affair, with India sealing a convincing 61-run victory. Earlier in the day, Ishan Kishan smashed a stunning 40-ball 77, and his knock, […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Demystifying Usman Tariq's stop-start bowling action](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-understanding-usman-tariqs-stop-start-bowling-action/): T20 World Cup 2026: A closer look at Usman Tariq’s unusual stop-start bowling action and why it troubles batters. Like every ICC event between India and Pakistan, the focus before the two side’s T20 World Cup 2026 meeting has been on one of the Pakistan bowlers. In 2016, the question was how India would face the 7 feet 1 inch tall Mohammad Irfan’s bouncers. Meanwhile, there were discussions of the 2007 T20 World Cup winners tackling Mohammad Amir or even Saeed Ajmal in the past. Now, the talk of the town is their off-spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action. Heading into […]
- [Gaps India Women need to fill in T20I series against Australia Women down under](https://walkingwicket.com/areas-india-women-need-to-work-ahead-of-t20i-series-vs-australia/): What are the areas India Women need to work on ahead of the T20I series against Australia Women Down Under? The recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 offered a timely snapshot of India’s T20 talent pool before a demanding tour of Australia. The tournament highlighted India’s batting strength and emerging bowling depth, but it also exposed structural gaps that could become decisive against a disciplined Australia side in their own conditions. Australia remain one of India Women’s toughest opponents in T20 cricket, with a long record of series wins and narrow victories in major tournaments. Playing in Australia, where […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: India struggling to maximise batting resources over the course of 20 overs](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-why-team-india-failing-to-bat-effectively-over-20-overs/): T20 World Cup 2026 analysis: Why India are not fully utilising their batting firepower and where tactical adjustments are needed? After Team India’s opening encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 against United States of America (USA), captain Suryakumar Yadav reflected on the need for better application and smarter batting. Unfortunately, the defending champions failed to learn from their mistakes and repeated similar errors against Namibia in Delhi. When Surya was asked in the post-match presentation whether India could have pushed towards 230 after racing to 86/1 inside the powerplay, he nearly sidestepped the question. In the end, he described […]
- [Rinku Singh has scores of 6(14) & 1(6) in T20 World Cup 2026 so far; What does he need to set right?](https://walkingwicket.com/what-should-rinku-singh-do-to-discover-his-form-in-t20-world-cup-2026/): Rinku Singh’s lean scores contrast with his strong T20I record — what tactical tweaks can help him rediscover rhythm in T20 World Cup 2026? Rinku Singh arrived at the T20 World Cup 2026 as India’s ultimate middle-order insurance policy, a calm finisher who had turned impossible chases into routine triumphs. Over 42 T20I matches, the 28-year-old Southpaw boasts an imposing average of 40 and a strike rate of 155.02, numbers that show reliability. From striking five consecutive sixes off Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal in IPL 2023 to sealing gritty wins for Kolkata Knight Riders, Rinku’s reputation as a clutch performer […]
- [Comparative Analysis: Varun Chakravarthy vs Abrar Ahmed - Battle of craft & guile](https://walkingwicket.com/comparative-analysis-varun-chakravarthy-vs-abrar-ahmed-ahead-of-ind-vs-pak/): Varun Chakravarthy vs Abrar Ahmed: A fascinating contest of mystery spin and control ahead of the high-stakes IND vs PAK clash. Post the T20 World Cup 2024, Varun Chakravarthy is India’s most successful T20I bowler. The leg spinner has picked up 61 wickets in 30 innings at an average of 13.52. His strike rate of 11.11 is fabulous at an economy rate of just 7.30. Out of his 113 overs, Chakravarthy has bowled 288 dots at a percentage of 42.47, which creates incredible pressure on the batters. In that same period, Abrar Ahmed has the most T20I wickets for Pakistan. […]
- [Premadasa Pitch Puzzle: What should be India's strategy against Pakistan on February 15?](https://walkingwicket.com/ind-vs-pak-what-should-be-india-s-strategy-at-colombo/): IND vs PAK at Colombo: What do the stats say? A deep dive into performances, pitch behaviour, and winning formulas at Premadasa. After several weeks of discussions and controversies, attention now turns to the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on February 15 in the T20 World Cup 2026. The contest will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. So far in the tournament, three matches have been played at this venue, with teams winning all three after batting first. Preparation will be crucial for the Blue Brigade in executing their plans effectively. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza recently […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 Qualification Scenarios from Group B after Australia's loss vs Zimbabwe](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-group-b-qualification-scenarios-after-aus-loss-to-zim/): T20 World Cup 2026: Australia’s loss to Zimbabwe reshapes Group B standings — here’s how the Super 8 qualification scenarios now unfold. It took six days and 19 matches for the first major upset of what is already proving to be a blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026, currently being held across Sri Lanka and India. At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat former champions Australia by 23 runs. While upsets are not uncommon in T20 World Cups, this result has significantly opened up Group B, making the race for qualification far more […]
- [Double centurion in Ranji QF Sudip Gharami good no. 3 candidate for India in Tests?](https://walkingwicket.com/double-centurion-in-ranji-trophy-sudip-gharami-no-3-candidate-for-india-in-tests/): Sudip Gharami’s historic 299 in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal signals the arrival of India’s next dependable number three in Test cricket? What must it feel like to stand tall throughout, facing 596 balls, only to watch helplessly as the stumps shatter one run shy of a triple century? For Bengal’s Sudip Kumar Gharami, that gut-wrenching agony unfolded at the Kalyani Cricket Association ground, during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Andhra Pradesh. Bowled for 299 on February 8, the 26-year-old etched his name into cricketing lore as the first Indian in First-Class history to fall one run short of 300, […]
- [Pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, with 'Bumrahesque' numbers at FC level, good for Test cricket?](https://walkingwicket.com/bengal-pacer-suraj-sindhu-jaiswal-ready-for-test-cricket/): With remarkable red-ball statistics, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal is drawing comparisons to Bumrah — but is he prepared for Test-level challenges? Bengal are set to play Jammu & Kashmir in the semi-final of the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy on Sunday. They have a formidable pace attack comprising Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep who all have played Tests for India. However, another uncapped fast bowler in this pace attack, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, is steadily making his presence felt despite the presence of stalwarts in the bowling line-up. Suraj has picked up 20 wickets at an average of 20.35 in six matches […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026: Architects of Zimbabwe's win over Australia](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-architects-of-zimbabwes-win-over-australia/): T20 World Cup 2026 upset: Muzarabani’s pace, Bennett’s composure, and Evans’ impact script Zimbabwe’s memorable win over Australia. After Zimbabwe’s opening victory of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Oman, their captain, Sikandar Raza, made it clear that they would not just go with the motion in this competition. Four days later, his message of ‘bravery, courage, and clarity’ carried Zimbabwe to their second successive victory in the T20 WCs against Australia. With a strong net run rate of +1.984 and Ireland to face in one of the last two group-stage clashes, Zimbabwe believe they can qualify for the Super […]
- [T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NAM: Despite few hiccups along the way, India climb to pole position](https://walkingwicket.com/t20-world-cup-2026-ind-vs-nam-match-report-india-win/): T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs NAM highlights: Fifties from Kishan and Pandya plus Varun’s three-wicket haul power India to pole position. Brief Scores: India 209/9 (Ishan Kishan 61, Hardik Pandya 52, Gerhard Erasmus 4/20) beat Namibia 116 (Louren Steenkamp 29, Varun Chakaravarthy 3/7) by 93 runs. Player of the match: Hardik Pandya (52 & 2/21).  Despite their victory against the United States of America (USA) to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, India had to restore their batting normalcy. Their batting wobble put them at risk of a World Cup upset. Meanwhile, Namibia aimed to showcase a better […]

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