Shikhar Dhawan Retires: Top 5 Knocks Of Gabbar In International Cricket
Very few cricketers evoke the same flair and tenacity as Shikhar Dhawan. Fondly nicknamed “Gabbar,” Shikhar Dhawan’s career has spanned a decade and is a story of grit, elegance, and an undying love for the game. His journey from the dust-bowl grounds of Delhi to the pinnacle of international cricket shall be remembered not only for the runs he scored but also for the style in which he played the game—always with an infectious smile and an aggressive yet graceful style. On the day Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international cricket, what needed to be done was to turn back and see those innings which shaped his legacy. Be it his dazzling debut or the match-winning performances in high-pressure games, Dhawan’s career forms a collection of iconic moments forever etched in the memory of cricket fans globally. Here, revisit five of his most memorable innings that define his contribution to Indian cricket. 1. Debut – 187 vs Australia, 2010 Dhawan’s Test debut against Australia was nothing short of spectacular. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, the Delhi-born cricketer announced his arrival with a breathtaking 187, setting the record for the highest score by an Indian on Test debut. His innings was adjudged to be an exemplary combination of confidence and skill which put his skillful abilities with the bat in the limelight and scripted the foundation for India’s victory. This knock not only secured the victory but was also a starting point in Dhawan’s journey as one of the pivotal figures in the Indian batting line-up. 2. Champions Trophy 2013 – 137 vs England The situation was clear: any runs would count in the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2013. That 137 for Dhawan was of paramount importance in the context of India’s chase. His association with Virat Kohli turned out to be the deciding factor, and his ability to perform under pressure earned him the Player of the Tournament award. This knock testified more to his ability to rise to any situation and play match-winning innings whenever it really mattered. 3. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – 137 vs South Africa One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings was saved for a strong South African bowling attack during the 2015 ICC World Cup. His 137 off 146 balls helped India post a challenging total and secure a crucial win against one of the tournament’s top contenders. Playing in Melbourne, Dhawan’s knock broke India’s jinx against South Africa in World Cups and proved he can perform on the biggest stage. 4. India’s Tour Of Sri Lanka 2017 – 190 vs Sri Lanka Dhawan’s 190 off 168 balls against Sri Lanka during the Galle Test was an example of his attacking bent of mind in the game’s longer format. His blistering innings set up the scene for a comprehensive Indian victory, underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the team. This aggressive and incisive knock would go a long way in proving that Dhawan has the mettle to dominate any bowling attack in any format. 5. West Indies Tour Of India 2018 – 190 vs West Indies When Dhawan needed reaffirmation in his Test career, he came up with a masterclass in the form of a knock of 190 against the West Indies in Rajkot. Runs came both in terms of elegance and power, as Dhawan’s innings saw him hit 26 fours, proving very crucial to India’s victory. This not only reinstated his place in the Test team but also proved that Dhawan could adapt and do well in any situation. As Shikhar Dhawan walks into the sunset of international cricket, it will be recalled not only for the runs he scored but also for the manner in which he played the game—being infectious with his smile, fearless in his approach, and always rising to the occasion. His legacy thus is one of flair, resilience and rising to an occasion with what looked like never-say-die attitude—his contribution to Indian cricket, in general, cannot be belittled. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Gabbar Calls Time On His Cricketing Career
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket after a glorious 14-year stint. The 38-year-old left-handed opening batsman took to social media on Saturday morning, 24th August, 2024 to share the news, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by cricket fans worldwide. Retirement Announcement “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in a video posted on his social media accounts. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.“ Dhawan’s Final Appearance Dhawan last played competitive cricket in April 2024, turning out as the captain for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Across his international career, he compiled 24 centuries from 269 matches—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests—cementing his status as a modern-day great of the limited-overs format. Dhawan – A Modern Day Great Known for his consistency in ODIs, Dhawan retires as one of only eight players in the format’s history to score more than 5000 runs at an average of plus 40 with a strike rate above 90. Among Indians, he shared the feat with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dhawan had last represented India in the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022. Dhawan’s Test Debut While Dhawan made his mark across all formats, it was his ODI performances that really set him apart. His journey to international stardom began with a sensational Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, where he smashed an 85-ball century—the fastest by a Test debutant—and went on to score 187 runs in a match-winning effort. The Real ‘GABBAR’ Of The Champions Trophy Dhawan’s most prolific year came in 2013 when he scored 1162 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89. The crowning moment of that year was his outstanding performance in the Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs in five innings with two hundreds, which piloted India to victory. This was the start of a potent opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, which, for now, is the fourth-best in ODI history and second-best for India, sitting only behind the legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Key Contributions Over the next couple of years, Dhawan continued to excel in multi-team tournaments, topping the charts as India’s highest run-scorer in the 2014 Asia Cup, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017, and Asia Cup 2018. Thereby, pressure handling developed into his key asset in an India ODI setup. Injury Setback During the 2019 World Cup Dhawan’s ODI career was put on the brakes in 2019 when he got injured on the thumb during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England just after scoring a century against Australia at The Oval. Despite the setback, Dhawan’s contributions were recognized as he was entrusted with captaincy duties for India’s second string sides in the latter half of his career. Gabbar Belting It In The IPL Dhawan has had some success in IPL teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Currently, he is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, just a run behind Virat Kohli, with 6769 runs from 221 innings, at a strike rate of 127.14. Dhawan’s Domestic Dominance But apart from his international and IPL exploits, Dhawan has also been an important domestic cricketer. He was a part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in the 2007-08 season, while at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004 he was the top run-scorer for India. Farewell to a Legend As Dhawan retires from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of being one of India’s greatest ODI players. What he has accomplished as a player and as a leader is for eternity, and the fans will always remember his fearless batting and trademark celebrations. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shreyas Iyer Opens Up On How Rohit Sharma’s Distinct Way of Communicating Impacts Team
While Rohit Sharma continues to win hearts with his performance, both with the bat and with his on-field antics, the hilarious stump mic conversations and words like “ye” and “wo” at the time of playing have become sources of entertainment for Indian cricket fans. The endearing and occasionally forgetful nature of Rohit only seems to add to his charm, converting him in reality to a true entertainer on the field. Shreyas Iyer Shares Insights on Rohit’s Quirky Communication There was much buzz recently at the CEAT Cricket Awards held in Mumbai on Rohit’s quirky style of communication. One of his colleagues who has shared the cricketing field for several years now is Shreyas Iyer. He shed light on what it is like to work with Rohit Sharma and how the team handles situations where the skip constantly uses ambiguous words. “These are like fill-in-the-blanks for us. We just visualize whom he can refer to at that time and we understand his feelings. We have been playing together for so many years. And what he is trying to say is not that he keeps beating around the bush. We know what exactly he means,” said Shreyas Iyer. Simple Logic by Rohit Sharma in Response Rohit, who is known for his straight forwardness, turned around and replied to Iyer’s remarks with a simple logic in his way of communicating. He said that he wants every player to be himself on the field and, as a leader, he applies the same rule on himself. The relaxed and humorous approach would not only keep the team content but also positive in keeping an ambiance within the squad. A Night of Celebrations at the CEAT Cricket Awards It was a memorable night at the CEAT Cricket Awards for both cricketers. Rohit Sharma won the prestigious Men’s International Cricketer of the Year, where he was lauded for his spectacular performance on the international platform, and Shreyas Iyer bagged the award for “Outstanding Leadership” in the IPL 2024 season, where he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win. Camaraderie and Success Donning the blue jersey, Rohit and Shreyas have been assets for Indian cricket, and both on and off the cricket field, the camaraderie they share is unmatchable. The friendship and mutual respect were there for all to see, and the camaraderie they shared was visible with the success they tasted together in the CEAT Cricket Awards. The fans will continue to have more fun, not just with Rohit’s comic timing but also with how effective a leader he can actually be. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards: Rohit, Kohli And Other Award Winners
The 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards was held in Mumbai on Wednesday, 21st August, 2024. This event marked the outstanding performances in both international and domestic cricket fields by those individuals who have worked hard to showcase talent and leadership skills throughout the year. Here is a complete list of award winners at the 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. Sr. No Award Winner 1 CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award Rahul Dravid 2 CEAT Men’s International Cricketer Of The Year Rohit Sharma 3 CEAT Men’s ODI Batter Of The Year Virat Kohli 4 CEAT Men’s ODI Bowler Of The Year Mohammad Shami 5 CEAT Men’s Test Batter Of The Year Yashashvi Jaiswal 6 CEAT Men’s Test Bowler Of The Year Ravichandran Ashwin 7 CEAT Men’s T20I Batter Of The Year Phil Salt 8 CEAT Men’s T20I Bowler Of The Year Tim Southee 9 CEAT Domestic Cricketer Of The Year Sai Kishore 10 CEAT Women’s Indian Batter Of The Year Smriti Mandhana 11 CEAT Women’s Indian Bowler Of The Year Deepti Sharma 12 Memento – Most Matches As A Captain In Women’s T20I History Harmanpreet Kaur 13 Memento For Outstanding Leadership For TATA IPL Shreyas Iyer 14 Memento For Fastest Double Century In Women’s Test Shafali Verma 15 CEAT Award for Excellence In Sports Administration Jay Shah The 26th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards kept on continuing the celebration of cricketing excellence with many eyeballs as the world of cricket, celebrities, and sports lovers came under one umbrella. It acknowledged not just individual brilliance but also reinstated the fact that cricket binds and keeps. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Cricketers with Family Members Who Took the Olympic Stage
Cricket is all set for a grand comeback at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 after an absence of 124 years from the world’s biggest sporting stage. While athletes from across the world shone brightly in the Paris Olympics 2024, it is of importance to note that despite its gigantic following, cricket has never been included since 1900. Then, it was only 24 players who participated in a two-day Test match between Great Britain and France; gold went to the former. Fast-forward to 2028, and cricket will again feature but in a much more modern format: T20 International. Though cricket itself has spent over a century out of the way, some family members of cricketing legends have enjoyed their share of limelight at the Olympics. So, here is a brief look at three cricketers whose relatives have graced the grand Olympic stage: 1. Mitchell Starc’s Brother, Brandon Starc, at Paris 2024 The Starc family indeed does have sport running through its veins. While Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has had success in cricket’s biggest tournaments with his lethal bowling and record-breaking IPL deals, it is his younger brother who represents the family name in the Olympics. Brandon is an Australian high jumper who has been persistent at the Games since Rio 2016, moving on to Tokyo 2020, and recently Paris 2024. His experience includes a silver medal in the 2010 Youth Olympics and gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Olympic podium hasn’t seen Brandon yet. 2. Keith Thomson’s Brother, William Thomson, at Mexico 1968 New Zealand’s Keith Thomson was known for his brief career as a test cricketer, playing one test match against India in 1968, before moving to become an umpire. However, it was his brother William Thomson who made the news in another sport. William was a member of the New Zealand men’s hockey team during the 1968 Mexico Olympics. What was expected to be a straightforward victory for the Kiwis did what no one had thought they would–defeat reigning champions India in the opening match. Unfortunately, New Zealand couldn’t sustain that momentum, finishing third in their group and out of the semifinals despite a solid record of three wins and four draws. 3. Winston Benjamin’s Son, Rai Benjamin, at Paris 2024 Son of the former West Indies pace bowler Winston Benjamin, Rai Benjamin, made a name for himself in athletics and captured gold at the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 400m hurdles. Rai’s time of 46.46 seconds secured him a top spot at Stade de France, building on his already distinguished list of accolades including a silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and a raft of awards won at the World Championships. His victory in Paris was extra special for his family but also offered a glimpse into the future of sporting greatness. These stories remind us that while cricket as a game was not present, the fighting spirit of the loved ones of cricket stars never went out of existence as we prepare ourselves for cricket’s comeback in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Now, the whole world will wait for 2028—cricketers are going to get their chance to blaze the Olympic podium again. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs IND: Team India’s ODI Team Combination Blueprint
The Indian Cricket Team would be taking on Sri Lanka in a day’s time. The T20I leg of the series starts from the 27th of July, 2024 with the 1st T20I at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The ODI’s start from the 2nd of August, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Focussing on the ODI’s, the Indian Cricket Team is in search of balance and right combinations as the men in blue prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 and also the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027. However, there are a couple of questions to be answered. The Best Fit Out of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant? The ODI squad composition is under scrutiny, particularly the middle-order spots. With Rohit, Gill and Kohli cemented at the top and Hardik Pandya’s place secured when fit, the selectors face a dilemma. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, once mainstays, now find their positions challenged by Rishabh Pant. Pant’s recovery and subsequent performance have put him back in contention, making the Sri Lanka ODIs crucial for these players to stake their claim. The selectors might have to make tough choices, balancing between batting depth and allrounder utility. What Can We Expect from India’s Fast-Bowling Cartel? Managing a heavy test match schedule on the horizon is a must. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested while Mohammed Shami is on a comeback trail from injury. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack in both formats during the tour. Arshdeep Singh, having established himself in T20Is will look to impress in the 50-over format. Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana, selected for T20Is and ODIs respectively, along with Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav, have opportunities to make a mark in the Indian bowling lineup. With the questions on the right player to man the middle order and the rising stars set to take responsibility, India’s tour of Sri Lanka surely is going to be a ‘Gambhir Maamla’ to watch out for. Also read about what’s happening with the Indian Cricket Team in T20Is here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
What Is The Hundred And How Is It Changing The Dynamics Of Cricket?
What Is The Hundred? The Hundred is a thrilling 100-ball cricket extravaganza that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. This action-packed tournament features world-class players and some of the biggest names in cricket from around the globe. Teams and Format The 100 ball competition showcases eight city-based teams, each with a men’s and women’s squad competing alongside each other over five weeks every English summer. The teams include Birmingham Phoenix (Edgbaston), London Spirit (Lord’s), Manchester Originals (Emirates Old Trafford), Northern Superchargers (Headingley), Oval Invincibles (The Kia Oval), Southern Brave (Utilita Bowl), Trent Rockets (Trent Bridge) and Welsh Fire (Sophia Gardens). Each squad consists of 15 players, with a maximum of four overseas stars and no more than two centrally contracted England players in the Men’s Competition. Player Selection Process The selection of players is an exciting aspect of The Hundred. A Draft system allocates players to each men’s team, ensuring a fair and thrilling selection process. The women’s teams have a bespoke player selection process tailored to their competition’s unique needs, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Unique 100-Ball Format The Hundred introduces a format with 100 balls per innings, where the team scoring the most runs wins. Key features of the format include fielding side changes after every 10 balls, flexible bowling with bowlers delivering either five or 10 consecutive balls as decided by the captain and a maximum of 20 balls per match for each bowler. Each bowling side gets a 90-second strategic timeout, allowing the coach to discuss tactics mid-match. A 25-ball powerplay for each team, with only two fielders allowed outside the initial 30-yard circle, makes the game even more dynamic. Each match lasts approximately two and a half hours, making for a fast-paced and exciting viewing experience. Player Salaries The Hundred sets competitive salary bands to attract top talent. For 2024, the women’s salary bands range from £50,000 for the top two players to £8,000 for three players, ensuring a broad range of compensation. The men’s salary bands for 2024 remain unchanged from 2023, with top players earning £125,000, including one England Centrally Contracted Player, down to £30,000 for three players. Where To Watch The Hundred In India? Enthusiasts can watch The Hundred 2024 on the Sony Sports Network television across different languages. Fans can also live stream The Hundred 2024 on the Sony LIV app and on FanCode. The Hundred offers an unmissable blend of fast-paced action and top-tier cricket, making it a must-watch event every summer. With its unique format and star-studded teams, it is set to revolutionize the way fans experience cricket. Also read about IPL franchise owners showing interests in investing in The Hundred here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL Franchise Owners Consider Investment In ECB’s The Hundred Amid Concerns Over Minority Stake
As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launches the fourth season of The Hundred, discussions around the privatization of the tournament’s eight franchises have intensified. The ECB’s plan involves selling a 49% stake in each team to private investors, while the remaining 51% will be retained by the existing ‘hosts’ – seven counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for London Spirit. Reservations About Minority Stake This proposal has drawn interest from owners of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. However, many express reservations about the minority stake being offered, fearing it could lead to a lack of control over the franchises. Concerns Highlighted by IPL Franchise Official The concerns were highlighted by an official from an IPL-winning franchise, who preferred to remain anonymous. “In all other franchise investments, we are 100% owners. Here, it’s going to be a joint venture. There’s valuation, ownership, and operational matters to consider – these issues come to the fore immediately,” the official said. ECB Acknowledges Investor Concerns Vikram Banerjee, the ECB’s Head of Business Operations, acknowledged these concerns. During his trip to India for IPL 2024, he met with various franchise owners to discuss the proposed model. “For a number of them, it’s around things like brand, control of cricket operations, and majority stakes from an equity perspective,” Banerjee explained. “We understand where they are at and have built that into the process.“ MCC and Surrey’s Stance on Stake Divestment Among the eight franchises, the MCC has stated it will consider selling part or all of its 51% stake, pending approval from its members. In contrast, Surrey, the owners of the Oval Invincibles, have declared no intention to divest any of their stake. Possibility of 100% Ownership Richard Gould, the ECB’s Chief Executive, did not rule out the possibility of investors acquiring a 100% stake, provided they meet various criteria. “There’s certainly the opportunity for people to have, potentially, 100% ownership,” Gould stated. “It depends on the capabilities they bring in terms of finance and operational delivery.“ Importance of Chemistry in Joint Ventures Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emphasized the importance of chemistry between investors and existing stakeholders. “Ultimately in any joint venture, it boils down to the chemistry recipe,” Mysore said. “The existing shareholder group has existed for 100-plus years, and suddenly, you have a new investor coming in. Can you work together? Because this is for the long run.“ Open Approach to Minority Stake A couple of IPL franchise owners, however are more open to starting with a minority stake. A CEO from another IPL team mentioned that a 49% stake would be a good starting point, with the option to increase their investment gradually. “The key question is how much that 49% constitutes of the overall value. If that number is too huge and I’m not sure of the returns, I’d rather take a small share to begin with, with the option to increase my stake over time.“ Balancing Control and Investment Value The ECB has clarified that the highest bid will not necessarily win. They seek partners keen on supporting the growth of the game at all levels, beyond just financial contributions. As the formal bidding process approaches, starting mid-September, the future of The Hundred and its appeal to IPL franchise owners hinges on balancing control, investment value, and operational harmony. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
The Impact of Psychology in Cricket
Do you know the reason behind Australia being such a successful team in the history of international cricket? Do you know the success mantra followed by modern day greats like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler? Well thats just a one leter word. Psychology. Cricket, a sport celebrated for its physical prowess and technical finesse, is increasingly acknowledging the profound impact of psychology on player performance. Beyond mere skill, the mental aspect—managing pressure, cultivating resilience—stands as a cornerstone in shaping cricketers’ mindsets and their ultimate success on the field. Even the best of cricket players like Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins have psychological impacts while playing the sport. Here’s a gist of what exactly is the impact of psychology in cricket. 1. Managing Pressure and Performance One of the primary roles of sports psychology in cricket is equipping players with strategies to manage pressure effectively. Matches, especially in high-stakes tournaments like World Cups, demand mental resilience. Sports psychologists work with cricketers to develop techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure and perform at their best when it matters most. 2. Building Confidence and Self-Belief Confidence is a cornerstone of success in cricket. Sports psychologists help cricketers build and maintain confidence through positive self-talk, goal-setting, and visualization of successful outcomes. By reinforcing strengths and addressing weaknesses, psychologists empower players to trust their abilities and make decisive contributions to their teams. 3. Overcoming Mental Blocks and Setbacks Cricket is a sport of highs and lows. From batting collapses to dropped catches, setbacks can deeply impact a player’s confidence and performance. Sports psychology provides tools to overcome mental blocks, recover from setbacks, and learn from mistakes constructively. Techniques such as reframing negative thoughts, goal-setting, and focusing on process rather than outcomes help cricketers bounce back stronger after disappointments. 4. Enhancing Focus and Concentration Maintaining concentration over long periods is crucial in cricket, where matches can span several hours or days. Sports psychologists train players in techniques to enhance focus, such as attention control, pre-performance routines, and mindfulness practices. These strategies help cricketers stay fully engaged in the game, make quick decisions, and execute skills with precision. 5. Team Dynamics and Communication Cricket is a team sport, and effective communication and cohesion are essential for success. Sports psychologists work with teams to improve interpersonal skills, foster positive team dynamics, and enhance leadership qualities among players. By promoting open communication, mutual respect, and collective goals, psychologists contribute to a cohesive team environment where players support and motivate each other. 6. Long-term Mental Fitness Beyond immediate performance goals, sports psychology in cricket emphasizes long-term mental fitness. By teaching resilience, stress management, and coping strategies, psychologists help cricketers sustain peak performance throughout their careers. Mental fitness programs incorporate aspects of lifestyle management, sleep hygiene, and emotional regulation to ensure players’ overall well-being and longevity in the sport. The impact of psychology in cricket extends far beyond technical skills and physical conditioning. By addressing mental aspects such as pressure management, confidence-building, and team dynamics, sports psychology enhances cricketers’ performance, resilience, and overall enjoyment of the game. As cricket evolves into a more mentally demanding sport, the role of psychology continues to be integral in shaping successful athletes on and off the field. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
T20 World Cup: Will Guyana Witness England Giving ‘Lagaan’ To Team India?
Over two decades have passed. Generations have changed hands. However, since 2001, every time India and England lock horns on the cricket pitch, the word ‘Lagaan’ rings in special memories. Did the images of Aamir Khan hitting the six off the last ball, coincide with your thoughts? We don’t blame you if it does. A product of the Aamir Khan Productions, the movie was a masterclass, with cricket, in the background. The movie depicts how a team of 11 villagers from Champaner took on the arrogant British Indian Army officers and ended up defeating them. Also Read: T20 World Cup: How Does The ICC Make Money? On Thursday, in Guyana, Rohit Sharma led Team India has the golden opportunity to do Lagaan, once more against England. The occasion is the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The winner earns a spot in the final, while the loser goes home. The stakes are high, if not higher, like the last time, these two teams last met in a T20 World Cup fixture in Adelaide in 2022. Back then, England hammered India by 10 wickets. Jos Buttler-led-side also went on to lift the T20 World Cup in Australia. The war of words has already begun. Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes India doesn’t stand a chance in the semi-final. “Nasser thinks India is not good enough. And I think England will beat India in Guyana and South Africa will be too good for Afghanistan so it will be a South Africa versus England final.” England has emerged as a strong contender, but their passage into the Super 8s wasn’t smooth. They lost to Australia in the group stage and South Africa in Super 8s. This shows that England is vulnerable, and there lies India’s chance of winning the semi-final. On the contrary, India is yet to be beaten in the tournament. The Blues have registered six straight wins – three in the group stage, and three in the Super 8s. Their most famous win in the tournament came against arch-rivals Pakistan. England vs India – Head-to-Head in T20Is India and England have taken on each other 23 times in T20Is. The Blues lead the tally with 12 wins, while England has emerged victorious 11 times. England has also won two out of the last three T20Is played against India. In T20 World Cups, both teams have faced each other four times. Both India and England share honors with two matches apiece. Come June 27th, the saying – sharing is caring would be thrown out of the window. Both India and England would look to outclass the other. Is this time for India’s revenge and take full Lagaan from England or will Jos Buttler and Co. aggravate the past wounds?