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Champions Trophy: Indian national anthem played by mistake before England vs Australia clash in Pakistan; video viral

After a few awkward seconds of confusion, the anthem was hastily cut off, and the correct “Advance Australia Fair” finally blared through the speakers. Order was restored, and the Australian team could breathe a sigh of relief—because let’s face it, nothing kicks off a match quite like the right anthem.

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In a classic case of “Oops! Wrong Anthem!” the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with a light-hearted mix-up that had everyone in stitches. During the much-anticipated match between Australia and England at the Lahore Gaddafi Stadium, organizers accidentally played the Indian national anthem instead of Australia’s. Talk about a cricketing faux pas! The Aussie players looked bewildered, and the crowd began to scratch their heads as if they’d turned on a Bollywood movie by mistake.

After a few awkward seconds of confusion, the anthem was hastily cut off, and the correct “Advance Australia Fair” finally blared through the speakers. Order was restored, and the Australian team could breathe a sigh of relief—because let’s face it, nothing kicks off a match quite like the right anthem.

Now, you might be wondering how something like this could happen. Well, considering India decided to skip this tournament like it’s a dentist appointment, leaving Pakistan to play host for the first time in 29 years, you’d think they’d double-check the playlist. India will be playing all their matches in Dubai, while no one seems to have told the stadium DJs about this little detail.

Turning to the action on the field, Australia won the toss and chose to field, a strategy that sparked speculation and a few chuckles among fans. Team Australia, led by stand-in skipper Steven “We Miss Pat’s Abs” Smith, was missing its star pacers due to injuries and personal woes. Talk about a patched-up squad! Meanwhile, England shook off a 3-0 loss in India and made some aggressive lineup changes, promoting wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith to the No. 3 slot—if only to confuse the heck out of everyone.

With fast bowlers ready to fire and spinners waiting to take a turn, the stage was set. And as for Pakistan? It had its hands full hosting an international extravaganza! Meanwhile, New Zealand and India were flexing their muscles, with convincing wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh respectively.

So, as we polish our cricket wit and prepare for more slipping and sliding (perhaps even in the anthem department), let’s celebrate the perfectly imperfect world of cricket—where even anthems need a little practice.

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India announces T20 World Cup 2026 squad, Shubman Gill dropped as Axar Patel named vice-captain

India have announced their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, dropping Shubman Gill and appointing Axar Patel as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.

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India announces T20 World Cup 2026 squad

India have officially announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 along with the T20I series against New Zealand, with some significant selection calls grabbing attention. The biggest development is the omission of Shubman Gill, who has not only been removed from the vice-captaincy role but also dropped entirely from the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.

The selection panel has opted for continuity in leadership, retaining Suryakumar Yadav as captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the new vice-captain. The same squad will feature in both the global tournament and the bilateral T20I series against New Zealand.

Axar Patel elevated, Ishan Kishan returns

Axar Patel’s elevation to vice-captain reflects the team management’s trust in his all-round abilities and recent performances. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made a return to the national setup, replacing Jitesh Sharma, who has been left out of the squad.

Kishan’s recall follows his impressive outing in domestic cricket, where he played a key role in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, strengthening his case for a comeback in the shortest format.

Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar included

Middle-order batter Rinku Singh has found a place in the squad, adding depth to India’s batting line-up, while Washington Sundar’s inclusion boosts the all-round options available to the team. The bowling attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, supported by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Harshit Rana has also been named in the squad, underlining the selectors’ intent to back emerging pace options.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20Is

The squad announced for both assignments includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.

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T20 World Cup 2026: Selectors weigh Shubman Gill role as India squad announcement awaited

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement is awaited, with selectors debating Shubman Gill’s role amid strong performances from senior players.

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Shubman Gill

The Indian cricket team is set to announce its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 along with the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand on Saturday. The selection meeting will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, followed by a press conference addressed by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

The New Zealand T20I series, scheduled for late January, will be India’s final assignment in the shortest format before the T20 World Cup, which will be played from February 7 to March 8 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill’s form and vice-captaincy under scanner

One of the key talking points ahead of the squad announcement is Shubman Gill’s position in the team, particularly his role as vice-captain. Gill’s recent T20I form has drawn attention within selection discussions, even though he is expected to remain part of the squad.

Media reports suggest the selectors are deliberating between Gill, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh while finalising the combination. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has also indicated that while Gill may continue as vice-captain, the team management could keep the slot open or consider Hardik Pandya as an alternative to maintain flexibility.

Core group likely to remain intact

Several senior players are considered certain selections for the World Cup squad. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to feature prominently. The pace attack is likely to include Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube are set to fill the all-rounder roles.

India is also expected to continue with two wicketkeepers, with Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma emerging as the preferred choices.

Jaiswal waits in the wings

While there are no major vacancies in the squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a player to watch. With Gill’s position under discussion, the selectors may consider naming Jaiswal in the New Zealand T20I squad to assess his readiness as a backup option ahead of the World Cup.

Recent form boosts confidence

India come into the selection process after a strong showing against South Africa, clinching the five-match T20I series 3-1. In the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad, Hardik Pandya played a crucial role with a 63-run knock off 25 balls, underlining his importance in the middle order and as a leadership option.

The selection committee also retains the option to make changes to the 15-member squad until the start of the World Cup, offering room for adjustments based on form and conditions.

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India vs South Africa 5th T20I: Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma power India to 30-run win, series sealed 3-1

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma powered India to 231 before Varun Chakravarthy’s four-wicket haul sealed a 30-run win over South Africa in the final T20I.

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ind vs sa (2)

India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad, sealing the five-match series 3-1. After being put in to bat, India posted a massive 231 for 5, before their bowlers, led by Varun Chakravarthy, ensured the visitors fell short in the chase.

The result marked a strong turnaround for the hosts after earlier setbacks, as India wrapped up the series in front of a packed crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

India post 231 after strong middle-order surge

Batting first, India rode on crucial knocks from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya to build a formidable total. Tilak top-scored with 73 off 42 balls, anchoring the innings during the middle overs, while Hardik played an explosive knock of 63 from just 25 deliveries.

India were placed at 115 for 3 before the duo stitched together a decisive fourth-wicket partnership of 105 runs off only 44 balls. Hardik’s innings stood out as he reached his half-century in just 16 balls, making it the second-fastest fifty by an Indian batter in T20Is, behind Yuvraj Singh.

Varun Chakravarthy leads bowling effort in chase

Chasing 232, South Africa began positively but lost momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the standout performer with the ball, finishing with a four-wicket haul that dismantled the middle order.

India’s bowlers maintained pressure through the middle and death overs, with Hardik Pandya also contributing by picking up a wicket from his three overs. Despite resistance from the South African batting lineup, the visitors were restricted to 201 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.

Series wrapped up in Ahmedabad

With this win, India clinched the T20I series 3-1. The hosts had earlier posted dominant performances across the format, and the final match underlined their depth in both batting and bowling.

India are now set to move on to their next international assignment at home, while South Africa conclude their tour with this defeat in the shortest format.

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