The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is a world-class cricket ground located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Established in 2003, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has a maximum capacity of around 40,000 and is the home ground of the Indian T20 League franchise Team Hyderabad.

Also known as the Uppal Stadium, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is owned and operated by Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). 

The HCA previously staged its home matches at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in the Fateh Maidan Sports Complex in central Hyderabad.

Visaka Industries Limited won the open auction for the funding of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium with a bid worth �?5,00,00,000. It was named as Visakha International Cricket Stadium in 2004 after a sum of �?3,00,00,000 was paid in advance.

However, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy changed the name of the stadium to Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in memory of Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India. HCA later acquired the stadium by paying an amount of �?3,00,00,000 to Visakkha.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium staged its first international match, a One-Day International (ODI) played between India and South Africa in November 2005. The visitors won the ODI by five wickets. 

Five years later, it hosted its first Test match that featured India and New Zealand which ended in a draw.

Later in December 2019, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium staged its first T20 international played between India and West Indies. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, India won the first T20I at the venue by six wickets. Since then, it has hosted one more T20I so far. 

With that being said, let’s have a look at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium T20I records and stats.

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium T20I records and stats

Highest total

The Indian cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in T20 international cricket. The Virat Kohli-led India recorded 209/4 in their successful chase of West Indies�?207/5 in the first T20I of a three-match series in December 2019. Chasing a huge total, India rode on captain Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 94 off 50 balls and KL Rahul’s 40-ball 62 to chase down the target in just 18.4 overs in Hyderabad. Earlier, Shimron Hetmyer (56), Evin Lewis (40) and captain Kieron Pollard (37) powered West Indies to 207/5 in their 20 overs. India later won the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Lowest total

The Australia cricket team has registered the lowest total at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in T20 international cricket. Put in to bat, Australia posted 186/7 in their 20 overs against India in the third and final T20I in September 2022. Tim David (54) and Cameron Green (52) scored fifties for Australia. In reply, Suryakumar Yadav (69) and Virat Kohli (63) slammed match-winning fifties to guide India to a six-wicket win in Hyderabad. With the impressive chase in 19.5 overs, India also clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Most runs

India’s star batter Virat Kohli has recorded the most runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the T20I format. The former India cricket team captain has amassed 157 runs in just two matches at an average of 157 and a strike rate of 160.20. He has slammed two T20I fifties at this venue. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav features second on the list with 69 runs in a solitary T20I at an impressive strike rate of 191.66.

Most wickets

India spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal share the record for the most wickets at this venue in the T20 international format. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel bagged three wickets in one T20I at an average of 11 and an economy of 8.25. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has also picked up three T20I wickets in two matches at this ground at an average of 19.33 and an economy of 7.25.

Highest individual score

India talisman Virat Kohli registered the highest individual score at this ground in T20 international cricket. During the first T20I of West Indies�?tour of India in December 2019, Virat Kohli scored 94 not out off just 50 balls to help the hosts chase down 208 in 18.4 overs. Virat Kohli’s match-winning knock was laced with six fours and six maximums. 

Best bowling figures

India spinner Axar Patel has the best bowling figures at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in T20 international cricket. The talented left-arm spinner recorded match-winning figures of 3/33 against Australia in the third and final T20I of the series in Hyderabad in September 2022. Axar Patel dismissed captain Aaron Finch, Josh Inglis and wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade to restrict Australia to 186/7 in their 20 overs. Later, India rode on twin fifties from Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli to register a six-wicket win.

Highest partnership

India’s Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav hold the record for the highest partnership at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in T20 international cricket. Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav forged a match-winning 104-run stand for the third wicket against Australia in the final T20I of a three-match series in September 2022. While Suryakumar Yadav hammered 36-ball 69, Virat Kohli scored 63 off 48 balls to help India chase down Australia’s 186/7 in 19.5 overs in Hyderabad. 

Photo credit: Imago

The India vs Zimbabwe T20 rivalry is one of the most fascinating contests in cricket’s shortest format. 

India and Zimbabwe played their first T20 international match against each other in June 2010.

Under the leadership of Suresh Raina, India defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets in their first-ever meeting in the T20 format in Harare in 2010. The Men in Blue later clinched the two-match T20I series 2-0.

Five years later, Zimbabwe registered their first T20 international victory over India in Harare in July 2015.

Led by captain Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe beat India by 10 wickets in the second and final T20I to level the two-match T20I series 1-1 in Harare.

Later in 2016, Zimbabwe recorded their second T20I win over India after the Graeme Cremer-led side secured a nail-biting two-run win in the first T20I in Harare. Despite the defeat, the MS Dhoni-led India later claimed the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Since then, India and Zimbabwe have faced each other in 12 T20 matches so far. India have won nine of the 12 games, while Zimbabwe have registered three victories. 

Both the sides have registered numerous records during their battles and here we take a closer look at some of those India vs Zimbabwe T20 records and stats.

India vs Zimbabwe T20 records and stats

Highest total

The Indian cricket team holds the record for the highest total in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Led by Shubman Gill, India posted 234/2 in their 20 overs against Zimbabwe in the second T20I of a five-match series in July 2024. Electing to bat first, India rode on Abhishek Sharma's 100 off 46 balls, along with contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out) and Rinku Singh (48 not out) to post a record T20 total at the venue. In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 134 in 18.4 overs as India secured a comprehensive 100-run victory.

Lowest total

The Zimbabwe cricket team registered the lowest total in India vs Zimbabwe T20 history. Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe could only manage 99/9 in their 20 overs against India in the second T20I of a three-match series in Harare in June 2016. Wicketkeeper-batter Peter Moor top-scored for Zimbabwe with 31. For India, Barinder Sran bagged four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah scalped three wickets. Later, KL Rahul (47 not out) and Mandeep Singh (52 not out) helped India chase down the target in 13.1 overs to secure a 10-wicket win.

Most runs

Chamu Chibhabha has scored the most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Between 2010 and 2016, the Zimbabwe top-order batter amassed 172 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.57 and a strike rate of 104.24. Chibhabha slammed one fifty in this T20 fixture with a highest score of 67. For India, KL Rahul has recorded the most runs in this T20I fixture, having accumulated 120 runs in four games at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 125.

Most wickets

Axar Patel has picked up the most wickets in India vs Zimbabwe T20 history. Between 2015 and 2022, the left-arm spinner has bagged seven T20I wickets in six matches against Zimbabwe at an average of 19.85 and an economy of 5.95. For Zimbabwe, Chris Mpofu claimed the most wickets in his T20I fixture, having bagged six wickets in four matches between 2010 and 2015.

Highest individual score

Abhishek Sharma has the highest individual score in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Opening the batting, the flamboyant left-handed Indian batter slammed his maiden T20I century off just 46 balls before he was dismissed by Wellington Masakadza in the 14th over. Abhishek’s scintillating knock was laced with seven fours and eight sixes. His knock helped India post a record T20 total of 234/2 at the Harare Sports Club. Later, India bowled out Zimbabwe for 134 in their 18.4 overs to secure a 100-run victory in Harare.

Best bowling figures

India pacer Barinder Sran has the best bowling figures in this T20I fixture. During the second T20I of India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2016, Barinder Sran recorded match-winning figures of 4/10 in Harare. The talented left-arm fast bowler dismissed Chamu Chibhabha,Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and Tinotenda Mutombodzi to restrict the hosts to 99/9 in their 20 overs. India later chased down the target in just 13.1 overs as they won the game by 10 wickets.

Highest partnership

KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh hold the record for the highest partnership in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Chasing 100, KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh forged a match-winning 103-stand for the opening wicket to guide India to a 10-wicket win in Harare in June 2016. After India restricted Zimbabwe to 99/9 in their allotted overs, KL Rahul scored 47 not out while Mandeep Singh remained unbeaten on 52 to power India to a dominating victory.

Photo credit: Alamy

With the series tied 1-1, the Indian cricket team will lock horns with Australia in the third and final T20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, September 25. The match will start at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

IND vs AUS Dream11 prediction for 3rd T20I 2022

Led by their talismanic captain Rohit Sharma, India bounced back to beat Australia by six wickets in the second T20I in Nagpur and level the three-match series on Friday. Earlier, the Aaron Finch-led Australia defeated the hosts by four wickets in a high-scoring encounter in Mohali. 

Ahead of the series-deciding T20 match, India will be concerned over the form of their premier bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal leading up to the marquee ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in Australia next month.

India dropped Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a shortened eight-overs a side game on Friday and are likely to bring him back in place of Rishabh Pant in the playing XI.

On the other hand, Australia have few injury concerns ahead of the final T20. The visitors are sweating over the fitness of in-form pacer Nathan Ellis. If declared fit, Ellis will replace Sean Abbott while Josh Inglis could also be brought back in place of Daniel Sams.

India have a superior head-to-head record against Australia in T20I cricket, winning 14 of the 25 matches that they have played so far. Australia have secured 10 victories while one match ended in no result.

Considering the dew factor, toss could play a crucial role in the series-deciding T20I in Hyderabad. The toss-winning captain is expected to chase on Sunday. The team winning the toss will have an edge going into the final match of the series.

IND vs AUS Dream11 team tips for 3rd T20I 2022

Top tip: Best batter

India captain Rohit Sharma will be the batter to watch out for in the series-deciding third T20I against Australia on Sunday. The 35-year-old opening batter smashed an unbeaten 46 runs off just 20 balls to guide India to a six-wicket win in the second T20I and level the series 1-1. Rohit Sharma has already accrued 90 fantasy points and will be a worthy fantasy pick for the final T20I at 9 credits.

Top tip: Best bowler

In the bowling department, Australia’s Adam Zampa will be a smart fantasy pick at just 8.5 credits. The New South Wales-born leg-spinner once again troubled the much-famed Indian batting line-up in the second T20I in Nagpur as he bagged the crucial wickets of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Zampa will play an important role in the series finale and will look to add to his fantasy tally of 111 points.

Top tip: Best all-rounder and wicket-keeper

As far as all-rounders are concerned, India’s Axar Patel will be the overwhelming choice. Roped in as a like-for-like replacement for injured Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel has been the leading wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series so far. The left-arm spinner has picked five wickets in two matches at an average of six. He can also contribute with the bat coming lower down the batting order. Having accumulated 190 fantasy points already, Axar Patel will be a great fantasy pick at just 6.5 credits.

For the wicket-keeper spot, Australia’s Matthew Wade will be the top fantasy recommendation over Dinesh Karthik of India. Besides fulfilling his wicket-keeping responsibilities, Wade has been in scintillating form in the ongoing series, scoring 88 runs in two matches at a staggering strike rate of 214.63. At just 6.5 credits, the in-form Australia wicket-keeper batter could be a game-changer in the final T20I of the series.

IND vs AUS 3rd T20I playing XI (probable)

India playing XI (probable): KL Rahul (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Australia playing XI (probable): Aaron Finch (captain), Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SportsAdda will bring you India vs Australia 3rd T20I 2022 live scores.

Interested in cricket betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.

Featured photo: Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP

After a disappointing Asia Cup 2022 campaign, the Indian cricket team will look to bounce back when they square off against Australia in a three-match T20I series starting on Tuesday, September 20.

The first T20I of the series will be played at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali while the second match is scheduled at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on September 23. The final match of Australia’s tour of India 2022 will take place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on September 25.

Led by talismanic captain Rohit Sharma, India will hope to make best use of the T20I series against the mighty Australians to prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November.

Ahead of the forthcoming Australia series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member squad.

Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel have returned to the squad after recovering from a back injury and a side strain, respectively. Both the players underwent rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Swashbuckling batters Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik have retained their place in the T20I set-up ahead of Sanju Samson.

Axar Patel has also been included in the squad as a like-for-like replacement for star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently underwent knee injury and has been ruled out of upcoming India’s assignments.

Additionally, ahead of the first T20 in Mohali, pacer Mohammed Shami, who was a surprise inclusion in India’s T20I squad, has tested positive for Covid-19 and been ruled out of the three-match series. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav has been drafted into the squad and is likely to play his first T20I since 2019.

Defending T20 World Cup champions Australia will be led by Aaron Finch in their short tour of India.

The visitors will miss the services of Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis due to injuries. While Starc has been ruled out due to a knee injury, Marsh and Stoinis are suffering from ankle injury and side strain, respectively.

Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott have been named replacements for the India series.

Singapore-born cricketer Tim David is expected to make his Australia debut in the upcoming T20I series in India. David received his maiden Australia call-up following his impressive showing in T20 Leagues across the globe. The 26-year-old has already played 11 T20Is for Singapore, amassing 429 runs at an average of 47.67. He is, however, eligible to play for Australia immediately under ICC rules.

Australia head into the India series after whitewashing arch-rivals New Zealand 3-0 in a three-match ODI series.

India vs Australia 2022 T20I squads

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav

Australia: Aaron Finch (captain), Steve Smith, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams, Sean Abbott

India vs Australia 2022 schedule, fixtures and live match times

All times are in India Standard Time (IST)

Day and Date	Match	Time (IST)	Venue
Tuesday, September 20	India vs Australia, 1st T20I	7:30 PM IST	Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Friday, September 23	India vs Australia, 2nd T20I	7:30 PM IST	Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Sunday, September 25	India vs Australia, 3rd T20I	7:30 PM IST	Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Where to watch India vs Australia 2022 series live in India?  

The India vs Australia 2022 T20I series will be telecast live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi and their respective HD TV channels in India.

For regional coverage,  India vs Australia 2022 T20I matches will be live on Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu and Star Sports 1 Kannada.

Live streaming of the India vs Australia 2022 T20I series will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. 

SportsAdda will bring you India vs Australia 2022 T20I series live scores.

Interested in cricket betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.

Featured photo: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami was the first player to win the Indian T20 League Emerging Player of the Year honour. He won the award while representing Team Bangalore in the 2008 edition.

Goswami won the award after scoring 82 runs (including a half-century) followed by four dismissals (two caught, two stumpings) in four matches. He featured for Bangalore in the first three seasons of the Indian T20 League before going on to represent Kolkata, Rajasthan and Hyderabad in the competition.

Rohit Sharma is second on the list of Indian T20 League Emerging Player of the Year awardees. The current Mumbai skipper was given the honour for his pivotal performances in Team Deccan’s charge to win the 2009 edition. Rohit hit 362 runs in 16 matches and grabbed 11 wickets. This was his best return as a part-time bowler.

The likes of Saurabh Tiwary (2010), Iqbal Abdulla (2011) and Mandeep Singh (2012) went on to win the honour in the next three editions.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman is the only overseas player to win the Indian T20 League Emerging Player of the Year award. The pacer claimed the honour for his haul of 17 wickets in 16 matches in his debut campaign in 2016. Rahman’s exploits proved handy as his Hyderabad team would go on to win the league title.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who won the Orange Cap last season, also returned home as the Indian T20 League Emerging Player of the Year. 

The 25-year-old slammed 635 runs at an average of 45.35 in the 2021 edition, with a century and four fifties to his name. He hit a 27-ball 32 in the 2021 final against Kolkata and capped off a fine season with a winners medal.

Indian T20 League Emerging Player of the Year: Complete list

Player	Edition
Shreevats Goswami	2008
Rohit Sharma	2009
Saurabh Tiwary	2010
Iqbal Abdulla	2011
Mandeep Singh	2012
Sanju Samson	2013
Axar Patel	2014
Shreyas Iyer	2015
Mustafizur Rahman	2016
Basil Thampi	2017
Rishabh Pant	2018
Shubman Gill	2019
Devdutt Padikkal	2020
Ruturaj Gaikwad	2021

Author: William Paul

Featured photo: AFP / ISHARA S. KODIKARA

Indian Test spinner Axar Patel revealed that the entire team has been asked to serve a three-day quarantine in Southampton, before beginning practice ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand from June 18-22.

The Indian Test squad reached Southampton on Wednesday. Axar also revealed that the players have been ordered to not meet each other during their three-day period of quarantine.

"I had a good sleep...the plan is to quarantine. We have been told that we can't meet each other for three days so we will be quarantining for that much time," Axar said in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As demanded by the BCCI earlier, the Indian players had already served a 14-day quarantine at a team hotel in Mumbai before they departed for England.

As per reports, the tourists were tested in Southampton and will undergo more tests in the coming days, before they take on New Zealand in the WTC final.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis landed in the United Kingdom (UK) on May 17 and are currently playing the first of two Tests against England at Lord’s. New Zealand will play the second Test at Edgbaston next week, before moving to Southampton to take on India.

Later in the English summer, Virat Kohli’s men will also take on England in a five-match Test series, starting August 4.

Play the World Test Championship (WTC) Quiz and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: AFP / Sajjad Hussain

With rising cases of COVID-19 in different camps, BCCI had finally taken the decision to suspend the Indian T20 League 2021 indefinitely.

The season was almost done with 50 per cent of its operations before the latest wave of the Covid-19 virus put the tournament at risk of being discontinued. A host of overseas players, especially England and Australian players, had left the tournament midway either due to injury or to escape the strict bio-bubble restrictions.

May 9: 3:00 PM: Rajasthan's Chetan Sakariya loses father to COVID-19

Rajasthan's Chetan Sakariya is bereaved after his father Kanjibhai Sakariya, 42, lost his battle with COVID-19. The 23-year-old uncapped bowler rushed to his hometown of Vartej in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat following the suspension of the Indian T20 League 2021 to take care of his ailing father. Sakariya's father, also a diabetic, had tested positive during the season and was admitted last week.

Team Rajasthan and the Saurashtra Cricket Association have taken to Twitter to offer their condolences.

It pains us so much to confirm that Mr Kanjibhai Sakariya lost his battle with Covid-19 earlier today.

We're in touch with Chetan and will provide all possible support to him and his family in this difficult time.

�?Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 9, 2021

Everyone in SCA conveys heartfelt sympathies to @Sakariya55 on sad demise of his father and pray the Almighty to give enough strength to everyone in his family to bear the loss and grant eternal peace to departed noble soul. #rip pic.twitter.com/ZCh5X1jFGM

�?Saurashtra Cricket (@saucricket) May 9, 2021

May 8: 2:00 PM: India pacer Prasidh Krishna tests COVID-19 positive

Kolkata pacer Prasidh Krishna has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine in his home town Bengaluru, a BCCI source said on Saturday.

The 25-year-old fast bowler was named as the four standbys by the BCCI for the World Test Championship final and the Test series in England.

Krishna is now the fourth player from the franchise after Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier and Tim Seifert to test positive for the coronavirus.

May 8: 7:30 AM: Kolkata's Tim Seifert tests positive for COVID-19

Kolkata batsman Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be travelling back to New Zealand on the charter flight with New Zealand's Indian T20 League players, support staff and commentators. Seifert failed both his pre-departure PCR tests and as a result will be taken into quarantine.

The opening batsman, currently in Ahmedabad, will be flown to Chennai where he will undergo treatment in the same hospital where Australian Michael Hussey, the Chennai batting coach, is being treated before returning to New Zealand.

May 5: 3:00 PM: Eight English players return home

As many as eight England players landed at London's Heathrow airport on Wednesday, April 5 after the Indian T20 League 2021 was suspended indefinitely. This includes Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy and Curran brothers Sam and Tom. The likes of Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan and Chris Jordan will leave in the next 48 hours.

The players who have arrived will now have to quarantine in government-approved hotels for 10 days.

May 4: 8:00 PM: Michael Hussey tests positive for COVID-19

After bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji, Chennai batting coach Michael Hussey has tested positive for COVID-19. According to ANI, the Australian will be tested again, with the franchise hoping that the earlier result was a false positive. Earlier, L Balaji had tested positive for the virus, along with a member of the travel staff. 

May 4: 4:00 PM: Cricket Australia delivers their statement

Hours after the Indian T20 League 2021 was indefinitely suspended, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association delivered a joint statement, saying that while they are in constant touch with the BCCI for the safety and wellbeing of all the Australia, they respect the decision of their government to pause travel from India until at least May 15. This means that all the Australians who are a part of the Indian T20 League will have to wait.

According to ESPNCricinfo, the likes of Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich amongst other Australians are expected to join the commentator Michael Slater in the Maldives.

Australian Cricket will throw its support behind the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal by partnering with the @ACA_Players and @unicefaustralia to raise much needed funds.

Donate to UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal: http://t.co/JWpslbtY2j pic.twitter.com/E0CMow6h8z

�?Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 2, 2021

"Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian T20 League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

"CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators back home to Australia.

"CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions.

"CA and the ACA thank the BCCI for their efforts and cooperation for the safe repatriation of all participants at the league."

May 4: 1:00 PM: BCCI suspends Indian T20 League 2021 indefinitely

According to reports, the move was confirmed by Indian T20 League chairman Brijesh Patel, who informed that the decision was taken for the safety of all stakeholders.

“The Indian T20 League has been suspended for the time being. We spoke to everyone from teams, broadcasters and all those who were involved in it. It was decided to defer the Indian T20 League, especially looking at the sentiment and current situation in the country," BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told The Indian Express

"For us players�?health is paramount and BCCI will always keep safety first. We will meet again soon and decide when we can conclude this edition, we will have to see when is the next window available,�?Shukla added.

UPDATE: The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season with immediate effect.

Details - http://t.co/OgYXPj9FQy pic.twitter.com/lYmjBId8gL

�?IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2021

May 4: 12:35 PM: Wriddhiman Saha and Amit Mishra test positive for COVID-19

Team Hyderabad's wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and Team Delhi spinner Amit Mishra become the latest Indian T20 League players to test positive.  

#IPL2021: @SunRisers' @Wriddhipops and @DelhiCapitals' @MishiAmit test positive for COVID-19#WriddhimanSaha #AmitMishra #SunrisersHyderabad #DelhiCapitals #COVID�?9 pic.twitter.com/Y0AjVI1lyD

�?TOI Sports (@toisports) May 4, 2021

COVID-19 now strikes Sunrisers Hyderabad with wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha testing positive. The entire team has been in isolation since yesterday.

�?Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) May 4, 2021

May 4: 10:00 AM: Chennai vs Rajasthan match on May 5 to be rescheduled

After the Kolkata vs Bangalore Indian T20 League match didn't take place on May 3, the Chennai vs Rajasthan match will now be rescheduled as well after Chennai bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji was tested COVID-19 positive on Monday.

As per the Board's Standard Operating Procedure, the entire Chennai team has been forced into hard quarantine for six days in which the players and staffs have to return three negative RT-PCR reports.

"Tomorrow's match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between CSK and RR will be rescheduled as per SOP rules," a senior BCCI official told PTI.

"As Balaji was in contact with the players, all of them have gone into hard quarantine. They are supposed to be tested every day," the official added.

May 4: 12:30 AM: Will Indian T20 League be shifted to Mumbai?

In order to minimize the risk of more Covid-19 cases, the BCCI is reportedly planning to stage the rest of the ongoing Indian T20 League campaign in Mumbai.

It would mean the Indian T20 League would ditch its two-venue caravan model and reverting to the BCCI's original plan, when it was working out the tournament schedule, of having Mumbai as the hub.

The plan, should it be implemented, will ease travel and bio-bubble restrictions for players, especially those from New Zealand and England who will resume their international assignments in June. 

May 3: 9:30 PM: Delhi players to isolate in Ahmedabad hotel

Team Delhi have been asked to isolate themselves at their hotel in Ahmedabad following Kolkata's two players testing positive and their subsequent tie against Bangalore being cancelled.

There is no clarity yet on whether the squad - led by Rishabh Pant - can train on Tuesday as the Kolkata contingent is currently in a five-day quarantine.

May 3: 9:30 PM: Mumbai and Hyderabad skip practice

Defending champions Mumbai and Hyderabad, scheduled to play on May 4, Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, skipped their practice following news of five ground-staff members testing positive for Covid-19.

Rohan Jaitley, the president at the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association, has meanwhile assured that all testing has been done as per the standard operating procedures put in place by the Indian T20 League, and is confident that the Hyderabad vs Mumbai fixture scheduled for Tuesday evening will be held without any hiccups.

May 3: 5:15 PM: Will the Australians opt out?

Former Australia opener and Indian T20 League commentator Michael Slater has lashed out at the Australian government, particularly the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, for imposing a travel ban till May 15.

Slater is the latest Australian international to make his way out of India amidst the surge in Covid-19 cases, but is currently in the Maldives, given citizens returning to Australia from India could face imprisonment for five years.

If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect

�?Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021

Slater's tone perhaps captures the entire Australian contingent's current anxious mood. Earlier, Rajasthan's Andrew Tye and Bangalore's Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson returned home after announcing their intent to skip the remainder of Indian T20 League 2021. Team Kolkata mentor David Hussey, in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), had stated that the Australian players are nervous about returning home but also pragmatic with regard to the ongoing competition.

"Everyone is sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there will be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia," Hussey, a former Australia international, told the SMH.

Should all the Australians across roles move out, it would be a big blow to the tournament. Key Australian recruits include David Warner (Hyderabad), Glenn Maxwell (Punjab), Pat Cummins (Kolkata), Marcus Stoinis and Steve Smith (both Delhi), Ricky Ponting (Delhi head coach), Damien Wright (Punjab bowling coach), David Hussey and Brett Lee (commentators). Many of these have been reported to be currently exploring their options to either continue their stay in India or a make a way back home to Australia via connecting flights.

May 3: 4:45 PM: Five DDCA ground staff test positive

Five ground staff members from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), who reportedly were at duty for the Rajasthan vs Hyderabad game on Sunday, have tested positive.

According to a DDCA official, there are chances that the staff may have come into contact with players from either team during the first of Sunday's double-header fixtures.

It’s confirmed that five DDCA ground staff tested Covid positive. They were on duty on the ground on the last IPL Match (RR vs SRH) at Kotla [Arun Jaitley Stadium]. Since they were on ground duty, there are chances that they must have come in contact with players and team staff,�?the DDCA official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

May 3, 3:45 PM: Three Chennai management members test positive, and now negative

Three members of the Chennai management team, who earlier tested positive for Covid-19, have now returned with negative test results as per a report by Times of India.

Chief executive officer Kasi Viswanathan, bowling coach and former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji, and a team bus cleaner are the persons in question with Balaji, who was in the dugout during Chennai's heart-breaking loss to Mumbai on Saturday, believed to have taken a fresh test on Monday morning to rule out the possibility of a false positive test.

Rapid antigen tests on Monday afternoon revealed all three are now clear of the virus, raising questions over the nature of how tests are conducted.

However, It is understood that none of the players have been affected and have returned with negative results following the latest round of tests.

May 3, 1:20 PM: Kolkata pair Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier test Covid-19 positive

Kolkata's Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier have returned with a positive Covid-19 test in the third round of testing. Due to this, the fixture between Kolkata and Bangalore has been postponed. Earlier, the players recently left the bio-bubble through the official green channel to carry out a scan on their injuries and it is believed that they got exposed there.

Media release �?a href="http://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@IPL�?pic.twitter.com/kkTStkp8Wx

�?Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) May 3, 2021

Australian all-rounder Pat Cummins, who is currently ill, has tested negative along with other players and staff.

April 29: Zampa terms Indian T20 bio-bubble 'most vulnerable'

Australian spinner Adam Zampa slams the Indian T20 League, stating the current bio-bubble is the 'most vulnerable' he has been a part of.

Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, the Bangalore player felt the 2021 edition should have been held in UAE, the venue for the previous season. "We've been in a few (bubbles) now, and I feel like this is probably the most vulnerable. I just feel like because it's India, we're always being told about the hygiene over here and being extra careful... I just felt like it was the most vulnerable," Zampa said.

April 23: Axar Patel re-joins Delhi camp after completing 20-day quarantine

Delhi's Axar Patel, who was the second homegrown player to test positive for Covid-19, completed his 20-day quarantine and has re-joined the team camp. The all-rounder, who attended Wednesday's training session, said that he is enjoying the best moment of his life since his Test debut but is not pushing too hard at the moment.

"I have started batting and bowling practice, but I haven't pushed too hard during training. I have spoken to the doctors about how I should go about my training, and I am carrying out my practice according to their suggestions," Axar said.

That smile tells a story

Welcome back to the field, @akshar2026 #YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/tWX57z0Iho

�?Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 23, 2021

April 17: Bangalore's Daniel Sams completes recovery, joins team bio-bubble

Daniel Sams, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month, has made a complete recovery and joined Team Bangalore's bio-bubble, the Virat Kohli-led side confirmed in a statement.

Official statement:

Daniel Sams is out of quarantine and has joined the RCB bio-bubble today with two consecutive negative reports for COVID-19.

RCB medical team was in constant touch with Sams and has declared him fit to join the team after adhering to all the BCCI protocols.#PlayBold #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/0none9RQ7l

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 17, 2021

April 14: Delhi pacer Anrich Nortje tests Covid-19 positive

After Axar Patel, Team Delhi's South African pacer Anrich Nortje has tested positive for the coronavirus. Nortje had travelled to India on April 6, along with compatriot Kagiso Rabada and the duo was in quarantine. While Nortje entered the hotel with a negative result, his second result has come positive ahead of Delhi's clash with Rajasthan. 

April 7: Team Bangalore's Daniel Sams latest to test Covid-19 positive 

Team Bangalore all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for the Covid-19 in his second test after arriving in India. The 28-year-old Australian is asymptomatic and currently in isolation at a designated medical facility. He will miss the first few matches of Indian T20 League 2021.

Official Statement: Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility.

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021

April 6: Team Mumbai talent scout Kiran More tests Covid-19 positive

Former India wicket-keeper and Team Mumbai's talent scout Kiran More tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. The 58-year-old is asymptomatic and has been isolated from the rest of the Mumbai team.

Official Statement:

Mumbai Indians�?scout and wicket keeping consultant Mr. Kiran More has tested positive for Covid-19. #MumbaiIndians #MI #OneFamily (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Szoweg0MrZ

�?Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 6, 2021

As a precautionary measure, the Mumbai squad has gone into quarantine and skipped the training session on Tuesday. All members of the franchise tested again and are now awaiting the results.

March 22: Devdutt Padikkal becomes third player to test positive for Covid-19

Team Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal became the third cricketer from the Indian T20 League to have tested positive for the coronavirus on March 22. The 20-year-old batsman was quarantining at his home before he joined Bangalore's bio-bubble on April 7 after recovering from the virus. According to Indian T20 League Covid protocols, all players who have tested positive need to get two clear tests in a row after quarantining for at least ten days, and then another test on arrival at the team hotel.

Bold Diaries: Devdutt Padikkal joins the RCB camp after testing negative for COVID-19. He’s healthy, feeling better and raring to go. Here’s a message to all RCB fans from Devdutt.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/BtVszNABJW

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021

April 3: Several Wankhede Stadium ground staff test Covid-19 positive

As many as 10 members of the ground staff and a plumber at the Wankhede Stadium tested positive ahead of the upcoming edition of the high-profile T20 league. The stadium is slated to host 10 matches this season, with the first match scheduled to be held on April 10 between Delhi and Chennai. Meanwhile, BCCI has kept Hyderabad and Indore on standby if the situation goes out of control in Mumbai.

April 3: Delhi all-rounder Axar Patel tests positive for Covid-19

Team Delhi all-rounder Axar Patel became the second player to test positive for the virus. Patel had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28 after arriving with a negative Covid-19 report, but his second test came positive. The 27-year-old immediately isolated himself at a designated medical care facility. He will miss Delhi's opening encounter against MS Dhoni-led Team Chennai on April 10.

UPDATE

Delhi Capitals all-rounder #AxarPatel has tested positive for COVID-19. He had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on Mar 28, 2021, with a negative report. His report from the second COVID test, came positive. pic.twitter.com/CjRKlfzvWR

�?Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 3, 2021

March 22: Kolkata's Nitish Rana first player to test Covid-19 positive in Indian T20 League bio-bubble

Kolkata star batsman Nitish Rana was the first cricketer to test positive for Covid-19 ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian T20 League. The southpaw had joined the Kolkata camp on March 21st after returning a negative Covid test. However, the 27-year-old tested positive for the coronavirus on March 22 and was placed in isolation as per the Indian T20 League Covid protocols. Rana later returned with a negative Covid-19 test and joined the Kolkata team training sessions after an extended 12-day quarantine.

Nitish Rana joined his teammates last evening, after two consecutive negative results for Covid-19

Having just beaten the virus, he urged everyone to stay safe and take all necessary precautions against Corona virus.@NitishRana_27 #KKRHaiTaiyaarhttp://t.co/G6aVZigXQT

�?KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 3, 2021

March 27: Team Mumbai 'Icon' Sachin Tendulkar tests positive for Covid-19

Team Mumbai icon Sachin Tendulkar tested positive for Covid-19, few days after leading the India Legends to the Road Safety World Series title by beating Sri Lanka Legends in the finals. 

The 47-year-old took to Twitter to reveal the news and further stated that he quarantined himself at home as advised by the doctors.

pic.twitter.com/dOlq7KkM3G

�?Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 27, 2021

Tendulkar was later admitted to the hospital as a precautionary measure on April 2.

Featured photo: Twitter / IPL

Team Delhi has replaced their skipper Shreyas Iyer with Anirudha Joshi for the remainder of the Indian T20 League season. Iyer had sustained an injury during India’s ODI series against England last month and was ruled out of this edition of the tournament.

Losing Iyer was a huge blow for Team Delhi especially after his brilliant performance last season when his tally of 518 runs at a strike rate of 123.27 contributed significantly to their run to the final.

Middle-order batsman Anirudha Joshi, who comes as a like for like replacement for Shreyas Iyer, has previously played for Rajasthan and Bangalore. The Karnataka batsman is experienced as well, having played 17 List A and 22 T20 matches so far.

Delhi have also replaced their bowling all-rounder Axar Patel with Shams Mulani on a short-term basis. Patel was fully fit for the Indian T20 League 2021 season before he tested Covid-19 positive on March 28 and had to enter BCCI’s medical facility for isolation and treatment.

Patel has also been instrumental for both Delhi and the national team. While Patel has 913 runs and 80 wickets in the Indian T20 League over the past seven seasons, his debut Test series came earlier this year against England where the all-rounder had scalped 27 wickets in three matches.

His replacement Mulani is also a left-handed batsman as well as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. The all-rounder is a Mumbai player who has already played 10 First-Class, 30 List A and 25 T20 matches so far.

Mulani will be a temporary presence in the Delhi camp till Axar Patel returns but as per protocols, the player won’t be able to play for another Indian T20 League franchise this season even after he leaves Team Delhi.

Apart from Axar Patel, the latest name to test Covid-19 positive for Team Delhi has been their star fast bowler Anrich Nortje. He had travelled to India on April 6, along with compatriot Kagiso Rabada and had entered the hotel with a negative result. However, his second result has come positive ahead of Delhi's clash with Rajasthan.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Noah Seelam

In what could be a massive blow for Team Delhi ahead of the 2021 Indian T20 League season, all-rounder Axar Patel has been tested positive for the global virus, the last year's finalists have confirmed.

"Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for the virus. He had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28, 2021, with a negative report. His report from the second test came positive. He is currently in isolation at a designated medical care facility. The Delhi Capitals medical team is in constant touch with Axar and ensuring his safety and well-being. We wish him a speedy recovery," said a statement from the team.

As per the regulations set by the BCCI, the all-rounder, who starred in India's Test series win over Australia Down Under, is now self-isolating and will continue to do so for at least 10 days. As per the board's statement, if a player has returned positive with the test, he/she must be kept in isolation in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment. “During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately,�?the BCCI SOP states.

Patel is the second player from the Indian T20 League who has returned positive from the virus after Kolkata's Nitish Rana. The batsman has since returned two negative tests and has resumed training with his teammates in Chennai. Delhi play their first game of the new Indian T20 League season against Chennai on April 10 at the Wankhede Stadium; a venue where as many as eight members of the groundstaff recently tested positive for the virus.

Delhi are already without their regular captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been ruled out owing to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant will lead the team in Iyer's absence.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Xavier Galiana

After years of hits and misses, Team Delhi reached their maiden finals of the Indian T20 League in the 2020 edition but finished as the second-best. This was seen as a sign of rejuvenation for a team that often stalled when a winning opportunity knocked on the door.

With Rishabh Pant taking over as Delhi captain in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer, onlookers are curious if the franchise can indeed end their title drought this year. However, considering their performances last term - where they lost just two league games in the first nine before winning one in the last five, consistency is something the 23-year-old will demand from his team-mates.

Delhi kick off their Indian T20 League 2021 season against Chennai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, April 10, and upon closer look of their squad depth, it is safe to say the franchise can possibly go the distance in the latest edition.

Team Delhi squad

Shreyas Iyer’s absence is a massive blow to Delhi’s batting strategy in the Indian T20 League but the team can somehow fill the void with some powerful knocks from Steve Smith - acquired for a meagre fee of Rs 2.20 crores.

The 2020 finalists retained 19 players and released six players - which included the likes of Alex Carey, Keemo Paul and Jason Roy - ahead of the February auctions.

 

• Are Team Mumbai equipped to win their sixth Indian T20 League title?

 

With a purse of Rs 13.40 crores, Delhi weren’t expected to do much business but by adding Smith, Sam Billings (Rs 2 crores) and Umesh Yadav (Rs 1 crore), the team bolstered their options in the batting and pace bowling sector.

England all-rounder Tom Curran was the most expensive buy at Rs 5.25 crore and much will be expected from him in a pace line-up that consists of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Ishant Sharma, besides the 33-year-old Yadav.

Team Delhi squad for Indian T20 League 2021: Shreyas Iyer (ruled out), Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicket-keeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Lalit Yadav, Pravin Dubey, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan, Steve Smith, Umesh Yadav, Ripal Patel, Vishnu Vinod, Lukman Meriwala, Manimaran Siddarth, Tom Curran, Sam Billings

Team Delhi strength and weakness

Strengths:

Delhi is one of the few teams whose batting line-up is quite intimidating, and their performances in the 2020 season showcased their intent to challenge for the title. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant will be charged with laying the foundations for match-winning totals.

 

• Can Rajasthan finally find a good balance in Indian T20 League 2021 season?

 

Prithvi Shaw, who had a forgettable campaign with Delhi last term, warmed up for the upcoming season with 800-plus runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and will look to prove his detractors wrong.

In Marcus Stoinis, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, Delhi have some quality all-rounders who can chip in runs and also take wickets to place the tide of an Indian T20 League in their favour.

The middle-order batters had smashed 1290 runs last season, the most by batsmen in the #4 - #7 slot and the addition of Sam Billings should give an exciting injection to Delhi.

Weakness:

The presence of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Ishant Sharma already made Delhi’s bowling attack something for opposition to fear. But, it is their tendency to leak runs in crucial periods - such as the death overs - which could ultimately cost them a win. They have conceded 595 runs in the powerplay overs - third-most by any team. Pant must devise an effective plan around his bowlers and see that his strengths in the batting and bowling departments are equally balanced.

• Three things Delhi should do to win their maiden title

 

 

For Rishabh Pant, there isn’t a recognised wicket-keeper back-up for him in the Delhi team. Considering the new captain will have new responsibilities to shoulder, and fatigue likely to take a toll on him, the Ricky Ponting-coached team will have to shift their team dynamics should they give the keeping duties to Sam Billings.

Who can be the highest run-scorer for Team Delhi?

Rishabh Pant has had an enjoyable 2021 so far, with a string of match-winning performances in the recent series against England convincing the management to hand him the reigns of the Delhi captaincy. The 23-year-old has stacked 2079 runs in just 68 games at an average and strike rate of 35.23 and 151.97 respectively, a sign that he is prepared to anchor Delhi’s charge for a maiden Indian T20 League crown.

Who can be the highest wicket-taker for Team Delhi?

Looking up at Delhi’s bowling options, one can simply say the Kagiso Rabada will be the champion bowler for the team in the 2021 edition. However, those who have followed the league closely, Amit Mishra will be the leading contender to play a key role in the upcoming campaign. The 38-year-old, with 160 wickets in the T20 extravaganza, featured in three games last term before a finger injury ended his campaign. Mishra is on the cusp of two major milestones - 11 wickets to become the highest wicket-taker in the Indian T20 League and five matches to become the first Delhi player with 100 appearances in the cash-rich league.

Where will Team Delhi finish in Indian T20 League 2021?

Delhi’s current team roster is an indication that they could make it into the playoffs round at the very least, and the presence of experienced figures in Dhawan, Ashwin, Smith and Rahane will be influential to their cause. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to perfect execution of their strengths and that is something Rishabh Pant will need to work in tandem with head coach Ricky Ponting.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Sajjad Hussain