India is now leading the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan 1-0 after the rain-affected first ODI in Dharamsala, which they won by seven wickets. The game was reduced to 25 overs per side after a rain delay, but India still produced a dominant display with bat and ball.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised the team’s selflessness and spoke about how the players were too focused on winning the game rather then thinking about personal milestones

Gavaskar explains what makes this India team different — "They Put the Team First Every Single Time"

Speaking on JioStar's Cricket Live, Gavaskar pointed to KL Rahul's batting near the end of the chase as the perfect example of the team's mindset.

"Before that over from Zia Ur Rahman, he had bowled three overs for just 19 runs. Then KL Rahul took 20 runs off that over. Up until that point, Shubman Gill needed 21 runs to reach his hundred, with about 30 still needed for the team to win. But Rahul took charge," Gavaskar said.

See Also: Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy pauses his press conference to take a call from his mother — IND vs AFG 1st ODI

"That tells you everything about this team. It's not about personal milestones. It's about what each player can do for the team. To win the match in the 23rd over shows how clinical the chase was. It was a stiff target, not an easy one at all. But they made it look so ridiculously simple because they put the team first."

Gavaskar also praised all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and explained how valuable he is to the team because of his ability to contribute in multiple roles. "Depending on the pitch and match situation, he gives the captain and selectors flexibility. Pick me as a batter, pick me as a bowler, I am ready. That is a huge plus for any team," he said.

The batting legend was equally impressed with debutant pacer Gurnoor Brar, who made an immediate impact in his first ODI for India. "For a debutant, his control was excellent. His first ball was around mid-140s, moving away from the right-hander. If you can bowl at that pace with the ability to take the ball away, that's gold," he added.

20 runs off one over, win in 23rd — How KL Rahul and Shubman Gill made a stiff chase look ridiculously simple vs Afghanistan

After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted 194 runs in 24.5 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was outstanding, smashing 102 off just 51 balls with eight fours and eight sixes. However, he received little support from the other batters as India fought back strongly after his dismissal.

India's debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey impressed with three wickets each, while Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up the important wicket of Gurbaz to stop Afghanistan's momentum.

Chasing 195, India lost Rohit Sharma early but captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings brilliantly. Gill remained unbeaten on 84 from 66 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 34 from 22 deliveries. After Shreyas Iyer's dismissal, KL Rahul arrived and changed the game with a quickfire 39 not out from just 19 balls.

See Also: Watch: Shubman Gill takes stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Allah Ghazanfar — IND vs AFG 1st ODI 2026

Rahul's aggressive batting, including a 20-run over against Zia Ur Rahman, ensured India reached 195/3 in just 22.5 overs. Gill was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten knock as India completed the chase with 13 balls to spare.

The second ODI India vs Afghanistan will take place on 17 June 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India looks to seal the series at home while Afghanistan are eyeing a bounce back and leveling the series. 

India have always had the privilege of some incredible openers in almost every era of international cricket, and it’s set to continue in the future too. From the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag’s aggressive approach in the 50-over format in the past, the blue brigade has shifted to many opening combinations. 

In the golden era of the Indian side in the 50-over format, they relied heavily on Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who broke numerous records for the two-time champions. When it comes to the longest format, Murli Vijay has done a tremendous job with Dhawan while they have shifted to the new generation of players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul.

Rohit and Dhawan are equally good in this position for the T20I cricket. It’s never easy to be an opener in any format of the game. They always need to shoulder the responsibility of smashing the big shots and offering a strong platform to the middle order in the 50-over and 20-over games.

In the 90s, the Test openers used to leave as many balls as they could to make it old and create comfort for the upcoming batters. However, the mindset changed with the arrival of Sehwag, who used to smash the bowlers from the very first session of a Test match and get the runs to put the pressure back on the opposition side. After Sehwag’s retirement, Dhawan, and currently Jaiswal, have taken the same route.

Who holds the record? India's highest run-scorer as an opener might surprise you

Some of the opening batters have enjoyed playing in the powerplay as they can go after the bowlers with only two fielders being outside the 30-yard circle in the ODIs and the T20Is. It’s an added advantage. Here are the top five players with the most runs as an opener for the Indian side in international cricket (across the three formats of ODIs, T20Is, and Tests)-

#5 Shikhar Dhawan- 10867 runs as an opener across formats for India-

Shikhar Dhawan is the fifth leading run-getter as an opener for the Indian side in international cricket. The left-handed batter has smashed 10867 runs in 288 innings at an average of nearly 40, thanks to 24 centuries and 55 half-centuries at the best score of 190 runs. Overall, he has got 11 ducks across the three formats.

Dhawan has been decent in the longest format of the game for the blue brigade. The southpaw is the ninth leading run-scorer at the opening position for the national side with 2315 runs in 58 innings at an average of 40.61, thanks to seven centuries and five fifties at the best score of 190 runs, which came on his debut against Australia. 

The Delhi-born is also the fifth-highest run-getter as the opening batter for the Indian side in the 50-over format. He nailed 6793 runs in 164 innings at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, thanks to 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries at the best score of 143 runs.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan ties the knot with Sophie Shine in Gurugram, registers marriage after private ceremony

In the same qualification, Dhawan is India’s third leading run-getter in the shortest format, having clubbed 1759 runs in 66 innings at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 126.36, with the help of 11 fifties at the best score of 92 runs.

Shikhar Dhawan’s record across formats as opener for India-

#4 Sunil Gavaskar- 12258 runs as an opener across formats for India-

In the 90s, there was one batter India used to depend on a lot in the longest format. Sunil Gavaksar. He was one of the greatest opening batters of all time, certainly the most successful. His game was built around the perfect technique and powers of concentration, both of which were important in an era of no helmets and no limitation of bouncers.

It's hard to visualize a more beautiful defense, which is virtually unbreachable, as it made his wicket among the hardest to earn. He played with power both in the front and back foot with the phenomenal judgement of the length and line.

Gavaskar has been India’s fourth leading run-getter as the opener in international cricket. He has smashed 12258 runs in 286 innings at an average of 46.08, having bagged 34 centuries and 67 half-centuries at the best score of 221 runs against the West Indies side.

See Also: Gavaskar backs Sooryavanshi for India T20Is after IPL 2026 Eliminator

Specifically, in the longest format, the Mumbai batter nailed 9607 runs, remaining India’s highest run-getter at the opening position. He averaged 50.29 with 33 centuries and 42 half-centuries at the best score of 221.

The right-handed batter didn’t get the same success, though, in the ODIs with 2651 runs in 83 innings at an average of 35.34. His lone century was turned into 103* along with 25 half-centuries. And there were no T20Is in that era.

Sunil Gavaskar’s record across formats as opener for India-

#3 Sachin Tendulkar- 15335 runs as opener across formats for India-

Is there any record in the world that Sachin Tendulkar hasn’t achieved in the batting department? No matter which record is being highlighted, Tendulkar always finds himself among the top batters. He didn’t start his career as a prolific opener, but once he moved to the position, the records started to come one after another.

Sachin is India’s third leading run-getter for the Indian side in international cricket. The right-handed batter has smashed 15335 runs in 342 innings across the three formats at an average of 48.07. He has celebrated 45 centuries and 75 half-centuries in this order. It’s the joint-most centuries across formats for India.

See Also: Watch: Sachin plays cricket with family mid-flight — Viral video

Tendulkar opened the batting in the longest format only once and returned with 15 runs in 2004. He mostly batted in the middle order of the blue brigade.

In the 50-over format, Tendulkar started as the opening batter in the early 2000s and ended in the position even after nearly 13 years. He is by far the most successful player as the opener in ODIs with 15310 runs in 340 innings at an average of 48.29 and a strike rate of 88.04, thanks to 45 centuries and 75 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 200 in Gwalior against the South Africa side. 

Sachin Tendulkar’s record across formats as opener for India-

#2 Virender Sehwag- 15758 runs across formats for India as opener- 

If there is one player who changed the perception of openers across the formats of the game for the Indian side, then it’s Virender Sehwag. He used to play some fancy upper cuts and other shots around the park without any fear, which showed a different way to the opening batters.

He has been India’s second leading run-getter across formats as the opener, having smacked 15758 runs in 388 innings at a fine average of 41.90, with the help of 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries at the best score of 319 runs.

See Also: Virender Sehwag and his wife Aarti divorced due to new BCCI President? Know full story

In the Tests, irrespective of the conditions, he used to play with an aggressive approach, even against the new ball. He finished as India’s second leading run-getter in the red-ball format with 8124 runs in 168 innings at an average of more than 50, which was a fabulous record, thanks to 22 centuries and 29 half-centuries at the best score of 319.

In terms of the ODI format, Sehwag used to start the game with the boundary on the very first ball of an innings. He drilled 7240 runs in 202 innings of the 50-over cricket with 14 centuries and 34 fifties, at an average of 36.93.

The Delhi-born was part of just 18 innings in the shortest format with 394 runs at a strike rate of more than 145, with two fifties at the best score of 68 runs.

Virender Sehwag’s record across formats as opener for India-

#1 Rohit Sharma- 15994 runs as opener across formats for India 

Rohit Sharma was in the middle order of the Indian side when he made his debut in the 20-over and 50-over games. It was the same case when he played his maiden Test against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2013. But once he made his way into the opening position during the 2013 Champions Trophy, his career took an aggressive turn.

Rohit is India’s leading run-getter across formats as the opener. He has smashed 16010 runs in 384 innings at an average of 45.22, having collected 45 centuries and 83 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs, which came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.

See Also: Top 5 memorable innings of Rohit Sharma in IPL - Cricket Winner

In the longest format, the Mumbai batter has drilled 2697 runs in 66 innings at an average of 42.80 with nine centuries and eight fifties at the best score of 212 against South Africa. In the ODIs, he has scored 9563 runs in 194 innings at an average of 54.43, with 31 centuries and 48 fifties. 

In the shortest format, the Nagpur-born finished as India’s leading run-scorer with 3750 runs in 124 innings at an average of 32.60 and a strike rate of 143.02, thanks to five centuries and 27 fifties at the best score of unbeaten 121 runs.

Rohit Sharma’s record as opener across formats for India-

Top 5 run-getters for India as opener in International cricket- FAQs

Cricket is often described as a game of glorious uncertainties. Over the years, it has produced countless moments of joy, heartbreak, resilience, and inspiration. More than just a sport, cricket is built on values such as respect, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence, creating stories that are remembered for generations.

Among the most cherished stories in the sport are those of father-son duos who have represented their countries at the highest level. These families have left a lasting impact on cricket, with their achievements spanning different eras. While some sons found it difficult to match the standards set by their fathers, others carved out successful careers of their own and built legacies that stood proudly alongside those of the previous generation.

Cricket has also witnessed some truly remarkable family moments on the field. One such occasion came in 2025 when Timor-Leste’s Suhail Sattar and his 17-year-old son, Yahya Suhail, made history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an international cricket match. The landmark moment occurred on November 6 during Timor-Leste’s debut international fixture against Indonesia in Bali.

Over the years, several father-son combinations have shared the field in domestic and club cricket across different countries. However, opportunities to play together at the international level are exceptionally rare due to the challenges of overlapping careers and selection at the highest level. As a result, only a handful of father-son pairs have featured in international cricket, making their achievements even more special. Here is the complete list of some of the most famous father-son duos in cricket history.

10. Abdul Qadir & Usman Qadir (Pakistan)

Abdul Qadir was one of Pakistan's greatest leg-spinners and played a crucial role in keeping the art of wrist spin alive during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his flight, variations, and attacking mindset, he became a nightmare for batters around the world. In 67 Tests, Qadir took 236 wickets, including 15 five-wicket hauls, while his best figures of 9/56 remain one of the finest bowling performances by a Pakistani bowler. He also claimed 132 wickets in 104 ODIs and is widely regarded as one of the most influential spinners in cricket history.

Following in his father's footsteps, Usman Qadir chose the same craft and represented Pakistan as a leg-spinner in international cricket. Blessed with a bowling action similar to Abdul Qadir's, Usman impressed at the youth level before making his mark for the national team. He featured in 25 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 31 wickets at an average of 18.48, with best figures of 4/13. He also played one ODI for the country.

The Qadir family is one of cricket's most notable father-son success stories. While Abdul Qadir established himself as a legendary spinner, Usman carried the family legacy into the modern era. Together, they represent how talent, passion, and dedication to the game can be passed from one generation to the next.

09. Lala Amarnath, Mohinder & Surinder Amarnath (India)

The Amarnath family is one of the most influential families in Indian cricket history. At its heart was Lala Amarnath, a true pioneer of the game in India. He made history by scoring India's first-ever Test century and later served Indian cricket in several roles, including selector, coach, manager, and commentator. In a Test career spanning 24 matches, Lala scored 878 runs and picked up 45 wickets, establishing himself as one of India's earliest cricketing greats.

Lala's legacy was carried forward by his son, Mohinder Amarnath, who became one of India's finest batters. Known for his courage against fast bowling and remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks, Mohinder played a key role in India's 1983 World Cup triumph. He scored 4,378 runs in 69 Tests at an average of 42.50, including 11 centuries, and also amassed 1,924 runs in 85 ODIs. His back-to-back Player of the Match performances in the World Cup semi-final and final remain among the most iconic achievements in Indian cricket.

Another son, Surinder Amarnath, also represented India at the highest level. Although his international career was relatively short, he showed immense promise and scored 550 runs in 10 Tests, including a century on debut. He also featured in three ODIs for India. Together, Lala, Mohinder, and Surinder Amarnath created a remarkable cricketing legacy, making the Amarnath family one of the most celebrated father-son stories in the history of the game.

08. Hemant Kanitkar & Hrishikesh Kanitkar (India)

The Kanitkar family is another notable father-son duo in Indian cricket. Hemant Kanitkar earned recognition through a series of impressive performances in domestic cricket, which eventually led to his selection for the Indian team. A gritty right-handed batter and capable wicketkeeper, Hemant played two Test matches for India against the West Indies in 1974-75. He scored 111 runs in four innings, including a career-best 65 on Test debut, showcasing the talent that had made him a standout performer on the domestic circuit.

His son, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, followed in his footsteps and went on to enjoy a longer international career. Hrishikesh is best remembered for hitting the famous winning boundary off Saqlain Mushtaq in the final of the Independence Cup in Dhaka in 1998, helping India complete a memorable chase against Pakistan. A determined left-handed batter, useful off-spinner, and excellent fielder, he represented India in two Tests and 34 ODIs, scoring 339 ODI runs and picking up 17 wickets.

Although neither Hemant nor Hrishikesh was able to establish himself as a long-term fixture in the Indian side, both made valuable contributions whenever given the opportunity. Their journeys reflect the competitive nature of international cricket and secure the Kanitkar family's place among India's distinguished cricketing father-son duos.

07. Vijay Manjrekar & Sanjay Manjrekar (India)

The Manjrekar family has produced two accomplished cricketers who represented India at the highest level. Vijay Manjrekar was one of India's finest batters during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his elegant stroke play, quick footwork, and strong technique, he was a dependable performer against some of the best bowling attacks of his era. In 55 Test matches, Vijay scored 3,208 runs at an average of 39.12, including seven centuries and 15 half-centuries. His highest score of 189 not out came against England, and he remains one of the most respected batters of his generation.

His son, Sanjay Manjrekar, followed him into international cricket and built a successful career of his own. Renowned for his solid technique and patience at the crease, Sanjay was regarded as one of India's most technically correct batters during the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of the highlights of his career was a brilliant century against the fearsome West Indies pace attack in Barbados, followed by a double century and a century in Pakistan. He scored 2,043 runs in 37 Tests, including four centuries, and added 1,994 runs in 74 ODIs.

Although comparisons with his father were inevitable, Sanjay carved out his own identity in international cricket through determination and consistency. Together, Vijay and Sanjay Manjrekar represent one of India's most respected father-son cricketing legacies, with both making significant contributions to the national team in different eras.

06. Roger Binny & Stuart Binny (India)

The Binny family is one of the most successful father-son combinations in Indian cricket. Roger Binny was a dependable all-rounder who played a vital role in India's historic 1983 World Cup triumph. Known for his ability to swing the ball and contribute valuable runs in the lower order, Roger represented India in 27 Tests and 72 ODIs. The former BCCI president picked up 47 Test wickets and 77 ODI wickets, and produced several match-winning performances, including a memorable unbeaten 83 against Pakistan in 1983.

His son, Stuart Binny, followed in his footsteps as a pace-bowling all-rounder. Although he did not enjoy a lengthy international career, Stuart produced some remarkable performances for India. His most memorable achievement came in 2014 when he recorded figures of 6 for 4 against Bangladesh, which remains the best bowling performance by an Indian in ODI cricket. Stuart played six Tests, 14 ODIs, and three T20Is, scoring useful runs and contributing with both bat and ball whenever called upon.

While Roger Binny is remembered as a World Cup-winning hero, Stuart carved out his own place in the record books with his unique achievements. Together, they represent a cricketing family that made valuable contributions to Indian cricket across two generations, highlighting the importance of versatility and all-round skills in the game.

05. Chris Broad & Stuart Broad (England)

The Broad family is one of England's most accomplished father-son cricketing combinations. Chris Broad enjoyed a successful international career as a dependable opening batter and later went on to serve the game as an ICC match referee. Known for his determination and consistency at the top of the order, Chris scored 1,661 runs in 25 Test matches at an average of 39.54, including six centuries. He also represented England in 34 ODIs, scoring 1,361 runs with one century and 11 half-centuries.

His son, Stuart Broad, went on to achieve even greater success and established himself as one of the finest fast bowlers in cricket history. A fierce competitor with an aggressive approach, Stuart formed a legendary new-ball partnership with James Anderson and became a cornerstone of England's bowling attack for more than a decade. He finished his career with 604 wickets in 167 Test matches, making him one of the highest wicket-takers in the history of the format. Stuart also claimed 178 wickets in ODIs and 65 wickets in T20Is while contributing valuable runs lower down the order.

Together, Chris and Stuart Broad left a lasting impact on English cricket across different generations. While Chris made his mark as a reliable opening batter, Stuart became one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen. Their achievements make the Broad family one of the most successful father-son stories in international cricket.

04. Suhail Sattar & Yahya Suhail (Timor-Leste)

The Sattar family created a unique piece of cricket history when Suhail Sattar and his son, Yahya Suhail, became the first father-son duo to play together in an international cricket match. The historic moment took place on November 6, 2025, during Timor-Leste's debut international fixture against Indonesia in Bali. Their appearance together marked a landmark occasion not only for their family but also for Timor-Leste cricket.

What made the achievement even more special was that the father and son shared time at the crease, batting together for their country. Suhail Sattar, aged 50, had been one of the key figures behind the development of cricket in Timor-Leste, and seeing him play alongside his 17-year-old son was a memorable moment for everyone involved with the sport in the country.

See also -Top 5 largest wins for India in Tests ft. IND vs AFG 2026 one-off Test

Although Timor-Leste faced challenges in their early international matches, the story of Suhail and Yahya became one of the highlights of their historic debut campaign. Their achievement showcased the power of family, dedication, and passion for the game, creating an inspiring chapter in international cricket history.

03. Peter Pollock & Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

The Pollock family is one of the most celebrated cricketing families in South African history. Peter Pollock was among South Africa's leading fast bowlers during the 1960s and played a major role in establishing the country's reputation as a producer of world-class pacers. In 28 Test matches, he claimed 116 wickets at an impressive average of 24.18, including six five-wicket hauls. His contributions to South African cricket extended beyond his playing days, as he later served as a selector and mentor to future generations.

His son, Shaun Pollock, went on to become one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen. Renowned for his accuracy, consistency, and ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Shaun enjoyed a remarkable international career spanning more than a decade. He played 108 Tests, scoring 3,781 runs and taking 421 wickets, while also claiming 393 wickets in 303 ODIs. His achievements made him one of South Africa's most valuable players and one of the finest all-rounders of his era.

See also -Top 5 Indian wicketkeepers with most sixes in Test cricket — Where does Rishabh Pant rank?

Together, Peter and Shaun Pollock built a cricketing legacy that few families can match. While Peter laid the foundation as a premier fast bowler, Shaun elevated the family name to even greater heights with his all-round brilliance. Their combined impact on South African cricket makes the Pollock family one of the most respected father-son stories in the history of the sport.

02. Sunil Gavaskar & Rohan Gavaskar (India)

The Gavaskar family is one of the most recognized father-son combinations in Indian cricket. Sunil Gavaskar is widely regarded as one of the greatest opening batters in the history of the game. Known for his flawless technique, remarkable concentration, and ability to excel against the world's best fast bowlers, he became the first batter to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. During his illustrious career, Gavaskar amassed 10,122 runs in 125 Tests at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries, cementing his place among cricket's all-time greats.

Following his father's footsteps, Rohan Gavaskar also represented India at the international level. A left-handed batter with a more aggressive style than his father, Rohan earned opportunities in the Indian ODI side during the early 2000s. Although he could not establish himself as a regular member of the national team, he enjoyed a successful domestic career, playing more than 100 first-class matches and contributing significantly for Bengal. In international cricket, he featured in 11 ODIs and scored 151 runs, including a half-century.

See also -Watch: Sunil Gavaskar backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India T20I call-up after 97 off 29 in IPL 2026 Eliminator

While Rohan's career did not reach the extraordinary heights achieved by his father, representing India itself was a significant accomplishment. Together, Sunil and Rohan Gavaskar remain one of India's most notable father-son cricketing duos, with the former becoming a legend of the game and the latter proudly carrying forward the family legacy.

01. Geoff Marsh, Shaun & Mitchell Marsh 

The Marsh family is one of the most successful cricketing families in Australia. Geoff Marsh was a dependable opening batter who played a key role for Australia during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his determination and simple but effective batting style, Geoff scored 2,854 runs in 50 Tests and 4,357 runs in 117 ODIs, including nine ODI centuries. He was also a member of Australia's 1987 World Cup-winning team and later served as a coach and selector.

Geoff's sons, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh, both went on to represent Australia at the highest level. Shaun was a stylish left-handed batter who enjoyed success across formats, scoring 2,265 runs in 38 Tests and 2,773 runs in 73 ODIs. Although injuries and competition for places prevented him from becoming a long-term fixture in the side, he remained one of Australia's most talented batters. Mitchell, meanwhile, developed into one of the world's leading all-rounders. He has scored more than 2,000 Test runs, over 3,000 ODI runs, and has also contributed regularly with the ball. Mitchell played a crucial role in Australia's 2021 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup triumphs.

Together, Geoff, Shaun, and Mitchell Marsh have created a remarkable cricketing legacy. Geoff laid the foundation with a successful international career, while his sons carried the family name forward with achievements of their own. Their combined contributions make the Marsh family one of the most celebrated father-son stories in Australian cricket history.

Notable Mentions

Yograj and Yuvraj Singh

The Singh family is one of the most well-known father-son combinations in Indian cricket. Yograj Singh was a fast-bowling all-rounder who represented India in one Test and six ODIs during the early 1980s. Although his international career was brief, he remained deeply connected to the game and later played an important role in shaping the cricketing journey of his son, Yuvraj Singh. Yograj's passion for cricket and dedication to training laid the foundation for one of India's greatest modern-day cricketers.

Yuvraj Singh went on to achieve far greater success and became one of India's most influential match-winners. A powerful left-handed batter and useful left-arm spinner, Yuvraj was a key member of the teams that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. His unforgettable feat of hitting six sixes in an over against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Across his international career, Yuvraj scored 8,701 runs in 304 ODIs, including 14 centuries, while also taking 111 wickets with his left-arm spin.

Together, Yograj and Yuvraj Singh represent a remarkable cricketing story of determination and achievement. While Yograj's international career was short, his greatest contribution to Indian cricket came through guiding and mentoring his son. Yuvraj's success on the world stage ensured that the Singh family would be remembered as one of the most celebrated father-son legacies in the history of Indian cricket.

Even a day after the breath-taking 97-run knock off 29 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in New Chandigarh, the world is yet to settle, as Sunil Gavaskar has backed the 15-year-old to make his India debut in England.  

Sooryavanshi is currently the leading run-getter of the IPL 2026 before the second qualifier of the event. He has smashed 680 runs in 15 innings at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85 with four fifties and one century at the best score of 103 runs. 

What Sunil Gavaskar said about Sooryavanshi's 97 off 29 that left everyone stunned

The firmer Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, felt everyone, except the Sunrisers Hyderabad management, players, and their fans, was disappointed with Sooryavanshi missing the fastest IPL century record, overtaking Chris Gayle in New Chandigarh.

Watch Sunil Gavaskar praising Vaibhav Sooryavanshi here- 

Legend Sunil Gavaskar says Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not a slogger:

"What we saw last night was something very very extraordinarily special, when you talk about someone's ability to hit six, the picture comes to your mind is of a slogger but this kid is not a slogger, this kid… pic.twitter.com/MYSklZxOEt

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) May 28, 2026

“What we saw last night was something very extraordinary. When you talk about someone's ability to hit six, the picture that comes to your mind is of a slogger, but this kid is not a slogger; this kid plays with a straight bat long-off over the bowler's head, at long-on hits such technically perfect sixes.” Gavaskar said on SportsTak.

“And, when the bowler bowls short balls, the way he comes inside the line & plays hooks & pulls, he hits very clean sixes. Last night, not just me but everyone except SRH players were sad when he missed his fastest 100.” The former Indian opener revealed about the Rajasthan Royals (RR) star. 

Gavaskar's verdict: Why Sooryavanshi must be in India's T20I squad for England right now

The veteran felt that the 15-year-old had been prepared to feature for the national side in the shortest format and should be in the squad for their upcoming series against Ireland and England after the end of the IPL 2026.

“He is absolutely ready for T20Is.  hope that when India’s T20I squad for the England tour is selected, he gets a place in the team. He absolutely deserves it because after such a tremendous performance, if you won’t pick him now, then when will you?” Gavaskar addressed.

See Also: All 12 sixes by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in RR vs SRH IPL 2026 Eliminator — Full highlights | Watch

“Don’t look at his age. Don’t look at his age at all, because the way he is hitting boundaries against players who are 15 years older than him — players who have far more international cricket experience — and sending them into the stands, his age simply shouldn’t matter.” The former opener concluded.

97 off 29 was just a warning — Why Sooryavanshi is RR's X-factor in Qualifier 2 vs Gujarat Titans

Against Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi was the X-factor with the bat for the Royals as he blasted the game and took it away from Hyderabad in the first half-hour. The RR fans and the management will hope for another festive evening from him in the qualifier.

See Also: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's hat-trick sixes off Pat Cummins in RR vs SRH IPL 2026 Eliminator — Watch

In the same venue, the India batter will be up against the formidable bowling of the Gujarat Titans side, including Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, apart from Rashid Khan in the spin department. The winner between RR and GT will progress into the final of the IPL 2026 to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals produced a dominant performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, securing a massive 47-run victory. The match was expected to be a close contest because of the strong batting line-ups of both teams, but Rajasthan completely controlled the game thanks to a sensational innings from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The young opener stole the spotlight with a breathtaking knock of 97 runs off just 29 balls. Before the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins had said that his team had plans A, B, and C ready for the teenager. However, once the game began, none of those plans worked as Sooryavanshi attacked the Hyderabad bowlers from the very beginning and dominated the contest with fearless strokeplay.

Apart from his explosive batting, Sooryavanshi also went viral on social media for a heartwarming moment after the match. A video showed the 15-year-old touching the feet of former Indian cricketers and commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Bangar. Fans praised the youngster for his humility, respect for seniors, and grounded nature despite his growing fame. Watch the special video here.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rushed to touch the feet of Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Bangar, who were doing the pre-match show 😂 Dhoni ,Live TV#SRHvsRR #JioOTTPass pic.twitter.com/a9wNes4AZ9

— Rolex x👑 (@Tfg85743663) May 27, 2026

Gavaskar and Bangar never saw it coming — and that's exactly what made it perfect

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again won hearts with his humility ahead of the IPL 2026 Eliminator between the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The young batter has often been seen showing respect to his elders, and another touching moment involving him recently went viral on social media.

The viral video shows Sooryavanshi practising on the field before the big match while also enjoying a game of football with his Rajasthan Royals teammates. At the same time, former Indian cricketers and commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Bangar were present near the ground for the pre-match show coverage.

See also -IPL 2026: “Nobody else…”- Sunil Gavaskar requests BCCI to take action on fresh concern

As soon as Sooryavanshi noticed the two respected cricket personalities, the 15-year-old immediately walked towards them and touched their feet one after the other as a mark of respect. The heartfelt gesture surprised Gavaskar and Bangar and quickly earned praise from fans, who admired the youngster’s grounded nature and humility despite his rising fame.

Suryavanshi tried touching Jatin Sapru’s feet too — but the commentator hilariously tried to escape

Apart from respectfully touching the feet of Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Bangar, Sooryavanshi also shared a funny and heartwarming moment with sports presenter Jatin Sapru on the field.

After greeting the former Indian cricketers, the 15-year-old walked towards Jatin Sapru to touch his feet as well. However, the commentator quickly stepped back after realising what Sooryavanshi was about to do, creating a light-hearted moment during the practice session.

See also -"Bat swing is outstanding" — Sachin Tendulkar can't stop praising Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his blistering 97 in IPL 2026 Eliminator

Despite Sapru trying to avoid the gesture playfully, Sooryavanshi followed him and finally touched his feet before returning to practice. The wholesome interaction quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the Rajasthan Royals youngster for his humility, simplicity, and respect towards his elders.

97 off 29 balls and 12 sixes — Suryavanshi broke Gayle's record and made IPL Eliminator history at just 15

The T20s were designed to be short and exciting, making it easy for the fans to stay in the stadium and enjoy the ground. But these days, the games have become quite long, nearly four hours or even more, creating issues for the parents to take their son or daughter back to the ground. 

In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the game between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Wankhede Stadium went over the four-hour mark and didn’t seem to be ending any time soon due to several injuries. 

Sunil Gavaskar urges BCCI to take action on new concern

The former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has lashed out at the delays in play during the ongoing IPL, with multiple games getting well over the scheduled time. 

“Often, one sees the unnecessary sight of reserve players stepping onto the ground to give a bottle of water to a fielder near the boundary. That should not be allowed, as it effectively means more than 11 players on the field while play is on, even if it is between deliveries.” Gavaskar wrote in his column on Mid-Day.

See Also: Delhi Capitals troll themselves with epic meme after bundling out for 75 in IPL 2026 vs RCB

“During strategic time-outs, too, one often sees half a dozen people on the field, including batters who are yet to come in. That is taking liberties too far. Apart from two reserve players carrying drinks and two members of the coaching staff, nobody else should be allowed on the ground.” He revealed.

The Mumbai-born suggested a few changes that could be made to reduce the delays after a wicket falls. He criticized the players for taking frequent breaks in between overs.

“Since all batters are already in the dugout, the allowance of two minutes can be reduced to one minute. If a batter is still not ready to face the bowler, then after a couple of warnings, penalty runs should be imposed." Gavaskar concluded in his column. 

PBKS and RCB showed clinical performance in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are at the top of the points table. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is in first position with six victories in seven encounters, having not lost a single clash, at the net run rate of +1.333. Bengaluru, on the other hand, is at two with six wins in eight clashes. 

Lucknow Super Giants are at the bottom of the table with just two victories in eight games. The Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and the Delhi Capitals are stuck in the middle muddle of the table.

IPL seasons are remembered for much more than just two months of cricket. They are a complete entertainment spectacle, where the action on the field is matched by the excitement created off it. Commentary plays a key role in this, adding depth, emotion, and energy to every moment of the game.

As IPL 2026 approaches, the Indian Premier League is set to deliver yet another thrilling season, beginning on March 28. Broadcasters are leaving no stone unturned to enhance the viewing experience. Along with high-intensity matches, fans can look forward to top-quality analysis, as Star Sports has announced a strong and diverse panel of commentators for the upcoming edition.

The IPL has always stood out for combining exciting cricket with engaging and insightful commentary. Continuing this tradition, Star Sports has brought together a balanced mix of legendary cricketers, experienced broadcasters, and fresh voices, ensuring a rich and enjoyable experience for viewers throughout IPL 2026.

Also read -Ravichandran Ashwin joins Hindi commentary panel for IPL 2026

Full list of English commentators revealed ahead of IPL 2026

Well-known names like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri will lead the commentary panel, bringing many years of experience and useful insights. Adding more excitement, T20 stars like AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina will also be part of the panel, offering fresh ideas and modern views of the game.

With ten teams playing over 70 matches, including the opening game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the commentators will play an important role in making the matches more exciting for fans around the world.

Here is the complete list of English commentators:

AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn, Faf du Plessis, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Michael Clarke, Sunil Gavaskar, M Kartik, Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Danny Morrison, Darren Ganga, Knick Knight, Graeme Swann, Alan Wilkins, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Anjum Chopra, WV Raman, Raunak Kapoor, Mitchell McClenaghan, Katey Martin, Simon Katich, Harsha Bhogle, and Ravi Shastri.

The Hindi commentary team features a mix of former players and experts like Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, bringing energy and strong insights.  Hindi digital watch-along will include Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and others, sharing match insights and player experiences. The Tamil feed will feature Russel Arnold and RJ Balaji, along with names like Manvinder Bisla and S Badrinath, adding regional flavor.

Complete list of Hindi commentators:

Ravichandran Ashwin, Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sanjay Bangar, Piyush Chawla, Mohammad Kaif, Ajay Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Cheteshwar Pujara, Aakash Chopra, Saba Karim, Padamjeet Sehrawat, Anant Tyagi, and Deep Dasgupta

160+ voices. 12 languages. 1 epic STARCAST! 🎙️

Voices that will bring TATA IPL 2026’s Bindaas energy to your screens! 😍#TATAIPL 2026 👉 Starts SAT, 28th MAR, 5:30 PM pic.twitter.com/YOCQS1Qwcy

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 27, 2026

Complete list of Tamil, Bengali and other commentators:

Tamil: RJ Balaji, Muthuraman, Vishnu Hariharan, Ashwath Bobo, KV Satyanarayan, Subramaniam Badrinath, Yo Mahesh, Sadagopan Ramesh, Thirush Kamini, Baba Aparajith, Baba Indrajith, R Sridhar, Russel Arnold, and Abhinav Mukund

Telugu: MSK Prasad, Hanuma Vihari, NC Kaushik, T Suman, Kalyan Krishna, Ashish Reddy, Akshath Reddy, Ravi Teja, and Kalyan Kollarappu

Kannada: Vinay Kumar, Vijay Bharadwaj, Srinivas Murthy, Kiran Srinivasa, Sumesh Goni, Shashank Suresh, Bharat Chipli, K Gowtham, Pavan Deshpande, GK Anil, B Akhil, J Suchith, and Veda Krishnamurthy

Bhojpuri: Sumit Mishra, Saurabh Singh, Shivam Singh, Gulam Hussain, Satya Prakash, Abhay Kumar, and Jwala Singh

Punjabi: Sarandeep Singh, Chetan Sharma, Rahul Sharma, VRV Singh, Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Mandeep Singh, Gurjit Singh, and Sunil Taneja

Haryanvi: Manvinder Bisla, Anil Chaudhary, Sonu Sharma, Ajit R, Ashish Hooda, Sumit Narwal, Vishwaas, and Ravin Kundu

Marathi: Dhawal Kulkarni, Kiran More, Salil Ankola, Aditya Tare, Prasad Kshirsagar, Praveen Tambe, Prasanna Sant, Chaitanya Sant, and Ganesh Joshi

Gujarati: Sheldon Jackson, Nayan Mongia, Atul Bedade, Rakesh Patel, Bhargav Bhatt, Aseem Parikh, Akash Trivedi, and Manpreet Juneja

Malayalam: Sachin Baby, Vishnu Hariharan, VA Jagadeesh, CM Deepak, Rohan Prem, Sony Cheravatur, Raiphi Gomez, Manu Krishnan, MD Nideesh, and Aju John Thomas

Bengali: Shreevats Goswami, Jhulan Goswami, Saradindu Mukherjee, RJ Varun, Sanjeeb Mukherjea, Subhomoy Das, Shiladitya Chatterjee, Anustup Majumdar, Raja Venkatraman, and Gautam Bhattacharya

IPL 2026 to begin from March 28 as new season kicks off

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is set to commence on March 28, bringing back the excitement of one of the world’s most popular cricket leagues. Fans can look forward to high-intensity matches, top international and domestic players, and competitive performances as teams battle for the title. With well-balanced squads and fresh strategies, the new season promises engaging action from the outset.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to cancel the opening ceremony this year. The decision has been taken as a mark of respect for the 11 lives lost in a tragic stampede incident in Bengaluru last year, which occurred a day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the IPL 2025 title.

As per the official schedule, the tournament will proceed as planned, with the opening match to be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28. The season will conclude on May 31, with the final scheduled to take place in Bengaluru.

Indian Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar became emotional when asked to honor Nari Contractor with a lifetime achievement award. In a rare sighting, Gavaskar was in tears as he idealized Contractor as his childhood hero.

Gavaskar explained how important Nari Contractor has been to him throughout the journey in the sports sector. The 76-year-old recalled a moment when he used to be an aspirant, listening to a commentary when Contractor was batting against England.

Sunil Gavaskar recalls Nari Contractor’s inspiring comeback

Recalling the spectrum from the early days, Gavaskar mentioned that, in that match, Nari Contractor batted with a broken rib for another two to three hours. The moment, the commentary, and the heart-out batting of Nari Contractor became a turning point in his career forever.

Read More: CSK arranges exclusive fans-players meetup before IPL 2026: Full details

“I mean, for me, it is an incredible honor to be able to, I'm getting emotional here, to be able to present this award, the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nari Contractor. We learned so much from him. Firstly, as an opening bat, you need courage”, Sunil Gavaskar said from the stage.

Why Nari Contractor remains a legendary figure in Indian cricket

“I remember listening to the commentary, 1959 of the Lord's Test Match, and very early in his innings, he got hit in the chest by a ball from Brian Statham that got up, broke a rib, and he carried on. He carried on, batted for another two to three hours, and finally got out at 81. But for somebody who was just looking at playing a little bit of gully cricket, street cricket, it was an inspiration”, he further added.

From the knock of Nari Contractor, who is now 92, Gavaskar came to learn that without pain, he would not become a proper batter. Even a blow on the head could not stop the legend, Gavaskar recalled.

“It was that if you want to be a batter, you've got to be prepared to take the pain. And if you've got to be a batter for your country, you should be able to put your life on the line. I mean, that was it. So, when he got hit on the head, after that, he also made a comeback. He made a comeback to the, to first class cricket and got hundreds. But clearly at that stage, there were no helmets”, Sunil Gavaskar mentioned.

It was an emotional moment for the cricket fans as well. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan was there among the attendees. The camera captured some numb eyes of some of the fans as well. 

"Nari Contractor - He was hit on the head by Charlie Griffith", one of the comments in the social media post reads. "One legend talks about legendary heroics of another legend... So inspiring, humble, and kind of cute", another cricket fan wrote in the comment section. 

Watch the video here;

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 Fans react to the emotional moment

We can resonate with this. We belong to a generation where we get emotional for our heroes. We don't abuse other players. Cricket meant so much for us..

— Vinayak Dubey 🇮🇳 (@vinayvaani) March 14, 2026

One of the best cricketers of all time and great analyst too. Calls a spade a spade without any fear.

— Sameer Singh (@Imsamtheone) March 14, 2026

The T20 World Cup 2026 final will feature India facing New Zealand on Sunday, March 8, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have prepared rigorously for this match, and neither should be underestimated. However, debate surrounds India's playing XI for the final, as Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy's underwhelming performances have sparked concern. Consequently, many experts advocate dropping both, while others continue to support them.

Sunil Gavaskar has also given important suggestions regarding India's playing XI for the final match. Gavaskar wants Abhishek Sharma, an out-of-form opener, to be dropped and Rinku Singh to be played in the title match against New Zealand.

See Also: Watch: MS Dhoni arrives in Ahmedabad ahead of IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Abhishek's performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been quite disappointing, as he has scored only 89 runs in seven innings so far, including three ducks. Abhishek is facing significant difficulties against off-spinners.

"It's a very tough call. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, but he hasn't learned from his dismissals. He keeps getting out in the same region where his arms are cramped for room. Bowlers are targeting that area and forcing mistakes. My concern is that he either hasn't adjusted yet or is unable to change his approach." On the eve of the IND vs NZ final, Sunil Gavaskar said on India Today.

Sunil Gavaskar wants India to include Rinku Singh

Considering Abhishek's poor form, the former Indian opener has urged Team India to include Rinku Singh in the playing XI. He said,

"I would like to see Ishan Kishan open the batting with Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh coming into the side. Rinku has that belief—you've probably seen the 'God's Plan' tattoo on his body—and sometimes things just work out for players like him."

If Abhishek Sharma is replaced by Rinku Singh, India will have to open with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Rinku will be seen playing as a finisher. However, he hasn't done much in the current tournament either and has scored 24 runs in five innings with an average of eight and a strike rate of 82.75.

Sunil Gavaskar has also suggested dropping spinner Varun Chakravarthy, as his confidence appears to be low. Gavaskar wants Kuldeep Yadav to play in the final. Whether India takes the risk of making two major changes in the final remains to be seen.

Thursday (February 26) was a good day for India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa defeated the West Indies by nine wickets, alleviating concerns about India's net run rate. India then defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs to maintain its position in the semi-final race. Now, India will have to defeat the West Indies to secure a place in the semi-finals. The match between these two teams is scheduled for March 1 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.

While all Indian fans and former cricketers are hopeful that Team India will once again win the T20 World Cup, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has a different opinion. Gavaskar doesn't point to India, but rather to two other teams that have already qualified for the semifinals.

See Also: Watch: Heartbreaking news!! Star India player's father passes away during T20 World Cup 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has described South Africa, which has qualified for the semi-finals from Group X, and England, which has secured a place in the final four from Group Y, as strong title contenders. Under Aiden Markram’s captaincy, the Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament, having defeated India by 76 runs and the West Indies by 9 wickets in the Super 8. England, after losing one group stage match, rebounded with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka and a 2-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Super 8.

Sunil Gavaskar picks England and South Africa as favourites

During a discussion on India Today, Sunil Gavaskar picked England and South Africa as the two favorites to win the T20 World Cup. Gavaskar also said that England may have lost some wickets quickly in the middle against Pakistan, but that it's not a cause for concern.

The Indian legend praised the English team, saying:

"For me, the two favorites are South Africa and England. England might have had a close victory, but that again is down to the modern tendency to try and finish the game off with a six. Otherwise, the England win would have been a very, very easy win against Pakistan."

"England, because they've got the bowlers who can bowl spin as well as quick. They've got a very good bowling attack and the batting also, they've got a fair bit of depth over there. So I think England and South Africa are the two teams to watch out for," he added.

England and South Africa still have one match each remaining in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2026. England will face New Zealand on 27 February, while South Africa will take on Zimbabwe on 1 March.