Greaves was troubled by the injury throughout his innings, particularly while running. The team physiotherapist attended to him repeatedly as he battled through the problem. Despite the discomfort, the opener completed his first ODI century, scoring 101 from 108 deliveries before being dismissed lbw by Kuldeep Yadav.

He did not return to the field during India's chase, and assessment has ruled him out of Wednesday's second match. West Indies, who trail 0-1 in the three-match series, will therefore have to make a change to their top order for Guwahati immediately.

West Indies lose key run-scorer

The absence of Greaves removes one of West Indies' most productive ODI batters from the team. Since the beginning of 2025, he has scored 528 runs in 19 ODI innings, making him the team's third-highest run-scorer. He has also taken seven wickets with the ball.

His century formed a major part of West Indies' total in the opening game. They posted 295 for seven from 50 overs, but India chased the target with ease, reaching 300 for two in 41.4 overs to win by eight wickets.

West Indies now face the task of replacing Greaves' runs and his presence at the top of the batting order. Jewel Andrew is among the options and could move up to open alongside John Campbell, while Sherfane Rutherford is expected to return to the middle order.

Read also: What is Virat Kohli’s ODI Record in Guwahati?

Rutherford set for return

Rutherford missed the first ODI because of personal reasons, and his return would strengthen the middle order. Greaves' recovery will determine whether he can play the series finale.

The second ODI is on Wednesday, followed by the final match on October 3. The five-match T20I series begins on October 6, without Greaves.

West Indies must now manage the opener's injury while reshaping a batting order that struggled to defend 295 in Thiruvananthapuram. India lead 1-0, leaving West Indies needing a response in Guwahati. Greaves' absence leaves them without the batter who scored their only century of the match.

For that, the BCCI medical team is monitoring the players and body, keeping in mind their workload, as the New Zealand series is likely to be a demanding one.

The BCCI 10-point diktat has already mandated the international players to be available for the domestic matches. A Times of India report claimed that these diktats can bring star players like KL Rahul, captain Shubman Gill, and even Jasprit Bumrah to play for Karnataka, Punjab, and Gujarat, respectively, for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy.

Among the three, Bumrah's workload needs to be managed delicately. The board is believed to be flexible in his case. And he might either be playing a Ranji Trophy match or an India A first-class match before that.

Apart from that, the selectors are keeping a close eye on players like Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy, someone who has just recovered from an injury. The medical team is managing the star players, and given the "clearance," they are expected to play at least one red ball match in domestic cricket.

Read also: What is Virat Kohli’s ODI Record in Guwahati?

BCCI preparing to overcome the 0-3 shockwave of home New Zealand series

India is already struggling in this World Test Championship cycle, fighting hard to stay in the race at least. These two upcoming Tests against New Zealand are a part of the 205-27 WTC. 

Meanwhile, India has not even had enough red ball games before the series. In 2024, at home, New Zealand enjoyed a record 3-0 win, exposing India's lesser exposure to the format.

The Test starting on November 19 in Wellington will not only test India in the WTC runs but will also decide the future of coach Gautam Gambhir in the long run as India is desperately trying to get back the lost glory in this format.

India will be playing the second ODI on Wednesday at Guwahati, Barsapara Stadium, against the West Indies, for the second ODI of the series. India will be looking to get a lead after winning the first one in Thiruvananthapuram.

Prior to that, on Tuesday, in Guwahati, the Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having an extensive chat with Ojha along with the other three selectors, R. P. Singh, Shiv Sundar Das, and Ajay Ratra, at the Barsapara Stadium.

Despite Agarkar being the one selecting the squad for the West Indies series, he was not there. Notably, this was Agarkar's last assignment as a chief selector.

Read also: What is Virat Kohli’s ODI Record in Guwahati?

Why was the interaction between the selectors and Gambhir important?

Post the West Indies series, India will tour New Zealand for a really hectic series starting on October 22 till December 1, featuring five T20Is, five ODI's, and two Tests. Apart from that, India A will play three Tests too. 

The Pragya Ojha selection committee will choose the team, keeping in mind the four-day gap between the final ODI on November 15 at Tauranga and the first Test starting on November 19, in Wellington.

Reports said earlier that India will be having a separate team for the last two ODIs, resting the multiformat players to keep them fresh for the Tests. Not only that, the Indian team is likely to have a separate set of coaching staff for it.

The hosts have already taken a 1-0 lead in the series after registering an emphatic eight-wicket win in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. Kohli was one of the standout performers, scoring an unbeaten 139 from 88 balls as India chased down 296 with a flourish. The right-handed batter also became the first Indian to cross the 15,000 ODI run mark during the innings.

The former India captain returns to Guwahati, where he has an outstanding record in the 50-over format.

Virat Kohli Has Scored Two Centuries in Two ODIs at Guwahati

Kohli has featured in two ODIs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and has scored 253 runs in the process.

He made his debut at the venue in October 2018 in a match against the same opponent – West Indies. Chasing down a huge total of 323, Kohli struck a brilliant 140 off 107 balls. He formed a fabulous stand of 261 with Rohit Sharma as India chased down the total with a couple of wickets remaining.

The right-handed batter returned to Guwahati in January 2023 to face Sri Lanka and recorded another century in a convincing 113 off 87 balls. Kohli hit 12 fours and one six in the innings as India amassed a huge total of 373 in the process.

That means Kohli has scored a century on both occasions he has batted in an ODI at the venue.

He has scored 253 runs in two innings at an average of 126.50, making it one of the best venues for him in India in terms of ODIs.

Also Read | Virat Kohli gets his 55th! Reached his ton with a six against West Indies

Kohli Returns to Guwahati in Strong Form Against West Indies

Virat Kohli will arrive in Guwahati in a confident mood after recording an unbeaten century in the series opener.

His 139 not out in Thiruvananthapuram was his 55th ODI century and propelled India to an early series lead. The hosts will be keen to complete a clean sweep in the three-match series when they face West Indies in Guwahati.

Kohli’s previous two ODIs at the venue have both resulted in centuries, as he has scored 140 and 113. The right-handed batter has not left the ground without recording a century in an ODI there, and he will be looking to continue the streak when the hosts face West Indies in the second ODI.

Babar is among a number of Pakistan players who have entered the auction pool, while Murugan Ashwin is the only Indian player to feature on the 400-player shortlist. The auction will be the first in ILT20 history since the league moved away from its draft system.

Several high-profile names from around the world of cricket figure on the auction pool, while Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Trent Boult are among those to miss out on the 400-player list.

Babar Azam Leads Strong Pakistan Group for ILT20 Auction

Babar is one of the stand-out names available at the auction, with the Pakistan list also including the likes of Fakhar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz and a host of other players.

Murugan Ashwin is the only Indian player in the auction pool, with Australia represented by Chris Green.

England have the largest number of players registered (70 names) in the auction pool, with Afghanistan (56 players) and Sri Lanka (24 players) not far behind, along with West Indies (23 players) and Ireland (16 players).

The pool also features a number of high-profile international names such as Faf du Plessis, Shakib Al Hasan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Also Read | Watch: Babar Azam's 7-Year Domestic Comeback Ends in Nightmare After Arshad Iqbal's Bouncer

ILT20 Introduces Auction System for 2026-27 Season

The ILT20 will introduce an auction system for the first time ahead of the 2026-27 season, with all six franchises having already retained their core players prior to the auction.

Each team will also be permitted to use up to four Right to Match cards on players who represented them last season.

Every franchise will enter the auction with a purse of US$1.3 million and will be required to construct a squad of between 18 and 23 players.

With Babar Azam and a host of other international stars available, the first-ever ILT20 auction is set to provide an important boost to the league ahead of its new season.

Complete Country-Wise Player List

India: Murugan Ashwin

Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Tariq, Hassan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Farhan Yousaf, Ghazi Ghori, Sufyan Moqim, Hunain Shah

Afghanistan: Abdullah Ahmadzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ul Rahman Akakhail, Rahmat Shah Zurmatai, Ismatullah Alam, Abdullah Tarakhail, Younas Zadran, Shams ur Rahman, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Mohammad Akram, Hazratullah Zazai, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Naveed Obaid, Zubairullah Akbari, Haroon Khan, Mohammad Asif, Shawkat Zaman, Afsar Khan Zazai, Sediq Pacha, Mahboob Taskin, Fareed Malik, Amir Hamza Hotak, Yamin Ahmadzai, Azim Khan, Rohullah Arab, Amanullah Kunari, Samiullah Faqiri, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Arab Gul, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote, Hassan Eisakhil, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Allah Ghazanfar, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Izharulhaq Naveed, Imran Mir, Saleem Safi, Wahidullah Zadran, Bilal Sami, Yama Arab, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Farmanullah Safi, Shahidullah Kamal, Khalil Gurbaz, Nooristani Omarzai

Bangladesh: Hasan Mahmud, Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Taskin Ahmed, Md. Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

England: Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Craig Overton, Moeen Ali, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Aneurin Donald, James Rew, Max Holden, William Smeed, David Payne, Richard Gleeson, Saqib Mahmood, Nathan Sowter, David Willey, James Coles, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Paul Walter, Adam Hose, Ben McKinney, Reece Topley, Henry Crocombe, Matt Potts, Daniel Mousley, Jordan Thompson, Lewis Gregory, Caleb Falconer, Joe Clarke, Michael Pepper, Tom Moores, Tom Abell, Tom Alsop, Ollie Sykes, Olly Stone, Jordan Clark, Tymal Mills, Daniel Worrall, Jason Roy, Ben Kellaway, Benny Howell, James Sales, Matty Revis, Noah Thain, Tom Lawes, Ben Mayes, Keaton Jennings, Laurie Evans, Sam Hain, Charlie Allison, Emilio Gay, Joe Denly, Joe Weatherley, Rocky Flintoff, Sean Dickson, Will Luxton, Ben Mayers, Thomas Rew, Matthew Fisher, Mitchell Stanley, Alfie Ogborne, George Scrimshaw, Noah Cornwell, Sean Hunt, Tom Helm

New Zealand: Colin Munro, Max Chu, Cole McConchie, Dale Phillips, Kristian Clarke, Bevon Jacobs, Adithya Ashok, Ish Sodhi

South Africa: Faf Du Plessis, George Linde, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Lizaad Williams, Dwaine Pretorius, Imran Tahir, Rilee Rossouw, Bjorn Fortuin, Jacques Snyman, Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Perera, Sachindu Colombage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayaka, Isuru Udana, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwanidu Fernando, Tharindu Rathnayake, Vishen Halambage, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Garuka Sanketh

West Indies: Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jakeem Pollard, Kyle Mayers, Quentin Sampson, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Kamil Pooran, Alzarri Joseph, Fabian Allen, Jeremiah Louis, Kadeem Alleyne, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Vitel Lawes

Ireland: Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Jai Moondra, Gareth Delany, Paul Stirling, Ben Calitz, Ross Adair, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Andrew Balbirnie, Tim Tector, Jordan Neill, Matthew Pollard, Matthew Humphreys

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava

The 28-year-old was watching the news segment on his phone, which featured a female news anchor announcing his death, before reacting with laughter and making a sarcastic remark about his Pakistan career.

Azam Khan Laughs Off Viral Death News

Azam khan Instagram story.
Azam khan watching his own fake death News pic.twitter.com/yr1W7ifhj9

— Rehan 56 (@imrehan056) September 28, 2026

The Pakistan batter was last seen in the 2024 T20 World Cup. So far, he has played 14 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 88 runs in 13 innings at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 110.25. His best knock in the shortest format of the game is 30, an unbeaten knock, which came against Ireland in Dublin in 2024.

In the video, Azam was seen watching the report with his friends, and after the clip had finished, he responded to the prank by joking about his Pakistan career. “He was a good player, poor thing. He was about to play for Pakistan one day,” he said in the clip, which has since gone viral on social media.

Also Read | Watch: Azam Khan’s Hilarious Run-Out Fail in ILT20 2025

Azam Khan Last Played in PSL 2026

Azam has not featured in any international matches since the T20 World Cup, but has continued to play T20 cricket for his domestic side, Karachi Kings, in PSL 2026. The right-hander scored 236 runs at a strike rate of 145.68 in 8 matches for the Kings franchise during the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League.

He achieved his best score of the tournament, a 74-ball 74 which included six fours and six sixes, in a successful run chase of 198. However, Azam found it difficult to replicate his domestic form with the bat on the international stage. In 13 T20I innings for Pakistan, he failed to score more than 20 runs on five occasions, with his highest score being the 30-ball 30, which he scored against Ireland in Dublin in 2024.

Despite not featuring in Pakistan’s recent T20I campaigns, Azam continues to play T20 league cricket around the world, which means he is likely to figure in the team’s upcoming fixtures. The wicketkeeper-batter may have failed to find consistent form in the T20Is, but his humorous reaction to the prank has ensured he has featured in plenty of social media posts recently.

Ellis strained his left side while bowling in the second ODI in Johannesburg and bowled only four overs before retiring. Davies picked up a right hamstring injury while fielding as a substitute in the same match.

Australia also have a concern over all-rounder Jack Edwards, who is set to be monitored after suffering a hamstring injury. However, the left-hander managed to travel with the squad to Potchefstroom for the series decider.

The latest injury concerns mean Australia will have limited options as they look to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash after losing the first two ODIs.

Nathan Ellis, Joel Davies Join Australia’s Growing Injury List

Ellis has been one of Australia’s most consistent bowlers on their African tour, and his absence will be keenly felt in the final ODI.

Davies was yet to make his ODI debut on the tour but will now return home with a hamstring injury.

Australia were already without wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who suffered a fractured right index finger during the opening ODI in Durban. Billy Stanlake is also sidelined with a side strain he suffered during the previous series against Zimbabwe.

Edwards added to Australia’s woes after picking up a hamstring injury during his sensational five-wicket haul in the second ODI. His fitness will now be assessed before Australia name their playing XI for the final match.

Cameron Green has also failed to bowl on the tour due to a shoulder injury.

Australia Hope Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc Can Strengthen Bowling Attack

With Ellis out of the final ODI, Australia may turn to experienced fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to lead their attack on the series decider.

Speaking about Green’s shoulder injury after the second ODI, Australia batter Matt Renshaw said:

"He's been having a little trouble for a while with it, and unfortunately he just can't get much overarm when he needs it."

Renshaw added:

"He's been doing a really good job for us. When his shoulder gets right, he'll be able to bowl as well."

Australia lost the second ODI by 32 runs after South Africa posted a massive total of 365/9 in Johannesburg. Edwards was the star performer for the visitors, picking up five wickets. However, they were bowled out for 333 in their reply despite a strong batting display.

South Africa have already won the series 2-0, and Australia will play for pride in the final ODI in Potchefstroom.

With no replacement bowlers named for Ellis and Davies, Australia will have limited options as they wrap up the ODI series and prepare to face South Africa in a three-match Test series, starting on October 9.

Crawley is returning to the Scorchers having previously featured for the club during the 2023-24 season and will provide attacking depth at the top of the order following Finn Allen's move to Melbourne Stars.

The right-hander played six innings for Perth in BBL13, scoring 155 runs including an unbeaten 65 against Hobart Hurricanes at Optus Stadium.

Crawley made his Big Bash debut for Hobart Hurricanes in the 2022-23 season before playing eight games for the club.

Zak Crawley Set to Fill Finn Allen Gap at Perth Scorchers

Allen was a key figure in Perth's BBL 2025-26 title-winning campaign, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 466 runs at an average of 42.36.

The New Zealand opener hit a BBL-record 38 sixes and played a pivotal role in helping the Scorchers clinch their sixth title. Allen has since moved to Melbourne Stars for BBL16, leaving a void at the top of the Scorchers' order which Crawley is set to fill.

The England batter could form a formidable opening pair with a strong batting line-up which includes Mitch Marsh, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie.

Crawley has continued to feature in domestic white-ball cricket during 2026, scoring 259 runs in the T20 Blast at an average of 23.54 and a strike rate of 138.50. He also made 169 runs in The Hundred at a strike rate of 153.63.

Also Read | Zak Crawley Takes Break from County Cricket Amid Struggles

Perth Scorchers to Begin BBL16 Title Defence in Chennai

Perth will open their BBL16 campaign against Melbourne Renegades at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on December 12. The match will be historic as it will become the first-ever Big Bash League game to be played outside Australia.

The Scorchers will enter the new season as defending champions after winning their record sixth BBL title last summer. Crawley's return to the club adds even more experience to a squad which will be aiming to win back-to-back championships.

With the England opener available for the full competition, Perth will be hoping he can provide the attacking flair and quick runs at the top of the order to replace Allen.

Zaheer Khan has already taken over as CSK’s new head coach, and he has now begun the process of appointing his backroom staff for the upcoming season.

According to reports, Hussey is unlikely to retain his role as CSK batting coach for IPL 2027, though the franchise has yet to make his exit official.

Zaheer is said to have drawn up a shortlist of three to four candidates for the batting coach position, though he has yet to finalise his choice. Meanwhile, CSK’s other support staff for IPL 2027 are also still under review.

Michael Hussey’s Long Association With Chennai Super Kings

Hussey has been a part of the CSK setup in some capacity for many years, and has forged a long association with the franchise in his capacity as a player and coach.

The former Australia batter joined CSK’s coaching staff as batting coach in 2018, and retained the post until the end of the 2026 season. During his time in charge, Chennai won three IPL titles in 2018, 2021 and 2023.

Before taking up coaching, Hussey was one of CSK’s all-time leading overseas players, scoring 1,977 runs in 59 IPL matches for the franchise. He won the Orange Cap in 2013, having mustered 733 runs in that campaign.

His calm manner and vast experience made him a key figure in Stephen Fleming’s coaching staff, and he mentored a number of young batters during his time with the franchise.

Also Read | Michael Hussey Says No to ECB Offer for England Test Batting Coach Role

Zaheer Khan Begins Reshaping CSK Support Staff for IPL 2027

CSK are set to enter a new era under Zaheer Khan’s charge, having appointed the former Pakistan fast bowler as their new head coach.

Fleming had been in charge since 2009, but left his post at the end of the 2026 season. Zaheer’s arrival comes at a difficult time for the franchise, which failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for three straight years, and now needs to rebuild ahead of IPL 2027.

The new head coach is expected to play a leading role in this process, and he will have a major say in which coaches he appoints to support him.

Hussey’s position is one of the key roles yet to be decided. Although his exit has not yet been made official, reports suggest Zaheer could appoint a new batting coach as part of his plans for CSK.

With the IPL 2027 auction also set to take place, Chennai will look to appoint their full coaching staff ahead of starting to rebuild their squad for the new season.

The game will be a significant event for the sport in the region. The venue had previously played host to international cricket in September 1986 when Australia beat India by three wickets. Allan Border remained not out on 90 while Sunil Gavaskar scored 52 for the visitors.

In October 1983, the stadium had witnessed an ODI encounter between India and West Indies. The Irani Cup, to be played in the five-day format, will thus see top-level cricket return to the venue after a three-decade gap.

Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium Receives Facelift for Irani Cup

The venue has witnessed a number of upgrades under the direction of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association to prepare for the game.

Speaking on the developments, the head of cricket operations at JKCA, Majid Dar, said:

"Basically, this ground was not meant for live matches, but the BCCI had already sent a team for a recce in advance, one and a half months back. They gave us a checklist of certain requirements like broadcasting rooms, camera towers, and a few other things. We were able to fulfil those requirements on time, and we are ready to host the match."

Dar added that the Irani Cup will mark a historic event with a significant amount of anticipation for the game in Kashmir.

He added:

"This is history. Such a big event is taking place after three to four decades. It is a massive boost for cricket lovers and cricketers of the Valley. We are very excited to host the Irani Trophy for the first time."

Also Read | BCCI Faces Selection Dilemma as India U19-Australia Series Clashes with Irani Cup

Seats Doubled; Spectators to Get Free Passes

The capacity of the stadium has also been doubled as the board looks to accommodate a larger audience for the Irani Cup.

Dar explained:

"Currently, the seating capacity of the ground was around 2000 to 2500. We have increased it now, making it a total seating arrangement for 5000 people. We do not want the venue to get overcrowded; we want to keep the situation controlled. Everyone who enters the ground should have the tickets for the match as there will be tight security in place."

Those interested in attending the game will be given free passes on a first-come, first-served basis. The passes will be distributed at the stadium on September 30 from 1 pm to 4 pm after verifying the Aadhaar or any other valid ID.

For J&K, the Irani Cup match will also be a special occasion after winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time in their history last year. The Irani Cup will thus provide an opportunity for the sides to play a top-level red-ball match in front of their home fans.