![Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Starc [Source: @BCCI, @AussiesArmy/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763740868622_rishabh_pant.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Starc [Source: @BCCI, @AussiesArmy/x]
Rishabh Pant will lead the Indian team in the second Test against South Africa in the absence of Shubman Gill, as confirmed by the BCCI. Mitchell Starc shattered England with a record-breaking spell on the opening day of the 2025-26 Ashes series. In other news, CSA has unveiled entire ODI and T20I squads of the South African team for the upcoming white-ball series against India.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, November 21.
Shreyas Iyer out of action for two more months: Report
Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has been reportedly ruled out of action for two more months as he is yet to fully recover from his injury. The cricketer sustained a nasty injury while completing a catch against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) last month. The BCCI later confirmed that Shreyas Iyer had suffered a blunt-force abdominal injury that caused a laceration to his spleen.
Shreyas Iyer is now at the precipice of missing India’s entire upcoming white-ball series against South Africa at home.
Shardul Thakur to lead Mumbai in SMAT 2025-26
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been appointed as Mumbai captain for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 season. The cricketer has also been leading Mumbai in first-class cricket ever since seasoned pro Ajinkya Rahane stepped down from captaincy. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the Mumbai team won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 late last year and will enter the upcoming edition as defending champions. The Mumbai team will commence their title-defense with a match against Railways on November 26 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes dictate terms on 19-wicket Ashes opening day
Mitchell Starc registered his career-best Test figures, that of 7-58, doing so against England on Day 1 of the 2025-26 Ashes opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The legendary Australian fast bowler also racked up a slew of bowling records through his electrifying spell. For instance, Mitchell Starc snared his 17th Test five-wicket haul to become Australia’s third leading fast bowler in terms of most five-fers to their names. He also soared past the 100-wicket mark in Ashes Tests.
As Mitchell Starc’s outburst skittled England for just 172, visiting captain Ben Stokes fought back for his side with a five-fer of his own to reduce Australia to 123-9 by stumps.
David Miller, Nortje return as SA name squad for India series
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the entire South Africa squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Team India. The Proteas, currently engaged in a Test series against the hosts, are scheduled to face India in a series of three ODIs and five T20I matches between November 30 and December 19.
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, blistering middle-order batter David Miller and young Kwena Maphaka have been included in South Africa’s T20I squad. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram will serve the South Africa team as captains in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
Shubman Gill officially ruled out, Pant to lead in second Test
After days of speculation, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill has been officially ruled out of the upcoming series-deciding second match against South Africa in Guwahati from November 22 onwards. The cricketer sustained a neck injury on Day 2 of the series-opener at Eden Gardens, which prompted him to walk off the field. Rishabh Pant, who led the Indian team in his absence, will continue to captain Team India in the second Test, as confirmed by the BCCI.
