Gautam Gambhir Raises Concerns, ICC Player Of The Month – November 13 Cricket Highlights

Soumyajit Dutta

Gautam Gambhir has expressed concern over India [Source: AFP]

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed concern over the team's batting struggles against New Zealand, while David Warner has criticised Pat Cummins over his response to Usman Khawaja's Sandpapergate revelations.

In other news, Anrich Nortje is nearing a return to cricket. Wrapping up an eventful Friday in the cricketing world, here are five major stories that grabbed attention on November 13.

Gautam Gambhir concerned after India's batting collapse against New Zealand

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that the team's batting performances against New Zealand are a matter of concern, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching. India suffered a humiliating 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui after being bowled out for just 89 while chasing 334.

Gambhir acknowledged that the conditions were challenging but insisted that international batters should be capable of handling such deliveries. "There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Matt Henry bowled in good areas but we should be able to negate that," Gambhir said while also shedding light on the matter.

[Watch] Virat Kohli Steps In To Calm Gurnoor Brar After Heated Tim Seifert Moment

David Warner hits back at Pat Cummins over Sandpapergate controversy

Former Australia opener David Warner has publicly backed Usman Khawaja following the latter's revelations about the 2018 Sandpapergate controversy in his autobiography, Sabr. Warner also expressed disappointment with Pat Cummins after the Australian captain rejected Khawaja's claims about the incident.

Speaking during Kayo Sports' coverage ahead of the first ODI in Perth, Warner accused Cummins of throwing Khawaja under the bus with his response.

"Pat Cummins was very well prepared. I still stick by Uzzy [Khawaja] and what he has written in that book. It’s the truth. I feel for him at the moment, and I think the captain [Cummins] today actually threw Uzzy under the bus and I’m very disappointed by that," Warner said.

Anrich Nortje expected to return during South Africa's second Test against Bangladesh

South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje is reportedly on course to return to action during the second Test against Bangladesh. The pacer sustained a groin injury during the second Test against Australia and has been recovering since then.

Head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Nortje is unlikely to feature in the opening Test at the Wanderers Stadium on November 15. However, he expects the 32-year-old to be available for the second match, scheduled to begin at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on November 23.

Conrad revealed that scans showed no serious damage and that Nortje has resumed training while gradually increasing his workload.

ICC set to approve 2032-35 global events calendar

The International Cricket Council is reportedly preparing to approve its global events schedule for the 2032-35 cycle. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the proposed calendar features six major men's tournaments across four years.

The cycle is expected to begin with a T20 World Cup in October-November 2032. The following year will feature the World Test Championship final in June and an eight-team Champions Trophy in October. Another T20 World Cup is planned for July 2034, while the 2035 schedule will include the WTC final and the ODI World Cup.

Marco Jansen wins ICC Men's Player of the Month award for October 2026

South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for October 2026 following his impressive performances in the 2-1 Test series victory over Australia.

The 26-year-old beat Pakistan's Arafat Minhas and West Indies captain Shai Hope to claim his maiden Player of the Month award. Jansen played a decisive role in South Africa's comeback, particularly in the second Test at Gqeberha, where he scored 85 runs and picked up six wickets to help his team win by an innings and 31 runs.