Ishan Kishan On Top, Nat Sciver Returns And Hardik Trade- July 1 Cricket Highlights

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ishan Kishan [Source: Instagram, AFP]

Ishan Kishan has jumped to the top of the ICC men’s rankings for T20I batters. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to make her return to the playing XI after recovering from her injury. In other news, CSK CEO delivered a massive statement regarding the trade rumours with Hardik Pandya.

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 Wednesday, July 1. 

Nat Sciver-Brunt re-joins England for T20 World Cup semifinal

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has rejoined the national side after recovering from her calf injury. The cricketer is set to resume her leadership role for the England Women’s team in their upcoming semifinal match of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. 

Also Read- ENG-W vs SA-W Head to Head Records- Semi-Final 2, T20 World Cup 2026

In her absence, Charlie Dean led the England team and maintained an unbeaten record in their Group 2 games. 

CSK CEO denies Hardik Pandya trade rumours 

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied all rumours of trading in Mumbai Indians captain and legendary all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Earlier, several reports indicated that the CSK franchise along with many others are attempting to nab Pandya for next year’s IPL 2027 season. 

With Mumbai Indians struggling in recent IPL seasons under Pandya’s leadership, the franchise also reportedly wanted to release the senior all-rounder. However, there are still many other franchises interested in acquiring the cricketer.

Abhishek Sharma breaks huge world record

Indian firebrand opener Abhishek Sharma smashed 59 runs off just 24 balls against England in the first T20I match of the series in Chester-le-Street. The left-hander launched six boundaries and four sixes in his innings.

In the process, Abhishek also completed 100 T20I sixes in his career, becoming the fastest cricketer in the world to do so, in terms of number of balls faced. He surpassed West Indies batter Evin Lewis for the new world record.

Ishan Kishan becomes number one ranked batter

Ishan Kishan has become the new number one ranked T20I batter in the ICC men’s rankings. Despite failing to go big in the series in Ireland, the belligerent left-hander gained a rung to surpass national and IPL teammate Abhishek Sharma. 

Ishan is currently placed at the top with 876 rating points, leading second-placed Abhishek by seven points. Tilak Varma at number six and Suryakumar Yadav at eight are the other Indians to feature in the top 10 charts.

Tawhid Hridoy becomes Bangladesh captain for ZIM T20Is

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member Bangladesh squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. In the absence of Litton Das, the BCB has appointed Tawhid Hridoy as an interim captain for the national side. 

The squad also includes several star performers like Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon among others.

Also Read- Shreyas Iyer Completes 5000 Runs For India; Shatters Virat Kohli's Record In 1st T20I