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Tag: IPL 2025

  • DC vs LSG Playing 11: Delhi to Face Rishabh Pant, Check the Probable Playing XI of Both Teams

    DC vs LSG Playing 11: Delhi to Face Rishabh Pant, Check the Probable Playing XI of Both Teams

    In the fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals will take on Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants. This exciting clash will take place on Monday at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

    Rishabh Pant was a key part of Delhi Capitals until last season, but the franchise decided not to retain him. As a result, Lucknow picked him up in the mega auction for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. On the other hand, KL Rahul is now part of Delhi Capitals, but he will play under Axar Patel’s captaincy.

    Mitchell Starc will also be in action for Delhi Capitals. The Australian fast bowler was absent from the Champions Trophy 2025, but he is now back for IPL 2025. He played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win last season.

    Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XI

    • Jake Fraser-McGurk
    • Faf du Plessis
    • Abhishek Porel
    • KL Rahul
    • Axar Patel
    • Tristan Stubbs
    • Ashutosh Sharma
    • Mitchell Starc
    • Kuldeep Yadav
    • Mukesh Kumar
    • T Natarajan

    Impact players: Mohit Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair

    All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant as he returns to IPL action. Although he was part of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, he did not get a chance to play any matches. Nicholas Pooran will also be a key player for Lucknow, known for his explosive batting.

    Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI

    • Mitchell Marsh
    • Aryan Juyal
    • Rishabh Pant
    • Nicholas Pooran
    • Ayush Badoni
    • David Miller
    • Shahbaz Ahmed
    • Shardul Thakur
    • Ravi Bishnoi
    • Akash Singh
    • Shamar Joseph

    Impact players: Abdul Samad, Arshin Kulkarni, Prince Yadav

    Also Read- DC vs LSG Head To Head Record IPL, Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants H2H Stats IPL

    The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is expected to be batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of around 170 runs. A high-scoring encounter is likely between Delhi and Lucknow.

    As for the weather, there is a chance of rain during the day, but it is unlikely to affect the match. Fast bowlers might get some assistance due to humidity, and the temperature is expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius during the game.

  • PCB Angered as South African Cricketer Chooses IPL Over Pakistan League, Sends Legal Notice

    PCB Angered as South African Cricketer Chooses IPL Over Pakistan League, Sends Legal Notice

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a legal notice to South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch. Bosch decided to skip the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and instead play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 30-year-old cricketer has been selected by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025 as a replacement for Lizaad Williams, who withdrew from the tournament due to injury.

    At the PSL Players Draft held on January 13 in Lahore, Bosch was picked in the Diamond category by Peshawar Zalmi. Earlier this year, he made his debut for South Africa in a series against Pakistan.

    PCB Issues Official Statement

    The PCB has released an official statement regarding the matter. The board has sent the legal notice to Bosch through his agent, demanding an explanation for withdrawing from his professional and contractual commitments. The PCB management has also highlighted the impact of his departure and expects a response within the given timeframe. The statement further mentioned that the PCB will not make any additional comments on the matter at this time.

    Also Read- England Declines to Host PSL 2025 Playoffs Due to IPL Overlap; Pakistan to Approach UAE Next

    Schedule Clash Between PSL and IPL

    The PSL is scheduled to take place from April 11 to May 25, while the IPL will be held from March 22 to May 25. This scheduling conflict marks the first time since PSL’s launch in 2016 that its matches will overlap with IPL. Due to the Champions Trophy and other international commitments in Pakistan, the PCB had to shift the PSL window from its usual February-March period to April-May.

    Many foreign players who were not picked in the IPL auction later signed contracts with PSL franchises, including Bosch. The PCB’s tensions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been at an all-time high recently. The Indian team opted out of playing the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, leading to PCB’s frustration. Instead, India played all their matches in Dubai, while Pakistan’s performance in the tournament fell short of expectations.

  • IPL 2025: Not Rahul or Faf, This Star Might Be Appointed as Delhi’s Captain

    IPL 2025: Not Rahul or Faf, This Star Might Be Appointed as Delhi’s Captain

    Discussions about IPL 2025 have already begun, and some teams are yet to announce their captains. One such team is Delhi Capitals. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified three potential candidates for the captaincy role in IPL 2025—Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis. He believes that considering Axar’s rising stature in Indian cricket, he might be the frontrunner in the race.

    Delhi Retained Axar Patel

    Delhi Capitals had retained Axar Patel for ₹16.50 crore before the mega auction last year, showcasing their trust in his abilities. Later, they bought KL Rahul for ₹14 crore and Faf du Plessis for ₹2 crore. Axar had an excellent IPL 2024 season, taking 12 wickets in 11 innings with an economy rate of 7.65. He also contributed 235 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 131.28.

    Aakash Chopra Shared His Opinion on YouTube

    On his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “I believe Delhi has three options—Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis. They retained Axar, and his stature is growing. He is the vice-captain of India’s T20I team, will play in the Champions Trophy, and has an important role in the Indian ODI team. He is mature, understands the game well, and puts the team ahead of himself. That makes him a great option for captaincy.”

    Rahul’s Leadership Experience

    Aakash also highlighted KL Rahul’s leadership experience as a strong factor. He said, “KL Rahul is the second option. I think Delhi got him at a bargain price, making him a valuable pick. He has plenty of captaincy experience—leading the Indian team, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. Under his leadership, Lucknow reached the playoffs twice. So, he is a viable captaincy candidate.”

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Schedule: When Will IPL Start, Where Will the Final Be Played? Big Update on the League’s Schedule

    Faf du Plessis Could Also Be Considered

    Discussing other options, Aakash suggested that Faf du Plessis could be another choice. However, he ultimately felt that Axar might be the franchise’s final pick. He stated, “This is an interesting race. One player was retained, and the other two were bought. If they consider a third option, they might look at Faf du Plessis, who is still performing well. However, I believe Axar is the likely choice.”

    Surprise Over Rajat Patidar’s Captaincy for RCB

    Aakash also expressed surprise over Rajat Patidar’s appointment as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025. He said, “Rajat Patidar is the new RCB captain. We will find out how effective he will be. We expected Virat Kohli, but he isn’t the choice. Patidar is the eighth captain for RCB. Before him, the team had leaders like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, and Virat Kohli, who captained the team the longest.”

    RCB and Delhi Yet to Win an IPL Title

    Neither RCB nor Delhi Capitals have won an IPL title so far. However, Aakash noted that RCB remains a competitive team. He said, “RCB has had great captains in the past. Many judge a franchise’s success based on the number of trophies won. While RCB hasn’t won a title, it is not a failed franchise. It is a fairly successful team even without a trophy, as they are rarely at the bottom of the table.”

  • Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of IPL 2025? Assessing RCB’s Bowling Options Without the Aussie Pacer

    Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of IPL 2025? Assessing RCB’s Bowling Options Without the Aussie Pacer

    Australia faced a major blow during Day 4 of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against India as Josh Hazlewood sustained a calf injury. The fast bowler, who earlier dismissed Virat Kohli with a peach of a delivery, left the field following the injury.

    Hazlewood’s injury is a significant concern for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who secured his services for a staggering INR 12.5 Crores. Considering his importance to RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign, his recurring injuries have now created a dilemma for the team management.

    Earlier, Hazlewood missed the Adelaide Test due to a side strain and was rushed back for the Gabba game, only to aggravate his fitness issues. With his injury history, it is plausible he might miss parts of IPL 2025. Let’s explore RCB’s potential bowling line-up in his absence.

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead the Powerplay Attack with Yash Dayal

    Hazlewood typically spearheads RCB’s new-ball attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, if Hazlewood is unavailable, Yash Dayal could partner Bhuvneshwar in the powerplay.

    Dayal, known for his ability to swing the ball and his left-arm angle, could be a valuable asset. Retained by RCB for INR 5 Crores after an impressive IPL 2024, Dayal’s powerplay skills may trouble batters.

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar, on the other hand, is a proven performer with 72 powerplay wickets at an economy rate of 6.39 in IPL history. His experience and accuracy make him an indispensable part of the line-up.

    Lungi Ngidi vs Romario Shepherd: The Third Seamer Debate

    RCB could face a tough choice between Lungi Ngidi and Romario Shepherd for the third seamer role. Ngidi’s ability to extract bounce and use variations effectively makes him a strong candidate.

    Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd offers all-round value. The West Indian can bowl hard lengths in the middle overs while contributing with the bat in the lower order. If RCB prioritises batting depth on the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy pitch, Shepherd might edge out Ngidi.

    Spin Department: Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, and Others

    Krunal Pandya and Liam Livingstone will play crucial roles in RCB’s spin department. Both offer all-round capabilities and can be effective on spin-friendly surfaces. Additionally, the team could rotate between Swapnil Singh and Suyash Sharma to lead the spin attack, depending on conditions.

    Conclusion

    RCB’s bowling attack could see a significant reshuffle if Hazlewood’s injury sidelines him for IPL 2025. With options like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Romario Shepherd, and Lungi Ngidi, the team has enough firepower to adapt. Their final combination will likely depend on the conditions and team balance, but Hazlewood’s absence would undoubtedly leave a void.

  • KKR’s Bold Captaincy Move: Rs 1.5 Crore Buy to Lead, Not Venkatesh Iyer, Reports Say

    KKR’s Bold Captaincy Move: Rs 1.5 Crore Buy to Lead, Not Venkatesh Iyer, Reports Say

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing a big decision after failing to bring back captain Shreyas Iyer for the IPL 2025 season. Although Venkatesh Iyer, KKR’s top buy at INR 23.5 crore, was initially considered for the role, reports suggest that Ajinkya Rahane is now the frontrunner. Rahane, bought for INR 1.5 crore, was reportedly purchased with the intention of leading the team.

    Rahane, a seasoned leader, has captained various teams in different formats, including the Indian team in the absence of regular captains and is currently leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In the IPL, he captained Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019.

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Highest-Paid Indian Players in IPL History

    A source has reportedly said that Rahane is 90% confirmed as the new KKR captain, with Venkatesh Iyer potentially taking on the vice-captain role. This setup would allow Rahane to mentor Iyer for future leadership.

    Rahane’s previous leadership record with Rajasthan Royals saw mixed results, winning only nine of 24 matches.

  • Marco Jansen Set to be a ‘Certified’ Rs 10 Crore Pick at IPL 2025 Auction, Says Dale Steyn

    Marco Jansen Set to be a ‘Certified’ Rs 10 Crore Pick at IPL 2025 Auction, Says Dale Steyn

    Marco Jansen should have been named the ‘Player of the Match’ in the India vs South Africa 3rd T20I. The towering all-rounder was the standout bowler at Centurion, and despite Tilak Varma’s brilliant hundred, one could argue Jansen was the best batter of the match too.

    Jansen: Unplayable with the ball

    In a high-scoring game where 10.67 runs were conceded per over, Jansen stood out with an impressive economy rate of 7. He claimed the prized wicket of Sanju Samson with his first delivery and conceded only three boundaries—two in his opening overs and one in his final two overs. In the backend of the first innings, during the 17th and 20th overs, Jansen was virtually untouchable, giving away just 12 runs.

    While Jansen has gained a reputation as a talented but inconsistent bowler, with an economy rate above 8 in T20s and over 9.5 in the IPL, he has proven his maturity in recent matches against India. In three games, he’s given away just 77 runs and taken 3 wickets, showcasing a marked improvement.

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Auction- Youngest Players Bought in IPL History

    Jansen’s Explosive Batting

    After a remarkable bowling performance, Jansen showcased his destructive batting abilities. Known for his powerful hitting, he made headlines last year with a blistering knock against England in Mumbai. In the 3rd T20I at Centurion, with South Africa needing 78 runs from 4.1 overs, Jansen came to the crease and blasted the fastest-ever half-century against India, scoring an 18-ball fifty. His onslaught brought the Proteas closer to their daunting target, and he dismissed Ravi Bishnoi, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh in the process. If not for a timely DRS decision in the final over, Jansen could have snatched victory from India’s grasp.

    Rs 10 Crore Likely at IPL 2025 Auction?

    Given his all-round prowess, Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, and Jansen’s former coach at Sunrisers Hyderabad, believe the young star could fetch Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Jansen has all the qualities to become a sought-after player in the auction, similar to recent foreign all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Sam Curran, who garnered significant bids.

    While Jansen had already proven himself as a capable bowler, it was his inconsistent batting that had affected his value. However, his recent explosive performances with the bat could see him attract multiple bidders at the auction in Jeddah later this month. If he continues his strong form in the 4th India vs South Africa T20I, the Rs 10 crore mark might not be out of reach.

  • IPL 2025 Auction: Five All-Rounders Who Could Get Record-Breaking Bids

    IPL 2025 Auction: Five All-Rounders Who Could Get Record-Breaking Bids

    As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, excitement is building among fans and franchises alike, with star players from across the globe gearing up for the bidding war. This year, all-rounders are expected to be the highlight, with five powerful foreign players anticipated to draw huge bids due to their versatile skills and impact on the game.

    • Glenn Maxwell: After being released by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following a less-than-impressive 2024 season, Glenn Maxwell remains a hot property for IPL 2025. His explosive batting, skillful spin bowling, and superb fielding make him an all-rounder in high demand, and he is expected to fetch a hefty price in the auction.
    • Sam Curran: Despite being a key player for Punjab Kings (PBKS) last season, Sam Curran was released ahead of IPL 2025. The all-rounder, who was bought for INR 18.5 crore last season, is now available in the auction pool, and his all-round talents will make him an attractive pick for top franchises.

    Also Read- Candice Warner on India’s Cricket Influence Amid Ishan Kishan-Umpire Clash: ‘They Just Want IPL Jobs’

    • Marcus Stoinis: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) decided not to retain Marcus Stoinis for IPL 2025 despite his consistent performances. Known for his powerful batting and handy medium-pace bowling, Stoinis is expected to be a hot pick in the auction, with franchises likely to bid high for his all-round capabilities.
    • Tim David: Released by Mumbai Indians, Australian all-rounder Tim David is set to return to the auction pool. Known for his explosive hitting, part-time bowling, and excellent fielding, David’s all-round skills are sure to attract significant interest, especially after his INR 8.25 crore bid last season.
    • Cameron Green: RCB opted not to retain Cameron Green for IPL 2025, despite purchasing him for INR 17.5 crore last season after Mumbai Indians initially bought him for INR 15 crore. With his impressive all-round skills, Green is expected to generate a lot of attention and could see another significant bid in the upcoming auction.
  • Mahela Jayawardene Replaces Mark Boucher as Mumbai Indians Coach

    Mahela Jayawardene Replaces Mark Boucher as Mumbai Indians Coach

    Mumbai Indians have named former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene as their new head coach for IPL 2025. The franchise, which holds a record five IPL titles, will aim to replicate its success in the upcoming season. Jayawardene replaces Mark Boucher, who coached the team in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Notably, Jayawardene had previously served as Mumbai Indians’ coach from 2017 to 2022, guiding the team to IPL championships in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

    Last year, Mumbai had a disappointing season, finishing at the bottom of the points table with Hardik Pandya taking over captaincy from Rohit Sharma.

    “We are thrilled to have Mahela back as Head Coach of Mumbai Indians,” said Akash Ambani. “With our global teams now well established, the opportunity to bring him back arose. His leadership, expertise, and passion for the game have always been valuable for MI. I would also like to thank Mark Boucher for his dedication over the last two seasons.”

    Also Read- IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma will be a part of Mumbai Indians, if BCCI agrees to Shah Rukh Khan

    Reflecting on his return, Jayawardene said, “My journey with the MI family has been one of growth. In 2017, we focused on bringing together a talented squad, and we performed well. Now, returning at this point, where we look ahead to the future and aim to further strengthen the legacy of Mumbai Indians, is a challenge I’m excited to take on.”

  • IPL 2025: MS Dhoni to be Retained for Just Rs 4 Crore by CSK

    IPL 2025: MS Dhoni to be Retained for Just Rs 4 Crore by CSK

    MS Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Thala’, has remained silent regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as a player. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirmed that discussions with Dhoni about his potential retention are yet to take place, reports suggest a meeting is scheduled for mid-October. The IPL Governing Council recently reintroduced a rule allowing retired Indian players (those not involved in international cricket for five years) to be considered as uncapped players.

    This rule enables CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player in the INR 4 crore category, providing the franchise with additional funds to strengthen their squad ahead of the auction. According to a Cricbuzz report, Dhoni has returned from his US trip and is expected to meet with CSK officials in the coming weeks to discuss his future.

    Also Read- “IPL Rule Changed for MS Dhoni, and Will Keep Changing as Long as He Wants to Play”: Mohammad Kaif

    Ahead of the mega auction, IPL teams are allowed to retain up to six players from their 2024 squad, including a maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped players.

    Former cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes Dhoni will undoubtedly be among CSK’s retained players. “MS Dhoni, for sure. There’s no question about his value, especially since he’s now an uncapped player. He’s contributed immensely to the team and doesn’t seek to be the top player anymore.”

    Jadeja also mentioned the likelihood of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja being retained. “Ruturaj had a great year as captain, and Jadeja is indispensable. These three, I think, are crucial for CSK,” he said during an appearance on JioCinema.

    Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra believes the Right to Match (RTM) card will be beneficial for CSK. “I don’t think they’ll retain five players—probably 3 or 4. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja are worth 18 CR each, so CSK will have to match that. Apart from them, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana could also be considered.

    “I expect CSK to retain Dube and use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness. Dube could fetch over 10-11 crores in the auction, so using the RTM card could help CSK secure him for less.”

  • IPL 2025 Auction: Teams to Retain Up to 5 Players, No Right to Match Option Available

    IPL 2025 Auction: Teams to Retain Up to 5 Players, No Right to Match Option Available

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place at the end of this year, with exciting player combinations anticipated. According to a report from The Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may permit franchises to retain up to five players before the auction, with no Right To Match option available.

    If franchises are allowed to retain five players, it would benefit the Mumbai Indians significantly, allowing them to keep their star players: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.

    Sources from IANS indicate that the mega auction for IPL 2025 is likely to occur in late November or early December. The BCCI is expected to announce the specific rules and regulations shortly. Over the past decade, the IPL has conducted two major auctions, spaced four years apart, with the first in 2014 and the second in 2018, when the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings returned after a two-year suspension.

    Also Read: IPL 2025 Mega Auction Expected to Take Place Overseas in November

    Regarding the upcoming auction, BCCI sources confirmed to IANS that it is tentatively scheduled for late November or early December. “The IPL 2025 auction will occur in late November or early December this year, with the rules to be announced in a couple of days,” a BCCI source stated.

    The 2021 mega auction was postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, during which teams extended their players’ contracts by an extra year.

    Similar to the February 2022 auction and the December 2023 and 2024 auctions, the upcoming IPL mega auction is expected to span two days.

    In the last mega auction in 2022, teams were allowed to retain up to four players. As the end of the three-year cycle approaches, there are varying opinions among franchises regarding the optimal number of retained players. While some teams advocate for a higher cap of up to eight players, others are content with the current limit of four or five.