Every year many players get a chance during the IPL auction. Not only Indians but many foreign cricketers also become a part of IPL and earn fame all over the world by performing brilliantly here. However, there are many cricketers for whom bidding is not done in IPL. Teams select players according to their own combinations. For this reason, many players remain unsold.
Some foreign players can also go unsold during the IPL 2025 auction. Perhaps this time no team will bid for these players in the auction. These players do not fit in the team combination and due to this it may be difficult to sell them. In this article, we will take a look at three such players who could remain unsold during the mega auction of Indian Premier League 2025.
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3 Overseas Players Could Go Unsold in IPL 2025 Auction
1. Matthew Wade
Australia’s wicketkeeper batsman Matthew Wade can also go unsold during the IPL auction. Last season he was a part of Gujarat Titans. However, he got a chance to play in only 2 matches, in which he could score only 4 runs. Looking at Matthew Wade’s performance, it can be said that he too can go unsold during the IPL auction.
2. Mohammad Nabi
Former Afghanistan captain and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi may also remain unsold during the IPL 2025 auction. There is little chance of a bid for him this time. Now Nabi’s performance is not the same as he used to do earlier. Last season he was a part of Mumbai Indians but he got a chance to play in only 7 matches, in which he was able to take only 2 wickets.
Kane Williamson can also go unsold in the IPL auction this time. For the last few seasons, he has not been able to perform like that in the IPL. Williamson remains in the Gujarat Titans team but he has not got much chance to play. For this reason, it seems difficult for Kane Williamson to be sold in the auction this time. He may go unsold in IPL 2025.
After the end of back to back ICC tournaments, the craze of Test cricket is about to rise. Almost all the countries of the cricketing nation are currently preparing to make a splash in the red ball format. The Indian cricket team will also play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh after a long break, but before that let us take a look at the active players who at present is the best in Test cricket. India’s legend Virat Kohli is also included in this list.
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Top 5 Test Batters in the Modern Cricket Era
1) Joe Root
Former England captain Joe Root is at the peak as an active player in Test cricket. Joe Root has maintained his dominance in this format and has scored 12027 runs. In this way, he remains at the top in terms of runs among the players currently playing in Test cricket.
2) Steve Smith
Former Australian captain Steve Smith has been unstoppable in Test cricket. Steve Smith, who is 35 years old, still has a sharp edge in his batting. Steve Smith has scored a total of 9685 runs in Test cricket as an active player. He is just 15 runs away from completing 10 thousand runs.
3) Virat Kohli
Indian cricket team’s legendary batsman Virat Kohli is at the third position in terms of scoring the most runs in Tests as an active player. Virat Kohli has maintained his dominance in the red ball format and has scored 8848 runs.
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is also no less than anyone in terms of scoring runs in Test cricket. Williamson is in fourth place in terms of scoring the most runs in Tests as an active player. Williamson has scored a total of 8743 runs in his career so far.
5) Angelo Mathews
Currently, Sri Lanka’s dashing all-rounder Angelo Mathews is in fifth place in terms of scoring the most runs as an active player in Test cricket. 37-year-old Angelo Mathews has scored a total of 7608 runs in his Test career so far.
2023 is coming to an end and with it the time to evaluate cricketers performance across the three formats of the game has also arrived. This article in particular takes a look at the top performers in Test cricket in 2023 to organise a list of 11 best players who should be in the Test team of the year. So, without further adieu, let’s find out the best Test team of the year 2023.
Test Team of the Year 2023
Usman Khawaja
Ben Duckett (WK)
Joe Root
Virat Kohli
Kane Williamson
Travis Head
Ben Stokes (Captain)
Ravindra Jadeja
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Mohammed Siraj
Usman Khawaja and Ben Duckett will open for us in the Test team of the year 2023. Both have been in excellent form in 2023 and have made runs all over the globe. Khawaja has accumulated 1210 runs in 13 Test matches in 2023 while Ben Duckett has amassed 654 runs in just 8 matches.
Joe Root, Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson form the formidable middle order of the Test team of the year 2023. Root has been exceptional for England with 787 runs in 8 matches. Kohli has also found his mojo back by scoring 595 runs in 8 matches. Kane Williamson is always up there with his knack of sticking around the wicket. He scored 695 runs in 7 matches in Test cricket this year.
Travis Head and Ben Stokes at number six and seven respectively are the best attacking options. They have displayed tremendous success lower down the order and deserve to be in the Test team of the year 2023. Ben Stokes is also our captain with his aggressive brand of cricket that is changing the Test cricket for good. Head has scored 911 runs in 12 matches in 2023. He has also taken crucial wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja is a no brainer in the best Test team of the year 2023. He has picked 33 wickets in 7 matches thi year and has also scored 281 runs with the bat. Jadeja is effective even on the pitches which do not support the spin bowlers.
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Siraj round up our Test team of the year 2023. Starc with his left-arm seam is always an x-factor and a wicket-taker. Siraj’s swing can bring the early breakthroughs while Pat Cummins doggedness is always there to create something out of nothing.
The Gujarat Titans, armed with the biggest purse of INR 38.15 crore, faced the daunting task of replacing the void left by the departure of Hardik Pandya in the IPL 2024 auction. In their quest to fortify the squad, they secured the services of Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai for a modest sum of INR 50 lakh.
Omarzai, renowned for his all-round prowess, garnered attention during the 2023 World Cup with commendable performances. His ability to replicate such feats in the IPL remains uncertain, but his acquisition adds depth to the Titans’ lineup. Despite the valuable addition, there is no denying that the absence of Hardik Pandya will be felt keenly by GT in the upcoming edition.
To fortify the middle order, Gujarat Titans strategically invested in Shahrukh Khan, a dynamic player secured for a significant sum of 7.4 crores. Expected to play the role of the finisher, Shahrukh Khan’s inclusion aims to bolster the team’s batting capabilities. Additionally, the franchise managed to reinforce their fast bowling department with the acquisitions of Umesh Yadav and Karthik Tyagi.
The costliest purchase for GT in the auction was the uncapped Australian pacer, Spencer Johnson, secured for a hefty sum of INR 10 crore. Known for his exploits in the Big Bash League, Johnson adds to the team’s pool of Indian fast bowlers. However, it remains to be seen how frequently he will feature in the playing XI in the upcoming season.
Gujarat Titans Best Possible XI for IPL 2024
Top Order: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, and Sai Sudharshan
Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha emerged as the leading run-scorers for Gujarat Titans in the previous season. Gill’s exceptional performance, amassing 890 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 157.80, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the IPL 2023 final. Saha, contributing 371 runs at a strike rate close to 130, forms a formidable opening pair. Joining them is Sai Sudharshan, who showcased his potential with back-to-back half-centuries in recent ODI appearances for India.
Middle Order: Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahul Tewatia
The experienced David Miller adds stability to the middle order, complemented by the new recruit Azmatullah Omarzai, who brings a sense of anticipation regarding his batting prowess. Rahul Tewatia adds further depth to the middle order. Shahrukh Khanm will likely to provide some finishing touches.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, M Shami, Spencer Johnson
In the bowling department, the Titans boast the spin wizard Rashid Khan as the mainstay. The pace attack is led by the experienced Mohit Sharma, complemented by the fiery Mohammed Shami. Spencer Johnson adds an interesting dimension to the fast-bowling lineup, with him vying for a spot in the playing XI.
2027 Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. David Warner recently surprised everyone with his intentions of playing the World Cup in 2027. With this the rumours of Kane Williamson, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and others sticking around till World Cup 2023 has caught fire. Here’s how much older the most famous cricketers of today’s generation are going to be in 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma – 40 Years Old
Rohit Sharma was born on 30 April 1987. He played the 2023 World Cup as a 36 year old and he will be 40 years old when the next ODI World Cup is played in 2027.
Virat Kohli – 38/39 Years Old
The 2027 Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be played in October and November 2027. Virat Kohli celebrates his birthday on 5th November. He was born in 1988 and by the time of 2027 World Cup he will be 38 years old and during the World Cup he will turn 39 years old.
Jasprit Bumrah – 33 Years Old
Jasprit Bumrah is only 29 years old right now. He was born 6 December 1993 and will turn 33 years old when the next ODI World Cup starts.
Mohammed Shami – 37 Years Old
Mohammed Shami will be reaching the end of his career or might have reached the end of his career before the 2027 ODI World Cup starts. He was born on 3 September 1990 and will be 37 years of age when the next World Cup kicks off.
Kane Williamson – 37 Years Old
Kane Williamson was born on 8 August 1990 and he will be 37 years old in the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The Kiwi captain surely has another World Cup left him in.
Trent Boult – 38 Years Old
Trent Boult will turn 38 years old before the next ODI World Cup. He may not feature in the next edition of the tournament. Boult was born on 22 July 1989.
David Warner – 40/41 Years Old
David Warner was born on 27 October 1986. He will turn 41 years older during the course of 2027 World Cup. Warner looks in the mood to be available for the Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Steve Smith – 38 Years Old
Steve Smith was a big disappointment in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He will look to redeem himself at the age of 38 during the 2027 ODI World Cup. Smith was born on 2 June 1989.
It seems that the lethal Mitchell Starc has another ODI World Cup left him in. Born on 30 January 1990, Mitchell Starc will be 37 years old in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Joe Root – 36 Years Old
Joe Root and his team did not do well in the 2023 World Cup. He will look correct all those mistakes in the 2027 World Cup at the age of 36. Root was born on 30 December 1990.
Jos Buttler – 37 Years Old
The English captain Jos Buttler was born on 8 September 1990. He will turn 37 years old before the next ODI World Cup in 2027.
Ben Stokes – 36 Years Old
Ben Stokes took a u-turn on his retirement from ODIs to play the ODI World Cup 2023. However, despite his best efforts England could not do well in the tournament. Stokes was born on 4 June 1991 and will be 36 years old during the next World Cup.
Babar Azam – 33 Years Old
Babar Azam is still quite young and will be 33 years old during the 2027 Cricket World Cup. He was born on 15 October 1994.
Shaheen Shah Afridi – 27 Years Old
Shaheen Shah Afridi has at least two ODI World Cups left him in. He was born on 6 April 2000 and will be 27 years old during the next World Cup.
In a significant blow to the Gujarat Titans, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2024 season due to an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup. With the dynamic player ruled out for at least two more months, the speculations are rife that Kane Williamson might step in to lead the franchise in Pandya’s absence. This development has added an intriguing layer to the IPL landscape, raising questions about how the Titans will fare without their key all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya’s injury saga unfolded during a World Cup league game against Bangladesh when he attempted to stop a shot off his own bowling. Unfortunately, he lost his balance, dragging his right boot on the pitch. Despite his initial attempts to continue, Pandya eventually had to leave the field in discomfort.
The injury has proven to be more severe than initially thought, sidelining Pandya for the T20I series against Australia and likely for the subsequent series in South Africa. The all-rounder’s absence is a significant setback for the Indian cricket team and now potentially for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
The road to recovery for Pandya has been marred with setbacks. Initially attempting to resume bowling in the nets, he experienced pain in his right ankle after increasing the intensity of his delivery. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team opted for additional scans, prolonging Pandya’s rehabilitation.
His absence from the remainder of the World Cup and the subsequent T20 series has left a void in the Indian lineup, and now, the Gujarat Titans must also cope without their star player in IPL 2024.
With Hardik Pandya’s participation in IPL 2024 hanging in the balance, the focus shifts to Kane Williamson, who is likely to lead the Gujarat Titans in his absence. The New Zealand skipper has proven himself as an astute leader, guiding his national side to success in various formats.
Williamson’s leadership acumen and batting prowess make him a suitable candidate to captain the Titans. Having been an integral part of the Gujarat franchise, he is familiar with the team dynamics and possesses the experience to navigate the challenges of IPL leadership.
Gujarat Titans have established themselves as a force in the IPL, winning the title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023. The franchise, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, has cultivated a winning culture, and the absence of their talismanic all-rounder will undoubtedly pose challenges.
However, with Kane Williamson at the helm, the Titans can draw upon his leadership qualities and batting expertise to maintain their competitive edge in the tournament. The Kiwi captain’s calm demeanor and strategic approach might prove crucial in steering the team through a Pandya-less season.
As the IPL 2024 season approaches, the Gujarat Titans find themselves facing the prospect of competing without the services of Hardik Pandya. The potential captaincy role for Kane Williamson adds an interesting subplot to the upcoming season. The Titans, known for their recent successes, will look to overcome this setback and continue their winning momentum under the leadership of a new skipper, aiming for another shot at IPL glory.
Kane Williamson Stats and Records: Kane Stuart Williamson, born on 8th August 1990, is a cricketing maestro whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the sport. At the age of 33 and 97 days, this right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler have become a pivotal figure for New Zealand, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest batsmen and captains ever produced by New Zealand, Williamson showcased his leadership prowess by steering his team to a historic victory in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final. In the realm of Test cricket, he stands among the top echelon, often mentioned in the same breath as Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli. His exceptional batting skills have earned him a spot in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011–2020), a testament to his enduring impact on the game. As the sole New Zealander in this esteemed lineup, Williamson’s legacy is not only etched in records but also in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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Career Highlights
Debut: He made his international debut against India in 10 August 2010.
Format: Kane Williamson’s mastery across all cricket formats underscores his exceptional skills, showcasing significant influence within the New Zealand cricket team. Additionally, he stands as one of the highest-earning players in the Indian Premier League, further solidifying his stature in the cricketing world.
Last Played: He last played his match against Sri Lanka in World Cup 2023.
Kane Williamson International Stats & Records World Cup 2023
Kane Williamson Batting Stats in ODI, Test Matches and T20I
Innings:
405
Not Outs:
44
Aggregate:
17329
Highest Score:
251
Average:
48.00
50s:
94
100s:
41
Ducks:
19
4s:
1741
6s:
129
Scoring Rate
66.44
In his 405 innings, Kane Williamson has notched an impressive 17,329 runs with an average of 48.00, showcasing remarkable consistency. His 44 not outs reflect resilience, while 94 half-centuries and 41 centuries highlight his prolific run-scoring ability. Despite 19 ducks, his commendable scoring rate of 66.44 underscores his impact. With 1741 boundaries and 129 sixes, Williamson’s classical style is complemented by flair, making him a batting force to be reckoned with in the cricketing arena.
Kane Williamson Bowling Stats in ODI, Test Matches and T20I
Williamson’s cricketing journey is highlighted by an impressive tally of 41 centuries, with 28 in Test matches and 13 in ODIs.
Kane Williamson Total Half Centuries (ODI, Test, T20I)
Throughout his career, Williamson has accumulated a total of 94 half-centuries, comprising 33 in Test matches, 44 in ODIs, and 17 in T20 cricket.
Kane WilliamsonHighest Score (ODI, Test, T20I)
Demonstrating his versatility across cricket formats, Williamson has achieved notable high scores in international play, recording 251 in Tests, 148 in ODIs, and an impressive 95 in T20Is.
Kane Williamson ODI Stats & Records 2023
Kane Williamson ODI Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
156
Not Outs:
17
Aggregate:
6741
Highest Score:
148
Average:
48.50
50s:
44
100s:
13
Ducks:
5
4s:
614
6s:
53
Scoring Rate
81.27
In the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Kane Williamson’s statistics paint a portrait of consistent excellence. With 156 innings under his belt, he has notched up an impressive aggregate of 6741 runs at an average of 48.50. His highest score of 148 attests to his ability to anchor the innings, while 44 half-centuries and 13 centuries reflect his reliability as a run-scorer. Despite encountering only five ducks, Williamson’s scoring rate of 81.27 indicates a balance of precision and briskness in his innings. His 614 boundaries and 53 sixes showcase a blend of classical strokes and flair, solidifying his status as a key contributor in the ODI format.
Kane Williamson Test Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
164
Not Outs:
16
Aggregate:
8124
Highest Score:
251
Average:
54.89
50s:
33
100s:
28
Ducks:
10
4s:
897
6s:
21
Scoring Rate
51.47
In the challenging arena of Test cricket, Kane Williamson stands as a formidable batsman with an impressive track record. Across 164 innings, he has amassed a staggering aggregate of 8124 runs at a remarkable average of 54.89. His highest score of 251 underscores his ability to convert starts into substantial innings. With 28 centuries and 33 half-centuries, Williamson has consistently been a run-scoring force for his team. While encountering 10 ducks, his scoring rate of 51.47 reflects a balance of resilience and effective run-making. The 897 boundaries and 21 sixes in his repertoire highlight both his classical shot-making and ability to clear the ropes, solidifying his status as one of the premier Test batsmen in contemporary cricket.
Kane Williamson T20I Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
85
Not Outs:
11
Aggregate:
2464
Highest Score:
95
Average:
33.30
50s:
17
100s:
0
Ducks:
4
4s:
230
6s:
55
Scoring Rate
123.02
In the dynamic world of T20 Internationals (T20Is), Kane Williamson has showcased his adaptability and flair. With 85 innings to his credit, he has amassed a total of 2464 runs at an impressive average of 33.30. While his highest score stands at 95, just shy of a century, Williamson has been a consistent contributor with 17 half-centuries. Despite not registering a T20I century, his aggressive intent is evident in a striking scoring rate of 123.02, featuring 230 boundaries and 55 sixes. Although encountering four ducks, Williamson’s T20I stats underscore his ability to blend classical shot-making with an explosive approach, making him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kane Williamson has carved a significant niche for himself, currently donning the colors of the Gujarat Titans. With 75 innings in the IPL, he has accumulated a formidable total of 2101 runs at a commendable average of 36.22. While his highest score stands at 89, Williamson has displayed consistency with 18 half-centuries. Despite not reaching the century milestone, his scoring rate of 126.03 attests to his ability to accelerate the run rate when needed. The tally of 181 boundaries and 64 sixes reflects his versatility in shot-making, making him a key player in the Titans’ lineup. Encountering only two ducks, Williamson’s IPL stats underscore his valuable contribution as a dynamic and reliable batsman in the T20 extravaganza.
Kane Williamson World Cup Stats & Records 2023
Innings:
25
Not Outs:
7
Aggregate:
1098
Highest Score:
148
Average:
61.00
50s:
5
100s:
2
Ducks:
0
Scoring Rate
80.50
Opened Batting:
0
In the cricketing spectacle of World Cups, Kane Williamson has emerged as a stellar performer, leaving an indelible mark on the grand stage. Over 25 innings in World Cup competitions, he has amassed a formidable aggregate of 1098 runs at an exceptional average of 61.00. His highest score, a commanding 148, showcases his ability to anchor innings on the global stage. Williamson’s consistency is evident with two centuries and five half-centuries, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s campaigns. Remarkably, he has yet to face a duck in World Cup matches, underscoring his reliability. With a scoring rate of 80.50, he combines precision with brisk run-making. Despite not frequently opening the batting in this format, Williamson’s World Cup stats affirm his status as a standout batsman, etching his name among the tournament’s elite contributors.
Disclaimer: Please note that the statistics presented on Cricreads have been sourced from various reputable websites, includingWikipedia,Howstat, and others. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for cricket enthusiasts and fans.
Kane Williamson was dealing with an injury at the start of the World Cup and missed a couple of matches for his team before finally getting healed enough to play the game. However, his fun did not last long as he was injured again with a throw that hit my right on his thumb.
In absence of Kane Williamson, Tom Latham has captained the New Zealand cricket team and somehow the Kiwis has managed to win four out of five games so far. They suffered their first defeat against the Indian Cricket Team in their last tournament match.
Williamson’s leadership and his ability to keep the New Zealand batting stuck together is phenomenal. He has guided New Zealand to a lot of ICC tournament finals and even their first World Test Championship trophy win. He is a vital cog to their success and the Kiwis definitely want him back in the playing XI.
According to the latest reports, Kane Williamson has finally recovered from the thumb injury and will be available for selection from the next World Cup 2023 match for the New Zealand cricket team.
ICC ODI World Cup 2023: In the earlier part of this year, Kane Williamson suffered a knee injury while representing the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). This occurred when he made a diving effort near the boundary ropes to prevent a six for his team. Williamson is renowned for consistently giving his all in every match.
Following that, he had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee and hasn’t participated in any cricket matches for the past half-year. Despite being named in the World Cup squad, Williamson is not selected against England in the first ODI, scheduled for Thursday, October 5, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Tom Latham on Kane Williamson Injury
“I guess any team that doesn’t have Kane in it is obviously, you know, we’d certainly be better off having him but I think from our point of view for him to be here, to be at the World Cup is a testament to – I think the work that he’s put on over the last four to five months to be where he is and I think it’s nearly six months post-surgery and for him to be given a shot, to be given a chance to play in the World Cup at some point is really a testament to the work that he’s put in,” Latham said in the pre-match presser.
Kane Williamson showcased a brilliant batting performance in the initial warm-up game against Pakistan. He chose to retire himself after achieving a match-winning fifty for his team. However, he was unable to take part in fielding or captaincy duties due to his injury.
Kane Williamson Expected to Return Against Netherlands
Kane Williamson is anticipated to make a full recovery by October 8th and is likely to participate in the match against the Netherlands, as per the latest reports. However, the management will assess his condition thoroughly and won’t rush his return.
Kane Williamson is a globally renowned cricketer, known for his exceptional skills. He serves as the captain of the New Zealand men’s cricket team and leads the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
Born on August 8, 1990, in Tauranga, New Zealand, Kane Williamson exhibited his discipline and leadership qualities from a young age. He even held the position of head boy during his school days. This sense of responsibility and sincerity is also evident in his performances on the cricket field.
Kane Williamson Family- Father, Mother, Sisters, Twin Brother, Kids
Kane Williamson has shared insights into his family, but there are limited photos available online of him with his father, Brett Williamson. Brett hails from a sports-oriented family and aspired to become a cricketer himself. He even made it to the U-17 team of the Northern Districts but had to abandon his international cricket dreams due to cornea issues, eventually requiring a cornea transplant. He transitioned from playing to coaching and was also skilled in hockey.
While Kane has not posted pictures with his mother, Sandra Williamson, she was a prominent basketball player during her youth. Brett and Sandra have five children, with Kane being the second youngest. Kane’s three elder sisters, Anna, Sophie, and Kylie, continued the family’s sporting tradition by playing for national age-group volleyball teams.
Kane Williamson has a twin brother named Logan, with Kane being born just a few minutes before him. Logan works as an accountant.
Kane is in a relationship with Sarah Raheem, an English woman born in Bristol who later moved to New Zealand. Sarah is a nurse by profession, having earned her degree from the University of Bristol. While Kane and Sarah are not yet married, they’ve maintained privacy regarding their relationship. They welcomed their first daughter, Maggie, in December 2020, and in May 2022, their first son was born.