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Tag: RCB

  • CSK vs RCB Pitch Report: Will Spinners Dominate Again at Chepauk or Will Batters Rule? Know the Pitch Conditions

    CSK vs RCB Pitch Report: Will Spinners Dominate Again at Chepauk or Will Batters Rule? Know the Pitch Conditions

    The eighth match of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) will be played on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In this match, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This will be the second match for both teams in this season.

    CSK won their first match by defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets, while RCB registered a seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With both teams coming into this match with a win, a tough battle is expected at Chepauk. Before the match, let’s take a look at the pitch report and whether batters or bowlers will dominate.

    Chepauk Stadium Pitch Report

    The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) is known for its spin-friendly pitch. Spinners get significant assistance here as the ball tends to grip and turn, making it challenging for batters. However, if a batter plays carefully in the initial overs, it becomes easier to score runs later in the game.

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Full Schedule- Date, Timing, Matches, Venues

    Another Low-Scoring Match Expected

    This will be the second match at Chepauk in IPL 2025. The first match of this season at this venue was played between CSK and MI, where Mumbai Indians scored 155/9 in 20 overs while batting first. In response, CSK chased the target with five balls to spare, winning by four wickets.

    Given the nature of the pitch, another low-scoring encounter is expected in this match.

  • IPL 2025: RCB Begin Pre-Season Camp Without “Potential Captain” Virat Kohli; Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar Present

    IPL 2025: RCB Begin Pre-Season Camp Without “Potential Captain” Virat Kohli; Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar Present

    Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have wasted no time in preparing for IPL 2025, launching their pre-season camp in Bengaluru shortly after assembling their squad at the auction. Despite the tournament’s tentative window not being finalized, coach Andy Flower and the management have made their ambitions clear to end RCB’s title drought.

    Key Signings for IPL 2025

    RCB made bold moves at the auction, parting ways with Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell. However, they bolstered their squad with notable signings like England’s promising all-rounder Jacob Bethell, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazlewood. These acquisitions aim to strengthen the team’s core and address previous gaps, particularly in the bowling department.

    Players Attend Pre-Season Camp

    The pre-season camp saw the participation of several key players, including Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Yash Dayal, and Rasikh Dar. Players involved in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy also joined the camp, signaling the team’s commitment to early preparations. Notably, Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood were absent, as they are currently playing in the IND vs AUS series.

    Also Read- Virat Kohli to Return as RCB Captain? AB de Villiers Sparks IPL 2025 Buzz

    Virat Kohli’s Potential Return as Captain

    Speculation is rife that Virat Kohli might be reinstated as RCB’s captain after Faf du Plessis’ exit. If confirmed, Kohli’s leadership could inject fresh energy into the squad and improve team cohesion, making them a strong contender for the title.

    RCB’s Squad for IPL 2025

    The team boasts a balanced lineup with Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya leading the charge. Young talents like Jacob Bethell and Suyash Sharma, along with experienced players like Tim David and Romario Shepherd, add depth to the squad.

    With intense preparations already underway, RCB’s intentions to claim their maiden IPL title in 2025 are louder than ever.

  • R Ashwin’s Bold RCB Captaincy Comment Following AB de Villiers’ Virat Kohli Announcement

    R Ashwin’s Bold RCB Captaincy Comment Following AB de Villiers’ Virat Kohli Announcement

    The question of who will captain Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 has been on everyone’s mind since the news that the franchise released Faf du Plessis. RCB didn’t pick a new captain in the mega auction, leaving the role open. However, former RCB star AB de Villiers recently suggested that Virat Kohli would return as captain, and now, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shares the same view.

    In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin confidently said that Kohli is likely to captain RCB, as the team didn’t sign anyone else who could take on the leadership role. He stated, “I think Virat Kohli is going to captain the side. They haven’t picked a new captain, and I don’t see anyone else in line.”

    Ashwin also praised RCB’s performance in the auction, calling it a smart strategy. He mentioned that while many teams spent big in the auction, RCB waited patiently and focused on getting the right players for their team, rather than overspending.

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Scheduled from March 14 to May 25

    He explained, “I think they had a terrific auction. RCB waited and planned carefully. Many teams had large budgets and rushed to buy players, but RCB focused on picking players they needed for their team’s balance, and I admire that strategy.”

    Earlier, Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, addressed the captaincy situation. While he acknowledged Kohli’s important role in the team, he made it clear that no decision had been made yet about who would lead the team in 2025, saying, “Virat is a central figure, but we haven’t decided on the captaincy yet.”

  • IPL 2025 Auction- RCB Goes All-Out for Swing King, Bhuvneshwar Kumar; Buys Him at Rs 10.75 Crore

    IPL 2025 Auction- RCB Goes All-Out for Swing King, Bhuvneshwar Kumar; Buys Him at Rs 10.75 Crore

    Star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Bhuvi was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but now he will play for RCB.

    A Bidding War Between Mumbai and RCB

    Mumbai Indians also showed interest in signing Bhuvi, but in the end, it was RCB that secured him. Bhuvneshwar will likely fill the gap left by Mohammad Siraj, who was not retained by RCB and was not brought back through the RTM (Right to Match) card during the auction. As a result, Bhuvi is expected to take on a key role in RCB’s bowling attack in place of Siraj.

    Performance in IPL

    In IPL 2024, Bhuvi did not have an outstanding season with SRH, taking 11 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of 9.35. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has considerable experience in the IPL, having played 176 matches and taken 181 wickets over his career.

    Also Read- IPL 2025 Auction- Jos Buttler Joins Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 Crore

    Impressive Recent Performances

    Although Bhuvi has been away from the Indian team recently, he has been performing exceptionally well in local and domestic tournaments. He impressed during the UP T20 League and has consistently delivered strong performances for Uttar Pradesh across all formats. His recent form helped him attract attention in the IPL auction, leading to RCB securing him for ₹10.75 crore.

    Outstanding International Career

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his last match for India in 2022 but has an extensive international career. He has taken 63 wickets in 21 Test matches, 141 wickets in 121 ODIs, and 90 wickets in 87 T20 internationals, making him a seasoned and valuable player for RCB.

  • RCB Director of Cricket Bobat: ‘No Decision Made on Captaincy Yet’

    RCB Director of Cricket Bobat: ‘No Decision Made on Captaincy Yet’

    Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobat announced that no decision has been made regarding the captaincy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This statement comes amidst speculation that star Indian batter Virat Kohli would return as captain after stepping down from the role in the 2021 season. Kohli’s tenure as skipper, which began in 2013, saw a rollercoaster of results, including a runners-up finish in 2016 when RCB lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight runs.

    On Thursday, RCB confirmed the retention of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In a video following the retention announcement, Bobat clarified that Kohli has not been finalized as captain. “I’m sorry to disappoint everyone listening, but we have not made any decision regarding captaincy yet. We are open to options. The only clear decision we made was not to retain Faf du Plessis, who did a great job last year and the year before. We will keep an open mind heading into the auction,” Bobat stated.

    Under Faf’s leadership from 2022, RCB reached the playoffs in two out of three seasons, with this year’s journey particularly noteworthy as the team bounced back after winning only one match in the first half of the season, ultimately securing a spot in the playoffs with six consecutive victories.

    Also Read- BCCI Removes Impact Player Rule from Domestic Cricket Before IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Details Inside

    Bobat also shared that the decision not to retain pacer Mohammed Siraj was the “toughest decision” for the franchise. Siraj, who has been with RCB since 2018 and took 83 wickets in 87 matches, had a commendable season last year, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches. “Not retaining Siraj was our toughest decision. We value his contributions as a strong performer for both RCB and India. However, we wanted to enter the auction with as many options as possible to build a balanced bowling attack capable of competing effectively in the IPL and other formats,” he explained.

    Bobat mentioned the team’s desire to retain Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is currently recovering from back surgery and may miss the IPL next year. Green had a strong season with RCB after being traded from Mumbai Indians, scoring 255 runs in 13 matches at an average of 31.88 and a strike rate over 143, along with taking 10 wickets.

    He emphasized the importance of strengthening their Indian core, which is why they chose to retain high-quality players like Patidar and Dayal. “Prioritizing a strong Indian core during the auction phase is crucial, and our retention reflects that decision. Retaining our players was a straightforward choice, especially given their performance last year,” Bobat added.

    Patidar had an impressive season in IPL 2024, scoring 395 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate of 177.13, including five half-centuries. Since his debut in 2021, he has played 27 matches, accumulating 799 runs at a strike rate of 158.85. His attacking style against spin garnered much acclaim. Uncapped player Yash Dayal led RCB’s bowling attack in IPL 2024, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.15.

    In IPL 2024, RCB narrowly secured a place in the top four, winning seven of their 14 matches and finishing fourth with 14 points. However, their journey ended in the playoffs with a four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals.

  • Released by RCB without playing a single IPL game, 21-year-old all-rounder smashes 95 off 58 balls ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction

    Released by RCB without playing a single IPL game, 21-year-old all-rounder smashes 95 off 58 balls ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction

    Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) recruit, 21-year-old all-rounder Aneeshwar Gautam, showcased his talent on August 26 by smashing an unbeaten 95 for the Manish Pandey-led Hubli Tigers in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy. Despite being released by RCB without playing a single IPL game, Gautam delivered a stellar performance against the Mangalore Dragons at RCB’s home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

    Gautam and Shrijith Shine with Fifties

    Mangalore Dragons skipper Shreyas Gopal won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Tigers faced early setbacks as opener Karthikeya KP was dismissed for a single-digit score by Gopal, and Abhilash Shetty sent Mohammad Taha back for a golden duck. Gautam, however, launched his innings with a six in the sixth over and reached his fifty off 32 balls, striking Dheeraj J Gowda for three fours and a six in the same over.

    At the other end, Krishnan Shrijith also went on the offensive, reaching his half-century in 36 balls with a six. Shrijith eventually fell to Advith Shetty for a well-made 77 off 44 balls in the 16th over. Gautam, who hit just one six in the last three overs, narrowly missed out on a century. Meanwhile, Pandey added crucial runs with two sixes and a four in the penultimate over. Gautam’s unbeaten 58-ball 95, featuring eight fours and five sixes, helped the Tigers post a formidable total of 209/3.

    Also Read: Paul Valthaty, Former IPL Star, Takes on Coaching Role in the USA

    Dragons Fall Short

    In response, the Dragons struggled under the scoreboard pressure. Nischith Pai and Rishi Bopanna each claimed three wickets, as the Dragons were bowled out for 167 with four balls remaining, handing the Tigers a 42-run victory. For the Dragons, Krishnamurthy Siddharth, Lochan Gowda, and captain Gopal managed to score in the 30s, but it wasn’t enough. This win marked the Tigers’ sixth victory of the season, securing their spot in the semifinals, while the Dragons were eliminated after suffering their sixth defeat of the tournament.

    Gautam’s Maharaja T20 Trophy Stats

    This was Gautam’s first half-century of the season, with his previous performances totaling 185 runs from six innings at an impressive average of 61.67 and a strike rate of 150.41. The former Under-19 World Cup 2022-winning team member will be in action again when the Tigers take on the Mysore Warriors on August 27.

  • Rinku Singh Wants to Join Virat Kohli’s RCB if Released by KKR in 2025 IPL Mega Auction

    Rinku Singh Wants to Join Virat Kohli’s RCB if Released by KKR in 2025 IPL Mega Auction

    India’s young batter Rinku Singh has expressed his desire to join Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) if Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release him during the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Rinku, who debuted in the IPL with KKR in 2018, gained widespread recognition after hitting five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans in a dramatic win during IPL 2023.

    Rinku Singh Wants to Join Virat Kohli's RCB if Released by KKR in 2025 IPL Mega Auction

    Rinku made his international debut for India against Ireland on August 18, 2023, and his ODI debut on December 19, 2023, against South Africa. In an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, Rinku shared that he would be keen to join RCB if released by KKR, citing Virat Kohli’s presence as a major factor.

    When asked about Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, Rinku praised him, describing him as a calm and effective leader. He compared Suryakumar’s style to that of Rohit Sharma, noting that both are calm captains who lead well without much talk.

    Also Read: Neither Kohli Nor Bumrah! But These 3 Players Can Break Mitchell Starc’s Record in IPL 2025 Auction

    Rinku was part of the traveling reserves for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and played in the subsequent five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. He last appeared in the T20I series against Sri Lanka under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. Rinku will next be seen leading Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League, with their first match scheduled for August 25.

  • Suryakumar Yadav Set to Join RCB for IPL 2025; Virat Kohli also Supports his Appointment as Captain- Reports

    Suryakumar Yadav Set to Join RCB for IPL 2025; Virat Kohli also Supports his Appointment as Captain- Reports

    The performance of the RCB team was excellent in IPL 2024. Due to which the team was able to qualify for the playoffs. However, RCB had to face defeat in the eliminator match. However, now RCB can make big changes in IPL 2025 and make Suryakumar Yadav the captain. Because, there is a mega auction before IPL 2025 and Mumbai Indians can release Surya from their team.

    Suryakumar Yadav Set to Join RCB for IPL 2025; Virat Kohli also Supports his Appointment as Captain- Reports

    Suryakumar Yadav can become the captain of RCB team

    Changes are expected in all the teams before IPL 2025. Because, due to the mega auction, all the teams can retain only 3 players. Whereas this time Suryakumar Yadav does not want to stay in Mumbai Indians. Due to which now RCB team can include Surya in their team.

    While according to media reports, news has come that this time many teams are thinking of making Surya the captain. While during this time the name of RCB team is leading. At the same time, Virat Kohli may also be ready to make Surya the captain of the team.

    RCB team will become stronger if Surya comes in

    If Suryakumar Yadav plays for RCB team in IPL 2025 and captains the team. So the RCB team will become very strong. Because, RCB’s batting can become even stronger with Surya’s arrival. Due to which RCB team can become champion in IPL 2025. Because, along with being a batsman, Surya is also a great captain. Due to which the 17-year wait for the trophy of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team can end.

    Also Read: 3 Players from Major League Cricket Who Can Get Crores Amount in Mega Auction

    Surya can give his name in the auction

    Before the IPL mega auction, Mumbai Indians will retain Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Tim David. Due to which the team may have to release Suryakumar Yadav. Due to this, Surya can give his name in the auction and RCB team would like to include him in their team at any cost.

  • Rohit and Virat to Open for RCB in IPL 2025, Franchise to Make Hitman the Captain As Well- Reports

    Rohit and Virat to Open for RCB in IPL 2025, Franchise to Make Hitman the Captain As Well- Reports

    Rohit and Virat can be seen playing for the same team in the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli’s franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore can include Rohit Sharma in their team before the mega auction this year. Virat Kohli has been seen opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League for the last several years. At the same time, Rohit Sharma was seen opening the innings for Mumbai Indians till now. In such a situation, if RCB includes Rohit Sharma in the team, then both the players can be seen opening the innings in IPL.

    Rohit and Virat to Open for RCB in IPL 2025, Franchise to Make Hitman the Captain As Well- Reports

    RCB can make Rohit Sharma the captain

    Virat Kohli’s franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore can hand over the role of captain of the team to Rohit Sharma in the Indian Premier League in 2025. Earlier, Rohit Sharma has captained Mumbai Indians. However, Mumbai Indians took back the captaincy from Rohit Sharma last season and handed it over to Hardik Pandya. At the same time, the RCB team has been looking for a captain for the last several years, so RCB can make Rohit Sharma the captain.

    Also Read: How Many Retentions will be Allowed in IPL 2025 Auction? Details Revealed

    Rohit Sharma has won five IPL titles as a Captain

    Rohit Sharma has won five IPL titles for the franchise while captaining Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma won the IPL title while captaining in the first season itself. Rohit Sharma won the IPL title in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. In such a situation, the Royal Challengers Bangalore team can give the captaincy to Rohit Sharma and Rohit Sharma can give RCB its first IPL title.

  • Will Virat Kohli Leave RCB and Now Play for CSK? Know the Truth Here!

    Will Virat Kohli Leave RCB and Now Play for CSK? Know the Truth Here!

    Every day, some news or rumors are circulating about the IPL 2025. However, not all the news are 100% correct, some are just spread to create buzz around. One such news that is nowadays circulating is regarding star player of Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise i.e. Virat Kohli. Virat made his debut for the Bangalore based franchise since 2008 and is still playing for them.

    Will Virat Kohli Leave RCB and Now Play for CSK? Know the Truth Here!

    Despite Virat Kohli’s strong performance, his team Royal Challengers Bangalore could not progress beyond the eliminator match in the IPL. RCB has not won a single title in the IPL so far. However, Kohli’s dream is to make RCB the champion. Virat Kohli had said in an old interview that he wants to make RCB the champion in the IPL. But his dream has not come true yet.

    Will Virat Kohli leave RCB?

    The mega auction of IPL is to be held next year. Before the mega auction, the suspense remains about many players. In such a situation, some talks are going on about Virat Kohli on social media. Some fans are writing through social media that Virat Kohli will leave Royal Challengers Bangalore next year and join Chennai Super Kings. However, no such updates have come out so far. Therefore, it can be believed that all the things being said by the fans and are fake so far.

    Also Read: Dinesh Karthik’s Shocking IPL Comeback: Just 30 Days After Retirement, Joins RCB in Major Role

    RCB will retain Virat Kohli!

    Virat Kohli had clearly said about IPL that he does not want to play this tournament for any other team except Royal Challengers Bangalore. In such a situation, Kohli will remain a part of RCB as long as he plays IPL. Next year i.e. during IPL 2025, Virat will also be retained by the RCB team. Kohli started his IPL career with RCB and he would like to end it with the same team. However, anything cannot be assured as we have already witnessed some major changes in the IPL.