Cricket Live Line

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), owners of the Mumbai Indians, has secured a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles after winning a virtual auction on Thursday. This acquisition marks RIL’s entry into a period of exclusivity to negotiate agreements with Surrey, the ECB, and financial advisors before finalizing the purchase. RIL outbid a consortium of Silicon Valley tech executives, including leaders from Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, as well as private equity firm CVC. The Oval Invincibles, two-time champions in the men’s Hundred tournament, become RIL’s sixth franchise, joining Mumbai Indians, MI New York, MI Cape Town, and MI Emirates. Surrey has maintained its commitment to retaining a controlling stake in the Invincibles despite the sale. Chairman Oli Slipper emphasized that retaining control is a “clear red line” for the club. While the exact bid amount remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that the Invincibles will be among the most expensive franchises sold in this round. Other bi...

Shardul Thakur has made headlines in Mumbai’s final Ranji Trophy group stage match against Meghalaya by claiming a sensational hat-trick, leading to a dramatic batting collapse for the visitors. Thakur’s remarkable performance began in the very first over when he dismissed opener Nishanta Chakraborty. He then struck again in the third over, taking three wickets in consecutive deliveries—Anirudh B, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat—reducing Meghalaya to a precarious 2/5. This hat-trick marks Thakur as the fifth Mumbai player to achieve this feat in Ranji Trophy history. His impressive bowling figures of 4 overs, 14 runs, and 5 wickets not only showcased his skill but also highlighted his potential for a BCCI Central Contract after being overlooked in 2024. So far this season, he has claimed 17 wickets across seven matches. Mumbai opted to field first after winning the toss, aiming for a decisive victory to secure their place in the knockout stage following an upset loss to Jammu & Kashmir i...

Rohit Sharma has faced significant criticism for his recent performances in Test cricket, particularly following a dismal showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored just 31 runs across three matches. In light of this, former BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale has openly labeled Rohit as an “average Test player,” contrasting his success in white-ball formats. Jagdale questioned why Rohit hasn’t been dropped, given that players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have faced the axe despite their better records. The controversy intensified when reports emerged that Rohit filed a complaint with the BCCI regarding Sunil Gavaskar’s harsh remarks about his captaincy and form. Gavaskar suggested that if Rohit couldn’t participate fully, he should consider stepping aside for someone else to lead. Jagdale emphasized that the selectors missed an opportunity to appoint a new Test captain during the recent series against Bangladesh. Despite the criticism, Jagdale expressed confidence i...

Smriti Mandhana had a stellar year in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2024, establishing herself as the leading run scorer with 747 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 57.86. The left-handed opener consistently excelled against formidable opponents, starting the year with back-to-back centuries that propelled India to a 3-0 series victory over South Africa. Mandhana’s remarkable performances continued with a match-defining century in the series decider against New Zealand in October, and she also scored a valiant century in Perth against Australia, despite a losing effort. Her four ODI centuries set a new record for the women’s game, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. In addition to her runs, Mandhana hit 95 fours and six sixes throughout the year, contributing to an aggressive batting style for India’s top order. Her achievements not only highlight her individual brilliance but also played a crucial role in India’s success on the international stage. Man...

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been a prominent franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008, yet they remain without a trophy despite their massive following. Recently, Kuldeep Yadav, a player for the Delhi Capitals, humorously trolled an RCB fan during a football stream. When asked to join RCB as a goalkeeper, Kuldeep quipped, “You don’t need a goalkeeper. You need a trophy. What will you do with a goalkeeper?” RCB has reached the IPL finals three times in 2009, 2011, and 2016 but has failed to secure the title each time. Their inability to clinch the trophy has become a talking point among fans and players alike. Despite their struggles, RCB boasts a strong lineup and continues to be one of the most valuable franchises in the league. Kuldeep Yadav has not played for India since October last year due to injury rehabilitation but remains active in football discussions. His witty remarks highlight the ongoing narrative surrounding RCB’s quest for...

Rohit Sharma's return to domestic cricket has been marked by disappointment, as he continues to struggle with his batting form. In his first Ranji Trophy match since 2015, Rohit managed a mere 3 runs in the first inning, dismissed after facing 19 balls against Jammu and Kashmir's Umar Nazir Mir. His performance drew frustration from fans, many of whom left the stadium shortly after his dismissal, highlighting the growing concern over his form. In the second inning, expectations were high for a turnaround, but Rohit again fell short, scoring only 28 runs. This extended his poor run in the 2024/25 season to an average of just 10.43 across 16 innings, marking the lowest average for an Indian batter in this context since 2006. Rohit’s inability to convert starts into substantial scores has raised questions about his place in the team and his future as a player. His recent performances have not only disappointed fans but also put pressure on his role as captain of the Indian cri...

India triumphed over England by 7 wickets in the first T20I of their five-match series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. England batted first and struggled significantly, losing wickets early in their innings. They were bowled out for a modest total of 132 runs in 20 overs, with captain Jos Buttler being the standout performer, scoring 68 runs off 44 balls. The Indian bowlers put on a disciplined display, with Varun Chakravarthy taking 3 wickets and Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel each claiming 2 wickets. In response, India chased down the target comfortably, scoring 133 runs in just 12.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the innings, smashing a quickfire 79 runs off just 34 balls. Sanju Samson contributed with a solid 26 runs off 20 deliveries. India lost three wickets during their innings, with Suryakumar Yadav being dismissed for a duck. Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya remained not out at the end, scoring 19 and 3 runs respectively. England’s innings was characterized by a ...

Rinku Singh, the star player of the Kolkata Knight Riders, is making headlines as he prepares to marry Samajwadi Party (SP) MP PriyaSaroj. The families of both individuals recently held discussions in Aligarh, where they agreed on the matrimonial alliance. Priya’s father, TufaniSaroj, confirmed that while no formal engagement ceremony has taken place yet, both families are supportive of the relationship. In a heartwarming gesture, Rinku gifted his father, Khanchandra Singh, a Kawasaki Ninja sports bike worth ₹3.19 lakh. A video of Khanchandra riding the bike has gone viral, showcasing a proud moment for Rinku, who wanted to fulfill his father’s dream of owning a fancy motorcycle. Rinku Singh has also emerged as a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders, having been retained for ₹13 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season. He gained widespread recognition during IPL 2023 for his remarkable performance, including hitting five consecutive sixes in a crucial match. As he prepares for the upcom...

The Lucknow Super Giants have formally named Rishabh Pant as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Super Giants paid a record-breaking INR 27 crore to acquire the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, making Pant, the former captain of the Delhi Capitals, the most expensive purchase in IPL history. Pant decided to go to auction before the 18th season of the league. Rishabh Pant entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, and the Super Giants initiated the bidding process. Following challenges from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Super Giants made a bid of INR 20.75 crore, which the Capitals, using the RTM, matched. In order to sign the 27-year-old Pant, the Super Giants subsequently increased the price to INR 27 crore in accordance with the new IPL auction regulations, which permitted the original bidder to boost the price following the use of an RTM card. After letting go of KL Rahul, the Super Giants were searching for ...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England. The announcement was made by captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a press conference in Mumbai on January 18, 2025. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Shubman Gill serving as his deputy.   The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya included. JaspritBumrah has been named, but his participation remains subject to fitness. Yashasvi Jaiswal earned his maiden ODI call-up following impressive performances in domestic cricket. The pace attack will be led by Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Bumrah (if fit), while the spin department includes Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.   India’s group-stage matches in the Champions Trophy will all be played in Dubai, starting with Bangladesh on...

Delhi’s squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches has been announced, with Rishabh Pant declining the captaincy to allow Ayush Badoni to continue as skipper. Notably, ViratKohli has also been included in the squad, although his participation remains uncertain and depends on his availability. This announcement comes shortly after the BCCI introduced a 10-point guideline aimed at promoting discipline and unity among contracted players. A significant aspect of this guideline is the mandatory requirement for players to participate in all domestic cricket, with non-compliance potentially affecting their selection for international matches and central contract renewals. Exceptions will only be made in extraordinary circumstances, requiring approval from the selection panel head. Both Kohli and Pant were part of the Indian team that faced a disappointing 1–3 defeat in the recent Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. As Delhi prepares for their next match against Saurashtra on January 23...

India Women completed a clean sweep against Ireland Women, securing a 3–0 victory in the ODI series with a commanding performance in the third match held on January 15, 2025. Skipper Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring a remarkable 135 runs off just 80 balls, which included 12 boundaries and seven sixes. Her explosive innings set the tone for India, who posted an impressive total of over 400 runs for the first time in women’s ODIs. Pratika Rawal also shone brightly, contributing significantly with her own century, helping to solidify India’s dominance throughout the series. The Indian bowlers then restricted Ireland effectively, ensuring that they could not mount a serious challenge. This series victory comes after India won the first two ODIs convincingly, showcasing their strength and depth in women’s cricket. Mandhana’s leadership and the team’s overall performance highlight their readiness as they prepare for future challenges. With this clean sweep, India Women not only de...

On January 12, 2025, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan officially announced that Shreyas Iyer will be the new captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The announcement took place during the Bigg Boss 18 Weekend KaVaar, where Iyer was joined by fellow cricketers Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh. The trio entertained the audience with dance performances before Iyer’s leadership role was revealed. Watch the video here . Iyer, who previously led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in IPL 2024, was acquired by PBKS for an impressive ₹26.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. His appointment comes as PBKS aims to strengthen its leadership after struggling to find a consistent captain in previous seasons. In addition to Iyer, PBKS also secured Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore and retained explosive batsman Shashank Singh for ₹5.5 crore. With a strong mix of talent and experience, Iyer expressed gratitude towards the Punjab Kings mana...

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns about the impact of India’s “icon culture” on the team’s performance, particularly during its current transition phase. He believes that this culture fosters hero worship among fans, which can lead to a decline in rationality as iconic players near the end of their careers. Manjrekar argues that this phenomenon results in a “generational slump,” where selectors hesitate to make bold decisions, fearing backlash from fans if they drop established players. As India prepares for a significant transition similar to that of 2011–12, Manjrekar highlighted that cricketing logic often gets overshadowed by emotional ties to legendary players. He noted that when these icons struggle, it negatively impacts the entire team. “This transition phase affects India the most among top teams due to our hero worship,” he stated. Manjrekar emphasized the need for selectors to take decisive actions without being swayed by public sentiment, as it ...

KL Rahul is set to be rested for India’s upcoming World Cup series against England, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting January 22. This decision comes after Rahul’s solid performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he showcased his technical skills, even if he wasn’t the highest run-scorer. The move to rest him appears strategic, allowing him to manage his workload after a lengthy Test series. In addition to this, Rahul has opted out of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy to ensure he remains fit and well-rested. Reports suggest that this decision may have been made at his request, reflecting his desire to recover fully before the international commitments ahead. Despite speculation about his future in the squad, it is believed that KL Rahul will be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batter adds significant value to the lineup, making it unlikely that India would overlook him for suc...

Protecting Your Privacy: What to Know Before Sharing Your Online Betting ID Sharing your  online betting ID  can seem harmless. However, understanding the risks and implications involved is critical. This guide highlights what you need to know for safer online betting. The Risks of Sharing Your Online Betting ID Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Online gambling can expose you to financial fraud and identity theft. According to statistics, nearly 30% of betting-related fraud cases involve stolen IDs. Real-life examples include cases where users found their accounts drained without their consent. Experts warn that online betting accounts are easy targets due to minimal security checks. Account Takeover and Unauthorized Betting When your account is compromised, the consequences can be severe. Hackers can quickly drain your funds, rack up losses, or even place bets without your permission. Common methods for stealing IDs include phishing emails and malware. There have been numero...

England Test captain Ben Stokes humorously referred to himself as the “Bionic Man” following surgery to repair a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during England’s final match of 2024 against New Zealand, necessitating a three-month recovery period. Stokes confirmed the surgery via an Instagram post, sharing a photo of himself with his leg in a brace, propped up in a car. He reassured fans, saying, “Bionic Man for a while. Surgery done. In a bit…” Despite his determination to return, Stokes has been ruled out of England’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With no Test matches scheduled until May, he has time to focus on rehabilitation. Reflecting on his injury, he stated, “It’s just one of those unfortunate things. I ain’t holding back.” He acknowledged the inherent risks of playing cricket but remains committed to returning stronger. Stokes expressed disappointment but emphasized his work ethic, stating he would continue to strive for peak performance. England’s next cha...

India’s humiliating loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has sparked widespread debate about the future of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After winning the first Test in Perth, India lost three of the remaining four matches, missing out on a spot in the World Test Championship final. This performance, combined with Kohli’s inconsistent run and Rohit’s decision to drop himself from the final Test, has raised questions about their roles in the team. As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for its Special General Meeting, new secretary DevajitSaikia has been instr”cted to convey a “strict message” to chief selector AjitAgarkar regarding the need for a fresh approach. Kohli managed only 190 runs in nine innings during the series, while Rohit scored just 31 runs across five innings, leading to calls for a new direction. Former BCCI officials have emphasized that no player should consider themselves bigger than the game, suggesting that both Kohli and ...

Jay Shah, alongside Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is engaged in discussions to restructure Test cricket into two divisions. This initiative aims to facilitate more frequent matches between cricketing powerhouses India, Australia, and England, enhancing the competitive landscape of the format. The proposed division would allow these nations to play each other more regularly, addressing concerns about dwindling interest in Test cricket. By creating a system where top teams face off more often, the stakeholders hope to rejuvenate the format and attract larger audiences. Shah’s leadership has been pivotal in these talks, reflecting his commitment to prioritizing Test cricket alongside the growing popularity of T20 leagues. The plan also seeks to ensure that players from countries outside the “Big Three” receive fair compensation for their participation in Test matches, potentially introducing a dedicated fund for match fees. This move comes at a crucial t...

Rishabh Pant delivered an explosive performance on Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia, scoring a quickfire 61 runs off just 33 balls. His half century included six boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the Australian bowling attack. Pant’s half-century was particularly notable as it was the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket, achieved in just 29 deliveries. Despite Pant’s heroics, India faced challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. He was eventually dismissed, caught behind off the bowling of Pat Cummins, leaving India at 124 for 5 and leading by 128 runs. His departure added pressure on the Indian batting lineup as they aimed to build a substantial lead. The match remains finely poised, with India looking to capitalize on their first-innings total of 185. Pant’s innings provided crucial momentum for the team, especially in a match where they are striving to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As play c...

Saurashtra’s experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sheldon Jackson has announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. Over his career, Jackson played 86 List A matches, amassing 2,792 runs, including nine centuries and 14 fifties. He was instrumental in Saurashtra’s victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2022-23 season. In T20s, Jackson scored 1,812 runs in 84 matches, featuring one century and eleven fifties. His contributions to Saurashtra have been significant, and he has been recognized for his dedication and hard work throughout his career. Jaydev Shah, president of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, praised Jackson’s commitment to the game, stating, “His dedication and passion for cricket have made him a key player for Saurashtra. As he bids farewell to white-ball formats, his contributions will continue to inspire budding cricketers.” While Jackson steps away from limited-overs cricket, he will continue to participate in red-ball cricket, remaining active in the ongoing Ran...