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Showing posts from March, 2025

Sanju Samson Returns to NCA for Fitness Tests Ahead of IPL 2025 Captaincy Decision

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Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has returned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru following his team’s IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Samson, who sustained a fracture to his right index finger earlier this year, was cleared to play only as a pure batter in the first three games of the tournament. As a result, Riyan Parag temporarily took over captaincy duties for Rajasthan Royals during these matches. Samson played as an impact player in RR’s first three games, scoring 66, 13, and 20 in his innings. However, he has now returned to the Center of Excellence (CoE) at the NCA for final fitness tests. The results of these tests will determine whether Samson can resume wicketkeeping duties and reclaim his role as RR’s full-time captain. If cleared, he is expected to lead Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming match against Punjab Kings on April 5 in Mullanpur. Samson underwent surgery on his right index finger on February 11 and has been recovering si...

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 50 runs

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Batting first, RCB posted a total of 196 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Rajat Patidar led the innings with a 51 off 32 balls, while opener Phil Salt contributed a quick 32 off 16 deliveries. Virat Kohli added 31 runs from 30 balls. CSK’s bowling attack saw Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad taking 3 wickets for 36 runs and Matheesha Pathirana claiming 2 wickets for 36 runs. ​ In response, CSK struggled against RCB’s disciplined bowling, managing only 146 for 8 in their 20 overs. Sachin Ravindra was the top scorer with 41 runs, and MS Dhoni remained unbeaten at 30. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood was instrumental, securing 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Yash Dayal supported with 2 wickets for 18 runs. ​ This win propels RCB to two consecutive victories in the season, showcasing their strong form. For CSK, this loss highlights areas needing improvement as they aim to bounce back in the tournament.

Sara Ali Khan to Dazzle Fans with Performance at IPL 2025 Match in Guwahati

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Bollywood star Sara Ali Khan is all set to dazzle cricket fans with her electrifying performance at the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati.  The event will take place on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, adding a glamorous touch to the much-anticipated clash. Sara’s performance is part of the celebrations marking 18 years of the Indian Premier League, blending cricket with entertainment to elevate the fan experience. This match holds special significance as Rajasthan Royals have chosen Guwahati as their home venue for two games this season, aiming to connect with local fans and highlight Assam’s cricketing spirit. The Barsapara Stadium has already hosted thrilling matches this season, including RR’s recent face-off against Kolkata Knight Riders, which saw moments of excitement both on and off the field. Sara Ali Khan’s stage act is expected to energize the crowd ahead of the match, which begins at 7:30 PM IST. Her presenc...

Fan Entered the Ground and Touched the Feet of Riyan Parag & Hugged Him Today

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During the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, a fan made headlines by breaching security to express his admiration for local star Riyan Parag. The incident occurred during the 11th over when the fan rushed onto the pitch, touched Parag’s feet, and hugged him before being escorted away by security personnel. Riyan Parag, who hails from Assam, has garnered a significant following in his home state, and this display of affection from a fan highlights his status as a local hero. The moment was captured on social media, showcasing the strong connection between Parag and his supporters. Earlier in the match, Parag batted at number three, scoring 25 runs off 15 deliveries before being dismissed. Despite the fan’s enthusiastic gesture, concerns were raised about security measures at the stadium. This incident follows a trend of pitch invasions in cricket matches, prompting discussions about ensuring player safety durin...

Punjab Kings Secure Thrilling 11-Run Victory Over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 Opener

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Punjab Kings triumphed over Gujarat Titans in a thrilling IPL 2025 opener, securing an 11-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25, 2025. Batting first, Punjab Kings posted a formidable total of 243 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer led the charge with an impressive unbeaten score of 97 runs, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess. Other notable contributions came from Prabhsimran Singh and Glenn Maxwell, who added valuable runs to the scoreboard. In response, Gujarat Titans put up a strong fight, scoring 232 runs for 5 wickets. Despite a valiant effort from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 74 runs, the Titans fell short of the target. The match concluded dramatically with Shahrukh Khan hitting a six on the last ball.  But it wasn’t enough to clinch victory for Gujarat. Vijaykumar Vyshak played a crucial role in Punjab’s bowling attack, helping to restrict the Titans during their chase. His performance was instrumental in ensuring Punjab’...

Delhi Capitals Edge Past Lucknow Super Giants in Thrilling One-Wicket Victory

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Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a dramatic one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 opener on March 24, 2025. Chasing a challenging target of 210 runs, DC found themselves in a precarious position at 65 for 5, putting immense pressure on the batting lineup. However, Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the hero of the match, playing a sensational knock of 66 runs. His innings were pivotal in reviving DC’s chase as he formed crucial partnerships with lower-order batsmen. The match reached a nail-biting climax, with DC needing just two runs off the final ball to secure victory. Axar Patel, leading DC for the first time after taking over from Rishabh Pant, praised his team’s resilience and Sharma’s outstanding performance. LSG had earlier set a competitive total of 209 runs, with Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant contributing significantly to their innings. Despite their efforts, LSG fell short as DC’s bowlers managed to restrict them effectively. This victory marks an exc...

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir to miss IPL 2025 action as he jets off to France for vacation

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As IPL 2025 approaches, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has opted for a vacation, leaving the country during the tournament’s initial days. A video surfaced on social media showing Gambhir at the airport with his family, departing for France. Traveling with his wife Natasha and daughters Aazeen and Anaiza, Gambhir’s casual demeanor has raised eyebrows regarding his priorities as the coach of the Indian cricket team. This break marks Gambhir’s first since leading India to victory in the Champions Trophy in Dubai last month, where they secured their first ICC title since 2013 by defeating South Africa. While IPL teams vie for playoff positions, Gambhir is preparing for India’s challenging five-test tour of England in June 2025, a series crucial for the team after recent setbacks against New Zealand and Australia. Some fans question whether Gambhir should be scouting talent during the IPL, although his absence will not hinder selectors and management from fulfilling that role. While his...

Bowlers can Use Saliva in IPL, BCCI has lifted the Ban

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In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball, effective from the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This decision comes after extensive internal discussions and will be presented to IPL team captains during a meeting in Mumbai. The use of saliva to maintain the ball’s condition was prohibited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2020 as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. However, with the pandemic’s threat subsiding, the BCCI believes that allowing saliva usage in the IPL will benefit bowlers and restore traditional playing conditions. Additionally, the BCCI is considering expanding the Decision Review System (DRS) in IPL 2025 to include reviews for height wides and wides outside the off-stump. This change aims to provide teams with a fair opportunity to challenge marginal on-field wide calls. These proposed changes are set to enhance the playing experience ...

Hardik Pandya Confirms, Suryakumar Yadav to captain MI in opener vs CSK

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Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Mumbai Indians in their opening match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings on March 23, as confirmed by Hardik Pandya. Pandya is sidelined due to a one-match ban imposed for slow over-rate violations during the last IPL season. This penalty follows a third offense for the Mumbai Indians, resulting in Pandya being unable to participate in the first game of the new season. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene stated that the team was officially informed about Pandya’s suspension, emphasizing Suryakumar’s suitability as a captain in his absence. Hardik expressed confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership abilities, noting his experience leading the Indian national team and describing him as an exciting choice for the role. The Mumbai Indians have faced challenges recently, finishing last in IPL 2024 after a disappointing season. Despite these setbacks, they aim to bounce back with a strong start under Yadav’s leadership. The team’s management has retained key ...

For England Test tour, BCCI unsure about India A selection

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The BCCI has revised its plans for India’s Test tour of England, starting June 20, 2025. Instead of the previously announced three four-day matches, India A will now play one four-day match against England Lions on June 4, followed by an intra-squad game. This schedule aims to help players transition from the IPL 2025, which ends on May 25, to Test cricket. A second India A match Is planned between the first and second Tests. The BCCI is considering two options for player selection: including main team members like ViratKohli, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, or choosing domestic performers and recent India A tour participants such as Sai Sudharsan, DevduttPadikkal, and Shardul Thakur. Given India’s recent Test series losses and the lack of red-ball cricket exposure, the BCCI may opt for main-team players to face England Lions for better acclimatization. Head coach GautamGambhir is expected to travel with India A and may influence the decision on whether out-of-form players like Rohit...

India Masters defeat West Indies Masters in the final and claim the victory

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India Masters clinched the inaugural International Masters League title with a six-wicket victory over West Indies Masters in the final at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. Chasing 149, India reached the target in just 17.1 overs, powered by Ambati Rayudu’s match-winning 74 off 50 balls. Earlier, the West Indies Masters posted 148/7, with Lendl Simmons (57 off 41) and Dwayne Smith (45 off 35) anchoring their innings. However, India’s bowlers Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12) delivered crucial breakthroughs to restrict the opposition to a manageable total. The win marked a dominant campaign for India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, as they emerged as champions in the league’s debut edition.

Mahmudullah Bangladesh All-Rounder retired from international cricket

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Mahmudullah, the veteran Bangladesh all-rounder, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 39-year-old made this decision after the conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Where Bangladesh faced an early exit. Mahmudullah had already retired from Tests in 2021 and T20Is in 2024, and his latest announcement marks the end of his ODI career as well. Mahmudullah leaves behind a legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished players. He represented the country in 239 ODIs, 50 Tests, and 141 T20Is, accumulating 11,047 runs across all formats. Notably, he is the only Bangladeshi player to have scored three centuries in ODI World Cups. His retirement follows that of Mushfiqur Rahim, another senior player, and marks a significant transition phase for Bangladesh cricket. Mahmudullah expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, family, and fans for their support throughout his career. His departure is seen as a major blow to the team, which is currently undergoing a per...

What's the Best IPL ID for You? Find Out Now!

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Ever felt lost in the world of fantasy sports? Picking the perfect IPL ID can feel like a big deal. It’s more than a username; it’s your identity. Getting it right can make your fantasy experience way better. This guide will help you choose an ID that rocks! Understanding the Basics of IPL IDs What is an IPL ID? An IPL ID is your username in fantasy IPL games. Think of it as your online sports name. It’s how others see you on leaderboards. It also reflects your style in the fantasy league. A good ID helps build your personal brand. It shows who you are as a fan. Rules and Restrictions There are rules for IPL IDs. Most platforms limit the number of characters. They might restrict special symbols too. Profanity is a big no-no, so keep it clean. Make sure to follow the platform’s guidelines. Check them before settling on your ID. This way, you don’t face any problems later. The Importance of Uniqueness A unique IPL ID helps you stand out. It avoids confusion with other players. Plus, it ...

After winning IPL, is Shreyas Iyer unhappy with KKR for not being retained?

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Shreyas Iyer’s career with the Indian team has been marked by ups and downs, with frequent inclusions and exclusions across formats. After being dropped following the World Cup, he was asked to focus on domestic cricket, which he initially resisted, leading to his omission from the BCCI central contract list.  However, Iyer responded positively to these setbacks by dominating domestic competitions. He scored 480 runs in the Ranji Trophy, 345 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and 325 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his batting prowess. Iyer reflected on this period, stating that being out of the team allowed him to reassess his approach, focusing on fitness and skill development. He expressed satisfaction with how he handled the situation, emphasizing self-belief and integrity. Despite winning the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Iyer felt underappreciated and was not retained by the team. Nonetheless, he remains focused on his personal growth and performance, highlighting...

ICC Announced Team of the Tournament for the Champions Trophy 2025

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The ICC has announced the Team of the Tournament for the Champions Trophy 2025, with no players from Pakistan making the cut. The team is dominated by Indian players, including Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, and KL Rahul. New Zealand also had a strong representation with four players: Mitchell Santner (captain), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Matt Henry, despite Henry missing the final due to injury. Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances, scoring 263 runs with two centuries. Virat Kohli contributed significantly with 218 runs, while Shreyas Iyer was India’s top scorer with 243 runs. KL Rahul impressed with an unbeaten average of 140. Glenn Phillips showcased his all-round skills, and Mitchell Santner’s leadership and wicket-taking ability earned him the captaincy. The team also includes two players from Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai. This selection reflects the standout performances...

After being removed last year, Shreyas Iyer likely to return to BCCI central contract

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ShreyasIyer is on the verge of being reinstated into the BCCI’s Central Contract after being omitted last year. The decision to drop him was largely due to concerns over his participation in domestic tournaments, particularly after he missed a Ranji Trophy semi-final. However, Iyer has since represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, which has likely paved the way for his return to the contract list. Iyer’s consistent performances for India, including his crucial role in the ODI World Cup 2023, have highlighted his importance to the national team. His ability to anchor innings with solid technique has been invaluable. The BCCI’s decision to reinstate him reflects a renewed faith in his commitment to domestic cricket. A formal announcement from the BCCI is expected soon. This reinstatement would not only recognize Iyer’s contributions to Indian cricket but also provide him with the financial and structural support that comes with being part of the central contract list. His return is seen ...

Mushfiqur Rahim Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket

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In a shocking move, Bangladesh cricket legend Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This decision comes after his earlier retirement from T20Is in September 2022, where he chose to focus on Test cricket. Mushfiqur Rahim is one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished cricketers, known for his versatility as a right-handed middle-order batter and wicketkeeper. He holds numerous records for Bangladesh, including being the highest individual scorer in Test cricket and the first Bangladeshi to score two double-hundreds in Tests. Throughout his career, Rahim has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup, contributing significantly to their growth in international cricket. His retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era for Bangladesh, who will now need to find new leaders to fill the void left by one of their greatest players. Rahim’s decision to focus solely on Test cricket underscores his commitment to the longer format, where he has achi...

Five Indian Batters in ICC ODI Top 15 Rankings

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India’s dominance in ODI cricket continues as five of their batters feature in the top 15 of the latest ICC ODI batting rankings, showcasing the team’s incredible depth and consistency. Leading the pack is Shubman Gill, who has cemented his position as the No. 1 ODI batter with a stellar rating of 817 points. Gill’s rise to the top came after his exceptional performances in recent matches, including a match-winning century against England. Virat Kohli, known for his unmatched consistency, holds the 4th spot with 743 points. The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, follows closely at 5 with 757 points, reflecting his ability to lead from the front with impactful performances. ShreyasIyer, who has been in fine form recently, occupies the №8 position, further solidifying India’s stronghold in the rankings. KL Rahul rounds off the Indian contingent in the top 15, sitting at №15 with consistent contributions in the middle order. This remarkable representation underscores India’s batting strength a...

IND vs AUS Predicted Playing 11, Semi-Final Champions Trophy 2025

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India vs Australia Match Preview The ICC Champions Trophy 2025’s first semifinal matchup between India (IND) and Australia (AUS) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Since Australia’s resounding victory in the 2023 World Cup final, this is their first ICC knockout match. Records show that Australia has consistently dominated ICC events, and India will be keen to alter that perception. India has only triumphed once in four meetings against Australia in knockout rounds since 2010. India has dominated their group with three consecutive victories, demonstrating their ability to retain form in the current campaign. A fascinating match between the well-known rivals is to be expected, as both teams are aiming for victory in the do-or-die match. Match Details: League : ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match : India vs Australia, Semi Final-1 Time : 2:30 PM IST, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Venue : Dubai International Cricket Stadium Live Streaming : Jio Star ...

India Clinches Thrilling Victory Over New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025

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India secured a stunning win against New Zealand, successfully defending a target of 250 runs in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. The victory, achieved through disciplined bowling and exceptional teamwork, ensured India topped their group heading into the semi-finals. After setting a modest target of 250, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion. Mohammed Shami led the attack with precision, claiming three crucial wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya chipped in with vital breakthroughs. The fielding unit complemented the bowlers’ efforts, maintaining pressure on the New Zealand batters throughout the chase. Despite resistance from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand fell short, handing India a memorable win. This triumph not only boosted India’s morale but also marked a significant moment in their rivalry with New Zealand, who have often been their nemesis in ICC tournaments. With this win, India entered the semifinals on a high no...

Australia Qualified into the Semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025

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Australia has secured a spot in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after their crucial match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain and a wet outfield at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The abandonment resulted in both teams sharing points, taking Australia to four points and confirming their qualification for the semi-finals. The match was interrupted in the 13th over of Australia's chase of 274 runs, with Travis Head and Steve Smith at the crease. Despite the interruption, Australia's position in the group was solidified, ensuring they join India and New Zealand in the semi-finals. South Africa, with three points, remains in contention and will need to secure a win against England to top the group. If England wins, South Africa and Afghanistan will finish with three points each, with the team having a better net run rate advancing to the semi-finals. Australia's qualification marks a significant milestone in the tournament, setting the stage for int...