Tag: cricket

RCB, Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals! Who will win their first-ever IPL title in 2025?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will present yet another opportunity for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) to finally break their long-standing title drought. Despite featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket, these three franchises have fallen short on multiple occasions. With revamped squads, new leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose, could this be the year when one of them finally lifts the coveted IPL trophy?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Can no. 18 inspire a historic triumph?

RCB have been one of the most-followed and most-discussed franchises in IPL history, yet they remain without a title despite reaching the final three times (2009, 2011, and 2016). The 18th season of the IPL carries an extra layer of significance for them, as it corresponds with the jersey number of their biggest icon, Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the league’s inception in 2008.

Last season, RCB dramatically turned their campaign around after a string of poor results, winning six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs. However, their title dream was crushed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. The defeat once again highlighted their long-standing weaknesses – an over-reliance on star batters and an inconsistent bowling attack.

For IPL 2025, RCB have acquired the services of explosive batters in form of Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt forming the backbone of their squad. While their batting unit has historically been dominant, their death bowling and ability to handle crunch moments in knockouts have often let them down. If RCB can address their bowling frailties, particularly in the death overs, and ensure that their middle order fires under pressure, this could finally be the year that they silence their critics and bring home their first IPL trophy.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Salary of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players; check out how much Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earn

Punjab Kings (PBKS): A major revamp

PBKS have undergone a significant transformation ahead of IPL 2025, making some bold moves at the mega auction in November. They decided to start fresh by retaining only two uncapped players – Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh – before making some big-money signings to completely revamp the squad.

The biggest headline-grabbing move was acquiring Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore and naming him their new captain. PBKS have struggled with leadership consistency over the years, frequently changing captains and failing to build a stable core. By investing in Iyer, they have shown their intent to have a long-term leader who can guide them to their first title.

Additionally, PBKS brought back some of their former stars, including Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, while also securing Yuzvendra Chahal to strengthen their spin attack. These acquisitions make them one of the most balanced squads on paper, with a mix of power-hitters, all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers.

However, Punjab’s biggest challenge has always been consistency. Over the years, they have had strong starts but struggled to maintain momentum throughout the season. Their ability to execute game plans under pressure and ensure key players perform in crunch matches will determine if they can finally claim their maiden IPL trophy. If Iyer’s leadership clicks and their key signings deliver, Punjab Kings could have their best shot at the title yet.

Delhi Capitals (DC): A fresh start under Axar Patel’s leadership

DC seemed to have found their winning formula between 2019 and 2021, when they made the playoffs three consecutive times, even reaching the final in 2020. However, the last three seasons have been disappointing, as they have failed to make it past the league stage.

DC’s struggles have been largely attributed to captaincy instability and inconsistent performances from their core players. Rishabh Pant took over as captain in 2021, replacing Iyer, but after missing the entire IPL 2023 season due to injury, DC has now turned to Axar Patel as their new leader for IPL 2025.

The challenge for DC remains their inability to perform under pressure in big matches. Even in their successful 2020 season, where they reached the final, they were completely outplayed by Mumbai Indians. Despite having a solid team on paper, they have often struggled to close out games in crunch moments.

For IPL 2025, DC will be desperate to finally get over the line and lift their maiden IPL trophy. They will start their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. If their batting lineup fires consistently, and Axar Patel’s leadership stabilizes the team, they could finally emerge as serious contenders for the title.

Who has the best chance to win IPL 2025?

Each of these three franchises has the talent and potential to win their first IPL trophy, but execution and consistency will be key.
- RCB have the experience of Kohli and new energy of young captain Rajat Patidar, but their bowling unit remains a concern, especially in high-pressure situations.
- PBKS have made major changes, with Iyer leading a completely revamped squad, but their ability to gel as a team and remain consistent will be tested.
- DC have trusted Patel to lead the franchise, but their lack of stability in big matches could still be their Achilles’ heel.
Based on squad depth, balance, and leadership stability, Punjab appear to have the most complete squad on paper. If their big-money signings click, PBKS could be the best bet to finally break their IPL title drought. However, if RCB can overcome their historical weaknesses in knockout matches, they could also have a strong shot at lifting the trophy. The 2025 season will be crucial for all three franchises, and one of them could finally rewrite history by claiming their first-ever IPL title.

Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) SWOT analysis for IPL 2025
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March 18, 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SWOT) analysis ahead of the IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will enter Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as one of the strongest contenders, carrying the momentum from their remarkable 2024 season. Their aggressive batting, experienced leadership, and well-structured pace attack make them a force to be reckoned with.

However, their success will depend on how well they address their middle-order vulnerabilities and spin concerns. If their key players remain fit and they adapt to different match situations, SRH could finally end their title drought. But if injuries and over-reliance on their top order become problematic, another season of heartbreak could be on the horizon. The road to IPL glory is never easy, but for SRH, this might just be the year when they rise above the rest.

Strengths: Explosive batting and experienced leadership

Most fearless batting lineup: With Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy, SRH have one of the most aggressive batting units in IPL history. Their ability to post massive totals makes them a dangerous side.

Captaincy and leadership: Pat Cummins, a proven leader with World Cup-winning experience, brings stability and strategic sharpness to the team. His ability to inspire and manage pressure situations is a huge asset.

Pace battery with variety: SRH boasts a strong pace attack with Mohammed Shami‘s new-ball mastery, Cummins’ leadership, and Harshal Patel‘s variations in the death overs. This trio provides experience, control, and wicket-taking ability.

Finishing firepower: Klaasen is one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket, ensuring SRH can capitalize on strong starts and post daunting totals.

Weaknesses: Middle-order concerns and lack of elite spinners

Fragile middle order: Beyond Klaasen, the middle order lacks stability. If early wickets fall, SRH do not have experienced batters to rebuild an innings, which could lead to collapses.

Lack of a World-class spinner: Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa are effective but lack the game-changing quality of spinners in other teams in form of Rashid Khan or Yuzvendra Chahal. On spin-friendly tracks, this could be a major drawback.

Over-dependence on fast scoring: SRH’s aggressive approach is high-risk. If the top order misfires, their batting lacks the depth to recover in difficult situations.

Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) SWOT analysis for IPL 2025

Opportunities: Title aspirations and Indian team spots

Chance to win their second IPL trophy: Having reached the final in 2024, SRH have and cement their place as one of the dominant teams in IPL history. With a well-balanced squad and aggressive gameplay, they have the potential to dominate the tournament if they can maintain consistency.

Ishan Kishan’s redemption arc: After being released by Mumbai Indians, Kishan has a point to prove. If he has a stellar season, he could make a strong case for his return to the Indian T20 setup, especially with the T20 World Cup in 2026.

Emerging Indian talent: The likes of Nitish Reddy, Abhishek and Aniket Verma have a platform to shine. A strong IPL season could propel them into national team discussions, giving SRH an exciting blend of youth and experience.

Bowling depth could be key: With Cummins leading the pace attack and multiple bowling options in the squad, SRH have the chance to fine-tune their bowling combinations to ensure they have match-winning firepower throughout the tournament.

Threats: Injury concerns and unpredictability

Injury risks to key players: Cummins has been managing an ankle injury, while Shami is returning from a long layoff. If either of them breaks down mid-season, SRH’s bowling attack could suffer significantly, impacting their title hopes.

Dependence on overseas stars: SRH rely heavily on their foreign players – Head, Klaasen, Cummins, and Zampa. If they lose form or become unavailable due to injuries or international commitments, the team’s balance could be thrown off.

Struggles on slower pitches: SRH’s explosive batting lineup thrives on flat decks, but if they encounter slow, turning pitches, their approach could backfire. Without an elite spin attack, they might struggle against teams with quality spinners like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

High-risk, high-reward strategy: SRH’s aggressive batting approach, while thrilling, can also be their downfall. If they lose wickets in clusters, they lack the stabilizing presence of a dependable anchor in the middle order, leading to potential collapses.

Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) SWOT analysis for IPL 2025
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March 18, 2025
Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival to Punjab Kings delayed ahead of IPL 2025

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with renewed hope and revamped leadership. However, their preparations have hit a minor snag as Afghanistan’s star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival has been delayed due to personal reasons. Omarzai, one of the central figures in PBKS’ plans, is likely to arrive in the team on March 21, only a few days before their season-opener against the Gujarat Titans on March 25. Although this delay may raise some eyebrows, PBKS have sufficient depth in their team to handle the situation well.

Azmatullah Omarzai: A rising star in international cricket

Omarzai is no run-of-the-mill cricketer. At the age of only 24, he has already established himself on the global platform. In 2024, he became the first-ever Afghan cricketer to be awarded the coveted ICC ODI Player of the Year award. His all-round performances with bat and ball played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victories, such as four successive ODI series wins against strong teams like South Africa and Bangladesh. With 417 runs at a rate of 52.12 and 17 wickets at an economy of 20.47 in 14 games last season, Omarzai solidified his position as one of cricket’s most promising young stars.

PBKS acquired Omarzai for INR 2.4 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, seeing his potential to be a game-changer. His capability to deliver in all aspects of the game makes him an asset for any team.

The delay: A cause for concern?

Omarzai’s arrival has been postponed due to personal reasons, leaving him with limited time to acclimatize before PBKS’ first match. While most of PBKS’ overseas players reported to the camp on March 17, Omarzai will join four days later, potentially impacting his preparation and integration into the team. Given his importance to PBKS’ strategy, this delay could pose challenges for head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer.

However, PBKS have options to mitigate his absence during practice sessions. The squad boasts experienced all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen, who can step in if needed. Maxwell’s ability to deliver under pressure and Jansen’s versatility provide a safety net for PBKS as they await Omarzai’s arrival.

Also READ: Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh reveals his all-time IPL XI; picks Yuzvendra Chahal as only spinner

Punjab Kings: A team seeking redemption

Punjab Kings have been a long way from achieving steady success in the IPL. Despite possessing powerful lineups and big players season after season, they have not made it to the playoffs for a decade now (2015-2024). Their best years have been reaching semifinals in 2008 and reaching the runners-up position in 2014. This year, with the advent of new leadership—Ponting as head coach and Iyer as captain—PBKS are looking to rewrite its history.

Iyer comes with huge expectations following his success in leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL trophy last season. His batting and leadership abilities will be very important for PBKS this season. Also joining is Yuzvendra Chahal at INR 18 crore, who will provide fire power to their bowling unit.

PBKS’ first match against Gujarat Titans on March 25 will determine the tone of their campaign. The team has already started intense training at Dharamsala’s Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium under Ponting’s supervision. The emphasis is on team bonding and strategy improvement before what looks like a competitive season.

Also READ: Harsha Bhogle names his probable XI for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025

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March 18, 2025
IPL 2025: Salary of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players; check out how much Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earn
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have assembled a powerful team for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by combining a solid core of retained players with explosive new signings. Retaining three players, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, RCB maintained stability while making major signings in the mega auction. Among the largest purchases was Josh Hazlewood, their costliest acquisition at INR 12.50 crore, bolstering their bowling department. The team also acquired 19 new players, including 8 overseas stars, to even out their squad in all departments.

Rajat Patidar appointed captain as RCB modify leadership

In a significant leadership change, Rajat Patidar has been made captain, a break from RCB’s tradition of entrusting the job to big international names. His elevation is an indication of the franchise’s trust in developing Indian talent and promoting long-term stability. To provide backup for Patidar, RCB has reorganized their coaching department, promoting Andy Flower as head coach, Dinesh Karthik as batting coach and Omkar Salvi as bowling coach. With these organizational overhauls, RCB hope to reach their full potential and contest their first-ever IPL title.

Can RCB finally end their IPL trophy drought?

Even though RCB has come close by winning three IPL finals, they are still waiting to get their hands on the highly sought-after trophy. Nevertheless, their balanced team, robust leadership team, and smart strategy during the auction have made them real contenders for IPL 2025. With their power-hitters, well-balanced all-rounders, and a deadly bowling line-up, this season is one of the best chances RCB have had to break their title jinx. The fans will be keen to know if this new-look RCB team can finally bring glory to Bengaluru.

Also READ: RCB Full Squad, IPL 2025 Schedule: Date, Match Time, Players List, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Salaries of RCB players in IPL 2025
- Virat Kohli: INR 21 crore
- Rajat Patidar: INR 11 crore
- Yash Dayal: INR 5 crore
- Liam Livingstone (Overseas): INR 8.75 crore
- Phil Salt (Overseas): INR 11.50 crore
- Jitesh Sharma: INR 11 crore
- Josh Hazlewood (Overseas): INR 12.50 crore
- Rasikh Dar: INR 6 crore
- Suyash Sharma: INR 2.60 crore
- Krunal Pandya: INR 5.75 crore
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: INR 10.75 crore
- Swapnil Singh: INR 50 lakhs
- Tim David (Overseas): INR 3 crore
- Romario Shepherd (Overseas): INR 1.50 crore
- Nuwan Thushara (Overseas): INR 1.60 crore
- Manoj Bhandage: INR 30 lakhs
- Jacob Bethell (Overseas): INR 2.60 crore
- Devdutt Padikkal: INR 2 crore
- Swastik Chhikara: INR 30 lakh
- Lungi Ngidi (Overseas): INR 1 crore
- Abhinandan Singh: INR 30 lakh
- Mohit Rathee: INR 30 lakh
Also READ: IPL – Complete list of all RCB captains so far ft. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli
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March 18, 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) SWOT analysis for IPL 2025
With the 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) looming, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are again preparing in search of their first title. Their incredible transformation in IPL 2024, winning six in a row and ending up in the playoffs after a torrid beginning, has increased expectations. Nevertheless, with a fresh captain in Rajat Patidar and some marquee signings, RCB will have to turn over a new leaf to win the trophy finally. Here is a comprehensive SWOT analysis for the next season.

Strengths: A balanced squad with multi-dimensional players

One of the strongest positives for RCB going into IPL 2025 is the balance in their squad. Contrary to seasons past, where they relied heavily on star power, this year’s squad has been constructed on the basis of roles instead of merely marquee names.
- Robust Indian core: RCB have consolidated its Indian strength with Patidar captaincy, Virat Kohli as the ace, and Devdutt Padikkal contributing good batting depth. Having Jitesh Sharma as a wicket-keeper batter makes them more agile in the middle order.
- Dynamic overseas contingent: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone and Tim David signings inject explosive power into their ranks. Salt, in red-hot touch of late, is a steady wicketkeeper-batter option at the top.
- Experienced bowling attack: In the past, RCB’s biggest flaw has been their failure to defend totals in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This week, however, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar spearheading the attack, they now boast increased death overs reliability. Nuwan Thushara and Lungi Ngidi also offer express pace.
- Balanced all-rounders: The presence of players like Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd and Jacob Bethell adds depth to both batting and bowling and makes RCB less dependent on individuals.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced captaincy and middle-order issues

Despite RCB working on many of its previous issues, some glaring weaknesses continue to exist.
- Rajat Patidar’s captaincy inexperience: RCB have traditionally had experienced international celebrities at the helm, but now with Patidar leading the charge, only time will tell whether he can deliver under the IPL captaincy pressure.
- Middle-order stability: While Livingstone and Phil Salt offer explosive alternatives, RCB lacks a consistent No. 4 or No. 5 batsman who can steady the innings in the event of early dismissals. This has been a concern for quite a few seasons.
- Chinnaswamy’s small boundaries and bowling challenges: RCB bowlers, no matter how much their bowling attack has been enhanced, will continue to lose out in high-scoring matches on their home ground. Players like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar will have to be in the best of their forms to help restrict the run flow.
Also READ: RCB Unbox Event 2025: Date, Time, Ticket Price, Performers and Live Streaming details

Opportunities: A new chapter and a chance to break the title curse

RCB have never lifted an IPL trophy, but this season offers a huge chance to finally end the jinx.
- A new leadership era: Patidar’s appointment marks a move towards long-term thinking, with RCB able to construct around Indian young guns. If Patidar delivers, he may lead the franchise for many seasons.
- Virat Kohli’s experience as a senior player: With Kohli now playing without the burden of captaincy, he can focus entirely on his batting, which might bring out his best version in IPL 2025.
- Emerging young talent: The presence of Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, and Suyash Sharma gives RCB a chance to nurture future stars who could make an impact in crunch games.
Threats: Injury risks and over-reliance on key players
- Fitness issues for foreign players: Hazlewood, Ngidi, and Livingstone have all been injury-plagued in the past few years. If any one of them is out for a major part of the season, RCB’s equilibrium can be upset.
- Reliance on Kohli and Salt at the top: If Kohli or Salt fail in some games, the batting of the team can be affected, as the middle order has not been tested under pressure yet.
- Strong competition from more powerful squad: RCB will have to be at their very best to remain competitive with squads like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Titans that have squads with great depth.
RCB have put together a balanced team for IPL 2025, featuring a good balance of Indian cricketers, explosive foreign superstars, and a solid bowling unit. Success, though, depends on the leadership of Patidar, batting prowess of Kohli, and their ability to deliver under pressure situations. If they remain consistent and plug their loopholes, it may well be that year when RCB holds aloft the IPL trophy. But if familiar problems – such as middle-order breakdowns and death-over woes – return to haunt them, then it would be another season of misery.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Top 10 overseas players to watch out for ft. Trent Boult and Phil Salt
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March 17, 2025
Delhi Capitals (DC) announces a new vice-captain ahead of IPL 2025

In a strong leadership move prior to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) have named previous South African captain Faf du Plessis their vice-captain. The organization confirmed the news through a post on their official X handle, cementing their leadership crew for the new season. This development follows the appointment of Axar Patel as Delhi captain after Rishabh Pant was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. With Du Plessis’ immense experience and leadership qualities, Delhi look to form a powerful leadership team that can take them to their first-ever IPL title.

Delhi Capitals reform leadership team for IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals have not fared well in the past three seasons, not making it to the playoffs since their runner-up finish in IPL 2020. With a strong team every year, DC has yet to win a trophy, just like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), two other teams that have been participating in the tournament since its beginning in 2008. With Axar Patel at the helm and Du Plessis with a plethora of experience as his second-in-command, DC looks to reverse fortunes in IPL 2025. The franchise has taken aggressive moves in the mega auction, picking up superstars like Mitchell Starc.

New vice-captain career journey in IPL 2025

Du Plessis, the RCB skipper of IPL 2024, was released by the franchise before the mega auction. Even though he led RCB to the playoffs in IPL 2022, his age and inconsistent performances during the last season prompted the franchise to release him. Du Plessis was picked up by Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 auction for INR 2 Crores, a steal considering his stature.

The experienced batter with over 4000 IPL runs under his belt will now be an integral part of the team not only as a batter but also as an important member of DC’s leadership team. His extensive experience of playing T20 cricket, his capability to steady the innings, and his strategic skills as a captain can be a huge asset to Delhi. As Axar will be captaining on the field, Du Plessis’ vice-captaincy role will be important in ensuring the guidance to the young players and complementing the Indian all-rounder with respect to making decisions.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Top 10 overseas players to watch out for ft. Trent Boult and Phil Salt

Can DC end their trophy drought?

Delhi Capitals have always had a lot of promise but have consistently failed at the right moments. Their best performance ever was in IPL 2020, where they reached the runner-up spot, losing the final match to Mumbai Indians. Inconsistency, injuries, and constant changes in leadership have been holding them back since then.

The next season of IPL 2025 comes as a new chance, with a refreshed squad and new leadership team at the reins. Headed by Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis, with stalwarts Starc and KL Rahul on the roster, DC will be eyeing to eventually win their first-ever IPL trophy. The heat will now be on Axar and Du Plessis to form a championship-winning side and bring Delhi its maiden IPL trophy. With a well-rounded team, seasoned captaincy, and thrilling new recruitments, DC will be a side worth keeping an eye on in IPL 2025.

Also READ: IPL 2025: The Teams most likely to dominate this Season

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March 17, 2025
IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Ishan Kishan dominates SRH intra-squad simulation with blistering back-to-back fifties

With less than a week left before the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 begins, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Last season’s runners-up will aim to go one step further this time, having fallen just short of lifting their second IPL title despite a spectacular run to the final.

SRH’s power-packed batting unit gets an X-factor in Ishan Kishan

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, SRH strategically retained a core group of players, including Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, they made a high-profile addition to their already explosive batting unit by roping in Ishan Kishan – a move that could alter their top-order dynamics significantly.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 champions made a strong statement by outbidding five-time winners MI to secure Kishan’s services for INR 11.25 crore in Jeddah. Having been released by MI before the auction, the wicketkeeper-batter was expected to return to his former team, but SRH swooped in at the last moment, ensuring a significant boost to their firepower.

Kishan’s performances in intra-squad matches have only reinforced SRH’s faith in him. In a recent practice game, he delivered two sensational knocks, first blasting a 64 off just 24 balls, followed by an unbeaten 73 off 30 deliveries. His ability to dominate powerplays and accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs makes him a game-changer for SRH this season.

A blistering start: Kishan’s practice match heroics ahead of IPL 2025

In the first innings of the intra-squad match, Kishan opened the batting alongside Abhishek, forming a formidable left-handed duo at the top. The pair got off to a flying start, taking apart the bowling attack inside the powerplay.

However, Abhishek was dismissed after scoring a rapid 28 off just 8 balls, falling to a catch at deep cover. Despite the early loss of his partner, Kishan continued his aggressive approach, bringing up his half-century in quick time. His innings came to an end in the 8th over, when he was caught and bowled by Kamindu Mendis. At the time of his dismissal, his team had already raced to 117/3 in just 7.2 overs, showcasing his impact at the top of the order.

In the second innings, chasing a daunting 261-run target, Kishan once again stepped up, proving his consistency and adaptability. Facing SRH’s main bowling attack, he continued his onslaught, taking Abhishek, who was bowling in the second innings, to the cleaners. Kishan remained unbeaten, finishing with 73 runs off 30 balls, cementing his position as one of SRH’s most valuable batters heading into IPL 2025.

Here’s the video:

Warming up in style

Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/sNRWyi5Qnq

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 16, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2025: Pat Cummins and Heinrich Klaasen reveal their choice for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s biggest superstar

Where will Kishan fit into SRH’s lineup?

While Abhishek and Head have established themselves as SRH’s first-choice opening pair, Kishan’s recent performances have put pressure on team management to consider reshuffling the order. Given his reputation as a destructive power-hitter, SRH might deploy Kishan at No. 3, where he can continue his free-flowing stroke play while providing flexibility in case of an early wicket.

With Abhishek and Head set to continue as openers, Kishan’s presence at one-down could strengthen SRH’s middle order, ensuring a seamless transition between the top order and the power-packed middle order, which includes Klaasen, Nitish Reddy and Aiden Markram. Moreover, Kishan’s explosive style of play will allow SRH to maintain an aggressive tempo throughout the innings, keeping opposition bowlers under constant pressure. His ability to tackle both pacers and spinners makes him an ideal option for batting at No. 3, ensuring that SRH remains a batting-heavy side capable of posting daunting totals.

Also READ: Virat Kohli responds to speculation about his international and IPL retirement

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March 16, 2025
IPL 2025: RCB icon Virat Kohli breaks silence on his absence from social media platforms

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of this era, has taken a surprising step back from social media, leaving many fans curious about his decision. The former Indian captain, who was once highly active in sharing his personal and professional life on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), has drastically cut down his engagement. His reduced presence became even more evident when he refrained from posting anything about India’s historic Champions Trophy 2025 victory, a tournament where he played a crucial role. Instead, Kohli’s recent online activity has been largely limited to brand endorsements, further fueling speculation about his evolving relationship with social media.

During his appearance at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Indian Sports Summit, Kohli shed light on why he has been avoiding social media and the mental toll it had started taking on him. He spoke about how overwhelming the reactions to his posts had become and how he felt that it was draining his energy, which he would rather invest in his game, personal life, and relationships.

“The kind of attention and traction you receive when you post something on social media is quite unbelievable. It’s intense. Luckily, I was born in a time when I didn’t grow up with a phone in my pocket, so for me, keeping it aside is easy. A lot of people are not happy about my reduced engagement, but it’s something I’ve consciously tried to do. Keeping up with the constant stream of social media felt like it was draining my energy, and I didn’t want to waste that, Kohli said.

No post for India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win

One of the biggest shocks for his fans was Kohli’s complete silence on social media after India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy. Given that he was instrumental in India’s success – scoring 218 runs at an average of 54.50, including a match-winning century against Pakistan in the group stage and a crucial 98-ball 84 in the semi-final against Australia – his absence from celebratory posts was noticeable.

When asked why he refrained from posting about the victory, Kohli offered a simple yet profound response:

“So I didn’t want anything to do with it. And yeah, for me, posting about, for example, us winning the championship, it’s not going to increase the happiness in my heart. They all know we’ve won the trophy. So me posting about it is not going to give us two trophies. The reality stays the same,” the 36-year-old added.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Ambati Rayudu trolls RCB during the Champions Trophy final; mocks their title drought

Despite cutting down on personal posts, Kohli remains active on social media – but primarily for brand endorsements. Following India’s Champions Trophy win, his accounts featured a series of paid promotions, including advertisements for an energy drink, and a snack brand, all within a three-day span. This led to widespread disappointment among fans, who were expecting a heartfelt acknowledgment of India’s title win. Addressing this, Kohli clarified that his posts today are largely due to past sponsorship agreements and that he is now making a conscious effort to separate his personal life from his social media persona.

“A lot of the things that I still have to do on social media are the things that I’ve kind of agreed to in the past. But if you ask me today, I’m making a conscious effort not to include my social media handle which is private to me. In terms of whatever I’m doing next in my life, I’m kind of disconnecting the two. And I wanted to be able to do that because what happens is if you only see branded content on your platform, then people are like, oh, there’s nothing being posted apart from this here. And it just becomes too complicated,” the former RCB captain explained.

Focus now shifts to IPL 2025

With the Champions Trophy behind him, Kohli is now shifting his focus to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he will once again represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His team is set to begin their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22. While his social media presence may have diminished, Kohli’s on-field performances continue to speak louder than any Instagram post ever could. As he prepares for another intense IPL season, one thing is clear—his focus remains unwavering, his goals remain intact, and his passion for the game burns just as bright.

Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all RCB captains so far ft. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli

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March 16, 2025
Virat Kohli responds to speculation about his international and IPL retirement

Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most iconic figures, has recently addressed the ongoing speculation about his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a candid conversation at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Leadership Summit, Kohli emphasized that his love for the game remains the driving force behind his continued involvement.

Virat Kohli’s international career and retirement talks

Kohli’s recent performances, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series against Australia, have fuelled discussions about his potential retirement from Test cricket. Despite scoring a century in the opening Test, Kohli struggled to maintain his form throughout the series, leading to speculation about his future in the format. However, Kohli has clarified that he is not considering retirement at the moment, stating that his passion for cricket remains strong.

“Don’t get nervous, I’m not making an announcement. It pretty much comes down to just the pure joy, enjoyment, and love for the game. As long as that is intact, I will continue to play,” Kohli said.

In a reflective tone, Kohli mentioned that he might not have another tour of Australia in him, indicating a sense of contentment with his past achievements. This statement has sparked debate among fans about whether he might step away from Test cricket soon.

“Once you start thinking about disappointment from an external perspective, you burden yourself unnecessarily. I experienced this in Australia as well. I got a good score in the first Test, and I thought, ‘Right, here we go—another big series for me.’ But things didn’t go as planned. So, how do you deal with that? For me, it’s all about acceptance. This is what happened, and I need to be honest with myself,” he explained.

Kohli’s approach to retirement and career milestones

Kohli shared insights into his approach to retirement, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and staying connected with one’s inner self. He recalled a conversation with Rahul Dravid, who advised him to stay in touch with his personal growth and not rush into decisions based on external pressures.

Kohli also emphasized that he is no longer driven by milestones or achievements, focusing instead on the joy and love he derives from playing the game. This mindset allows him to approach challenges with a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the face of setbacks.

“The competitive streak inside you doesn’t allow you to find the answer easily. I had a very interesting conversation with Rahul Dravid, and he told me that you always need to stay in touch with yourself. Figure out where you are in life, because the answer is not that simple,” the Delhi-lad revealed.

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Kohli’s IPL commitment and future plans

As Kohli prepares for his 18th season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he remains committed to the franchise. He is the only player to represent the same IPL team since beginning and is the league’s all-time leading run-scorer with 8,004 runs in 252 matches.

Kohli’s dedication to RCB is evident as he gears up for the upcoming season, which begins on March 22. Despite speculation about his international career, Kohli’s involvement with RCB continues to be strong.

Also READ: IPL 2025 – Here are the captains of all 10 teams

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March 16, 2025
Here’s the reason why Aamer Jamal was fined PKR 1.4 million by PCB

The world of cricket often witnesses moments of brilliance, but it is not immune to controversies. Recently, Pakistan all-rounder Aamer Jamal found himself at the center of a storm after being fined a staggering PKR 1.4 million by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The incident has sparked debates about the intersection of sports and politics, raising questions about discipline and freedom of expression within the game.

The incident: A political statement on the field

Jamal, a talented all-rounder, was fined during Pakistan’s home Test series against England in October 2024. The controversy arose when Jamal was spotted wearing a cap with “804” written on it during an interview. This seemingly innocuous number carried significant political connotations—it referred to the prisoner identification number of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and cricket legend, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Supporters of Imran have often used “804” as a symbol of solidarity, chanting slogans such as “Tera Yaar, Mera Yaar Qaidi Number 804” (Your friend, my friend, prisoner number 804). By displaying this number on his cap, Jamal appeared to express his support for Imran, a move that did not sit well with the PCB.

PCB’s stance: Politics has no place in cricket

The PCB has long maintained that cricket should remain apolitical. In response to Jamal’s actions, the board imposed a hefty fine of PKR 1.4 million—the largest among recent disciplinary measures against Pakistani players. The PCB justified its decision by stating that political expressions on the field violate its code of conduct and undermine the sport’s integrity.

This fine was part of a broader crackdown on disciplinary breaches by Pakistani cricketers. Between the England series and the South Africa tour, the PCB imposed fines totaling PKR 3.3 million for various infractions, including curfew violations and tardiness. However, Jamal’s case stood out due to its political undertones.

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Repercussions for Aamer Jamal

The consequences for Jamal extended beyond financial penalties. Reports suggest that his political expression may have influenced his exclusion from Pakistan’s squad for the recently ended ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision reflects the PCB’s firm stance against mixing politics with cricket.

Other disciplinary actions: A string of fines

Jamal was not the only player penalized during this period. Several other cricketers faced fines for breaching team protocols. Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique were fined PKR 500,000 each for returning late to their hotel during Pakistan’s white-ball tour of Australia. Whereas, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi, and Usman Khan were fined $200 each for curfew violations during the South Africa series. These incidents highlight growing concerns about discipline within Pakistan’s cricket team, especially following their disappointing early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Jamal’s fine has reignited debates about whether athletes should be allowed to express political views while representing their country. Supporters argue that players are entitled to freedom of expression, especially when addressing issues, they deeply care about. Critics, however, contend that such actions can polarize fans and distract from the game.

The PCB’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining discipline and neutrality in cricket. By penalizing Jamal and other players, the board aims to set a precedent that ensures players focus solely on their performance on the field.

Also READ: Mickey Arthur lambasts Pakistan cricket’s chaos while backing Jason Gillespie in feud with Aaqib Javed

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March 16, 2025