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Tag: IPL 2025

  • Will KL Rahul play DC’s IPL 2025 opener against LSG? Answers Axar Patel

    Will KL Rahul play DC’s IPL 2025 opener against LSG? Answers Axar Patel

    Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to clash with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 4th match of IPL 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday, March 24. However, uncertainty looms over the availability of star player KL Rahul, who recently joined the DC camp.

    KL Rahul’s situation

    Rahul, who was acquired by DC for a staggering ₹14 crores during the IPL 2025 auction, is facing a significant life event as he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, are expecting their first child. Reports indicate that this personal milestone could prevent him from participating in the opening match against his former team, LSG.

    Axar Patel, the newly appointed captain of DC, addressed the media regarding Rahul’s status. “Obviously, he joined the team. We don’t know yet if he’ll play. Right now we don’t know if he is available or not,” Patel stated during a pre-match press conference. This ambiguity has left fans speculating about how this absence might affect DC’s strategy and performance.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 – Salary of Delhi Capitals (DC) players; check out how much Axar Patel and KL Rahul earn

    The impact of KL Rahul’s absence

    Rahul’s potential absence is a considerable blow for DC. As one of the leading run-scorers in T20 cricket and a key player in India’s recent Champions Trophy victory, his experience and skill would be invaluable against LSG. The match marks a unique encounter as both teams feature players who have switched allegiances; Rahul will be facing his former team while Rishabh Pant, once DC’s captain, now leads LSG after being acquired for a record ₹27 crores.

    Without Rahul, DC will need to rely on other players to step up. The team has made significant changes to its roster, including the addition of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and Indian bowler T Natarajan. These acquisitions aim to bolster their bowling attack, which will be crucial against LSG’s formidable batting lineup.

    Also READ: DC vs LSG, IPL 2025 – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips and Pitch Report | Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants

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  • LSG Playing 11 vs Delhi Capitals- IPL 2025, Match 4

    LSG Playing 11 vs Delhi Capitals- IPL 2025, Match 4

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be opening their campaign in IPL 2025 by taking on Delhi Capitals (DC). The game is scheduled to take place on Monday (March 24) at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.

    Lucknow Super Giants will be starting a new journey this season. After being led by KL Rahul in their first three seasons, the Lucknow-based outfit has a new captain for IPL 2025. They will be led by former Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant.

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    Lucknow Super Giants made Pant the highest-paid player of all time in the last auction and will be hoping that he guides them to their first title. After qualifying for the playoffs in the first two seasons, LSG missed out on a top-four finish last season.

    They will be looking to start the new season with a win. And ahead of their game against DC, we are taking a look at the LSG Playing 11.

    LSG Playing 11 vs Delhi Capitals- IPL 2025, Match 4:

    Openers: Arshin Kulkarni, Mitchell Marsh

    Arshin Kulkarni and Mitchell Marsh are expected to be the two openers in the Lucknow Super Giants Playing 11. While Aiden Markram is also a good opening option, LSG is unlikely to include him until their Indian fast bowlers recover fully from their injuries.

    Kulkarni played two games for Lucknow Super Giants last season but could not deliver with the bat. However, he impressed in the domestic circuit and was Maharashtra’s leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.

    Marsh is more experienced and the onus will be on him to ensure that Lucknow Super Giants gets off to a good start. The Australian allrounder is set to play this season as a batsman only because of back issues and will look to deliver with the bat.

    Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Rishabh Pant (c, wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed

    Rishabh Pant will be starting a new journey in the IPL this year. After playing for Delhi Capitals since his IPL debut in 2016, Pant is set to be playing for a different team for the very first time. He also has the added responsibility of leading the team.

    Pant has fallen the pecking order in India’s limited-overs teams in recent times and will have a point to prove this season. He was DC’s highest run-scorer last season and will now look to lead Lucknow Super Giants from the front.

    Nicholas Pooran will arguably be the most important batsman in the LSG Playing 11. The West Indies star can blow away any team on his day and Lucknow Super Giants will be hoping that he delivers for them consistently this season.

    Ayush Badoni will be another crucial player in the Lucknow Super Giants Playing 11. The right-handed batsman has the ability to anchor the innings as well as play the big shots when the situation demands. He has played 42 IPL games so far and has scored 634 runs at a strike rate of over 130, including four fifties.

    David Miller and Abdul Samad will be the other pinch hitters in the LSG Playing 11. Miller has ample experience of playing in the IPL and LSG will be hoping that the South Africa veteran lives up to the expectations. He played a huge role when Gujarat Titans won the title in 2022 and will look to make a similar impact for LSG too.

    Shahbaz Ahmed is set to be one of the main all-rounders in the Lucknow Super Giants Playing 11. He impressed with the bat while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and will look to deliver again.

    Bowlers: Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph

    In the absence of several key bowlers, bowling can be a weak link for LSG. The likes of Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep are all recovering from injuries.

    In their absence, Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Shamar Joseph are expected to be the fast bowlers while Ravi Bishnoi is set to lead the spin attack.

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  • IPL 2025: Rachin Ravindra, Noor Ahmad shine as CSK edge past MI at Chepauk in a thriller

    IPL 2025: Rachin Ravindra, Noor Ahmad shine as CSK edge past MI at Chepauk in a thriller

    In a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in a closely fought battle. The match saw standout performances from Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad with the ball and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra with the bat, as CSK successfully chased down MI’s 155/9 to start their campaign on a winning note.

    Noor Ahmad’s magic spells doom for Mumbai Indians

    Opting to bowl first, CSK’s bowling attack was relentless, putting MI under early pressure. The spotlight was firmly on Noor, CSK’s INR 10 crore acquisition, who made an instant impact with a sensational 4/18 spell that rattled the Mumbai batting lineup. The left-arm wrist spinner struck at crucial intervals, removing key batters and restricting Mumbai’s scoring options.

    Khaleel Ahmed (3/29) provided excellent support, complementing Noor’s brilliance with his accurate seam bowling. Making a return to the CSK setup after nearly a decade, Ravichandran Ashwin made his presence felt as well, dismissing the dangerous Will Jacks for just 11, leaving MI struggling at 36/3.

    Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) attempted to rebuild the innings, stitching a 51-run partnership. However, the breakthrough came in vintage Dhoni style, as MS Dhoni’s lightning-quick stumping sent Suryakumar back to the pavilion. Once Tilak departed, MI’s innings collapsed, with Deepak Chahar’s late cameo barely helping them cross 150.

    Also WATCH: Deepak Chahar’s pumped-up celebration after dismissing Rahul Tripathi in IPL 2025

    CSK’s chase faces early setbacks

    Chasing 156 for victory, CSK experimented with their batting order, promoting Impact Substitute Rahul Tripathi to open alongside Rachin. However, the move didn’t pay off as Tripathi fell for just 2 off 3 balls. Ruturaj Gaikwad, coming in at No. 3, was in scintillating form, smashing a 53 off just 26 balls, bringing up his fastest IPL half-century. However, Mumbai found hope in debutant Vignesh Puthur, who removed both Gaikwad and Shivam Dube (9 off 7) in consecutive overs to shift the momentum back in MI’s favour. Puthur continued his dream debut performance, dismissing Deepak Hooda (3 off 5) to further dent CSK’s chase. MI’s resurgence continued when Jacks cleaned up Sam Curran (4 off 9), reducing CSK to 116/5 in 15 overs, making the match hang in the balance.

    Rachin Ravindra steadies the ship as CSK clinch a thriller

    With CSK wobbling, Rachin took charge, anchoring the innings to perfection. Playing with maturity and calculated aggression, Rachin remained unbeaten on 65 off 45 balls, guiding CSK home with just a few deliveries to spare. Despite MI’s valiant fightback, CSK secured the win, handing Ravindra and Noor a memorable start to their IPL 2025 campaign. Puthur’s 3/32 on debut was a silver lining for Mumbai, but their batting struggles proved costly. This classic CSK-MI rivalry delivered yet another thrilling chapter, and with CSK’s new stars shining bright, the five-time champions look ready for another strong season ahead.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also WATCH: 43-year-old MS Dhoni does lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav in IPL 2025



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  • CSK Playing 11 vs Mumbai Indians- IPL 2025, Match 3

    CSK Playing 11 vs Mumbai Indians- IPL 2025, Match 3

    Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be keen to start their campaign in IPL 2025 with a win when they take on Mumbai Indians (MI). The CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match is scheduled to take place on Sunday (March 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

    Chennai Super Kings will be looking to enjoy a better campaign this season after failing to defend the title last year. Despite being the defending champions, the Chennai-based outfit struggled for consistency throughout the season. They eventually finished their season with seven wins and as many defeats.

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    CSK finished their campaign at the fifth spot in the points table and missed out on a playoff spot because of their inferior net run rate. They will be looking to make amends this season. With Chennai Super Kings gearing up for their first game of the season, we are taking a look at the CSK Playing 11 for their forthcoming contest against MI.

    CSK Playing 11 vs Mumbai Indians- IPL 2025, Match 3:

    Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway

    Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway are set to be the openers in the Chennai Super Kings Playing 11 this season. They had opened the innings for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023, playing a key role in the team’s title-winning season. Conway then missed the 2024 season due to an injury and will be looking to hit the ground running.

    The New Zealand star has shown that he can excel in Indian conditions and will be looking to enjoy a good season with the bat. In IPL 2023, Conway had scored 672 runs in 16 matches. Overall, he has scored 924 runs in 23 IPL games so far including nine fifties.

    Captain Gaikwad will look to lead his team from the front once again. He did well with the bat last year but could not guide the team to the playoffs. Gaikwad finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer behind only Virat Kohli, scoring 583 runs with the help of a century and four fifties.

    Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk)

    Rachin Ravindra is coming to the IPL after enjoying a fine campaign in the Champions Trophy where he won the Golden Bat and was named Player of the Tournament. The southpaw had scored 263 runs in just four innings at an average of 68.75, including two centuries. Ravindra had struggled with the bat last season and will look to make amends in IPL 2025.

    Chennai Super Kings have secured the services of Rahul Tripathi for this season. A reliable middle-order batsman, Tripathi can bat at a good pace and will look to hit the ground running for his new IPL team. So far, he has played 95 games in the IPL and has scored 2236 runs with 12 fifties.

    The other options in the Chennai Super Kings Playing 11 are Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni. While Dube is expected to play mainly as a batsman, Jadeja will be the main allrounder in the CSK Playing 11. Both Dube and Jadeja are key to CSK’s plans and will look to live up to the expectations.

    Dube has played 65 IPL games so far, scoring 1502 runs with the help of nine fifties. With Chennai Super Kings likely to play on spin-friendly pitches, they will be relying on Dube to attack the spinners. Jadeja, on the other hand, will have to play a key role with both bat and ball.

    While Dhoni is expected to be a regular in the CSK Playing 11 this season, he is unlikely to face too many deliveries. Last year, he faced only 73 deliveries and is likely to play a similar role this season as well. His presence and leadership, however, will be very crucial for Chennai Super Kings.

    Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

    Matheesha Pathirana is set to lead the pace attack for Chennai Super Kings. The Sri Lanka pacer is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world at present and will look to further enhance his reputation. He has picked up 34 wickets in just 20 IPL games so far.

    Anshul Kamboj is likely to be the other pacer in the CSK Playing 11. Kamboj became a household name in November last year after taking all 10 wickets in an innings during the Ranji Trophy game against Kerala and will look to make an impact in the IPL as well.

    For the spin department, CSK is set to depend on Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmed. Ashwin has returned to CSK after a gap of more than a decade and will look to hit the ground running. He is well familiar with the conditions in Chennai and can play a key role for CSK this year.

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  • SRH vs RR Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today IPL Match 2 2025?

    SRH vs RR Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today IPL Match 2 2025?

    Last year’s runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the second game of IPL 2025. The game is scheduled for Sunday (March 23) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

    Pat Cummins will be leading SRH once again. He led the team for the first time last season and made an instant impact. Under his captaincy, SRH qualified for the final for the first time since 2018. The Hyderabad-based outfit lost the final against Kolkata Knight Riders and will be desperate to go all the way this season.

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    RR, on the other hand, will be led by Sanju Samson once again. The Rajasthan-based outfit made it to the playoffs last season but could not qualify for the final. Their campaign ended with a defeat against SRH in the second qualifier.

    With both the teams now all set to renew their rivalry, here are all the major predictions for the SRH vs RR game.

    SRH vs RR Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today IPL Match 2 2025?:

    Match Details

    Match: SRH vs RR, Match 2

    Date: March 23, 2025

    Time: 03:30 PM IST

    Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

    Live streaming: JioHotstar

    Live broadcast: Star Sports

    SRH vs RR Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record

    SRH and RR have played 20 games against each other so far. Of those 20 games, SRH have won 11 while RR have emerged victorious in 9.

    Total Matches Played: 20

    SRH Won: 11

    RR won: 09

    Last 5 Matches: SRH- 3 wins | RR – 2 win

    Pitch Report & Conditions

    Batting pitch: The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to be a belter and batsmen are set to enjoy their time at the venue. Last season, the batters dominated the proceedings at the venue and the pitch is likely to behave in the same manner this season as well.

    Average 1st Innings Score: The average first innings total at the venue is 160.76 runs.

    Chasing Record:

    The chasing team has a better record than teams batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In the 77 IPL games played at the venue so far, teams batting first have won 34 games while teams batting second have emerged victorious on 43 occasions.

    Weather Report

    While the weather forecast has predicted rain in Hyderabad on the match day, it is unlikely to play spoilsport during the game. The temperature during the match is expected to hover in mid-20s.

    SRH vs RR Match Prediction – Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals Probable XIs

    Sunrisers Hyderabad Playing 11:

    Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar

    Rajasthan Royals Playing 11:

    Sanju Samson (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana

    Form and Fitness

    RR’s Sanju Samson is still not fully fit and this is the reason why Riyan Parag will be leading the team in the first three games. Samson, however, is expected to play the games as a batsman. SRH, on the other hand, has no major injury concerns.

    Score Prediction

    Team 1st Innings 2nd Innings
    SRH 210-220 190-200
    RR 190-200 170-180

    SRH vs RR Players to perform prediction

    SRH – Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Harshal Patel will be the key players for SRH.

    RR – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Wanindu Hasaranaga and Jofra Archer will be the key players for RR.

    SRH vs RR Best Batsman Prediction

    Who will score the most runs for SRH in the match: Travis Head or Heinrich Klaasen

    Who will score the most runs for RR in the match: Sanju Samson or Yashasvi Jaiswal

    SRH vs RR Best Bowler Prediction

    Who will pick the most wickets for SRH in the match: Harshal Patel or Mohammed Shami

    Who will pick the most wickets for RR in the match: Jofra Archer or Wanindu Hasaranga

    Conclusion: Who will win the match?

    SRH will start the game as favorites and are expected to beat RR in the second game of IPL 2025.

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  • Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s blistering knock takes RCB home against KKR in the IPL 2025 opener

    Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s blistering knock takes RCB home against KKR in the IPL 2025 opener

    IPL 2025 season kicked off with a high-octane clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. KKR, under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, began their innings with optimism but faced early setbacks. Quinton de Kock fell cheaply in the very first over, caught behind off Josh Hazlewood for just 4 runs. However, Sunil Narine and Rahane steadied the ship with a scintillating partnership. Rahane was in sublime form, smashing 56 off just 31 balls, including six boundaries and four towering sixes. Narine complemented him well with a brisk 44 off 26 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 169.23.

    KKR reached 107/2 by the halfway mark, but their momentum faltered after Rahane’s dismissal in the 11th over. Krunal Pandya’s crafty bowling dismantled the middle order, claiming three crucial wickets, including Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh. Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed a handy 30 off 22 balls, but the lower order struggled to accelerate. Andre Russell and Harshit Rana fell cheaply, leaving KKR at 174/8 after 20 overs. Hazlewood (2/22) and Pandya (3/29) were standout performers with the ball for RCB.

    Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s fiery opening partnership sets the tone

    RCB’s chase began explosively as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli opened the innings with intent. The duo capitalized on Eden Gardens’ batting-friendly conditions, racing to 50 runs within just 22 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing boundaries at will and bringing up his half-century off just 25 deliveries. His knock of 56 off 31 balls included nine fours and two sixes, setting the tone for RCB’s chase.

    Kohli played the perfect foil to Salt’s aggression, rotating the strike and finding gaps effortlessly. By the end of the powerplay, RCB had amassed an impressive 80/0, putting immense pressure on KKR’s bowlers. Salt eventually fell to Varun Chakravarthy in the ninth over, but his contribution had already laid a solid foundation for the chase.

    Kohli’s masterclass: Unbeaten and unstoppable

    With Salt back in the pavilion, Kohli took charge of the innings. The former Indian skipper showcased his trademark consistency and calm under pressure, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten knock of 59 off just 36 balls. Kohli’s innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 163.88.

    Rajat Patidar joined Kohli at the crease and played a blistering cameo, scoring 34 runs off just 16 balls before falling to Vaibhav Arora. By then, RCB were already cruising towards victory. Liam Livingstone added finishing touches with an explosive unbeaten knock of 15 off five balls, sealing the win in style.

    A dominant victory for RCB

    RCB chased down KKR’s target of 175 with ease, finishing at 177/3 in just 16.2 overs—an emphatic seven-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare. The opening partnership between Salt and Kohli proved pivotal, while Kohli’s unbeaten knock reinforced his status as one of T20 cricket’s finest finishers.

    KKR’s bowlers struggled to contain RCB’s batters on a flat pitch. Narine (1/27) was economical compared to others but lacked support from his teammates as Vaibhav and Spencer Johnson leaked runs heavily.

    Also WATCH: Krunal Pandya’s bouncer sets up splendid dismissal of Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 opener

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also WATCH: Jay Shah, Sourav Ganguly, and Jhulan Goswami ring the bell to inaugurate IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens



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  • SRH vs RR Match Preview- IPL 2025, Match 2

    SRH vs RR Match Preview- IPL 2025, Match 2

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will host Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the second game of IPL 2025. The game is scheduled for Sunday (March 23) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

    SRH had a brilliant campaign last season. The Hyderabad-based outfit displayed an attacking brand of cricket and just blew teams away. They have managed to retain the same core for this season as well and will look to go all the way.

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    SRH qualified for the final last year but could not win the title decider against Kolkata Knight Riders. They will be keen to win the tournament this season and lay their hands on the trophy for the second time and first time since 2016.

    On the other hand, RR’s journey in IPL 2024 ended with a defeat against SRH in the second qualifier. RR were the most consistent team in the first half of the season last year before losing their way towards the end. They will look to start the season on a strong note once again. So, as SRH and RR gear up for the game, here is the SRH vs RR match preview.

    SRH vs RR Match Preview- IPL 2025, Match 2:

    SRH vs RR, Date and Venue:

    The upcoming SRH vs RR match will be played on Sunday (March 23) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The match is scheduled to be played from 03:30 PM IST.

    Squads:

    Sunrisers Hyderabad:

    Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby

    Injury replacement: Wiaan Mulder replaced the injured Brydon Carse

    Rajasthan Royals:

    Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma

    SRH vs RR key battles:

    Travis Head vs Jofra Archer:

    The equation will be very simple for RR in the upcoming game – get rid of Travis Head as early as possible. The Australia star can cause irreparable damage even if he manages to bat for a few overs and RR would be keen to get his wicket as early as possible.

    Head was in sensational form last season, scoring 567 runs at a strike rate of more than 190. He will be eyeing a similar performance this season as well and will be keen to start his campaign on a good note.

    RR will be hoping that their pace spearhead Jofra Archer dismisses Head as early as possible. Last month, Archer had dismissed Head cheaply when Australia faced England in the Champions Trophy and the fast-bowler will be fancying his chances of dismissing the opener again.

    Heinrich Klaasen vs Wanindu Hasaranga:

    This battle could very well decide the fate of the SRH vs RR game. Heinrich Klaasen is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world at present and he is equally good against spin bowlers. The onus will be on him to end SRH’s innings on a strong note.

    RR, on the other hand, will be relying on their Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga to contain Klaasen. Hasaranga is also one of the best white-ball spinners in the world and he would be backing himself to win his duel against the South Africa star.

    Sanju Samson vs Pat Cummins:

    The battle of the captains will also be a very crucial one in the upcoming SRH vs RR game. Sanju Samson is entering this season on the back of three centuries in T20Is. The RR skipper has made a habit of starting the season well and he will be looking to do the same in the upcoming as well.

    Samson can very well take the game away from SRH if he bats long enough. And the onus will be on SRH captain Pat Cummins to ensure that his RR counterpart does not bat for long.

    SRH vs RR Key Players:

    SRH – Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Harshal Patel will be the key players for SRH.

    RR – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma will be the key players for RR.

    SRH vs RR Weather Report:

    While the weather forecast has predicted a sunny day in Hyderabad on the match day, there is a slight chance of rain in the city. The temperature is likely to hover in the early 30s during the game.

    Conclusion:

    Both SRH and RR had a good campaign last year and they will be keen to start this campaign on a winning note as well. After missing out on the trophy last year, both teams will be looking to go all the way in IPL 2025.

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  • WATCH: Virat Kohli dances to ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan’ with Shah Rukh Khan at IPL 2025 opening ceremony

    WATCH: Virat Kohli dances to ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan’ with Shah Rukh Khan at IPL 2025 opening ceremony

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off in grand style at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025. The opening ceremony was a spectacular blend of Bollywood entertainment and cricketing fervor, setting the perfect tone for the tournament’s 18th season.

    Star-studded performances lights up Eden Gardens

    The ceremony began with mesmerizing singing performance of celebrated singer Shreya Ghoshal. Following which, Bollywood diva Disha Patani entertained fans with her sizzling performance. Punjabi rockstar Karan Aujla then showed his top-notch performance with his viral numbers.

    The celebration concluded on a high note with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan delivering an electrifying speech that had the crowd roaring with excitement. Firstly, SRK, co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), introduced the evening’s performers, and then asked stars from both KKR and RCB teams to share the stage.

    Virat Kohli joins Shah Rukh Khan for a memorable dance

    In one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, cricket legend Virat Kohli joined Shah Rukh on stage. The duo danced to the popular Bollywood track “Jhoome Jo Pathaan,” creating a frenzy among fans. SRK even led chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” before introducing Kohli as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). Kohli appeared momentarily embarrassed but delighted by the overwhelming reception from fans at Eden Gardens.

    Here is the video:

    Also READ: IPL 2025: Here are the new Super Over rules with changes in time limits

    Weather concerns and match excitement

    Despite an orange alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department warning of potential rain and thunderstorms, the ceremony proceeded without interruptions. The defending champions KKR were set to face RCB in the opening match following the festivities. Fans eagerly awaited this high-stakes clash featuring stars like Kohli, Sunil Narine, and Ajinkya Rahane.

    A perfect start to IPL 2025

    The 25-minute opening ceremony at Eden Gardens successfully celebrated cricket’s unifying spirit while showcasing India’s love for entertainment. With 74 matches scheduled across 13 venues, IPL 2025 promises thrilling action and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.

    Also READ: From Mayanti Langer to Sahiba Bali: Full list of anchors and presenters for IPL 2025



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  • Dwayne Bravo reveals MS Dhoni forced him to join Kolkata Knight Riders

    Dwayne Bravo reveals MS Dhoni forced him to join Kolkata Knight Riders

    Former West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has made an intriguing revelation about his decision to become the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former cricketer revealed that he consulted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni before accepting the Kolkata Knight Riders’ offer for IPL 2025.

    Bravo has been appointed as the mentor of the Knight Riders for IPL 2025. He replaced Gautam Gambhir, who played a crucial role in KKR’s success last season alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit. KKR secured their third IPL title in 2024 with an eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

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    They Brought Me to Continue Their Legacy – Dwayne Bravo on Joining KKR as Mentor

    In an Instagram video, Dwayne Bravo was asked whom he would support if Kolkata Knight Riders played Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 final. Bravo stated that it was a tough choice but backed KKR. He added that the franchise brought him in to continue their legacy.

    “Kolkata vs CSK, IPL final. I obviously want Kolkata to win. It’s sad but that’s where I’m coaching and that’s where they brought me to continue their legacy. Dhoni will understand,” Bravo said.

    I Only Accepted the Offer After MS Dhoni Said Accept It – Dwayne Bravo

    The 41-year-old revealed that he called MS Dhoni personally before accepting the role of Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor. He stated that he only took the job after receiving Dhoni’s approval. Bravo expressed gratitude toward the former CSK captain and the franchise.

    “When I got the job offer, I called him personally and I only accepted the offer after he said accept it. So, that’s the respect I have for him and the organization. Everyone really supported my decision, I’m happy and grateful for that and now I have to do what I have to,” Bravo added.

    Dwayne Bravo Ended 13-Year Association with Chennai Super Kings

    Dwayne Bravo ended his 13-year association with Chennai Super Kings, where he won four IPL titles in different roles. He played for CSK from 2011 to 2022 before becoming a bowling coach in 2023 and 2024.

    Bravo is regarded as one of the greatest T20 players. Over his IPL career, he played for Mumbai Indians, CSK, and Gujarat Lions. The right-arm pacer featured in 161 matches and took 183 wickets. He is the third-highest wicket-taker in tournament history. With the bat, he also scored 1,560 runs in the league.

    Bravo never played for the franchise in the IPL but has a connection with the Knight Riders setup. He led Trinbago Knight Riders to multiple Caribbean Premier League titles and also served as a coach for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20.

    Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22.

    Also read: “Nothing against Virat Kohli” – Adam Gilchrist shockingly predicts RCB to finish last in IPL 2025



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  • IPL 2025: Live streaming, TV channel details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada & other countries

    IPL 2025: Live streaming, TV channel details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada & other countries

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will start with a blockbuster encounter as reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Saturday, March 22.

    Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are looking forward to another thrilling season of T20 cricket, with international and domestic superstars vying for ultimate triumph.

    IPL 2025 Format

    In the league stage, all the teams will have 14 games:

    • 8 games – Twice of the four teams in its own group
    • 2 games – Twice of one particular team from the other group
    • 4 games – Once of the other four teams from the other group

    While, playoffs will include four important matches:

    • Qualifier 1: Rank 1 vs Rank 2
    • Eliminator: Rank 3 vs Rank 4
    • Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator
    • Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2

    IPL 2025: Groups and Teams

    Group A: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

    Group B: Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    The season will see some fierce competition as teams fight for the much-sought-after IPL 2025 title.

    IPL 2025 Fixtures (All timings in IST)

    • March 22, Saturday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • March 23, Sunday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 3:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • March 23, Sunday: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • March 24, Monday: Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Visakhapatnam
    • March 25, Tuesday: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • March 26, Wednesday: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Guwahati
    • March 27, Thursday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • March 28, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • March 29, Saturday: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • March 30, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3:30 PM, Visakhapatnam
    • March 30, Sunday: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Guwahati
    • March 31, Monday: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 1, Tuesday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 2, Wednesday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 3, Thursday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 4, Friday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 5, Saturday: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 3:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 5, Saturday: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 6, Sunday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants, 3:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 6, Sunday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 7, Monday: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 8, Tuesday: Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 9, Wednesday: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • April 10, Thursday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 11, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 12, Saturday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans, 3:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 12, Saturday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 13, Sunday: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 3:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 13, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 14, Monday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 15, Tuesday: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 16, Wednesday: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 17, Thursday: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 18, Friday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 19, Saturday: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals, 3:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • April 19, Saturday: Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 20, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 3:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 20, Sunday: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 21, Monday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 22, Tuesday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 23, Wednesday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 24, Thursday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 25, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 26, Saturday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 27, Sunday: Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants, 3:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 27, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 28, Monday: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 29, Tuesday: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 30, Wednesday: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • May 1, Thursday: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • May 2, Friday: Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 3, Saturday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 4, Sunday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, 3:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 4, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 5, Monday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 6, Tuesday: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • May 7, Wednesday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 8, Thursday: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 9, Friday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • May 10, Saturday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 11, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 3:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 11, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • May 12, Monday: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • May 13, Tuesday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 14, Wednesday: Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 15, Thursday: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • May 16, Friday: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • May 17, Saturday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 18, Sunday: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings, 3:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 18, Sunday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • May 20, Tuesday: Qualifier 1, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 21, Wednesday: Eliminator, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 23, Friday: Qualifier 2, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 25, Sunday: Final, 7:30 PM, Kolkata

    Note: IST = GMT + 5:30 hrs

    Also READ: Explained – Rules for player placement in IPL 2025 amid Corbin Bosch controversy

    Broadcast and Live Streaming details

    • India: Sony Sports Network, JioHotstar app and website
    • Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go
    • UK: Sky Sports, Sky Go
    • USA and Canada: Willow TV [Sign up here]
    • Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
    • Pakistan: Tapmad
    • Afghanistan: ATN
    • New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
    • South Africa: SuperSport
    • Sri Lanka: Star Sports
    • UAE and MENA countries: Cricbuzz

    Also READ: IPL 2025 – BCCI lifts saliva ban, introduces new rule of two balls for second innings

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