Faf du Plessis reaffirmed his reputation as a world-class player with an extraordinary innings that powered Morrisville Samp Army to their second successive victory in the Abu Dhabi T10. The South African maestro played a scintillating knock of 75* off just 32 deliveries, steering his team to a commanding 36-run win over New York Strikers.

Faf leads the charge with batting brilliance

The former South African skipper, known for his composure and adaptability, delivered a batting spectacle that left fans in awe. Du Plessis smashed 5 boundaries and cleared the ropes 6 times with massive sixes, treating the Abu Dhabi crowd to a breathtaking display of power and precision. His 32-ball blitzkrieg came at a crucial time, as he single-handedly lifted Samp Army to a daunting total of 135/1 in their allotted 10 overs.

What stood out was Faf’s ability to pace his innings masterfully. He began with calculated strokes, gradually shifting gears to unleash an onslaught on the Strikers' bowlers. Despite their efforts to contain him with variations and tight lines, Du Plessis remained unperturbed, anchoring the innings with sheer dominance and poise. His unbeaten knock not only set a competitive target but also demoralized the opposition bowlers.

Defending a target of 136, the Samp Army bowlers delivered a clinical performance to dismantle the New York Strikers’ batting lineup. The disciplined bowling attack maintained a tight grip throughout the innings, stifling the opposition’s scoring rate and inducing errors under pressure.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, with the Strikers unable to build significant partnerships. Despite their best efforts, the Strikers could only muster 99/7 in their 10 overs, falling well short of the target. The coordinated effort from Samp Army’s bowlers ensured that the pressure created by Faf’s heroics with the bat translated into a dominant performance in the field.

See Also: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah leads from the front on record-breaking Day 1 in Perth

Samp Army's bowlers seal the deal

With this emphatic victory, Samp Army have solidified its position as a formidable contender in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. Back-to-back wins have not only boosted their confidence but also sent a clear message to their rivals about their intent to claim the title.

As Faf du Plessis continues to lead by example, the Morrisville Samp Army have emerged as a team to watch, combining individual brilliance with collective effort. With momentum on their side, they are well on their way to making a serious bid for the Abu Dhabi T10 crown.

Kolkata Knight Riders had a memorable previous edition, earning their third-ever IPL title after a massive gap of ten years. With an optimum mix of reliable players and a robust coaching staff, the team bet all the odds and claimed success. But, their retained list had several polar opinions from critics and fanatics, as they haven't retained the captain who led to their triumph.

With their retention list comprising of emerging and experienced campaigners, they haven't opted for having the Right-to-Match (RTM) option as they have filled all the spots so that it will be some new players venturing into the defending champions' side. That said, here are the potential five-player picks that the Knight Riders would go all out for in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis could be one of the primary targets for the Men in Purple management, as he ticks the boxes of an experienced power batter and a reliable captain. Considering that the side only has INR 51 Crore left in their purse, they can give their all to buy him, as they can rely on his captaincy expertise.

With just three editions for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has taken them twice to the final stages of the playoffs; the side can rest assured in giving him the captaincy position for the upcoming editions. In the last edition, he has made 438 runs in 15 matches at a decent average of over 30.

Ishan Kishan

The Kolkata Knight Riders will not change their powerful hitting lineup for IPL 2025. They can, however, target young Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan, who has been freed by the Mumbai Indians, keeping in mind that the team also requires a reliable wicketkeeper. Kishan is known for his aggressive batting and power-hitting ability.

Kishan could be an excellent addition to KKR's star-studded batting lineup, which includes Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Kishan has recently been uneven with the bat, but recent matches in the local arena have helped to boost the confidence of all franchises in the Mega Auction. In 2024, he made 320 runs in 14 games, averaging at 23. 

Mohammed Shami

The Kolkata Knight Riders will now want to add an experienced fast bowler to their team for the IPL 2025. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, they might want to sign experienced Indian bowler Mohammed Shami. The right-arm bowler is now recovering from a knee injury sustained during his outstanding 2023 Cricket World Cup performance, in which he took an incredible number of wickets in just a few games.

Surprisingly, he has been released by the Gujarat Titans. The KKR management is expected to spend a large sum on him at the mega auction in Jeddah since he has played an essential role in whichever squad he has been a member of in his cricketing environment. Also, with several other franchises putting all their efforts into his acquisition, he could probably be one of the most expensive players in the upcoming mega auction.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Phil Salt

Phil Salt excelled in the top order for KKR in the IPL 2024. His aggressive hitting style might help the squad get off to a fast start. In this case, KKR wants to return him to the team for another season. Phil Salt was pivotal to KKR's successful season last year, scoring 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182 in 12 innings, including four fifties.

Despite his excellent performance, KKR dismissed him due to a surplus of players. On the other hand, Salt is an aggressive top-order batsman who maintains wickets and has league experience. Given his achievements, the three-time champions would go all and out for bringing him back to the side, even with the unavailability of an RTM card. 

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi symbolises a solid IPL-batter package, thanks to his aggressive approach in obtaining crucial runs. He has consistently performed for any team he has ever represented, frequently stepping up when the squad needed him the most.

His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him essential. Tripathi's IPL experience and ability to score crucial runs make him a solid pick for any club. His retention would offer the squad stability and a player around whom to build tactics. In his 2024 stay, he scored 165 runs in just six matches, with a remarkable strike rate above 140. 

The Indian Premier League stands with a Sanskrit Slogan, "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi", which translates to where talent meets opportunity, symbolising an open platform for everyone to showcase their cricketing abilities, be it the local or overseas players. Foreign campaigners have played a significant role in evolving IPL into what it is now.

Many have left a long-lasting impact and created fanbases, signifying their gameplay and attitude. With the recent retention list having some unexpected releases, it is evident that not just the franchises but even the franchises would be up for an intense ride in the upcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. That said, here are the probable five foreign players who have the potential to convert their most expensive bids in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler's release from the Rajasthan Royals squads was the most shocking regarding the foreign player's released list. Jos Buttler is among the most beloved foreign players with an ardent fanbase, thanks to his impactful calibre and genuine personality. Buttler acted as a saviour in many instances for the Rajasthan Royals side, where he talked with the bat and occasionally as a captain and wicketkeeper.

With many teams eager to have a robust captain and wicketkeeper batter option in their squads, it is no surprise that the English cricketer attracts one of the highest bids in the upcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell and his future stint with Royal Challenger Bengaluru was under the grey clouds, as he couldn't perform up to the mark. But the whole cricketing world is aware of his impeccable impact creation as a batter, bowler and fielder, not just limited to the IPL but even on an International level. Though he didn't unleash his game in the previous edition, Maxwell's association with the Bengaluru franchise has been valuable, where the team had the prominent trio of KGF (Kohli, Glenn & Faf).

Maxwell has always been known for having memorable seasons for a few franchises, and no doubt the cluster of ten sides would be eager to break the bank for him. Though his release surprised many, as his former franchise has three Right-to-Match (RTM) cards, he will likely return to his old squad. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis rose to fame as a reliable opening batter and a side captain, and he got them to the playoffs twice out of his three captaincy tenures. Faf has been a mastermind in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's impeccable comeback to the playoffs spot from rock bottom.

To add the cherry on top, he has recently led a triumphant Lucia Kings to their first title in the recent Carribean Premier League edition (CPL). As it implies, several teams are eager to have the South African captain on their roster, making him one of the probable overseas players who can have a huge lump sum of money through the upcoming Mega Auction process.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top-5 probable most expensive Indian players in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Trent Boult

Trent Boult has been one of the prominent left-hand pacers in the cricket world. He is humorously touted as the football player, thanks to his powerplay run giving nightmares to the batters and having bowling figures equivalent to a football game scorecard. Whatever the franchise it was, the Kiwi speedster always left a long-lasting impact on the ball and has gone along with his respective franchises.

Especially in a batters-dominated T20I landscape, there would be many rosters who would be willing to go for a high bid for acquiring Trent Boult's lethal pace and athletism, keeping in mind that the IPL Mega Auction is known for having players in the long run. 

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Jake Fraser-McGurk rose to fame for his swashbuckling batting approach and bolstering the team's batting order. Played his first-ever IPL edition for the Delhi Capitals, McGurk was able to obtain a colossal strike rate in just a minimal number of matches, which signifies his promising and astute power-hitter.

Despite his memorable run, Delhi Capitals has released his services but could have a possible retention through the RTM cards feature. However, it is evident that several teams are eager to acquire him in the long run, as this tournament has been a cornerstone in evolving new and emerging talent. 

After a long wait, the Saint Lucia Kings won their first-ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title on September 6, beating the defending champions, Guyana Amazon Warriors, in a thrilling final as well. With this, Saint Lucia became the fifth team to win the CPL as well. Earlier known as the St Lucia Zouks, the Kings had not faced a lot of success. In 2023, they finished third but they were eliminated in the playoffs by the now-defunct Jamaica Tallawahs as well. However, this year, they did well with a memorable performance to win the championship.

However, after the win, captain player Faf Du Plessis recreated India captain Rohit Sharma's iconic walk celebrations style with the CPL Trophy. 

Faf du Plessis recreates Rohit Sharma's celebration

A euphoric moment for the Saint Lucia Kings! 🇱🇨 #CPL24 #CPLFinals #SLKvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/fQZSG3C4WV

— CPL T20 (@CPL) October 7, 2024

As far as the final is concerned, a stunning fifth-wicket partnership between Roston Chase (39*) and Aaron Jones (48*) stole the show. They added an 88-run stand that helped the Kings to win as well. However, Saint Lucia had earlier been struggling at 51/4 after 9.5 overs, losing key players, including captain Faf du Plessis as well. With 66 runs needed off the final 30 balls, Chase and Jones took the charge, scoring 47 runs across the 16th and 17th overs to reduce the equation to 19 off 18 balls as well. Later on, they comfortably reached the target with 11 balls in hand with the game ending with a wide bowled by Imran Tahir.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

However, Saint Lucia’s bowlers did exceptionally well. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, they successfully restricted Guyana to 102/7 after 18 overs. But, the Warriors brilliantly added 36 runs in the last two overs to finish with 138, giving themselves a score to defend as well.

"It has been special" - Faf du Plessis

Post-match, captain du Plessis applauded the team’s resilience. "It has been special. We’ve been really consistent throughout the competition. At one stage, I thought it was time to pack our bags, but we always believed in the depth of our squad."

Meanwhile, Roston Chase was named Player of the Match for his important contribution, while the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Noor Ahmad, who picked up 22 wickets at an economy of 6.19, was named Player of the Series as well. The tournament became a remarkable campaign for the Kings, sealing their place in CPL history finally.

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant had an impressive IPL 2024, scoring 446 runs in 13 matches. Despite this the team doesn’t seem fully satisfied with the 26 year old’s performance.

Reports say that Rishabh Pant might be transferred from Delhi Capitals to Chennai Super Kings before the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to Dainik Jagran, DC is debating whether to keep Pant or let him go due to concerns about his recent form.

There’s also a chance Pant could be traded to another team, but DC’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, appears interested in keeping him as captain.

Dhoni’s potential retirement and Its impact

If DC decides to release Pant he might join Chennai Super Kings. The team is looking for a wicketkeeper to potentially replace MS Dhoni if he retires from the IPL, and Pant is a top candidate for the job. Dhoni’s future in the IPL is uncertain with a chance he might not play in 2025.

Pant made a strong comeback this season after recovering from a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs, including three half-centuries, and also played as India’s No. 3 batsman in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored 171 runs in eight matches.

RCB’s search for an Indian captain

Meanwhile, KL Rahul might leave Lucknow Super Giants after a three year period. Following a tough 10 wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka criticized Rahul, casting doubt on his future with the team.

Rahul could return to Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team he played for in 2013 and 2016. Under Faf du Plessis RCB reached the IPL playoffs this season, but they were eliminated in the Eliminator by Rajasthan Royals. Reports suggest RCB is considering an Indian player as captain, and if Rahul joins he might take on that role.

In what could have been a high-scoring thriller, the fifth match of the 2024 Cognizant Major League Cricket between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings was washed out due to rain, leaving both teams to share a point each at Church Street Park in Morrisville. The anticipated clash promised fireworks from some of the league’s most prolific batters, highlighting the competitive spirit and high stakes of the season.

Despite the weather’s intervention, the tournament has already seen some remarkable performances, Let’s deep dive into the top impactful batters of the season so far, particularly in the context of Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR). This is cricket analytics metric provides a deeper insight into a batter’s efficiency, measuring how many fewer balls they take to hit a boundary compared to other top-quality batters in the season.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Match Analysis: What led to the collapse of India’s young guns on Harare’s Spin-friendly track?

Top Performers: Leading Batters in Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR)

Leading the charge is Matt Short, who tops the aBR chart with a remarkable -3.1, showcasing his exceptional ability to find the boundary with ease. In the league so far, Short has delivered a match-winning 58-run knock at a blistering strike rate of 223.08. Following closely behind him is Steve Smith, who holds the second position with an aBR of -2.6. Smith has played two innings in the league, amassing 72 runs with an impressive strike rate of 175.61, including six towering sixes.

Rounding out the top three is Faf du Plessis with an aBR of -2.5. Faf has accumulated 114 runs in the league, highlighted by a massive 100-run knock in a recent game. These performances not only illustrate their individual brilliance but also highlight the critical role of aBR in assessing batting efficiency and impact. Their ability to consistently find the boundary and accelerate scoring makes them key figures in the 2024 Major League Cricket season, underscoring the depth of talent and competition in the league.

A few other players who feature prominently on the leaderboard are Finn Allen, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan. Finn Allen, with an aBR of -2.24, recently delivered a match-defining knock of 63 runs at a strike rate of 170.27. His aggressive approach and ability to find the boundary have been crucial for his team. Andre Russell, known for his explosive batting, holds an aBR of -2.06. In the league so far, Russell has scored 50 runs across two innings, hitting seven boundaries in total, demonstrating his knack for accelerating the scoring rate.

Another standout performer is Russell’s teammate from LAKR, Shakib Al Hasan, who has an aBR of -2.02. Shakib has scored 53 runs in his two innings, showcasing his consistency and ability to contribute valuable runs in the middle order. These players have not only made significant contributions to their teams but have also highlighted the importance of Adjusted Boundary Rate in evaluating batting efficiency. Their performances add depth and excitement to the league, underlining the competitive nature and the high standards set by the players in the 2024 Major League Cricket season.

The Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric plays a pivotal role in understanding and evaluating batting performance in T20 cricket. By measuring how many fewer balls a batter takes to hit a boundary compared to other top-quality batters in the season, aBR provides a nuanced insight into a player’s efficiency and impact. This metric highlights those who can consistently and effectively accelerate scoring, making them invaluable assets to their teams.

The current leaderboard, led by Matt Short, Steve Smith, and Faf du Plessis, reflects the players’ exceptional abilities to dominate the opposition and alter the course of matches. As the season progresses, the dynamic nature of T20 cricket ensures that the rankings can shift, and we will return with another analysis in the coming weeks to track any changes to the leaderboard. The ongoing performances promise exciting updates, showcasing the evolving prowess of the league’s top batters.

See Also: INDW vs SAW: Player Analysis: Tazmin Brits Capitalizes on India’s Sloppy Performance

The clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 68 of IPL 2024 was more than just a game; it was a battle for survival. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with both teams vying for the last playoff spot. Fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, knowing that this match would determine their team’s fate in the tournament.

Faf du Plessis’ spectacular catch

RCB are back on top with the heroics of their ‘flying bird’ Faf du Plessis, who leapt into the air to secure an unthinkable catch, sending Mitchell Santner back to the pavilion. The entire Chinnaswamy stadium erupted in cheers as du Plessis achieved the unimaginable.

See Also: Milestones set to be achieved in RCB vs CSK, IPL 2024

It was the last ball of an over when Mitchell Santner’s moment of brilliance changed the game. Siraj delivered a low full-toss, and Santner, leaning back, lofted the ball. Faf du Plessis, positioned perfectly at the edge of the ring, leapt at the right time, stretching his arm out to complete a stunning catch. The crowd erupted as Santner was dismissed for three runs off four balls, and du Plessis’ catch was celebrated as a match-defining moment.

CSK’s Chase Begins

With a target of 219 runs, CSK needed a strong start. However, Glenn Maxwell had other plans. Maxwell bowled a delivery on the first ball of the innings that spun just enough to deceive Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad, on the back foot, tried to pull it but mistimed the shot. Yash Dayal made no mistake, taking a swift catch and sending the CSK skipper back for a golden duck. The crowd went wild as Gaikwad walked back, leaving CSK in a precarious position.

Match Context

As the match approached, RCB was ranked 4th on the points table, while CSK was ranked 7th. For Chennai, a win or even a narrow defeat would be enough to secure their place in the playoffs.

The Toss and Early Decisions

CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first, influenced by the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s reputation as a good chasing ground. This strategic choice reflected CSK’s confidence in their batting lineup’s ability to chase down any target set by RCB.

In a high-octane clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns in a crucial match to decide their playoff fate. CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on the ground’s reputation as an excellent chasing venue.

RCB’s Flying Start

RCB’s openers, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, came out with all guns blazing. Kohli, in particular, looked in sublime touch, piercing the gaps with ease and rotating the strike efficiently. Du Plessis played a captain’s knock alongside him, steadily building the innings.

See Also: Is it Rohit’s last hurrah for Mumbai Indians in IPL? Reports

The Turning Point

The game’s momentum shifted dramatically on the last ball of the 13th over. Mitchell Santner, bowling to Rajat Patidar, created an unexpected opportunity. Patidar drilled the ball straight back, and Santner got a fingertip on it. The ball deviated onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching Faf du Plessis out of his crease.

The third umpire found Faf’s bat in the air, which wasn’t conceived well by the RCB players. They were convinced that the skipper had made his ground and was unfairly given out in the high-voltage encounter. 

Analyzing the Run-Out

The on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, Michael Gough. Multiple replays were examined to determine if du Plessis’ bat was in the air when the bails were dislodged. After several looks and an UltraEdge confirmation that Santner had touched the ball, the decision was made – Faf du Plessis was run out for 54 off 39 balls.

Fan Reactions

The run-out of Faf du Plessis sparked a debate among fans. Social media platforms were abuzz with opinions, some supporting the umpire’s decision and others questioning it. The controversial dismissal became a talking point, dividing opinions.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday, aiming to improve their season. RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and chose to bowl. However, an amusing incident occurred during the toss, catching Faf’s attention. The camera zoomed in on the coin, prompting a smile from Faf.

Watch the viral video….

This incident followed a recent controversy during the toss between RCB and Mumbai Indians, where MI captain Hardik Pandya tossed the coin too high, leading to speculation of tampering. Faf discussed the incident with SRH captain Pat Cummins during a previous toss. To address the tampering claims, broadcasters began zooming in on the coin. Faf’s smile during the repeated process hinted at the lighter side of the situation.

RCB make adjustment

In terms of team changes, RCB made three adjustments, bringing in Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, and Karn Sharma. KKR, on the other hand, maintained their lineup unchanged.

RCB captain Faf said, “We will chase. This is probably a chasing ground, always has been. I’m a fan of abetting first when it’s really hot, but the temperature did drop after an hour or so yesterday, unlike in Mumbai or Chennai where it stays very hot. The batting is so strong that a general score or 60-70 isn’t considered great. We have three changes – Green and Siraj come back, so does Mayank Dagar. We know if we do a few things back, the momentum can be back and we do have the firepower.”

See Also: Watch: Gautam Gambhir argues with umpire in the match against RCB

Shreyas Iyer said, “Last afternoon game here, we know how the wicket plays, we would have loved to bowl as well. It’s stiflingly hot and we’ll look to make them as tired as possible. We’ve tried to keep things simple, it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you end, just stick to the basics. We are playing the same team. It’s important to assess the conditions and execute our plans, then it’ll go in our favour.”

Virat Kohli made history during an IPL match against Rajasthan by scoring his first fifty at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur after 16 years. He hit a half-century in just 39 balls, marking his third fifty in five matches since returning from a break for the birth of his child.

In addition to his fifty, Kohli achieved another remarkable milestone in his IPL career: he became the first player to surpass 7,500 runs in the tournament’s history. This puts him far ahead of Shikhar Dhawan, his closest competitor.

Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis’ record-breaking partnership

Kohli’s innings was marked by aggressive play, especially during his partnership with Faf du Plessis, which yielded a quickfire 100 runs for the first wicket. This was their fifth century partnership for RCB in the IPL. Kohli’s innings, filled with three sixes and four boundaries, showed his determination and intent right from the beginning.

Despite previously struggling at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Kohli displayed a different level of determination this time, particularly against Rajasthan’s left-arm pacers and part-time bowlers like Riyan Parag.

See Also: Don’t boo Hardik Pandya: Sourav Ganguly to fans ahead of MI clash

Virat Kohli fits with records

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis have proven to be a formidable opening pair, securing the sixth position for the most 100-plus partnerships for any wicket. Their dynamic partnership has yielded six such stands, showcasing their synergy and prowess at the top of the order. This achievement highlights their consistency and ability to provide solid starts for their team, making them a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.

Faf du Plessis ended his performance in 44 runs. Kohli’s stellar performance also propelled him to the top of the Orange Cap race, as he became the first player to surpass 250 runs in the season, leaving behind other contenders like Riyan Parag from Rajasthan Royals.

However, with a stealer performance of Virat, he scored 113 runs and gave a target of 184 to Rajasthan.