Let’s picture the world of cricket as if it were scripted sports entertainment, with its promos and betrayals and over-the-top feuds.

The Ultimate Heel: David Warner

Like every great wrestling story, it needed a top bad guy and David Warner is it. With his combative on-field persona, volatile temperament and background of controversies , Warner would make an ideal heel. Picture Warner racing out to the crease, delivering heel promos and flaunting dismissals. He loved leaning into being the villain, heckling the other players, working up the audience into a frenzied bitterness and looked an awfully lot like a familiar video game villain.

In second place:

Virat Kohli:  His intensity, fishy celebrations and passionate sledging would have jeopardized his "villain' tag in the enemy camp.

Gautam Gambhir:  Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach and his tussles with the opposition mean he is never found wanting for back-and-forths, making him a natural villain.

The Ultimate Babyface: MS Dhoni

Every wrestling promotion needs an overbabyface, and when it comes to cricket, there’s no bigger babyface than MS Dhoni. Level-headed in a crisis, adored by fans across the globe and a late-over finish wizard, Dhoni is the picture of heroism. Imagine the sound of the entrance music that accompanies Dhoni so perfectly for so many years, while the fans are cheering and falling over themselves while he walks to the crease, his eyes glazed. He is always controlled, the ideal hero against the game’s most infamous heels.

In second place:

Sachin Tendulkar: Tendulkar is the most loved cricketer in history — the John Cena of cricket for always fighting for the audience, no matter which team they support, respected by all players and the epitome of sportsmanship.

Kane Williamson: The nice guy of cricket that all sport needs, Williamson’s sportsmanship and disposition are too good to pass up for a fairytale.

Nations Over Cricket: An Iconic Feuds in a Cricket-WWE Universe

Warner vs Dhoni (Corporate Champion vs People’s Champion) – it’s Warner the cocky heel, fronting a frillionaire IPL party, versus Dhoni the man of the people who plays for the love of the game.

Kohli vs. Smith (The Intensity Showdown) – An ultra-competitive battle between two skillful players, aggressive in their styles and prepared to get into each other head.

Gambhir vs. Kohli (Faction Warfare) – It actually has in real life! Now actually visualize doing this two top rival stables paving the way for the largest faction war in cricket WWE history.

If cricket had ever taken a leaf out of the WWE playbook, global sporting field would be an entertainment flow like never before. The sledging would become scripted promos, the rivalries played up as grudge matches, and every match larger-than-life storytelling. Until then, all we can do is savour the natural drama of cricket the way it plays out in real life, which-let’s be real-at times follows the well-trodden path of WWE!

Also Read:- Indian Flag Waves High at Karachi's National Stadium on Champions Trophy 2025 Opening

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, said that  KL Rahul is the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Even though Rishabh Pant is in the squad, Gambhir explained that Rahul’s steady performances have secured his place, meaning Pant will have to wait for his turn. Gambhir said, “KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper right now. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but at the moment, KL has performed well, and we can’t play two wicketkeeper-batters.”  

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirms that KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper for Team India for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 🇮🇳🧤🗣️#GautamGambhir #KLRahul #ODIs #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/yNWLwfZoDZ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 12, 2025

Rahul was India’s wicketkeeper in the three match ODI series against England. He struggled with the bat in the first two games, scoring only 2 and 10. However, he played very well in the third match, scoring a quick 40 off 29 balls, helping India for a big total of 356. He was also sharp behind the stumps, taking three catches and completing two stumpings.  

ALSO READ: KKR announces historic Trophy Tour, visiting nine cities before IPL 2025

Rahul(consistent wicketkeeper-batter), performing well in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He scored 452 runs at an average of 75.33, including a crucial  97 against Australia. His solid performances have strengthened his position in the team.  On the other side, Rishabh Pant is still waiting for his chance. After recovering from a long injury break, he has played just one ODI, scoring six runs against Sri Lanka. While he is known for his aggressive batting, the team management prefers Rahul’s reliability.   

Gambhir said that, “We don’t just look at stats; we look at who can perform when it matters.” This shows that the team is focused on choosing players based on match situations rather than just numbers. Gambhir’s support for Rahul means Pant will have to wait for his opportunity. The competition for the wicketkeeper spot is intense, but for now, KL Rahul remains India’s first choice.

IPL captains have been soul to the league who have just crafted the tournament with their individual performance and leadership skills. The huge belief between franchise and their captains create a seperate bond between the entire team scenario. Nature of captaincy also differs team to team and work within the combination which is highly attractive. Today we gonna have a visit on top top four captains of IPL who have possessed the IPL trophy with their suitable kind of nature. 

Read More : Wriddhiman Saha waves off silent bye to cricket

An important cricket match happened in 2011 that indian fans in India will never forget. It was the World Cup final and India played against Sri Lanka. India hadn't won the trophy for an entire 28 years, but in that game, with players such as MS Dhoni who was the Captain of the team and all the other good players, India won it again. There was this specific decision that got everyone speaking, though. Dhoni chose to go play before Yuvraj Singh, even though Yuvraj was doing great in all the other games before.

MS Dhoni Reveals Why He Promoted Himself Above Yuvraj Singh in the ICC World Cup 2011 Final

India had to bat after Sri Lanka, and they didn't start well because they lost wickets quickly. But then Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli worked hard and got partnership. Even though India lost some good players early, such as Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, they still kept going. After getting a large amount of runs, Virat had to got out, and that was a major moment in the game.

Sri Lanka got to bat first and they did very well, getting 274 runs before they had to stop after playing for a long time. Mahela Jayawardene was amazing and scored 103 runs all by himself which helped a lot for srilanka.

Dhoni revealed why he promoted himself up in the order in WC 2011 Final . pic.twitter.com/wjkoagIXGU

— MAHIYANK™ (@Mahiyank_78) February 2, 2025

Instead of sending in Yuvraj Singh, who had been India’s standout performer in the tournament, Dhoni walked in at No. 5. This move surprised fans and experts alike, but Dhoni recently shared the thought process behind it. Dhoni knew how to play against Randiv and Dilshan because he faced them before in the IPL, just like Muralitharan. This helped him make a sharp and informed choice when he decided to bat, not only because he wanted to.

ALSO READ: Not Abhishek Sharma these Players Smashed the fastest centuries in T20I

The Match-Winning Partnership

Dhoni teamed up with another player, Gambhir, and together they scored 109 runs. Even though Yuvraj Singh also got to play near the end and didn't get out, it was mostly because of Dhoni's sharp and informed thinking that India won. He hit 91 runs and only needed 79 balls to do it. Everyone will always remember what he did.

India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day. It is one of the country's most important and proudest days, and all Indians feel proud of it. 

On January 26, 1950, more than two years after the Independence from British Rule, India adopted its own constitution. It is the governing document of India after replacing the Government of India Act 1935. 

Every year, the nation celebrates it proudly. All over India, we experience parades, special speeches, and many cultural events. Youths, the future of the nation, are passionately active on this special day. On this special day, we go through our country's cultures and traditions along with rich history. India has a wide range of cultures.

Indian sportspersons have put the nation on top many times

Just like many Indians, the sportspersons have also put the nation's head up with their continuous incredible achievements.

On and off the field, Indian cricketers are always there to serve their country. 🇮🇳🏏 #TeamIndia #HappyRepublicDay2025 pic.twitter.com/ZaWDOWMIPV

— Cricket Winner (@cricketwinner_) January 25, 2025

India has many achievements in international cricket

Due to the gradual success of international cricket, the sport has become a symbol of the nation. Many Indians worship cricket and its players. Indians massively respect the Indian cricketers.

India made its international cricket debut in 1932. Although it took time, slowly India strongly challenged the top international teams and has gradually become one of the best cricket teams in the world. While India has achieved many successes in international cricket, we are going through some top successes.

In 1983, India won their first Cricket World Cup trophy under the leadership of Kapil Dev. Under Sourav Ganguly's leadership, India jointly won the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 along with the hosts Sri Lanka, while his leadership also experienced runners-up in the ICC Champions Trophy 2000 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.

Later, in 2007, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India won the inaugural ICC World T20 trophy (presently known as ICC Men's T20 World Cup). His leadership also won the trophy in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013. His captaincy also experienced the runners-up campaign in the ICC World T20 2014. 

Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, India finished as the runners-up in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019-2021).

Meanwhile, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India recently won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. His leadership also experienced the runners-up journeys in the second ICC World Test Championship (2021-2023) and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Also, India has recorded seven ODI Asia Cup trophies and one T20I Asia Cup trophy. Meanwhile, India Women have also recorded four WODI Asia Cup trophies and three WT20I Asia Cup trophies. India Women's team is gradually growing in international cricket. 

Under the leadership of Mithali Raj, India Women finished runners-up in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2005 and 2017 editions, which were WODI formats. India Women, under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, finished runners-up in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020.  

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its much-anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19, 2025, with matches hosted in Pakistan and the UAE (for India's fixtures). India, known for its remarkable consistency and dominance on the global stage, enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, ready to stake its claim in this ultimate test of cricketing excellence. But the recently released Indian squad for the forthcoming tournament has sparked a lot of talk and discussion amongst the game's followers.

Though it had its own set of positives, some aspects could hinder their chances to scalp their second title of the tournament. Keeping in mind the team's recent performances post their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup has been alarming for their future performances. Here, we look at the three factors that could not lead India to a victorious 2025 Champions Trophy run.

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar Arrive Late for Press Conference 

On Sunday, Rohit Sharma, who leads the India team, and Ajit Agarkar, who picks the players, were late over two hours to press conference for champions trophy squad announcement  in Mumbai. They were supposed to tell us who's going to play in the important games against England and the very popular Champions Trophy in 2025. But  they were so late, we were all waiting and extremely eager to hear what they would say!

As the two finally took their seats and adjusted their microphones, an intersting off the record moment between Rohit and Agarkar caught attention. In a hushed tone, Rohit was overheard sharing his concerns about the new guidelines introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding players’ families traveling with them. A video of the candid exchange quickly went viral on social media, with Rohit’s casual yet relatable comment sparking widespread interest. In his typical laid-back manner, Rohit leaned toward Agarkar and remarked, “I will have to sit (with the BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me.”

💀💀 pic.twitter.com/4nn17QKemt

— Priyanshu (@cricketwalaldka) January 18, 2025

The genuine comment showcased the human side of the captain, who is not only balancing on-field responsibilities but also managing concerns raised by his teammates about their families. The moment resonated with fans, reflecting the unique pressures cricketers face beyond the boundary. The delay and Rohit’s remarks added a touch of drama to the otherwise straightforward press conference. Once proceedings began, the focus shifted to cricket, with Agarkar and Rohit answering questions about team selections, strategies, and the road ahead. However, the viral snippet of their press conference conversation ensured that the day’s buzz extended beyond cricketing decisions. Fans on social media appreciated Rohit’s honesty and straight forwardness , with many praising him for addressing off-field concerns in his calm and composed manner. The moment served as a reminder of the captain’s role in bridging the gap between the team and the board, proving that leadership often extends beyond just the game.

ALSO READ: Reason behind dropping Mohammed Siraj from ODI squad revealed

Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper Choices:  Discussions Behind the Scenes

There was a major discussion before press conference discussing who gets to be the vice captian for the team . They spoke a lot about the important choices they had to make. Gautam Gambhir really wants Hardik Pandya to be the assistant captain because he has captaincy skills and experience over the years  and might help the new young ones play better. But Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma think Shubman Gill should get the job because he is very good at playing and he could be a great leader later on.

Another point of contention was the selection of the team’s wicketkeeper. Gambhir pushed for the inclusion of Sanju Samson, arguing that he has technique and temperament make him a reliable choice. On the other hand, Agarkar and Rohit leaned towards Rishabh Pant, praising his explosiveness and match winning capabilities. These differing viewpoints highlighted the challenges of selecting a balanced team while accommodating diverse perspectives. While the final decisions were not disclosed during the conference, the intense discussions underscored the importance of finding the right combination for upcoming tournaments.

India squad for champions trophy:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

BCCI Introduces New Disciplinary Guidelines After Australia's Test Series Setback

The people who are in charge of cricket in India got together because our cricket team didn't do so well against Australia. We only won 1 game and lost 3. It was for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. These major leaders made up 10 rules to help the players do better. They want everybody on the team to be friendly, follow the rules, and play very good.

The meeting, which led to the formation of these guidelines, was attended by key stakeholders, including captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI president Roger Binny. The board emphasized that the aim of these measures is to foster professionalism, operational efficiency, and a cohesive team environment.

These are really strict guidelines and a welcome change. The superstar culture has to change and the focus should be performance and winning games. Point 7 is really good. #BCCI #IndianCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/gh7jPIrtbe

— C O N F U J I T (@SurajitTweet) January 17, 2025

Key Guidelines for Players

1. Mandatory Domestic Participation
   Players must participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts. This measure ensures players stay connected with the domestic cricket ecosystem, maintain match fitness, and contribute to talent development. Exceptions will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances with formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.

2. Team Travel and Logistics
   All players are required to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements, including those with family members, are discouraged to maintain team cohesion and discipline. Exceptions must be pre-approved by the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee.

3. Baggage Regulations
   Strict limits on baggage have been introduced to streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses. Players are permitted specific baggage allowances depending on the tour duration:
   Long Tours (>30 days): Three pieces, including two suitcases and one kit bag, or up to 150 kg.
   Short Tours: Two pieces, including one suitcase and one kit bag, or up to 120 kg.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Announces XI for 1st Test Against West Indies in Multan

4. Restriction on Personal Staff
   Personal staff such as managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel are restricted on tours unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This measure ensures focus on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges.

5. Dispatch of Equipment to Centre of Excellence
   Players must coordinate with team management regarding the dispatch of equipment and personal items to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the responsibility of the player.

6.Mandatory Attendance at Practice Sessions
   Players are required to attend all scheduled practice sessions in full and travel with the team to and from the venue. This policy aims to ensure discipline and effective preparation.

7. Restrictions on Personal Shoots and Endorsements
   Players are prohibited from participating in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This prevents distractions and ensures complete focus on cricket and team responsibilities.

8. Family Travel Policy
   The BCCI has established a balanced family travel policy to support players' personal well-being while prioritizing team commitments:
   1. For overseas tours exceeding 45 days, players’ families (partners and children under 18) may visit once per series for up to two weeks.
   2. Shared accommodation costs during the designated visitors' period will be covered by the BCCI, but all other expenses will be borne by the player.
   3.Family visits must be scheduled with approval from the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.

9. Participation in Official BCCI Engagements
   Players are required to attend BCCI’s official promotional activities, shoots, and functions, which are critical for fulfilling commitments to stakeholders and promoting the game.

10. Completion of Tours
    Players must remain with the team until the scheduled end of the series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than expected. This rule ensures team unity and avoids disruptions to team dynamics.

Objectives and Implications

The BCCI’s guidelines are designed to address issues observed during recent tours, including logistical inefficiencies, lack of discipline, and distractions. The measures aim to:
1. Strengthen the domestic cricket structure.
2. Enhance team bonding and professionalism.
3. Promote operational efficiency during tours and series.

BCCI made some new rules. They want all the players on the Indian team to be nicer to each other and do a good job together. This is a new direction the BCCI is trying to make things better and help people play great cricket. They think that by making players play more in India and making fully sure everyone is doing their job well, the team will do better.

Also, they want to make sure that the Indian cricket team remembers what truly matters about cricket. This is of major importance because they want the team to follow the rules and focus on playing their best.

Former Saurashtra captain and batter Sitanshu Kotak will join Team India's setup as batting coach. Kotak will start his stint with the five-match T20I Series against England which starts from January 22.

Kotak, who retired in 2013 after playing first-class cricket for over 20 years, has been working as a batting coach at the National Cricket Academy since 2019. Kotak has served as the head coach of India A on several tours. He has served as an assistant coach to VVS Laxman when VVS Laxman himself served as the head coach for India's bilateral series in last few years.

Kotak will be the 5th assistant coach in the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir who took charge in August. Gautam Gambhir brought three assistant coaches that time former South African Pacer Morne Morkel (bowling coach), along with former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands captain Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip, who was the fielding coach during Rahul Dravid's tenure, was retained.

See Also:- New BCCI Rules: Limited Family Time and Personal Staff Banned for Players

It was decided after BCCI's review meeting which was conducted in Mumbai last week to assess India's disastrous run of series defeats starting with the white-ball loss in Sri Lanka, followed by a whitewash against New Zealand at home and then a 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Poor performance from the Indian batters was the main reason behind these defeats and also the Test side missing out on a World Test Championship Final berth. Batting was reportedly a key topic in the review meeting, which included Gambhir, selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, and several top BCCI officials, including the newly appointed board secretary, Devajit Saikia.

BCCI Implements Stricter Rules for Players on Overseas Tours

 The major group in charge of cricket there, called BCCI, made new rules for the cricket players when they go to play games in other places. Players can't bring people such as their cooks or hair-cutters, or even bodyguards with them anymore. And their families can't stay with them for too long either. Just before things became very difficult because of COVID, family members can only stay for two weeks if the trip is really long, such as more than 45 days. But if it's a short trip, they can only stay for one week. There's a head coach Gautam Gambhir, who thinks that being strict and tight as a team is vitally important. Mister Gambhir's on board with these changes. Apparently, he's worried about everyone acting professional and good when it comes to cricket activities. Mister Gambhir was a major part of why these new rules are happening. But by no means did he do this all on his own, it was a decision by everyone important at BCCI. Everyone's been discussing it a lot!

The Indian cricket team’s recent losses to New Zealand and Australia, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, have added urgency to these changes. Gambhir attributed the defeats, including the disappointing loss of the Border-Gavaskar series, to a lack of discipline in the dressing room. Sources suggest he is determined to instill stricter guidelines to avoid similar setbacks in the future. A meeting between Gambhir and a senior BCCI official is expected to take place during the first T20I against England in Kolkata. The discussions will likely address the controversies surrounding the team and strategize on implementing the new rules effectively.

ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Ticket Price Details for Matches in Pakistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to curb family time for the Indian players on international tours.

Report says that the suggestion to curb family time for the Indian team has come from none other than the head coach himself.
sources said that Gambhir wants to… pic.twitter.com/PO063YE8dA

— kumar (@KumarlLamani) January 16, 2025

BCCI Introduces Tougher Rules to Strengthen Team Unity and Address Recent Setbacks

Reports from the Australia tour (November 2024 to January 2025) highlighted a lack of team bonding. Sources revealed that players, both senior and junior, dined together as a group only once during the entire tour. Gambhir believes fostering camaraderie is crucial, especially for younger players, and has urged the team management to adopt a firmer stance.

BCCI's Proposed Guidelines for Players and Tours

While the BCCI and Rohit Sharma is the head of the Indian cricket team, but they didn't win against New Zealand and Australia. This made people think we need to be quicker to fix things. Gambhir said that the team didn't follow rules well, and that's a major reason they lost games, particularly the one where they really hoped to win against Australia.

He really wants everybody to listen better to rules so they don't make a big mistake again. Actually, Gambhir is going to sit and speak with an important person from BCCI when the first T20I game with England happens in Kolkata. They are probably going to converse about the trouble the team got into and have a smart thought to make new rules work very nicely.