Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost their fourth straight match in IPL 2025 following a below-par game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday. The game was characterized by poor fielding from both teams, particularly CSK, which spilled several catches at crucial times. PBKS opener Priyansh Arya was the worst victim, scoring a scintillating 103 from a mere 39 deliveries after two dropped chances.

ALSO SEE: Rishabh Pant Under Fire: Fans Claim Injury Was a Tactic to Derail KKR vs LSG!

PBKS registered a record total of 219/6. Arya's century was complemented by Shashank Singh, who was unbeaten on 52 and was dropped as well. CSK bowlers lacked support from the fielders as Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, and Ravindra Jadeja were all guilty of dropping easy chances. CSK replied with 201/5, with Devon Conway scoring 69 before being retired hurt.

Irfan Pathan Slams Poor Fielding

8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 8, 2025

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan did not mince his words. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he derided the level of fielding saying, "8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein nahi chorte bhai," translating to even veteran players do not drop that number of catches. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad identified fielding as the primary cause for the recent loss of the team. For the past four matches, the fumbled catches are paying the cost. The same batsmen go on scoring 15-30 runs extra even after being dropped he added.He did credit that even as the batting promised much, fielding errors were costing dearly.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Star India player warns team to think twice before retiring out players

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming concurred with Gaikwad's sentiments, sounding disappointed. "The game was actually lost in the field. We were sloppy and imprecise under pressure," he averred. He was, however, impressed with some of the individual performances but conceded that the missed opportunities really made a difference.Overall, the defeat wasn't purely about Arya's pyrotechnic innings. CSK's fielding errors helped PBKS put on a tough target, and in spite of a good batting attempt, the deed was already accomplished. CSK now has to pull themselves back quickly as the tournament gathers speed.

The IPL match between Punjab Kings(PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mullanpur was a run feast by the two teams. Opting out to bat first Punjab Kings started with a blinder, where young batsman Priyansh Aryan stormed the innings with a brilliant century scoring 103 runs on 42 balls, with the help of Shashank 52 runs on 32 balls and Jansen 34 runs on 19 balls, they scored 219 runs with the loss of 5 wickets. 
Chasing the target, CSK started well with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra at the crease, providing a good start to the team. Though Rachin went early, Conway 69(42) carried away the innings. Though CSK tried to conquer the chase with the likes of Shivam Dube 42(27), Ms Dhoni 27(12) were short by 18 runs. Apart from match proceedings catch drops from both the teams became the highlight of the show. 

Read More: 'If You're Nervous, You’ll Drop a Catch' — Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reacts after loss to Punjab Kings in match number 22 of IPL 2025
Irfan Pathan Makes A Huge Statment
 There have been many droppers in this IPL season and the highest was recorded in this match, where 8 catches were dropped by both teams. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted the catch drops into his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. He started with an example of comparison to Legends League stating "8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein nahi chorte bhai (we don't drop this many even in legends leagues)," Pathan wrote on X. 

8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 8, 2025

These catch drops proved costly to both the teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players dropped Priyansh two times, and Jansen and Shashank were too given a lifeline. Which boosted PBKS score to 219. Even though Punjab Kings (PBKS) players dropped many it didn't cost them much where CSK had to lose the match by an 18-run margin. CSK fielding in this tournament hasn't been that good, though possessiexpericed they are slipping away their chances. 

Ruturaj On Catching Mistakes
Even at the last match presentation, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad highlighted the issue of drop catches which cost them few a maa matches, he goes on I think the last four games, the only point of difference (fielding being the difference). It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15, 20, 30 runs. 

We were getting wickets at regular intervals but they kept the momentum going. 10-15 runs lesser would have helped us. But it comes down to dropped catches. It was spot-on in the batting perspective. CSK this year's season is under a critical condition where a blunder of one department has cost them the entire match. It's high time for them to look into the departments that require the alterations if not, they will be out of the Playoffs soon. 

Virat Kohli, who won the Orange Cap in 2024, has continued his remarkable run of form in the IPL 2025. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his team, has defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With his unbeaten half-century against KKR at Eden Gardens and his quick 31 off 30 balls against CSK at Chepauk, Kohli was instrumental.

The IPL Career of Kohli 

Following his leadership of India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli retired from T20 Internationals. Yet he continues to be the backbone of RCB's batting unit and remains one of the most reliable players in the IPL.

Irfan Pathan Supports Kohli's T20 Strategy

Irfan Pathan, a former Indian all-rounder, recently responded to fan enquiries regarding Kohli's performance in Twenty20 cricket. Some compared him to power hitters like Ashutosh Sharma and Nicholas Pooran, questioning his impact. Pathan, however, strongly backed Kohli’s credentials.

"Virat Kohli is a match-winner. His main role is to chase and stabilize innings, and he has done it consistently for RCB and India. His stats speak for themselves," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

ALSO SEE: 'King Kohli or Swing Kohli?' - Fans troll RCB star batter after dismal outing against Gujarat Titans

Strike Rate vs Stability Debate

Kohli’s strike rate has often been scrutinized, but Pathan highlighted his importance on difficult pitches." On surfaces that offer grip, a reliable batter like Kohli becomes crucial. He provides stability while others attack. Even teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad need such anchors," he explained.

Can Kohli Be Aggressive When Needed?

Responding to doubts about Kohli’s adaptability, Pathan was clear. "Kohli can accelerate when required. As long as he wins matches, his role is invaluable. The strike rate debate will go on, but his impact is undeniable," he concluded.

Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, is no longer a member of the IPL 2025 commentary panel owing to claims of bias toward certain players. Numerous players and officials have been watching Pathan’s off-the-air comments and social media engagements. Many of these remarks have been considered overly negative on specific individuals. 

This has been an issue since Pathan’s commentary during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in Australia, which, to many, had some of the more contentious opinions about some players. These issues then spilled over into formal complaints, which, in the end, got him dropped from the IPL broadcast team. 

🚨BREAKING NEWS ⚠️

IRFAN PATHAN BANNED FROM IPL COMMENTARY.

CURRENTLY HE IS NEGLECTED FROM IPL COMMENTARY CREW BECAUSE SOME OF THE PLAYERS AND STAR COMPLAINED ABOUT HIS PERSONAL BIASES NESS TOWARDS SOME CERTAIN PLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/0ZPNsCX7Cw

— SACHIN (@LeoChennaiIPL) March 26, 2025

Also Read: Aakash Chopra taunts Virat Kohli over ‘Personal Milestone’ comment

Pathan has sought to diverge from the main commentary platforms, and in this regard, on March 22, he opened a YouTube channel called “सीधी बात विद इरफान पठान,” where he intends to analyze various sports. His actions indicate determination to still reach out to cricket enthusiasts even after being sidelined from the mainstream media.

There is increasing concern over sports commentators and the need to be impartial, and this shows precisely how Pathan is still ‘remembered’ within the cricketing arena. Gone are the days when they weren’t bound by the rules and logic.

Also Read: SRH vs LSG : Weather and Pitch report

Pathan not being able to commentate on certain games showcases the need for zero bias treatment within sports commentary, drawing a line between personal opinions and professional commentary.

Legends Are Back! Indian Royals Announce Squad for Asian Legends League 2025

Cricket fans are in full josh because India's most loved Cricket players are coming up for the Asian Legends League 2025. The tournament will see big players like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan return to action for the Indian Royals.

The tournament organizers revealed a 17-man squad for the Indian Royals on social media. The Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan participation will depend on their availability, while the other 15 players are confirmed for the tournament in 2025.

𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🔥

The MPMSC Asian Legends League T20 2025 is here, featuring some of the biggest names in cricket history! 🌟🏏

Which player are you excited to watch? 🤔

Stay tuned with @AsianLegendsT20 and @sportskeeda to catch all the… pic.twitter.com/xojyVFYisr

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 3, 2025

Indian Royals Announce Squad for Asian Legends League 2025: Indian Legends Are Back

The Asian Legends League 2025 will have five teams and they will play their games in Nathdwara from March 10 to 18 at the Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Complex. The teams are Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans, and Asian Stars will fight for the cup.

Madan Lal Appointed as Indian Royals' Head Coach

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Asian Legends League T20 (@allt20.official)

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian Royals. A key member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Madan Lal brings years of experience to the squad to win the cup. He will use his experience and give coaching for big players like Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan, who played key roles in India’s 2011 World Cup win, as well as Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan, who were part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad.

The Indian Royals will begin their first match against the Bangladesh Tigers on March 10 at 7 PM. Fans are excited to see legends back in action and will be hoping the Indian Royals can go all the way to win the title.

ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh comments on Congress leader's controversial remark for Rohit Sharma

Indian Royals’ Squad for Asian Legends League 2025

 Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Naman Ojha, Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, S Badrinath, Faiz Fazal, Manpreet Gony, Shreevats Goswami, Sudeep Tyagi, Munaf Patel, Shadab Jakati, Karanveer Singh, Barinder Sran and Anureet Singh.

In a high-pressure ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, Hardik Pandya made history with his outstanding bowling performance. After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, the Indian all-rounder made an impact by taking the key wickets of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, becoming the highest wicket-taker against Pakistan in ICC tournaments.

🚨 𝑴𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵𝑬 🚨

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya joins the 200 wickets club in International cricket 🇮🇳🤝

One of the top class all-rounder! 💙🔥#HardikPandya #India #Tests #ODIs #T20Is pic.twitter.com/CX9TfTKWDb

— Harkishan Mahedele (@mahedele20181) February 23, 2025

Hardik now has 15 wickets against Pakistan in ICC matches, Passing Mitchell Starc (11 wickets), Ashish Nehra (10 wickets), and Ravindra Jadeja (10 wickets). His ability to perform in big games against Pakistan has made him one of India’s most reliable players in ICC tournaments.

Most Wickets vs Pakistan in ICC Matches

Hardik Pandya - 15 wickets

 
Mitchell Starc - 11 wickets  

Ashish Nehra - 10 wickets  

Ravindra Jadeja - 10 wickets  

Irfan Pathan - 9 wickets

ALSO READ: Watch: Wasim Akram Showers Praise on India's Rising Star Abhishek Sharma in Dubai

Hardik Pandya Known for his aggressive bowling and ability to break partnerships in the tough times, Hardik has become India's go-to bowler in crucial matches. His 15 wickets in ICC tournaments show his consistency and success against Pakistan. With his all-round skills and calmness under pressure, Hardik remains a key player in India's ICC trophies.

Irfan Pathan, a surname that is every bit as related to passion and versatility in cricket as any, continues to generate buzz on and off the ground. In an amazing show of dedication, the former Indian all-rounder was seen plying his trade in the IMLT20 league yesterday and effortlessly changed gears into his role as a commentator in the high-glamour India vs. Pakistan game

Yesterday - Irfan Pathan played for India Masters in IMLT20 in Mumbai.

Today - Irfan Pathan is at Dubai for India vs Pakistan match.

The commitment for the Game by Irfan 👏 pic.twitter.com/aljNJkNH5p

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: Its India Vs Pakistan The Greatest Rivalry Of Cricketing Nations

A Life Devoted to Cricket
From swinging the ball with grace to offering insightful comments in the commentary box, Irfan Pathan's love for the sport never falters. His life has been nothing less than inspirational, proving that once a cricketer, always a cricketer.
At the IMLT20, he demonstrated that he is still capable and fit enough to play at the highest level. His comfort while shifting gears reveals how well he understands the game and how committed he is to entertaining everyone in every conceivable manner.
A Natural in the Commentary Box
As a pundit, Pathan can impart the same élan and technicality he employed on the field. Not merely technical and critical is his commentary, but interesting for fans young and old to listen to as well. From discussing tactics or sharing inside gossip of his playing days, he is capable of lending invaluable knowledge to the viewer's experience in watching cricket.
The Dual Role: A Rare Feat
Few cricketers have managed to juggle active cricketing with a glamorous media career. Irfan Pathan's ability to do so is an indication of his versatility and passion for the game. His career reminds us of other legends who have made a smooth transition from playing to commentating, and he is that much of a cricketing all-rounder.
A Fan Favorite
Whether it is taking wickets, hitting boundaries, or offering expert commentary, Irfan Pathan is a fan favorite. His recent performances in IMLT20 and the India-Pakistan commentary panel have only enhanced his image as a cricketing great.

At the post-match conference, team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, made it clear that the team's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy wasn't great because the players weren't participating enough in domestic cricket. Irfan Pathan, who also played cricket in the past, agreed with him. Mr Pathan made an important point about how India shouldn't simply focus on having superstar players but instead work on building a strong team atmosphere.

In addition, he brought up Virat Kohli, questioning when was the last time he played in domestic cricket, to highlight that every player, no matter how famous, needs to play at the domestic level too.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, was really unhappy after India didn't do well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mr. Gambhir made it extremely unmistakeable how much he thinks domestic cricket matters. Mr. Gambhir said that everyone who can and really cares about red-ball cricket should be hitting the domestic cricket scene. Not only showing up for a single game--but genuinely playing it.

Mr. Gambhir put it straight, saying if you don't take domestic cricket seriously you're not going to end up with players who've honed what it takes for Test cricket. That's how crucial he thinks playing at home is.

Gambhir was pretty cautious when someone asked him what he thought might happen to major names in Indian cricket, like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the future. I can't speak about their future it's to them but what I can say is that they still have the hunger and passion. They are tough individuals, and I hope they continue to carry Indian cricket forward.

Ultimately, whatever they decide will be in the best interest of Indian cricket, he carefully mentioned. This was right after India didn't win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, something that hadn't happened for the first time in more than ten years. Gambhir called out the senior players because they've been skipping domestic games for a while now.

During a discussion on a post

What happens in the dressing room, should stay in the dressing room!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 1, 2025

Pathan said that even Sachin Tendulkar, who everyone knows is a legendary player, always made sure he played in local matches to stay fit and keep practicing. He pointed out that sometimes, Tendulkar's first-innings average was below 30, but he thought this was crucial for starting the match correctly. Then Pathan threw out a question, asking if India should institute a prize for it.

He further remarked that if a young player were given as many chances as some of the senior players, they could at least match or exceed similar performances. Pathan concluded by acknowledging Virat Kohli's many contributions to Indian cricket but expressed his disappointment at the repeated mistakes and dismissals, noting that it was disheartening to see such errors continue despite his past success.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow CRICKET WINNER.

ALSO READ:Sunil Gavaskar was not invited by Cricket Australia to the award ceremony of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Irfan Pathan Expresses Disappointment with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has been outspoken about his thoughts on the performances of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in recent matches, especially in the Test series against Australia. Pathan highlighted that these players failed to meet the expectations placed on them, especially during crucial moments in the series. He mentioned how their underwhelming performances had an impact on the team's overall results, reflecting his concern about their form.

“A player who has made about 20,000 runs—yet the way Rohit is struggling now, it seems his form is not supporting him at all. What’s happening now is that he is the captain, so he is playing. If he were not the captain, he might not be playing right now. You would have had a set team. K.L. Rahul would have been playing at the top. Jaiswal would have been there. Shubman Gill would have been there. If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI.”

Irfan Pathan’s candid opinion on Rohit Sharma’s recent form in Test cricket.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/jn0R9wuz77

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 30, 2024

Controversial Debate Between Pathan and Manjrekar

Irfan Pathan was also involved in a heated discussion with fellow cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar regarding a controversial run-out involving Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The two former cricketers had a difference of opinion, which escalated into a heated argument during their debate on air. This incident drew attention, as both analysts are known for their candid commentary, but this spat reflected deeper frustrations about team selections and on-field decisions.

Comments on Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's Leadership

In a separate conversation, Pathan expressed dissatisfaction with Hardik Pandya’s performances, along with remarks on Rohit Sharma's leadership. He discussed the challenges of managing expectations when captains and key players fail to perform in critical situations. Though Pathan has always been a strong advocate for Indian cricket, his comments reflected a sense of frustration with the state of affairs in the team, particularly regarding leadership and individual performances.

These instances illustrate Pathan's direct approach when analyzing Indian cricket, showing his willingness to speak his mind about players and leadership without hesitation.

If you're looking for more detailed information, I would recommend checking major sports news outlets like Business Standard, Republic World, or other cricket-specific platforms where these discussions have been elaborated in articles.

Irfan Pathan-led Mumbai Mariners lifted the inaugural Big Cricket League trophy after beating Suresh Raina-led Southern Spartans in the high-scoring final of the Big Cricket League 2024 last Sunday. After winning the trophy, the Mariners leader recreated Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s T20 World Cup-winning celebration moment.

After Mariners captain Irfan Pathan chose to field first, Spartans scored 210/6 in 20 overs with the help of the opener Phil Mustard and skipper Suresh Raina’s half-centuries. Mariners chased down the target in 19.1 overs after losing three wickets. While Jesal Karia and Manan Sharma set up the tone in the chasing after both the openers’ cheap dismissals, skipper Irfan Pathan successfully guided the team to victory with the Player of the Match Manan Sharma. 

Southern Spartans set up a strong total

After the opener Solomon Mire was dismissed for seven runs, English cricketer Mustard and former Indian star Suresh Raina had an incredible partnership of 119 runs from 53 balls for the second wicket. While Raina was dismissed for 51 off 26 balls with nine fours and one six, Mustard scored 78 off 39 balls with 10 fours and four sixes before Manan Sharma caught and bowled him. 

Also, Faiz Fazal scored 30 off 19 balls with the help of three fours and one six, and Abhimanyu Mithun scored 25 off 22 balls with two sixes. While Manan Sharma ended with the bowling figures of 4-0-50-1, Shivam Kumar (2/37) and Manpreet Gony (2/40) picked up two wickets each. 

See Also: PCB confirms neutral venue for Indo-Pak clash

Mumbai Mariners successfully chased the target

In reply, openers Mihir Agarwal (2) and Sri Lankan Malinda Pushpakumara (13) were dismissed cheaply, but Jesal Karia and Manan Sharma controlled the game with a 93-run partnership for the third wicket. After Karia was dismissed for 75 off 39 balls (13 fours and one six), Manan and Irfan Pathan maintained the game in their favour with another 85-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket. While Manan scored 89 not out off 42 balls with seven fours and six sixes, skipper Irfan scored 27 not out off 18 balls with two fours and one six. 

During the title-winning moment, Irfan Pathan recreated Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s walking celebration during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title-winning moment. 

.@ImRo45 Taking A Page Out Of My Playbook! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/gRMrPermGb

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 30, 2024

Irfan Pathan’s Mumbai Mariners crowned the first-ever Big Cricket League champions! 🏆🔥

Watch the #BCL Final, highlights on #SonyLIV 📲 pic.twitter.com/FCcPQHuPff

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) December 23, 2024