Top Contests That Have Shaped  Till Now

IPL 2025 has been a display of spectacular performances and moments to remember. With breathtaking centuries to last-over finishes, the season has already witnessed games that fans will be talking about for years to come. Here are eight top matches that have defined the tournament till now:

 Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Rahul's Masterclass

On April 11, KL Rahul guided Delhi to their fourth successive victory with an unbeaten 93 off 53 balls. Pursuing 164 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Rahul's composed leadership and classy strokeplay ensured a six-wicket win with 13 balls remaining

 Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders  Marsh and Pooran's Onslaught

Mitchell Marsh's 81 (48) and Nicholas Pooran's aggressive 87 (36)* propelled LSG to 238-3, one of the highest scores of the season. KKR battled hard but lost by just 4 runs in a thrilling finish.

Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals – Sudharsan's Composed Knock

Sai Sudharsan anchored Titans' innings with a classy 82, guiding GT to a dominating victory by 58 runs. His coolness under pressure was the turning point in Gujarat's top-order dominance.

Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Siraj's Redemption

Mohammed Siraj's 3-19 spell dismantled RCB as GT easily won by 8 wickets. The pacer's comeback in fine form was the highlight of a season where bowlers have tended to take a backseat.

Also Read:-IPL 2025 Mid-Season Awards: MVPs, flops and best moments

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Arya's Century on Debut

Priyansh Arya, the debutant, stole the show with a stunning 103, with bold shot choices and audacity. His innings propelled PBKS to victory over Delhi and made him an overnight sensation of IPL 2025.

 Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Samson's Super Show

Sanju Samson smacked 91 off 47 balls to lead RR to a heart-stopping 3-run victory. His captain's innings was an excellent mix of glamour and responsibility under pressure.

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – SKY Lights Up Wankhede

Suryakumar Yadav mesmerized with 67 off 36 balls, guiding MI to a successful chase of 189 with 2 balls remaining. His belligerent intent turned the tables in an electric El Clasico of IPL.

 Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru  Shreyas Iyer's Quiet Storm

Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 off 52* held Punjab to a thrilling 6-wicket victory, shutting up shop on the Chinnaswamy crowd and affirming his worth in high-pressure chases.

Virat Kohli Squeals in Laughter After Spotting a CSK Fan at a Restaurant – Watch Video

Former Royal Challenges Bangalore (RCB) player Virat Kohli was in a puzzling situation when he spotted a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fan walking into his restaurant, One8 Commune, in a CSK jersey. The unexpected sight left Kohli in stitches, and that was later captured in a video that went viral on the internet. Kohli's reaction is richly entertaining. 

Virat Kohli and the RCB team at One8 Commune. pic.twitter.com/G68mCZOeAm

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 31, 2025

Also Read:-IPL's Biggest Shock: AB de Villiers Announces Comeback for Next Season

The video has gone viral with people reacting to it from all directions, enjoying the light-hearted banter between RCB and CSK. Several lauded the sporting spirit of Kohli, while some mocked the daredevilry of the CSK supporter. When Cricket meets RCB vs CSK, it’s all rivalry rooted in mutual love and respect. 

With every IPL season, these playful exchanges massively escalated the tension between the RCB and CSK fanbases. With these two teams set to face off against each other once more, the audience was eager to witness yet another thrilling match on the pitch.

Kohli Sets Sights on World Cup 2027 Glory!

Every cricket follower looks forward to sleepless nights as the bub of the television super cycle nears, so much indulges towards other day-to-day activity to catch packed moments of action should satisfaction ever be attained as every fateful death overs on a game drives so much affect that only addicts can savor the thrill needed.“I don’t know much about the future but let's just say, trying to win the next World Cup which is in 2027 isn’t too farfetched.” While seeking clarification posed by ‘Times Now’, these are the words that Kohli comments which goes handy with why and how he fandom from respective players. Kohli’s, aka the run machine’s booming statement surely splatters about his never-ending quest in terms of world cup. In the past decade and half, Kohli has grown as one of the most refined athletes of India and is suggested to be even better in representation and Communication everywhere, but to assert such a statement, an individual also needs to admire the small achievements along the way. Kohli overlooks India needing to shift its focus from a cricketing superpower to cricketing brand and hosting tournaments only wont help gain third & highest population playing country to that. Rather, billions holding munition packed utterly sensational paced entertainment soaked action over the hill comps take on happening to. 

VIRAT KOHLI AT THE 2027 WORLD CUP.

- Kohli confirms World Cup as his next big step. 🐐🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/SJExtQIHtk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2025

Also Read:-First Indian to Take 4 Wickets on IPL Debut – Ashwin Kumar Makes History!

India’s sole Road to Glory! 

Have to agree along, the effort Kohli is intently indulging into is something creative, deep & root-based where one will have to endure in sheer athletic gratification proves cash is no longer the king scepter, then this deeply systematic structure is crying out for charm and magic. Anything underworld under popular misconception is indeed a lacking point despite most assume because once heard literally holding senses to succumb explains how wonders stem across unimaginably bursting spheres of super realms based action without complexities , entertains filled bound utterly chaotic transcend frames unscripted captured throughout in expressing oneself free being.

Why Indian Cricketers Do Not Play Ranji Trophy
Ranji Trophy is the topmost domestic first-class cricket tournament of India, and from it, most quality players for the national team emerge. Yet, most of India's leading cricketers, particularly those in the national team, rarely watch Ranji matches. A question comes forth—isn't this an important reason why Indian cricketers do not take part in Ranji Trophy actively?

There are a few very significant reasons behind this trend:

1. Packed International Schedule
India is one of the most happening cricketing countries, with matches going on almost throughout the year. The national team plays all formats Test matches, ODIs, and T20 Internationals, which leaves no time for domestic cricket.
Example:
India played 48 international matches in 2023. It is quite challenging for the players to find time for the domestic competitions.
The 2024-2025 cricket season has several ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and the Indian Premier League (IPL), which makes the schedule even tighter.
Most of the top cricketers cannot play in Ranji Trophy matches because of this.

2. Workload Management and Injuries
To avoid injuries and workload management, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management always suggest that the key players should take a break. Long tours and continuous matches along with traveling put enormous pressure on cricket players.

Recently, Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube have been rested from Ranji matches due to the workload.
Fast bowlers are rarely allowed to play domestic matches in order to their chances of playing key international series by incurring injuries.
This translates to advice that players should simply not play as often in domestic matches even if they are fit.
3. The Impact of the Indian Premier League
The IPL has transformed cricket in India. For most cricketers, T20 league cricket has become a favorite since the competition launched in 2008.

The tournament provides massive financial gains, which is a big draw for the players.
Young cricketers focus more on IPL performances than Ranji Trophy to get noticed.
Some players avoid Ranji Trophy to remain fresh for the IPL season.
The influence of the IPL has been so strong that even some young talents prefer playing T20s over first-class cricket.
ALSO READ:Cricketers Who Quit the Game to Become Bollywood Stars

4. Established Players Don't Need Ranji Trophy
Many senior players, who have played regularly in Team India, need no further proof in domestic cricket. They are all set for the national team.
Example:
Virat Kohli played only two first-class games other than Test cricket, in the last 12 years.
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah hardly turn up to play Ranji Trophy.
Because selection to the national team now more or less rides on their IPL and India A performances, seniors often miss Ranji games.

5. Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery
The other significant reason the cricketer misses the Ranji Trophy is due to injury recovery. International cricket is an arduous sport and requires a lot of time and rest for a player to recover after a long series.
Example:
Hardik Pandya has not played red-ball cricket since 2018 due to back issues.
Jasprit Bumrah missed Ranji Trophy while recovering from his stress fracture.
Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant focused on rehab after injuries instead of playing Ranji matches.
When players are injured, their main priority is to get fit for international cricket rather than domestic tournaments.
6. BCCI’s Policy on Domestic Cricket
The BCCI has strict policies regarding participation in domestic cricket. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah made it clear in 2023 that centrally contracted players need to play in domestic cricket when they are not on national duty.
Players who don't take their domestic matches seriously may face such selections.
The board wants young players to play in the Ranji Trophy to gain experience in red-ball cricket.
Even with these guidelines, top cricketers miss many Ranji Trophy matches as they have other commitments.

"Rohit Sharma Took the Right Step for the Team": Gambhir Praises Indian Captain

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma recently garnered praise for his leadership decisions during a challenging series against Australia. Former cricketer and current coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Sharma’s selflessness after he chose to sit out the playing XI in the final Test, prioritizing the team’s success over individual contributions.

Gambhir, addressing recent speculations and criticisms, called Sharma’s decision a “bold and team-centric move.” Speaking to the media, Gambhir said, “When a captain makes a decision with the team’s best interests in mind, it reflects true leadership. Rohit Sharma has shown that the team and country come first, setting an example for others to follow.”

Gautam Gambhir - There is nothing wrong if the captain decided to stood down himself due to our of form. I think everyone should put the team first and captain Rohit Sharma did that. 🫡❤️ @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/YNjuuwHGSH

— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) January 5, 2025

Struggles with Form and a Tough Call

Rohit Sharma’s performance in the series had been underwhelming, managing just 31 runs across five innings. Recognizing his form struggles, Sharma decided to give opportunities to in-form players in the final Test in Sydney. This move, according to Gambhir, demonstrated maturity and accountability.

“Leadership isn’t just about scoring runs; it’s about making tough decisions. By stepping aside, Rohit ensured the team had the best possible chance of competing. It’s a commendable act that shows his commitment to Indian cricket,” Gambhir added.

ALSO READ:WTC Points Table Update: India Out After Sydney Defeat, Australia to Face South Africa in Final

Gambhir on Media Rumors and Player Futures

The series loss against Australia sparked rumors about potential discord within the Indian team and raised questions about the futures of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gambhir dismissed these speculations, urging media outlets to exercise caution in their reporting.

“I’ve always believed that a good team thrives on unity, especially during tough times. Speculating about internal issues does no good for the team’s morale,” Gambhir remarked. On the future of Sharma and Kohli, he said, “Both have shown resilience and passion throughout their careers. It’s not for me to decide their future, but I believe they have the hunger to continue contributing to Indian cricket.”

The cricketing world has been no stranger to controversy, but the ongoing series against Australia has taken a sharp turn into the realm of media relations. The saga began with Virat Kohli's heated exchange with Australian journalists at Melbourne Airport, where Kohli expressed his discomfort with the media's approach towards his family's privacy. This incident set the stage for heightened scrutiny of the interactions between Indian cricket stars and the Australian press.

Ravindra Jadeja's Press Conference Conundrum

Adding fuel to the fire, the latest chapter unfolded during Ravindra Jadeja’s press conference. Scheduled to address the media about the upcoming match, the event was marred by logistical issues. Due to time constraints, Australian journalists could not pose their questions. This situation, however, was not handled with the decorum one might expect:

- Time Management: The Indian team, under pressure from tight schedules, had to cut the press conference short, leaving some Australian journalists unable to voice their queries.

- Response from Australian Media: Frustration led to what has been described as inappropriate behavior, with some journalists reportedly continuing to record the conversation even after being asked to stop by the Indian media team.

Impact on Cricket Diplomacy

This incident has broader implications for cricket diplomacy:

- Media Relations: The relationship between international cricket teams and host country media can influence how both players and the game are perceived globally.

- Cultural Sensitivities: There's a clear divide in cultural expectations regarding media interactions, privacy, and professional conduct.

- Player Welfare: With players like Kohli and Jadeja at the center of these controversies, there's an increasing focus on how media interactions can affect player morale and performance.

Steps Forward

For cricket to maintain its spirit of sportsmanship:

- Better Communication: Both teams and media must establish clearer guidelines on press conference logistics and etiquette.

- Respect for Privacy: Understanding and respecting the personal boundaries of players could mitigate such conflicts.

- Educational Efforts: Perhaps there's a role for cricket boards and media associations in educating their members on cultural nuances and professional journalism standards.

Conclusion

The recent events involving Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja with the Australian media underscore a need for a more harmonious interaction between cricket and journalism. As the series continues, all eyes will be not just on the scores but on how these high-profile sports personalities and media outlets navigate their relationship. This isn't just about winning matches; it's about preserving the integrity and the spirit of the game.

FAQs

- Why was there tension between Virat Kohli and the Australian media?

  - The tension arose primarily from Kohli's concerns about his family's privacy being invaded by the media at Melbourne Airport.

- How did the situation at Jadeja's press conference escalate?

  - The situation escalated due to time constraints leading to a lack of opportunity for Australian journalists to ask questions, resulting in perceived unprofessional conduct from some media personnel.

- What can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?

  - Improved communication, respect for personal boundaries, and education on cultural and professional expectations are key steps forward.

The final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is shaping up to be a nail-biting encounter. This match is crucial for both teams, with India looking to reclaim glory and South Africa aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup title.

First over highlights

The match kicked off with Virat Kohli smashing three fours off Marco Jansen in the first over, signaling India’s aggressive intent. Kohli’s quickfire runs gave India a promising start, thrilling fans and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.

See Also: [Watch] “Hope for even bounce on an interesting surface” : Pitch report from Barbados ahead or T20 World Cup 2024 Final, South Africa vs India

Second over setback

However, the second over brought a significant setback for India. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rohit Sharma, who had been instrumental in India’s previous victories. Shortly after, Rishabh Pant fell for a second-ball duck, attempting a sweep shot that resulted in a top edge caught by Quinton de Kock. This double blow severely dented India’s progress.

Early dominance by South Africa

South Africa capitalized on their early breakthroughs. Keshav Maharaj’s double-wicket over changed the dynamics of the game, putting India on the back foot. Kagiso Rabada further compounded India’s troubles by trapping Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over with a well-placed delivery that was caught at deep backward square leg.

Rabada’s crucial wicket

Rabada’s dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav was a masterstroke. The back-of-length delivery aimed at Surya’s body forced an error, leading to an easy catch for the fielder. This wicket left India reeling and highlighted Rabada’s importance in South Africa’s bowling lineup.

Virat Kohli’s role

With India three wickets down, the onus was on Virat Kohli to stabilize the innings. Kohli’s experience and composure in such high-pressure situations made him the ideal candidate to anchor the innings.

Axar Patel’s contribution

Axar Patel, known for his all-round abilities, played a crucial role in India’s recovery. His previous performances had shown his capability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Patel’s calm demeanor and strategic shot selection were vital in supporting Kohli and rebuilding India’s innings.

India’s batting line-up

Despite the early loss, India has depth in its batting order. Players like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are still to come; they are capable of scoring runs quickly and changing the course of the game. Their role will be important in the last overs.

Most wickets in the powerplay this tournament

The players with the most wickets in the powerplay this tournament are Fazalhaq Farooqi with 10 wickets, Naveen-ul-Haq with 8 wickets, Tanzim Hasan Sakib with 7 wickets, and KG Rabada with 7 wickets.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, rose to the occasion with a performance that resonated far beyond the cricket field. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced the Gujarat Titans in a crucial encounter, Kohli’s bat talked, silencing his critics and reaffirming his status as one of the game’s finest.

Kohli’s Response to Criticism

Amidst constant criticism and scrutiny, Virat Kohli emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination, showcasing his unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. With RCB chasing a challenging target of 201 runs, Kohli seized the opportunity to silence his detractors with a masterclass in batting brilliance. Aware of the outside noise and the skepticism surrounding his approach, Kohli approached the match with a steely resolve, determined to let his bat talk.

See Also: Netizens applaud Will Jack for his match-winning knock against GT

Kohli’s Batting Masterclass

With aggression and intent, Kohli unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, racing to a scintillating half-century off just 32 deliveries. With every stroke, Kohli sent a resounding message to his critics, asserting his dominance and authority over the game. His partnership with Will Jacks further exemplified his class, as they tormented the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack with impunity.

The Unstoppable Duo

The partnership between Kohli and Jacks proved to be the cornerstone of RCB’s victory, as they shared an unbroken stand of 166 runs for the second wicket. While Kohli unleashed his trademark aggression, Jacks showcased his explosive batting prowess, smashing 10 sixes and 5 fours en route to a remarkable century. Together, they propelled RCB to a comprehensive victory, easily dismantling the opposition.

RCB’s Victory

With Kohli and Jacks at the helm, RCB cruised to victory, reaching the target of 201 runs with 24 balls to spare. Their dominant performance secured a crucial win for RCB and served as a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, Virat Kohli, a veteran in the arena, stands on the cusp of etching his name even deeper into the annals of the league’s history. The anticipation builds as the 35-year-old maestro eyes significant milestones in the upcoming match for Bengaluru at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 11.

Kohli’s Quest for 4000 Runs as Opener

A closer look at Kohli’s journey reveals his impending landmark; he is a mere 73 runs shy of becoming the fourth batsman to surpass 4000 runs as an opener in the IPL. His tenure at the crease has been nothing short of remarkable, boasting 3927 runs from 103 innings at an impressive average of 45.66 and a strike rate of 136.26. Notably, all eight of his IPL centuries have been scored in the role of an opener, underscoring his dominance and adaptability.

See Also: Major League Cricket 2024: Know full squad details for all teams

The elite list Kohli aims to join includes Shikhar Dhawan (6362 runs), David Warner (5900 runs), and Chris Gayle (4480 runs), who currently lead as the top run-getters in the capacity of opening batters in the league.

Chasing the Sixes Milestone

The Delhi-born cricketer is also on the verge of another monumental achievement – he is just four sixes away from hitting 250 sixes in the IPL, a feat achieved by only three others so far: Chris Gayle (357 sixes), Rohit Sharma (264 sixes), and AB de Villiers (251 sixes). This testament to Kohli’s power-hitting capabilities places him in the league of the game’s most formidable hitters.

Current Form and Challenges

Kohli’s form in the ongoing edition of the IPL has been nothing short of stellar. Currently holding the Orange Cap, he has amassed 316 runs in just 5 matches, averaging an extraordinary 105.33 with a strike rate of 146.29. His innings have been a blend of consistency and brilliance, highlighted by half-centuries against Punjab and Kolkata, and a spectacular unbeaten 113 against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

However, despite Kohli’s brilliance, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves grappling with challenges. With only 2 points and a net run rate of -0.843, they are currently languishing at ninth in the table, having secured just one win out of five games.

The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculations regarding Virat Kohli‘s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket, has been an indispensable part of the national team since his debut. Still, recent reports have cast doubt on his inclusion in the squad for the prestigious tournament.

Reports of Potential Exclusion

In a surprising turn of events, a report speculated that Kohli might be dropped from the T20 World Cup squad. This news sent shock-waves across the cricketing fraternity, as Kohli’s absence from the global event would be unprecedented, given his track record and stature in the game.

See Also: Delay in IPL owners meet; RTM enhancement talks intensify

Confirmation of Kohli’s Inclusion

Amidst the swirling rumors, a statement from BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, provided a sigh of relief to Kohli’s fans. Agarkar hailed Kohli’s fitness and emphasized his crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket. His endorsement reinstated faith in Kohli’s participation in the T20 World Cup.

Ajit Agarkar’s Endorsement of Kohli’s Fitness

Speaking on the SportifywithPRG podcast, Ajit Agarkar lauded Kohli’s dedication to fitness throughout his illustrious career. He emphasized that Kohli’s commitment to maintaining peak physical condition has set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers in India. Agarkar’s words underscored the pivotal role of fitness in modern cricket and highlighted Kohli’s influence on the younger generation.

“Look at Virat. He is one of those guys who has set a benchmark. 10-15 years into his career, he has only gotten fitter. And you can see the results. If someone like him sets an example, puts forward certain things than you need, certain fitness levels you need, gradually it has progressed. BCCI has been instrumental as well with all the academies that have happened. You learn a lot quicker. Boys today at 15-16 are a lot fitter than what they were and they should be now with the amount of knowledge, awareness and facilities available,” Agarkar said on the SportifywithPRG podcast.

Kohli’s Performance in the 2024 IPL

Amidst the speculation, Kohli showcased his prowess in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) while leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With stellar performances and consistent run-scoring, Kohli demonstrated his form and ability to excel on the cricketing stage.

Despite his impressive run tally, Kohli’s strike rate came under scrutiny, particularly after a comparatively slow century against Rajasthan Royals. Critics questioned his approach, reigniting the age-old debate over strike rate versus consistency in T20 cricket.

Controversy and Criticism

The controversy surrounding Kohli’s participation escalated when former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen questioned his place in the T20 World Cup squad. However, Kohli responded in typical fashion, letting his performance on the field do the talking.