IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

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5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

Also read:KKR vs SRH: Match 15 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

Also read: IPL 2025: Updated points table after LSG vs PBKS clash

Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced himself in the early stages of the IPL 2025 as his first T20 fifer destroyed the fiery SunRisers Hyderabad batting line-up and helped Delhi Capitals to record a strong win on Sunday afternoon. In this special match, Starc completed his 200 T20 wickets. 

After SRH chose to bat first in Visakhapatnam, SRH scored 163 all out in 18.4 overs. Mitchell Starc dominated the powerplay as SRH scored 58/4 in six overs. While the opener Abhishek Sharma (1) was run out in the first over, Starc dismissed Ishan Kishan (2), Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), and dangerous Travis Head (22). Aniket Verma (74) and Heinrich Klaasen (32) fought hard, but the DC bowlers ultimately controlled the innings after breaking that partnership.

Finally, Starc ended the innings with the wickets of Harshal Patel (5) and Wiaan Mulder (9) in the space of three balls, as the left-arm fast bowler and Player of the Match had the bowling figures of 3.4-0-35-5. DC later chased the target in 16 overs after losing three wickets. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Mitchell Starc Creates History For Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Starc: 2nd fastest pacer to record 200 T20 wickets 

With his fourth wicket of the match, Starc completed his 200 T20 wickets, who was playing his 144th T20 match. While he became the fifth fastest bowler (in terms of number of matches) to complete 200 T20 wickets, he is the second fastest pacer in this list. Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi holds the record for the fastest to complete 200 T20 wickets (in terms of number of matches) by achieving it in 143 T20 matches, just one match earlier than Starc. 

Fastest 200 T20 wickets (in terms of number of matches) 

Delhi Capitals left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc fired up in their second game of the IPL 2025, where they faced the dangerous batting line-up of SunRisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam. While SRH were all out for 163 runs in 18.4 overs, the Aussie left-arm pacer recorded the first fifer in the IPL 2025.

SRH captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first after winning the toss in the 10th match of the IPL 2025. In the powerplay, SRH lost their four batters for 37 runs, while the wickets falling started from a run out in the first over, from where Mitchell Starc started the game, and picked up three more wickets in the powerplay. 

Although SRH opener Travis Head hit two consecutive fours to Starc in the first over of the match, the left-handed opening batter survived getting played on, but it ultimately cost a run out of his opening partner Abhishek Sharma (1). 

In the third over of the innings, Starc dismissed Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0) in three deliveries. Starc continued his spell in the powerplay and dismissed dangerous Head for 22 off 12 balls (four fours), and it produced complete control for Delhi Capitals in the game.

See Also: IPL 2025: Shubman Gill creates new IPL history as an Indian

Mitchell Starc became the first DC pacer to record a fifer

Later, Kuldeep Yadav (3/22) and Mohit Sharma (1/25) controlled the innings well. Starc returned to complete his quota in the 19th over, where he dismissed Harshal Patel (5) and Wiaan Mulder (9) and finished with the bowling figures of 3.4-0-35-5. Starc became the second Delhi Capitals bowler and first Delhi Capitals pacer to record a five-wicket haul. 

Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra holds the record for Delhi Capitals' best bowling figures with 4-0-17-5 against Deccan Chargers in Delhi in 2008. 

Delhi Capitals bowlers with five-wicket hauls

Being the most expensive player, Mitchell Starc broke the hearts of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team by taking their three topmost batsmen apart in a highly dynamic game. Although playing for Delhi Capitals (DC), the Australian quick showed off his most skilful bowling by making three wickets in just 13 balls against SRH, eaving SRH struggling at 25/3 in under three overs.

That fine over from Mitchell Starc led him to remove Ishan Kishan and then Nitish Kumar Reddy in succession and finally dismantle Travis Head. The sheer speed and accuracy of his bowling over that were like an express delivery and pinpoint dead-on that he displayed were as if no other were able to face SRH batters, who were thus sent back to the pavilion very early in the match.

The Most Important Wickets Taken in a Row

• Ishan Kishan – Bowled by Starc
• Nitish Kumar Reddy – Caught behind
• Travis Head – Clean bowled

MITCHELL STARC HAS TAKEN 3 WICKETS IN 13 BALLS - KISHAN, NKR AND NOW HEAD. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/sa5WOhu6JR

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 30, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: MI vs. KKR- A head-to-head breakdown

Decisive Moment of the Game

Starc's dismantling of the visiting SRH within his three-wicket blast was the key factor that created the new balance in the match with DC as favourites and put immense pressure on SRH. Starc's control over the late swing and deadly yorkers at high speeds destabilised the opponents' top-order batters to the extent that they nearly had no chance against him.

It should be automatic for all teams to include Mitchell Starc if the 100% statistic is a useful barometer. The exhibition of his skills in the T20 World Cup is a real concern for the teams that will compete in the season.

On Sunday afternoon (March 30), the 10th match of the IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals vs SunRisers Hyderabad (DC vs SRH), has been scheduled at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (Visakhapatnam). Let's check out the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains selections for this match. 

IPL 2025, Match 10: DC vs SRH Probable XIs

Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing 11: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (Captain), Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma, Darshan Nalkande    

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing 11: Travis Head/Adam Zampa (Impact Sub), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel

See Also: Delhi Capitals vs SunRisers Hyderabad (DC vs SRH): Match 10, IPL 2025, Match Preview

IPL 2025, Match 10: DC vs SRH Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Travis Head: Australian cricketer Travis Head is proving again why all teams fear him, as he has started the IPL 2025 by providing two solid starts for his team SRH. After scoring 67 off 31 balls (nine fours and three sixes) against Rajasthan Royals in their tournament opener, Head scored 47 off 28 balls (five fours and three sixes) against Lucknow Super Giants.  

Axar Patel: Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is in good form as an all-rounder. The leadership duty can be a huge task for Axar, but he is now capable of handling it. In their season opener, while Patel had the bowling figures of 3-0-18-0, he set up the dramatic chasing journey after coming to bat at 7/3 and scored a quick-fire 22 off 11 balls (three fours and one six).

KL Rahul: KL Rahul missed out on Delhi Capitals' season opener, but he is now ready for his debut for Delhi Capitals. He is in good form with the bat and is likely to take the middle-order batting role for his new IPL team. 

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Mitchell Starc: Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc started the IPL 2025 season with three wickets against Lucknow Super Giants as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-42-3. Even though the batters hit him, Starc has the ability to return to the game by picking up wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav is now a stronger bowler by improving his consistency with the ball. During Delhi's season opener, Kuldeep had the bowling figures of 4-0-20-2.

Pat Cummins: Australian captain Pat Cummins is one of the top cricketers. Besides his bowling, Cummins is also useful for his big hits, smashing sixes in the first three balls during their previous fixture against Lucknow Super Giants. In their last game, while all other SRH bowlers were struggling, captain Cummins provided a brave fight with two wickets, and both victims were set batters Mitchell Marsh (52) and Nicholas Pooran (70).  

Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins are all ready to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as per The Indian Express. The three had missed the Champions Trophy because of injuries but are now ready to return to the field.

Big Boost for IPL Teams

Their return is good news for their respective franchises since all three are world-class fast bowlers with significant experience in T20 cricket.

• Pat Cummins will remain the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad and will lead them right from the first match.
• Mitchell Starc, who took the IPL 2024 championship with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has joined Delhi Capitals this season.
• Josh Hazlewood, who had suffered from several injuries, will again be playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

ALSO SEE: WPL 2025 Final: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – The Ultimate Showdown

Injury Return & Expectations

Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood all were excluded from the Champions Trophy due to various injury issues but now are well and ready for IPL 2025. Returning will strengthen their respective teams' bowling attacks and increase the intensity of the competition.

With all these key Australian pacers returning to the field, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to some exciting performances in IPL 2025!

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.

Champions Trophy matches have ignited the fire in cricket fertility the tournament is commencing after 8 years gap due to the pandemic. Reciprocating the ODI World Cup nearby the panel decided to allocate in 2025. ODI world champions are getting ready for another big event but this time it's quite different. 
Before the start of the tournament, many international players were injured including Australian players. The long run of the Bgt series has uplifted Australia with a series of injuries to their main players. Even countries like India, and New Zealand are also substantially lacking their main players before entering the tournament. 
Read More: England Will Be Completely Different Team In ICC Events Says Jos Butler

Steve Smith Leading The Command Once Again

Australia has been a powerhouse in the cricketing world the players and the captains they have produced are remarkable that's why they are holding many ICC trophies not relying on one individual. This Champions Trophy is going to be quite a tough one for them as they have lost their leader Pat Cummins. After the sandpaper scandal, the Australian Board decided to give the captaincy to a non-familiar guy and they chose Pat Cummins. 
 Pat Cummins was never disappointed with the decision even though he worked on his game and the 2023 World Cup made him eternal his captaincy was spot on, another big tour he had to deal it was Bgt which they haven't won till 10 years and guess what Pat Cummins bought back Bgt trophy to Australia after 10 years. From there Australia's problem started when they had to lose their main man due to an ankle injury. Now Steve Smith will be leading Australia for this Champions Trophy. 
Every Term Is Possible
Australia's batting possesses more power than any other team you name them Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, or Josh Inglis they can win you games from scratch but the main problem arises concerns their bowling where there is nothing to say much about their main players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins are out of tournament leaving Adam Zampa the recognised bowler in the team who had to lead the bowling side. 
It would be quite hard for Australia to defend a total though if they are batting first quite safely but rely much due to the recent form Australia is having, during a recent series against Sri Lanka they lost both their ODI matches even after the World Cup victory the winning record is not so impressive for Australia. But they are quite different in the ICC tournament where every individual gives a significant performance on their given day.
Read More: Former Mumbai Captain And Selector Milind Rege dies at the age of 76
Australia are in Pool A where they gonna face England, South Africa and Afghanistan. It would be easy for Australia to regain their confidence they have to be careful against Afghanistan because their track record is so poor as they knocked them out in the last ICC T20 World Cup. Still neglecting Australia is asking for trouble

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 awaits the most cricket tournament, unfortunately, some of the top players are not taking part in this tournament due to injuries and so on. A comprehensive list going over the players who were dropped and why they did not make it. 

1.Jasprit Bumrah(India)

India's best fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. He had back problems during the final Test at Sydney against Australia that also ruled him out of the T20 series with England. Doctors have recommended complete rest to recover properly from such injuries.

2. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Saim Ayub (Pakistani Young batsman) right ankle fracture Saim Ayub Pakistani young batsman will not be playing in the tournament. His ankle got him during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. He is looking to be back fully fit around ten weeks from now, therefore will not be ready for the Champions Trophy.

3.  Pat Cummins (Australia)

The Australian top-order batsman was ruled out by an ankle injury. Cummins suffered the injury while playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and has yet not been fit.

4. Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Another important Australian fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood will also not be available for play in the tourney due to a hip injury. The same as earlier this season when he was pulled out of the Gabba Test in order not to risk his comeback with two weeks to go.

ALSO READ: SL vs AUS 1st ODI Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the match online and tv

5. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

Australian pace allrounder Mitchell Marsh has capped his career because of a back injury which has he considered for him to bring to life in the Champions Trophy.

6. Marcus Stoinis (Australia)

Australia batsman Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI (One Day International) The decision is meant, that he will not be a part of Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy. 

7. Jacob Bethell (England)

England tour of India: England's Young England all-rounder, Jacob Bethell hurt his hamstring The injury will take a few weeks to heal and he won't be fit for the tournament.

8. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

South African Anrich Nortje has had a bad back as well. He has not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup final and later had a bad inversion in the nets recently.

ALSO READ: Matthew Kuhnemann Reported for Suspect Bowling Action After Sri Lanka Test

9. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Gerald Coetzee was ruled out with a tight groin They were tested medically and told playing in this tournament could make his injury worse so team management has pulled him out.

10. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc pulls out of Champions Trophy for personal reasons The full scoop on that call has yet to be released. 

The Delhi Capitals (DC) are preparing for a thrilling IPL 2025 with a rebuilt squad and huge hopes. Following substantial changes at the auction table, DC has reinforced its roster with huge names. After losing Rishabh Pant and missing out on Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2025 big auction in Jeddah, the Capitals signed KL Rahul for a bargain of INR 14 crore.

Despite these acquisitions, their path to IPL success is filled with obstacles. However, the recently rebuilt group has the potential to do well in the upcoming 2025 edition. This article delves deep into the two key strengths and one weakness of the Delhi Capitals, who have yet to clinch their first-ever IPL title.  

Delhi Capitals 2025 IPL Squad: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Donavan Ferreira, Vipraj Nigam, Manvanth Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

2 Strengths:

Perfect captaincy arrangement

Though many people have debated his current form and intent, KL Rahul acts as one of the consistent campaigners in the modern days of the sport. Be it when obtaining crucial runs in varied positions or filling the captaincy shoes during the eleventh hour, the wicketkeeper batter has done it all. Though he might go through many lean patches, he has the calibre to produce some commendable comeback.

With Delhi Capitals parting ways with their long-term contributor, Rishabh Pant, the management was eager to seal a deal with a formidable captain for the long-term requirements. And for a stellar INR 14 Crores, Delhi Capitals have bought not just a power-hitter and wicketkeeper but also a perfect prospect for their vacant captaincy spot.  

Right duo of death-over specialists and spinmeisters

DC attempted to improve their bowling lineup, and they did an excellent job. The Capitals signed Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan for a spectacular amount, who are famed for their toe-crushing yorkers. Natarajan and Starc had successful IPL 2024 seasons and are eager to compete in IPL 2025. The final four overs are critical in a T20 contest, and DC has that covered, with Natarajan and Starc bowling the key and tricky overs at the finish.

Regarding spin alternatives, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel don't require an introduction. Other IPL clubs have tremendous spin bowling options, but when it comes to a partnership, particularly an Indian combination will prove to be decisive for the team's bowling unit. 

1 Weakness:

A perplexing batting order arrangement

The involvement of elite players such as KL Rahul and English batsman Harry Brook presents a quandary. Rahul's ideal position is No. 3, but his opener background may contradict team strategy. Similarly, Brook flourishes at the top of the hierarchy but may be demoted to make room for others. Balancing the team will be vital to realising their full potential, particularly for their new and potential captain, KL Rahul. 

However, with players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk similarly suited to the top order, the squad may find it challenging to put Rahul into his favourite position without disturbing the batting order. Though they are backed with star players with the bat, it's all about proper planning and strategy that would change the course of action towards Delhi Capitals' first-ever title.