Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is the most highly anticipated cricket league all over the world. With major teams and cricket players participating to win the glamorous trophy, IPL 2025 will be a thrilling season.

• Organizer: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
• Edition: 18th season of IPL
• Total Teams: 10
• Match Format: T20 (20 overs per side)
• Number of Matches: Expected to be around 74
• Venues: Multiple cities across India
• Start Date: March 22
• Final Date:  May 25
• Official Broadcasters: Star Sports, JioHotstar (for digital streaming)

Participating Teams in ipl 2025

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) - Captain: Hardik Pandya
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - Captain: Rajat Patidar
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Captain: TBD
5. Delhi Capitals (DC) - Captain: TBD
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR) - Captain: Sanju Samson
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Captain: Shreyas Iyer
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - Captain: Pat Cummins
9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - Captain: Rishabh Pant
10. Gujarat Titans (GT) - Captain: Shubman Gill

IPL 2025 SCHEDULE:

• 22-Mar-25 (Sat) 7:30 PM - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Kolkata)
• 23-Mar-25 (Sun) 3:30 PM - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad)
• 23-Mar-25 (Sun) 7:30 PM - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians (Chennai)
• 24-Mar-25 (Mon) 7:30 PM - Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants (Visakhapatnam)
• 25-Mar-25 (Tue) 7:30 PM - Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (Ahmedabad)
• 26-Mar-25 (Wed) 7:30 PM - Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Guwahati)
• 27-Mar-25 (Thu) 7:30 PM - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants (Hyderabad)
• 28-Mar-25 (Fri) 7:30 PM - Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Chennai)
• 29-Mar-25 (Sat) 7:30 PM - Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians (Ahmedabad)
• 30-Mar-25 (Sun) 3:30 PM - Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Visakhapatnam)
• 30-Mar-25 (Sun) 7:30 PM - Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati)
• 31-Mar-25 (Mon) 7:30 PM - Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Mumbai)

APRIL:

• 01-Apr-25 (Tue) 7:30 PM - Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings (Lucknow)
• 02-Apr-25 (Wed) 7:30 PM - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans (Bengaluru)
• 03-Apr-25 (Thu) 7:30 PM - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Kolkata)
• 04-Apr-25 (Fri) 7:30 PM - Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians (Lucknow)
• 05-Apr-25 (Sat) 3:30 PM - Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals (Chennai)
• 05-Apr-25 (Sat) 7:30 PM - Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (New Chandigarh)
• 06-Apr-25 (Sun) 3:30 PM - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (Kolkata)
• 06-Apr-25 (Sun) 7:30 PM - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans (Hyderabad)
• 07-Apr-25 (Mon) 7:30 PM - Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Mumbai)
• 08-Apr-25 (Tue) 7:30 PM - Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings (New Chandigarh)
• 09-Apr-25 (Wed) 7:30 PM - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals (Ahmedabad)
• 10-Apr-25 (Thu) 7:30 PM - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals (Bengaluru)
• 11-Apr-25 (Fri) 7:30 PM - Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai)
• 12-Apr-25 (Sat) 3:30 PM - Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans (Lucknow)
• 12-Apr-25 (Sat) 7:30 PM - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings (Hyderabad)
• 13-Apr-25 (Sun) 3:30 PM - Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Jaipur)
• 13-Apr-25 (Sun) 7:30 PM - Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians (Delhi)
• 15-Apr-25 (Tue) 7:30 PM - Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals (Lucknow)
• 16-Apr-25 (Wed) 7:30 PM - Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (New Chandigarh)
• 17-Apr-25 (Thu) 7:30 PM - Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans (Delhi)
• 18-Apr-25 (Fri) 7:30 PM - Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Mumbai)
• 19-Apr-25 (Sat) 3:30 PM - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings (Bengaluru)
• 19-Apr-25 (Sat) 7:30 PM - Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals (Ahmedabad)
• 20-Apr-25 (Sun) 3:30 PM - Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants (Jaipur)
• 20-Apr-25 (Sun) 7:30 PM - Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (New Chandigarh)
• April 20, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings (Mumbai)
• April 21, 2025 (Monday, 7:30 PM) – Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Gujarat Titans (Kolkata)
• April 22, 2025 (Tuesday, 7:30 PM) – Lucknow Super Giants vs. Delhi Capitals (Lucknow)
• April 23, 2025 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Indians (Hyderabad)
• April 24, 2025 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Rajasthan Royals (Bengaluru)
• April 25, 2025 (Friday, 7:30 PM) – Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Chennai)
• April 26, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) – Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Punjab Kings (Kolkata)
• April 27, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Mumbai Indians vs. Lucknow Super Giants (Mumbai)
• April 28, 2025 (Monday, 7:30 PM) – Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Delhi)
• April 29, 2025 (Tuesday, 7:30 PM) – Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans (Jaipur)
• April 30, 2025 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) – Delhi Capitals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (Delhi)

MAY:

• May 1, 2025 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) – Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings (Chennai)
• May 2, 2025 (Friday, 7:30 PM) – Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians (Jaipur)
• May 3, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) – Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Ahmedabad)
• May 4, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Gujarat Titans (Bengaluru)
• May 5, 2025 (Monday, 7:30 PM) – Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Rajasthan Royals (Kolkata)
• May 6, 2025 (Tuesday, 7:30 PM) – Punjab Kings vs. Lucknow Super Giants (Dharamsala)
• May 7, 2025 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Delhi Capitals (Hyderabad)
• May 8, 2025 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) – Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans (Mumbai)
• May 9, 2025 (Friday, 7:30 PM) – Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Chennai Super Kings (Kolkata)
• May 10, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) – Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals (Dharamsala)
• May 11, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Lucknow Super Giants vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Lucknow)
• May 12, 2025 (Monday, 7:30 PM) – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (Hyderabad)
• May 13, 2025 (Tuesday, 7:30 PM) – Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians (Dharamsala)
• May 14, 2025 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) – Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans (Delhi)
• May 15, 2025 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) – Chennai Super Kings vs. Rajasthan Royals (Chennai)
• May 16, 2025 (Friday, 7:30 PM) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bengaluru)
• May 17, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) – Gujarat Titans vs. Lucknow Super Giants (Ahmedabad)
• May 18, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals (Mumbai)
• May 19, 2025 (Monday, 7:30 PM) – Rajasthan Royals vs. Punjab Kings (Jaipur)
• May 20, 2025 (Tuesday, 7:30 PM) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (Bengaluru)
• May 21, 2025 (Wednesday, 7:30 PM) – Qualifier 1 (Ahmedabad)
• May 22, 2025 (Thursday, 7:30 PM) – Eliminator (Hyderabad)
• May 24, 2025 (Saturday, 7:30 PM) – Qualifier 2 (Kolkata)
• May 25, 2025 (Sunday, 7:30 PM) – Final (Kolkata)

IPL 2025 Highest Auction:

• Rishabh Pant:27 cr
• Shreyas Iyer:26.75
• Venkatesh Iyer:23.75
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi:1.1(Debue)

Major Highlights of 2025:

• Impact Player Rule Refining: The 2023 IPL rule is set to be made more flexible with modifications to include more strategic substitution.
  
• Venue Expansion: New locations can be incorporated into the host venue list to increase IPL's fan base all over India.
  
• DRS Rule Improvements: Enhanced technology and more review choices can be implemented to reduce errors made by umpires.
  
• Focus on Emerging Players: Franchises are acquiring young players with development programs and scouting programs.
  
• Salary Cap Hike: The BCCI is likely to hike the purse limit of franchises so that larger bids are possible in auctions.

ALSO READ:CSK vs MI at Chepauk: The Ultimate IPL Rivalry Set for March 23?

IPL 2025 SQUADS:

RCB: Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, and Suyash Sharma.

CSK:Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddarth, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Gurjapneet Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal.

KKR:Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur.

MI:Hardik Pandya (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Bevon-John Jacobs, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Naman Dhir, Vignesh Puthur, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton, Shrijith Krishnan, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, Lizaad Williams, Arjun Tendulkar, Karn Sharma, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju.

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

RR:Sanju Samson (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nitish Rana, Yudhvir Singh, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Ashok Sharma, Kwena Maphaka.

PBKS:Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur.

SRH:Pat Cummins (Captain), Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby, Aniket Verma, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Zeeshan Ansari.

LSG:Rishabh Pant (Captain), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Aryan Juyal, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, M Siddharth, Akash Deep.

GT:Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler, Sherfane Rutherford, Glenn Phillips, B. Sai Sudharsan, M. Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Jayant Yadav, Karim Janat, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, M. Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, R. Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma.

IPL 2025 Schedule: Latest Updates and Key Highlights

The excitement for IPL 2025's 18th edition has reached its highest point as it awaits the officially announced schedule by the fans. Though the BCCI has revealed that IPL 2025 would start on 21 March, 2025, the official schedule for this is to come out within a week 

Key IPL 2025 News.
1. Date of Commencement and Last Venue
The tournament will start from 21 March, 2025: Rajeev Shukla, IPL chairman.
The last match would be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 25, 2025.

2. Home Ground Change for Two Teams
Two matches of Delhi Capitals will be played in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) instead of Delhi.
Rajasthan Royals will play two home games at a neutral venue, whose venue is to be decided yet.

🚨 IPL 2025 SCHEDULE WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK 🚨 (Sports Tak). pic.twitter.com/OQMA8iL6ul

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 10, 2025

3. Playoff Venues
The first two playoff matches will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
The second playoff and the grand final will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

ALSO READ:

Sri Lanka Announces ODI Squad for Australia Tour 2025

IPL 2025 Mega Auction Summary
The just concluded IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia saw some intense bidding wars as franchises splurged ₹639.15 crore on 182 players.

Best Purchases of IPL 2025 Auction:

• Rishabh Pant- He is now the most costliest player in IPL history at a price of ₹27 crore
  
• Shreyas Iyer- He holds the second-costliest price at ₹26.75 crore
  
• Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore)

Sold but Unsold Players

• David Warner
  
• Prithvi Shaw
  
• Shardul Thakur

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant takes a giant step forward from the cricket field in the form of launching the Rishabh Pant Foundation (RPF). In doing so, he wants to give back to society and do something meaningful to change people's lives.

Journey of Thanks and Giving

Pant has often been vocal and has spoken widely about the immense love and care he has got throughout his playing career. Here, he professed gratitude in return for having had such an opportunity through cricket; he felt the time was correct to return to people who have loved him when they needed something.

He aims to spread smiles, give hope, and help underprivileged people in every possible way through the Rishabh Pant Foundation. His journey, which was marked by resilience and determination, has taught him the power of optimism, and he now wants to share that with others.

ALSO READ:International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 Full Schedule and Live Streaming Details

The Mission of the Rishabh Pant Foundation

At the heart of RPF lies a simple yet powerful goal:

• Spreading happiness
• Providing hope and support to those in need
• Meaningful contribution to the society

In the coming months, Pant has guaranteed to share much more about which projects and programs will be specific under the Foundation.

#RishabhPantFoundation #RP17 pic.twitter.com/WV45tNDI3g

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 5, 2025

AIM?
The foundation of Rishabh Pant seems to be coming with a whole initiative that helps in uplifting society and underprivileged individuals, who might be helpful in social cause well-being.

Pant has urged everyone to keep watching because he is ready to unveil much more about his vision for the foundation.It is appreciated so widely by his fans and cricket fraternity, as he further establishes his legacy in being not just a cricketing superstar but a compassionate individual willing to make a difference.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given cricketing fans the most thrilling moments that have occurred in the game of cricket. Throughout the years, the tournament has witnessed the highest level of performance, dramatic finish, and some unforgettable events, which make it the largest T20 league around the globe. These are what have molded the IPL to be the current version it has become today. Without these moments, the tournament would never have been what it is. Let's take a peek at the top 10 most memorable moments in IPL history

1. Brendon McCullum 158 – Start Something Big (2008)
The journey of IPL started in the year 2008 with the first match played between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On that very first day, Brendon McCullum played one of the greatest T20 innings ever, hitting 158 off just 73 balls*. The way he hit with 13 sixes, announced the arrival of IPL in style. It was a match which proved that this league was going to change cricket forever.

2. Rajasthan Royals' Fairy Tale Title Win (2008)

People did not expect Rajasthan Royals to win the first season of IPL. They had no topnotch players in their side and were overlooked as dark horses. But under the mesmerizing captaincy of Shane Warne, they shocked everybody and bagged the IPL 2008 title. Their win went forth to prove that IPL was much more than a league for superstars and heroes. 

3. Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings – The Rivalry Begins (2010 Final)
IPL was to see the greatest rivalry being shaped in the year 2010 when CSK, captained by the great MS Dhoni, came out victorious by defeating Mumbai Indians in the very first IPL title. Since that match, there has been the legendary rivalry being the biggest draw in the Indian Premier League, even to date.

4. Chris Gayle 175 – the greatest knock ever in IPL History (2013)
Chris Gayle reminded everyone why he is called the "Universe Boss," hitting a record-breaking 175 off 66 balls for RCB against Pune Warriors India. His innings still stands as the highest individual score in IPL history, featuring 17 sixes. Pure power-hitting and no one had anything else to say but look on in a

5. RCB v/s SRH – The IPL Final Thriller of 2016
One of the closest and thrilling IPL finals was witnessed between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 final. With David Warner's brilliant knock leading SRH, the score rose to 208/7, while RCB got a fine start through Kohli and Gayle's opening stand, although it eventually collapsed to only reach 8 runs short. To date, the match stands among one of IPL's most painful losses for Royal Challengers' fans.

6. Virat Kohli’s Magical 973-Run Season (2016)
It was a season that will forever be about Virat Kohli in 2016, scoring 973 runs, four centuries included. Although the RCB failed to bring home the title, it will remain as one of the best seasons of all time for IPL.

7. The Mankading Debate – Ashwin vs. Buttler (2019)
Perhaps one of the most controversial moments for IPL 2019 was when Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler by 'Mankading' him - running out the non-striker before delivering the ball. This act gave rise to huge debate on whether it was against the "spirit of cricket." Some people agreed with Ashwin's decision, while others believed it was not fair.

8. The Closest IPL Final Ever – Mumbai Indians Win by 1 Run (2019)
It was the most thrilling final of IPL history between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in 2019. CSK required two runs from the last ball, but Lasith Malinga threw a perfect yorker to get Shardul Thakur, and Mumbai won by just 1 run! This was the closest IPL final in history, and MI took home their fourth IPL trophy

ALSO READ:WATCH:Shaheen Afridi Gets Babar Azam Out for Zero in Practice Match

9. Two Super Overs in One Match – A First in Cricket (2020)
For the first time ever in IPL 2020, a league stage match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab-now Punjab Kings-reached history when it ended level. The teams were tied again in the Super Over. More incredibly, that too was leveled! This again meant another Super Over, an event that has never occurred before in cricket history. Punjab ultimately won, but this match was one of IPL's most dramatic encounters.

10. Kohli vs. Gambhir – The Heated Clash (2023)
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir had the biggest on-field argy-bargy between each other that became a point of discussion of this IPL 2023 where there was an ongoing match between RCB and LSG, wherein the mouth chatter turned to become a fight by the entire playing and the umpiring fraternity getting in. A heated exchange like this only served to make memories of a former IPL clashes which the passionate rivals had during previous IPL games making the League look more interesting.

As all 10 franchises gear up to lock horns in the upcoming mega auction in Riyadh later this month, most of their quest will be centered around looking for a new captain. The Indian wicketkeepers featuring the likes of Rishab Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will also be in contention in this year’s mega auction race. 

As many as four IPL franchises have released their respective captains ahead of the grand Riyadh auction. Faf has been released by RCB, KL Rahul released by LSG, Pant released by DC, and Iyer released by the defending champions KKR to name a few. With sweeping changes expected across the horizon, we highlight some common problems the franchises are expected to encounter in this forthcoming auction. 

Common headaches for all franchises ahead of the IPL auction

As we have now learnt, teams have expressed their desire to let go of their captains. The exit of the past skippers will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum. KKR, RCB, LSG, and DC will be without their former captains who performed remarkably well for them over the years. The gap can also result in decreased performance and impact on the field as well as off-the-field relationships between the players and the coaching staff. In other words, with new talent onboard, success may not always be guaranteed as the players and the management need to starch from scratch while forging new relations. 

Besides, the departure of other veteran players like Pant or Iyer can leave the team vulnerable on the biggest of stages. Iyer, who was the winning captain of KRR last year comes with a lot of experience and the franchise could have certainly benefitted from him once again in the next season. However, the arrival of a fresh captain can potentially change the dynamics and the composure of the KKR team for the worse. 

While some teams are on the lookout for fresh talent to lead their side, others are also gearing up to find match-winners in the form of wicket-keepers such as Rishab Pant and KL Rahul.  The franchises will have a lot of tough decisions to make as we fast approach the mega auction so don't be surprised if they make any move out of the ordinary.  

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.

On Saturday, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team departed for the United States to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Most of the key players, including Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube, traveled alongside Rohit, notable absences were Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who will join the squad after a few days.

Cake-Cutting Ceremony

Before the World Cup, the Indian players indulged in a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony. The occasion was marked by Rishabh Pant’s return to the national setup after a long hiatus, and fittingly, he was given the honor of cutting the cake. However, the moment that stole the spotlight was when Pant offered Rohit Sharma a slice of cake.

In a jolly yet determined mood, Rohit quipped that he would eat the cake only after leading the Men in Blue to a World Cup triumph. This exchange uplifted team spirits and resonated deeply with fans, showcasing Rohit’s unwavering focus and leadership.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli likely to miss India’s only warm-up match; Reports

Rohit’s motivational comment during the cake-cutting ceremony quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise from fans.

Virat Kohli’s Break

Virat Kohli has reportedly opted for a brief hiatus following IPL 2024. After an intense season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he amassed 741 runs from 15 innings, Kohli took some time off before the World Cup. He is expected to fly out to New York on May 30, potentially missing the team’s only warm-up match against Bangladesh scheduled for June 1. This break is a much-needed respite for Kohli to recharge and return to peak form for the tournament.

Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson’s Late Joining

In addition to Kohli, India’s T20I vice-captain and allrounder Hardik Pandya, along with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, will join their colleagues later. Pandya’s delayed arrival is due to personal commitments, while Samson has work to attend to in Dubai. Their absence in the initial stages might influence team dynamics but also allow other players to step up.

Group A Matches Overview

India is in Group A alongside Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. These matches spread across New York and Lauderhill, Florida venues will be pivotal in setting the tone for India’s campaign. Each game will test the team’s adaptability and strategic planning.

In the realm of cricket, narratives often unfold in unexpected ways. Just over a month ago, doubts loomed over Rishabh Pant’s participation in the Indian Premier League. Fast forward to today, and he stands on the brink of potentially assuming a leadership role in the Indian cricket team, especially with the T20 World Cup looming large.

Rishabh Pant: A Resilient Player

Pant’s journey back to prominence is a testament to his resilience. After enduring a prolonged absence due to injury following a harrowing accident in December 2022, Pant has not only recovered but has also showcased his mettle on the field. His previous stint as the captain of the Indian team during the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022 underscores his leadership potential.

See Also: Former India coach explains reason behind joining Pakistan

Contenders for Leadership

However, Pant’s ascent to a leadership position is not without competition. Hardik Pandya emerges as another formidable contender. Despite Pandya’s prowess as an all-rounder and his previous designation as the vice-captain for the World Cup, his recent performance in the IPL has raised questions. Questionable decisions and public criticisms have marred his captaincy for the Mumbai Indians, potentially tilting the scales in Pant’s favour.

Selection Challenges

As the national selectors convene to finalize the squad for the T20 World Cup, several selection dilemmas loom large. The composition of the top and middle order remains a point of contention, with stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav anchoring the lineup. Including players like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson or KL Rahul further complicates matters.

The battle between Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi in the spin department intensifies while Kuldeep Yadav holds fort as the specialist spinner. Yuzvendra Chahal’s stellar IPL performance may not guarantee him a spot in the squad.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh seem like certainties in the pace bowling department. However, the lack of standout performers in the IPL pacer pool may open doors for Sandeep Sharma, known for his effectiveness on slower pitches.

Rishabh Pant, known for his audacious shot selection, lived up to his reputation in this pivotal encounter. Chasing a modest target of 167 set by LSG, Pant’s approach was not just about scoring runs but doing so in style.

The highlight came in the 12th over when he faced Marcus Stoinis. With precision and flair, Pant executed a reverse ramp shot that sent the ball sailing over short third man for a boundary, a shot that has become a signature move in his expansive repertoire.

See Also: Delhi Capitals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets; Points Table updated

The 12th Over: A Turning Point

The 12th over bowled by Stoinis was crucial. Initially, tight in his line and length, Stoinis gave away just two runs in three balls, but the over’s dynamic changed once Pant took the strike. Pant skillfully manipulated the delivery, a full toss misdirected outside the off stump, showcasing his exceptional ability to convert good deliveries into scoring opportunities. This eventually cost LSG 10 runs, a momentum shift in the game.

Reaction on Social Media

Social media buzzed with activity as fans and pundits alike lauded Pant’s return to form. Tweets ranged from astonishment at his shot-making to joy at seeing the ‘vintage’ Pant back in action.

Building Partnerships for Victory

Alongside Jake Fraser-McGurk, Pant stitched together a 77-run stand in just 46 balls. This partnership was critical not just for its run rate but for its timing, stabilizing the innings after an early wobble and setting the platform for a final assault. Though Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal in the 15th over by Naveen-ul-Haq was a setback, Pant continued his assault to ensure the scoreboard pressure remained on LSG.

Milestone Achievement

This match was also a landmark for Pant, as he surpassed 3000 runs in the IPL, becoming the first player from the Delhi Capitals to reach this milestone. His innings of 41 runs off 24 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, seamlessly combining risk with reward.

Injuries have become a cause for concern for Delhi Capitals (DC) as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh finds himself sidelined with a hamstring injury. This prompts worries within the team camp and among fans alike. The setback comes at a crucial juncture in the IPL 2024 season, posing challenges for DC’s campaign.

The Revelation by Pravin Amre

Assistant coach Pravin Amre expressed concern over Marsh’s injury, highlighting its significance for the team’s prospects in the ongoing season. Amre’s remarks shed light on the uncertainty surrounding Marsh’s availability and the impact it may have on DC’s performance.

See Also: Mohammad Shami shares his recovery progress

“A few of our players are injured, and the worrying sign is Mitch Marsh. He has gone for a scan and the physios will give us a report in a week’s time. Then we will come to know what the exact situation is. Whether he can [play the entire season] or not depends on the reports.” Amre said after DC’s 29-run loss away to Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday.

Marsh’s Role in IPL 2024

Initially opening the batting alongside David Warner, Marsh’s role evolved as the season progressed, with him dropping to No. 3 in the batting order. However, his contribution with both bat and ball suffered a setback during DC’s encounter with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he sustained a hamstring injury.

Marsh’s injury not only concerns DC but also raises worries for the Australia team management, given his anticipated leadership role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The severity of the injury and its implications for Marsh’s international commitments add to the apprehension surrounding his recovery.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Absence

In addition to Marsh’s setback, DC has been grappling with the absence of spinner Kuldeep Yadav due to a groin niggle. The continued lack of key players further compounds the challenges faced by the team in finding their winning rhythm. That was the reason why Mitchell Marsh and ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav didn’t play against MI today.

The Road Ahead for DC

Despite the setbacks, DC remains determined to bounce back and reclaim their winning form. With the hope of key players returning to fitness soon, the team looks forward to overcoming these obstacles and making a strong statement in the remainder of the IPL 2024 season.

As Mitchell Marsh’s injury casts a shadow of uncertainty over Delhi Capitals’ campaign, the team finds itself facing a pivotal moment in the IPL 2024 season. However, with resilience and determination, coupled with the potential return of sidelined players, DC remains poised to navigate through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.