The 18th Indian Premier League began in style on Saturday, March 22, match between defending champions KKR and RCB. The Eden Gardens opening ceremony was replete with star power, music, and energy, with Shah Rukh Khan being the showstopper.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal got the proceedings underway with a soulful rendition of "Vande Mataram" before other artists followed with dazzling performances. The stadium was charged with electricity as the fans cheered the teams and the celebrations illuminated the night.

One of the highlights of the function was when SRK brought on board RCB's Virat Kohli and KKR's Rinku Singh to the stage. The three of them danced to Shah Rukh's biggest hits and enjoyed fun moments before thousands of people.

But one small incident between Virat and Rinku went viral on the internet. In a video clip doing the rounds on social media, Virat extends his arm for a fist bump, but Rinku appeared to miss it and passed by without even acknowledging. Fans were upset galore thinking that it was rude, but it became evident later that it was merely an honest miss.

ALSO SEE: IPL: Virat Kohli Dances with Shah Rukh Khan to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"

The way Rinku Singh ignored Virat Kohli. 😹 Aura -1000 #KKRvsRCB
pic.twitter.com/zAKZm9o1v2

— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) March 22, 2025

Virat was not bothered in the least. The two laughed it off later, with Virat playfully referring to Rinku's dance as the "See-Saw" dance, which had the audience in stitches. Rinku danced to "Lutt Putt Gaya" with SRK, while Virat danced to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan."

It was a fun and lighthearted beginning to the season, illustrating the friendship and fun behind the sport. With regards to the game, RCB had won the toss and decided to bowl first, signaling another thrilling season of the IPL.

The Indian Premier League has transformed the lives of many cricketers from any financial backgrounds to financially secure lives. Some of the biggest IPL stars had to face financial hardships before making it big. Here are a few inspiring stories of cricketers who turned from rags to riches through the IPL..

1. Ravindra Jadeja - From RS.10 a Day to International Cricket stardom

Ravindra Jadeja's growing years were in a family below the poverty line in Gujarat, where his father was a security guard. Sometimes, during Jadeja's early cricketing days, he managed to survive on just Rs. 10 per day. It was in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup that this talent shone, and he got to represent the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL. His all-round talents bagged him a whopping Rs. 16 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, moving him from a boy of little means to an IPL and international cricket star.

2. Hardik Pandya - Struggles to Stardom

He and his family lived in a small house in Baroda, and they faced vicious financial struggles. His father did odd jobs in order to support his cricket training. At one time, Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal survived on Maggi noodles because there was no money. The spark he showed in domestic cricket made the Mumbai Indians notice him, and he was bought for a mere ₹10 lakh in 2015. Soon, however, he became a millionaire through his performances on the pitch, and in 2022, Gujarat Titans signed him for a whopping ₹15 crore, making him one of the highest-paid IPL players.

3. T. Natarajan - From a Village Boy to IPL Hero 

Hailing From Chinnappampatti, a small village in Tamil Nadu, his journey to the IPL is filled with hardship. His father had been a daily wager, and his mother managed a roadside food stall. The family financial situation almost made him quit cricket, but determined, T. Natarajan kept going. His big break came in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, which won him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab in 2017. Later, in 2020, Sunrisers Hyderabad chose him for ₹40 lakhs, making him a yorker specialist and earning a call to India.

4. Mohammed Siraj - From auto driver's son to IPL millionaire

Mohammed Siraj, the son of an auto rickshaw driver in Hyderabad, grew up in abject poverty. His father toiled tirelessly to make sure that cricket did not remain just a dream for his son. His real life began in 2017 when he was bought for ₹2.6 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Later, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore. His earnings reached ₹7 crore in every season by 2022. Today, Siraj is a key player for India and a role model for aspiring cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand Final, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming & Where to Watch?

5. Rinku Singh - From Struggling Laborer to IPL Sensation

Rinku Singh’s life, too, is an inspiring tale of grit and determination. His father was a delivery man for an LPG company, and he lived in a small home with his family. After years of hardship and scuffle, he was finally chosen in IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders. In IPL 2023, he gave his life a great boost when, in the last over, he cracked five sixes to win the match. From there, his fortune and fame skyrocketed, and he has credited that for securing his family's future.

6. Yashasvi Jaiswal - From Selling Pani Puri to IPL Stardom

This journey of Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the most touching in cricket. He came to Mumbai as a child to realize his dreams of becoming a cricketer, but the prospect of living there was daunting. He lived in a tent near Azad Maidan, selling pani puris to make ends meet. He kept on playing despite all the hardships and eventually impressed in domestic cricket. Rajasthan Royals picked him for ₹2.4 crore in 2020, and in 2023, he emerged as one among the IPL's top young stars.

IPL is more than just a cricket tournament; it is a platform that changes lives. These cricketers have shown that talent, perseverance, and hard work can help in getting through any obstacle. Their stories, moving from poverty to riches, inspire millions of aspiring cricketers worldwide.

The Indian Premier League will have a new tradition from the 2025 season. The champions of the previous season will have a golden badge on their jerseys, which will represent their status as winners of the last season.

In the 𝟯-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 (𝗞)𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝘆 lies the greatest championship story from the city of joy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🚨 2025 NEW JERSEY LAUNCHED: Buy it from 👉 https://t.co/BJP0u8H2x9 pic.twitter.com/aEbfYjh429

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 3, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders, being the winners of the IPL in 2024, will be the first to wear this unique badge in the league. This action gives more prestige to the title and provides the champions with a visible badge of distinction on the pitch.

🚨 THE GOLDEN BADGE IN IPL 🚨

- Defending Champions of IPL will be wearing Golden Badge on the Jersey from IPL 2025.

KKR will become the first team to wear in the league 🏆🥇 pic.twitter.com/Xb1vjZhvfI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 3, 2025

The addition of the golden badge introduces a new aspect to the league, and the championship win becomes even more meaningful. It also provides an incentive for teams to retain their title, as they will get to wear the badge in the next season.

ALSO SEE: ICC Champions Trophy: History, Winners & Memorable Moments

This is akin to traditions observed in global football and other top leagues, where defending champions have a special symbol on their jerseys. The golden badge will not only honor previous success but also remind the team of its heritage.

With Kolkata Knight Riders making their debut with this badge in IPL 2025, it will be interesting to observe how this new tradition goes in the future. More excitement is in store for fans as teams fight not only for the trophy but also for the honor of sporting the golden badge.

While India are getting ready for the upcoming Pune T20I against England, the Indian cricketer is set to return to the format that can resolve India’s struggling middle-order batting status. 

Rinku Singh participated in the first T20I of the ongoing five-match home T20I series against England, where India won the Kolkata T20I by seven wickets after comfortably chasing the 133-run target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets. Opener Abhishek Sharma’s dominant batting helped the hosts to comfortably chase the low target, and Singh wasn’t required to bat.

Rinku Singh missed next two T20Is

However, the 27-year-old thrashing middle-order batter Rinku Singh, who has a T20I strike rate of 165, missed out on the next two T20Is at Chennai and Rajkot due to back spasms. The Indian batting line-up heavily missed the left-handed batter in the middle-order in both the last two T20Is, where India won by two wickets in Chennai and lost by 26 runs in Rajkot. 

Rinku is fit: Ryan Ten Doeschate

However, the Indian assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate confirmed that Rinku Singh is fit for the fourth T20I of the series. Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Pune) will host this match on Friday (January 31) night. While India need to win one more match to win the series, England can’t afford another T20I defeat as they have to win both the remaining matches to snatch the away series.

The Indian assistant coach said, "Rinku is fit. He played the first game, hurt himself and missed the next two. But I would imagine Rinku comes back in as soon as he's proper fit. He batted the other night and I think he'll be ready to go tomorrow."

A day before the upcoming Pune T20I, Rinku was trying to reverse lap scoop and reverse pull against the leggie Ravi Bishnoi. The left-handed batter was also comfortable to face the Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Harshit Rana. He also worked on taking throwdowns from Raghavendra and Abhishek Nayar.

4th T20I of India vs England Predicted XI & Match details

The 4 T20I between India and England is a must win for both trying to get out of the series. India might opt for the strongest XI in the 4th T20I beginning with Suryakumar Yadav as Rinku Singh has fully fit and returns for the 4th T20I against England, strengthening India's middle order by his explosive finishing. He would add a crucial depth and power to the batting line up in this match.

Match Details:

• Match: IND VS ENG,4th,T20I
• Date: January 31, 7:00 PM (IST)
• Venue:Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
• Live streaming:Star Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+HotStar

Predicted playing IX:

1. Sanju Samson (WK): Provides stability at the top and adds flexibility in the batting order.
2. Abhishek Sharma: A young left-hander with aggressive stroke play, capable of providing quick starts.
3. Tilak Varma: A dependable middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate when needed.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper and India’s most experienced T20 batter, known for his 360-degree shots.
5. Hardik Pandya: The pace-bowling all-rounder adds power with the bat and provides crucial overs.
6. Rinku Singh: Back to full fitness, he is India’s designated finisher with exceptional hitting ability in the death overs.
7. Washington Sundar: A spin-bowling all-rounder, effective in both batting and bowling departments.
8. Axar Patel: A key player in the lower order, offering control with the ball and handy contributions with the bat.
9. Arshdeep Singh: India’s lead left-arm pacer, effective with both the new and old ball.
10. Mohammed Shami:  pacer brings experience and pace to the bowling attack.
11. Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner can trouble England’s batters with his variations.

India's Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Key Updates:

• Rinku Singh is fit and comes back into the playing XI.
• The experience from Mohammed Shami will also bolster the pace attack.
• Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin will be of huge importance in Ranchi conditions
• Balanced team with both old players and new blood.

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Why Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy Are Missing the IND vs ENG 2nd T20I

Indian cricket fans eagerly awaiting the second T20I match against England were surprised to see Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy missing from the lineup. Both players, known for their contributions to India’s recent T20I successes, were ruled out due to injuries. This has led to significant reshuffles in the squad. Here’s an in-depth look at why they are not playing and how the team has adapted.

In the second T20I between India and England, held in Chennai on January 25, 2025, Indian cricketers Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy were absent from the playing XI due to injuries.

ALSO READ:"Road Safety World Series 2025: Legends Return to Promote Road Safety with Thrilling Cricket Action"

Rinku Singh's Absence:

Rinku Singh suffered a low back spasm during the first T20I in Kolkata, which ruled him out of both the second and third matches of the series. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy's Absence:

Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a side strain during training, leading to his exclusion from the remainder of the series. .

Team Adjustments:

To address these injuries, the Indian team management made strategic changes for the second T20I. All-rounder Washington Sundar and wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel were brought into the playing XI to replace the injured players.

Prior to their injuries, both Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy had been contributing significantly to India's T20I endeavors. Rinku had showcased his batting prowess in previous matches, while Reddy had been making notable strides as a pace-bowling all-rounder.

The team and fans are hopeful for the swift recovery of both players, aiming to see them back in action in future matches.

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh has reportedly been engaged to Priya Saroj, a Member of Parliament (MP) of the Samajwadi Party. 

Journalist Devendra Pandey congratulated the 27-year-old Indian cricketer Rinku Singh for his engagement. He has reportedly engaged Priya Saroj, the daughter of Uttar Pradesh's three-time MP and present Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Tufani Saroj. 

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh got engaged to Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament Priya Saroj https://t.co/7H56GDh0VE

— Devendra Pandey 🦋 (@pdevendra) January 17, 2025

See Also: Who Is Priya Saroj, Rinku Singh's Fiance

Priya Saroj

Priya Saroj was in the news in 2024 as she was the second youngest candidate to win the Lok Sabha election. In the 2024 Indian General elections, she has been elected from the Machhlishahr Lok Sabha constituency. Apart from being a politician, Priya is also a lawyer, as she completed her LLB from Amity University in Noida. She later started practicing in the Supreme Court. 

Rinku Singh has started well for Team India

Rinku Singh is now a popular Indian cricketer. Since his international cricket debut in 2023, the middle-order batter has played two ODIs and 30 T20Is. While he has scored 55 runs in ODIs, the left-handed batter has scored 507 T20I runs with an impressive average of 46.09 and a strike rate of 165.14. He has recorded three half-centuries in T20Is with his best score of 69 not out. As a part-time off-spinner, Rinku has also taken one ODI and two T20I wickets. 

Rinku is popular for his explosive batting, who hit five sixes off Gujarat Titan’s bowler Yash Dayal in the final over of an IPL 2023 match when Kolkata Knight Riders needed 28 runs from the last five balls.

Rinku has been named in the T20I squad for the upcoming home five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22. ​

Indian batter Rinku Singh got engaged with Priya Saroj, she is a member of the parliament from the Samajwadi Party, UP. She won the Loksabha election from Machhalishahar and became MP at the age of 25.

Priya Saroj was a lawyer at the Supreme Court before she became an MP.

Priya Saroj's Background in Politics 

Priya Saroj had entered the Lok Sabha by defeating veteran BJP leader BP Saroj. Priya Saroj's father Tufani Saroj has also been a three-time MP from Machhalishahar Lok Sabha seat.

Priya Saroj’s father won the Lok Sabha elections in the years 1999, 2004 and 2009. After this, his daughter Priya Saroj represented Machhalishahar and became one of the second youngest MPs in the country.

Also Read: Dinesh Karthik reasons why in-form Karun Nair can't be added to Indian ODI team

Mr. Akhilesh Yadav asked her father Mr. Tufani Saroj to fight, but he was already a sitting MLA and a by-poll would have had to be conducted for the same. Then suggested that Priya should take the reins. 

Priya in a speech said, “Now I will remain full-time in politics”.

She also added, “ab mein karytakarta logo ka case lena shuru karungi” (Now I will start taking cases of workers). 

She was also preparing to become a judge but now those plans have changed.

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League will unfold in the mode of a Mega Auction. The recent news of the retention list being released by the ten participating franchises has stirred up a lot of talk, primarily relating to some shocking releases of commendable contributors to their respective teams.

Though it also comprises the right performers being retained, the upcoming mega auctions would be a wild ride, with several top names making an entry under the hammer. But, there have been some retentions that were a steal and absolutely worth it. That said, here's a list of the top 5 best retentions made before the start of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians- INR 18 Crore)

Jasprit Bumrah has been hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern cricketing generation. Arising as a 2013 young pacer with Mumbai Indians, Bumrah's evolution as a reliable quickie is something not to forget. He has done it all, be it giving a nightmare to the batters in the powerplay or turning the game around by taking wickets during the final stages.

It was unsurprising to find his career shuttler retaining him for the highest amount of INR 18 Crore, signifying his importance in the future. In his 2024 IPL stint, he was the lone warrior in Mumbai Indians' disastrous campaign by scalping 20 wickets in 14 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of that edition. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad- INR 6 Crore)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has become one of the franchises that has given several emerging cricketers who have grown and significantly impacted the sporting world. Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging player from the Orange Army who has caught fanatics' eyes thanks to his commendable all-rounder performances in just a few appearances.

He was awarded the Emerging Player of the Tournament for his colossal 303 runs and three wickets in 13 matches. With him making a stellar international debut in the recent T20I series Bangladesh, it is not surprising to find him getting retained for just INR 6 Crores, which is a steal. 

Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians- INR 8 Crore)

Tilak Varma is another emerging season campaigner who helped bolster Mumbai Indians' middle-order attack in the previous edition. By retaining him for INR 8 Crore, there is no doubt that it was a steal deal, as they primarily focused on the future prospects and were eager to have players onboarded for the long run.

Though they had many options to retain, Tilak Varma completes the balance quotient for the Mumbai Indians retention list, as it already comprises two strong top-order batters (Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav), one lethal pacer (Jasprit Bumrah) and a reliable captain all-rounder (Hardik Pandya). In his 2024 tenure, Varma has made 416 runs in 13 matches at a commendable average of over 42. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Worst Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders- INR 13 Crore)

Rinku Singh joined the Knight Riders in 2018 for a base fee of Rs 50 lakh and has remained with them since then. In his first few seasons, he did not get enough playing time. However, since 2023, he has increased in prominence. He became one of KKR's top finishers, capable of leading them to victory even in challenging situations. Rinku demonstrated the ability to maintain his calm under pressure.

As his success shows, he was retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering INR 13 crore, signifying a 2264% hike. This also demonstrates how hard work and growth go hand in hand. In the 2024 edition, Rinku Singh made 168 runs in 14 matches, which might indicate low numbers, but the swashbuckling batter has always been a vital asset to the three-time champions. 

Sai Sudharshan (Gujarat Titans- INR 8.5 Crore)

Sai Sudharshan is another name to be added to the best retention list and an emerging player to check out. The Gujarat Giants retention list comprises an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, with Sudharshan on the emerging side. Starting with a base salary of just INR 20 Lakh, he will get an enormous INR 8.5 Crore, indicating a 4150% hike.

His clean and power-hitting approach has brought him to fame; hence, this result is shown in the retention list of the 2022 champions. He had a memorable time with the bat in the previous edition, as he made 527 runs in just 12 matches with a century, making him the highest run-scorer for the team during that tournament. 

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced on Tuesday, September 10, that star batter Rinku Singh has been added to the India B squad for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Rinku replaces Rishabh Pant, who played in the first round as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Pant scored a rapid 61 off 47 balls in the second innings after falling for just seven runs in the first. With Pant released to join the Bangladesh Test squad, Rinku Singh will now bolster India B’s batting lineup.

Alongside Pant, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been replaced by Suyash Prabhudessai, while left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who earned his maiden India call-up for the Bangladesh Tests, will also miss the second round after an impressive debut against India A.

India A have seen a major reshuffle with captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep replaced by Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, and Aaqib Khan. Mayank Agarwal will now lead India A.

In India B, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been called to the national team, with Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh stepping in. Yash Dayal has earned his first national call-up, while Sarfaraz Khan will play one more match before joining the national squad.

Strong start for India B and key player updates

India B kicked off their Duleep Trophy campaign with a commanding 76-run win over India A. Musheer Khan was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 181 on his debut, rescuing the team from a precarious 94/7 situation. Fast bowler Akash Deep also impressed, taking 9 wickets for 116 runs across both innings.

In addition to Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, several big names including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep have been released from India A to join the national squad for the Bangladesh series. All-rounder Axar Patel, who shone in the first round with a score of 86 and three wickets, will also leave India D for international duties, with Nishant Sindhu set to replace him.

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Updated India A squad: Mayank Agarwal (C), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib Khan

Updated India B squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai, Rinku Singh, Himanshu Mantri (WK)

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Sanju Samson (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vidwath Kaverappa