Kevin Pietersen may have received quick credit for Ashutosh Sharma’s brilliant innings against LSG, but Ashutosh made sure Shikhar Dhawan’s contribution was not forgotten. As his post-match interview with Murali Kartik was about to end, Ashutosh raised his hands and said, “I want to dedicate this Player of the Match award to my mentor Shikhar Paaji. He’s not here... Thank you.” His emotions got the better of him, and he couldn’t complete the sentence, but he didn’t need to. Dhawan and everyone watching understood exactly what he meant.

ASHUTOSH × DHAWAN...!!! 🥹❤️

- Dhawan congratulating Ashutosh after the terrific finish against Lucknow.

Ashutosh played under Dhawan in Punjab Kings during last season. pic.twitter.com/Ml8qoLtLCs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 25, 2025

 
While Ashutosh showed his gratitude to Pietersen with a switch-hit gesture, he made it clear that Dhawan had played a big role in his journey. Dhawan has been his mentor for a long time, strongly supporting his batting talent, especially during their time together at Punjab Kings.

ALSO READ: Tamim Iqbal dead? latest update on his health condition 

On Monday, as soon as Dhawan entered the dressing room, he video-called Ashutosh to congratulate him. DC shared the video of their conversation, where Ashutosh kept saying "Thank you" repeatedly. When asked what Dhawan had told him, he smiled and said, “Paaji was very happy.”

India’s Top Run-Scorers in ICC Trophy Wins

India has won many ICC tournaments, and in every victory, some players have played amazing innings. From great players to fearless batters, Let’s look at the top Indian run-getters in each ICC trophy-winning tournament.

1983 World Cup – Kapil Dev (303 runs)

India’s first-ever World Cup win in 1983. Kapil Dev’s fearless approach inspired the team, and his unforgettable 175 against Zimbabwe remains one of the greatest knocks in cricket history of all time. He ended the tournament as India’s top run-scorer with 303 runs in eight matches.

2007 T20 World Cup – Gautam Gambhir (227 runs)

The first-ever T20 World Cup was in 2007. Gautam Gambhir scored Crucial 227 runs in six matches. His match-winning 75 in the final against Pakistan was the best of the tournament.

2011 World Cup – Sachin Tendulkar (482 runs)

Sachin Tendulkar, playing in his last World Cup, led the way with 482 runs in nine matches. His two centuries and consistent performances helped India bring the trophy home after 28 years. Winning the World Cup at home in 2011 was the best moment for every Indian player.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Applauds Team India’s Victory

2013 Champions Trophy – Shikhar Dhawan (363 runs)

India was unbeaten in the 2013 Champions Trophy, thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s incredible form in the 2013 Champions Trophy. He smashed 363 runs in just five matches at an average of 90.75. His attacking style and two centuries made him the standout performer in that tournament.

2024 T20 World Cup – Rohit Sharma (482 runs)

Rohit Sharma once again proved why he’s one of the best in ODI format. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, he led from the front, scoring 482 runs in eight matches with a strike rate of 156.70. His three fifties, including a brilliant 115, helped India lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.

2025 Champions Trophy – Shreyas Iyer (243 runs)

India won in ICC trophy in 2025, and Shreyas Iyer played a key role in winning the Trophy. He scored 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60. His calm and composed batting when need runs were needed, along with crucial knocks in pressure games helped India's dominance in the ICC Champions Trophy and to lift the Trophy.

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

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

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

𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🔥

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

Which player are you excited to watch? 🤔

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

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 3, 2025

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

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

Madan Lal Appointed as Indian Royals' Head Coach

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

Indian Royals’ Squad for Asian Legends League 2025

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

More Than Just an Opening Pair

Dhawan has often spoken about distance being a factor that assisted his relationship with Rohit, in the sense that he respects the space. He once said:

I and Rohit gel perfectly. There is very little new to learn for us as we have been playing enough games to have a fair idea about each others game borders on what is necessary communication to be specific. Off the field, he has a good laugh in him and I love to spend time with him.

ROHIT 🤝 DHAWAN...!!!!

- Shikhar Dhawan talking about his bond with Indian Captain Rohit Sharma 🤍 pic.twitter.com/WAtVJsIXqd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2025

ALSOREAD:-IND vs PAK Champions trophy Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

With Dhawan’s aggressive head and Rohit’s calm and gentle bat, this duo has also significantly contributed to India’s successes in one-day and twenty-twenty cricket. Their bond is built on faith, a sense of rhythm, and love for the game

Tournament OverView

Upcoming T20 style tournament Legends 90 League 2025 expect to have a 90-ball format with legendary players from around the world battling it out. The event will be organized between 8th and 18th of February, 2025 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur Chhattisgarh India.

A novel format aimed at increasing the liveliness and high-speed stuff into cricket the way The Hundred in England but with 90 balls per . It'll consist of seven franchises with a blend of retired international and upcoming Indian player

TEAMS:

1. Big Boys
2. Dubai Giants
3. Delhi Royals
4. Rajasthan Kings
5. Harvana Gladiators
6. Gujrat Samp Army
7. Chhattisgarh Warriors

Schedule: Yet to be announced soon 

ALSO READ:U.P Police gets a new DSP – Indian Women's Cricket Team Deepti sharma

Full Squads:

Haryana Gladiators

Pawan Suyal, Praveen Gupta, Abu Nechim, Anureet Singh, Imran Khan, Asela Gunaratne, Ishank Jaggi, Harbhajan Singh, Nagendra Chaudhary, Rikki Clarke, Peter Trego, Chadwick Walton, Manan Sharma.

Chhattisgarh Warriors

Siddarth Kaul, Sheldon Jackson, Pawan Negi, Kevon Cooper, Suresh Raina, Vishal Kushwaha, Martin Guptill, Abhishek Sakuja, Ambati Rayudu, Amit Verma, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Amit Mishra, Rishi Dhawan, Kalim Khan, Unmukt Chand, Manoj Singh, Abhimanyu Mithun, Colin de Grandhomme.

Dubai Giants

Shakib Al Hasan, Thisara Perera, Kennar Lewis, Kevin O’Brien, Brendan Taylor, Liam Plunkett, Dwayne Smith, Hamilton Masakadza, Richard Levi, Luke Fletcher, Rahul Yadav, Christopher M, Sid Trivedi, Seekkuge Prasanna.

Gujarat Samp Army

Yusuf Pathan, Moeen Ali, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Tiwary, Kesrick Williams, Jesal Karia, Miguel Cummins, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shapoor Zadran, Mohammad Ashraful, William Perkins, Navin Stewart, Abhishek, Chaturanga De Silva, Mausif Khan.

Delhi Royals

Shikhar Dhawan, Lendl Simmons, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Perera, Sahard Lumba, Bipul Sharma, Lakhwinder Singh, Rajwinder Singh, Rayad Emrit, Ross Taylor, Jerome Taylor, Sumit Narwal, Parvinder Awana.

Big Boys

Matt Prior, Ishan Malhotra, Monu Kumar, Chirag Gandhi, Tamim Iqbal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Herschelle Gibbs, Upul Tharanga, Abdur Razzak, Shannon Gabriel, Varun Aaron, Neil Broom, Karamveer Singh, Robin Bist, Naman Sharma, Kapil Rana, Vinod Chanwariya

Rajasthan Kings

Dwayne Bravo, Ankit Rajpoot, Phil Mustard, Shahbaz Nadeem, Faiz Fazal, Shadab Jakati, Jaskaran Malhotra, Imran Tahir, Jaykishan Kolsawala, Rajesh Bishnoi, Corey Anderson, Pankaj Rao, Samiullah Shinwari, Rajat Singh, Ashley Nurse, Dawlat Zadran, Manpreet Gony.

Live Streaming:

Sony Sports Network to air Legend 90 

Shikhar Dhawan Joins Team India for the 2025 World Championship of Legends

In 2025, there will be an exceptionally wonderful World Championship of Legends for cricket. It's going to happen the second time. They want to make cricket as amazing as it was in the old days also. Shikhar Dhawan, who is clearly a very famous cricket player from India, said he will play for team India. Everyone is discussing it.

Since he's going to play, the games will be even more amazing. People can't wait to see him play and make the championship very exciting. The first major player to say yes for this year.Co-Owner of Team India, Sumant Bahl, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing of the stylish left-handed opener, saying, "Shikhar Dhawan adds a lot of flair and strength to our team as we are focused on defending our title as the winners of WCL season 1. We will be retaining some of the greats from last year and adding some new players to make our team stronger and better." This signals a strong commitment to maintaining a competitive edge and upholding the high standards set in the inaugural season.

Shikhar Dhawan will play for India Champions in the WCL starting July.@SDhawan25 | #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/PThdLdpKOB

— sʜɪᴋʜᴀʀ ᴅʜᴀᴡᴀɴ Fan 𝕏 (@dhawan_fan_) January 25, 2025

ALSO READ: Star top-order Indian batsman admits being under pressure in red-ball format

Harshit Tomar, the Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, also shared his excitement:  With the participation of Shikhar Dhawan coming to play for the WCL second edition, we are instilled with the faith that our League will mean more for ardent cricket fans. We are certain that we are moving in the direction of the league’s goal, which has primarily been to bring back the golden era of cricket. Following the success of the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends, the upcoming season. The first edition witnessed thrilling encounters, including the unforgettable Indian Champions vs. Pakistan Champions match at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The World Championship of Legends quickly captured the hearts of cricket fans across the globe with its electrifying performances and nostalgia-filled moments.

Shikhar Dhawan, eager to return to competitive cricket, shared his excitement: “When we have such formats like World Championship of Legends, the inspiration to get back on the field fares well. It would be a continuation of my passion for playing the best competitive cricket." His commitment to the format demonstrates the growing appeal of the WCL among legendary cricketers, and his participation will undoubtedly elevate the tournament further.

Likely Match Dates For Group Stage Matches:

Knockout Stage

Where to Watch Live

Cricket fans can catch all the action of the 2025 WCL live on the following platforms:  

       TV Broadcast: Star Sports, Sony Sports Network

       Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV

       Social Media Updates: Official WCL pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been on a quest for IPL success since the league’s inception. Despite early promise, they have faltered in recent years, failing to qualify for the playoffs consistently.

While PBKS showed promise in the inaugural IPL season and reached the finals in 2014, they have struggled to replicate that success. Inconsistency and a lack of cohesion have hindered their progress in subsequent seasons.

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 4 Mumbai Indians players to be in focus

Significance of the IPL 2024 Auction

The IPL 2024 auction presented an opportunity for PBKS to revamp their squad and address weaknesses. With eight signings, including notable players like Harshal Patel and Rilee Rossouw, the team aimed to bolster its resources.

Focus on Bowling Strength

PBKS’ focus on strengthening their bowling department in the auction reflects a strategic shift. With Harshal Patel’s arrival complementing Kagiso Rabada, the team aims to create a formidable bowling attack capable of challenging opponents.

In IPL 2023, PBKS displayed glimpses of potential but ultimately fell short of playoff qualification. Despite securing victories in key matches, losses in crucial encounters against the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals proved costly.

The acquisition of Harshal Patel for a significant sum highlighted PBKS’ commitment to bolstering their bowling arsenal. The team recognized the importance of strengthening their pace attack to compete effectively.

Strategic Moves in the IPL 2024 Auction

Indian medium pacer Harshal Patel (Rs. 11.75 crore) was the biggest purchase by the team, followed by South African batter Rilee Rossouw who was snapped up for Rs. 8 crore after a bidding war with the Delhi Capitals during the accelerated auction. England all-rounder Chris Woakes was also bought for a sum of Rs. 4.20 crore along with a band of domestic talent.

Expectations for IPL 2024

As PBKS prepares for IPL 2024, there is optimism surrounding the team’s prospects. With a revamped squad and strategic acquisitions, they aim to mount a strong challenge for playoff qualification and beyond.

PBKS probable playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan/ Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact player: Atharva Taide

PBKS players bought at IPL 2024 auction: Harshal Patel (Rs. 11.75 crore), Chris Woakes (Rs. 4.20 crore), Ashutosh Sharma (Rs. 20 lakh), Vishwanath Pratap Singh (Rs. 20 lakh), Shashank Singh (Rs. 20 lakh), Tanay Thyagarajann (Rs. 20 lakh), Prince Choudhary (Rs. 20 lakh), Rilee Rossouw (Rs. 8 crore).

PBKS IPL 2024 SQUAD COMPOSITION

Wicketkeepers: Jonny Bairstow (ENG), Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma.

Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Harpreet Bhatia, Rilee Rossouw (SA), Shashank Singh.

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone (ENG), Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran (ENG), Sikandar Raza (ZIM), Shivam Singh, Chris Woakes (ENG), Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Harshal Patel.

Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada (SA), Nathan Ellis (AUS), Rahul Chahar, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Prince Choudhary.

Following India’s mixed performance in the World Cup, attention swiftly turns to the imminent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where Punjab Kings (PBKS) aim to secure their inaugural IPL title. Despite optimistic prospects in the previous season, marked by coaching and leadership changes, PBKS fell short, securing only six victories in 14 matches and missing the playoffs.

While the trading window has closed, PBKS opted to refine their squad by finalizing their retention list. Departing players include Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mohit Rathee, Baltej Dhanda, Raj Angad Bawa, and Shahrukh Khan.

See Also:IPL 2024: Official Transfer – Hardik Pandya Joins Mumbai Indians, Cameron Green Moves to RCB

Heading into the IPL 2024 auction, PBKS stands out with the highest funds at their disposal. The franchise faces crucial decisions to fortify their team and compete at the highest level. Recent speculation surrounds the potential release of Sam Curran, their highest-priced acquisition, for a noteworthy 18.5 crore. Despite Curran’s performance not entirely justifying his hefty price tag, he was retained in a surprising move.

While retaining the experienced Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS boasts a roster enriched with Indian talents, including Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, all vying for spots in the starting eleven. Armed with a substantial purse, Punjab Kings finds themselves at a pivotal juncture, well-positioned to reshape their team dynamics.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) Retained Players for 2024 showcase a mix of seasoned and emerging talents, with Shikhar Dhawan leading the side. Notable names include Jonny Bairstow, Matthew Short, and the all-rounder Sam Curran. The team features a diverse bowling lineup with players like Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, and Nathan Ellis.

Released players for PBKS in 2024 include Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mohit Rathee, Baltej Dhanda, Raj Angad Bawa, and Shahrukh Khan, indicating a strategic shift to optimize their squad.

With an impressive purse of INR 29.1 Crore, PBKS has the financial flexibility to make impactful choices in the upcoming auction. The team’s strategic decisions in the auction will likely play a decisive role in shaping their competitiveness in the challenging IPL 2024 season. Fans eagerly await the franchise’s moves as they strive to build a winning combination for the tournament ahead.

As the big names will be rested prior to the T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson may be given the vice-captaincy of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. According to a report, Samson’s impressive time with the “Indian A” team may lead him to become Shikhar Dhawan’s deputy, who will once again lead the team.

According to the report, Samson was close to making the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, but he was unable to because of competition for spots. Samson is expected to be in the Indian team for the ODI series, along with Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who play for the Indian A side.

Samson, who had only played one one-day international for India prior to 2022, was selected for the West Indies tour.

He scored 72 runs in three One-Day International matches, including a 54-run knock in Port of Spain.

After leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the championship, Samson, 27, had a successful Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The IPL team reached the championship game for the first time in 14 years, but they lost to Gujarat Titans (GT), a newcomer led by Hardik Pandya.

His leadership qualities became prominent during the Indian Premier League, where he scored 458 runs in 17 matches, with a best of 55.Samson, along with Deepak Hooda, was one of the opening batters in the absence of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma in the T20I series against Ireland.

Shubman Gill, like Samson, is set to be rewarded after scoring a hundred in English county. Gill was also a part of the Indian tour of Zimbabwe and the West Indies.The selectors have had a lot to think about following Samson’s impressive 3-0 victory over New Zealand A, and the squad announcement is expected in the next few hours.

ALSO READ: “Will Leave Everyone Behind…”: Kaneria praises IND batter

In a three-match One-Day International series that begins on October 6 in Lucknow and concludes on October 11 in Delhi, India will take on South Africa.