Despite having an ICC T20I World Cup-winning head coach, Rahul Dravid, on the bench, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are out of the IPL 2025 play-off race, which has baffled cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. 

The inaugural champion had a golden opportunity to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last night, as they had to score only 18 in the remaining two overs, with five wickets in hand. Royals' batters showed very little intent to win the match, lost a couple of wickets, and got only 1 run in the 20th over, bowled by Josh Hazelwood. 

The RCB pacer, with all his experiences, bowled exactly what his team was looking for from him. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the home ground, batting first, scored 205 in the 20-over limit. RR, in return, was restricted to 194 for 9 wickets. From 189 runs to 191 runs, Rajasthan Royals lost their 4 wickets. Batters like Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey were unable to cool their nerves, which resulted in wickets. 

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When a person like Rahul Dravid, who is known for his cool, collective, and methodical personality, was on the bench, why did his Royals' students perform in that manner under pressure? Sunil Gavaskar raised the question. 

Gavaskar have some valid points 

"With Rajasthan Royals, I’m actually talking about the earlier matches where I wasn’t at the ground; I just saw them. So, you're not always able to get the feeling of what’s really happening. But here, I was on the ground, and you could actually see the kind of cricket that was being played. And with someone like Rahul Dravid as the coach, it was quite baffling; it was unthinking cricket," Gavaskar said.

"Where is the thought process there? You can’t expect inexperienced players to always get it right, but still... It’s just a different kind of cricket. Dravid was always so precise in his thinking, and I would’ve thought that kind of approach would’ve seeped into some of the Rajasthan batters."

The CHAMPS Foundation established by Sunil Gavaskar has provided eternal financial support amounting to Rs 30,000 monthly for former cricketer Vinod Kambli starting from April 2025. Additionally, the foundation will fund medical care worth Rs 30,000 annually starting in the same year. Sunil Gavaskar's CHAMPS Foundation has provided vital financial assistance to Vinod Kambli through The Times of India news story because he experienced major health and monetary problems in his recent years. Kambli's renowned explosive batting capabilities have earned him sympathy from the cricketing community, after which Gavaskar's initiative demonstrates their care for one of their fellow cricketers.

The Wankhede Stadium's anniversary celebration in January 2025 created the impetus leading Gavaskar to make his decision. Kambli approached Gavaskar for respect after recovering from his health crisis therefore, the former captain took immediate action. Gavaskar fulfilled the promise from the December 2024 ceremony when he launched foundation support for Kambli following his consultation with the doctor the day after.

The cricketer Kambli struggled with multiple health complications after playing 17 Tests and 104 ODIs and having scored 1,084 and 2,477 runs, respectively, as he survived two heart surgeries in 2013 while also experiencing a hospitalization in December 2024 due to a urinary infection with brain clots. A lack of financial resources forces him to depend on a Rs 30,000 periodic payment from the BCCI since he lost his employment after COVID-19 struck.

Post-retirement, Kambli sampled coaching, reality TV, and even politics but did not find success in any of these areas. He loved the game but never found a way to get meaningful work in Indian cricket. Kambli showed remarkable determination through his hospital dance video that went viral and his energetic public appearances, which deepened fan affection.

Vinod Kambli was seen dancing in hospital; Video goes viral | #WATCH #ViralVideo #Viral #VinodKambli pic.twitter.com/0LPAw8rUVw

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 31, 2024

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A Legacy of Compassion

Through his CHAMPS foundation, established in 1999, Sunil Gavaskar has extended support to several former athletes, including Vinod Kambli. Kambli, who now joins the late Salim Durani and others as beneficiaries, has found some financial relief thanks to Gavaskar’s compassionate gesture. This move reflects Gavaskar’s deep personal commitment to helping his fellow cricketers, treating them like family in times of need.

The support also showcases the enduring solidarity within the cricketing fraternity, especially from legends like the 1983 World Cup squad. Their collective effort to uplift struggling players like Kambli sends a powerful message—one of hope and unity. While symbolic, such acts carry emotional weight, reminding the nation that cricketing heroes, no matter their circumstances, will always be remembered and respected in India’s cricket legacy.

Indian Cricket Team are going to travel to England to play the bilateral series against England Cricket Team which starts on 20th June. The winner's Trophy which was presented was known as Pataudi Trophy. It was named after the Pataudi family which gave India the two best players and captain Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi [nicknamed Tiger Pataudi].  Both of them have great service to the Indian Cricket team. 
The Pataudi Trophy was awarded in 2007 to winners of a Test series played between India and England in England, the main cause of this was to commemorate 75 years after the first India vs England Test, but it's its beenbeingby about the ECB might be changing the trophy name, which has created a huge spark over this. Even a former Indian captain has shaded his voice against it. 

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Legend Sunil Gavaskar Upset Over ECB Decision
Despite widespread outrage for the ECB, even legendary batsman and former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has been vocal about it and has shown his disappointment with the action taken by the ECB. The legend says it clearly shows the lack of sensitivity towards the contributions made by the legendary Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in the game. 

Do you know the story behind the #PataudiTrophy? 🏆

Well, here's @SanjanaGanesan to talk about its inception ahead of the 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 🤩#TeamIndia #ENGvIND #SirfSonyPeDikhega pic.twitter.com/VAgx67LLGD

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 29, 2022

He moves on saying The recent news that the ECB is going to retire the Pataudi Trophy, given to the winners of the Test series between England and India in England, is disturbing indeed. There may well be a new trophy named after more recent players, and here’s hoping that if an Indian player has been approached, he will have the good sense to politely decline so that tomorrow they may retire that too. 
The ECB is fully entitled to name the trophy after one of their own players, but I, along with loads of Indian cricket supporters, fervently hope that any other Indian cricketer will have the smarts to decline, lest history repeats itself as it has with the Pataudi Trophy. 
India To Play England In June
It stated that the Pataudi trophy was awarded during India's tour to England in 2007, India was the first winner of the trophy under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, who won the test series by 1-0 in, 3 match bilateral series, But after that the trophy has been mostly clinched by England, who won in 2011, 2014 and in 2018 too. The last test series played by these two teams ended in a draw. 

A recent report from Cricbuzz claimed that the Pataudi family had been informed by the ECB about the decision to retire the trophy. Now the test series played by these two teams will be not called as Pataudi Trophy. 

The TATA IPL 2025 commentary panel is made up of cricketers and analysts of iconic status. It includes former World Cup winners, IPL champions, and veteran commentators. The panel includes both Indian and foreign faces to offer diversity of perspectives. Former players offer tactical analysis, match plans, and behind-the-scenes stories. T20 World Cup with Thrilling debates, expert opinions, and entertaining interactions await the fans.

National Feed Commentators

National Feed Commentators (Additional)

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World Feed Commentators

World Feed Commentators (Additional)

Both world and national feeds are provided by the panel for diverse audiences. Women's cricket coverage adds depth to the coverage. With this team, IPL 2025 promises an informative and exciting experience to watch

Following India's nail-biting win in the 2025 Champions Trophy, 75-year-old cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar was spotted celebrating wildly at the stadium. The ex-cricketer burst into a happy dance, thrilling spectators and other commentators.

The electric mood, with thousands cheering in unison, added to the thrill of the moment. Gavaskar, who is famous for his passion for the game, couldn't help but burst out with joy when India won the trophy. The viral video of his outburst soon caught everybody's attention, with fans appreciating his vigor and zeal.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Team India Lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai

Sunil Gavaskar after India won champions trophy 😂😂😂
I think now we can understand his harsh criticism of players pic.twitter.com/rWNsT8k47b

— Chintan Patel (@Patel_Chintan_) March 9, 2025

A real legend, showing that cricket passion is never lost!

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has dismissed Sunil Gavaskar’s words that an Indian B team could compete with and possibly defeat the current Pakistan team. Gavaskar made this remark after India’s win over Pakistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match, raising concerns that the rivalry is becoming one-sided every time when they play against each other.

Gavaskar said, "I believe an India B team could definitely challenge Pakistan. I’m not too sure about a C team, but a B team would be very tough for Pakistan to beat in their current form."

Gillespie completely shot down the idea, calling it "absolute nonsense". He said Pakistan has enough talent to compete with any team if they get the right support. "I don't buy that talk," he added. "I saw Sunil Gavaskar's comments about an Indian B or C team beating Pakistan's top team, and that's just absurd."

He explained that Pakistan's main problem isn't a lack of talent but constant team changes and a lack of patience from the PCB management. "Pakistan needs to pick the right players and give them time to grow and improve. They have the skill to beat any team, no doubt about it. They just need to support their players and be patient," Jason Gillespie said.

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Jason Gillespie "I saw some comments from Sunil Gavaskar about the Indian B or C team would beat the Pakistan top team, that's nonsense" #CT25 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/qJQn6910st

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) March 7, 2025

Pakistan’s tournament ended on a disappointing note as they finished last in Group A after losing to India and New Zealand. Their team selection has been heavily criticized, especially for choosing just one frontline spinner and not having strong openers in the Pakistan team. Gillespie, who resigned as Pakistan’s coach before their Test series against South Africa, blamed the management, particularly head coach Aaqib Javed and the selection committee, for the team’s poor performance.

"If the PCB wants better results, they need to put the right people in charge, pick the right players, and have a strong selection panel. They need to support them, be patient, and let them do their jobs". He also criticized the constant changes in coaching, saying it creates instability. "The same applies to coaches. If you hire someone, give them enough time to build something meaningful. Otherwise, the results will stay the same" Gillespie added.

Indian cricket has always been one field with immense views to express, and the latest includes three legendary names—Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Sunil Gavaskar. A recent comment by Gambhir regarding consistency in Rohit Sharma's batting approach seemed to have sparked a rather foul controversy.

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently commented on Rohit Sharma’s batting approach, questioning his consistency and ability to convert good starts into big scores. Gambhir implied that scoring 25-30 runs isn't enough. And the fact did not sit well with Sunil Gavaskar, who decided to take Rohit's side. Gavaskar was scathing as he reacted to comments made by Gambhir

Reacting strongly to Gambhir’s remarks, Gavaskar asked, "Are you happy, scoring 25-30 runs?" He asserted that Rohit's self-styled attacking approach has, More often than not, stood India in good stead. Gavaskar stated that in modern cricket, a fearless buttress of an opening bat is in tow, and one can never undermine the sentiment of Rohit in crucial big matches as a leader and player.

"Are You Happy Scoring 25-30 Runs?": Sunil Gavaskar Blasts Gautam Gambhir's 'Rohit Sharma' Takehttps://t.co/0LWj2yZiov pic.twitter.com/dvSKzVjNBs

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 7, 2025

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Match-winning knocks in his opening slots across all forms of the game as captain only add to Rohit's credentials. Indubitably, the style he plays is always a high-risk one, which at times costs him to be dismissed early, but More often than not, his clean striking of the ball goes a long way in letting India take a domineering place against the opposition. Evidence of ICC tournaments and bilateral series puts him over others as one of the most trusted players shipped in.

Cricket has flourished through opinions; statistics and performances speak louder than words. Judging Rohit Sharma's influence by the backdrops of a few innings is unfair. In the meantime, the debate continues, and Indian fans hope that their captain will again let his bat do the talking.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts on India and Pakistan playing cricket again, saying that peace at the borders should come first. Speaking on the show Dressing Room, he said that political tensions and security concerns are the biggest reasons why the two teams haven’t played a series in years.

Gavaskar said that, "It all starts with peace at the borders. If there are no problems or tensions, both governments might finally say, 'Things have been calm, so let’s at least start talking.'"

India and Pakistan haven’t played a series against each other since 2012-13 because of security reasons, and India last visited Pakistan in 2005-06 for series. The BCCI has also decided not to send the team to Pakistan for big tournaments like the 2023 Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Instead, they have chosen to play matches at neutral venues.

🚨 PAKISTANI ANCHOR : How can we get India and Pakistan to play bilateral cricket?

SUNIL GAVASKAR 🔥🔥 : By frankly having peace at the borders.

It's very simple. If there's peace at the borders, then I think both Govts will certainly say, 'Look, okay, we've had no incidents,… pic.twitter.com/4kbDNLRvTI

— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) February 28, 2025

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Gavaskar said that there might be secret talks happening behind the scenes but said that real peace is what matters. "I’m sure some quiet discussions are going on, but what’s important is what’s happening on the ground. We still hear about issues at the border, and that’s why the Indian government feels that until those stop, there’s no point in even talking about cricket,"

Meanwhile, India once again dominated Pakistan in ICC tournament 2025, winning their Champions Trophy group-stage match by six wickets. Pakistan had a tough time in the ICC tournament 2025 losing both of their completed matches and failing to make it to the semifinals.

After 29 years of wait Pakistan is hosting a major ICC event. Past-time Champions Trophy winners are hosting the event. Pakistan plays its first match on 19 February and is been out of Champions Trophy 2025 within 6 days of the gap. 

 Pakistan lost the match against their arch-rivals India, where Virat Kohli's brilliant century paved the salvation of the victory but this could have been changed if Pakistani players had used the opportunity. 

Virat Kohli Obstructing The Field

India was on to the chase and they lost a few quick wickets at the start though Virat Kohli and Iyer were there to rescue. The incident happened in the 21 over of the match when Kohli played a shot on the offside and took a quick single, even Kohli reached the bowling crease but the fielder threw the ball and he tried to catch the ball which depicted but the ball passed through Kohli gloves and standing behind Babar Azam too misses the ball. This was even highlighted by Sunil Gavaskar who was doing commentary at that time stating that Kohli shouldn't have done that otherwise, it would have been a big mistake. 

pic.twitter.com/uXwJniGle6

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) February 23, 2025

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 But the issue there arises that none of the Pakistan team appealed to the umpire about this. Yes, this would have been given out on certain circumstances which depends on the third umpire call it would be a chance of 60-40 where he could be given out for obstructing the ball. 

How It Been Measured

Obstructing The Field is a rule that if any batter who tries to cover the flow of the ball to not reach the stumps thrown by the fielder that is called Obstructing the field and in this case the batter is given out for relevant disturbance which had happened earlier too in cricket field. There have been several instances earlier too in the cricket field. 

Match between Bangladesh and New Zealand where Mushfuqir Rahim was batting and hit the ball over cover fielders fields and threw the ball though being inside the crease he deflected the ball with a bat and the New Zealand players started appealing for it umpire gave it out for obstructing the field. 

2. The second case was a match between India and Pakistan where Sreesanth was bowling to Inzamamul Haq he stroked the ball and the ball went straight back to Sreesanth he collected it throws it back to him because he was quite upfront though Inzamamul Haq stopped the ball with bat though standing diagonal where wickets were just side opposite and the appeal for obstructing the field happened and he was given out through the through was deliberately on him

Read More : Its India Vs Pakistan The Greatest Rivalry Of Cricketing Nations

 So in the same case if any Pakistan players had appealed for it there would be a possible chance Virat Kohli would have been given out and the scenario would have been different because India too had lost wickets in regular intervals it was Kohli who stabilised if at that time anyone would have been appealed it would have been a tricky chase for India but for now its one opportunity. Now Pakistani players have been criticised on social media for how they missed this opportunity. 

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a huge and holy event which occurs every 12 years in India, is a magnet to millions of devotees in quest of spiritual renewal. In 2025, the Mela at Prayagraj did not see just pilgrims, but a few well-known cricketers of India too, who walked the banks of the holy Sangam to experience this phenomenon.

Among the cricketers who made it to the Maha Kumbh Mela were past and present stars, some of whom tweeted and spoke in interviews about the experience, sharing how spiritually rewarding the event was.

Suresh Raina 

Mary Kom and Suresh Raina went for a dip in the Ganga at the weekend. Raina shared images from his dip on social media, whereas Mary Kom was spotted enjoying herself to the fullest at the spot. Raina went onto social media to share a small peep into his spiritual experience and termed his visit an experience to remember.

Just had an unforgettable darshan experience at Mahakumbh! Felt the divine energy & spirituality of the gathering. Blessed to be a part of this sacred event #Mahakumbh #Darshan #SpiritualExperience #DivineBlessings" pic.twitter.com/j7gClY6DWc

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 25, 2025

Anil Kumble

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Anil Kumble and his wife came to Prayagraj on Tuesday and had a holy dip on Magh Purnima, a day without VIP security. They came to the holy confluence by boat, sharing the experience like common pilgrims.

Blessed 🙏🏽#MahaKumbh #Prayagraj pic.twitter.com/OFY6T3yF5F

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 12, 2025

R.P.Singh

former Indian cricketer and T20 World Cup-winning pacer RP Singh attended the event and lauded the government for handling everything well

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | On #MahaKumbhMela2025, Cricketer RP Singh says, "I have come here for the second time. The management here is great and I am very fortunate that I got the opportunity of Kumbh Snan in this time period... It is difficult to think how 50 crore people could… pic.twitter.com/olW4RkOOre

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar visits the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.

Sunil Gavaskar takes a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj during Mahakumbh. 🙏✨#Cricket #India #BCCI #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/RSIe4P872L

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 18, 2025

Mohammad Kaif

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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif visited Prayagraj ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival and took a dip in the Yamuna River.

Abe isi Jamuna ji mein tairaki seekha hoon 😀 #sangam #prayagraj pic.twitter.com/yVs67yJMWb

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 29, 2024

Jay shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with his family, arrived at Prayagraj on January 27 to attend the Maha Kumbh, a festival steeped in spirituality and tradition.

#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Saints bless the baby boy of Jay Shah - ICC chairman and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/97qA7hwuOb

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with his family, in the presence of several saints and CM Yogi Adityanath, performs 'aarti' at Triveni Sangam during #Mahakumbh2025 in Prayagraj pic.twitter.com/K8bftnGKwg

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

Apart from Shah, his son and ICC chairman Jay Shah also visited the Maha Kumbh. Clad in saffron attire like his father, the cricket administrator sought blessings from the seers for his newborn son.