The Rajasthan Royals have introduced a significant modification to their XI for Match 28 of the IPL 2025, benching Afghan medium pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi in favor of Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The Royals are playing host to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Jaipur-based Sawai Mansingh Stadium, which is also their first home game of the season.

Farooqi, who played in RR's last match against the Gujarat Titans, has been omitted for strategic reasons and not because of injury. His replacement, Hasaranga, had skipped the previous game due to personal reasons but is now available and ready to deliver with bat and ball. Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson confirmed the switch at the toss, saying, "Hasa is back. Hasaranga will be replacing our Farooqi ji (smiles)."

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The return of Hasaranga is a move to reinforce the middle overs with a tried match-winner who provides variation to the bowling unit and solidity in the lower order. Farooqi, the specialist left-arm seamer, bowled only two overs against Gujarat and remained wicketless, which could have instigated the think tank to choose Hasaranga's all-round ability.

Tactical Shift for Stronger Middle Overs

Rajasthan too are hoping to rebound after suffering a comprehensive 58-run loss to Gujarat Titans. RCB, on the other hand, have lost a six-wicket game to Delhi Capitals but have won all their three away matches so far.

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RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and decided to bowl first, citing the hard condition of the pitch. Both teams are keen to put their campaigns back on track, and RR will be hoping that Hasaranga's return has an instant effect.

With Farooqi being the Impact Player possibility for RR, there remains the chance that he might come on later in the game based on the situation in the game. But currently, Rajasthan has decided to rely on Hasaranga's spin and experience to prove fruitful at home.

In a huge blow to Rajasthan Royals (RR), star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga withdrew from the eagerly anticipated match against Gujarat Titans (GT) because of personal reasons. RR captain Sanju Samson confirmed the same on April 9, leaving cricket specialists and fans aghast in light of Hasaranga's performance during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs DC – M. Chinnaswamy stadium stats and status preview

Hasaranga has been the Royals' go-to bowler this season. The Sri Lankan bowler was instrumental in RR's latest win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), playing a match-winning performance by claiming four wickets and breaking CSK's batting line. His absence against a formidable GT side will be a significant setback to the team's plan and equilibrium.

Fazalhaq Farooqi Steps In as Replacement 

In Hasaranga's absence, Rajasthan Royals have given a promotion to Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi as his replacement for the Gujarat Titans match. The pacer with a sharp swing and the ability to deliver in power play as well as death overs adds a new element to the RR bowling unit. Although the team will surely miss Hasaranga's guile and experience in spin bowling, Farooqi's inclusion may add pace variety and help RR contain GT's explosive batting unit.
 

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs. DC - A Head to Head breakdown

Skipper Sanju Samson was convinced of the potential of Farooqi and told the fans that the team is determined and ready to take up the challenge. "Wanindu has been great for us, but there are personal reasons. We wish him well and welcome Fazalhaq to step up," Samson told the pre-match media interaction. Rajasthan Royals have also started the IPL 2025 season on a positive note, and the Gujarat Titans match should be a tight one. With new challenges and new players, RR will try to continue their winning streak despite losing one of their main players.

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the 23rd game of the IPL 2025 on Wednesday evening (April 9), and the match is Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals (GT vs RR). Let's check the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains of the GT vs RR match. 

IPL 2025, Match 23: GT vs RR Probable XIs

Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing XI: Shubman Gill (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford/Prasidh Krishna (Impact Players), Gerald Coetzee, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, R Sai Kishore

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (Captain), Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer

See Also: IPL 2025: GT vs RR - A Head-to-Head breakdown

IPL 2025, Match 23: GT vs RR Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Sai Sudharsan: Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan started the IPL 2025 strongly. Apart from scoring five runs in the last game, he scored 74, 63, and 49 runs in this competition. 

Sanju Samson: Rajasthan Royals' regular captain Sanju Samson started this IPL season with scores of 66, 13, 20, and 38 runs, respectively. 

Shubman Gill: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill scored 33, 38, 14, and 61 not out in the ongoing IPL 2025, as the right-handed batter is in great form. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Mohammed Siraj: After starting this season without picking up a wicket, Mohammed Siraj recorded nine wickets in the next three games, including winning Player of the Match awards in the last two matches. 

Jofra Archer: English cricketer Jofra Archer won the Player of the Match award in their last game for picking up three wickets. After failing to take wickets in the first two games of the season, Archer had an impactful role with the ball in the next two fixtures.  

Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 with six wickets after three games. 

The 11th match of the IPL 2025 has been scheduled for Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (RR vs CSK), which will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati) on Sunday night (March 30). Here, we are going through the top captains and vice-captains options for the Dream11 of the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 11: RR vs CSK Probable XIs

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson/Fazalhaq Farooqi (Impact Sub), Riyan Parag (Captain), Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing 11: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Rahul Tripathi/Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Player Sub), Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran/Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad

See Also: IPL 2025: RR vs. CSK- A head-to-head breakdown

IPL 2025, Match 11: RR vs CSK Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Rachin Ravindra: New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra is in dream form with the bat, as he has started the IPL 2025 with scores of 65 not out and 41 runs. Although he hasn't been used as a bowler in this IPL season yet, he can be effective in a left-arm spin bowling role. 

Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson started the IPL 2025 with his 66 off 37 balls (seven fours and four sixes) against SunRisers Hyderabad, while chasing 287 runs. Although he scored 13 runs in the next game, he is now a better consistent performer with the bat. 

Noor Ahmad: The Afghan left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad has started the IPL 2025 season strongly by picking up seven wickets. After recording a four-fer against Mumbai Indians in their first game of the IPL 2025, where the youngster also won the Player of the Match award, he also took three wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next game. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Shimron Hetmyer: West Indies cricketer Shimron Hetmyer is a dangerous batter in T20 cricket. He started the IPL 2025 with a cameo of 42 off just 23 balls (one four and four sixes) against SRH, while they were already out in the 287-run target battle, and then Hetmyer scored seven runs in their next game against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Khaleel Ahmed: The left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has impressed in the early stages of the IPL 2025. After providing a good start against Mumbai Indians in their season opener, as Khaleel picked up three wickets in that match, he was disciplined in the next game against RCB with the bowling figures of 4-0-28-1. 

Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lankan cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga is an asset for any team, as his spin-bowling inspires his team, and his batting plays a crucial role in the team's innings. Hasaranga appeared in the second game against KKR, where he had the bowling figures of 3-0-34-1 after scoring four runs. 

ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024 Announced: No Place for Indian, Australian, or England Players

The ICC just released the Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024, and none of the major names from India, Australia, South Africa, or England have any players in it. Instead, the team's filled with four players from Sri Lanka, three from Pakistan, and a couple from Afghanistan which is of major importance because it shows how these countries are stepping up their cricket game in the Modern Cricket.

Pakistan's Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan are the openers. Ayub has scored an impressive 515 runs in just nine matches, and Gurbaz isn't far behind with 531 runs. Additionally, there is Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka taking the No. 3 spot with his amazing 694 runs in 12 matches, followed by Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis, who both have impressive scores too.

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Presenting the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 featuring the finest players from around the world 👏 pic.twitter.com/ic4BSXlXCc

— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2025

Adding to the lineup, West Indies' Sharfane Rutherford made the chance  because of his very powerful batting, achieving up 429 runs. The all rounder slot goes to Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan , he's been amazing with both bat and ball. As for the bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka is leading the spin department with his 26 wickets, and he's joined by Afghanistan's young spinner Allah Ghazanfar. Then you have the fast bowlers, Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have been unfathomably effective in taking wickets. But there is a fact that we can take it as a sure thing that the inclusion of players, mainly from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, sends a clear message cricket is changing.

This year, the ICC picked its ODI Team of the Year and it really showed how Asian teams are taking over the 50 over game. Major players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah from India, and stars from usually strong teams like Australia and England weren't chosen. This is a major change in cricket. People who love cricket and those who study the game are going to watch how these players do next year. They're also watching to see if Asian teams stay ahead in ODI cricket.

Sri Lanka faces a significant setback as key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. In response, the Sri Lankan cricket board has brought in Dushan Hemantha as Hasaranga's replacement, hoping to maintain a strong spin lineup for the home series. Hasaranga’s injury has impacted the team’s strategy, especially given his recent impressive performance in the T20I series against the Kiwis.

Hasaranga's injury and replacement announcement

Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up a left hamstring injury while bowling in the second T20I against New Zealand, will miss the ODI series scheduled to start on November 13. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Hasaranga has already returned to Colombo to begin injury rehabilitation at the High Performance Center. Following this development, the board swiftly named Dushan Hemantha as his replacement, a promising option for maintaining spin depth against a formidable New Zealand lineup.

Sri Lanka’s skipper Charith Asalanka also confirmed Hasaranga’s absence in a post-match press conference, adding, “Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the ODI series, but I think Kusal Mendis will be ready to play one day.” Asalanka's statement hints at further strategic adjustments the team may have to consider, especially with Hasaranga’s role as a top-performing all-rounder.

Impact of Hasaranga’s absence and his recent form

Hasaranga’s unavailability is a considerable blow to Sri Lanka, as he was in excellent form in the T20I series, where he took six wickets and claimed the Player of the Series title. His presence on the field has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recent performances, particularly against New Zealand, where his economical bowling and wicket-taking ability placed him among the standout players. Hasaranga himself expressed disappointment about his injury following the T20 series, sharing, “I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can’t run, so I tried to maximize with the bat, but I got out.”

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As a highly skilled bowler with years of experience, Hasaranga’s absence will require Sri Lanka’s team management to adapt quickly, with Hemantha expected to shoulder additional responsibility in the spin department. Hemantha, known for his strong leg-spin, will have an opportunity to prove his capability in a high-stakes series.

Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand ODI schedule

The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand begins on November 13 at Dambulla, with the second and third ODIs set to take place on November 17 and November 19 in Pallekele. With Hemantha now part of the squad, Sri Lanka hopes to maintain their competitive edge and deliver a strong performance despite the absence of Hasaranga.

The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka began on Saturday, July 27, in Pallekele. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against the world champions.

New captains lead the way

This match starts a new chapter for both teams as they have new T20I captains. Suryakumar Yadav has taken over from Rohit Sharma as India’s T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format. Charith Asalanka is the new captain for Sri Lanka, following Wanindu Hasaranga’s resignation after their poor T20 World Cup performance, where they didn’t advance past the group stage.

“We are going to bowl first. The pitch looks good, and we want to see how it plays. We’re going with a 6-5 batters-bowlers combination. I want to give each player specific roles, so we’re using five bowlers. You can expect more wins and consistency,” said Asalanka after winning the toss.

Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson left out

India’s new team management surprised everyone with their team selection. Allrounder Shivam Dube and star batter Sanju Samson were left out of the Playing XI for the series opener. Dube played in all eight of India’s games at the T20 World Cup last month, and Samson was also part of the squad.

Despite some good performances, Dube seems to need to prove himself to the new management. Instead of Dube, the team has given young Riyan Parag another chance to shine in international cricket.

Twitter reactions:

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Charith Asalanka as their new T20I captain. This decision comes ahead of the three match T20I series against India, the T20 World Cup 2024 champions starting on July 27 in Pallekele.

Asalanka steps into the role after Wanindu Hasaranga resigned following Sri Lanka’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. The SLC board has not yet officially announced Asalanka’s new role.

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Harin Fernando has approved a 16 member squad for the series against India. The team mixes young talent with experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal and Chamindu Wickremesinghe.

Key players in the T20I squad

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Janith Perera, known for their explosive batting, are included in the squad. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka will strengthen the middle order, while Wanindu Hasaranga will provide spin options against India.

Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will boost Sri Lanka’s bowling with a mix of spin and pace. Experienced players like Chandimal and Avishka Fernando will be key in tough situations.

The pace attack will be led by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara, with Binura Fernando and the young all rounder Wickremasinghe offering extra bowling options. Young all rounder Dunith Wellalage has also made the squad.

“The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has chosen the 16-member squad for the T20I series against India, approved by Minister of Sports Harin Fernando. The games will take place on July 27, 28, and 30 at PICS, Pallekele.” SLC stated

Schedule for T20I and ODI series

The T20I series will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 27, 28, and 30. The ODI series will follow on August 2, 4, and 7 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s T20 squad for India series

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the schedule for their upcoming series against India at home. The series will feature three T20Is and three ODIs.

India’s team, led by new coach Gautam Gambhir after replacing Rahul Dravid will be taking part in their first matches since winning the T20 World Cup. Currently, they are playing a five match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

India is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on July 22, with the T20I series starting on July 26 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second and third T20Is will follow on July 27 and 29 respectively all at Pallekele.

After the T20Is, the action will move to Colombo for the ODI series. The first ODI is slated for August 1, followed by the second on August 4, and the third on August 7, all to be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

IND vs SL schedule and venues

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga steps down after a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024

This tour marks India’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2021, when they played 4 T20Is and 3 ODIs. India won the T20I series 3-1 but lost the ODI series 2-0.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that Wanindu Hasaranga, who became the T20I captain earlier this year, has stepped down less than seven months into his role.

This decision follows a poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where Sri Lanka failed to advance to the Super 8s, winning only one match. Under Hasaranga’s leadership, they were eliminated in the group stages after a heavy loss to South Africa and a narrow defeat to Bangladesh.

Hasaranga steps down as T20I captain

“Sri Lanka Cricket wants to inform the public that Wanindu Hasaranga has resigned as the National Men’s T20I captain,” SLC said in a statement.

“Hasaranga believes stepping down is in the best interest of Sri Lanka cricket. He will continue to play for the team,” the statement added.

In his own statement, Hasaranga said, “I will always give my best for Sri Lanka as a player and will continue to support my team and its leadership.”

Hasaranga, took over from Dasun Shanaka at the beginning of the year and led the team to series wins against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. However, after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, he decided to resign after just 10 games.

Sri Lanka has not yet named Hasaranga’s replacement.