R Ashwin identified India and New Zealand as top contenders for the Champions Trophy, citing India's home advantage in Dubai and New Zealand's strong lineup. He warned not to underestimate Australia despite their player injuries, and discussed the prospects of South Africa and the importance of tri-series tournaments for reviving ODI cricket.
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The revamped RCB squad has achieved significant wins this season. They secured victories against Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK, and MI in away matches, yet stumbled against the Titans at their home ground. They aim to treat that defeat as a one-off incident, particularly considering the Capitals' formidable bowling arsenal.
Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma expressed pride in the batter's achievements after the win against Pakistan in Champions Trophy. Kohli went past the 14,000 ODI run mark enroute his 51st international century. Sharma addressed the high expectations and criticism Kohli faces, affirming his continued potential and dedication. He highlighted how Kohli's maturity and humility have grown.
David Payne, Gloucestershire's T20 Blast star with 33 wickets, joins Desert Vipers for the 2025 ILT20, aiming to regain his spot in England's white-ball squad. After a successful T20 Blast campaign, where he prioritized white-ball cricket, Payne is eager to showcase his skills in the UAE. He believes the Vipers' strong squad and balanced attack make them title contenders.
Australia and Afghanistan face off in a crucial match in Lahore, with the semifinal spot on the line. Australia, aware of Afghanistan's strength and spin prowess, are focused on a solid performance. Both teams need a win to advance, with a washout favoring Australia.
Following a thrilling victory against Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals face the challenge of hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at their 'second home' in Visakhapatnam. With KL Rahul's return bolstering their lineup, Delhi aim to build on their momentum, while Sunrisers seek redemption after a tough loss against LSG.
Punjab Kings start their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans with Shreyas Iyer as the new captain. Iyer's leadership aims to turn around Punjab’s fortunes as they strive for their first title. Both teams, featuring key players like Iyer, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan, look to set a strong tone for their seasons.
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry acknowledged that India's familiarity with Dubai's conditions enabled them to field an effective spin quartet in their 44-run win. Varun Chakravarthy's impressive 5/42 helped India secure a semifinal spot against Australia.
Wanindu Hasaranga excelled in the ILT20 2023 with pivotal performances for Desert Vipers, claiming 15 crucial wickets and scoring 115 impactful runs. Kieron Pollard's aggressive batting at No.5 boosted MI Emirates' playoff run, while Adam Zampa's brief yet efficient stint for Dubai Capitals showcased his brilliance with nine key wickets in four games.
Rassie van der Dussen reflected on missing out on the T20 World Cup despite a strong year, pivoting to opportunities in various T20 leagues. Van der Dussen emphasised on continuous learning and playing for South Africa, inspired by Faf du Plessis. He spoke after Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed once again in the SA20, aiding Paarl Royals in defeating MI Cape Town.
Ricky Ponting considers Australia and India the top favorites for the ICC Champions Trophy due to their player quality and consistent performance in major events. He also acknowledges Pakistan, the current champions, as a strong contender, noting their recent outstanding form in ODI cricket.