Newly-appointed RCB captain Rajat Patidar aims to learn leadership from Virat Kohli and prioritize player support. Replacing Faf Du Plessis, Patidar highlights the role of experienced teammates in navigating IPL challenges. Coach Andy Flower commends Kohli's maturity and enthusiasm for RCB's new season, emphasizing a team-focused captaincy decision rather than external recruitment.
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MI Cape Town secured a 27-run victory over Pretoria Capitals in a SA20 contest, eliminating the Capitals from playoff contention. Dewald Brevis scored an unbeaten 73, and Reeza Hendricks added 77 runs. Despite a lightning interruption, the match saw 417 runs scored. Pretoria Capitals' coach acknowledged missed opportunities and emphasized the need for better squad composition for future tournaments.
Michael Bracewell is set to captain New Zealand in a five-match T20I series against Pakistan. Following their runners-up finish in the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand aims to build on recent successes despite the absence of key players due to IPL commitments and injuries.
Tom Alsop's unbeaten 85 off 60 balls led Gulf Giants to a six-wicket victory over Sharjah Warriors in ILT20, successfully chasing 171 for 6 in the final over. Tom Curran supported with 26 not out. Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani took 3 for 32, helping to restrict the Warriors, who had strong contributions from Jason Roy and others.
India face Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai, with a decision to maintain their successful four-spinner strategy, including the mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, or add a pacer. Australia's selection dilemma includes replacing injured Matt Short. One of India, Australia will face New Zealand or South Africa in the final.
The BCCI is deliberating on India's next Test captain, with potential candidates including Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. Performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy and IPL will influence the decision. Former England spinner Monty Panesar highlights the importance of choosing a captain who can lead India to victory, emphasizing stability and experience.
New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening tri-nations series match in Lahore. Glenn Phillips scored an unbeaten 106 and Mitchell Santner took three wickets to aid the victory. New Zealand scored 330-6 in 50 overs, with Pakistan being all out for 252 in 47.5 overs. South Africa is also participating in the series.
The SA20 third edition has seen impressive performances from established players like Aiden Markram and rising stars like 18-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Delano Potgieter's all-round prowess and Trent Boult's lethal bowling have also been the highlights. Despite a tough start for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, historical resilience inspires confidence. MI Cape Town lead the standings, reversing past underperformances.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by new captain Rajat Patidar, enter IPL 2025 with an improved squad featuring international stars and local talent. With seasoned bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and versatile players like Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya, RCB aims to overcome past struggles and end their title drought.
Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2025 season, reuniting with coach Ricky Ponting. Iyer was acquired for Rs 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. Multiple teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, are yet to announce their captains, while six franchises have confirmed their leadership for the upcoming season.
The second season of the ILT20 was highly competitive with teams closely matched. Key players like Dushmantha Chameera, Nicholas Pooran, Kusal Perera, and Sikandar Raza made significant impacts. While Pooran and Perera were vital for MI Emirates, Chameera and Raza played crucial roles for their respective teams. Hasaranga’s contributions, despite limited games, were crucial for Desert Vipers.