Chennai Super Kings, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are gearing up for IPL 2025 with the goal of clinching their sixth title. After a lackluster 2024 season under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK hopes to bounce back, leveraging their strong batting lineup and balanced bowling attack. CSK's dominance can be attributed to the legendary Dhoni, under whose captaincy the team has secured five titles, reached the final ten times, and advanced to the playoffs on 12 occasions.
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Virat Kohli achieved a landmark by surpassing Rahul Dravid's record for the most catches by an Indian fielder in international cricket, following his catch off Josh Inglis' shot. Kohli's fielding feat came during India's semi-final match against Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Ajinkya Rahane's blistering 98 off 56 balls propelled Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali final, chasing down Baroda's 159 with ease. Rahane's fifth half-century of the tournament, studded with 11 fours and 5 sixes, showcased his dominance. The veteran batsman leads the tournament in runs, justifying his recent IPL acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders.
Virat Kohli arrived an hour before the team for extra practice to address his poor form ahead of India's crucial Champions Trophy match against Pakistan. Michael Clarke praised Kohli's dedication, predicting he could excel under pressure, while Sanjay Manjrekar warned that Kohli might be overexerting himself.
Parth Rekhade's remarkable three-wicket burst left Mumbai struggling at 188/7 in reply to Vidarbha's 383 on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy semifinal in Nagpur on Tuesday. Akash Anand remained unbeaten on 67 amid the collapse. Vidarbha's bowlers, particularly Yash Thakur and Rekhade, kept Mumbai under pressure, as they trail by 195 runs heading into Day 3.
New Zealand opener Tim Seifert delivered a stunning 22-ball 45 in the second T20I against Pakistan, highlighted by four sixes off a single over from Shaheen Afridi. Despite a rain-shortened match, Seifert's explosive innings put New Zealand in a strong position to win, chasing a 136-run target.
Chris Gayle has expressed his unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli, calling him the best player in the world despite his current poor form. He acknowledged Kohli's struggles but believes he would bounce back. Gayle congratulated Rohit Sharma for his ODI sixes record and also praised Abhishek Sharma's performance.
Former India cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Harbhajan Singh believe Rohit Sharma's return to form is crucial for his captaincy during the ongoing series against Australia. Pujara emphasised the importance of a solid start for Rohit, suggesting he focus on the initial 20-30 runs. Harbhajan concurred, stating a captain's performance significantly influences their decision-making.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape secure a playoff spot with a dominant win over Durban's Super Giants. Captain Aiden Markram attributes success to disciplined execution and strong starts. He praises the team's resilience and the exceptional home crowd support, fostering newfound confidence for a strong championship push in the SA20 League.
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill is focused on winning in IPL 2025 despite external distractions. Under his captaincy, GT has won two consecutive matches, climbing to fourth on the points table. Gill emphasised adapting to different pitch conditions and the importance of seizing opportunities despite occasional fielding errors.
The IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday is under threat due to an orange alert for thunderstorms and lightning by the weather department in West Bengal. The groundstaff has already taken precautions by covering the playing arena.