Hardik Pandya discussed the challenges of leading Mumbai Indians due to the team's legacy. Despite facing criticism last year, Pandya aims to improve as captain by 2025. He had a tough IPL 2024 but showed remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. MI starts their IPL 2025 campaign on March 23 against CSK.
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Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of Indian cricket superstars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma participating in the Ranji Trophy, as this trend benefits young players and domestic cricket. BCCI mandated their participation following consecutive defeats. Kohli, Sharma, and other key players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul played in the tournament, which helps them regain form.
Afghanistan cricketer Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as a promising talent, showcasing his prowess, especially in white-ball cricket. His outstanding performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup highlight his batting and bowling skills.
Rain significantly interrupted the opening day of the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. Only 13.2 overs were possible, with Australia reaching 28/0 before play was abandoned. Extended playing hours are scheduled for the remaining days to compensate for lost time, although rain is forecast throughout the Test. The five-Test series is currently tied at 1-1.
Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years. The tournament will commence on February 19 with the hosts facing New Zealand. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed excitement for the event, emphasising its significance for showcasing Pakistan's hospitality and cricket passion.
India celebrated a historic win in the Champions Trophy final, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 76, leading the team to their third title. KL Rahul contributed with an unbeaten 34, sealing the victory with six balls remaining. The win sparked widespread celebrations and congratulatory messages on social media from fans, former cricketers, and politicians.
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.
The Gulf Giants secured a thrilling two-wicket win over MI Emirates in ILT20 Season 3, overcoming early setbacks and a tough bowling attack. Key contributions from Tom Alsop, Gerhard Erasmus, Tom Curran, and Mark Adair were crucial. Aayan Khan's last-over heroics sealed the victory, moving the team to fifth place on the points table.
Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in a thrilling match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite Karun Nair's impressive 89, Delhi's middle-order collapse and three run-outs in the penultimate over cost them the game while chasing 206. Captain Axar Patel blamed soft dismissals and sloppy fielding for the loss, while praising Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional bowling performance this season.
New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan in the first T20 match at Christchurch with a nine-wicket win. Pakistan, struggling against Kyle Jamieson's early spell, managed only 91 runs. New Zealand reached the target easily with Tim Seifert leading the chase. The teams will clash again in the second match of the series in Dunedin on Tuesday.
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith is confident about their performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy despite the absence of key players. Smith sees this as an opportunity for younger players to prove themselves on a global stage. He stressed the importance of being focused from the start of the tournament as every match is crucial.