Kolkata Knight Riders gear up to defend their IPL title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with new captain Ajinkya Rahane at the helm. Shah Rukh Khan, the team's co-owner, delivered an uplifting message to the squad, expressing confidence in Rahane and coach Chandrakant Pandit. KKR aim for their fourth title amidst a star-studded opening at the Eden Gardens.
Related news
Mushfiqur Rahim, the 37-year-old veteran cricketer from Bangladesh, has retired from ODI cricket following his team's exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for his 19-year career, during which he amassed 7,795 runs and secured 243 catches and 56 stumpings. He remains the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs.
Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2025 with a strengthened squad and renewed determination. Led by Sanju Samson, the team boasts key players such as Jaiswal, Hetmyer, and Archer. They have fortified their spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana. While they face challenges like lack of all-rounders, their potential and past performance position them as serious title contenders.
South Africa seeks redemption in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after losing the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Despite a history of near-misses, they aim to shake off the 'Chokers' tag with a strong squad led by Temba Bavuma and featuring formidable batting and bowling lineups.
Delhi Capitals (DC) displayed remarkable all-round performance to triumph over Mumbai Indians (MI) by nine wickets in the Women's Premier League. DC's disciplined bowling restricted MI to 123/9, with Jess Jonassen taking 3/25. Meg Lanning (60*) and Shafali Verma (43) led DC's chase, securing victory and propelling DC to the top of the league standings.
New Zealand triumphed over England by a staggering 423 runs in the third Test at Hamilton, securing a consolation victory. England, having already clinched the series, collapsed in their chase of 658. Mitchell Santner's four wickets led New Zealand to their largest victory by runs, while Tim Southee ended his Test career on a high.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18. He last appeared for India in the Adelaide Test of this Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Ashwin ended his career with 537 Test wickets. Fellow cricketers praised his contributions to the sport. They called him a legend and a match-winner. Ashwin will continue to play franchise cricket.
Speculation arises that India may rest senior players like Rohit Sharma, Shami, and a spinner for Sunday's match against New Zealand, as both teams have already qualified for the semifinals. This game provides an opportunity to test bench players and ensure a fully-fit squad for the crucial semifinal, which follows just a day later.
Jasprit Bumrah has been India's bowling star in the Border-Gavaskar series, excelling with both new and old balls. He has taken 12 wickets at an average of 7.08 with the new ball and five more with the old, disrupting Australia's batting line-up. In Brisbane’s ongoing Test, with Indian bowlers struggling, Bumrah again stepped up, claiming another five-wicket haul, further solidifying his reputation as India’s most potent bowling weapon.
Falcon Risers Hyderabad and Srinagar Ke Veer began their ISPL Season 2 campaigns with emphatic victories. Hyderabad triumphed over Chennai Singams by eight wickets, chasing 69 runs easily. Srinagar Ke Veer then dominated KVN Bangalore Strikers, winning by 10 wickets, with Sagar Ali scoring the season's first half-century.
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, playing for Joburg Super Kings, has been sidelined from the SA20 tournament due to a hamstring strain. His absence is a significant loss as he was a potential replacement for injured Anrich Nortje. Coetzee's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy remains uncertain, adding to South Africa's fast-bowling concerns.