The Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will face Rajat Patidar’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Both teams are coming off from impressive wins. The pitch is expected to favor spinners, making for an exciting contest.
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During the second day of the fifth Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma explained his absence due to poor form and praised stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit lauded Bumrah's growth and leadership skills. India's bowlers dominated, reducing Australia to 101/5, highlighting the challenging pitch and the importance of patience and pressure in Test cricket.
Steve Smith, the Australian cricket legend, has expressed his desire to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket makes a return after 128 years. Despite varying T20I performances, Smith has excelled in domestic leagues and recently scored a century in the Big Bash League. He remains committed to both international and franchise cricket.
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.
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced criticism for India's 1-3 series loss in Australia. Support came from Jonty Rhodes, who noted touring in Australia is challenging. Kohli's form dipped, scoring 190 runs, while Rohit managed 31 runs in three Tests. The duo's performance will be crucial in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
MI Cape Town secured their maiden SA20 Playoff spot with a dominant 10-wicket win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Corbin Bosch and Kagiso Rabada's excellent bowling led to SEC being bowled out for 107, with openers Ryan Rickleton and Rassie van der Dussen guiding MICT to victory without losing a wicket.
Deepti Sharma moved to fifth spot in the latest ICC Women's ODI all-rounder rankings, surpassing Amelia Kerr. She holds third in T20 all-rounder rankings and fourth in ODI bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu rises to seventh in ODI all-rounder rankings following her series performance. Smriti Mandhana retains second spot in ODI batting, behind Laura Wolvaardt, with Nat Sciver-Brunt in third.
Ravichandran Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket after the Brisbane Test, surprising teammate Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja learned about the decision just minutes before the press conference, despite spending the day with Ashwin. The off-spinner retires with 537 Test wickets and six centuries. Jadeja expressed confidence in the team finding a suitable replacement and highlighted the opportunity for youngsters.
Spinner Allah Ghazanfar from Afghanistan will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a fracture in his vertebra. The injury, sustained during a recent tour of Zimbabwe, will sideline him for at least four months. Nangyal Kharoti has been promoted to the main squad. Ghazanfar will also miss the IPL 2025 season for Mumbai Indians.
Dinesh Karthik is set to make a comeback in professional cricket by playing for Paarl Royals in the SA20 league. This marks his return after retiring in June 2024. Karthik expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete in South Africa again. Paarl Royals, led by David Miller, will begin their campaign on January 11.
Shane Watson reflects on his cherished memories of the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting significant moments from his career, including his crucial role in Australia's 2006 and 2009 victories. Notably, Watson recalls his PSL experience in Pakistan as one of the most memorable weeks of his life. He hopes current players will cherish their experiences similarly.