Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a strong start to this IPL season under new captain Rajat Patidar, securing wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. They face Gujarat Titans next at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, wary of the Titans' potent bowling and batting line-ups.
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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.
Australia triumphed over India with a 184-run win in Melbourne, leading the series 2-1. Travis Head's unexpected breakthrough post-tea, dismissing Rishabh Pant, triggered India's collapse. Head's unique celebration, recalling a past performance in Sri Lanka, stole the spotlight, underscoring Australia's dominant performance and India's batting vulnerabilities under pressure.
Pakistan made history by becoming the first team to sweep South Africa 3-0 in an ODI series in South Africa. Saim Ayub smashed his second century of the series; he scored 101 runs. Ayub joined the ranks of Virat Kohli, Joe Root, David Warner, Kevin Pietersen and Fakhar Zaman with his second ton of the series. Pakistan won the match by 36 runs (DLS method).
Paarl Royals made history this past week in the SA20 with a 20-over all-spin attack, securing their playoff spot. They lead the points table with six wins in seven matches, thanks to key contributions from Joe Root and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. MI Cape Town follows closely, having also been on an unbeaten streak.
Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy raised questions about the team management's handling of his departure. Anil Kumble criticised the lack of a “grand farewell†plan for Ashwin. Ashwin, who retired with 537 Test wickets, had aimed to reach the 600-wicket mark, following Kumble's advice.
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra made a triumphant return from a bizarre on-field injury, scoring a match-winning 112 in a victory over Bangladesh to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. His crucial partnership with Tom Latham helped eliminate Bangladesh and Pakistan from the competition.
Several Indian cricketers, including KL Rahul, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Amit Mishra, along with badminton star Saina Nehwal, took to social media to extend their warm wishes for Holi. They expressed their hopes for happiness, joy, and colorful celebrations, reminding fans to enjoy responsibly. "May the splashes of colour brighten your life with laughter, love, joy and unforgettable memories. #HappyHoli," former India cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote.
Nicholas Pooran led MI Emirates to a thrilling win over Gulf Giants in ILT20 Season 3, scoring 58* with crucial support from Romario Shepherd. Pooran emphasised faith, teamwork and resilience as key to their success. He praised his teammates, especially Tom Banton and Fazalhaq Farooqi, for their contributions and stressed the importance of trust and clarity in the team's approach.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape continued their bid for a third consecutive SA20 title with a 32-run win over Joburg Super Kings. Captain Aiden Markram's 62 not out helped them score 184/6, with their opponents only managing 152/7. Markram praised their improved performance and highlighted strong bowling and a crucial start. They now face Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed young Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre for Rs 30 Lakh as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is out for the rest of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. Mhatre impressed CSK scouts during mid-season trials. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also signed Smaran Ravichandran as a replacement for the injured Adam Zampa.