Discarded in the IPL 2025 auction, Shardul Thakur shines on his comeback as Lucknow Super Giants pick him as an injury substitute. Joining LSG after a call from Zaheer Khan, he debuts with remarkable performances, seizing the Purple Cap lead by dismissing top batsmen, underscoring his significance for LSG's strategy.
The 2025 IPL season launches on March 22 at Eden Gardens, spotlighting KKR vs RCB. With 74 matches slated, the tournament divides 10 teams into two groups. Captains Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar lead KKR and RCB, respectively. Matches stretch across 13 venues, including Hyderabad and Kolkata for the playoffs. Rain possibly affects the opening game, and tickets are accessible both online and at stadiums.
In a thrilling IPL 2024 matchup, RCB edged past Gujarat Titans with a four-wicket win, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Despite a shaky middle-order performance, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli's explosive start set the tone for a successful chase. Mohammed Siraj's stellar bowling restricted GT to a modest total, highlighting RCB's resilience.
Shardul Thakur joins Lucknow Super Giants replacing injured Mohsin Khan for IPL 2025. Khan, out due to an ACL tear, leaves LSG's bowling line-up facing challenges as others, like Avesh Khan, are also injured. Despite going unsold in the auction, Thakur's 95-match IPL experience could offer a boost.
In a strategic move, Shardul Thakur joins Lucknow Super Giants, stepping in for the injured Mohsin Khan. Despite his previous auction snub, Thakur now boosts LSG's weakened bowling lineup with injuries to Avesh Khan and others. His IPL pursuits may conflict with his Essex County commitments, crucial before India’s Test series in England.
For IPL 2025, KL Rahul joins Delhi Capitals, adapting to a middle-order role after Harry Brook's exit. This shift from his usual opening spot adds depth and experience to DC's lineup. Axar Patel will captain the team, with Faf du Plessis as vice-captain. Rahul will miss the first few matches due to personal reasons, which may impact the team's initial gameplay.
Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after a remarkable 14-year career. The announcement came following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. With 537 Test wickets, Ashwin is India's second-highest wicket-taker. He remains involved in the IPL and club cricket, feeling his 'creativity' on the field has diminished. His legacy includes the 2011 ODI World Cup and numerous Player of the Series awards.
In a thrilling AFCON match, Equatorial Guinea edged past Sierra Leone 1-0, thanks to Emilio Nsue's first-half goal. Sierra Leone missed crucial chances, with Kei Kamara failing a late penalty and Daniel Turay receiving a red card. Equatorial Guinea's solid defense and strategic gameplay were evident with fewer fouls and more shots on target.
Carlos Alcaraz battled through tough windy conditions to beat Grigor Dimitrov and reach the Indian Wells semifinals, set to compete against Francisco Cerundolo. On the women's side, Madison Keys continued her winning streak against Belinda Bencic, leading to a showdown with Aryna Sabalenka. Iga Swiatek maintained her title chase, winning against Qinwen Zheng, while Sabalenka secured a semifinal spot with a win over Samsonova.
Mahmudullah Riyad, a notable figure in cricket and a key player in Bangladesh's golden generation, announced his retirement from international cricket on March 12, 2025, marking the end of a 17-year career. He expressed gratitude to supporters, especially his son Raeid, and highlighted his unique achievements, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in Bangladesh.