In a recent social media exchange, Preity Zinta, the owner of Punjab Kings (PBKS), responded assertively to a troll who questioned the team’s decision to sign Yuzvendra Chahal for a record-breaking INR 18 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Chahal, who became the most expensive spinner in IPL? history with this deal, has been at the centre of attention due to his significant salary hike.

The Troll

The troll, who happens to be the fan of Orange Army, suggested that the amount spent on Chahal was excessive and questioned whether he was worth such a high price tag. The comment sparked a debate among fans, with some defending the decision as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s bowling lineup, while others criticized it as a financial overreach.

Preity Zinta’s response

Preity Zinta, known for her active engagement with fans on social media, swiftly addressed the troll’s comment. She emphasized that Chahal’s value to the team extends beyond his on-field performances. The Bollywood actress highlighted his experience, skillset, and the impact he can have on the team’s dynamics, stating that his signing was a well-thought-out decision aimed at bolstering Punjab Kings’ chances in the upcoming season.

She eventually shut down the troll by commenting: “Since you are not paying you shouldn’t be complaining.”

Since you are not paying you shouldn’t be com??plaining 😉 sorry couldn’t resist

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 21, 2025

Also READ: BCCI an??nounces complete schedule of IPL 2025; f??inal to take place in Kolkata

Yuzvendra Chahal’s impact

Chahal’s signing by Punjab Kings marks a significant shift in his IPL career, moving from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a new team with high expectations. His previous performances have consistently shown his value as a match-winning spinner, and his new salary reflects his status as one of the league’s premier players.

In the IPL 2025, all eyes will be on Chahal to see how he performs under the pressure of his record-breaking salary. With Preity’s strong backing, the team is confident that Chahal will play a crucial role in their campaign.

Also READ: Dhanashree Verma faces social media abuse after divorce ??with Yuzvendra Chahal

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have bolstered their coaching ranks by appointing a new assistant bowling coach for the IPL 2025 season. The announcement, made ahead of the tournament’s anticipated? start in late March, signals CSK’s intent to refine their bowling strategy as they gear up for another shot at glory.

CSK appoints a new bowling coach

The Super Kings have appointed Sridharan Sriram as their new assistant bowling coach. Sriram, a Chennai native and former Indian crick??eter, is no stranger to the cricketing ecosystem of Tamil Nadu. He grew up playing on the dusty tracks of Chepauk, the iconic home ground of CSK. His cricketing journey saw him don the Indian jersey in eight ODIs between 2000 and 2004, where he showcased his skills as a left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner. In domestic cricket, he amassed over 9,500 runs and claimed 85 wickets in 133 first-class matches, representing Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.

“Say Yellove to our assistant bowling Coach Sriram Sridharan! Brought up from the tracks of Chepauk to a packed portfolio of coaching tenures in Australia and Bangladesh, he embarks on this new journey with the pride!” tweeted CSK.

Say Yellove to our assistant bowling Coach Sriram Sridharan! ??💛💪🏻

Brought up from the tracks of Chepauk to a packed portfolio of coaching tenures in Australia and Bangladesh, he embarks on this new
journey with the pride! 🦁🥳#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/adrzPFnwlq

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 24, 2025

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson reveals his alternate career choice if not a cricketer; also expresses his admiration for MS?? Dhoni

A proven coaching pedigree

Sriram’s transition from player to coach has been nothing short of remarkable. After hanging up his boots, he carved out a reputation as one of the game’s sharpest tactical minds. His most notable stint came with the Australian men’s team, where he served as spin-bowling coach and later assistant coach from 2016 to 2022. During this period, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s maiden Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2021, mentoring spinners like Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar.

Sriram’s coaching journey also took him to Bangladesh, where he worked as a technical consultant during the 2022 Asia Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup, and 2023 ODI World Cup, enhancing their spin-heavy attack. In the IPL, he’s no stranger to the dugout, having served as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) spin-bowling coach until 2023 and as an assistant coach with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024. His extensive experience ac??ross formats and leagues makes him a valuable addition to CSK’s a??lready formidable coaching lineup.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Former CSK player takes a dig a??t the newly appointed RCB skipper R??ajat Patidar

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It has been a while since Australian skipper Pat Cummins was last seen in action, way back during the Border-Gavaskar trophy where he led his team to glory during the 5-match Test series against India. After that, the 31-year-old missed out the Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka and has also been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 a?ction. However, Cummins has now shared an upd?ate on his injury and a possible date for his comeback.

Pat Cummins opens up on his plans to make a comeback

The Australian skipper is set to cheer his team in the Champions Trophy from a Sydney craft brewery he owns a stake at during the opening clash for Australia in the prestigious ICC tournament against England. Cummins, who is also an Amazon Prime Video ambassador, told cric.com.au about his plans to return back to the field after his a??nkle injury.

“That’s the aim, It’s four overs in T20s. So physically it’s quite a nice build up for the World Test Championship final, and then the Test matches after that. That’s the aim at this stage �?start bowling over the next week or so, building up, and should be right for IPL. It’s probably just making sure you’re still bowling quite a few balls (during the IPL). The good thing about a T20 tournament is the intensity is really high, so that obviously helps quite a bit,” Cummins said.

Cummins is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been a key compone??nt for the franchise over the years. The 31-year-old was first part of the IPL during the 2014 season and has since then played a total of 58 matches for different franchises in which he has clinched 63 wickets with an economy rate of 8.75.

Also Read: BCCI announces com?plete schedule of IPL 2025; final to take place in Kolkata

A busy summer for Cummins ahead

The Australian skipper is hopeful that his ankle will be in fine shape in the near future particularly considering the fact that it is going to be a long and arduous summer of cricket for the Australian pacer. Cummins is expected to make a comeback and lead the Australian side during the World Test Championship (WTC) finals against South Africa on June 11 at the Lord’s following which the Australian team is set to tour the Caribbean for a 3-match Test series in July. Cummins additionally provided an update on his recovery ?an??d rehabilitation.

“The ankle is starting to come good. It’s a funny one �?it’s not like a hamstring where you need six weeks (to recover). It’s one of those ones where it really just needs a bit (more) rest to settle down. I’ve been doing loads of rehab in the gym and trying to build back up slowly. Especially for a fast bowler, you’ve got to kind of step towards things. Once you have a bit of time off, you’ve got to start running again, and then you got to start bowling, and start building up. So we just ran out of time for Pakistan,” Cummins further remarked.

The Australian skipper was the star-performer for his team during their 1-3 series win over India to lay their hands on the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. Cummins was not only the leader of the squad that dominated the visitors but also took 25 wickets in the series and was the second highest wicket-taker only behind Jasprit Bumrah.

Also Read: Dinesh Karthik backs BCCI’s decisi??on ??to bar Indian players from overseas T20 leagues

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is right around the corner, with the teams and the players gearing up for an action-packed cricket season. As the players and the teams get ready to lock horns and stake claim over the IPL trophy, a discussion around the appearance of Indian players in foreign T20 leagues has resurfaced. Amidst re-emerging talking points around the issue, former Indian player Dinesh Karthik has supported the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandate on not allowing I?ndian players to play in foreign T20 leagues.

Dinesh Karthik backs BCCI’s stance

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Karthik has strongly backed the BCCI’s stance on restricting active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues. Speaking during the media conference at the SA20, where he is representing the Paarl Royals after retiring fr?om the IPL in 2024, Karthik reinforced the importance of the policy, stating that players should only explore foreign leagues once they have retired from Indian cricket.

“I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment, I believe Indian cricketers shouldn’t be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired,” Karthik said.

According to him, if a player feels thei?r IPL journey has come to an end, they can then consider opportunities in other leagues. Firmly siding with the BCCI’s ?perspective, Karthik believes the policy ensures the exclusivity and prestige of Indian cricket remain intact.

Also Read: BCCI announces complete schedule of IPL 2025; final to take place ?in Kolkata

Karthik opens up on a plethora of opportunities in Indian cricket

Additionally, Kar?thik highlighted the abundance of opportunities and financial security that Indian cricket offers, reinforcing the strength of its well-structured system. He believes that, for now, tournaments like SA20 should primarily feature retire??d Indian cricketers rather than active players.

“I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially, I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially,” Karthik stated, emphasizing the stability p??rovided by domesti?c cricket.

Furthermore, he ?praised the IPL as a premier platform that, along with strong domestic competitions and emerging state-based franchise leagues, ensures players have ample avenues for growth. According to Karthik, this robust ecosystem negates the immediate need for Indian players to participate in foreign leagues. Instead, he feels the focus should remain on strengthening domestic cricket while keeping overseas leagues as an option post-retirement.

Also Read: Aakash Chopra names 3 candidates for Delhi Capitals�?cap??taincy in IPL 20??25

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Cricket is not just a sport in India; it’s an emotion, a dream, and for many, a lifeline. The story of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya is a testament to how passion, perseverance, and the right opportunity can transform lives. Nita Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians (MI), recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about her first m?e?eting with the Pandya brothers, revealing their humble beginnings and the grit that propelled them to cricketing stardom.

Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya’s struggle for survival

Long before Hardik became the flamboyant all-rounder of the Indian cricket team and Krunal became a reliab??le name in the IPL, the brothers were just two lanky boys with big dreams and empty pockets. Ambani recalled how the duo revealed during their first meeting that they had survived on nothing but Maggi noodles for three years.

�?em>I was talking to them, and they said that for three years, they’ve eaten nothing but Maggi noodles because they’ve had no money. But in them, I saw the spirit, the passion and the hunger that they wanted to make it big. Those two brothers were Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. In 2015, I bought Hardik Pandya at 10 thousand US dollars in the auction, and today, he’s the proud captain of Mumbai Indians,�?she shared during the key note address at the Harvard Ind??ia conference on Indian policy and culture.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) announces replacement for Afghanistan’s spinner Allah G??hazanf??ar

Mumbai Indians�?golden eye for talent

Mumbai Indians are not just a cricket team; they are a talent factory. Their scouting network is unparalleled, and their ability to identify and nurture young talent has made them five-tim??e IPL champions. Hardik’s journey with MI began in 2015 when he was bought for a modest sum of $10,000. Today, he stands as the proud captain of the franchise, a testament to MI’s faith in his potential. Ambani emphasized the importance of scouting in domestic matches, where she and her team would often spot raw talent.

�?em>In IPL, we all have a fixed budget, so every team can spend x amount of money, so we had to think about new ways of getting talent… So I remember scouting for talent, and I used to go to every Ranji Trophy match, and my scouts and I would go to all these domestic cricket matches. And one day, our scouts took two young, lanky, thin boys to the camp,�?Ambani added.

Jasprit Bumrah: The boy who talked to the ball

While the Pandya brothers�?story is inspiring, it’s not the only one. Jasprit Bumrah, another MI success story, was discovered under equally remarkable circumstances. Ambani recalled how their scouts brought in a young bowler with an unconventional action and an �?em>odd body language.�?Bumrah, who grew up bowling with tennis and tape balls, is now regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. His journey from obscurity to international stardom is a shining example of MI’s abi??lity to spot and nurture talent.

�?em>The next year, our scouts got one young cricketer with an odd body language, and they said watch him bowl. We watched him he could just speak to the ball. That was our Bumrah and the rest is history. Last year, we launched Tilak Varma, and now he is a proud member of Team India. So I think Mumbai Indians is rightfully called the nursery of cricket in India,�?she stated.

The nursery of Indian cricket

Mumbai Indians have earned the reputation of being the �?em>nursery of Indian cricket.�?From Hardik and Krunal to Bumrah and Tilak Varma, the franchise has consistently produced players who go on to represent the national team. Ambani takes pride in this legacy, stating, �?em>We don’t just build players; we build dreams.�?The stories of these cricketers are not just about the?ir r??ise to fame but also about the unwavering support and opportunities provided by MI.

Also READ: Mumbai India??ns shares a priceless reaction over Jasprit Bumrah’s latest ICC?? milestone

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The season will commence on March 22 at the Eden Gardens, where defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a thrilling opener.

Key matches in the league stage

The second day of the tournament, March 23, will feature an exciting clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad. On the same day, IPL’s two most successful teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), will lock horns in a high-profile encounter.

Playoffs and final venues confirmed

The playoffs for IPL 2025 are set to take place between May 20 and May 25. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host the first two knockout matches, with Qualifier 1 scheduled for May 20 and the Eliminator on May 21. The tournament will conclude in Kolkata, where Qualifier 2 and the grand fin??al will be played at ?the iconic Eden Gardens.

League format and venues

This season, each team will play 14 matches during the league phase, contributing to a total of 70 league matches. The 2025 edition of the IPL will be hosted across 13 venues, with 74 matches ??scheduled over a span of 65 days. Fans will be treated to a double-header between CSK and MI, as the two powerhouses are set to face each other twice in the league stage.

With an action-packed schedule, IPL? 2025 promises to be another thrilling season filled with intense competition and blockbuster encounters.

Also READ: Not Ajinkya Rahane??! Aakash Chopra predict the potential captain of KKR in IPL 2025

Complete fixtures of IPL 2025

• March 22, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Kolkata)
• March 23, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad)
• March 23, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians (Chennai)
• March 24, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants (Visakhapatnam)
• March 25, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (Ahmedabad)
• March 26, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Guwahati)
• March 27, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants (Hyderabad)
• March 28, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Chennai)
• March 29, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians (Ahmedabad)
• March 30, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Visakhapatnam)
• March 30, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati)
• March 31, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Mumbai)
• April 1, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings (Lucknow)
• April 2, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans (Bengaluru)
• April 3, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Kolkata)
• April 4, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians (Lucknow)
• April 5, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals (Chennai)
• April 5, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (New Chandigarh)
• April 6, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (Kolkata)
• April 6, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans (Hyderabad)
• April 7, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Mumbai)
• April 8, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings (New Chandigarh)
• April 9, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals (Ahmedabad)
• April 10, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals (Bengaluru)
• April 11, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai)
• April 12, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans (Lucknow)
• April 12, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings (Hyderabad)
• April 13, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Jaipur)
• April 13, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians (Delhi)
• April 14, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings (Lucknow)
• April 15, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (New Chandigarh)
• April 16, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals (Delhi)
• April 17, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Mumbai)
• April 18, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings (Bengaluru)
• April 19, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals (Ahmedabad)
• April 19, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants (Jaipur)
• April 20, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (New Chandigarh)
• April 20, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Mumbai)
• April 21, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans (Kolkata)
• April 22, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals (Lucknow)
• April 23, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians (Hyderabad)
• April 24, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals (Bengaluru)
• April 25, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Chennai)
• April 26, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings (Kolkata)
• April 27, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants (Mumbai)
• April 27, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Delhi)
• April 28, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (Jaipur)
• April 29, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Delhi)
• April 30, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (Chennai)
• May 1, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians (Jaipur)
• May 2, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Ahmedabad)
• May 3, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings (Bengaluru)
• May 4, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals (Kolkata)
• May 4, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants (Dharamsala)
• May 5, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals (Hyderabad)
• May 6, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans (Mumbai)
• May 7, 2025 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings (Kolkata)
• May 8, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals (Dharamsala)
• May 9, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Lucknow)
• May 10, 2025 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Hyderabad)
• May 11, 2025 – Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians (Dharamsala)
• May 11, 2025 – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans (Delhi)
• May 12, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (Chennai)
• May 13, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bengaluru)
• May 14, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants (Ahmedabad)
• May 15, 2025 – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals (Mumbai)
• May 16, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (Jaipur)
• May 17, 2025 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Bengaluru)
• May 18, 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings (Ahmedabad)
• May 18, 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Lucknow)
• May 20, 2025 – Qualifier 1 (Hyderabad)
• May 21, 2025 – Eliminator (Hyderabad)
• May 23, 2025 – Qualifier 2 (Kolkata)
• May 25, 2025 – Final (Kolkata)

Also READ: IP??L 2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) announces replacement for Afghanistan’s spinne??r Allah Ghazanfar

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, made strategic decisions at the 2025 mega auction, prioritizing the retention of key players while strengthening their squad with new additions. Their aggressive playing style, defined by explosive batting and tactical gameplay, was further reinforced by the acquisitions of Quinton de Kock and Rovman Powell. Additionally, the franchise secured the return of young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi for INR 3 crores, emphasizing their commitmen??t to blen??ding experience with youth.

Leadership void after Shreyas Iyer’s departure

However, amid these reinforcements, KKR faces a crucial challenge -finding a captain to replace Shreyas Iyer, who played a vital role in their championship-winning campaign but has now moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has analyzed KKR’s potential captaincy options, ruling out Ajinkya Rahane and casting doubt on Rinku Singh‘s chances. The franchise took a bold step by releasing Iyer and not bidding to reacquire him at the auction, leaving a leadership gap. While Rahane was picked up for a modest INR 1.50 crore and Rinku was retained for INR 13 crore, Chopra believed neither will be entrusted with the captaincy. He acknowledged Rahane’s strong domestic performances but dismissed his prospects as a leader for KKR. Similarly, despite Rinku’s emergence as a reliable finisher and a leader for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, Chopra speculated that t??he franchise might explore other captaincy alternatives.

“They bought Ajinkya Rahane right at the end. His first-class form has been very good and he played extremely well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy too. So it seems like you can make Ajinkya Rahane your captain. I don’t think Ajinkya Rahane will be in their thought process. I don’t think Ajinkya Rahane is their captain. It should be a two-horse race. It has to be either Venkatesh Iyer or Rinku Singh. In my opinion, Rinku Singh’s stocks should have increased. He is UP’s captain and is a proper player. However, it doesn’t seem like they would make him their captain as well,” Chopra said on his Youtube channel.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) announces replacement for Afghanistan’s spinner Allah ??Ghazanfar

The frontrunner for KKR captaincy? Aakash Chopra’s ultimate choice

KKR made a headli?ne-grabbing move by securing Venkatesh Iyer for a record INR 23.75 crore, making him one of the most expensiv?e players in IPL history.

Chopra questioned whether the franchise overspent, suggesting that they could have acquired proven leaders lik?e Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, or Rishabh Pant for a similar amount. However, he speculated that the high price tag might indicate KKR’s intention to appoint Venkatesh as their new captain. The intense bidding war with RCB to secure him further highlighted KKR’s confidence in his leadership potential. Given the significant investment, it would not be surprising if the franchise hands Venkatesh the captaincy, marking a defining phase in both his career and KKR’s journey.

“You went all guns blazing and spent so much money on Venkatesh Iyer that you suddenly feel whether you spent too much. You might have got even Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan or a few other players for that much. There were plenty of options available in the auction. However, they went with Venkatesh Iyer. They kept going a long way for him. In fact, they were having a fight with RCB. In the end, they got him and I think he could be their captain. When you have invested so much money in someone, Venkatesh Iyer might be KKR’s captain,” Chopra concluded.

Also READ: 3 players who can cap??tain Kolkat??a Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will run from March 22 to May 25. Th??e 18th season of the T20 extravaganza will see ten teams clash in 74 matches across 12 venues.

Opening fixture and marquee clashes

The season will launch with a high-voltage showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22, setting the stage for two months of thrilling cricket. The following day, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will host Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, marking the first?? double-h?eader weekend.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are slated to play their inaugural home game against arc-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23 under the lights at MA Chidambaram Stadium. This marquee evening clash between two of the league’s most successful franchises is expected to draw massive viewership.

Details for the playoffs and the final

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium has been awarded hosting rights for Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Kolkata’s Eden Gardens will stage the final on May 25. This marks Eden Gardens�?return as a finale venue after nearly a decade, with the stadium last hosting t??he title decider in 2013.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names 3 candidates for Delhi Capitals’ captaincy in IPL 2025

Team-specific venue strategies

In a strategic shift, Delhi Capitals (DC) will split their home games between Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium and Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Stadium, a move aimed at expanding their regional fanbase. Similarly, Rajasthan Royals (RR) plan to host two matches at Guwahati’s B??arsapara Stadium, revisiting a venue wh??ere they’ve previously enjoyed robust support.

Overall, the 2025 season will utilize 12 stadiums, the most in IPL history, including returning and debutant venue??s:

• Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium (Punjab Kings�?secondary home ground)
• Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium (last used in IPL 2019)
• Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati (RR’s alternate base)

Other mai??nstay venues incl?ude Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium and Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, which remains on standby for Qualifier 2.

Full list of venues for the IPL 2025:

• Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi Stadium)
• Bengaluru (M Chinnaswamy Stadium)
• Chennai (MA Chidambaram Stadium)
• Delhi (Arun Jaitley Stadium)
• Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium)
• Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh Stadium)
• Kolkata (Eden Gardens)
• Lucknow (BRSABV Ekana Stadium)
• Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium)
• Mullanpur (Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium)
• Guwahati (Barsapara Stadium)
• Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium)

Also READ: IPL – Complete list of all RCB captains so far ft. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli

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Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a significant addition to their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as they announced replacement for Afghanistan‘s mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar.  Unfortunately, Ghazanfar, who was set to be part of Mumbai’s campaign, has been ruled out due to an injury, forcing the fran??chise to make a last-minute change. While the news comes as a set?back for the young Afghan spinner, Mumbai Indians have moved swiftly to bring in an experienced T20 specialist, ensuring their squad remains balanced and well-equipped for the challenges ahead.

Allah Ghazanfar’s replacement: Mumbai Indians’ choince for IPL 2025

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, named as replacement,  is one of the most sought-after mystery spinners in the T20 circuit, having plied his trade across major franchise leagues around the world, including the IPL, SA20 and others. The 23-year-old has developed a reputation for being a master of deception, troubling batters with his variations, including off-breaks, carrom balls, and subtle seam movement. His ability to bowl in? the powerplay, middle overs, and even at the death makes him an invaluable asset to any T20 side.

Statistically, Mujeeb boasts an impressive T20 record, having scalped 275 wickets in 256 matches at a stellar economy rate of just 6.75. His economy rate is a testament to his ability to build pressure and restrict scoring opportunities, a quality that will be crucial for Mumbai as they seek to regain their dominance in IPL 2025. With his inclusion, Mumbai now possesses a formidable spin attack, complementing the likes of Karn Sharma, along with their pace arsenal led by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.

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IPL journey comes full circle, joins five-time champions Mumbai Indians

Having previously represented Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL, Mujeeb is no stranger to India’s premier T20 tournament. However, joining ?Mumbai, the most successful franchise in IPL history, offers him a golden opportunity to make a fresh impact on the grand stage. Known for their astute team management and player development, Mumbai could provide Mujeeb the perfect platform to showcase his skills at the highest level once again.

His past IPL performances have demonstrated his ability to outfox top batters, and with his renewed h??unger to excel, he is expected to play a k?ey role in Mumbai’s campaign. The franchise, which had a mixed outing in IPL 2024, will be aiming for a strong resurgence, and Mujeeb’s inclusion could prove to be one of their most strategic acquisitions this season.

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